Snow Blowers: When Is Single Stage Better Than 2 Stage?

SAVE YOUR BACK and learn which type of snow blower will work best for YOUR particular driveway and/or sidewalk!
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You can use the product button in the video or check out these links below.
• EGO Power+ SNT2112 21-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Snow Blower with Steel Auger - (2) 5.0Ah Batteries and Dual Port Charger Included: geni.us/56j2d
• EGO Power+ SNT2406 24 in. Self-Propelled 2-Stage Snow Blower with Peak Power Two 10Ah Batteries and Two 550W Rapid Chargers Included: geni.us/zosy8
• 40V HP Brushless 18 in. Single-Stage Cordless Electric Snow Blower with 6.0 Ah Battery and Charger: homedepot.sjv.io/NKn0bP
• 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 24" 2-Stage Cordless Electric Self-Propelled Snow Blower - (4) 6 Ah Batteries & Charger: homedepot.sjv.io/x905Z3
• 12 in. 20-Volt 4.0 Ah Cordless Electric Snow Thrower: homedepot.sjv.io/5bXZno
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[@jsaltirov]

Australia here. I watched the whole video, enjoying it thoroughly, and am convinced I would need a two stage. I just need to wait perhaps a thousand years till we start seeing some snow down here….

[@Sarz3661]

Let me know when you need ill send you one from Canada.

[@rpn000rpnca]

Same down here in SoCal. Only ever seen snow twice in my lifetime. I had to drive many miles to go see it.

[@misskitty2784]

This video is so informative for someone like me who has zero knowledge about snow throwers. I like how thoroughly you explained everything about the differences. I definitely want to get the 2 stage eco blower.

[@Mark_R]

I have a Honda hs720cc single stage for 5 years and love it! It is compact for storage in the garage making it easy to park both cars in the garage. It is still a workout if there is too much wet snow but doesn’t stop from cleaning. It makes it easy to also clear the windrows left by the snow plows as well!

[@Sharon-kp7lc]

Thank you so much for this video!!!❤ The comparison between 1 stage and 2 stage is very helpful and timely for me!

[@billyrock8305]

Canadian here 🇨🇦 🥶. I live in an area where snowdrifts are higher than an elephant. 2 stage the only way to go and my trusty flamethrower. ❄️ ✅

[@Piddington]

Probably the best snowblowing video I’ve ever seen. Awesome job!

[@topperdude2007]

This is the reason I have been watching videos on this channel since I first saw the most popular video "Fishing wires behind TV"(?) - Nils really does his research / homework and shares it with his viewers. Often times he even goes beyond what other "influencers" do not touch on - e.g. all the details when he installed the mini-split and differences between popular brands so that viewers can make an informed decision. Speaking of mini split, it would be neat for follow-up with how well it does as a heat pump in keeping the space warm in winter (especially subzero temperatures). But I digress. Keep up the great work. 👍

[@Charles-lane277]

Very nice review,this really helps me decide which one I want

[@danielaggeler9263]

"Thank you for a very complete rundown on snow blowers.

[@scotthuffman3916]

Excellent video! Just what I needed.

[@Russianmafia10]

My wife works in the ED, DO NO PUT YOUR HAND IN THE AUGER EVEN IF IT'S TURNED OFF. When it gets jammed, there can be a torque on the blades, and when it gets unlodged, the blades will get let loose and spin a little. That's how most injuries happen. My wife just had to repair a chewed up hand last night from this and sees at least 1 every storm. Always use the stick that most blowers come with

[@Sean-mc4iq]

The Shute isn’t the auger my friend.

[@Russianmafia10]

@@Sean-mc4iq guess what the chute leads to my friend

[@nicko5945]

You guys did get quite a bit of snow up there! My brother in law, Adam Marshall, who lives by ya was finally able to use his big expensive Honda blower that’s been collecting dust. You need to convince him to switch to your Ego blower so he can at least use the batteries for other yard work. Great video as always!!

[@nerfgodbigguy1405]

If you have a lengthy driveway or backyard ,go for the two step is my opinion and the other way round also ,great video LRN2DIY.

[@marcberwald3560]

Super… complete. Very, very helpful review.

[@alpappalardi7044]

Non sponsored, now that’s a review👏

[@slip0n0fall]

Awesome overview!

[@Davidatlw]

First time I've seen your video. I really like the way you educationally differentiated the two. I personally use to use a single stage snow thrower. However...about 4-5 years ago I had two 3' snows a week apart. Had to hire a service to clear it. Definitely did not EVER want to get held up like that again. My driveway is very steep down toward the garage door (lake house) so using a single stage is pretty useless. Like you say...frustrating. So I purchased a Cub Cadet 728TDE...has tracks. It seems to go thru anything. Easily cleared my driveway and my neighbors. Lol...never had a serious snow like that again. It's mostly been in the garage since. I look at it as good insurance against a large deep snow ever again.

