Below is our top two-stage gas snow blowers for 2019. These rankings are the opinion of one man and consumers should thoroughly research their options before making a decision. This list will be updated regularly when new models or information comes out.
A 2-stage snow blower is a great choice for those in areas that receive regular snowfalls and the occasional blizzard. They provide more power than your standard single stage snowblower and can be safely used on a variety of surfaces.
Mini Reviews
Toro Power Max 826 OXE
This machine is just an all-around beast at a fair price. 26-inch width, 20-in intake height, and a 252cc Toro OHV 4-cycle engine. Powerful enough to toss snow over 40 feet. Can handle any surface including gravel. Just shreds heavy snow with ease. There are not many conditions you can face that this doesn’t have the power to handle.
The Power Max 826 OXE is also loaded with features. The joystick chute control is the best in the industry. Single-handed control with 6 forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds. It has power steering (or automatic steering as they call it) which makes turning this near 200-pound machine easy. An LED headlight is included as well as an electric push-button start. The only thing it’s missing is heated handlebars.
Toro makes high-quality products and if you’re looking for a machine that can handle tough winters, this is our pick. It’s powerful and easy to use. Great on flat, sloped, or uneven surfaces. Should be a staple in your garage for a decade and beyond.
Ariens Deluxe 24
This is perhaps the most powerful 24-inch snow blower on the market. It features a 243cc 4-cycle engine and monster sized 14-inch steel serrated augers. It works best on the heavy wet snow that can bog down competitors. Perfect for those nightmarish East Coast winters.
The Ariens 24-inch Deluxe is self-propelled with 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds. It has one of the best power steering implementation on the market. Electric start, remote chute control, and a powerful Halogen headlight round out the features. This is a heavy all-steel machine that is easy to operate.
If you deal with heavier snow, this is your best choice. Its superior throwing power also makes it great on wider driveways (check out the Ariens Deluxe 28 if you have a long driveway). Ariens makes a solid product and this two stage snowblower is their best offering yet.
Cub Cadet 2x 24 inch
One of the best deals out there. A 243cc 4-cycle OHV engine that can chop through heavy snow and ice easily should cost $200 more. The 12-inch serrated steel augers are not the biggest out there, but they’re built to last. This crushes the end of the driveway and can handle up to 14 inches in a pass.
The add-on features Cub Cadet includes work great. They use 16-inch tires on this machine which gives it great traction on ice. The power steering element is smooth and can be operated with one hand. A metal chute (that has nice controls) and skid shoes that beat most expensive aftermarket options. You also get electric start and some fancy LED headlights.
For medium to even large suburban driveways, this is a good buy. Especially if you’re dealing with an incline. One of the models I recommend to first time buyers. For those who need a little more width, Cub Cadet has their 2x 26-inch model for a little more.
Husqvarna ST224P
This 2-stage 24-inch offering from Husqvarna is a versatile snow blower that can be used by anyone. The handlebar height adjustment is handy and its trigger control power steering is so smooth that you wouldn’t know you’re controlling a 225-pound machine. Probably the easiest machine of this size to control.
The 208cc engine could be more powerful but is enough to handle moderate winters. I love the 15-inch tires which give superior traction. It is built to tackle steep sloped driveways. The remote chute control is conveniently placed and easy-to-operate. You get a headlight, electric start, and my personal favorite, heated handlebars (although they don’t get too warm).
The Husqvarna ST224P snow blower is a great choice for those who might need more assistance during operation. So if you’re smaller, older, or just lazy like myself, this is going to be a great choice. Should handle winter snowfalls of 60-70 inches. Although if you get a lot of wet snow, you might want to choose a brand with a stronger engine.
Troy-Bilt Storm 2410 – BUDGET CHOICE
You might do a double take when you see the price of the Storm 2410. Its priced at what single-stage snow blowers are going for. But this two-stage model has a nice 208cc Troy-Bilt electric start engine that will handle moderate to heavy winters (about 14 inches of snow at any time).
It has self-propelled driving (6 forward, 2 reverse speeds) but not a lot of other bells and whistles. The chute controls are not great and can be awkward to use. But it’s not all going to be sunshine and rainbows at this price. Highly recommended for budget-conscious consumers who have their heart set on a dual stage.
Three-Stage Snow Blowers
Currently there are no recommendations for a three-stage snow blower. With my limited time around them, they haven’t felt like something the average homeowner needs. The concept makes sense on paper, but I’ve seen a lot of problems from them. Perhaps it’s because these companies haven’t had time to perfect the design of them yet.
At this time, I think a powerful two stage snowblower works better and is cheaper. If this changes, I will update with some recommendations.
If you find these 2-stage models a bit out of your price range, check out our research on the best single stage snowblowers available. They can still provide good plowing capacity at a more affordable price.
