If you’re looking to ditch the shovel, these are your two best options
Snow throwers and snow blowers both clear snow, but the difference between a snow thrower and a snow blower comes down to power and capacity.
Snow throwers cost $100 to $900, while snow blowers range from $600 to $2,500 or more, and professional snow removal averages $350 to $450 per year.
Your choice depends on snowfall depth, property size, and storage space: electric snow throwers suit light snow and smaller areas, while gas blowers handle heavy accumulation.
Hiring a local snow removal professional keeps your driveway and walkways clear all winter, helping you avoid the upfront equipment costs and ongoing maintenance.
Winter’s first snowfall brings both the magic and hassle of the season, with snow removal topping the list of dreaded tasks. If you’re looking to upgrade from shoveling, you’re likely wondering whether you should purchase a snow thrower vs. snow blower. While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are distinctive differences between these two machines. Here’s how a snow thrower and snow blower differ, and how you can decide which option is best for your home.
These are the main differences you’ll find between a snow blower vs. a snow thrower.
| Type of Difference | Snow Thrower | Snow Blower |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | Electric | Fuel |
| Machine Type | Single-Stage | Two- or Three-Stage |
| Uses | Light Snow | Heavy Snow |
| Path Clearing Width | 11–22 inches | 18–36 inches |
| Weight | Lightweight | Heavy |
| Size | Compact | Large |
| Cost | $100–$900 | $600–$2,500+ |
A snow blower has a more robust design than a snow thrower. Here’s how they compare.
Snow throwers are typically powered by electricity, either with a plug-in cord or a rechargeable battery. These are convenient since they don’t require additional fuel, but they also have limitations due to cord lengths and battery life. Most cordless varieties won’t last longer than 30 minutes on a full charge, and snow throwers are less powerful than snow blowers in general.
Snow blowers, in contrast, typically run on gasoline. While there is the extra cost and chore of re-fueling to consider, they’re far more powerful than snow throwers and are not limited by cords or battery life.
A snow thrower is a single-stage machine, meaning it collects and propels snow through a discharge chute in one continuous motion. It has a horizontal spinning auger that picks up snow and generates force to propel it through a discharge chute. This is where a lot of the confusion between snow thrower vs. snow blower happens, as a snow thrower is sometimes referred to as a “single-throw snow blower.”
A snow blower, on the other hand, employs a two-stage mechanism. Similar to a snow thrower, it utilizes a rotating auger to gather snow. From there, the collected snow enters an impeller, which functions like a robust fan to propel snow even further. Three-stage snow blowers have additional accelerators that break down ice and hardened snow before feeding it into the powerful impeller, which can eject snow as far as 50 feet away.
A snow blower is a heavy and bulky machine that calls for a lot of storage space, while snow throwers are generally lighter and more compact. Additionally, unlike their gas-powered counterparts, battery-operated and corded snow throwers eliminate the need for storing flammable gasoline, and they operate without emitting fumes.
Snow blowers generally have snow throwers beat in terms of functionality, but a snow thrower may be a better snow removal option for smaller areas with light snow. Here’s how the two differ in terms of functionality.
Thanks to its higher front intake chute and two- or three-stage throw system, a snow blower has the capacity to handle deeper, heavier, and more compacted snow than a snow thrower. While snow throwers typically can’t handle snowfall that’s 10 inches or deeper, snow blowers can handle accumulations of 15 inches or more. Also, many small snow throwers lack self-propulsion, which can make it challenging for operators to push them through heavier snow. Most modern snow blowers, on the other hand, come equipped with self-propulsion features for added ease of use.
While it is a bulkier machine, a snow blower can clear a wider path in a single pass than a snow thrower. This makes snow blowers the best snow removal tools for larger properties, whereas snow throwers are better suited for narrow paths and smaller areas of land. Most snow throwers can clear a path that’s between 11 and 22 inches in width, while snow blowers can clear a path that’s anywhere from 18 to 36 inches wide.
Maintenance is an area where snow throwers have the advantage. On top of easy storage, corded or battery-powered snow throwers generally require minimal maintenance. Gas-powered engines on snow blowers demand regular maintenance, such as oil level checks, periodic oil additions, and annual replacement of the gas filter and spark plug.
Snow throwers are generally more affordable than snow blowers. Snow throwers typically go for $100 to $900, while snow blowers cost anywhere from $600 to $2,500 or more. Comparatively, if you’d rather hire a snow removal company near you, the average professional snow removal cost is around $350 to $450 per year or more depending on the size of the area and the average annual snowfall of your location.
One of my old tall evergreen trees was suddenly leaning toward the busy street in front of my house. I submitted a request for an emergency tree inspection, and Alejandro, owner of Cajete Tree Service, contacted me immediately and arrived to look at it just 20 minutes later. We agreed the...
Cajete Tree Service LLCWonderful. I am going to have them remove and replace my driveway in the spring.
All Star Paving and SealingLyle did a great job removing asbestos shingles from our front porch roof. They worked together with our roofer to make sure that the new roof was able to be installed on the same day that Lyle removed the asbestos shingles.
Lyle EnvironmentalInvolved an extensive bathroom remodel, including removing tub & installing walk in shower, new drywall, custome tile work to ceiling, plumbing, etc. Overall, job was done on time and on budget. Nick & his team were very professional and had high attention to detail. Quality was great. Highly...
Stamos Flooring and Remodeling LLCExtremely well. Ohio Tree Care is my go to company for all tree care and snow removal services. they are professional, knowledgeable and affordable. I manage five camps in 33 counties and Ohio Tree Care has serviced every one of our properties. Highly recommend.
Ohio Tree Care IncA team of 2 spent 5 hours, cleaning top to bottom (removed all light fixture and cleaned.... impressive!!!)
Luzia's CleaningGreat Job!!! Martin called me after I requested a estimate on Home Advisor. He was very professional and actually went the same day and looked at the tree I needed removed gave us a estimate and I felt it was very aggressive so I did not even call for any other bids. I asked him how soon he...
Reyes Tree Service LLC - Home FacebookMike and his crew did a great job working through a very challenging task. The job required a full demolition of our ceiling, removing the blown in insulation and removing all the material from the site daily. It involved multiple inspections from the city and many challenges to get the...
Rising Height UnlimitedRemoved various items (furniture, lamps, other junk) from my home. They were on time, personable, professional, etc. I can't say enough positive things about this company. <br />
The task proved more difficult than anticipated. When they arrived the first day, they had no tools with them at all, and had to make a run to purchase appropriate tools. It was quickly determined that the paper had to be steamed off, and neither the workers, nor the company itself, had...
ABS Interiors of Mid-Ohio LLCFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
A blower door test can identify air leaks in your home and help boost energy efficiency. Use this blower door test cost guide to see what your test will total.
Get the latest snow removal cost estimates, including average prices, key cost factors, and tips to help homeowners budget for safe, efficient snow removal.
What should you consider when comparing a snow shovel vs. a blower? This guide will help you decide which snow removal method is best for your unique situation.
Are you in the market for a new snow blower but have no idea what size is best? Learn how to pick what size snow blower you need.
Snow blowers and snow plows are both excellent snow removal tools, but each has pros and cons. Learn the key differences between a snow blower vs. plow.
Deciding between a gas snow blower vs electric? Weigh all of the pros and cons with this informative guide before you buy.