[@TyinAlaska]

(Lake house)

[@Big_pl65]

Good overview for newbie like me! Thank you for the explanation between the two versions... now deciding whether the gas vs electric... not so convinced on electric because I used to have a wired electric and it was hell trying to use it....but would wireless have enough power like the gas...

[@twinwankel]

I bought an electric snow blower 10 years ago in Washington DC. With the warming, I've only used it 4 times at the most and we had zero snow accumulation this winter. Not my best purchase. I might take it apart for DIY projects.

[@Piddington]

I had a single stage for years and I am so glad I upgraded to a 2-stage SnowJoe with 4 12am hour batteries.

[@MichaelArtelle]

Canadian here, I'd say skip the single stage unless you regularly shovel/clear your walkway/driveway, or barely get more than 6 inches of snow. 2 stages are better in general as they just don't get bogged down as much. While they're not as maneuverable, if you can learn how to do a 90° turn in reverse, it really tightens up the turning radius.

[@markaes]

I live in northern Wisconsin, off the lake, where we get A LOT of snow... I have both a 28" 2 stage and 21" single stage (both 208cc). But if I could only take one (for my situation), I'd keep my single stage. I end up using it 80% of the time because its so much faster, easier to push/manuever and easier/cheaper to maintain. Handles a foot of snow no problem, but if we get more I just go out every foot of accumulation. Even with the self propel, the 2 stage can be a real hassle and I only use it once or twice a winter.

[@TheXxRenzxX]

I have found, with my toro single stage and two stage blowers, the exact opposite of your experience. When we get very heavy wet snow, the single stage ate through it no problem while the 2 stage blower clogged all the time. I use the two stage for ice and very large amounts of snow. For wet snow, single stage is my go to.

[@scotth6814]

I've been using a single-stage cordless snowblower for years. It can go through a foot of fluffy snow real easy. But if we get an inch of wet snow, i get out the shovel instead. It's easier to push that, and i'm not cleaning a chute every 30 seconds. The single-stage snowblower would have worked great if they had used teflon for the chute, but they didn't. You've talked me into getting a self-propelled 2-stage blower, even if I have to pay a couple grand for it. My back is worth it.

[@hubster4477]

You can spray teflon in the chute.

[@brentonvanamburg]

Spray ceramic car wax in the chute and tunnel. It was recommended in a bunch of snow blower forums. Works great. I have a single stage Ego in the PNW. No issues.

[@Sylvan_dB]

Usually if you need to clear unpaved surfaces you will want a two stage. For example, on a gravel drive the two stage auger moves more slowly and usually have skids to lift the machine off the surface so you do not pick up and throw gravel.

[@jeyasubramaniam5788]

Lol l😮l9p kl ol😊😊0😊

[@duncanjames914]

Will the two-stage snowblower free-wheel if you run out of battery? Excellent review. Thanks!

[@richardpeatfield4497]

I’ve had a single stage toro since the early 1990’s. Used both commercially and as a personal use machine. I live in southern Ontario Canada that gets a lot of heavy wet snow especially when the wind blows off Lake Ontario. There’s a reason why a two stage blower comes with a tool to clean out the chute, they clog all the time. If you have a paved driveway then a single stage is by far the best option. My toro can handle 8-10” heavy snow with ease and throw it 15-20’ easily. While heavy wet snow will clog the two stage more frequently with a more dangerous clean out due to the impeller. My two cents from 35 years of experience dealing with Canadian winters.

[@Sean-mc4iq]

Couldn’t disagree more. How could someone say 1 stage will clog less lol. 1 stage constantly clogs with wet snow. Two stage I’ve never had a clog.

[@richardpeatfield4497]

@@Sean-mc4iq with 30 years experience with single stage snowblowers wet snow is where they shine. Could be the model used, I’ve always used one with a 6.5 hp two stroke. Blew through 8-10” of wet heavy snow no issues.

[@internalharm]

I got the 2 stage EGO last year. It cost me 1700 after tax. I think it is overkill for me but I like it.

[@marciahausken5071]

Hello, Thanks for the excellent review. Can a small female operate the 2 stage?

[@46fd04]

Another single stage tip with wet snow. I will use a shovel and clear one path by hand. I then use the single stage blower to clear 12 inches at a time, not a full 21 inches.

[@user-mu8pt1vy4m]

What’s better the single stage steel auger or rubber auger? Im thinking for when snow trucks Block my driveway with snow and ice the steel one is better? But why get the rubber one besides it may be cheaper?

[@FM-db3ft]

Two stage driveway, single stage back yard patio

[@Js-zx2wi]

Two stage always and the thing is the single stage rubber replacement on the auger is like forty dollars to replace.

