Last Updated on February 15, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford
If you’re in the market for a snow blower, you may be wondering if you should buy a single stage or two stage model. Both types of snow blowers have their pros and cons, so it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you.
In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between single stage and two stage snow blowers. We’ll help you decide which type of snow blower is best for your needs!
What is a single-stage snow blower?
A single-stage snow blower is the simplest type of snow blower. It has a single impeller that moves the snow out of the chute. This type of snow blower is ideal for small to medium-sized jobs, and it is easy to operate.
How does it work?
This snow blower has an auger that moves the snow into a chute where it is blown out. The speed of the impeller determines how fast or slow this process occurs, which allows you to control how much force you’re applying when blowing your driveway clean!
Single-stage models are ideal for small areas like sidewalks and patios because they don’t require much power to move snow away from these surfaces.
Pros of the Single Stage Snow Blower:
– They’re lightweight and easy to maneuver, making them perfect for smaller areas like patios or sidewalks. You can also use a single stage snow blower if you have limited mobility since it will not require much effort from you to use it.
– They’re less expensive than two stage models, so they are a good option if you want an affordable way of clearing pathways around your house without breaking the bank! What’s more is that these machines typically have fewer moving parts which means less maintenance in general and also makes them cheaper upfront because there are fewer components that could potentially need replacing over time.
– The single stage can handle wet snow and smaller amounts of it, but they’re not as powerful or efficient at moving large quantities in a short period of time. This means you’ll have to spend more energy doing so than if you were using another type of blower! You might also have to shovel a little beforehand to get the snow down to a size that the single stage can handle.
– They’re easy to operate – all you need to do is turn it on and go!
Cons of the Single Stage Snow Blower:
– They don’t work well on large areas or with deep snow, so if your driveway is long or wide it may take more time than usual to clear away all of the snow.
– You’ll need to use a shovel first since these machines don’t cut through ice like larger, two stage models can do with ease; this means that you’ll have less energy left over when using just one tool instead of multiple.
– They can be difficult to get started if the snow is too deep or wet.
Standout Features:
– Low price
– Lightweight and easy to maneuver
– Ideal for small areas
Is it easy to store a single-stage snow blower?
Yes, they’re small and compact so you can easily store them in your garage or shed after use.
What are the maintenance requirements for single-stage snow blowers?
Since these machines have fewer moving parts than other types of blowers, there is less upkeep involved with a single stage model. There may be times when you will need to replace an impeller blade if it gets worn down, but that’s about all there is to take care of here.
What type of fuel do they use?
There are three types of single stage blowers: gas, electric or battery-powered models. If you don’t want any exhaust fumes from your machine then you might want to consider an electric model – just make sure you have a sturdy extension cord that can reach the area where you need to clear snow!
How much does it cost?
Single Stage Snow Blowers range between $300 and $500. The price varies depending on the size of the machine or if it is electric versus gas-powered.
What is a two-stage snow blower?
A two-stage snow blower has two impellers – one that moves the snow into the chute and another that throws it out. This type of machine is ideal for larger jobs, like clearing your driveway, since it is more powerful than a single-stage snow blower.
What does a 2-stage snow blower mean?
It means that the machine has two impellers – one for moving the snow and one for throwing it out. This type of blower is more powerful than a single stage model, making it ideal for larger jobs like clearing your driveway.
How does it work?
The two stage snow blower works by using an auger to move the snow into the first impeller. This impeller then breaks the snow up and pushes it into the second impeller which throws it out of the chute. The speed of the impellers determines how fast or slow this process occurs, which allows you to control how much force you’re applying when blowing your driveway clean!
Pros of the Two-Stage Snow Blower:
– They’re powerful and can handle large amounts of snow quickly and easily. This means that they’re perfect for people who live in areas where it snows a lot or if you have a long driveway that needs clearing after every storm.
– They’re more expensive than single stage models, but they’re worth the investment because of their efficiency at moving heavy amounts in short periods of time (which saves labor costs too!). You’ll also be able to get many years out of this type of machine if you take care of it well.
– They’re easy to operate – all you need to do is turn them on and go!
Cons of the Two-Stage Snow Blower:
– They’re not as lightweight as single stage models, so they can be harder to maneuver around tight corners or in smaller areas.
