Best Gas Powered Snow Blowers (2026): 3 Top Rated Picks Worth Buying
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Our best gas powered snow blower picks for big storms: Ariens, Husqvarna and a value PowerSmart two stage machine.
When a storm drops a foot of wet snow and the city plow buries the end of your driveway in a dense, icy wall, small electric machines run out of breath fast. That is where gas still rules. The best gas powered snow blower gives you unlimited runtime, the torque to chew through packed snow and the throwing power to put it well beyond the edge of a long driveway. The challenge is picking the right size and features, because gas machines range from compact single stage models to heavy two stage units that cost as much as a used car.
To build this list, we compared published specs, the depth of verified owner feedback on Amazon, expert reviews and the value each model delivers for its price. Our picks are an Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO for heavy snowfall and long driveways, a Husqvarna ST327 with power steering for harsh winters and a PowerSmart 26 inch machine that brings two stage power to a much lower price.
Our Top 3 Picks at a Glance
- Best Overall: Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe SHO 28 in. Two Stage Gas Snow Blower (around $2,000). A wide 28 inch two stage machine with electric start from one of the best known snow blower brands.
- Best Premium Pick: Husqvarna ST327 27 in. 291cc Two Stage Gas Snow Blower (around $1,900). Power steering, a four blade cast iron impeller and a high capacity belt system for punishing winters.
- Best Value: PowerSmart 26 Inch Two Stage Gas Snow Blower with B&S 208cc Engine (around $900). Electric start, heated grips, LED light and a 50 foot throw for less than half the price of our top picks.
Each one fits a different household and budget. If you face big storms every winter and want a proven name, start with the Ariens. If you want premium steering and build quality, look at the Husqvarna, and if your budget is closer to a thousand dollars, the PowerSmart is the smart buy.
How We Chose the Best Gas Powered Snow Blower
We focused on what gas buyers need most: clearing width, intake height, engine size, throw distance and drive features that make heavy machines easy to steer. We favored models that are well reviewed by owners and weighed price against features such as electric start, heated grips, lights and power steering.
Build quality and warranty carried real weight, since a gas snow blower is a long term purchase that works in brutal conditions. Finally, every product in our table is a current model, in stock and sold new on amazon.com, so you can actually get it before the first storm.
Gas Powered Snow Blower Reviews
1. Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe SHO 28 in. Two Stage Gas Snow Blower: Best Overall
- Type: two stage gas snow blower
- Clearing width: 28 inches
- Starting: electric start
- Series: Ariens Deluxe SHO line
- Fuel: gasoline engine for unlimited runtime
Why We Picked It
Ariens has built snow blowers for decades, and its Deluxe line is aimed squarely at homeowners who deal with heavy snowfall and long driveways. The ST28DLE pairs a 28 inch clearing width with a two stage system, which means a slower turning auger gathers snow and feeds it to a fast impeller that throws it well clear of your path. That combination handles deep drifts and the wet, heavy snow that stalls lighter machines.
A 28 inch path cuts the number of passes on a wide or long driveway, which saves real time in a big storm. The SHO badge marks the higher output version within the Deluxe series, built for people who need more muscle than a standard model. Electric start removes the frustration of pulling a cold engine on a frigid morning.
Ariens is one of the most familiar names in snow country, which makes parts and service easier to find for a machine you may keep for many winters. If you want the best gas powered snow blower for big storms, a full size machine from a trusted brand that will not flinch at plow ridges, this is it.
Pros
- Wide 28 inch path for long driveways
- Two stage system for deep and wet snow
- Electric start for cold mornings
- Trusted brand with wide parts support
Cons
- Heavy and needs plenty of garage space
- Costs far more than budget two stage models
Who Should Buy It
The Ariens suits homeowners in snowy regions with long or wide driveways who want a durable, full size gas machine. Price: around $2,000.
