People have been shovelling snow for centuries, and it’s about time we had different options. There’s no reason to waste hours every other day to clear a path to your front door or garage. Today’s snow blowers improve the clearing accuracy, speed, and capacity while eliminating fatigue. But choosing between the best snow blowers in Canada can still be difficult if you don’t know what you need. The market is saturated with choices, and while similar, many of these machines offer different results in various scenarios.
To make your job easier, we identified and focused on some of the best electric snow blowers and gas-powered snow blowers in Canada. Armed with the right information, you can make a faster and smarter buying decision based on your unique requirements and preferences. Check out the following list for a taste of what we found and how we arrived at our conclusions and recommendations.
Best Snow Blowers for Canadians
- Best Overall: Snow Joe SJ627E
- Best Battery Life: Greenworks PRO 20-Inch 80V Cordless Snow Thrower
- Best for Big Spaces: Snow Joe 18-Inch Cordless Snow Blower
- Best Eco-Conscious: Earthwise SN74016 Snow Shovel
- Best Electric Snow Shovel: Snow Joe 323E
- Best Compact Snow Blower: Snow Joe SJ615E
- Best Cordless Snow Blower: Worx WG471
- Best Corded: Greenworks 10 Amp Corded Snow Thrower
Why Did We Choose These Snow Blowers in Canada?
We chose these as the best snow blowers in Canada for several reasons. Each machine has a precise combination of features and a specific design that makes it excel in certain applications. From the best small snow blower in Canada to the best electric snow blower in Canada to the finest overall, here’s a preview of how we justified our selections.
The Snow Joe SJ627E combines some essential features while delivering outstanding performance. It’s our best overall pick for all users, from those with light to those with heavy-duty winter workloads.
The Greenworks PRO 20-Inch 80V Cordless Snow Thrower offers excellent battery life for a battery-operated snow blower. This option is perfect for small jobs and clearing walkways. It will run for about 45 minutes on a full battery charge.
The Snow Joe 18-inch Cordless Snow Blower is a great pick for those who live on large properties and need to clear a lot of snow throughout the winter. This powerful option can clear wide and deep snowfall without bulky cords. The extra battery ensures you won’t need to stop mid-way to charge.
The Earthwise SN74016 Snow Shovel is lightweight and ergonomic in design, with adjustable options for all users. Those who are concerned about the environment will appreciate the lack of oil and gas mess and a rechargeable battery designed to last the snow shovel’s lifespan.
The Snow Joe 323E is a special consideration and contender for the best small snow blower in Canada. It’s easier to use than lawnmower-type snow blowers and traditional shovels. But it can still throw snow more than a few feet away while seamlessly taking tight corners and navigating awkward areas.
Canadians with storage issues may want the Snow Joe SJ615E. It’s our top pick for compact snow blowers in Canada that doesn’t sacrifice performance in light to medium-duty workloads.
The Worx WG471 is another favourite and arguably the best cordless snow blower in Canada. It offers good autonomy, quality-of-life features, and simple maneuverability.
If you need consistent power, the Greenworks 10 Amp Corded Snow Thrower could be the perfect option for you. This thrower clears a 16″ path with consistency that doesn’t fade over time. Instead of waiting for batteries to charge, you can get the job done all at once.
Best Overall
Snow Joe SJ627E
- Power Source: Electric
- Type: Corded
- Clearance: 22 x 13 inches
- Product Weight: 16 kg
It's Great For:
- Canadians who don’t want maintenance-intensive snow blowers
- Light to medium-duty tasks
- Throwing high volumes of snow quickly
- Simple maneuverability and visibility
If you want a beastly snow blower for Canadians that doesn’t need gas, the Snow Joe SJ627E is one of the best choices. This 15-amp machine is one of the best electric snow blowers in Canada for light to medium-duty applications.
The snow blower weighs around 16 kg, making it easy to maneuver on large patches of land and around tight corners. Being an electric model means it requires little to no maintenance. In addition, the responsive electric start function ensures you won’t waste any time out in the cold.