– They’re more expensive than single stage models, but they’re worth the investment because of their efficiency at moving heavy amounts in short periods of time (which saves labor costs too!). You’ll also be able to get many years out of this type of machine if you take care of it well.
Standout Features:
– More powerful than a single-stage snow blower
– Clears large amounts of snow quickly and easily
– Ideal for people who live in areas where it snows frequently or have a long driveway to clear every time it snows.
– More expensive than single stage models, but worth the investment because of their efficiency at moving heavy amounts in short periods of time (which saves labor costs too!).
Is it easy to store a two-stage snow blower?
Yes, they’re large and bulky so you can’t really store them in your garage or shed after use. You’ll need to find a place to keep it outside.
What are the maintenance requirements for two-stage snow blowers?
Since these machines have more moving parts than other types of blowers, there is more upkeep involved with a two-stage model. This includes changing spark plugs every season as well as cleaning debris from the auger housing and impellers before each use.
What type of fuel do they use?
Two stage models are gas-powered, so you’ll need to have access to an outlet or fill up your snow blower with fuel before each use.
How much does it cost?
Two Stage Snow Blowers range between $600 and $1000. The price varies depending on the size of the machine or if it is electric versus gas-powered.
Which type should you get?
If your driveway is short, a single stage snow blower will do just fine. If you have a long driveway, then a two-stage snow blower might be better for you. If you live in an area where it snows frequently, then one stage may not work as well because these machines are designed to handle small amounts at once and will clog up if there is too much snow coming down all at once!
You can find single or double-stage snow blowers at most home improvement stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s. Make sure you do your research before purchasing one, and be sure to read the reviews of others who have purchased these machines so that you can get an idea of what to expect!
Low-End vs High-End Models:
There are different models for snow blowers and it can be hard to know which one is the best. If you’re looking at buying a new model, there are many factors that should go into your decision!
One thing to consider is whether or not it has an electric start feature because this means less work on your part when starting up the machine. Another factor is how much snow you expect to get each year and what type of terrain (flat or hilly) will be cleared by this model.
Low-end models
These are usually lighter weight machines that can clear small amounts at once without clogging up as easily in heavy snowfall seasons like those found here in Vermont.
High-end models
These types tend to be more expensive but they have features such as electric start and self-propelled wheels which make them easier for anyone who doesn’t want put too much effort into using a blower! If you live somewhere where there are lots of hills, these might be worth looking at.
Single-Stage Models vs Two-Stage Models:
Single stage models are good for people who have a short driveway or live in an area where the snowfall is not too heavy. If you try to use one of these machines in areas that get a lot of snow, it will quickly clog up and stop working.
Two-stage models are better for people who have a long driveway or live in an area where there’s heavy snowfall. They can handle more at once without clogging up!
In areas that receive only light snowfall, single stage models work fine because they don’t need to be able to clear as much all at once like two-stage machines do.
Single Stage vs Two Stage Snow Blowers: What’s the Difference?
– Single stage models are cheaper, easier to operate, and lightweight.
– Two stage models are more powerful and efficient at moving large amounts of snow quickly, but they’re harder to maneuver around tight corners and in smaller areas.
– They’re also more expensive than single stage models.
– Two stage snow blowers require more maintenance, use gas-powered engines, and can range in price from $600 to $1000.
– If you have a long driveway or live in an area where it snows frequently, then a two stage snow blower might be the best option for you!
– Be sure to do your research before purchasing one, and read the reviews of others who have purchased these machines. You can find single or double-stage snow blowers at most home improvement stores.
Clearing Capacity:
The clearing capacity of a snow blower is the amount of snow that it can clear in a single pass. This number ranges from 12 inches up to 24 inches, depending on the machine.
Single-stage machines usually have a lower clearing capacity than two stage machines because they are not as powerful. If you live in an area where there is heavy snowfall, then a two stage machine might be better for you than one that is only rated at 12 inches!
Discharge Chute:
The discharge chute is the part of the machine that sends the snow flying out of it. On some machines, you can adjust this angle to send the snow in a certain direction. This is helpful if you want to clear your driveway and then dump the snow on your neighbor’s property (not that we condone doing this!).
– The angle of the discharge chute can be adjusted on some machines.
– This is helpful for sending the snow in a certain direction, such as away from your house or garage.
– Be sure to check this adjustment before you start using your machine so that you know how it works!
