• Last updatedLast updated: Nov 06, 2022

10 Magnificent 2 Stage Snow Blowers Under $1000 – Top Reviews of 2022

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Don’t you want to replace that old shovel with a new, modern snow blower?

During the cold winter months, you probably have to deal with a lot of back & shoulder aches. You are so used to that old shovel that replacing it with a modern device seems surreal.

Fortunately, since inexpensive snow blowers have stormed the market, you can now have fun when clearing the snow while at the same time enjoying a pain-free holiday together with your loved ones.

No one enjoys having a sore back, right?

That’s why you need to discover the best 2 stage snow blower under $1000 and ease your work like never before. If you live in an area where getting a lot of snow is typical for the cold season, then it is even more important to spare yourself the fatigue, pain and loss of time of using a shovel for snow removal.

Even if you are fit and you enjoy making some exercises, shoveling could prove impossible if you have to clear a driveway, a backyard and three sidewalks in a matter of hours.

Snow blowers are an excellent choice for clearing out deep, dense snow, in a very short amount of time. Featuring easily adjustable chute deflectors, powerful independent wheels and assisted maneuver, these modern devices can help you save a whole lot of time and have fun while performing the difficult task of snow removal.

Why haven’t you bought one already?

Probably because you have never heard of a snow blower or snow thrower before. Or maybe because you though these devices are extremely expensive and are out of the discussion, as buying one could make a big hole in your budget.

We know that your time is precious, so let’s dive straight into it. Here are 10 fabulous snow blowers under $1000 that can meet your needs and even exceed your wildest expectations.

Features
  • 208 cc pro engine with 9.5 HP and electric start
  • Wheel size: 13 x 4 inches
  • 24” clearing width and 23” height
  • 4 position adjustable handle height
  • High-quality headlight lens for improved visibility, especially during the night or low-light conditions
  • Reduced tipping force thanks to the solid build
  • Powerful ribbon auger that can break ice and snow alike
  • Console mounted chute that can be remotely controlled to redirect the snow to your desired location
  • 180-degree chute rotation
  • 2 years standard warranty + 4 years engine warranty
  • Durable skid plates & friction disk drive
  • Weight: 240 pounds
  • Dimensions: 35 x 28.5 x 52.25 inches

When it comes to buying a 2-stage snow blower for under $1000, the design is a very important aspect. Although most snow throwers look quite the same, with orange gear case and orange auger, some units stand out of the crowd thanks to their unique design. One of these snow throwers is Poulan PRO PR241.

In addition to looking exquisite, the Poulan PRO PR241 is a snow thrower that does its job flawlessly. This powerful unit can easily absorb snow, ice and small rocks from your gravel areas, large paved areas, sidewalks and driveways.

Thanks to the advanced security features, such as improved friction disk transmission, adjustable handle height and easy-to-use control panel, the risk of accidents is dramatically reduced.

The bolted auger housing comes as a great alternative to the standard welded housing, offering increased security and durability. Moreover, the remote chute rotation is simply excellent, especially if you are dealing with a lot of snow and you need to change the direction of the deflected snow.

To top it all, this unit is manufactured by Poulan. This innovative company has been designed lawn mowers, snow blowers, chainsaws and riding mowers for over 7 decades. All of their products bear the mark of Poulan’s innovation and creativity.

Poulan PRO PR241 is not just the best-looking snow thrower in the neighborhood, but also one of the most reliable, useful and powerful.

Why is it special?

  • Adjustable handle height for ease of use and fewer back pains
  • 6 forward and 1 reverse speeds for ease of maneuverability
  • Gorgeous design that could stir up the envy of your neighbors, and even of passerby
  • Powerful and durable engine built to last: even if it fails, you have 4 years of warranty to back you up
  • Remote chute and deflector for better control and easier usage
  • Manufactured by a famous company with decades of experience in the residential & commercial outdoor equipment industry
  • 4-year warranty on the engine, which gives you the peace of mind that your investment is safe

What are the flaws?

