Snow is in the forecast. Your driveway is long. And a PowerSmart caught your eye because the price looks good.
That is a fair place to start. But a snow blower looks very different on a spec sheet than it does at the end of the driveway, with a plow pile in front of you and cold hands.
In this PowerSmart snow blower review, I rank the 7 best models you can buy on Amazon right now. Six are PowerSmart machines. The seventh is the EGO I own, for anyone who wants a stronger battery pick.
Quick note: I have not run these PowerSmart models in my own snow yet. These picks come from specs, owner reviews, and the brand’s support record. I will add my own storm notes as the season goes on.
The 7 Best PowerSmart Snow Blowers at a Glance
| Pick | Type | Width | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| PowerSmart 24″ 212cc with LED Lights | Gas, two-stage | 24 in. | Most driveways |
| PowerSmart 26″ Briggs & Stratton | Gas, two-stage | 26 in. | Wide or long driveways |
| PowerSmart 24″ 212cc Steel Housing | Gas, two-stage | 24 in. | Best gas value |
| PowerSmart 24″ 6F/2R | Gas, two-stage | 24 in. | Gravel driveways |
| PowerSmart 40V Cordless | Battery, single-stage | 21 in. | Light snow, small areas |
| PowerSmart 21″ Corded | Electric, single-stage | 21 in. | Tight budgets |
| EGO Power+ 21″ (the one I own) | Battery, single-stage | 21 in. | Stronger battery option |
How I Picked These Models
I only picked machines sold on Amazon. Then I checked four things.
- Clearing power: Can it handle real Northeast snow and the plow pile at the street?
- Cold starts: Will it start on a frozen morning?
- Owner reviews: What do real buyers say after a season?
- Support: What happens if it breaks in the middle of winter?
Safety matters too. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported more than 4,700 snow blower injuries treated in emergency rooms in the year before its December 2023 safety release. Wrist, hand, and finger injuries made up 36% of them (CPSC release).
My rule: a machine that clears fast but makes you reach into the chute is the wrong machine. Always use the clean-out tool.
1. Best Overall: PowerSmart 24″ 212cc Two-Stage with LED Lights
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This is the PowerSmart I would point most people to first. It has the best owner rating of the gas models when I checked, at 4.7 stars.
The 212cc engine moves up to 2,400 pounds of snow per minute. It can throw snow up to 50 feet. The 24-inch width and 21-inch intake can handle a deep storm and the plow pile.
It has push-button electric start, plus a pull cord as a backup. You also get 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds, hand warmers, an LED light, and 13-inch snow tires.
What I like: Hand warmers, a light for dark mornings, and a backup start.
Watch out for: It has fewer reviews than some other listings. It is also heavy, so plan your garage space.
2. Best for Big Driveways: PowerSmart 26″ with Briggs & Stratton Engine
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This is the widest PowerSmart on the list. A 26-inch path means fewer passes on a long or two-car driveway.
It uses a 208cc Briggs & Stratton 950 Snow Series engine. That is a name many repair shops know, which can help with parts. It moves up to 2,700 pounds of snow per minute and throws it up to 45 feet.
The chute turns 180 degrees with one hand. The housing, frame, and chute are steel. It also has a handle warmer and adjustable steel skid shoes.
What I like: The most clearing power here, and a well known engine brand.
Watch out for: Only a small number of owner reviews so far. It is also the priciest PowerSmart on this list.
3. Best Gas Value: PowerSmart 24″ 212cc with Steel Housing
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This is the most reviewed PowerSmart gas model on Amazon, with over 200 ratings. It was also the lowest priced gas pick when I checked.
The 212cc engine clears up to 2,500 pounds of snow per minute. It handles snow up to 12 inches deep. The chute turns a full 180 degrees and throws snow up to 45 feet.
You get 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds, 13-inch tires, and both electric and pull start.
What I like: A long track record and the best price for a PowerSmart two-stage.
Watch out for: No hand warmers or LED light called out on this listing. Its 4.0 star rating is lower than the newer models.
4. Best for Gravel: PowerSmart 24″ Two-Stage 6F/2R
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This 24-inch model is a close cousin to my top pick. The skid shoes adjust for paved or gravel driveways, so you throw less stone with the snow.
It has a 212cc engine, electric start, 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds, and LED lights. It weighs 187 pounds, which is sturdy but still easy to steer with the self-propelled drive.
What I like: Set up for gravel, with a light for early mornings.
Watch out for: Few owner reviews so far. Set the skid shoes before the first storm, not during it.
Not sure if you need two-stage? My two-stage snow blower guide explains when it is worth it.
5. Best Cordless: PowerSmart 40V Cordless 21″ Snow Blower
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This is PowerSmart’s best battery pick on Amazon. No gas, no cord, and no fumes. It starts with one button.
It clears a 21-inch path and handles snow up to 6 inches deep. It throws snow up to 30 feet. The 40V 4.0Ah battery gives about 20 minutes of run time.
The brushless motor is quiet, and it has LED lights for dark mornings.
What I like: Light, quiet, and easy for small paved areas.
Watch out for: It is made for light, fluffy snow. Owner reviews are mixed at 3.6 stars. For heavy wet snow, look at a gas model or the EGO below.
6. Best Budget: PowerSmart 21″ Corded Electric Snow Blower
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This is the cheapest way into a PowerSmart. It is also the best rated by number of owners, with over 400 ratings at 4.3 stars.
The 15-amp motor clears up to 1,020 pounds of snow per minute and throws it up to 30 feet. It has push-button start, an LED light, and a chute that turns 180 degrees.
