A big storm hits overnight. The driveway is buried. And the plow just left a wall of heavy, wet snow at the end of it.
This is the job gas snowblowers were built for.
Gas machines are the best choice for deep, wet snow and long or steep driveways. Battery and electric models make more sense for small, flat driveways and light snow.
Below are my 7 top picks on Amazon, from premium to budget. Then I’ll help you pick the right one for your driveway.
Quick Look: 7 Best Gas Snowblowers
- Best Overall: Honda HSS928 28-Inch Two Stage Snow Blower
- Best for Heavy Wet Snow: Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
- Best for Big Properties: Honda HSS1332 31.9-Inch Two Stage Snow Blower
- Best Mid-Range Pick: Husqvarna ST224 24-Inch Two Stage Snow Blower
- Best Value: BILT HARD 24-Inch 2 Stage Gas Snow Blower
- Highest Rated Budget Pick: PowerSmart 24-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower with LED Lights
- Best Budget Pick: PowerSmart Self-Propelled 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower 24-Inch
1. Honda HSS928 28-Inch Two Stage Snow Blower
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Clearing width: 28″
Engine: Honda GX270
Throws snow: Up to 52 feet
Drive: Tracks, self-propelled
Start: Electric key start
This is the one to buy if you want the best and don’t want to think about it again.
Honda makes some of the most trusted small engines in the world. This machine uses a commercial grade GX engine. It starts easy, even on cold mornings, with a key start.
It rides on rubber tracks, not wheels. Tracks grip much better on hills, ice, and rough ground.
It clears a 28-inch path and can move up to 1,900 pounds of snow a minute. It also comes ready to go, with no assembly needed.
What I like:
- Top-quality Honda engine
- Tracks grip great on slopes and ice
- Smooth hydrostatic drive, no shifting gears
- No assembly needed
- 3-year home warranty
Watch out for:
- It’s the priciest pick on this list
- Heavy and big, so it needs real garage space
2. Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
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Clearing width: 28″
Engine: Ariens AX 306cc
Throws snow: Up to 55 feet
Drive: Wheels, self-propelled, 6 forward and 2 reverse
Start: 120V electric start
Ariens is a big name in snow blowers, and this is one of its most popular models.
SHO stands for Super High Output. It has a large, fast impeller that throws heavy, wet snow far from your driveway. Ariens says it moves up to 72 tons of snow an hour.
Auto-Turn steering makes it easy to turn this big machine. There’s also an LED headlight for early morning storms.
Buyers say it’s powerful, easy to start, and great in wet snow.
What I like:
- Big 306cc engine
- Great at throwing heavy, wet snow
- Auto-Turn makes turning easy
- LED headlight
- Costs much less than the Hondas
Watch out for:
- A few buyers had trouble getting it to start
- It’s big and heavy, so plan for storage space
3. Honda HSS1332 31.9-Inch Two Stage Snow Blower
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Clearing width: 31.9″
Engine: Honda GX390
Throws snow: Up to 56 feet
Drive: Tracks, self-propelled
Start: Electric key start
Got a long driveway, a big lot, or a lot of storms? This is the biggest, strongest machine on this list.
It’s like the HSS928, but bigger in every way. The engine is larger. The path is almost 32 inches wide. It can move up to 2,750 pounds of snow a minute.
It also rides on tracks, so it stays steady on hills and ice.
What I like:
- The most power on this list
- Widest clearing path, so fewer passes
- Tracks grip on hills and ice
- Electric key start
Watch out for:
- Costs the most
- Too much machine for a normal driveway
- Very large to store
4. Husqvarna ST224 24-Inch Two Stage Snow Blower
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Clearing width: 24″
Engine: 212cc
Drive: Wheels, self-propelled
Start: Push button electric start
Steering: Power steering
Husqvarna is a big name in outdoor power tools. This is a solid middle choice between the budget brands and the premium ones.
It has power steering. That makes it much easier to turn at the end of each pass.
The 24-inch path works well for most two-car driveways. Push button electric start means no yanking a cord in the cold.
