ConsFirst / Snow blowers / Compare
Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE 24-inch Gas Snow Blower vs Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 22-Inch Two-Stage Snow Blower Kit
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE 24-inch Gas Snow Blower ranks higher (#1 vs #2 of 8) and scores better on clearing power, runtime, easy start & upkeep. Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 22-Inch Two-Stage Snow Blower Kit wins on handling & weight.
The biggest complaint about the Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE 24-inch Gas Snow Blower is bogs down in deep, heavy snow; for the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 22-Inch Two-Stage Snow Blower Kit it's slow recharge. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE 24-inch Gas Snow Blower | Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 22-Inch Two-Stage Snow Blower Kit | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in snow blowers | #1 | #2 |
| 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 | 4.5 |
| Easy start & upkeep | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| 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
Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 22-Inch Two-Stage Snow Blower Kit
- Slow recharge
The batteries need several hours to recharge (Bob Vila). Popular Mechanics suggests an extra battery for wet, heavy snow or large properties.
- 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.
- 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)
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 Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 22-Inch Two-Stage Snow Blower Kit if
Owners of Ryobi 40V batteries
Larger driveways with wet snow
Self-propelled two-stage without gas
Skip it if: You need fast turnaround between storms; You want lots of owner reviews before buying; You don't shop at Home Depot (the main seller)
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