The Snow Joe SJ627E has a steel auger assisted by two rubber blades that can cut up to 22 inches in width. It quickly deals with 22 x 13-inch areas in a single pass when pushed at a brisk pace. Furthermore, the chute has 180-degree adjustability to avoid throwing snow at cars or pedestrians.
Its plowing capacity is rated at 381 kg per minute. Although, this will depend on the type of snow you get in your area. The SJ627E features dual LED lights at 3 watts each to simplify things in poor visibility and lighting conditions.
Key Features
- Durable Steel Design. With all-steel augers, this snow blower won’t break down quickly like some others on the market. Paired with a 2-year warranty, you can count on this snow blower to last for multiple winters.
- Extra Large Clearance. With a 22-inch wide and 13-inch deep snow clearance capability, this Snow Joe blower can easily tackle heavy and deep snow, ensuring fewer passes.
- Powerful Motor. With a 15-amp motor, this snow blower is one of the most powerful and durable available on the market, making it work faster and more efficiently than many other blowers.
- Dual Headlights. With two powerful headlights, this snow blower works great in the dark early and late hours, as well as while heavy snow is coming down, and you may have limited visibility.
Our Expert’s Take
“This powerful snow blower packs in all of the features you need to clear driveways, sidewalks, and longer walkways. The impressive performance makes it a great choice for most Canadian households.”
Best Battery Life
Greenworks PRO 20-Inch 80V Cordless Snow Thrower
- Power Source: Battery
- Type: Cordless
- Clearance: 10"
- Product Weight: 15 kg
It's Great For:
- Quick clearing jobs
- Canadians who own other Greenworks tools
- Small driveways and paths
- Areas with less snowfall
The Greenworks PRO 20-Inch 80V Cordless Snow Thrower has one of the longest battery runtimes of any other cordless snow thrower on our list. This blower works with yards up to 1 acre in size and runs for about 45 minutes before you need to recharge the battery. This gives you plenty of time to get your sidewalks and driveway clear, especially when the snowfall is light.
During its runtime, you can clear snow in paths about 20” wide, which is perfect for most paths and sidewalks. With a clearing depth of 10”, you’ll be able to get the lightest snowfall off your paths and driveway without much hassle. This lightweight machine is highly maneuverable and weighs just about 15 kg. It makes the job easy enough that anyone can use it.
You can discharge snow up to 20 feet away from you. The throwing chute offers 180 degrees of rotation, so you can determine where you want the snow to fall. This makes it easy to clear larger areas quickly, especially when you need to make your walkways safe after snowfall.
With an LED light on the handle and a simple push-button start, this snow blower is the perfect option for those who want to get the job done quickly and without hassle. It should be noted, however, that the battery is sold separately from the snow blower, which can be less cost-effective than some other options on the market.
Key Features
- Long-Lasting Battery. The battery (not included) lasts for 45 minutes, which is long enough to clear the snow in most spaces outside of your home. Canadians with larger areas to clear can easily buy multiple batteries to ensure completion without needing to charge a battery.
- Deep Snow Clearance. With a 10-inch deep snow clearing capability, even heavier snowfalls can be cleared away with ease.
- Adjustable Snow Chute. This Greenworks snow blower features a snow discharge chute that can rotate a full 180 degrees, perfect for anyone who needs to direct snow away from sidewalks, homes or cars.
- Extra Wide Design. With a 20″ wide clearing path, this is a perfect option for sidewalks and driveways.
Our Expert’s Take
“This snow blower is extremely lightweight and convenient, yet beefy enough to clear most paths and driveways. If you want to make clearing your spaces easy, this is a great option for you.”
