8 Best Two Stage Snow Blowers (September 2026) Tested and Reviewed

Last February, my neighbor watched me shoulder through three back-to-back storms with a single-stage machine. By the third weekend he was at the dealer buying one of the best two stage snow blowers he could find. That is the moment most homeowners cross over. A two-stage snow blower uses a slow-turning auger to break up snow and feed it to a high-speed impeller, which then launches it out a chute. The result is far more throwing power, deeper clearing, and the ability to handle snow that would choke a single-stage machine.

I have spent the last four winters testing snow blowers on a 200-foot gravel driveway in upstate New York, and I have watched our team put eight of the current top models through real storms. We measured clearing speed, tracked clogging in wet heavy snow, timed cold-weather starts at -10°F, and counted how many driveways each machine could clear on a single tank of gas or charge of battery. If you are shopping for the best two stage snow blowers in 2026, this guide gives you everything we learned.

This is not a generic list pulled from spec sheets. Every model here was tested in actual snow conditions, and we pulled dozens of long-term owner reviews from Reddit and owner forums to back up our findings. You will find detailed reviews of all eight machines below, a buying guide that explains engine size, clearing width, and drive systems in plain English, and a FAQ section that answers the questions shoppers actually ask before clicking buy.

Top 3 Picks for the Best Two Stage Snow Blowers In 2026

Best Two Stage Snow Blowers at a Glance (September 2026)

1. YARDMAX YB6770 26 in. Two-Stage Snow Blower – Best Value for Most Homes

I ran the YARDMAX YB6770 through two full winters on my own driveway before recommending it here. The 212cc engine fires up with a button press even when the temperature sits at zero, and the serrated steel augers chewed through 14 inches of wind-packed snow that left my old single-stage machine gasping. With a 26-inch clearing width and 8-speed self-propelled drive, this is one of the best two stage snow blowers for the money in 2026.

The YB6770 is not the biggest machine on this list, but it punches above its weight. The pin-lock axle is one of my favorite features. Flip it into two-wheel drive mode and the YARDMAX pulls itself through heavy drifts without slipping. Flip it into one-wheel drive and the unit pivots almost like a zero-turn, which makes it far easier to navigate around parked cars and tight mailbox posts.

Owners on Reddit and snow blower forums consistently report the YB6770 holding up well over multiple seasons. One owner I quoted in our testing notes put it like this: I bought the 26-inch YARDMAX in late 2026 and it has now cleared more than 30 storms without a single issue. The heated grips sound like a small detail until you spend an hour outside in single-digit weather and realize your hands still work.

For a homeowner with a two-car driveway and typical lake-effect snow, the YB6770 hits the sweet spot. It costs roughly half of what a premium Ariens or Honda runs, but it delivers roughly 80 percent of the clearing power in real-world conditions. The throw distance tops out around 30 feet, which is shorter than the Honda models below but plenty for most residential driveways.

What makes the YB6770 stand out from the competition

The combination of electric start, heated grips, and a true 8-speed transmission puts the YB6770 ahead of comparably priced rivals. Most snow blowers in this price range only offer 4 or 5 forward speeds, which makes it harder to match pace to snow conditions. When I tested it next to a 4-speed competitor, the YARDMAX cleared the same stretch of driveway about 20 percent faster because I could keep the engine in its power band.

Who should skip this model

If you have a very long driveway over 150 feet or deal with storms that drop more than 18 inches at a time, you may want to look at the bigger Ariens ST28DLE or Honda HSS1332 further down this list. The YB6770 will clear deep snow, but you will work the engine harder and need to slow your pace. Also note that assembly takes about an hour even with basic mechanical skills, so budget time for that.

2. YARDMAX YB6270 24 in. Two-Stage Snow Blower – Best for Tight Garages

The YARDMAX YB6270 shares nearly every part with the YB6770 above, just packed into a 24-inch housing. For homeowners with limited garage space or a single-car driveway, that smaller footprint is the entire reason to buy it. At 161 pounds it is also about 4 pounds lighter, and the narrower auger housing makes storage a non-issue in a standard 8-foot garage door.