2. Husqvarna ST327 27 in. 291cc Two Stage Gas Snow Blower: Best Premium Pick
- Engine: 291cc with electric start
- Clearing width: 27 inches
- Steering: power steering
- Impeller: four blade cast iron impeller
- Build: high capacity belt system, covered ball bearings on the auger, 4 step height adjustable handle
Why We Picked It
The ST327 is built for harsh winters, and its feature list shows it. A 291cc engine powers a 27 inch two stage system, while a high capacity belt system adds extra capability in heavy snow. Husqvarna says its robust auger delivers excellent results in frozen and extremely wet snow, the conditions that slow most machines down.
The four blade cast iron impeller is a standout detail. Husqvarna calls the four blade design unique on the market. Cast iron adds durability, which helps when the impeller meets ice chunks from the plow ridge. Covered ball bearings on the auger promote smooth running and a longer life.
Power steering makes this heavy machine far easier to turn at the end of each pass, which reduces fatigue on long driveways. The 4 step height adjustable handle lets you set a comfortable grip for your height, and a lever on the panel changes chute direction without reaching forward. This is a premium two stage machine for people who want comfort and toughness in equal measure.
Pros
- Power steering for easy turns
- Four blade cast iron impeller
- Strong performance in frozen and wet snow
- Adjustable handle height
Cons
- No owner ratings on this listing yet
- Premium price and a heavy machine to store
Who Should Buy It
Choose the Husqvarna if you live with harsh winters, have a long driveway and want premium steering and build quality. Price: around $1,900.
3. PowerSmart 26 Inch Two Stage Gas Snow Blower with B&S 208cc Engine: Best Value
- Engine: 208cc four cycle OHV snow engine powered by B&S
- Clearing path: 26 inches wide, 20 inches high
- Capacity and throw: up to 2,680 pounds per minute, throw up to 50 feet
- Drive: self propelled with 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds, 13 inch snow tires
- Extras: 120V electric start with recoil backup, hand warmers, LED light, adjustable skid shoes; about 150 pounds
Why We Picked It
The PowerSmart brings affordable two stage power to people who cannot justify a $2,000 machine. Its 208cc engine, powered by B&S, drives a heavy duty steel auger and impeller rated to move up to 2,680 pounds of snow per minute and throw it up to 50 feet. A 26 inch wide, 20 inch high intake handles fluffy, heavy and wet snow alike.
It also includes features usually found on pricier machines. The 120V electric start fires the engine with a button press, and a recoil start serves as backup, with PowerSmart rating it to start below minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Hand warmers keep your fingers working in bitter cold, and an LED light helps when you clear before sunrise.
Six forward and two reverse speeds let you match pace to the snow, while 13 inch snow tires provide traction on slippery surfaces. Adjustable skid shoes let it run on both paved and gravel driveways. At about 150 pounds it is sturdy yet manageable, and it is well reviewed by a large base of buyers.
Pros
- Two stage power at a budget price
- Electric start, hand warmers and LED light
- Throws snow up to 50 feet
- Works on paved and gravel driveways
Cons
- Lighter build than premium brands
- Heavy to move without the drive engaged
Who Should Buy It
The PowerSmart is right for homeowners with medium to long driveways who want two stage gas performance without a premium price. Price: around $900.
Why Choose Gas Power
Power and runtime advantages
Gas engines deliver steady power for as long as there is fuel in the tank, with no batteries to swap or cords to manage. They also produce the torque needed to drive large two stage systems through deep, wet snow and icy plow ridges. For long driveways and heavy snowfall, nothing else matches gas for raw capability at the price. If you want to compare gas with battery and corded options side by side, see our guide to the best snow blower.
Gas also shines when storms stack up. On a long driveway, a battery machine may need a recharge or a spare pack halfway through a heavy storm, while a gas machine simply keeps going after a quick refill. For rural homes, corner lots with long sidewalks and anyone who clears a neighbor's driveway too, that endurance is the main reason to choose gas.
