Single-Stage vs. Two-Stage Snow Blowers: What’s Right for Edmonton Winters?

Winter in Alberta is relentless. Whether you are dealing with a dusting of fluff or a heavy, wet dump of snow, the shovel often isn't enough. When you are looking for the best snow blower that Edmonton homeowners trust, the choices usually come down to two main categories: single-stage and two-stage.

Understanding the difference between these two technologies is critical. The right choice depends entirely on your driveway size, surface type, and the volume of snow you need to move. Here is a breakdown of how they compare and which brands lead the pack.

Understanding the Mechanics

Single-Stage Snow Blowers

Single-stage units use a single high-speed auger to gather the snow and throw it out of the chute in one motion. The auger makes contact with the ground, which helps clean down to the pavement.

• Best For: Smaller driveways, walkways, and paved surfaces.
• Snow Type: Light to moderate snowfall (up to 8 inches).
• Key Advantage: They are compact, lightweight, and easy to maneuver.

Brand Highlights:

• Toro: Toro offers powerful single-stage options in both gas and battery. Their Power Clear series is a local favorite for cleaning right down to the pavement.
• EGO: EGO’s single-stage battery models are incredibly popular for residential areas. They are lightweight and capable of throwing snow up to 35-40 feet without the noise of a gas engine.

Two-Stage Snow Blowers

Two-stage blowers are the heavy hitters. They use an auger to break up the snow (stage one) and a separate impeller fan to launch it out of the chute (stage two). The auger does not touch the ground, making these units safe for gravel driveways.

• Best For: Large driveways, gravel surfaces, and steep slopes.
• Snow Type: Deep, heavy, wet snow and hard-packed ice drifts.
• Key Advantage: They handle larger volumes of snow and usually feature self-propelled drive systems to save your back.

Brand Highlights:

• Toro: For sheer power, Toro’s gas-powered Power Max two-stage blowers are engineered to resist clogging and handle heavy drifts.
• EGO: EGO has revolutionized the market with two-stage battery power. Their POWER+ two-stage blowers deliver gas-equivalent power without the fumes, easily clearing heavy snow at the end of the driveway.

Gas or Battery: Which is Right for You?

The debate between fuel and electric is closer than ever. For larger driveways or frequent, heavy snowfall, Toro’s gas-powered snow blowers deliver maximum clearing power and unlimited runtime as long as you have fuel. If you prefer quieter operation and zero emissions, EGO’s battery-powered models are ideal for residential sidewalks and smaller properties. Both options are engineered to perform even in Edmonton’s toughest conditions.

Additionally, Toro now offers their 60V Flex-Force Power System, allowing you to use battery power in their robust snow blower frames. While Toro and EGO are our headliners, we carry full lineups from Ariens, Kress, and Husqvarna.

Quick Decision Guide

Find the Best Snow Blower for Your Edmonton Property

Finding the best snow blower in Edmonton requires balancing power with convenience. If you have a massive driveway and want the traditional reliability of an engine, a Toro gas two-stage is your best bet. If you want a grab-and-go solution that requires zero engine maintenance, EGO or Toro battery models are the future of snow clearing. Browse our full selection here.

Not sure which model fits your specific needs? Our team is here to help you get ready for winter. Contact us today or visit our showroom to speak with an expert.