Snow is an enigma. It looks beautiful when it lies on the ground, in the trees, and on our homes and other buildings. It’s part of the festive season, and the kids love it. Who didn’t love building a snowman when they were young? It’s a family ritual for many, and the first snows of winter always meet with delight among the youngsters in the family. But for adults, it can be a nightmare.
Getting up in the morning and opening the curtains, and seeing a blanket of snow on the roads and your driveway, isn’t something that brings delight for the moms and dads who must go to work or do the school run.
First, they have to clear the snow from the drive to get out. Then, they must endure a slow drive to work as everyone is cautious of the slippery surface. Even for those who use public transport, snow is major convenient, causing disruptions to road and rail services, not to mention being cold and wet!
But it’s at home that some of us have to worry most about snow. When snow settles on the roof of your house, it can cause serious problems. First, it is surprisingly heavy and can put a strain on the roof itself.
Second, as it melts, it can seep in between gaps in tiles and shingles, and the resulting damp can be problematic. These are just a couple of the problems that can be caused by snow, and they are among many that make it necessary to clear snow away as quickly as you can.
That’s why we’re looking at snow blowers vs. snow throwers, so let’s talk about each one, and which may be best for you.
What is a Snow Blower?
Snow is a natural hazard in many parts of the USA. It’s far from unusual to read reports of severe storms causing heavy snowfall even in major cities. In some areas, heavy falls are the norm, and it’s here that a snow blower may be to your great advantage.
Now, if you’ve been reading about these machines, you may have noticed that some people think they’re the same thing. Indeed, many use both blowers and throwers to describe any machine that moves snow from one place to another.
In fact, they are different. A snow blower is a two-stage snow removal machine. It’s a little more sophisticated than its simpler snow thrower cousin. They can be more powerful, usually move greater amounts of snow, and may also be more expensive to buy. Why would you need one rather than a snow thrower? If you live in a heavy snowfall area, you’re probably going to be moving a lot of snow from your drive and paths over the winter.
The snow blower has two main parts: the auger and the impeller. It can be powered by gas or electricity. The auger is the part that picks up the snow as you move along. This is then fed to the impeller. The impeller is like a powerful fan and effectively throws the snow a distance – as much as 50 feet – to where you want it to be. With some machines, you can choose the direction you want to ‘throw’ the snow. These machines are very versatile machines that can cover a large distance in a short time. Check out this electric snow blower review for some further details on the ability of these machines. So, what’s the difference to a snow thrower?
What is a Snow Thrower?
A snow thrower is a single-stage machine that is designed for moving snow easily and quickly. It works by picking up the snow and throwing it in one motion. While efficient and usable, these models do not usually have the directional ability and are not as powerful as the two-stage version. They will clear a path ably, but if you have larger driveways or patio areas to deal with, you might find it a struggle.
Also, the thrower version is not as wide as the blower – although it is lighter and easier to handle – and does not throw the snow as far. The impeller on the snow blower makes a lot of difference, to an extent you may not expect if you have not used one of these machines before.
Snow throwers can be electric or gas-powered and are usually electric. As with the snow blower, an electric model means you need a power point close by when using, but for homes with simple paths to clear, that shouldn’t be a problem.
So, do you need a snow blower or a snow thrower? Bear in mind the thrower will always be the cheaper version, so you should look at those if you have a budget, but there are some important considerations to make.
Which is For You?
If you live in a high snowfall area of the USA, you may want to invest in either of these machines for convenience in the winter. Both do a good job, but one is better for some places, and the other for others! In case you’re looking at moving to another part of the country, here’s a handy snow forecast map that will give you an idea of what sort of winter weather to expect where you may be heading, and to help choose the sort of snow moving machine you will need.
Put simply, for smaller homes with paths to clear and perhaps a short driveway, the snow thrower with its single-stage operation and ease of use may be the best choice. It’s also cheaper and takes up less space when stored through the rest of the year.
For a bigger area, perhaps with large driveways and a lot of paved areas, the answer is the snow blower, the two-stage machine that is wider, clears snow more quickly, and is more powerful and versatile. Check out the many brands and models available, and you’ll find one that is within your budget and enjoy a less stressful Christmas!
