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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.
In the box: No battery — gas (252cc) with electric start (Wirecutter; Toro)
Top complaints
- Bogs down in deep, heavy snow
Wirecutter says the engine starts to bog down around 12 to 16 in. of heavy, wet snow. Because it is light, it sometimes rides up over packed snow and tire tracks instead of cutting under them.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - Best on flat, paved surfaces
Toro recommends paved surfaces only because the fast auger can throw rocks. Wirecutter found it bounces on uneven ground and can lose traction on steep inclines with its small tires.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - No reverse, power steering or headlight
Maneuvering takes some strength without power steering or reverse gears, and the chute turns only a few degrees past 90 (Wirecutter). Wirecutter and Reviewed both note there is no light.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Reviewed
What owners love
- Fastest blower tested
It cleared a 100-ft path through 8 in. of snow in half the time of a 30-in. two-stage Troy-Bilt, cleared closer to the ground, and kept slush moving without clogging (Wirecutter).
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - Easy controls
Personal Pace drive matches your walking speed, and one joystick controls both chute and deflector on the move. It has electric start (Wirecutter). Toro rates throw at up to 45 ft.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Toro official site - Proven reliability
Wirecutter has used one through nine New Hampshire winters with no real issues, and it always started. Toro gives a 3-year limited warranty and the chute is guaranteed for life. Reviewed cites owner scores of 4.5 (Home Depot) and 4.4 (Acme Tools).
- You have a gravel drive, bumpy lawn or steep slope
- You regularly get more than a foot of heavy, wet snow
- You need power steering or reverse
- Paved two-car driveways with 6 to 18 in. snowfalls
- Clearing fast, including mid-storm passes
- Buyers who want a gas machine lighter than a two-stage
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick after nine winters: faster and better than larger, pricier machines, but it's for paved surfaces, lacks reverse and power steering, and bogs down in very heavy snow.
- Reviewed: One of its two favorite snow blowers: powerful, self-propelled and well warrantied; the con is no lights.