If there's one thing people hate about winter, it's shoveling the driveway. Clearing snow and ice from driveways and sidewalks is hard work but doing it with a snow blower will make your job much easier than shoveling.

The type of snow blower you choose will depend on whether your driveway is gravel or paved, large or small, flat or hilly, as well as the severity of your winters. Snow blowers come in three basic designs.

1. Two-Stage Gas Snow Blowers

They are larger and can clear an area faster, with clearing widths up to 30 inches, than single-stage models. Two Stage gas snow blowers have driven wheels, a snow-gathering auger, and an impeller to help disperse snow.

2. Single-Stage Gas Snow Blowers

They are smaller (21-inch clearing width for most) than two-stage models and take longer to clear a given area. Single stage gas snow blowers are lighter to push and turn, are less expensive, and store in less space that two-stage models.

They rely on a rubber-tipped auger alone to gather snow, disperse it, and help propel the machine.

3. Single-Stage Electric Snow Blowers

They are even smaller (11 to 18-inch clearing width) than single stage gas models.

Single stage electric snow blowers cost even less and are easier still to handle and store than single stage gas models.

General Rule of Thumb

For heavy annual snowfall (over 12"), you will need a larger engine to tackle the job and a larger intake area to clear more snow quickly. Two-stage models are recommended for medium (6'-12") to heavy snow conditions, while single stage model should be sufficient for light snowfall (under 6").

Features you might consider in choosing a snow blower. Followings will help make snow throwers safer and more convenient to use.

1. Electric Start C Simple, effortless starts
2. Single Hand Operation C Adjust direction and height of now throwing wile you keep moving.
3. Speed Control C Adjust to multiple forward and reverse speeds for a comfortable pace.
4. Tire Chains C For added traction in icy conditions
5. Light Kit C For operation at night or in early morning.