What I like:
- Trusted brand
- Power steering makes turning easy
- Push button electric start
- Good size for most homes
Watch out for:
- Smaller engine than the Ariens or Hondas
- Fewer buyer reviews than some picks
5. BILT HARD 24-Inch 2 Stage Gas Snow Blower
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Clearing width: 24″
Engine: 212cc
Throws snow: Up to 40 feet
Drive: Wheels, self-propelled, 6 forward and 2 reverse
Start: Push button electric start
Want a two-stage gas machine without paying a premium price? This is the one I’d look at first.
It has a lot of the features you’d find on pricier machines. You get electric start, an LED headlight, and 6 forward speeds.
Buyers rate it very highly. One said it handles a 4-car concrete driveway plus 60 feet of sidewalk. Others say it’s easy to put together and worth the money.
What I like:
- Strong buyer ratings
- Electric start and LED headlight
- Self-propelled with 8 speeds
- Great price for a two-stage
Watch out for:
- Newer brand without a long track record
- Throws snow less far than the premium picks
6. PowerSmart 24-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower with LED Lights
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Clearing width: 24″
Intake height: 21″
Engine: 212cc
Throws snow: Up to 50 feet
Start: 120V electric start
PowerSmart makes some of the most popular budget gas snowblowers on Amazon. This newer model is one of their best rated.
It can move up to 2,400 pounds of snow a minute. The 21-inch intake height helps it bite into deep piles at the curb.
It’s self-propelled with 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds. LED lights help when you clear before sunrise.
What I like:
- Very high buyer rating
- Throws snow up to 50 feet
- Tall intake for deep snow
- LED lights
Watch out for:
- Not as many reviews yet as older models
- Budget brand, so build quality won’t match Honda
7. PowerSmart Self-Propelled 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower 24-Inch
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Clearing width: 24″
Intake height: 21″
Engine: 212cc
Throws snow: Up to 45 feet
Start: Electric start
This is the lowest-priced two-stage gas machine on this list. It’s also one of the most reviewed, with hundreds of buyer ratings.
It handles up to 12 inches of snow. Big 13-inch tires help it grip on snow and ice.
Buyers say it starts easily and throws snow a long way. Most feel it’s a great value.
What I like:
- Lowest price on this list
- Hundreds of buyer reviews
- Starts easily
- 180 degree chute turn
Watch out for:
- Some buyers report parts breaking
- Not as smooth to steer as pricier models
When Gas Snowblowers Make Sense
Gas snowblowers shine when the job is big and the snow is heavy.
Think about a storm in the Northeast. The snow keeps coming. The end of the driveway is packed hard from the plow. A gas machine keeps going through all of it.
Gas is a good fit if you have:
- A long driveway
- A steep or sloped driveway
- Lots of heavy, wet snow
- A big pile at the end of the drive from the plow
Gas may be too much if you have:
- A short, flat driveway
- Light snow most of the time
- Little room in your garage or shed
- No time for fuel and engine care
Simple rule: Buy for the worst storm you get most years. Not for the biggest machine in the store.
Single-Stage, Two-Stage, and Three-Stage: What’s the Difference?
The “stage” tells you how the machine moves snow. It matters more than any fancy feature.
Single-Stage
One spinning auger grabs the snow and throws it out. That’s it.
These are smaller, lighter, and cheaper. They work best on paved driveways with light to medium snow. They can struggle with deep, wet snow at the curb.
Learn more in our single-stage snow blowers guide.
Two-Stage
An auger pulls the snow in. Then a fan throws it out the chute. Splitting the job makes it much stronger.
This is the most popular type for homes. It handles packed snow, rough ground, and the slushy mess the plow leaves behind.
Want more detail? Read our two-stage snow blower guide.
Three-Stage
These add one more part to chew up snow faster. They are built for big properties and lots of storms.
For most homes, a good two-stage is plenty.