Weight:
The weight of a snow blower is something to consider if you have to carry it up and down stairs. Single stage machines usually weigh between 35 and 45 pounds, while two stage machines can weigh anywhere from 60 to 80 pounds. If you know that you’ll have trouble carrying around a heavier machine, then opt for a single stage model!
– Single stage machines weigh between 35 and 45 pounds.
– Two stage machines can weigh anywhere from 60 to 80 pounds, so they’re a bit heavier than single stage models.
– If you know that you’ll have trouble carrying around a heavier machine, then opt for a single stage model!
– Be sure to check the weight of the machine before purchasing it so you know what kind of burden will be placed upon your body while using it.
Intake Width:
The intake width is the space that’s available for snow to enter into the chute, which determines how wide of an area can be cleared at once without clogging up or getting stuck in deep snow. A larger intake width means more snow will be cleared in one pass, which saves time when clearing large areas.
– Single stage machines have an intake width of 12 to 16 inches.
– Two stage machines can range anywhere between 18 and 24 inches!
– The size you choose depends on how much space there is around where you’ll be using it most often.
– If you have a large driveway, then go with one that has an intake width of 24 inches because this will allow more snow to enter into the chute at once.
The size of your machine also matters when deciding what type is best for your needs. If you have a small yard or driveway, then a single stage machine may be enough. If there’s lots of snow in your area and you need more power to move it around efficiently, then look into purchasing two stage models instead!
– Single stage machines are great if you have a small yard or driveway because they’re less expensive than two stage ones (which we’ll discuss below).
– A two stage machine will give you more power and efficiency because it has two motors: one for clearing snow from your driveway, another to blow it away!
– These are perfect if there’s lots of snow in your area. You’ll save time with these larger machines that can move around quickly without getting clogged.
Prices
Single-stage snow blowers: Single-stage models start at about $250 for a basic model and go up to around $500 or more depending on features and attachments.
Two stage machines cost between $700-$1250 because they have two engines instead of just one! The price is higher, but it’s worth it if you have a large driveway or yard that needs clearing often.
Maintenance Costs
The maintenance cost of a snow blower is usually higher than its purchase price, so it’s important to keep this in mind when deciding what type to buy. The more features your machine has and the lengthier warranty that comes with it will increase these costs over time as well.
– Single stage machines typically require less maintenance because they have less moving parts.
– Two stage machines, on the other hand, have more features and are thus more prone to breaking down.
– Be sure you’re aware of the maintenance costs before making your purchase!
The type of machine you choose will also affect how much money you spend on maintenance in the long run. If you don’t mind doing some extra work to keep your machine running smoothly, then a single stage model may be the best option for you. If you want something that’s going to require less effort on your part, go with a two stage snow blower!
Power Source
Single-stage snow blowers are powered by gas or electricity while two stage machines can use either one.
Gas models are best if you want something that will last longer and provide more power, but they’re also heavier which makes them harder to move around when clearing snow from your driveway. A gasoline engine typically costs less than an electric motor in the long run.
Electric models are lighter and easier to move around, but they can only be used outdoors and take longer to clear snow than gas-powered machines.
Which type of power source is best for you really depends on your needs and what’s available in your area. If you have access to an outlet near where you’ll be using your machine most often, then an electric motor may work well for you. If not, look into purchasing a gas-powered model instead!
Terrain Compatibility
Not all snow blowers are created equal- some work better on certain terrain types than others.
– Single stage machines are great for flat surfaces because they don’t require too much power to move around.
– Two stage machines can handle more difficult terrain, like hills and slopes, because of their increased power.
Single Stage vs Two Stage Snow Blowers: Which is Better?
If you’re looking for a model with more power, then go ahead and get the two stage snow blower because it will help you clear your driveway faster than if you used just one engine alone (which would take two stages).
If you’re looking for something easy to operate and don’t mind doing some extra maintenance, go for the single stage machine. Whichever one you choose, be sure to read the reviews before making your final decision!
– Single stage machines are typically less expensive than two stage snow blowers
– Two stage machines have more features and are thus more prone to breaking down
– Maintenance costs for both types of machines are typically high
– Single stage machines require less maintenance because they have less moving parts
– Two stage snow blowers can handle more difficult terrain than single stage models, but they’re also heavier which makes them harder to move around
– Gas powered models require less maintenance than electric motors in the long run
– Electric motors are lighter and easier to move around, but they’re also slower at clearing snow