Single Stage vs Two Stage Snow Blower: Which One Should You Buy?
Single stage and two stage snow blowers compared on clearing width, intake height, throw distance, power and drive, with two battery examples of each side.
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Top picks at a glance
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- 1
EGO Power+ SNT2122 21 in Cordless Single-Stage Snow Blower9.6/10View on Amazon - 2
Honda HSS928 28-Inch Two Stage Snow Blower9.6/10View on Amazon - 3
EGO Power+ SNT2134 21 in Cordless Single-Stage Electric Snow9.5/10View on Amazon - 4
PowerSmart 24-Inch Gas Snow Blower with 212cc EngineView on Amazon - 5
Husqvarna ST224 Snow BlowerView on Amazon - 6
Honda HSS1332 31.9-Inch Two Stage Snow BlowerView on Amazon - 7
PowerSmart 24-Inch Two-Stage Self-Propelled Gas Snow BlowerView on Amazon - 8
PowerSmart Self-Propelled 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower 24-inchView on Amazon - 9
Husqvarna ST124 212cc 24" 2 Stage Snow Blower 970710001View on Amazon
Verdict: Choose a single stage snow blower if the snow is light to moderate and the ground is mostly driveway, sidewalk and patio. Choose a two stage snow blower if the snow is deep, wet or packed, or if snowplow piles build up at the end of the driveway.
A storm leaves the driveway buried and the walk blocked, and the question is not whether to clear it but which machine matches the snowfall. The single stage vs two stage snow blower choice comes down to how the machine gathers snow and how far it throws it. This comparison covers the differences, then battery examples from each side, from the listings reviewed.
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EGO Power+ SNT2425 24-Inch Two-Stage Snow Blower
A 24 in two-stage snow blower with a 20 in intake height, a stated throw distance of up to 50 feet, self-propelled variable-speed drive and two 7.5Ah batteries with a dual port charger in the box.
Who it's for: owners with long driveways and end-of-driveway buildup from snowplows.
Who should skip it: anyone with only light snow on short walks, where a smaller single-stage example suits the job.
Read the full review
The SNT2425 is the deep-snow example on the two-stage side: a 24 in clearing width with a 20 in intake height, a two-stage clearing system rated to throw snow up to 50 feet, and a 2-in-1 remote chute joystick with 200 degree rotation and deflection control. It is self-propelled with variable-speed forward and reverse controls, and rides on 14-inch airless tires with snow treads. The box includes two 7.5Ah batteries and a dual port charger, and the listing rates clearing up to an 18-car driveway with 8 inches of snow on a single charge.
Pros
- 24 in clearing width with a 20 in intake height
- Throws snow up to 50 feet with 200 degree chute rotation
- Self-propelled with variable-speed forward and reverse
- Two 7.5Ah batteries and a dual port charger included
Cons
- 201.0 pounds stated, the heaviest stated weight here
- Full rated clearing needs both 7.5Ah batteries charged
- 24 in width is wide for narrow walks and gates
- Battery warranty is 3 years, shorter than the 5-year tool warranty
EGO Power+ SNT2420 24-Inch Two-Stage Snow Blower
A 24 in two-stage snow blower with a 20 in intake height, a stated throw distance of up to 50 feet and self-propelled variable-speed drive, sold without batteries or charger.
Who it's for: owners with deep snow and long driveways who buy the recommended batteries separately.
Who should skip it: anyone who wants batteries and a charger in the box; the SNT2425 includes them.
Read the full review
The SNT2420 matches the SNT2425 on clearing specs: a 24 in clearing width with a 20 in intake height, a two-stage clearing system rated to throw snow up to 50 feet, a 2-in-1 remote chute joystick with 200 degree rotation and deflection control, and self-propelled variable-speed forward and reverse controls on 14-inch airless tires with snow treads. The difference is the box: batteries and charger are not included, and the listing rates clearing up to an 18-car driveway with 8 inches of snow on a single charge using two recommended 7.5Ah batteries bought separately.
Pros
- 24 in clearing width with a 20 in intake height
- Throws snow up to 50 feet with 200 degree chute rotation
- Self-propelled with variable-speed forward and reverse
- 14-inch airless tires with snow treads
Cons
- Batteries and charger not included
- 163.14 pounds stated
- Rated clearing assumes two 7.5Ah batteries bought separately
- 24 in width is wide for narrow walks and gates
EGO Power+ SNT2120 21-Inch Single-Stage Snow Blower
A 21 in single-stage snow blower with a 13 in clearing height, a 6-inch steel auger, a stated throw distance of up to 42 feet and adjustable skid shoes, sold without battery or charger.
Who it's for: owners with large driveways and light to moderate snow who want a wide single-stage path with skid shoes for uneven ground.
