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Our top pick is the AMERISUN 24-Inch Gas Snow Blower: a 212cc engine, a 24-inch clearing width and self-propelled drive. The alternatives are the PowerSmart 24-inch and the Poulan Pro PR240. For a budget under $500, see our corded and cordless picks below.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
AMERISUN 24" Gas Snow Blower (212cc)Best for medium to large driveways
- 24-inch clearing width
- 212cc, 7 HP OHV engine
- Self-propelled with 13-inch tires
PowerSmart 24" 2-Stage Gas Snow BlowerBest for long driveways and deep snow
- Clears up to 2,500 lbs of snow per minute
- 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds
- Electric and recoil start
Poulan Pro PR240 24" 2-Stage Gas Snow BlowerBest for aiming snow precisely
- 190° chute rotation with one-hand control
- Electric start with recoil backup
- 4 forward and 2 reverse speeds
Best Snow Blower Under $500
Our gas picks are 24-inch machines that usually cost more than $500. Under $500, a corded electric or cordless snow blower is the practical choice for light to moderate snow on paved driveways and walks:
- Snow Joe SJ627E 22″ Corded Snow Blower: 15-amp motor, 22 x 13-inch path, up to 25 tons of snow per hour. It needs an outdoor extension cord. It is the top pick in our best electric snow blowers guide.
- Westinghouse WSnow18 48V Cordless Snow Blower: kit with two 24V 4Ah batteries, 18 x 10-inch path, 25 ft throw, no cord to manage. It is the top pick in our best battery snow blowers guide.
In the following sections, we will provide a detailed review of each product, highlighting its features, pros, and cons. Whether you need a gas snowblower for personal or professional use, we have got you covered.
Snow removal can be a daunting task, especially during the winter months when snowfall is at its peak. A snowblower is an essential tool for clearing snow from driveways, sidewalks, and other outdoor spaces.
While electric snowblowers are a popular choice for their convenience and eco-friendliness, gas snowblowers are often preferred for their power and reliability (see our electric vs gas snow blower comparison)
In this article, we will focus on the best cheap gas snowblowers available in the market.
A gas snowblower is an ideal choice for those who need to clear large areas of snow quickly and efficiently. They are particularly useful for areas with heavy snowfall or where electric outlets are not readily available.
When purchasing a gas snowblower, it is essential to consider factors such as engine power, clearing width, and throwing distance.
Engine power determines the snowblower’s ability to handle heavy snow while clearing width determines how much snow the machine can clear at once.
Throwing distance is also an important consideration as it determines how far the snow will be thrown away from the clearing area.
Best Cheap Gas Snowblowers
If you live in an area that receives heavy snowfall during winter, a gas snowblower can be a lifesaver. However, purchasing a high-quality snowblower can be an expensive investment.
Fortunately, there are several affordable options available in the market that can get the job done without breaking the bank.
In this article, we have compiled a list of the best cheap gas snowblowers that are efficient, durable, and won’t cost you a fortune.
1. AMERISUN 24-Inch Gas Snow Blower (212cc)
The AMERISUN has a 24-inch clearing path and a 212cc, 7 HP overhead-valve engine that the listing rates for heavy snow.
Pros
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The 24-inch auger clears a wide path in one pass, which suits medium and large driveways.
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The 212cc, 7 HP OHV 4-cycle engine has more power than a single-stage machine.
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Self-propelled drive and 13-inch snow tires help with traction on slippery or uneven ground.
Cons
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The listing title says recoil start, while its feature list describes electric start; confirm the starting system on the product page before you buy.
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It throws snow up to 40 feet, a little less than the PowerSmart below (45 feet).
The AMERISUN suits medium to large driveways when you want gas power, a 24-inch path and self-propelled drive on a budget.
2. PowerSmart 24-Inch 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower (212cc, Electric Start)
This PowerSmart is a two-stage, self-propelled 24-inch machine with a steel auger and impeller, built for deep snow.
Pros
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The 212cc OHV engine clears up to 2,500 lbs of snow per minute and handles snow up to 12 inches deep.
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Steel two-stage auger and impeller with a 24-inch clearing width and a 21-inch intake height.
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The 8-speed self-propelled drive (6 forward, 2 reverse) runs on 13-inch snow tires.
Cons
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The chute rotates 180°, slightly less than the Poulan Pro’s 190°.
