11 min. read
When winter hits, a reliable snow blower is one of the most crucial items to keep your home clear and easy to access. However, purchasing one of these machines can be a significant investment. Knowing the best time to buy one can take time and effort.
Read on to learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of buying a snow blower at different times of the year so you can make the best decision for your budget and needs.
The best times to buy snow blowers are January, when retailers start to clear out their inventory, May, June, and early fall when manufacturers release new models and offer discounts on older ones, as well as Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
If you want to buy a snow blower, January is the [absolute] best time to find a deal.
If you want to buy a snow blower, January is the absolute best time to find a deal. According to analysts at Consumer Reports[2], many manufacturers and retailers offer deep discounts during this time as they make room for spring and summer items, like lawnmowers and grills. The change of seasonal items gives buyers an excellent opportunity to get a good deal on a decent selection of snow blowers.
Keep in mind that manufacturers produce a set number of machines per season, so waiting too long may result in a limited selection.
The best time to buy a snow blower varies greatly depending on your region, budget, and desired features. However, keep in mind that manufacturers produce a set number of machines per season, so waiting too long may result in a limited selection.
May and June are also great months to consider if you are not in a hurry for a new machine. Snow Blowers Direct[1] recommends getting a snow blower during these months when manufacturers start to release new models.
In areas of heavy snowfall, snow blowers may still be available in spring. With new models coming out, you will likely get an excellent deal on the remaining inventory. You can also score a good deal on the machine of your choosing by back-ordering any new models before they arrive in stores. Depending on the manufacturer, you could even backorder last year's models at a deep discount.
On the other hand, some experts recommend shopping later in the year when most models for the season have been released, and demand is still low. According to Consumer Reports, August and September are the best months to get the lowest prices on snow blowers. However, they note that these months aren't always ideal if you hope to see a wide selection in stores.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are two of the biggest shopping events of the year, and they can be excellent times to buy a snow blower. Many retailers offer discounts and special promotions during these events, allowing you to save money on your purchase and giving you plenty of time to prepare for the winter season.
However, it's important to research and compare prices; some experts claim[3] that the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are usually on less desirable models and unknown brands.
Depending on your location and seasonal demand, you may be able to find great snowblowers on sale during other times of the year, such as:
In October, Amazon offers buyers an opportunity to purchase items at a discounted price during its Early Access Prime Day sale. This event is exclusive to Amazon Prime members and typically lasts two days.
During this time, Amazon retailers offer discounts on select snow blowers that might be up to 20-30% off the regular retail price. However, keep in mind these offers may come from less popular manufacturers, so be sure to check the return policy and the product warranty.
During particularly warm winters, the lack of seasonal demand can work in your favor. Retailers may give discounts they would only sometimes offer as they need to make room for upcoming seasonal items. So remember to take advantage of warm winter deals!
During particularly warm winters, the lack of seasonal demand can work in your favor.
End-of-season sales are hard to predict, but retailers will typically offer discounts on what's left of their inventory. If you're not picky about the model or brand, this is an excellent opportunity to snag a great deal on a snow blower. Double-check that the machine isn't missing parts and is still in good condition to withstand an entire winter season before purchasing.
Sometimes manufacturers offer special discounts and rebates on specific models or styles. These exclusive deals could range from free shipping to flash sales on new snow blower models. So remember to keep up with your favorite manufacturers to maximize your money-saving opportunities.
The worst time to buy a snow blower at a great price is during the late fall and winter. Retailers take advantage of the high demand in the winter, particularly during harsh ones, when they tend to inflate prices.
If you live in a very snowy area or need a specific model that is difficult to find, remember there has been a snower blow shortage in the last few years due to that pandemic-related supply chain disruptions. If the above applies to you, consider purchasing your machine sooner rather than later.
Not all snow blowers are made equal. Three main types of snow blower models[5] are available in the market:
- Single-stage: An auger clears snow and blows it away.
- Two-stage: An auger clears the snow and an impeller blows it away.
- Three-stage: An auger clears the snow, an impeller blows it away, and an accelerator enhances the blowing speed.
