Buying a snowblower: types and features

Are you on the hunt for the perfect snowblower? Wondering which one you should buy? Here’s what you should know about the different available types.

• Electric shovels: ideal for small areas like balconies, sidewalks or very small driveways. They can remove snow up to four inches deep.

• Electric snowblowers: best for small, flat driveways. They’re typically unable to remove icy or heavy snow.

• Single-stage snowblowers: also best for small driveways with trouble lifting icy and heavy snow. They can remove up to eight inches of snow.

• Two-stage snowblowers: suited for long, wide or sloped driveways. They have no problem moving over eight inches of snow, even if it’s heavy or mixed with ice. However, they take up a lot of room, so make sure you have sufficient storage space.

• Three-stage snowblowers: perfect for large driveways and areas that regularly get huge amounts of snow. They can be up to 50 percent more powerful than two-stage snowblowers.

Now that you’ve determined the type of snowblower you need, you can start looking at the different models that are available. Some have heated handgrips. Others come with power steering, a feature that makes using a big machine much easier.

It’s best to invest in a popular brand because if replacement pieces are ever needed, they’ll be more readily available.

Always buy the best model of snowblower you can afford. Inexpensive ones tend to require more in the way of maintenance and repairs.