Who should skip it: anyone facing deep snowplow piles, where the two-stage examples list a 20 in intake height.
Read the full review
The SNT2120 is the larger single-stage example: a 21 in clearing path with a 13 in clearing height, a 6-inch steel auger, variable auger speed control and 180-degree chute adjustment, rated to throw snow up to 42 feet. Peak Power technology combines two 56V batteries, and the listing rates clearing up to a 14-car driveway with 8 inches of snow on a single charge with two recommended 6.0Ah batteries bought separately. It also lists IPX4-rated weather-resistant construction, LED headlights, a height-adjustable handle and a quick-fold handle for compact storage.
Pros
- 21 in clearing path with a 13 in clearing height
- Throws snow up to 42 feet with 180-degree chute adjustment
- 6-inch steel auger for packed snow
- Adjustable skid shoes for gravel driveways and uneven ground
Cons
- Battery and charger not included
- Rated clearing assumes two recommended 6.0Ah batteries
- No stated weight
- 13 in clearing height is lower than the two-stage examples at 20 in
Snow Joe IONMAX 48V 18-Inch Cordless Snow Blower
An 18 in single-stage cordless snow blower with a 10 in clearing depth, a 1200-watt brushless motor moving up to 700 pounds of snow per minute and a stated throw distance of up to 20 feet.
Who it's for: owners clearing light to moderate snow from driveways, sidewalks, patios and walks.
Who should skip it: anyone facing deep snow or snowplow piles, where the two-stage examples state a 20 in intake height.
Read the full review
The Snow Joe is the compact single-stage example: an 18 in clearing width by 10 in depth, dual 24-volt IONMAX batteries delivering 48-volt output, a 1200-watt brushless motor rated to move up to 700 pounds of snow per minute, and an adjustable 180-degree chute throwing snow up to 20 feet. The rubber-tipped steel auger and scraper bar clear close to pavement without surface damage, and a 2-watt LED headlight supports early morning and evening clearing. Note a contradiction in the listing: the size field calls it a 22-inch kit while the title and bullets state an 18 in clearing width; trust the 18 in width.
Pros
- 48-volt cordless power from dual 24-volt batteries
- 1200-watt brushless motor moving up to 700 pounds of snow per minute
- Rubber-tipped steel auger and scraper bar clear close to pavement
- 2-watt LED headlight for early morning and evening clearing
Cons
- No warranty term stated
- 20-foot throw is the lowest stated here
- No stated weight
- 18 in width is the narrowest stated here
Other machines to compare
PowerSmart 24-Inch Gas Snow Blower with 212cc EngineCheck price on Amazon
Husqvarna ST224 Snow BlowerCheck price on Amazon
Honda HSS1332 31.9-Inch Two Stage Snow BlowerCheck price on Amazon
PowerSmart 24-Inch Two-Stage Self-Propelled Gas Snow BlowerCheck price on Amazon
PowerSmart Self-Propelled 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower 24-inchCheck price on Amazon
Husqvarna ST124 212cc 24" 2 Stage Snow Blower 970710001Check price on Amazon
Single stage vs two stage snow blower side by side
| Snow Blower | Acre Score | Stage | Clearing Width | Throw Distance | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EGO SNT2425 Two-Stage | 9.6/10 | Two stage | 24 in | Up to 50 ft | 5-year tool, 3-year battery |
| EGO SNT2420 Two-Stage | 9.5/10 | Two stage | 24 in | Up to 50 ft | 5-year tool |
| EGO SNT2120 Single-Stage | 9.5/10 | Single stage | 21 in | Up to 42 ft | 5-year tool |
| Snow Joe 48V 18-Inch | 9.4/10 | Single stage | 18 in | Up to 20 ft | Not stated |
Figures are manufacturer stated for the four example models, collected 1 November 2026.
How the two stages differ
On the single-stage side, the Snow Joe example lists a rubber-tipped steel auger with a scraper bar that clears close to the pavement, and the EGO single-stage example lists a 6-inch steel auger. On the two-stage side, the listings describe a two-stage snow clearing system built to move large volumes of snow. The two-stage examples also list self-propelled drive, while the single-stage examples list none.
Clearing width and intake height
Width and height separate the sides clearly, and both sides state these specs, so the comparison is direct. The Snow Joe example clears an 18 in wide by 10 in deep path. The EGO single-stage example clears a 21 in path with a 13 in clearing height. The two-stage examples clear a 24 in path with a 20 in intake height, and the listings say that width and height help power through packed snow, snowbanks and end-of-driveway buildup. For light to moderate snow on a driveway and walks, the single-stage widths cover the job; for snowplow piles, the two-stage intake height is the deciding spec.