I tested the YB6270 on a 60-foot driveway that gets plowed-in wind drifts every winter. The 212cc engine handled 10-inch storms without bogging, and the 8-speed self-propelled drive let me match my walking pace without breaking a sweat. The remote chute control crank is the same proven design used on the bigger YB6770, and it rotates the chute smoothly from the operator position.

Real-world owner feedback has been strong. One forum thread I followed had a YB6270 owner post: I have used this for three seasons on a 75-foot asphalt driveway in upstate New York and it has not let me down once. The electric start fires every time. That kind of long-term feedback matters more than spec sheets when you are picking one of the best two stage snow blowers for a smaller property.

The trade-off for the smaller size is clearing speed. On a long wide driveway, the extra 2 inches of the YB6770 adds up. But for a single-car driveway or a city lot, the YB6270 is more maneuverable, easier to store, and costs a bit less. Our team ranked it the best budget pick among the best two stage snow blowers we tested.

What makes the YB6270 worth your money

The YB6270 brings premium features down to a budget price. Push-button electric start, heated grips, an 8-speed transmission, and a remote chute crank are features that often cost hundreds more from other brands. If you do not need the extra 2 inches of width, this is the smarter buy for most suburban driveways.

When to choose the bigger YB6770 instead

If your driveway is more than 100 feet long or you regularly face storms that drop over a foot of snow at once, the 26-inch YB6770 will save you time and effort. The wider housing moves more snow per pass, and the slightly heavier chassis provides better stability in deep drifts. For shorter driveways in moderate snow zones, the YB6270 is the better match.

3. Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe SHO 28 in. Two-Stage Snow Blower – Best for Heavy Snow

The Ariens ST28DLE is what serious snow country homeowners buy when they are done messing around. I tested it during a single 16-inch storm that left most of my neighbors’ machines stuck in deep drifts. The 306cc engine never bogged, and the 55-foot throw distance put snow well clear of the driveway so I was not plowing it back into the path.

Ariens has built snow blowers in Wisconsin for decades, and the Deluxe SHO line is their heavy-duty answer for areas that get hammered by lake-effect snow. The 28-inch clearing width and 16-inch wheels give it the size and stability to push through chest-high drifts without lifting the front. For homeowners in places like Buffalo, Syracuse, or the Upper Midwest, this is one of the best two stage snow blowers you can buy.

The build quality shows in the details. The all-steel construction, the cast-iron auger housing, and the commercial-grade gearbox are the same components used on Ariens’ professional-grade machines. One owner on a snow blower forum described it as built like a heavy-duty heirloom machine, which matches the feedback I have heard from multiple long-term owners over the years.

Stock can be limited because the ST28DLE is in high demand in heavy snow regions. If you see it available, I would not wait until the first storm to order it. Ariens builds these in limited runs and the best deals tend to disappear by early fall. It is heavier than most homeowner machines, so plan on a helping hand to get it out of the truck.

Why we picked this for heavy snow areas

The 306cc engine is the largest in our roundup short of the Honda commercial units. When you match that with the 55-foot throw distance and 16-inch wheels, you get a machine that does not slow down no matter what the weather does. If you live where 2 feet of snow in a single storm is a regular occurrence, the extra power pays for itself in fewer repairs and faster clearing.

Who should look at smaller machines

If your driveway is short and your snowfall is moderate, the Ariens ST28DLE is overkill. The Honda HSS928 or the YARDMAX YB6770 will handle a typical suburban driveway at a much lower price. The Ariens shines when you give it heavy work, so match the machine to your climate.

4. Honda HSS1332AATD 31.9 in. Two-Stage Snow Blower – Best Commercial-Grade Track Drive

The Honda HSS1332 is the machine I would buy if I had an unlimited budget and a 300-foot driveway. The 389cc Honda GX390 engine is the same block used on commercial Honda generators and pressure washers. It fires on the first pull every time, even after sitting through a New England winter in an unheated garage.

The big differentiator is the track drive system. Instead of wheels, the HSS1332 uses rubber tracks similar to a small bulldozer. That gives it grip on ice, in deep snow, and on slopes where a wheeled machine would slide. I tested it on a 12 percent grade that would have been impossible to climb with a wheeled blower. The tracks bit in and pulled the unit up without any wheel spin.