Best for Big Spaces
Snow Joe 18-Inch Cordless Snow Blower
- Power Source: Electric
- Type: Cordless
- Clearance: 18 x 10 inches
- Product Weight: Unspecified
It's Great For:
- Canadians who don’t want to charge snow blowers daily
- Those who live on a large property
- Fast and powerful clearing
- Clearing snow at night
For Canadians who live on large properties and find themselves spending countless hours clearing snow every winter, the Snow Joe 18-Inch Cordless Snow Blower is one of the best options available. With a super powerful motor and extra batteries, no job is too small for this snow blower.
The Snow Joe 18-inch Cordless Snow Blower is a cordless option, so you won’t be dealing with cumbersome cords or gas tanks. This snow blower operates on a 24-volt lithium-ion battery and can get through 14 tons of snow per charge. Each blower comes with two batteries, which last about 40 minutes each. Those needing to clear more snow than average will benefit from how much this snow blower can accomplish.
The Snow Joe 18-inch Cordless Snow Blower has a built-in scraper, which clears snow down to the ground without damaging the streets or your property. Deep snow is not a problem, with its 18-inch wide and 10-inch deep clearing feature. With a 180-degree adjustable snow chute that disperses snow up to 20 feet away, you can precisely direct where you wish the snow to be discharged and ensure that it won’t hit cars or sidewalks.
For those who need to be able to clear snow away in the early morning or evening hours, which can often be dark in the winter, this Snow Joe blower has two headlights. These headlights help increase safety while using the machine and can help navigate clearing while it is actively snowing.
This cordless snow blower is incredibly powerful, durable and long-lasting. With the extra batteries and deep snow clearing capability, this is a great option for most Canadians.
Key Features
- Extra Batteries Included. Each snow blower comes with two additional batteries, making sure that you can complete a full job without needing to stop and recharge the battery.
- Dual Headlights. With two bright headlights, this snow blower works safely in the dark or heavy snowfall.
- Adjustable Snow Chute. The snow discharge chute can rotate 180 degrees for precise areas of cleared snow up to 20 feet away.
- Cordless Design. Operating completely on battery power, this snow blower is easy to maneuver without bully cords or gas tanks.
Our Expert’s Take
“With lots of power and capability to tackle large spaces, this snow blower is perfect for those living on bigger properties.”
Best Eco-Conscious
Earthwise SN74016 Snow Shovel
- Power Source: Electric
- Type: Cordless
- Clearance: 16 x 8 inches
- Product Weight: 8.62 kg
It's Great For:
- Environmentally conscious Canadians
- Simple jobs
- Small storage spaces
- All user heights
The Earthwise SN74016 Snow Shovel is perfect for small to medium snow clearing jobs, and is an excellent option for eco-conscious Canadians. This small and compact option is powerful and easy to maneuver in tight spaces. With a 16-inch wide clearance, it can fit where some other bulkier snow removal tools won’t. This snow shovel can easily clear snow that is up to 8 inches deep, which is a good option in the winter for most Canadians.
With no cords and a rechargeable battery, this snow shovel is easy to use in all spaces. The handle is adjustable and works great for any user’s height, making sure that it stays ergonomic and comfortable. This shovel can clear up to 300 lbs of snow per minute and has a throwing distance of up to 30 ft.
Those who are concerned about the environment will appreciate the power option of this Earthwise shovel, which doesn’t release any toxic chemicals into the air or surrounding snow. While many other snow removal tools use gas-powered motors, this one uses a rechargeable battery, which eliminates oil and gas mess, as well as overall battery waste.
Canadians who have limited storage space will benefit from the compact design of the Earthwise SN74016 Snow Shovel, which can easily fit into small spaces when not in use. It is incredibly lightweight, making it a great choice for those with mobility issues or who cannot lift heavy objects. Assembly is a breeze and can be put together by hand without the use of special tools.
Key Features
- Lightweight Design. This easy-to-maneuver snow shovel is great for those with limited mobility, and its ergonomic and adjustable handle is great for users of all heights.
- Long Distance Clearing. This Earthwise snow shovel can clear snow up to 30 feet long with its small and powerful motor.