[@remnant1018]

I bought a single-stage snowblower last year and then it didn’t snow enough to need to use it. Its finally snowing here and now I have to pull my new sb out. Today, I took a look at reviews on my sb and just saw your video here (no idea why I didn’t before I made the purchase). Sounds like my sb is gonna struggle going over my cracked and very uneven driveway. Is it possible to install skid shoes onto a single-stage sb that has no holes for skid shoes?

[@daveshore8671]

How do you handle the batteries for the 10 months between each storm ?? These battery ones seem cool but I could see the batteries not lasting 5 or 6 years. Like a drill battery would.

[@Splits-man]

Nice but not much use in Australia!

[@VampireOnline]

There’s a spray I use on my snowblower that takes care of any of the sticking of wet snow. Works great.

[@AtulSharma-vc2tg]

which one

[@jourdeflamme8235]

Which one?

[@VampireOnline]

@@jourdeflamme8235 it’s just a non stick spray for snowblowers.

[@jourdeflamme8235]

@VampireOnline OK thank you

[@craighellberg4366]

Excellent review! Do you own any gas blowers. The convenience of electric is nice what the cost, weight and durability of the batteries is a huge concern for me.

[@LRN2DIY]

I had used a gas blower for several years before buying these. The batteries are definitely an adjustment from gas but it really isn’t a big deal, at least it hasn’t been for me

[@yolo_burrito]

I watched this entire video and I don’t know why. I live in Florida and still have to mow every other week in the winter.

[@status101-danielho6]

I have a powered shovel and find it useless because it blows the snow up rather than forward, making the snow hard to direct when it's windy. I only use it for wet heavy snow accumulations over 4 inches, otherwise it's quicker to use a shovel. I recommend people skip the powered shovel and go directly to a 1 or 2 stage if they need a snow blower.

[@commonsensecritic5468]

When I did snow plowing, we had a bunch of two stage Honda blowers. We never used them because they were too big to get in and out of the plow truck. And they don’t clean well. Then one day, one of the guys came in with a single stage from home. It was a game changer!!! One guy could throw it out of the back of the plow truck and you were not stuck on a drive speed. You can go as fast as the snow conditions allowed. And the rubber paddles, clean down to the sidewalk surface. It is truly sad that Honda stop making their single stage snowblower

[@louderinger68]

I put spray wax on inside of my shut makes snow fly through .😊😂

[@archierockey]

I have gas powered snowblowers anytime if the shute plugs up i always diaconnect the spark plug wire

[@JoshAllen17Goated]

Most professional snow blowers are all 2 Stage Snowblowers. The reason for that is because they actually can clear snow faster and more efficiently than a 3 Stage Snowblower in the same amount of time. 3 Stage is more of a gimmick more than actually something that is proven to be beneficial for large amounts of snow.

[@user-sq6nu3rv1m]

I'd say a 3rd factor is length/area of driveway. We have a large (compared to the two in the video) self-propelled 24" wide two-stage gas-powered snow blower and our drive way is 200ft long with a turn around area at the end, all of it flat. Here in New England, we often get snow over 1' deep but our snow blower handles it well enough. The downsides are that the snow blower can be difficult to turn (I can use it but it is too heavy for my wife to use) but the weight does help it do a better jobs of clearing heavier snow and snow berms at the street entrance. Also, since it is gas powered it not only requires gas it but also occasional oil changes and fresh spark plugs. Our snow blower also has an electric start via AC extension cord feature which is really nice, especially for the first start of the season.

[@MikeNovelli]

But you are looking at tires from a 21" vs a 24"... So it's not just the 2 stage vs the 1 stage. The whole platform is different.

[@ScytheNoire]

The amount of snow you get is so cute. Single stage snow blower wouldn't even work here in Northeastern Ontario. Heck, most of the time you need a truck with a plow.

[@shingod700]

My 2 stages is most of the time too weak and too small for a standard snow fall. I usually have over 30 inch tall of very packed snow to go through, difficult with a two stage.

[@hifromspace]

I think you meant 1 stage, not 2.

[@GeekRedux]

Nice overview. Why don't you put in a sidewalk from your house to your workshop?

[@LRN2DIY]

I will - just one of the many things on my to-do list :)

[@LamboGallardo560]

Tbh I feel like 2 stage is the way to go. I live near Toronto and we don't just get one type of snow, I've seen everything from powder to slushy mounds. And when the plows drive by they leave super dense piles so even if we got powder you need a 2 stage for that. Also don't like auger being a wear item like that single stage has. These days I'd absolutely go electric. I was in elementary school in 1998 when we got hit by a storm so bad they had to call in the military. My dad bought a 24inch 8hp gas blower the year after that and it's still going strong today. But I feel guilty whenever we have to start that thing up now.

