3 Cheap Snow Blowers You Should Steer Clear Of, According To Users

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When the first blizzard of the year hits, the last thing you want is to be staring at a driveway full of snow with a useless machine at your side. As a homeowner, you understand that a reliable snow blower is the difference between a quick clean-up and a back-breaking afternoon. Although there are hacks to take care of snow and ice, nothing beats having a top-rated snow blower. Trying to find a good machine that fits your budget is tricky, too, thanks to the multiple types and price ranges. To give you a head start, there are three cheap options not worth the fuss – the Snow Joe Electric Snow Blower, Greenworks Pro Single-Stage Push Battery Snow Blower, and PowerSmart Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower.

Snow blowers are categorized by their number of stages and power source, with three main types. Electric models are a favorite pick for smaller, paved areas as they offer quiet operation and zero maintenance beyond charging a battery. Single-stage blowers use an auger to both collect and throw snow, making them ideal for light-to-moderate snowfalls on flat, paved surfaces. Finally, two-stage blowers are the heavy-duty option. They use an auger to scoop snow and an impeller (or fan) to powerfully throw it, making them suitable for deeper snow, gravel driveways, and sloped terrain. The price tag generally climbs with the size and capability, but even within the budget category for each type, there are simply cheap snow blowers out there you should steer clear of.

When looking at electric and cordless models, homeowners are often drawn to their low maintenance and ease of use. Unfortunately, though, low prices sometimes mean compromised design and performance, as seen with these two budget-friendly choices. The first one worth avoiding is the Snow Joe 22-inch 14.5 Amp Electric Snow Blower. For this corded electric model, user reviews frequently point to parts that break easily. One unhappy customer noted, "I have used this model just 3 times. A pulley has broken and I couldn't get it. Any plastic part of this model can be broken very easy and it is impossible to get it to replace." While it performs adequately with snow that's fluffy and light, many users report it has a difficult time handling anything wet, packed, or icy, which is when you need a blower most.

Moving to the battery-powered realm, an affordable cordless snow blower worth approaching with caution is the Greenworks Pro 80V 20-inch Single-Stage Push Battery Snow Blower. While the Greenworks 80V system itself is generally well-regarded, this particular single-stage model has drawn criticism regarding its premium 80-volt line. While it's great for handling light dustings, several users have noted that the battery life, even with high-capacity packs, is super short. One user said, "Battery at full charge lasted 25 mins at best. Not much power or performance. I ended up shoveling my driveway while the battery had to be put back on charger only 1/4 into my driveway." The plastic augur, common in single-stage blowers, is also frequently called out for not throwing the snow far enough away, forcing users to repeatedly clear the same area.

Unfortunately, even more robust two-stage blowers can disappoint, like the PowerSmart 24-inch 212cc Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower. Users who opt for this low-cost gas unit often do so for its seemingly powerful engine and long list of features. However, its affordability betrays its reality. The most common complaints revolve around poor build quality and reliability. One upset customer said, "1st cold morning with snow that I needed it, it would start, but blew smoke and oil, then stopped and puked fuel. Power Smart customer service will just terminate the call after 15 minutes on hold." For a heavy-duty machine meant to tackle deep, icy, or hard-packed snow, this lack of durability is a total failure, as is the negligent customer service.

This particular PowerSmart model has also drawn criticism for its chute control issues and for flimsy parts. Another frustrated user stated, "Chute assembly allowing for the end to be moved up and down broke by the third storm and by storm 2 would not stay locked in place. Cheaply made." Some reviews also showed how frustrating the instructions are, as this annoyed customer shared, "Instructions are horrendous." Another elaborated writing, "There are no maintenance instructions and the diagrams on the assembly instructions are fuzzy." No one wants to be confused when assembling such a costly machine. By carefully reading reviews and prioritizing quality over deals and superfluous features, you can find a dependable and reasonably-priced workhorse that'll keep your property clear all winter. Like these top affordable cordless snow blowers for homeowners on a budget.