Maintenance and fuel
The trade off is upkeep. Gas machines need fresh fuel, oil changes, spark plugs and fuel stabilizer before storage. Old fuel is the most common reason a snow blower will not start in December, so plan to add stabilizer or run the tank dry each spring.
Noise and emissions rules
Gas snow blowers are loud and produce exhaust, so wear hearing protection and never run one in a closed garage. A few communities restrict small engine use at certain hours, so check local rules if you clear very early in the morning.
How to Choose the Best Gas Powered Snow Blower
Single Stage vs Two Stage
Gas single stage machines are lighter and cheaper, and they suit paved driveways with moderate snow. Two stage machines throw snow much farther, handle deeper drifts and work on gravel thanks to adjustable skid shoes. Most buyers who choose gas do so for two stage power, and every model in our top three of the best gas powered snow blower list uses that design.
Clearing Width and Intake Height
A 24 to 28 inch width suits most long driveways. Intake heights of 20 inches or more handle deep storms. Wider machines save passes but weigh more and need more storage space.
Gas vs Battery vs Corded
Gas offers the most power and unlimited runtime. Battery machines are quieter and easier to maintain, but large battery two stage models cost more. Corded models are only practical for small, light jobs near the house.
Throw Distance and Chute Control
Two stage gas machines typically throw 40 to 50 feet or more, which keeps snowbanks from building up along your driveway. Look for easy chute rotation from the handle and an adjustable deflector to control height.
Self Propelled Drive and Traction
Multiple forward and reverse speeds help you match pace to conditions. Large snow tires improve grip, and features such as power steering make heavy machines easy to turn. Tracked models give the best grip on steep or icy surfaces.
Electric Start and Headlights
Electric start is worth paying for, since cold engines can be hard to pull start. LED headlights help on dark winter mornings, and heated grips keep your hands working longer.
Storage and Maintenance
Two stage gas machines are large, so measure your garage space. Plan for oil changes, shear pin replacement and fuel stabilizer at the end of each season. Our guide on where to buy a snow blower also covers where to find parts and service.
Before you buy, walk your driveway and note its length, width, slope and surface. A flat, paved 50 foot driveway is a very different job from a sloped gravel lane, and the right machine follows from that. Also check the path from your garage to the driveway, since a 28 inch two stage machine needs a clear route and a wide door. Buyers who match the machine to these details are far happier than those who simply buy the biggest model they can afford.
FAQs About Gas Powered Snow Blowers
How long does a snow blower last?
A well maintained gas snow blower often lasts 10 to 15 years, and premium two stage machines can last even longer. The key is regular oil changes, fresh or stabilized fuel and replacing wear parts such as shear pins, scraper bars and skid shoes as needed. Dry, covered storage also prevents rust.
Is a snow blower worth the money?
For homes with regular snowfall and longer driveways, a gas snow blower is usually well worth it. It turns hours of shoveling into a short job and handles storms that would overwhelm smaller machines. Our analysis of is a snow blower worth it walks through the costs and benefits.
How much should I spend on a snow blower?
Gas single stage models cost around $350 to $600, budget two stage machines run around $700 to $1,000 and premium two stage models from established brands cost around $1,800 to $2,000 or more. Choose based on your driveway length and typical snowfall. Larger families can compare options in our guide to the best snow blower for homeowners.
How do I maintain a snow blower?
Change the oil as the manual recommends, use fresh fuel with stabilizer, check the spark plug and inspect belts, shear pins and the scraper bar each season. Clear snow and ice from the machine after each use. Before summer, stabilize or drain the fuel and store the machine in a dry place. Older users may prefer a lighter option from our list of the best snow blower for seniors.
Final Verdict
The Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO is our top pick for heavy snowfall and long driveways, the Husqvarna ST327 is the premium choice for comfort and toughness, and the PowerSmart 26 inch is the best value two stage machine. The best gas powered snow blower for you depends on your driveway, your winters and your budget, so check today's price on Amazon before the first big storm.