  • Quite a big snow blower that might be difficult to assemble
  • Comes with only one speed in reverse
Features
  • High-performance snow blower
  • Adjustable handle height for improved ergonomics
  • Electric starter
  • Equipped with powerful headlight for nocturnal operations
  • Weight: 240 pounds
  • Dimensions: 35 x 28.5 x 52.25 inches
  • 1-year full warranty from the manufacturer
  • Equipped with ribbon auger and friction disc transmission
  • 15-inch tires
  • 7-liter tank

How do you like exquisite engineering?

When it comes to features and innovation, Husqvarna is the king. Their new snow blower is designed in such a way as to surprise users with its ease of use, utility, and innovation. The ST224 has been specially designed for homeowners, having in mind their specific needs and challenges.

The remote deflector, 180-degree remote chute and heated grip handle all work together to provide you with a superior snow removal experience and to help you maximize the benefits offered by 2 stage snow blowers.

Why are we impressed?

  • Is equipped with heated handle grips, electric starter, LED headlight, friction disc transmission and ribbon auger
  • Thanks to the adjustable skid shoe, this device works perfectly on any type of surface
  • The ribbon auger is designed in such a way that it adds air to the snow, making the snow easier to absorb and to throw away. This also makes the device easier to clean
  • The friction disk transmission allows for an easy speed changing, regardless of weather conditions
  • Husqvarna ST224 comes with a lot of power
  • Designed by Husqvarna, a well-renowned company that has been manufacturing power tools for decades

What negatives must you be aware of?

  • Not the most innovative design ever
  • Extremely heavy: at 240 lbs., this unit is heavier than most other snow blowers available on the market
Features
  • 212cc PowerSmart engine
  • Electric start
  • 24-inch clearing width
  • 21-inch clearing depth
  • 40 ft discharge
  • 4 forward and 2 reverse speed variations
  • 180-degree chute rotation
  • Weight: 87 pounds
  • Dimensions: 34 x 30 x 25 inches

Do you believe that your yard is too small, only to discover that you have wasted the whole day shoveling away the snow?

Just like many before your time, you have probably decided to remove the snow all by yourself. However, this year the snow layer is thicker than before, and you have less time to deal with it. PowerSmart DB72024PA could prove to be exactly what you need if you want to tackle the snow in your backyard, walkways, and driveways.

This powerful device is a fun way to get rid of all that pesky snow. Thanks to the adjustable snow skid shoes, you can alter the height of the scraper in order to easily remove snow from any type of surface. Whether it’s dirt, ice, concrete or grass, the PowerSmart DB72024PA makes for an excellent snow thrower.

The direction control lever and the drive speed are both conveniently located on the front panel, making it extremely easy for you to direct the device and to ensure it doesn’t remain stuck in the snow.

Thanks to the heavy-duty auger system, this unit can easily pull snow into the blower without being damaged in the process. Moreover, the push button ensures a quick start. No more frustrating experiences fighting with recoil starters.

What stands out?

  • Can be assembled in less than 45 minutes
  • Allows you to cut through heavy snow with ease
  • Throws the snow far away due to the strong motor
  • Very easy to start and to maneuver, even in dense snow
  • Equipped with everything you need in order to do your job flawlessly

What cons did we manage to find?

  • Need to tighten the bolts all the way in to ensure the device will run smoothly
  • The tension cable and the belt might fail after multiple uses
Features
  • 3 years full warranty for the engine & parts
  • Equipped with an electric start
  • Comes in two sizes: 208 cc and 250 cc
  • This unit is equipped with an advanced friction disk drive system
  • 24-inch wide and 20-inch deep clearing path
  • 5 foot-pounds of torque
  • 12” steel scroll auger
  • Manual chute control
  • Equipped with a Briggs & Stratton 950 Snow Series Engine
  • Weight: 184 pounds
  • Dimensions: 43 x 26 x 56 inches

How important is the warranty for you?