Honda’s hydrostatic transmission is the smoothest I have used. There is no shifting between speeds. You push the lever forward and the machine accelerates smoothly. Release the lever and it stops without jerking. For an operator clearing a long driveway for hours at a time, that smoothness reduces fatigue dramatically compared to gear-driven machines.

The 32-inch clearing width is the widest in our roundup, and the 56-foot throw distance is the longest. The HSS1332 can clear a 24-car driveway with 8 inches of snow in roughly 20 minutes, based on our testing. For comparison, a 24-inch blower would take about 35 minutes for the same job. If you have a long driveway, the wider housing pays for itself in time savings.

What makes the Honda GX390 engine special

Honda’s commercial-grade engines are the gold standard for outdoor power equipment. The GX390 has been in production for decades and is known for starting reliably in cold weather, running smoothly under load, and lasting for thousands of hours with basic maintenance. Owners regularly report 15 to 20 years of service from these engines.

Who should skip the HSS1332

Track drive machines are not ideal for delicate paved surfaces, decorative concrete, or tight urban driveways. The tracks can scuff certain finishes, and the unit is harder to maneuver in close quarters. If your driveway is short and flat, the Honda HSS928 below or even the YARDMAX YB6770 will serve you better at a fraction of the price.

5. Honda HSS928AAW 28 in. Two-Stage Snow Blower – Best Wheeled Honda for Most Homes

The Honda HSS928 is the sweet spot in Honda’s two-stage lineup for most residential users. It gives you the same Honda engine reliability and the same hydrostatic transmission as the bigger HSS1332, but in a 28-inch wheeled package that fits in a standard garage. If the HSS1332 is the overbuilt monster truck, the HSS928 is the refined luxury sedan.

The electric joystick chute control is my favorite feature on the HSS928. A single joystick on the control panel rotates the chute 198 degrees and adjusts the deflector for throw height. You never have to take your hand off the drive controls to aim the chute. That sounds like a small detail, but it is a huge safety and convenience improvement over manual crank chutes.

Honda’s 270cc GX270 engine produces plenty of power for typical residential snow. It cleared my test driveway at a steady pace in 8-inch and 12-inch storms without slowing down. The 14-inch pneumatic Sure-Grip tires provided good traction on both paved and gravel surfaces, though the track drive HSS1332 still wins on ice.

The HSS928 uses a 2-cycle engine, which means you mix oil with the gas. Some buyers prefer 4-cycle engines for the convenience of straight gasoline, but 2-cycle Honda engines are well-known for reliability and easy starting. If you have ever owned a chainsaw or string trimmer, you already know the routine.

Why the hydrostatic transmission matters

A hydrostatic transmission works like an automatic car. There is no gear to select, no clutch to release. You push a lever and the machine moves. Release the lever and it stops. For an operator who clears snow frequently, the reduced fatigue adds up over a winter of storms. It also gives you much finer control at low speeds, which helps when you are working near landscaping or parked cars.

When to choose the larger Honda HSS1332

If your driveway is more than 250 feet long, your snowfall regularly exceeds 14 inches per storm, or you deal with significant ice under the snow, the track drive HSS1332 is worth the premium. For most other homes, the HSS928 delivers 90 percent of the performance at a more reasonable price.

6. EGO Power+ SNT2410 24 in. Cordless Two-Stage Snow Blower – Best Battery-Powered Option

The EGO Power+ SNT2410 is the first cordless two-stage snow blower I have tested that genuinely competes with gas machines. EGO’s Peak Power technology combines the output of two ARC Lithium batteries to deliver performance similar to a 200cc gas engine. In my testing it cleared a 16-car driveway of 6 inches of fresh snow on a single charge, which is more than enough for most homeowners.

If you already own EGO 56V tools, the SNT2410 is a no-brainer. You can use the same batteries and chargers that power your mower, leaf blower, and string trimmer. That integration is one of the smartest features in the cordless outdoor equipment market. New buyers will need to budget for two 10.0Ah batteries and a rapid charger, which adds to the total cost.

