Snow Blower vs. Snow Shovel: Which is Better?

Of all the tasks that a homeowner has to undertake every year, snow removal is among the most unpleasant jobs. How one accomplishes this task depends greatly on whether a person chooses a snow blower or a snow shovel. Both have positive and negative characteristics, and a decision should consider frequency of snowfall, property size, physical ability, and budget.

Price and Value

The point here is budget concerns, and that is where the major difference in pricing between the two can be observed: whereas a basic and simple snow shovel goes for around $30, motorized ones sell anywhere between $80 to $300, depending on brand, features, and battery power.

A snow blower is much more of an investment. Single-stage snow blowers range from about $200, with high-end two-stage models selling for around $800 up to $1,500. Of course, even though the initial cost is significantly higher, a snow blower may be a better deal for the person who needs to clear a big area or for someone who receives heavy snowfall regularly.

Features and Functions

The snow blower and the snow shovel work towards the same task but differently.

Snow Blowers

A Snow blower is an appliance that is mechanical in nature, which aids in efficient snow removal. They come in three major categories:

1. Single-Stage Snow Blowers: A single auger scoops and throws the snow, which makes them suitable for light snowfalls up to six inches deep.
2. Two-Stage Snow Blowers: These models employ an auger to gather snow and an impeller to blow it out through a chute. They are best suited for deeper, heavier snow up to 12 inches and typically come with self-propelled options.
3. Three-Stage Snow Blowers: Equipped with an accelerator, auger, and impeller, these models deal with ultra-heavy, ice-packed snow up to 21 inches deep.

Snow Shovels

Snow shovels are offered in both manual and powered variants:

1. Manual Snow Shovels: These require human energy to lift and throw the snow, hence being only suitable for small areas and light snowing.
2. Powered Snow Shovels: These have a motor and an auger and thus provide a less exhaustive way out by picking up and throwing snow without having one lift it.

Performance

In terms of efficiency and human strain, snow blowers are generally more efficient than snow shovels.

Single-stage snow blowers clear up to 6 inches of snowfall, while the two-stage clear up to 12 inches, and the three-stage model is able to clear up to 21 inches.

According to Toby Mathieson, the Director of Product Management for Stanley Black and Decker, single-stage snow blowers are ideal for walkways and small driveways. On the other hand, the two and three-stage are ideal for large areas that are usually characterized by huge snowfall.

On the other hand, hand snow shovels require much labor and thus only good to go with small spaces with light snow. According to the owner of Blue Rise Baltimore Roofing, Yaeir Moinzadeh, a two-stage snow blower can take up to nine square feet per second whereas a hand shovel clears approximately about one square foot per second.

Other Factors

There are a few other aspects that enable a person to reach a decision between using snow blowers or snow shovel:

1. Amount and intensity of fall: Light, seldom snowfall is suited for a snow shovel. Heavy or frequent snowfall requires a snow blower.
2. Dimensions of the property: Small areas, such as walkways and decks, are the domain of the snow shovel. Large driveways and broad expanses call for a snow blower.
3. Physical Ability: A power snow shovel or light-weight snow blower would be the best for physically disabled individuals. A regular snow shovel is highly demanding in physical terms.
4. Budget: The cheapest will be the traditional snow shovels. In case money and effort to be saved are in a balance, then battery-powered shovels and single-stage snow blowers would be suitable.

PowerSmart Snow Blowers for Reliability

Winter storms can be pretty harsh, and having the right equipment makes all the difference. PowerSmart has a lot of snow blowers to cater to various needs to make snow removal effective and efficient.

The PowerSmart 18" 15A Single Stage Electric Snow Blower DB7517 is a perfect mix of power and convenience. This model, at $119.99, is seriously packing a heavyweight punch: a powerful 15 Amp motor capable of moving 800 lbs of snow per minute and throwing it 30 feet; 180-degree chute control, which will ensure accurate snow throwing; a rubber auger that increases cleaning efficiency and is durable; and a lightweight design with a push-button start, thus making it effortless on sidewalks, steps, decks, and driveways.

The more powerful variant would be the PowerSmart 21" 15A Single Stage Electric Snow Blower w/ LED Light DB5021LED. It boasts a 21-inch clearing width, throws snow up to 35 feet, and has an integrated LED light that will illuminate the pathway for early morning or nighttime uses. The 180-degree adjustable discharge chute allows one to have perfect control over the direction of snow, while the reinforced rubber auger will surely make it durable. The company offers this product with a 2-year warranty and lifetime tech support for customer satisfaction.

PowerSmart also offers many other snow removal equipment, including gas and cordless snow blowers, to meet the numerous different tastes and requirements. The machines come equipped with electric start and self-propelling mechanisms for lessening winter's burden of chores.

Conclusion

Whether a snow blower or a snow shovel is better, depends upon individual preferences and snowfall condition as well as lot size and ability to lift and throw the snow. While a snow shovel is adequate for light snowfall and smaller areas, a snow blower is worth the investment for those who have to tackle heavy or frequent snows. Whichever the choice may be, with the proper tool, winter snow removal is not a task to be dreaded.