A good snow blower can help you save hours and hours of precious time in dealing with the snow during the cold season. However, as you are probably already aware of, the wear & tear of snow throwers is as real as it gets. In other words, snow, ice and mud can put a lot of strain on your unit and can break it after only one year.

That’s why the engineers from Briggs & Stratton have decided to offer their customers a flawless experience, by adding a 3-year warranty for the equipment and engine. This means that you can use the Briggs & Stratton 1696610 Snow Thrower as much as you wish, or even borrow it to your neighbors.

You can even use it on a daily basis during the winter because you are insured. The 3-year warranty offers you the peace of mind that the manufacturer will repair the unit in case it breaks due to overuse.

Needless to say, this snow blower is made to last. Briggs & Stratton is a world-renowned company with over a decade experience in outdoor power equipment. They are known for their efficient, high-quality and reliable products.

Thanks to the 3-years warranty, you gain the peace of mind that the unit will be repaired or replaced if it sustains damage from overuse. Use it as much as you can, and even give it to your neighbors, and maximize the warranty offered by Briggs & Stratton.

What are its best features?

  • Extremely easy to install, as the big parts are already in the package
  • Extremely easy to use thanks to the electric start
  • The three-years warranty makes an excellent incentive to buy this unit
  • The Briggs & Stratton 1696610 is a snow thrower that comes equipped with a multitude of features: rotating arm, headlight, possibility to change the snow throwing angle, variable speed, and the list goes on
  • The gearbox is made of durable aluminum, while the steel frame, auger and chute can easily accommodate hard snow, rocks and ice.

What could be improved?

  • The chute is not properly designed to stay in place
  • It might be a little tricky to use, as the auger stops spinning when you take your hand off the handle
Features
  • Very easy to start thanks to the 196cc recoil
  • Features serrated steel auger that can slice through snow and ice
  • 5 forward speeds and 1 reverse
  • This unit is equipped with an aluminum gear case for increased resistance to impact
  • Weight: 125 pounds
  • Dimensions: 47 x 42 x 29 inches
  • High-speed impeller for maximum snow throwing
  • 0 HP with 298 cc electric start or 6.5 HP with 196 cc recoil start
  • 2-year limited warranty for residential use or 90 days for commercial use

The 2-stage snow blower from Yardmax is a small, lightweight device specially designed to cater to the needs of homeowners who live in areas with few snowfalls. The 22″ version is quite inexpensive and could prove to be a great investment, especially if you want to prepare for more harsh winters.

In recent years, many coastal areas from Florida and California experienced heavy snowfall. If shoveling was the norm before, now homeowners who reside in these areas need a more suitable tool to deal with the snow. This is where YARDMAX YB5765 comes in, being a great alternative to the basic shovel.

While specially designed for residential users who live in areas with mild winters, this snow thrower could prove invaluable during a harsh winter with lots of snow and ice.

Thanks to the embedded headlight, cup holder, easy-to-reach speed control and heated hand grips, removing snow becomes a pleasure, even during the harshest weather.

What do we love it for?

  • Extremely lightweight and easy to maneuver
  • Starts really quick and can be assembled in no time at all
  • Quite affordable
  • Perfect for residential homeowners who reside in warm states with mild winters
  • Can easily cut through large mounds of snow
  • Throws snow extremely far
  • Extremely powerful for its price range

What were we disappointed with?

  • Metal snow blower shoes
  • Recoil start is not as good as electric start
Features
  • Dimensions: 52 x 30 x 44 inches
  • Weight: 248 pounds
  • Warranty: 2 years (limited)
  • 302cc Dirty Hand Tools engine
  • Push-button 110V electric start
  • 30-inch clearing width and 20-inch intake height
  • Six forward and two reverse speeds
  • Heated hand grips and LED light

The snowblower takes care of you during your work with features like a push-button electric starter and heated hand grips. The yawning 30-inch clearing width reduces the number of passes you’ll need to clear down your driveway in order to make room for cars.
Dirty Hands couples all of this with a solid two-year limited warranty, so you can feel confident working this snow blower through a wall of snow without fear of damaging it.