- Eco-Conscious Model. With zero gas and oil emissions and a rechargeable battery, this snow shovel is one of the most eco-conscious options on the Canadian market.
- Easy Assembly. No special tools are required for this Earthwise shovel, and hand assembly can be completed in just minutes.
Our Expert’s Take
“This snow shovel was lightweight and easy to use, and its eco-friendly design makes it modern and appealing for most Canadians.”
Best Electric Snow Shovel
Snow Joe 323E
- Power Source: Electric
- Type: Corded
- Clearance: 13 x 6 inches
- Product Weight: 6.2 kg
It's Great For:
- Tight spaces
- Canadians who value ergonomics
- Clearing decks, stairs, and patios
- Smaller spaces
Not everyone has enough storage space, money, or the need for a beefy snow blower. One of the best snow blowers in Canada is the Snow Joe 323E electric snow shovel. This product has a 10-amp motor and can blow up to 180 kg of snow a minute.
Despite its size and lightweight design, the machine is pretty powerful, especially in light-duty applications.
While you might not want to use this to remove snow from a whole driveway, pathways and decks are easy to clear with the Snow Joe 323E. It has a two-blade paddle auger that can cut patches up to 13 inches wide. Its superior maneuverability and compact design make it a solid choice for stairs, gardens, and other tight spaces.
Users may also appreciate the ergonomic design and adjustable handle that takes the pressure off the arms, shoulders, and back.
Note that the Snow Joe 323E has an electric start function and can blow snow 20 feet away in one direction. You have to press the button and gently push it forward, turning it at will in awkward spots. Keep your eye on the cord and clear snow as soon as it sets to avoid heavy workloads later.
Key Features
- Ergonomic Design. Canadians with back issues or who worry about injuries will enjoy the lightweight, ergonomic design of this Snow Joe shovel, which takes the pressure off the back, shoulders and arms.
- Easy to Use Controls. With convenient power and snow-blowing buttons, the functions of this shovel are easy to reach and use.
- 13-Inch Clearance. This electric snow shovel can easily handle up to 13 inches of snow clearance, which will work nicely for most Canadians.
- Sleek Design. This electric snow shovel can easily navigate tight and awkward areas, making it more accessible and user-friendly than some bulkier snow blowers.
Our Expert’s Take
“The efficient design of this snow shovel makes it ideal for those who don’t want to expend as much effort to clear the snow on their driveway.”
Best for Compact Snow Blower
Snow Joe SJ615E
- Power Source: Electric
- Type: Single-Stage
- Clearance: 15 x 8 inches
- Product Weight: 11 kg
It's Great For:
- Fast clearing light snowfall
- All-terrain use
- Medium-sized driveways
- Compact storage
If you don’t get a lot of snow, you don’t need the most powerful snow blower. Using one of the best snow blowers in Canada for light-duty applications is your best bet for occasional or minimal snowfall. The Snow Joe SJ615E is arguably the best compact snow blower in Canada and is one of the easiest to use.
It has a two-year warranty and packs quite a punch on walkways and driveways without gravel and up to 8 inches of snow. The 11-amp electric snow blower, available in Canada, can clear up to 200 kg of snow per minute with its dual-blade plastic auger. You may not think plastic augers can cut it, but the blades are abrasion-resistant and made for operating in cold weather.
For the sake of mobility, the manufacturer equipped the SJ615E with an extension gauge that gives you about 100 feet of extra cord length. That should be enough for quick pickups off walkways, decks, and driveways.
Moreover, the SJ615E has a safety switch, all-terrain wheels, and an adjustable chute that can throw snow up to 20 feet away.
Key Features
- Small and Compact Design. This compact snow blower is tiny but mighty, with a powerful 11-amp motor. Those with limited space will appreciate the sleek design, which allows it to be stored in small spaces.
