The Best 20 Inch Two Stage Snow Blower

Snowfall can turn a reliable driveway into a stubborn barrier in a few hours.

A 20 inch two stage snow blower is the sweet spot for many homes because it opens a usable path through drifts without asking you to manage an oversized machine.

The best 20 inch two stage snow blower combines enough intake width to clear a two-car driveway in reasonable time with a power source that matches your storage and maintenance preferences.

Snow Removal Wiki is an independent review publisher. To build this roundup, we analyzed published specifications, expert review consensus, and verified buyer feedback from current gas and cordless models.

The goal is to help you move from a long list of options to a short list you can compare with confidence. Use the comparison list below to see our top picks in this category.

Best 20 Inch Two Stage Snow Blower Buying Guide

Shopping for a 20 inch two stage snow blower becomes easier once you define the job: how deep the snow gets, how long the driveway is, and how much noise and maintenance you tolerate.

The following criteria are the ones we weighted most heavily when selecting the models above. If you need a broader starting point, our how to choose a snow blower guide walks through the full decision tree.

Clearing Width and Intake Height

A 20 inch two stage snow blower refers to the width of the intake. That measurement determines how many passes you need on a standard driveway.

If you are unsure what width fits your driveway, our snow blower size guide covers the math. A two-car driveway can take ten or more passes with an 18 inch machine, while a 20 inch head reduces that number noticeably.

For most residential lots, a 20 inch width offers the best balance of maneuverability and coverage.

The intake height matters just as much as width. Two stage machines use an auger to chew through snow and a separate impeller to throw it out the chute.

That design lets them handle snow that is deeper than the intake height without stalling as easily as a single stage model.

See our comparison of single stage vs two stage vs three stage snow blowers if you are still deciding between machine types.

Power Source: Gas vs Cordless

Gas models dominate the heavy end of the category because they produce steady torque at low engine speeds. A 200cc class engine can keep the auger spinning through slush and hard packed snow, and it never needs a recharge.

If you prefer that kind of independence, our gas snow blowers roundup highlights the strongest designs.

Cordless models have improved rapidly, especially at higher voltages. They are quieter, lighter, and easier to store because there is no fuel to drain or carburetor to winterize. The trade-off is runtime and cold weather battery performance.

For a deep dive on whether battery machines make sense for your home, read are battery powered snow blowers worth it. You can also compare compact options in our cordless snow blower guide.

Two Stage Clearing Performance

The defining feature of this category is the two stage process. The auger pulls snow in, and the impeller accelerates it through the discharge chute.

This is different from a single stage thrower that relies on the auger to both collect and throw.

Because the second stage adds distance and control, a two stage machine can place snow over a fence or into a clear section of the yard without burying the walkway.

Our two stage snow blowers guide explains more about what separates the best performers.

Self-Propelled Drive and Maneuverability

Self propulsion is the feature that makes a 20 inch two stage machine feel manageable. Instead of pushing the entire unit, you guide it while the drive wheels or tracks do the hard work.

Look for controls that let you adjust ground speed independently from the auger. The best self-propelled designs let you creep along in heavy snow and move quickly on dry pavement.

Wheeled models are easier to turn and cost less, while tracked models dig in better on slopes and unplowed surfaces. If your driveway has a steep grade or soft gravel, read our snow blower tracks vs wheels breakdown before choosing.

For more on how drive systems affect usability, our self propelled snow blower guide covers the key considerations.

Battery Voltage, Runtime, and Charging

If you choose a cordless 20 inch two stage snow blower, voltage is the easiest shorthand for power. 40V machines are convenient for shorter driveways and occasional storms, while 56V systems deliver more sustained torque for deeper snow.

Our 40V snow blower guide is a good place to start if you want a lighter machine. For heavier duty battery performance, the 56V snow blower options tend to clear faster and carry more reserved power.

Runtime depends on battery capacity as much as voltage.

A 10 Ah battery can last through a typical residential storm when used in short bursts, but a machine that ships without a battery will add a significant cost to your initial purchase.

Check whether the included charger is a dual port unit if you want to recharge two packs at once. The broader question of battery economics is covered in our battery powered snow blower roundup.

Build Quality and Maintenance

Two stage machines take a beating from ice, gravel, and frozen snow. Look for a steel auger housing rather than plastic when the budget allows, and check whether the chute is controlled from the handle.

Remote chute rotation is almost essential if the snow is blowing in your face while you walk behind the machine. Hand warmers, LED lights, and trigger controls are comfort features that make late night clearing more tolerable.

