Quick answer: for a typical paved driveway around Pittsburgh, a 21-inch single-stage gas machine like the Toro Power Clear 721 E is enough. If you have a long driveway or regularly get deep snow and don’t want a gas engine, the EGO Power+ SNT2405 is a battery two-stage machine. For a short driveway and a front walk, the compact Ariens S18E does the job and folds down for storage. For a city rowhouse walk and steps, a corded electric like the Snow Joe SJ627E is the simplest choice.
Pennsylvania snow varies by region, so start with your own numbers. In Pittsburgh, the National Weather Service’s 1991–2020 average is 44.1 inches a season, most of it falling in December (7.7 inches), January (13.3 inches) and February (11.7 inches) [1]. That’s enough storms to make a machine worth it for many driveways, and enough that safety matters: the CPSC reported over 4,700 snow blower-related injuries treated in emergency rooms in a year, with 36 percent to the wrist, hand or fingers [2].
Why it matters in Pennsylvania
How we chose
- Matched to snow depth. We used each maker’s own rating for how much snow the machine handles, so you can match it to the storms you get [3][4][5][6].
- Matched to the job. A long suburban driveway, a short one with a walk, and a rowhouse sidewalk need different machines, so each pick covers a different one.
- Recall history. We searched the CPSC recall database on November 7, 2026. Toro has had snow blower recalls before, including Power Clear models in 2011 and Power Max models in 2021, and Ariens recalled some Deluxe, Platinum and Professional two-stage models in 2025. None of those covers the four models below, and we found no recall for them [7].
- No star ratings or prices. We use specs from the makers’ pages.
Our picks
Best for: Medium paved driveways, 2 to 9 inches of snow
Toro Power Clear 721 E (Model 38753)
A self-propelled gas single-stage with push-button electric start, sized for the typical suburban Pennsylvania driveway.
- 21 in. clearing width; 12.5 in. intake height [3]
- 212cc Toro 4-cycle OHV engine; electric start [3]
- Throws up to 35 ft.; 210° chute rotation [3]
- 84 lbs.; paved surfaces [3]
- 2-year limited warranty; 2-year guaranteed to start (residential) [3]
Safety check: CPSC recall search found no recall for model 38753 (checked 2026-11-07). Earlier Toro recalls covered other models.
Watch out: Single-stage machines aren't made for gravel. It needs gas and engine maintenance, and the CPSC warns never to run it in a closed garage.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: Long driveways and deep snow, without gas
EGO Power+ SNT2405 24-inch Self-Propelled 2-Stage Snow Blower
A battery-powered two-stage machine for the bigger storms and the plow pile at the end of the driveway. It's sold as a kit with two 7.5Ah batteries and a dual-port charger, so there's no gasoline, oil or exhaust.
- 24 in. clearing width; 20 in. intake height [4]
- Throws snow up to 50 ft. [4]
- Two 56V 7.5Ah batteries and dual-port charger included [4]
- EGO says one charge clears up to an 18-car driveway with 8 in. of snow [4]
- Four LED headlights; 5-year limited tool warranty, 3-year limited battery warranty [4]
Safety check: CPSC recall search found no recall for EGO snow blowers (checked 2026-11-07); EGO's maker, Chervon, recalled cordless hedge trimmers in 2023.
Watch out: EGO's page doesn't list its weight, and it's a big machine to store. Run time depends on the snow; very wet, heavy snow drains batteries faster.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: Short driveways and walks, small storage spaces
Ariens S18E Single-Stage Snow Blower (Model 938027)
A compact gas machine with electric start for small jobs, with a handlebar that collapses quickly so it fits in a crowded garage or shed.
- 18 in. clearing width [5]
- Ariens AX 99cc engine; electric start on the S18E [5]
- Ariens rates it for small jobs and up to 8 in. of snowfall [5]
- 210° chute rotation; quick-collapse handlebar [5]
Safety check: CPSC recall search found no recall for the S18 (checked 2026-11-07). Ariens' 2025 recall covered Deluxe, Platinum and Professional two-stage models, not the S18.
Watch out: Made for lighter storms; the deep plow pile at the end of a driveway is more than it's built for. Like any gas machine, never run it in a closed garage.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: Rowhouse walks, steps and short driveways
Snow Joe SJ627E Electric Snow Thrower
A corded electric machine: no gas, no battery to charge, and light enough for a small space. Philadelphia-style rowhouse sidewalks are the kind of job it suits.
- 15-amp motor; 22 in. clearing path [6]
- Clears up to 13 in. deep; throws up to 25 ft. [6]
- Dual LED headlights [6]
Safety check: We couldn't confirm a safety certification on Snow Joe's own pages. CPSC recall search found no recall for this model; Snow Joe's only recent recall was for cordless lawn mowers (checked 2026-11-07).
Watch out: You need an outdoor-rated extension cord long enough to reach, and you have to keep the cord out of the auger's path.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Buying guide
- Single-stage or two-stage? Single-stage machines clear down to the pavement and are lighter; Toro lists the 721 E for paved surfaces [3]. Two-stage machines like the EGO add a second stage for deeper, heavier snow [4].
- Measure your driveway and your storms. Toro rates the 721 E for about 2 to 9 inches at a time [3]; Ariens rates the S18 for up to 8 inches [5]; EGO says the SNT2405 clears up to an 18-car driveway of 8-inch snow on one charge [4].
- Gas, battery or cord. Gas has unlimited run time but needs maintenance. Battery machines are quiet with no fumes but have limited run time. Corded machines are cheapest but tie you to an outlet.
- Read the manual. The CPSC lists it as a safety step before first use [2].
Sources
- National Weather Service Pittsburgh: Historical Snowfall, Pittsburgh (1991–2020 mean)
- U.S. CPSC: Let it Snow and Play it Safe This Winter (2024)
- Toro: Power Clear 721 E Gas Snow Blower (38753)
- EGO: Power+ 24 in. Self-Propelled 2-Stage Snow Blower with Peak Power (SNT2400/SNT2405)
- Ariens: S18 Single Stage (S18E, model 938027)
- Snow Joe support: SJ627E Electric Snow Thrower
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Recalls database (searched Nov. 7, 2026)
Common questions
How much snow does Pennsylvania get?
It varies a lot across the state. In Pittsburgh, the National Weather Service's 1991–2020 average is 44.1 inches a season, with January (13.3 inches) and February (11.7 inches) the snowiest months.
Do I need a single-stage or two-stage snow blower?
Single-stage machines suit paved driveways and lighter snowfalls; Toro rates its 21-inch single-stage models for about 2 to 9 inches at a time. Two-stage machines handle deeper snow and the heavy pile at the end of the driveway; EGO's SNT2405 has a 20-inch intake height.
What's the most common snow blower injury?
Hand and finger injuries from clearing a clogged chute. The CPSC says never to clear the discharge chute with your hands. Turn the machine off and use a clearing tool.