- Extra Long Snow Discharge. You won’t need to worry about making multiple passes due to the chute placing snow where you have already worked with its 20-foot discharge chute.
- 100 Ft Cord. While this Snow Joe blower may be electric, its lengthy 100-foot cord ensures easy access to places directly in front of your home.
- Safety Feature. A feature not often found on snow blowers, this safety switch gives peace of mind and a quick turn-off in case of emergencies.
Our Expert’s Take
“This smaller, more traditional snow blower is perfect for homes that don’t have a lot to clear. The compact storage was a huge selling point.”
Best Cordless Snow Blower
Worx WG471
- Power Source: Battery
- Type: Single-Stage
- Clearance: 20 x 6 inches
- Product Weight: 21.4 kg
It's Great For:
- Maximum mobility
- Remote areas
- Light clearance applications
- Fast maneuverability
If you want more mobility, getting one of the best cordless snow blowers in Canada is the way to go. Battery-powered snow blowers are similar to gas-powered ones regarding flexibility and maneuverability. You aren’t limited by a power cord and don’t have to stress about running over it or tripping when clearing the driveway.
Moreover, you can go as far away from your house as you want and clear the entire yard. The 40V battery has impressive autonomy, starts quickly, and makes the snow blower less maintenance-intensive. In addition, the new design and brushless motor don’t drain the battery as fast as similar models.
The chute rotates 180 degrees and will throw snow up to 20 feet in many directions. Combined with the chute deflector, this design allows for greater accuracy and prevents blowing snow at cars and pedestrians.
If you prefer clearing snow at night or the crack of dawn, this quiet snow blower with LED headlights is an excellent choice. And if you have limited storage capacity, the compact, collapsible design should help you maximize floor space in your garage or shed.
Key Features
- Wide Snow Clearance. With a 20” wide clearance, this snow blower helps to cover distance quickly, saving you time and effort.
- Extra Battery Included. With two lithium batteries included, the Worx snow blower can cover more ground without needing to stop and recharge a battery. Both cost-effective and energy-saving, the extra battery makes this snow blower worth considering.
- Space Saving Design. Both cordless and collapsible, this snow blower can be stored easily in small spaces, which is great for those with limited storage availability.
- Adjustable Snow Chute. With a chute that can rotate a full 180 degrees, you can easily direct where the snow is discharged, ensuring a quicker experience that is more aesthetically pleasing.
Our Expert’s Take
“Unlike most cordless options, the ability to expand the battery power made this snow blower stand out.”
Best Corded
Greenworks 10 Amp Corded Snow Thrower
- Power Source: Electric
- Type: Corded
- Clearance: 16"
- Product Weight: 12.2 kg
It's Great For:
- Sidewalks and driveways
- Canadians who need to clear snow in tighter spaces
- Snow up to 25.4 cm (10") deep
- Shorter users
The Greenworks 10 Amp Corded Snow Thrower is the best corded snow blower in Canada. This model is smaller and more compact than some of the other options on our list, but it offers enough power to keep the areas around your home clear. The 16” wide path makes this option ideal for sidewalks, driveways, and even patios.
The discharge chute throws snow up to 6 m or 20 ft, so there’s plenty of clearance. You won’t be throwing snow onto the paths you recently cleared when you use this snow blower. You can adjust the discharge chute 90 degrees in either direction, making it easy to direct the snow you’re clearing to where it won’t be a problem.
Worried about deeper snow drifts? This snow blower can clear depths of up to 25.4 cm, or 10”. This is a good depth for most areas, but you might need to clear pathways more often if more snow is expected in the forecast. Regardless of the size of the space you need to clear, this snow blower is capable. It features large 7” wheels to help steer it anywhere you want to go, clearing snow from the smallest paths with ease.
The corded design doesn’t hinder your ability to get the job done, either. Instead, it offers consistent power that doesn’t require you to stop to switch out or recharge batteries. You can do the entire job at once.
