Fix-It Chick: How to choose the right snowblower

Shoveling snow is fun the first few times you do it, but soon the novelty wears out, your back begins to hurt and you realize there has to be a better way. For many, a snowthrower or a snowblower is the answer.

Step 1: Think about the type of snow you usually shovel: is it light and fluffy or thick and wet? How deep is it? Where do you shovel? Do you shovel the porch or the deck, a large driveway or a long sidewalk? Does the city snowplow leave a large pile of snow at the end of your driveway?

There's much to consider when picking out a snowblower for your needs.

Step 2: For light snow less than 6 inches deep, an electric snowthrower or power shovel may be the right choice. These lightweight, corded machines can make quick work of snow within a 100-foot radius of the nearest electrical outlet. Virtually maintenance free, a small snowthrower usually starts when you need it and can last for years. The downside is that electric throwers cannot be used on gravel or loose fill surfaces, and they cannot handle deep, wet snow.

Step 3: For larger areas, such as a two-car driveway or a long sidewalk, a single-stage gas-powered snowthrower/blower may fit the bill. Single-stage blowers use an auger to scoop up the snow and throw it away, up to 30 feet. Because the auger scrapes the ground, single-stage machines cannot be used on gravel or loose fill surfaces. Depending on the size, a single-stage blower can usually handle up to 9 inches of snow.

Step 4: For gravel driveways or larger surface areas, a two-stage snowblower is really the only machine to consider. Two-stage blowers use an auger to scoop up the snow and then a high-speed impeller to blow the snow up to 40 feet away. Two-stage blowers can tackle drifts up to 14 inches high and have the power to handle even the wettest snows.

Step 5: When purchasing a snowblower, a few added features may be worth the extra money. These include: electric start, one-hand operation, handle controls for the deflector and chute rotation, and, best of all, built-in hand warmers.

Step 6: Gas-powered equipment requires yearly maintenance and proper storage to perform year after year. Follow the service recommendations in the owner’s manual thoroughly to protect your investment as well as your back.

— Have a home improvement question for the Fix-It Chick? Email it to Linda Cottin at features@ljworld.com.