[@hakan8997]

When Is a 2 Stage Better Than a single Stage? It´s when you hit a big chunk of ice/stones/dog bones or firewood hiding in the snow. A dead stop with a single stage means that something will break. The 2 stage could slow down to a stop much slower and the engine will stop or the driver could release the thrower before anything bad happends. My experience is that a single stage handles heavy snow better, and its also less heavy than the 2 staged. North of Sweden.

[@terrirankl3326]

We hath a 1 stage snow blower but it git’s Klogd oll the time but now we hath 2 stage toro power max😎😎😎😎

[@64920jeff]

Single stage for places that get small amounts of snow, 2 stage moves tons of snow per hr for hight snow fall areas lol

[@danieljortiz]

So what I've learned is I need a power shovel and a 2 stage blower.

[@bignards101]

single stage snow blowers are more of a commercial use than residential use

[@lucveasman9488]

homies hands look like frozen chicken

[@terrirankl3326]

I don’t even like battery’s it is you hath to wait gas you can dust fill it up and go

[@MrRamman04]

I tried my single stage yesterday, what a piece of crap, it’s only good in perfect condition on perfect surfaces, putting it for sale and going back to 2 stage, no wonder there are so many of them for sale

[@ziggythegreat]

A hundred bucks gets you a good working used arians snow blower in the summertime. it may be 20+ years old but I can almost guarantee it will still be working for another 20. lets see the electric ones last 40 years lol. I use maybe 4 gallons of gas all winter in northern MN and i cant justify this expense. The problem is the machines just aren't heavy enough to get traction for the wheels to grab into anything hard pack or deep. I put on 4 used brake rotors on the blade box for weight and use my arms for extra downforce. This way i can cut through hard pack snow about 2 feet deep without spinning wheels. these should be orange and for safety and visibility

[@jaderhuff81]

Good part of battery yard tools is the amount of breaks you get when the batteries go dead😂

[@rogervondach1238]

You know the saying "you can't fix stupid"! They make things "idiot proof", but then a bigger idiot shows up. Enough said.

[@woodentable1034]

I bought a $15 shovel 20 years ago, it's cheap, easy doesn't need maintenance and keeps you healthy.

[@chrisbrown7362]

Until you have a heart attack, something that happens a lot to people when they're shoveling snow.

[@harribarri9728]

@@chrisbrown7362 sounds like BS. Can you back this up?

[@ronakparikh]

Why did you feel the need to click this video just to better than thou people? Shoveling is not so practical if you have a lot of snow to clear or have limited time, and is not advisable for elderly people and people with previous heart problems.

[@ronakparikh]

​@@harribarri9728 KZbin removes links to external websites but if you just google shoveling heart attack the first result is from the American heart association

[@JordanT-qd4xx]

Okay try doing snow removal for a job using a shovel 😂😂

[@jeyasubramaniam5788]

😅😊 ol p0😮ppo pm p😮😮il lil8l

[@crabwalk7773]

@0:18 You are shown blowing/throwing snow into the street. I hope you went back and cleaned this up. Throwing snow into the street is rude, hazardous, and often illegal.

[@billimbriale8535]

Are you the online snow police?

[@crabwalk7773]

@@billimbriale8535 😎Have 'suffered' from idjiits throwing snow into the street - once when snow was thrown on my car windshield (causing my wiper motor to die so I could no longer see in the snowstorm) as I was taking kids to school. So no "snow police". Merely a voice of reason.

[@shawnpitman876]

@@crabwalk7773 Your wiper motor died? Sounds like you didn't do what you're supposed to do and manually clear all snow from your car before driving, and tried to use your wipers to clear your windshield. That's on you, turd.

[@sheepmatt1812]

I’m not watching nobody that uses electric snow blowers

[@Goalsplus]

Seriously, no offense intended but I don't understand why so many people around the world live in that type of environment.

[@AlwaysCheckmateNeverStalemate]

And I don't understand people who live in places you can die from baking in the sun all year round, but to each their own.

[@ychongy]

All 4 seasons is normal and we are prepared for many different conditions. Snow hit many places in the US this year 😳

[@RMGiroux]

Haha, you get used to it. Besides, that's where the skiing is :)

[@skippylippy547]

@Building stuff Where do YOU live?

[@v.t.4338]

I can live in any climate… I spent 4 months in a tropical place I got depressed. It was so hot and humid all the time, how many times can you go to the ocean there was literally nothing to do. Where I live you can camp in the mountains, ride in the desert, go boating in the lakes, travel across many different states and see many different things. Then you have beautiful fall colors. When winter hits there is tubing, skiing and snow boarding, kids playing in the snow, cozy real wood burning fires, snowmobiling, ice fishing. My friend sitting in a hot humid climate to many people in the world is not for them. You must understand everyone is different. Where I live I have 3 feet of snow and I would not change it for the world.