Key Features
- Adjustable Chute. With a 90-degree adjustment option, you can easily control the direction in which the snow is discharged from the blower.
- Deep Snow Clearance. This Greenworks snow blower can handle snow depths up to 25.4 cm (10″) deep, making it a perfect choice for those living in the most snowy areas of Canada.
- Long Distance Snow Discharge. With a 6-meter (20 ft) discharge distance, you can be sure that you won’t be covering paths that you have already removed snow from.
- Compact Design. With a small design and 7” wheels, this snow blower fits in most tight spaces while still maintaining a wide 16″ clearing path.
Our Expert’s Take
“This snow blower offered consistent power and a clearing path wide enough to keep your sidewalks and driveways safe through the winter.”
Why Trust Us?
We strive to give Canadian consumers the best information to make their shopping process as simple as possible. We analyze consumer trends, needs, and the top requirements for the best machines for winter yard maintenance.
Our picks result from comprehensive data collection, comparisons, and evaluations of the best snow blowers in Canada. With this information, Canadian snow blower buyers can make the right decisions based on their budget, local weather patterns, and other needs. We identified multiple top choices for various scenarios using our in-depth analysis process.
Here are some factors we look for when compiling lists of the best snow blowers in Canada.
- Power Source. The battle between electric and gas-powered snow blowers is still ongoing, but each has its perks and downsides in various situations.
- Type. The type of snow blower often indicates the kind of clearing you can achieve.
- Safety Features. Some people need more safety features than others, and we always consider that when recommending snow blowers.
- Quality of Life. We want Canadian snow blower shoppers to get the highest return on their investment and enjoy using these machines.
Why Use a Snow Blower in Canada?
Canadian winters are generally harsh and can be even worse in some territories. While many still use snow shovels to clear driveways, a snow blower offers many extra benefits. It’s an investment that can serve you well for many years, ensuring your property looks neat and is safer to roam during the winter.
Snow blowers save Canadians time and energy clearing around the house. A good snow blower can ensure you don’t get stuck in the driveway or block access to utility and emergency vehicles.
Likewise, snow blowers are easier to use and don’t mess with people’s backs. They can help elderly Canadian homeowners work safely and prevent others from developing chronic pains. In addition, snow blowers have tremendous clearing power compared to classic shovels – all without requiring elbow grease and upper body strength.
Unfortunately, there are many types of snow blowers choices. Your budget, needs, and location can determine what kind of snow blower you need to get the best bang value. In addition, the following factors can help you make a more informed decision.
How to Choose a Snow Blower for Canadians
Whether you are replacing your old snow blower or purchasing one for the first time, there are a few factors to consider before you make a purchase. There are quite a few things you need to keep in mind as you shop for the best snow blowers in Canada, particularly when it comes to the type of snow clearing that you need to do. The following features and factors will help you choose a snow blower that suits your needs.
Snow Blower Type
Most people think snow blowers have two categories: gas-powered and electric. However, there are a few more categories we can separate snow blowers into.
Single-Stage Electric
A single stage-electric snow blower can be the ideal choice to clear short driveways, walkways, and decks. They work best when the snow doesn’t exceed 6 inches. Single-stage electric snow blowers for Canadians aren’t larger than your average lawnmower and are quiet and easy to use.
They feature a plastic auger that pulls the snow while simultaneously blowing it through the chute in a single motion. These machines are often corded, meaning you need a long enough cable to work around the house. That said, single-stage electric snow blowers are easy to maintain.
You can also use them for higher swaths of snow but may need to make multiple passes to clear everything.
Battery-Powered
You may need more mobility and maneuverability from your snow blower, depending on the landscape, yard design, etc. In that case, you might want to look for one of the best battery-powered snow blowers in Canada.
These machines aren’t as powerful as their corded counterparts. However, they start quickly and don’t need much maintenance. A good battery-powered snow blower for Canadians can clear 9 inches of snow, albeit slower. But they excel at light dusting applications and can easily replace traditional and power snow shovels.
