ConsFirst / Snow blowers / Compare
Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE 24-inch Gas Snow Blower vs EGO Power+ 24-Inch Self-Propelled 2-Stage Snow Blower with Peak Power
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more
The short answer
Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE 24-inch Gas Snow Blower ranks higher (#1 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on clearing power, runtime.
The biggest complaint about the Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE 24-inch Gas Snow Blower is bogs down in deep, heavy snow; for the EGO Power+ 24-Inch Self-Propelled 2-Stage Snow Blower with Peak Power it's awkward chute and controls. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE 24-inch Gas Snow Blower | EGO Power+ 24-Inch Self-Propelled 2-Stage Snow Blower with Peak Power | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in snow blowers | #1 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ |
| Type | Single-stage gas | Two-stage |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | — | — |
| Overall score | 4.4 | 4.1 |
| Clearing power | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Runtime | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Handling & weight | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Easy start & upkeep | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Durability | 4.5 | — |
Price tiers: $ under $300 · $$ $300–900 · $$$ over $900. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE 24-inch Gas Snow Blower
- 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
EGO Power+ 24-Inch Self-Propelled 2-Stage Snow Blower with Peak Power
- Awkward chute and controls
Popular Mechanics says the separate deflector control makes on-the-fly adjustments awkward; Wirecutter calls its two-part chute control tedious and clunky. Bob Vila found the throttle and auger controls reversed from normal.
- Can stall in heavy snow
It stalled once when pushed too quickly into very heavy snow (Bob Vila).
Source: Bob Vila (best snow blowers) - Long recharge, heavy for electric
Batteries get hot and need to cool down, then several hours to charge. It is heavier than most electric models and needs more assembly (Bob Vila).
Who should pick which
Pick the Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE 24-inch Gas Snow Blower if
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
Skip it if: 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
Pick the EGO Power+ 24-Inch Self-Propelled 2-Stage Snow Blower with Peak Power if
Two-stage clearing without fuel or engine upkeep
Quiet early-morning clearing
Owners of EGO 56V batteries
Skip it if: You need to clear again soon after the batteries run out; You regularly get very heavy, wet snow; You want simple one-lever chute control
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.