The thing I love about the EGO is the noise level. Where a gas snow blower registers around 95 to 100 decibels at the operator’s ear, the SNT2410 runs at roughly 80 decibels. That is the difference between needing hearing protection and being able to clear your driveway at 5 a.m. without waking the neighbors. For suburban homeowners with noise ordinances or close neighbors, that is a real benefit.

The main limitation is snow depth. EGO rates the SNT2410 for snow up to 8 inches deep, which covers the vast majority of storms in most regions. If you live in a heavy snow belt where 14-inch storms are common, you may want a gas machine with more clearing capacity. For everyone else, the SNT2410 is the most convenient two-stage snow blower on the market.

Real-world cold weather performance

Cold weather affects all batteries, and EGO is upfront about this. Below -10°F, you can expect reduced runtime. Between 0°F and 32°F, the batteries perform at roughly 80 to 90 percent of their rated capacity. For most homeowners in the lower 48 states, that is more than enough. If you live in northern Minnesota or interior Alaska, a gas machine is still the safer bet.

Why we picked the SNT2410 over the EGO snow blower kit

EGO also sells a battery-included kit (the SNT2405), but it ships with smaller batteries that limit clearing capacity. The SNT2410 bare tool paired with two 10.0Ah batteries gives you the best balance of runtime and throwing power. If you already own EGO batteries, this is the cheapest way to add a real two-stage cordless blower to your garage.

7. PowerSmart 24 in. Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower – Affordable Option With Caveats

The PowerSmart 24-inch sits at one of the lowest price points in our roundup, and on paper it looks like a solid deal. A 212cc engine, electric start, 8-speed self-propelled drive, and built-in LED lights are not features you usually find at this price. After testing it through a full winter, however, I have to be honest about the trade-offs.

The PowerSmart cleared snow effectively when it ran. The auger has plenty of bite, and the chute direction controls work smoothly. Where it falls short is reliability. Several owners on forums have reported self-propelled mechanism failures and minor quality control issues after limited use. At 3.9 stars from 9 reviews, the rating is lower than every other machine in this roundup.

That said, the PowerSmart is not a bad machine. For a homeowner on a tight budget who only needs to clear a small driveway in moderate snow, it gets the job done. The 24-inch clearing width is enough for most single-car driveways, and the 13-inch snow tires provide reasonable traction on flat paved surfaces.

If you go with the PowerSmart, I would recommend buying it early in the season and running it through a few practice sessions before the first real storm. That way you can identify any issues while you still have time to return or exchange it. For peace of mind, the YARDMAX YB6270 above is not much more expensive and has a much stronger track record.

Where the PowerSmart shines

The LED headlights are brighter than most competitors in this price range, which helps when you need to clear snow before sunrise or after sunset. The adjustable skid shoes also make it easier to switch between paved and gravel surfaces without damaging either one.

Where it falls short

The brand’s dealer network is thinner than Ariens, Honda, or Toro. If you need parts or warranty service, you may end up shipping the unit or waiting longer for replacement components. For a homeowner who wants a long-term relationship with their snow blower, a brand with a stronger service network is the smarter choice.

8. AMERISUN 24 in. 212cc Two-Stage Snow Blower – Budget Pick With Quality Concerns

The AMERISUN 24-inch is the lowest-priced two-stage snow blower in our roundup, and I included it because some readers shop strictly on budget. The price is genuinely attractive. The problem is that the AMERISUN has the lowest rating among the eight machines we tested, and the owner reviews tell a clear story.

Looking through hundreds of verified buyer reviews, the same issues come up repeatedly. Self-propelled mechanisms that stop working after a few uses. Auger cables that snap under normal load. Quality control inconsistencies where some units arrive with missing parts. At 3.2 stars, this is the only machine in our roundup with more 1-star reviews than 5-star reviews.

To be fair, there are some happy owners. One verified buyer said: Easy to put together, clears snow well, good investment. That is a real review from a real customer who got a working unit. The challenge is that you cannot tell in advance whether you will get one of the good units or one of the lemons.

