Best Gas Snow Blowers – Review (Single & Two-Stage) 2023

A good snow blower isn’t only about how fast and easy it cleans your driveway. Things like value for money and reliability are important too and we have found 5 gas powered snow blowers that are amazing all things considered!

#1 PowerSmart PSS2240-X

PowerSmart PSS2240-X is one of the best selling gas snow blowers in North America and not without a reason. It’s relatively inexpensive yet performs very well.

PowerSmart PSS2240-X is a two-stage gas snow blower. It has 212cc engine with peak torque of 9.5 lb-ft which is plenty for its 24-inch clearing width and 20-inch intake depth. It cleans deep snow seemingly without effort even if it’s hard snow. Wet snow isn’t much of a challenge for it either.

It throws snow well too so be careful where you aim chute and deflector.

Start up

PowerSmart PSS2240-X features both electric and pull start. Both work well. PSS2240-X usually starts within 1-2 pulls so most will never actually use electric starter but it’s nice to have that feature nonetheless just in case.

To start snow blower manually move choke to “close” position and check if the key is inserted. Then press primer bulb 3 times. Starting slowly pulling recoil starter handle and once you start to feel some resistance pull it fast. Once engine is running move choke lever to “Open” position.

When using electric started first steps are the same – move choke to “Open”, check if you have inserted key and press primer bulb 3 times. Then plug the power cord and hold “start” button until engine starts. If it doesn’t start within 3 seconds let go of the button and wait 10 seconds before trying again.

Transmission

PowerSmart PSS2240-X is self-propelled with 6 forward and 2 backward speeds. 13” inflatable tires with tread provide good grip and power steering ensures easy maneuverability.

Assembly

PowerSmart PSS2240-X is shipped well packaged in a crate (you will need 10mm socket to dissamble it). PowerSmart PSS2240-X also requires some assembly – you have to install upper handle, chute, chute handle, clean tools and skid shoes which shouldn’t take more than 20-30 minutes to complete.

PowerSmart PSS2240-X doesn’t come with oil or fuel. Oil tank capacity is 16 fl.oz. and manufacturer recommends using 5W-30 4-stroke oil. Fuel tank capacity is 0.66 gallons and you should use fresh, lead free gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87.

Since PowerSmart PSS2240-X has 4-stroke engine it doesn’t require mixing of oil with fuel.

Conclusions

PowerSmart PSS2240-X is relatively inexpensive for a two-stage snow blower, yet is performs great, is easy to use and seems to be reliable! When it comes to snow blowers PowerSmart PSS2240-X offers best value for money.

#2 Husqvarna ST224P

Husqvarna ST224P is another great two-stage snow blower. It has 208cc engine with peak power output of of 6.3 horsepower and 9.5 lb-ft. of torque as well clearing width of 24-inches and depth of 23.

Goes through 20 inches of light snow easily. Wet and slushy snow is a bit more challenging but Husqvarna ST224P still deals with it quite good and doesn’t clog. Throws snow pretty well too.

Start up

Husqvarna ST224P has electric starter and recoil start options. Both works well. ST224P usually starts on first pull.

Features

Husqvarna ST224P has built-in headlights that are helpful in dark time of the day. It also features remote chute and deflector controls. Another cool feature it has is heated grips but you might not actually feel the heat depending on gloves you wear.

Other features include 12-inch ribbon augers, extended oil drain plug and extended oil fill tube, idle down knob, 15-inch tires and 2.7 liter fuel tank.

Transmission

Husqvarna ST224P has friction disc transmission and aluminum gearbox. It has 6 forward speeds and 1 backwards. It also has power steering.

Conclusions

Husqvarna ST224P is another very capable snow blower that won’t disappoint in hard conditions.

#3 Troy-Bilt Storm 3090

Troy-Bilt Storm 3090 is a higher-end two-stage snow blower. It has 357cc overhead valve engine with approximate peak power output of 12.5 horsepower. It has 30 inch clearing width (more than most so increased power is very welcome) as well 21 inch intake height.

Troy-Bilt Storm 3090 is a very adequate snow blower if heavy snow falls is a common thing where you live. It handles well over foot deep of any kind of snow great whether it’s heavy, light, wet or slushy. It’s definitely an overkill if you don’t get heavy snowfalls so if that’s the case it might not be worth paying extra money for it.

Features

Chute and deflector are controlled manually but remotely via levers. Chute rotates 200 degrees.

It also has heated grips and they work very well, you can actually feel the heat with gloves on which often is not the case with other snow blowers. Built-in headlight is useful in night time.

Troy-Bilt Storm 3090 has electric start and requires grounded three-prong outdoor extension cord.

Troy-Bilt Storm 3090 is built in USA.

Transmission

Troy-Bilt Storm 3090 snow blower is self-propelled with 6 forward and 2 backward speeds.

Conclusions

If you need snow blower that has the power for the toughest jobs then Troy-Bilt Storm 3090 is the snow blower you want!

#4 Ariens 921046 Deluxe 28 Snow Blower

Ariens Deluxe 28 is a two-stage snow blower with 254cc engine with power output of 12.5 horsepower. It has clearing width of 28 inches and depth of 21. It can move up to 2,166 lbs of snow per minute.

Ariens Deluxe 28 is powerful so it tackles most stuff without much effort only slightly bogging down in the harshest conditions. Light, heavy, wet or slushy – Ariens will perform great nearly all of the time. It throws snow approximately 30 to 50 feet away depending on conditions.

Transmission

Ariens Deluxe 28 is self propelled with 8 speeds: 6 forward and 2 backward. For easy maneuverability if has Ariens auto-turn feature which locks two axle shafts in the direction you are trying to turn. It works pretty well and is easy to use but you might have to get used to it first which doesn’t take long.

Ariens Deluxe 28 has 16-inch inflatable tires with tread that provides good grip.

Features

Ariens Deluxe 28 features auto-turn triggerless steering, interlocking handles, built-in halogen headlight, remote chute and deflector controls, cast iron gear case as well steel serrated auger, skid shoes and scraper bar.

Conclusions

Ariens Deluxe 28 is a decent snow blower for serious snow falls.

#5 Honda HS720 (659760) Snow Blower

Honda HS720ASA is slightly less serious snow blower. It’s a single stage unit with 4-cycle 187cc Honda GC190 OHC engine with peak power output of 5.2 horsepower and 8.3 lb.-ft. of torque.

Honda HS720ASA goes through one feet deep light snow without any issues. It can sometimes clog when clearing wet snow but for the most part handles it reasonably well too. It can clear up to 1,800 lbs of snow per minute.

Throws snow pretty far unless there’s very little of it (2 inches or under).

Honda HS720ASA isn’t self-propelled but it has auger-assisted drive. Wheels are made of plastic and although they have tread they don’t provide best grip.

Start up

Honda HS720ASA usually starts on first pull. It also has 120V electric starter.

Features

Both chute and deflector are remotely controlled from control panel. Chute rotates 204 degrees.

Conclusions

Honda HS720ASA might not be the best performer for the money and does lack some features but it’s a Honda meaning it’s likely very reliable long term.