What I like: Low price, no gas, and it never runs out of battery.
Watch out for: You need an outdoor extension cord, and you have to manage it as you go. Best for decks, steps, walkways, and short driveways. See my corded snow blower guide for more on this type.
7. The One I Own: EGO Power+ 21″ Electric Snow Blower
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This one is not a PowerSmart. It is the EGO SNT2112, and it is the snow blower I bought for my own driveway.
I added it because it is the battery model most PowerSmart shoppers compare against. If the PowerSmart 40V feels too light for your snow, this is the step up.
It runs on two EGO 56V batteries at once. It has a steel auger, a brushless motor, a 21-inch path, and throws snow up to 40 feet. It also has two LED lights and a handle that folds flat for storage.
It has over 1,100 ratings on Amazon at 4.3 stars. You can read my full hands-on EGO SNT2112 review to see how I set it up.
What I like: Much more battery power than the PowerSmart cordless, with a big owner base.
Watch out for: It costs more than the PowerSmart battery model.
Single-Stage vs Two-Stage in Plain English
A single-stage machine scoops and throws snow in one motion. It works best on smooth, paved areas when the snow is not too deep.
A two-stage machine works in two steps. The auger pulls snow in, then a fan called an impeller throws it out.
That is why two-stage machines handle deep snow and hard plow piles better. Want to compare single-stage options? See my single-stage snow blower guide.
Simple rule: buy for your worst snow day, not your easiest one.
The Specs That Matter Most
A spec sheet is more than numbers. Each one changes how many passes you make and where the machine fits in your garage.
- Clearing width: How much snow you grab per pass. Wider means fewer passes, but harder turns on narrow walks.
- Intake height: How deep a bank it can bite into. This matters most at the plow pile.
- Chute rotation: How easily you aim the snow away from cars, windows, and bushes.
For a narrow city sidewalk, a small single-stage is easier to store and steer. For a normal suburban driveway, a 24-inch two-stage is the sweet spot. Short on garage space? Check my picks for a compact snow blower.
What Good Performance Looks Like in Real Snow
A good run looks steady, not flashy. The machine keeps moving, the snow keeps flying, and you are not forcing it.
The plow pile at the end of the driveway is the real test. If the machine chews through it without you leaning on it, it is a good match. If it only clears the top layer, it is too small for your property.
Watch for warning signs in wet, heavy snow. Slower feeding, a clogged chute, and the need to take smaller bites all mean the machine is working too hard.
On a narrow walkway, easy turning can matter more than raw power. A bulky machine can feel worse every day, even if it has more muscle.
Cold Weather and Battery Life
Cold weather is hard on batteries. Lithium-ion batteries lose power faster in the cold, right when the motor needs the most.
Here is how to get the most run time:
- Store and charge batteries inside the house.
- Put the battery in right before you start.
- Expect less run time in wet, heavy snow.
- Keep a second battery warm if you have one.
A battery stored in a cold garage will not act like one brought in from the house. Want to compare more models? Read my battery-powered snow blower guide.
Warranty, Support, and Recalls
Most buyers only look at the price. But support is part of the cost too.
PowerSmart’s own review page shows complaints about hard to reach support, slow warranty repairs, missing parts, and returns that never got settled (PowerSmart reviews). That is a big deal if your machine breaks during a storm.
The PowerSmart DB2805 manual lists two years of coverage for home use and 90 days for commercial use. To make a claim, you may need to ship the whole machine back with proof of purchase and prepaid shipping. If you plan to use it for paid work, read the terms first.
Belts and shear pins are normal wear parts. They are usually not covered, so plan for some upkeep.
Consumer Reports flagged a recall on the PowerSmart DB7659-22 for a loose pulley bolt. Owners were told to stop using affected machines until the bolt is checked or fixed (Consumer Reports recall page).
Use this quick pre-storm checklist:
- Take a photo of the model label so you know your exact unit.
- Check for recalls before each season.
- Check bolts and chute parts after any hard hit or odd shaking.
- Test the shutoff before the first snow, not during the first jam.
If support feels unclear in October, it will feel worse in January.
Who PowerSmart Fits Best
PowerSmart works best when the machine matches the property. Here is a quick guide:
- Small paved area, light snow: the 40V cordless or the 21″ corded model.
- Normal suburban driveway, regular storms: a 24″ gas two-stage.
- Wide or long driveway: the 26″ Briggs & Stratton model.
- Long drive, deep piles, lots of heavy snow: look beyond PowerSmart’s budget range.
Not sure how much pushing you want to do? My self-propelled snow blower guidance can help you decide.
PowerSmart vs Other Brands
PowerSmart wins on price. You get a lot of machine for the money.
The trade-off is support. On the gas side, PowerSmart often sits next to the Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO and the Husqvarna ST124. Those brands usually have more dealers and an easier parts path.
On the battery side, shoppers often compare PowerSmart to the EGO Power+ SNT2112 and the SENIX 40V 21-inch. The EGO and SENIX have a stronger cold-weather track record, but they cost more.
Want to see more gas machines side by side? Check my gas snow blower options. Or see my full list of the best snow blowers across all brands.
My Verdict
PowerSmart is a value brand. It is not a spec-sheet champ, but it can be a smart buy.
For most people, the PowerSmart 24″ 212cc with LED lights is the one to get. If your driveway is wide, step up to the 26″ model. If you want battery power for real snow, look at the EGO I own.
Match the machine to your driveway, keep batteries warm, and know that warranty help may take some work.
I test snow blowers the way they are used, on a real driveway in real storms. For more reviews and winter updates, visit Snow Blower Lab before the next storm hits.