Most Reliable Snow Blower Brands

Chief among our findings is that neither gas nor electric power gets the edge for long-term use. “Our surveys found that power source really isn’t a predictor for reliability,” says Nick Gallivan, CR’s survey associate in charge of snow blowers. You can find a reliable model no matter your preferred power source.

We also found that battery and electric corded models are growing increasingly popular. (Good thing CR’s ratings now feature more tested models than ever before.)

We determine predicted reliability ratings by asking CR members whether a snow blower they bought developed problems or broke within the first five years of ownership. Then we use that data to make projections about how new models from a given brand will hold up over time. Some brands have a much higher problem rate than others.

We also ask members how likely they are to recommend their snow blower to friends or family members. That serves as the basis for our owner satisfaction rating.

We’ve highlighted the most reliable snow blower brands here and flagged a few top-scoring models with the power—and predicted reliability scores—to be worth a serious look. If you’re in the market for a snow blower, use our buying guide to zero in on the right type of machine and the best features for you. If you’re ready to shop, turn to our snow blower ratings (available to CR members) for a full list of recommended models.