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Like any two-stage blower, it is much larger and heavier than a single-stage model, so plan for storage space.
Electric start with a recoil backup, an adjustable chute and a throw of up to 45 feet make it a strong all-round choice for long driveways that get deep snow.
3. Poulan Pro PR240 24-Inch 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower
The Poulan Pro PR240 is a two-stage, self-propelled 24-inch snow thrower with an all-steel build, aimed at heavy, wet and deep snow.
Pros
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The 212cc OHV engine pairs with a 24-inch clearing width and a 21-inch intake height.
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Electric start, with a backup recoil start for cold mornings.
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One-hand chute control rotates the chute 190° and sets the throw angle up to 65°.
Cons
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It has 4 forward speeds (and 2 reverse), fewer than the PowerSmart’s 6 forward speeds.
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It throws snow up to 40 feet, compared with 45 feet for the PowerSmart.
A 12-inch steel auger and impeller, 14-inch pneumatic tires and a 2-year warranty with lifetime technical support make the PR240 a solid pick for long driveways that get heavy, wet snow.
How to Choose a Cheap Gas Snow Blower
Single-stage or two-stage
A single-stage blower uses one rubber-edged auger that scoops and throws the snow. It is lighter, cheaper and best for paved surfaces and snow up to about 8 inches. A two-stage blower adds an impeller behind a steel auger, so it handles deep, wet and packed snow and throws it farther; the auger doesn’t touch the ground, which also makes it the safer choice on gravel (2-stage vs 3-stage explained).
Clearing width for your driveway
18 inches is fine for a one- or two-car driveway and paths; 24 inches suits most two- and three-car driveways; 26 inches and up for long or wide driveways.
Engine
Single-stage budget models run about 99-150cc; two-stage models about 208-212cc. More displacement matters most in heavy, wet snow.
Starting
Recoil (pull) start is standard on cheap single-stage models. Electric start (plug into an outlet) helps on very cold mornings; most two-stage models have it with a recoil backup.
Drive
Two-stage models are self-propelled with several forward and reverse speeds; single-stage models pull themselves forward with the auger.
Chute control
A remote chute crank or lever (190° on the Poulan Pro, 180° on the PowerSmart) lets you change direction without stopping.
Budget tiers
Single-stage gas models cost the least and suit light snow. Most budget gas snow blowers are 24-inch machines such as the AMERISUN, Poulan Pro PR240 and PowerSmart. Under $500, corded electric and cordless models are the usual choice. Prices change often, especially in snow season.
Cheap Gas Snow Blower FAQs
What is the best cheap gas snow blower?
Our top pick is the AMERISUN 24-inch gas snow blower: a 212cc engine, a 24-inch path and self-propelled drive. The PowerSmart 24-inch and the Poulan Pro PR240 are the alternatives.
Can you get a good gas snow blower under $500?
Rarely. New gas snow blowers at that price are small single-stage machines. Under $500, a corded electric or cordless snow blower is the usual choice: our picks are the Snow Joe SJ627E (corded) and the Westinghouse WSnow18 48V (cordless).
Is there a gas snow blower under $300 or $200?
New gas snow blowers rarely sell at those prices. Around $150-$300 the choices are corded electric snow blowers and cordless snow shovels, which work for light snow on short driveways (see our cordless snow blower picks).
Do I need a single-stage or a two-stage snow blower?
Single-stage for paved driveways and snow up to about 8 inches. Two-stage if you get deep or wet snow, have a long driveway, or have a gravel driveway (its auger stays off the ground).
What size snow blower do I need for my driveway?
About 18 inches for a one- or two-car driveway, 24 inches for most two- to three-car driveways, and 26 inches or more for long or wide driveways.
Are cheap gas snow blowers reliable?
They can be, if you maintain them: use fresh fuel with stabilizer, change the oil as the manual says, and keep spare shear pins on two-stage models. Check the warranty; Poulan Pro lists a 2-year warranty.
Do I need electric start?
It helps on very cold mornings and for anyone who finds a pull cord hard to use. Most two-stage models have electric start with a recoil backup; budget single-stage models are usually recoil-only.
How do I store a gas snow blower at the end of the season?
Run it dry or add fuel stabilizer, change the oil, check the auger and shear pins, and store it covered in a dry place.
You might also be interested in checking out the list of the best cordless snow blowers.
