If you're shopping for your first snowblower you may be wondering "Do I need a two stage snowblower or is a less-costly single stage a better choice for me?"
Here are some of the basic differences between single stage vs two-stage snowblowers:
| Single Stage | Two-Stage | |
|---|---|---|
| Terrain | Best on flat, level paved surfaces. Not suitable for use on loose, uneven surfaces like gravel or dirt. | Any, including hills and uneven ground. Dual stage snowblowers have auto drive wheels, some models feature track drive. |
| Capacity | Light to moderate snowfall, up to 1' deep. Intake height 6"-13", width 18"-24" | Light to heavy snowfall. Intake height 16"-23", width 20"-30" or more. |
| Power | Electric corded (9-15 AMP), rechargeable battery (40-80 volt) or gas engine (99cc-212cc) | Gas engine (196cc-420cc) |
| Price Range | $110 - $700 | $600 - $1,800+ |
Overall, two-stage (dual stage) snowblowers are more powerful with larger engines, more comfort / convenience features, and a higher snow capacity. That said, they are also more expensive, heavier, and can take up a lot of space to store off-season!. If you measure your snowfall in feet instead of inches, you need a 2-stage snow blower.
Single stage snowblowers are lightweight and less of a hassle to use and store, but powerful enough to handle a high volume of snow. If most of your snowfall totals are 6" or less with an occasional 10"-12", a one-stage snowblower may be perfect for you.