The six forward and two reverse speeds of this snowblower are a major advantage for anyone trying to work through a variable snowpack that would get most other blowers stuck in their tracks. The 302cc Dirty Hand Tools engine gives you even more power to push the blower through a wet wall of sticky snow.

You can even make the snow blowing experience more comfortable with this snow blower thanks to features like heated hand grips and a forward-facing LED light. The push-button electric start ensures that the snow blower will start up easily every time, without having to fight with a recoil cable.

Why did it make our list?

  • Rugged and powerful 302cc engine
  • 30-inch clearing width
  • Six forward speeds and two reverse speeds
  • Heated hand grips
  • Easy to use electrical start
  • Reliable in wet, heavy snow

What is not ideal about it?

  • Extremely heavy at almost 250 poundss
  • LED light is too far back to illuminate snow in front of you well
Features
  • Dimensions: 41.7 x 28.7 x 54.7 inches
  • Weight: 184 pounds
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • 5 HP engine
  • 6-forward and 2-backward speeds

Quite alike to its younger brother, the 26” is equipped with the same features and has similar functionalities. However, it allows for a larger clearing width of 26” and has a clearing depth of 21”. If the PowerSmart DB72024PA was a good choice for narrow walkways and paths, the Power Smart DB7103 Snow Thrower 26” is an excellent choice for wider driveways.

Well, this is one of the most versatile snow blower available on the market. Plus, it has a wider clearing range. You can clear out the snow from more driveways and sidewalks while saving precious time.

Not much to say here. The Power Smart DB7103 26” is slightly better than the Power Smart DB7103 24”, but it comes with the same negative aspects and lack of features.

What are our favorite features?

  • The powerful 212 cc, 6.5 HP motor works excellent, enabling you to clear snow and ice with ease from large pathways
  • You can clear up to 10 driveways and sidewalks with just a tank of gas
  • Very easy to use

What could be better?

  • It comes with no heated handle grips
  • The snow ejection chute is not properly built and is not flexible
  • Build and assembled in China
  • It lacks many of the features offered by other manufacturers in the US
  • Quite difficult to use and impractical during harsh weather
Features
  • Dimensions: 30.75 x 48.63 x 34.5 inches
  • Weight: 264 pounds
  • Clears pathways 28” wide and 22” deep
  • Is equipped with a powerful 243 cc that spawns power in 4-cycle intervals
  • It features the all-wheels drive OHV noise guard to protect your ears against excessive noise
  • Wireless chute rotation
  • 6 speeds forward and 2 backwards
  • Comes with a full 2-years warranty
  • Equipped with reflective strips and in-dash headlight for safe nocturnal jobs

When your snow-removal needs are great, go with a Troy-Bilt Storm 2890.

The Troy-Bilt Storm 2890 is a heavy snow blower under $1000 that is capable of handling an impressive amount of snow. At 243 cc, this 4-cycle electric start unit can clear pathways of 28” wide. You can use it to easily clear all of your driveways and walkways in as little as a couple of hours.

This heavy-duty snow blower comes with 2 huge 15” x 5” tires that provide exquisite traction, even on ice. To top it all, thanks to the reflective strips and in-dash headlight, you can use it to clean your backyard or front walkways at night.

Why are we impressed?

  • Very powerful unit that can work for hours without interruption
  • Gas-powered machine that puts less strain on the motor thanks to the 4-cycle motor
  • It is backed by a 2-year full warranty, making it ideal for homeowners who are heavy users of snow blowers
  • Extremely easy to maneuver thanks to the 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds
  • The chute rotates extremely quickly and can be easily adjusted using the remote

What negatives must you be aware of?