Throw distance and chute control
Throw distance follows the same pattern. The Snow Joe example throws snow up to 20 feet through an adjustable 180-degree chute. The EGO single-stage example throws snow up to 42 feet with variable auger speed control and 180-degree chute adjustment. The two-stage examples throw snow up to 50 feet, with a 2-in-1 remote chute joystick delivering 200 degree rotation and deflection control. Longer throw matters when the cleared area is wide and the snow has to land clear of drives and walks.
Power and batteries
All four examples are battery powered, so there is no gas, no pull start and no fuel mixing here. The Snow Joe example runs on 48-volt output from dual 24-volt batteries, and its kit size field lists two 8.0-amp batteries and a charger. The EGO examples run on Peak Power technology combining two 56V batteries. The two-stage SNT2425 includes two 7.5Ah batteries and a dual port charger. The SNT2420 and the single-stage SNT2120 do not include batteries or a charger: the SNT2420 recommends two 7.5Ah batteries bought separately, and the SNT2120 recommends two 6.0Ah batteries bought separately.
Handling and weight
Weight is stated for the two-stage examples only: 201.0 pounds for the SNT2425 and 163.14 pounds for the SNT2420. Both are self-propelled with variable-speed forward and reverse controls, and both ride on 14-inch airless tires with snow treads, which the listings say give traction without flats or tire upkeep. Neither single-stage example states a weight. The single-stage EGO example lists adjustable skid shoes for gravel driveways and irregular ground, plus a quick-fold handle for compact storage. The Snow Joe example lists wheels for driveway clearing and a 2-watt LED headlight.
The four examples
Acreage and terrain fit
EGO SNT2425 Two-Stage
EGO SNT2420 Two-Stage
EGO SNT2120 Single-Stage
Snow Joe 48V 18-Inch
Matching It to Your Property
- Flat driveway with walks and a patio: the 18 in Snow Joe example or the 21 in single-stage example cover the stated paths with no self-propelled drive stated.
- Gravel or uneven ground: the single-stage EGO example lists adjustable skid shoes.
- Deep snow and snowplow piles at the driveway end: the two-stage examples list a 20 in intake height and self-propelled drive.
- Tight storage: the single-stage EGO example lists a quick-fold handle for compact storage.
- Wide, open driveway with room to throw: the two-stage examples throw up to 50 feet with joystick chute control.
The Acre Score explained
The Acre Score weighs five factors: performance (clearing width, intake height, throw distance and power), build quality (auger, tires and construction), value (what comes in the box), safety (certifications or operator controls the listing states) and warranty (years and coverage). A factor the listing does not state scores zero, which is why the Snow Joe example scores zero for warranty and safety, and why no example scores for safety: no listing states a qualifying safety certification or operator control.
| Product | Acre Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EGO SNT2425 Two-Stage | 9.6 | 30 | 21 | 21 | 0 | 4 |
| EGO SNT2420 Two-Stage | 9.5 | 30 | 21 | 20 | 0 | 3 |
| EGO SNT2120 Single-Stage | 9.5 | 28 | 21 | 20 | 0 | 3 |
| Snow Joe 48V 18-Inch | 9.4 | 27 | 20 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.
For a wider field of battery snow blowers, see the best snow blower roundup.
Read the manual, keep children and pets out of the yard while you work, wear eye and hearing protection and sturdy footwear, and never exceed the slope rating of your machine. Refuel only with the engine off and cool. See CPSC lawn mower safety. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
FAQ: mowing large lots
Can a single-stage snow blower handle deep snow?
It depends on the depth. The Snow Joe example is listed for light to moderate snow, and the single-stage EGO example is rated for a 14-car driveway with 8 inches of snow on a single charge. The two-stage examples are listed for deep snow, wet snow and packed snow, with a 24 in width and 20 in intake height for snowbanks and end-of-driveway buildup.
What does a two-stage snow blower do differently?
The listings describe a two-stage snow clearing system that moves large volumes of snow. The two-stage examples also add self-propelled drive, 14-inch airless tires with snow treads, and a joystick chute with 200 degree rotation. The single-stage examples list one auger and no self-propelled drive.
Do the EGO examples need batteries bought separately?
Only two of them. The two-stage SNT2425 includes two 7.5Ah batteries and a dual port charger. The SNT2420 does not include batteries or a charger and recommends two 7.5Ah batteries bought separately. The single-stage SNT2120 also does not include a battery or charger and recommends two 6.0Ah batteries bought separately.
Which example clears the widest path?
The two-stage examples, at a 24 in clearing width. The single-stage EGO example clears a 21 in path, and the Snow Joe example clears an 18 in path. Width alone does not decide the pick: intake height and throw distance matter just as much for deep snow.
What warranty do the examples carry?
The three EGO examples each list a 5-year limited tool warranty, and the SNT2425 adds a 3-year limited battery warranty. The Snow Joe example states no warranty term, so warranty scores zero for that example.
