ConsFirst / Snow blowers

Ryobi

Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 22-Inch Two-Stage Snow Blower Kit: the downsides first

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#2 of 8
$$$Two-stageScore 4.1/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available

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.

In the box: 2 x 40V 8Ah batteries (Bob Vila; Ryobi's runtime claim cites (2) 40V 8Ah). Ryobi's page did not list kit contents and Popular Mechanics' retailer link mentions 2.8Ah, so check the listing.

Top complaints

  • Slow recharge

    The batteries need several hours to recharge (Bob Vila). Popular Mechanics suggests an extra battery for wet, heavy snow or large properties.

    Source: Bob Vila (electric snow blowers), Bob Vila (best snow blowers)
  • Short rated runtime

    Ryobi rates it at up to 30 minutes of runtime (or 20 car spaces), though Bob Vila got longer real-world use.

    Source: Ryobi official product page, Bob Vila (electric snow blowers)
  • An older Ryobi two-stage disappointed Wirecutter

    Wirecutter's tested Ryobi RY40870 (a different model) had shorter runtime than EGO, uncomfortable handles and a hard-to-use spring-loaded battery compartment.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)

What owners love

Good for
  • Owners of Ryobi 40V batteries
  • Larger driveways with wet snow
  • Self-propelled two-stage without gas

Scores (tap for why)

What experts say

  • Bob Vila (electric snow blowers): Best for large driveways and a close contender for top pick: long battery life and handles wet snow; batteries take hours to recharge.
  • Bob Vila (best snow blowers): Most versatile: good traction, steel auger and easy turning; consider an extra battery for heavy snow.
  • Wirecutter (NYT): Tested an older Ryobi two-stage (RY40870) and found it frustrating next to EGO.
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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#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#4 in snow blowersEGO Power+ 24-Inch Self-Propelled 2-Stage Snow Blower with Peak Power

The most widely recommended cordless two-stage: quiet, easy to steer and strong enough that Bob Vila cleared over 2 ft of snow with it. It can stall when overloaded with heavy snow, the chute and auger controls are awkward, and batteries need a long cool-down and recharge.

Its catch: awkward chute and controls

Head-to-head

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