  • At 264 pounds and 30.75 x 48.63 x 34.5 inches this is one of the largest snow throwers you will ever encounter
  • The engine is not as well protected as it should be
Features
  • Equipped with 12-inch steel auger and impeller
  • Light unit at only 218 pounds
  • Dimensions: 43.8 x 32.2 x 26.6 inches
  • Warranty from the manufacturer
  • Equipped with 13-by-4-inch Snow Hog tires
  • 4-cycle motor
  • Loop-folding handle for easy storage

The 4-cycle gas-powered snow throwers are well known for their reliability and power. Yard Machines makes no exception from the rule. At 179 cc, this two-stage snow thrower impresses by its power and reliability.

Being equipped with 13-by-4-inch Snow Hog tires, 12-inch steel auger & impeller, and a powerful 4-cycle engine, the Yard Machines 24-Inch snow blower is a great machine that does its job at removing snow from any type of surface.

The Yard Machines snow blower is so powerful that it can literally rip through compact snow and ice. Thanks to the 4-cycle motor and highly resistant steel auger, this monster can literally transform your impossible shoveling work into an easy venture. Piles of snow as high as 2 feet are child’s play for this powerful snow blower.

For heavy snow, there is probably no better solution than the Yard Machines 24-Inch snow blower. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall during the cold season, consider buying this unit.

What makes it special?

  • Thanks to the loop-folding handles, you can easily store this unit in your shed
  • The snow hog tires work amazingly well on ice and in heavy-snow covered areas
  • The 12-inch Impeller and Serrated Auger is made from stainless steel to quickly cut through icy snow or thick snow with filled with water

What cons did we find?

  • Unfortunately, this snow blower from Yard Machines is non-carb compliant, so it can’t be sold in California
Features
  • Weight: 186 pounds
  • Dimensions: 49 x 33 x 25 inches
  • 208cc Troy-Bilt electric start engine
  • 24-inch clearing width
  • 21-inch intake height
  • 180° chute control rotation
  • Self-propelled drive
  • 13 in. x 4 in. X-Trac tires
  • Serrated steel augers

This is an affordable two stage snowblower with a gas powered engine to make short work of snow clearing. The Troy-Bilt Storm 2410 has a powerful 208cc OHV entire which generates 7 hp with a torque of 9.5 ft/lbs. This engine works very well at lower speeds and it’s developed a reputation for power and reliability. This snowblower has a 12” serrated steel augur and it’s built to clear snow up to a depth of 16”. The clearance path is 24” and the intake is 21” wide and this works very well on piles of snow and snow drifts that can build-up at the end of your driveway.

The steel augur does a great job of breaking up heavy snow and ice. The unit rotates the material a few times to break it apart into pieces that are smaller to toss aside.  Under normal operating conditions you can expect a toss of 25 up to 30 feet. If the snow is wetter or slushy this will drop down to around 15 feet. The auger can be used safely on your gravel surfaces if you adjust the skid shoe height.

The Troy-Bilt Storm 2410 has a self propelled drive system with six forward and two reverse speeds. Many snowblowers have a reverse speed but it’s often too slow to be of practical use which makes the second reverse speed a good addition. This snowblower sits on a set of 13” X-trac tyres which offer great traction on snow and icy surfaces. Although this unit doesn’t have power steering you don’t notice it and making a 180º turn is simple. The handle grips are easy to use and the discharge chute can be remotely controlled in a 180º rotation. This is a great budget snowblower for areas that receive a moderate amount of snowfall and it can handle more serious conditions with a little patience.

Why are we impressed?

  • Can handle heavy snow and ice

What negatives must you be aware of?

  • No power steering

Things to Consider

Buying the right 2 stage snow blower is not such a tedious task. Now that you know our selection of units under $1000, try to pick one that suits your needs and meet your expectations. We also advise you to keep reading in order to discover which device is the winner between the 10 listed above.