Each type of snow blower can handle different conditions and snow depths, so it's essential to pick one[8] that will work best for your weather conditions and needs.
| Single-stage | Two-stage | Three-stage |
|---|
| Affordability | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★ |
| Clearing width | 20-22” | 20-38” | 24-30” |
| Clearing depth (max) | 12” | 16” | 23” |
| Impeller | No | Yes | Yes |
| Performance: Light-to-moderate snow | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Performance: Heavy/deep snow | ★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Performance: Icy snow | ★ | ★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Convenience | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★ |
* Based on the most common features found in each snow blower stage. Features may vary by manufacturer and price point.
Single-stage snow blowers (sometimes called snow throwers) are designed to handle light to medium snowfalls. They are the most affordable option for home use, have a max clearing width of 20 to 22 inches, and can clear up to 12 inches of snow. But most single-stage snow blowers work best on snow no more than 6 inches deep.
On a single-stage snowblower, [1] an auger clears the snow and blows it away.
Two-stage snow blowers are more powerful and have a bigger capacity than single-stage models. These models can handle heavy and deep snow. Their clearing width ranges from 20 to 38 inches and can clear up to 16 inches of snow.
On a two-stage snowblower, [1] an auger clears the snow and [2] an impeller blows it away to clear it more efficiently.
Three-stage snow blowers are the most powerful machine available—they can handle just about any winter weather. These machines have an additional impeller making them ideal for clearing icy snow. Their clearing width ranges from 24 to 30 inches and can clear up to 23 inches of snow.
On a three-stage snowblower, [1] an auger clears the snow, [2] an impeller blows it away, and [3] an accelerator improves the speed at which the impeller can clear things.
Before shopping for deals on quality snow blowers, consider additional factors[6] such as fuel source, terrain, and comfort. Knowing which type of snow blower best fits your needs can save you a lot of money and time.
Most snow blowers run on gas, which offers more power but requires more maintenance. On the other hand, electric corded and battery-powered models are quieter and more eco-friendly and require little to no maintenance. However, electric options are limited and may be less convenient due to short battery life and the need for extension cords.
Electric corded snow blowers act the same way as gas-powered single-stage machines but don't always perform as well. Battery-powered snow blowers are available as single-stage and two-stage models—they can provide similar power to their gas counterparts.
Single-stage snowblowers have low ground clearance and only should be used on flat and paved surfaces. So, if you have any loose gravel or uneven terrain, you will need a two-stage or three-stage snowblower.
For areas of low to medium slope, you can manage with a single-stage snow blower as long as your surface is flat—any loose gravel will damage your machine.
If you have medium to steep inclines, you'll need to go with the two-stage or three-stage snow blower. However, if your terrain is particularly steep and icy, you might want to invest in a two-stage or three-stage snow blower with tracks. Snow blowers with tracks instead of wheels provide more traction and safety in icy conditions.
Single-stage snowblowers are light and easy to handle but require more effort on the operator's part when compared to two- or three-stage blowers.
Two- and three-stage machines offer more convenience when it comes to operation. These machines often include features such as electric starters and self-propelled drive systems. In addition, these models may also have adjustable and heated handles for maximum comfort and use time.
Single-stage snowblowers are usually easier to maintain since they have fewer parts and less complexity than two- or three-stage models. While two- and three-stage machines have more parts and may require regular maintenance, this is especially true of gas-powered snow blowers, which need oil and filter changes and spark plug replacements.
Don't let the price be the only factor when looking for a snow blower. Here are some essential tips to help you get the best deal!
Be sure to check online and brick-and-mortar stores. While online retailers like Amazon offer lower prices, don't discount the potential savings that physical stores can offer during clearance sales and off-season specials.
When buying a snow blower, remember to review the manufacturer's warranty and the retailer's return policy. In addition, it's worth noting that warranties start from the date of purchase. Therefore, if you wait until the next season to test the machine or reside in an area with unpredictable snowfall, you could miss out on the warranty period.
Refurbished snow blowers can be a great way to save money. They're machines that have been returned to the manufacturer, repaired, and restored to their original condition, often sold at a fraction of the cost of a new machine.
Don't forget to factor in convenience and safety when considering the cost of a snow blower—time is money. The time it takes to shovel snow can add up quickly, and so can costly medical bills if you strain your back shoveling.
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