For gas models, oil changes, spark plug checks, and fuel stabilization are part of the routine. Cordless models reduce that maintenance to battery care and occasional auger inspection. Our snow blower maintenance guide explains a practical schedule for both types.

If you are considering a used unit, our piece on used snow blowers highlights what can go wrong with older machines.

Noise, Storage, and Comfort

Gas engines are loud enough to require hearing protection, especially near a house where sound reflects off walls. Cordless machines run at a lower volume, but they are not silent.

Understanding snow blower noise levels before you buy helps you choose a machine that is appropriate for early morning storms and close neighbors. Battery models are also lighter to lift into a shed or garage.

Storage is another factor. A 20 inch two stage machine with wheels can stand upright in many small sheds, while a tracked model takes up more floor space.

Heated handles reduce hand fatigue over a long driveway, which is why many homeowners look for them specifically. Our snow blowers with heated handles guide calls out models that are worth the extra cost.

Why You Should Trust Us

Snow Removal Wiki is an independent review publisher. We do not accept payment from manufacturers in exchange for placement, and we do not run affiliate links that change a product’s rating. Our editorial team evaluates each machine against the same criteria before assigning a score.

Every product in this article receives an SRW Score on a 0 to 10 scale.

That score is based on a composite of the product’s published specifications, the consensus of professional reviewers, verified buyer feedback, and any relevant source data that can be cited.

We do not conduct our own product trials; our evaluations are grounded in research, published data, expert review consensus, and verified buyer feedback.

To keep this roundup useful, we look at both the best performers and the occasional trade-offs.

A product can earn a high SRW Score without being the right fit for every driveway, which is why we explain the context around each recommendation. Weather matters too.

If you live in a region with extreme lake effect snow, our best snow blower for Buffalo NY guide shows how conditions shape the choice.

Final Thoughts

• Best Overall: STEELITE 40V (2x20V) Cordless Snow Blower earned the highest SRW Score in this group because it delivers strong clearing performance, a brushless motor, and a complete battery package that is ready to use out of the box.
• Best Gas-Powered Performance: PowerSmart 24-Inch Gas Snow Blower is our top choice for traditional gas buyers who want a 212cc engine, multiple forward speeds, and the confidence of electric start on cold mornings.
• Best for Wide Clearing Paths: PowerSmart 26-Inch Two Stage Snow Blower pairs a Briggs and Stratton engine with a larger intake to move heavy snow quickly across open driveways.
• Best for Battery Convenience: EGO Power+ SNT2416 Two-Stage Snow Blower stands out because it includes two high capacity batteries and a dual port charger, so you do not need to make a separate accessory investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much snow can a 20 inch two stage snow blower handle?

A two stage auger system is designed for snow that is deeper than the intake height because it pulls snow in and throws it out in separate steps.

That makes a 20 inch two stage snow blower a strong choice for the Northeast and Midwest, where storms often drop a foot or more.

The exact limit depends on moisture content and the machine’s engine or motor, so our how much snow can a snow blower handle guide gives realistic expectations.

Gas or battery: which is better for a 20 inch two stage snow blower?

Gas models typically provide longer runtime and stronger low end torque in deep snow, while battery models are quieter and easier to maintain. A 56V system can clear a standard driveway on one charge, but cold temperatures reduce battery capacity.

If you are on the fence, our battery snow blower roundup compares real-world trade-offs.

How far can a two stage snow blower throw snow?

Two stage machines generally throw snow farther than single stage models because the impeller adds velocity after the auger breaks up the snow. Throw distance varies with chute angle, snow texture, and engine speed.

See our explainer on how far does a snow blower throw snow for factors that affect placement.

Do I need a tracked model for a 20 inch two stage snow blower?

Tracked models provide more traction on slopes and loose gravel, but they are heavier and harder to turn. Wheeled models are easier to maneuver in tight garages and cost less. Our track drive snow blower guide explains when upgrading to tracks makes sense.

How much should I expect to spend on a 20 inch two stage snow blower?

You should not anchor on a fixed number because prices move throughout the season. Expect to see entry level cordless machines at the low end of $269.99 – $1,979.00 and premium gas models closer to the top.

Our snow blower costs explainer describes what you get at each price tier.

Is a corded electric snow blower worth considering?

A corded electric model avoids battery and gas maintenance, but the cord limits your reach and can be annoying on a large driveway. For short, paved paths, a corded model is a viable alternative to a two stage machine.

Our corded electric snow blower guide outlines which homes benefit from that trade-off.

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