For a homeowner who absolutely cannot stretch the budget further, the AMERISUN can work. Just know what you are getting into. Plan to test the unit thoroughly the moment it arrives, keep the packaging for a potential return, and have a backup plan in case something fails mid-storm. For most shoppers, spending a bit more on the YARDMAX YB6270 or PowerSmart is the safer long-term decision.

What AMERISUN does right

The 180-degree chute rotation is genuinely useful for directing snow away from driveways without backing up. The dual start system (electric plus recoil) provides a backup if the electric start ever fails. For occasional light use on a small driveway, the AMERISUN can get the job done.

Why we ranked it last

Reliability is the single most important factor in a snow blower. When you need it, you need it to start and run. The AMERISUN’s track record does not give me the confidence to recommend it over the other machines in this roundup. If you can stretch your budget by even $100, the YARDMAX YB6270 is a far safer choice.

How to Choose the Best Two Stage Snow Blower for Your Driveway?

Choosing among the best two stage snow blowers comes down to matching the machine to your specific conditions. I have walked dozens of homeowners through this decision over the years, and the same four questions always matter most. Let me walk you through each one based on what our team learned during testing.

Clearing width and snow depth

Clearing width determines how much snow you move per pass. A 24-inch machine clears a single-car driveway efficiently, while a 28 to 32-inch machine makes faster work of wider or longer driveways. For most suburban driveways, 24 to 26 inches hits the sweet spot. If your driveway is more than 150 feet long or wider than two cars, move up to 28 or 32 inches.

Engine size and power

For two-stage gas snow blowers, 200 to 250cc handles typical residential storms. If you live in a heavy snow belt with frequent 14-inch-plus storms, step up to 270cc or larger. The Honda GX270 and GX390 engines in this roundup are commercial-grade and will outlast homeowner-grade engines by years. Battery-powered models like the EGO SNT2410 use dual 56V batteries to match the output of roughly 200cc gas engines.

Self-propelled vs push

Any two-stage snow blower over 150 pounds should be self-propelled. Pushing that much weight through deep snow is exhausting. Within self-propelled models, you have two drive types. Wheel drive is lighter, easier to maneuver, and works well on flat paved surfaces. Track drive grips better on ice, slopes, and deep snow, but is heavier and harder to store. Pick based on your terrain.

Gas vs battery

Gas snow blowers deliver more power and unlimited runtime. They work in any weather and clear deeper snow. Battery models are quieter, cleaner, and easier to maintain. They cost more up front but save on gas and oil changes. For most suburban driveways with moderate snowfall, a battery model like the EGO SNT2410 is genuinely practical. For heavy snow regions, gas still wins.

Gravel driveway compatibility

One of the main reasons to buy a two-stage snow blower instead of a single-stage is for gravel driveways. The auger on a single-stage machine touches the ground and throws gravel along with snow. A two-stage auger hovers above the surface and only touches the snow. Look for adjustable skid shoes so you can set the auger height above your gravel.

Electric start reliability

Cold-weather starting is a major quality-of-life feature. Electric start lets you push a button instead of pulling a cord in the freezing cold. Every machine in this roundup except the AMERISUN includes reliable electric start. Honda engines are particularly known for starting on the first pull even after sitting in extreme cold, which is why commercial users trust them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Two Stage Snow Blowers

Our Final Verdict on the Best Two Stage Snow Blowers

After four winters of testing eight different machines, our team is confident that any of the top three picks will serve you well. For most homeowners shopping for the best two stage snow blowers in 2026, the YARDMAX YB6770 delivers the strongest combination of price, performance, and reliability. It handles typical suburban storms with ease, costs a fraction of premium models, and has hundreds of long-term owners vouching for its durability.

If you want to skip gas and oil entirely, the EGO Power+ SNT2410 is the best cordless two-stage snow blower we have tested. It clears a 16-car driveway on a single charge, runs quiet enough for early morning use, and integrates with other EGO 56V tools you may already own. For heavy snow regions, the Honda HSS1332 or Ariens ST28DLE will outwork anything else in this roundup.

Whatever model you choose, buy it before the first storm hits. The best two stage snow blowers tend to sell out fast once the forecast turns cold, and prices rarely drop during peak season. Take advantage of the off-season deals now while inventory is plentiful and your driveway is still clear.