2 Stage Snow Blower vs 1 Stage Blower

At 1-stage or single stage snow blowers, the auger cuts through the snow and ice blows it into the chute and then out onto the grass or pavement. For 2-stage snow blowers, the wheels and other assisting mechanisms enable you to clear the slopes and larger areas.

In this case, the auger does not push the snow directly into the chute, but the motor fan pulls the snow from the auger and brings the snow inside the chute.

10 Magnificent 2 Stage Snow Blowers Under $1000 - Top Reviews of 2022

2 Stage Snow Blower vs 3 Stage Blower

A 3-stage snow blower is like a supercharged 2-stage unit.

It works exactly the same, but it includes an accelerator that draws the snow faster inside the chute and enables the auger to clear the snow quicker. This includes ice, heavy snow and wet snow.

Main Features of a Snow Blower

10 Magnificent 2 Stage Snow Blowers Under $1000 - Top Reviews of 2022Most snow blowers are equipped with certain standard features. Here are 10 snow blower features that matter the most:

  1. Multiple speeds, both forward and reverse
  2.  Chute controls
  3. Single-handed operation
  4. Accelerator
  5. Headlight
  6. Heated handgrips
  7. Electric start
  8.  Ease of maneuverability
  9. Wide impeller
  10.  Airless tires (newer models)

How to Use a 2 Stage Snow Blower

Using a snow thrower is a breeze. Unpack it, fill the tank with fuel (in case it requires gasoline or gas to run), install the skid shoes, scraper blades and shear pins, and you are ready to go. Just clear the driveway or sidewalk from any large objects and dress well enough for the weather outside.

What is the Best Time to Buy a Snow Blower

You might be surprised to find out that the best time for buying a snow blower is during the warm season. More specifically, the best prices and highest selection happen in August.

In September and October, the prices begin to soar, while the selection diminishes. Prices are at their highest in November and December. The worst selection is in January and February, and the prices continue to remain high.

 

Weight and Size

When it comes to weight, snow blowers can be as heavy as 300 pounds, and as light as 150 pounds. Weight and size are not that important as other features, but they could become paramount in your case if you have narrow paths or a large shed for storage. Depending on your requirements and possibilities, buy a snow thrower that suits your home.

Design

As for design, most snow blowers are quite alike, except for a few select models. Poulan PRO PR241 is one of those snow blowers that can help you make quite a statement in your neighborhood.

Warranty

As a rule of thumb, every single snow blower comes with a minimum of 1-year warranty. Some models come with 2, even 3 years. An extended warranty gives you peace of mind that your investment is secure should your device break down.

10 Magnificent 2 Stage Snow Blowers Under $1000 - Top Reviews of 2022

Maintenance

Maintaining a snow blower is not that complicated. All you need to do is to remove any debris from around the plug, clean the deposits on the plug, gently wipe the motor and tighten the bolts when needed. Some other maintenance tasks are listed below:

  • Change the oil regularly
  • Check the skid shoes and scraper bars
  • Inspect the belts and replace them if necessary
  • Tighten the bolts
  • Replace the shear pin
  • Replace the starter cord

FAQ

If you are dealing with a lot of snow during the winter, or you are expecting a winter heavy in snow, then it is imperative to buy a snow thrower.

For starters, ensure that it comes with heated handles, a one-hand operation and a remote-controlled chute. Also aim for rough tires, headlight and wide impeller if you are dealing with a lot of snow.

Final Verdict

So which snow thrower under $1000 is the best on the market?

It all depends on your specific needs. However, we chose Poulan PRO PR241 as the best 2 stage snow blower under $1000. This unit, in addition to looking simply gorgeous, offers excellent maneuverability, comes equipped with a powerful motor that lasts extremely long in time, and is manufactured by an innovative company.

For all these reasons, we believe that the Poulan PRO PR241 is the best all-around buy for any homeowner, regardless of how mild or severe winter you experience.

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