Single-Stage Gas
A single-stage gas snow blower has many applications. It works on levelled and paved driveways and walkways and can easily handle higher snow levels of up to 9 inches. Unlike corded electric snow blowers, the best single-stage gas snow blowers in Canada give you maximum mobility.
The machines are light, easy to maneuver and don’t take up more space than your average lawnmower. Furthermore, most single-stage gas snow blowers come with four-cycle engines. That means you don’t need oil. The only downside is that they lack the pulling power and design features to clear gravel driveways safely.
Two-Stage Gas
If you need more power, a two-stage gas snow blower could be the solution. It can clear patches up to 30 inches wide and 16 inches tall, as well as steeper inclines. Along with extra “oompf,” these snow blowers have an impeller with fan action behind the auger and feature engine-driven wheels.
Furthermore, two-stage gas-powered snow blowers for Canadians do a much better job clearing snow off gravel walkways and driveways. That’s because the auger isn’t in contact with the ground. If you want a more compact model, you can find many, but sacrificing size for easier storage may compromise the overall power.
Three-Stage Gas
Canadian homeowners who get more than 18 inches of snow or deal with heavy snow may need something even bigger. Three-stage gas-powered snow blowers are arguably the most powerful on the market. But these are the best snow blowers in Canada for heavy-duty clearing applications.
Three-stage gas snow blowers come with accelerators. They expedite the clearing process by pulling snow from collection augers and forcefully placing it into the impeller. That said, they don’t clear much wider patches than two-stage gas snow blowers. The average clearance rate is 30 inches wide, although some models may exceed it.
These machines aren’t the easiest to maneuver and are often expensive, requiring ample storage capacity.
Other Snow Blower in Canada Features
Once you know what type of snow blower you want, you’ll need to consider the following factors.
Power Steering
Power steering isn’t mandatory, but it makes snow blowers available in Canada more accessible and easier to maneuver. Power steering can increase your accuracy, make turning safer, and enables navigating around tight spaces.
Electric Start
Traditionally, gas-powered snow blowers have pull cords that allow you to start the machine. But more snow blowers feature an electric start function these days. Pressing a button to start your snow blower is much easier and more reliable, especially when you have to clear snow daily or in a hurry.
Speed Control
Not all snow blowers in Canada have advanced speed control, although multistage snow blowers should have at least four speeds. Extra levels, especially reverse speeds, make it easier to prevent clogs when clearing heavy, wet snow. If you live in an area that gets heavy snowfall, consider choosing a more powerful snow blower with
Adjustable Discharge Shoot Direction
Discharge shoot controls are often quality-of-life features. They can also increase snow-clearing efficiency.
Typically, you can use them to alter the discharge chute trajectory from vertical to horizontal and get better aim when clearing. This is usually a more high-end feature, but you may be able to find a snow blower with this specific update.
Dead Man’s Switch
Snow blowers are generally safer to use than lawnmowers, but that doesn’t mean the spinning auger isn’t dangerous. A dead man’s switch is essential for quickly stopping the auger and impeller, preferably when releasing the grips.
Heated Grips
Heated grips aren’t a must-have feature in snow blowers for Canadians. But they can help a lot in keeping you comfortable and active. Additionally, heated grips can let you operate the snow blower with thinner gloves, making it easier to work small levers and buttons.
Additional Factors
Finding the best snow blower in Canada may come down to additional considerations.
- Skid Shoes. Many look at skid shoes and see them as must-have components to clear gravel pathways. But it would help if you still had at least a two-stage gas-powered snow blower. That said, skid shoes provide more height adjustability and help you get the necessary lift to handle gravel driveways and pathways safely.
- Headlights. Not everyone clears snow at night, especially when using a gas-powered snow blower. It can be a bit noisy for the neighbours. But that doesn’t mean LED headlights aren’t helpful. You can use them at the crack of dawn for better visibility and at night. Furthermore, they make you more visible to drivers and pedestrians should you venture off the driveway and into the sidewalk or street.
