ConsFirst / Snow blowers

PowerSmart

PowerSmart 24-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower: the downsides first

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#7 of 8
$$Two-stageScore 3.3/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available

Bob Vila's budget pick: a self-propelled two-stage with electric start and throwing power that matched machines costing twice as much. Owner reviews are rough, though: 30% of Walmart ratings are 1 or 2 stars, citing damaged or broken parts on arrival, early failures and hard-to-reach support.

In the box: No battery — gas (208cc per Bob Vila and This Old House; the Walmart listing whose reviews were read says 212cc) with push-button electric start

Top complaints

  • Arrives damaged, breaks early, poor support

    Walmart's lowest-rated reviews report broken choke knobs and gas caps, missing parts, a unit that quit after about three hours, a drive that wouldn't work, and unanswered calls to customer service. This Old House also notes reports of bent parts and recoil-cord problems.

    Source: Walmart.com reviews (lowest rated), This Old House
  • Durability doubts

    Snow blower reviewer Paul Sikkema gives PowerSmart a 'Do Not Buy' rating (quoted by Wirecutter). One Walmart owner says the auger blades are smaller and the steel thinner than usual for this size.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Walmart.com reviews (lowest rated)
  • More passes, weak on slopes and ice

    Bob Vila found the narrower intake means more passes and traction drops on steep inclines and ice.

    Source: Bob Vila (best snow blowers)

What owners love

Good for
  • Two-stage power on a tighter budget
  • Flat driveways with up to about 10 in. of snow
  • Buyers comfortable doing their own fixes

Scores (tap for why)

What experts say

  • Bob Vila (best snow blowers): Best bang for the buck: throwing power of machines twice the price, but more passes and less traction on slopes and ice.
  • This Old House: Best gas-powered (based on owner reviews and specs): powerful and easy to start, with some build-quality reports.
  • Wirecutter (NYT): Not considered: Wirecutter skipped blowers under about $700 and quotes Paul Sikkema's 'Do Not Buy' designation for PowerSmart.
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If that catch is a deal-breaker

Highly ranked snow blowers whose biggest complaint is something else.

#1 in snow blowersToro SnowMaster 824 QXE 24-inch Gas Snow Blower

Wirecutter's top pick and the fastest blower it has tested, thanks to a high-speed auger and a drive that matches your walking pace. It is meant for paved driveways, starts to bog down in about a foot or more of heavy, wet snow, and has no reverse, power steering or headlight.

Its catch: bogs down in deep, heavy snow#2 in snow blowersRyobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 22-Inch Two-Stage Snow Blower Kit

A cordless two-stage that Bob Vila found outlasted most rivals and handled wet snow that clogged other blowers. Popular Mechanics praised its traction and easy turning. Recharging takes hours, and owner reviews were not available.

Its catch: slow recharge#3 in snow blowersCub Cadet 2X 26 IntelliPower Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower

A well-equipped traditional two-stage blower with power steering, big tires, two headlights and a metal chute. Wirecutter recommends it for gravel, lawns and slopes, and Popular Mechanics saw it handle 18- to 20-in. snowbanks. It is heavier, slower and fussier to control than the Toro SnowMaster.

Its catch: heavier and slower than the snowmaster

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