Gas vs. Battery Snow Blowers
The real question isn’t “which is stronger.” It’s “which one will I actually use without hating the upkeep?”
| Factor | Gas Snowblowers | Battery and Electric |
|---|---|---|
| Starting in the cold | Needs fuel care. Electric start helps a lot. | Usually starts with a push of a button |
| Heavy, wet snow | Great | Best for light to medium snow |
| Run time | Keeps going, just add gas | Limited by battery or cord |
| Noise | Loud | Much quieter |
| Upkeep | Oil, fuel, and yearly care | Very little |
| Best for | Long drives, steep drives, big storms | Small paved drives, lighter snow |
I own a battery snow blower, the EGO SNT2112. You can read how it did on my property in my EGO SNT2112 review. But if your storms are big and your driveway is long, gas still wins.
On the fence? Read our battery-powered snow blower comparison.
Specs That Matter for Your Driveway
Specs only matter if they change how the job goes on your driveway. Here are the ones to watch.
- Clearing width: Wider means fewer passes. Great for long drives. Harder to turn in tight spots.
- Intake height: Taller means it can eat into deeper piles, like the plow pile at the curb.
- Engine size (cc): Bigger engines keep throwing snow when it gets heavy.
- Drive type: Self-propelled models move themselves. Tracks grip best on hills and ice.
- Electric start: Plug it in and push a button. No yanking a cord in the cold.
- Weight: Heavy machines feel steady in deep snow. But they are harder to move in a tight garage.
Tip: Match the machine to the hardest spot on your property. Not the easiest one.
Need something smaller? See our compact snow blower guide. Have a steep drive? Check out our tracked snow blower picks and our self-propelled snow blower guide.
How to Care for Gas Snowblowers
Gas machines run best when you treat them like a seasonal tool. A little care in fall saves a lot of pain in January.
Be smart with fuel
Bad fuel is the top reason a snow blower won’t start.
Kansas State University Extension says E15 gas is not legal for small engines like these. Water in the fuel can also cause hard starts and engine damage.
- Use only the fuel your owner’s manual says to use.
- Never use E15.
- Honda says to use gas with no more than 10% ethanol.
- Don’t let fuel sit in the machine for more than 90 days.
- Keep gas in a sealed, approved can.
A simple yearly routine
- Before the first storm: Add fresh fuel. Check the oil, belts, cables, auger, and scraper bar.
- After the season: Drain the fuel or add stabilizer, as your manual says. Store it somewhere dry.
- Before summer storage: Wipe off salt and slush so rust doesn’t start.
Safety: What Most Buyers Miss
Carbon monoxide is the big one
Gas engines make carbon monoxide (CO). You can’t see it or smell it.
NIOSH and CPSC guidance says never run gas equipment inside a building or a partly closed space. CPSC warns that CO from a running snow blower can kill within minutes.
- Never run it in the garage, even with the door open.
- Start it, warm it up, and refuel it outside.
- Point the exhaust away from your house, doors, and vents.
An open garage door is not a safety plan.
Noise
Gas machines are loud. If you clear snow early in the morning, wear ear protection. Your neighbors will thank you for being quick.
Noise rules are getting stricter in some places. Parts of Europe and Great Britain have UK legislation updates that change how noise is measured in 2025 and 2026. If your house is close to others, a quieter machine may be the better fit.
How to Choose the Right Gas Snowblower
Start with your property. Then work backward. Ask yourself these questions.
- How much do you clear? Longer drives need a bigger, wider machine.
- What’s the surface like? Gravel, hills, and rough spots need a two-stage with good grip.
- How bad are your storms? Deep, wet snow needs more power.
- Will you do the upkeep? If not, a battery model may be better.
- Where will you store it? Big two-stage machines take up real space.
My quick advice
- Want the best, period? Get the Honda HSS928 28-Inch Two Stage Snow Blower.
- Lots of heavy, wet snow? Get the Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower.
- Huge driveway or big lot? Get the Honda HSS1332 31.9-Inch Two Stage Snow Blower.
- Want a trusted brand at a middle price? Get the Husqvarna ST224 24-Inch Two Stage Snow Blower.
- Want the most for your money? Get the BILT HARD 24-Inch 2 Stage Gas Snow Blower.
- Tight budget? Get the PowerSmart Self-Propelled 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower 24-Inch.
Still comparing all types? See our full list of the best snow blowers, or visit Snow Blower Lab for more driveway-focused guides before the next storm hits.