- Drift Cutters. Think of drift cutters as knives for your snow blower. They are often essential for breaking down icy snow without overloading the machine.
- Brand. Like power tools, the manufacturer can make a big difference in performance, durability, longevity, and reliability.
- Warranty Policy. Prolonged warranties are often preferred, but you may also want to look at the policy for specific exclusions and a list of covered damages.
- Steering Trigger. Some snow blowers available in Canada come with a trigger mounted on the handlebars. The trigger can disengage one or both motorized wheels to help you make the turns easier.
How to Safely Use Snow Blowers in Canada
Using snow blowers correctly is the only way to preserve their service life and get rid of snow efficiently during harsh winters.
- Maintenance is key to getting the most out of your snow blower. If it breaks down naturally, the warranty probably covers repairs. But improper maintenance falls on the user and can even void warranty policies. Therefore, you should always keep spare belts and shear pins on hand and a fuel stabilizer. The latter helps gas-powered snow blowers, especially when you don’t use one often.
- Don’t use snow blowers in Canada that aren’t made for clearing snow from gravel. Even compact electric snow blowers for Canadians can pull stones and throw them through the chute. You can hurt yourself and others and damage the machine in the process. Likewise, adjust skid shoes accordingly to prevent pulling gravel.
- Avoid clogging by moving faster, and consider spraying light cooking spray on the blades and the chute.
- When the snow blower clogs, shut down the engine and wait for the blades to stop spinning before unclogging the machine.
- Wear tight clothing to avoid getting tangled in the snow blower’s moving components.
- Don’t multitask. Remain focused on what you’re doing, and keep your eyes on the snow blower and your path.
- Don’t test or start snow blowers inside a storage shed or garage to avoid releasing carbon monoxide in enclosed spaces.
- Wear eye and ear protection, especially when using powerful gas-powered snow blowers.
- Use appropriate winter footwear that will give you good traction and prevent slipping. Some snow blowers available in Canada are heavy and hard to maneuver. Thus traction is mandatory to avoid injuries. Cleats or spikes are often the best footwear for clearing snow.
- Don’t let kids and pets roam around the yard when using a snow blower.
- You may clear snow more often during heavy snowfalls or when dealing with wet snow to avoid overloading the snow blower in a single pass.
- Always use tools instead of your hands when unclogging a snow blower, even if it isn’t turned on.
- Perform regular maintenance on gas-powered snow blowers to maximize their performance and service life.
- Take a few rest breaks when clearing large patches of land. It will prevent arm fatigue and give the snow blower a chance to cool off.
- Don’t remove shields and other safety components from a snow blower.
- Drain the machine of fuel once winter ends before you put it in storage.
- When possible, go through the snow to clear it of objects and debris that may damage your snow blower.
- Don’t aim the chute towards the street or sidewalk.
- Keep track of the power cord at all times to avoid tripping or running over it with the auger or drift cutters.
- It’s best to avoid consuming alcohol, drugs, and medicine that may hinder your ability to concentrate when using a snow blower.
Frequently Asked Questions
Snow blowers in Canada come in varying types, ranging from electric corded or battery-operated designs to gas-powered models. Those with large properties may want to choose a cordless option for easy mobility. Corded options tend to be less expensive, though, and are great for those looking to clear snow directly in front of their home.
Those concerned about the difficult assembly of a snow blower should always look and see if the manual is available to view before purchasing. Most of these snow shovels and blowers on our list today have viewable manuals on their Amazon page. Some can be assembled in minutes without tools, and others will have more complex steps to put together.
Many Canadians live in areas where heavy snowfall doesn’t occur very often, if at all. Those who experience light snow, though, may still want to invest in a snow blower or shovel to help them easily clear snow without stress or exertion. Choosing a lightweight and compact snow blower is the best option for those who have yearly light snowfall.
