Which Craftsman Snow Blowers Are Worth Buying?

As winter sets in, many homeowners look to top-rated snow blowers to keep walkways and driveways safe all season long. These useful tools not only save time, but help reduce physical strain, making winter maintenance more manageable than ever. Luckily, homeowners can look to a trusted name in outdoor tools — Craftsman. This beloved household name for power tools and outdoor equipment also boasts some of the best snow blowers on the market. 

Craftsman snow blowers offer a range of benefits, catering to any need that may arise during the blustery, cold season. Whether you're clearing light snowfalls or handling heavy drifts, we've chosen three Craftsman snow blowers that stand out based on reviews and specs. These include the Craftsman Select 26" Two-Stage Snow Blower, the Craftsman Select 24" Two-Stage Snow Blower, and the Craftsman SB230 Single-Stage Snow Blower. While each model serves different needs and budgets, they all have received top performance, design, and durability reviews. Let's take a closer look at the benefits of each model.

The Craftsman Select 26" Two-Stage Self Propelled Snow Blower ($1,199) is a great option for homeowners looking to remove snow from driveways and walkways with a lot of square footage. This powerful option features a two-stage mechanism perfect for handling up to 12 inches of snow. It easily cuts through heavy, compacted snow due to its 243cc engine. The Craftsman Select 26 is known to tackle heavy-duty projects with its 12-inch sawtooth augers that can clear a path 26 inches wide. Easily clear compacted snow using six forward and two reverse speeds, which allow for complete control and versatility of movement. 

Although this model runs on gas, it features a push-button electric start, further enhancing usability in harsh climates. Unlike smaller models, you can easily navigate icy or uneven terrain with excellent traction and control. You can even minimize cleanup by adjusting the chute to your liking, all while directing the blower with one hand. While it's certainly not the cheapest snow blower on the market, this model is a solid option for homeowners who value convenience, performance, and efficiency. 

The Craftsman Select 24" Two-Stage Snow Blower ($999) is one of the best priced snow blowers for its size, making this option both relatively afforable and convenient. The 208cc engine offers sufficient power for small to medium driveways and walkways. Easily maneuver in spaces up to 24 inches in width and clear snowfall up to 10 inches deep. This machine is a great choice when it comes to maneuverability in tight spaces, so both urban and suburban homeowners can get a lot of this snowblower. Best of all, the durable steel chute propels snow up to 40 feet and is completely adjustable. 

The Craftsman Select 24 also boasts powerful augers and speed options that make snow and ice removal simple and effective. This model is top in its class for convenience and efficiency during moderate snowfall. According to the Snow Blowers test program at Consumer Reports, the Craftsman Select 24 rated top marks in removal speed, throwing distance, surface cleaning, and plow-pile removal. The main downside to this model is that it doesn't have freewheel steering, making it harder to turn.

We'd be remiss if we didn't include the Craftsman SB230 Single-Stage Snow Blower ($549) for those homeowners who experience light to moderate snowfall but still want to maintain their property during the colder months. While the single-stage 123cc engine may not compare in overall power to the two-stage machinery, it still provides a compact option perfect for clearing up to six inches of snow. This smaller model includes a 21-inch clearing width and ensures a quick snow removal, all while maintaining excellent maneuverability in tight spaces.

The lightweight and ergonomic design makes it easy to push and control, which is a great benefit for those who are new to operating snow blowers or feel overwhelmed by operating a larger machine. Plus, this model stores easily in tight spaces and won't take up too much space in your garage or shed come summer. Compared to other single-stage, gas-powered snow blowers, the Craftsman SB230 provides 5 star surface cleaning and handling at a more affordable price. If you're looking to clear smaller areas or simply desire a more budget-friendly option, the Craftsman SB230 offers both reliability and performance while being one of the most affordable power tools worth buying.