Winter · Framingham, MA
Snowblower buying guide: single-stage vs two-stage, and the brands to know
Buying a snowblower is really one question: what does your driveway look like? Answer that and the machine picks itself.
The short answer
- Single-stage: the auger touches the pavement. Good for short, paved drives and light snow.
- Two-stage: the auger feeds an impeller and never touches the ground. Needed for gravel and deep snow.
- Toro, Ariens, Honda, Cub Cadet and EGO are brands you'll find at local dealers and home centers.
Single-stage or two-stage: how they differ
A single-stage blower uses one rubber-tipped auger that scrapes the pavement and throws the snow. Light and easy to store.
A two-stage blower uses the auger to feed a separate impeller that throws the snow. Neither part touches the ground, and it throws farther.
The gravel driveway rule you shouldn't skip
On gravel, a single-stage auger picks up stones and throws them, which can damage the machine and anything in the way. Consumer Reports' advice: a gravel driveway calls for a two-stage machine.
Brands you will see at MetroWest dealers
You'll find these names at local dealers and home centers. We are not paid by any of them, and Gerson's Landscaping doesn't sell equipment.
- Toro
- Ariens
- Honda
- Cub Cadet
- EGO (battery)
When hiring snow removal makes more sense
- The driveway is long, steep or gravel.
- You travel, or leave for work before the plows are done.
- Shoveling heavy, wet snow isn't safe for you anymore.
Whatever you choose, Framingham's rule still applies: no snow pushed into the street.
Sources
- Consumer Reports, Which type of snow blower should I buy?, read October 31, 2026
- City of Framingham, Sidewalk Plowing Information, read October 31, 2026