When Is the Best Time to Buy a Snowblower?

Most people don’t think about upgrading their snowblower—until winter rolls in and brings the snow with it. Knowing the best time to buy a snowblower can help you avoid the seasonal rush, and get the best deals of the year. So when is the best time? Here’s a hint: It’s not after it starts snowing. 

“Waiting until snow starts to fall could pose challenges, as snowblowers will be very in demand the closer winter gets,” says Christian Bokano, a former assistant product manager of snowblowers with RYOBI who now works for Klein Tools. If you wait until the first blizzard to purchase a snowblower, chances are you won’t be able to find one—let alone take advantage of the best deals.

Reader’s Digest is here to help. We talked to Bokano and Kristin McGrath, a shopping savings expert with the Krazy Coupon Lady, to bring you expert insights on snowblowers to help you make smarter buying decisions. Keep reading to learn more about the best time to buy a snowblower.

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What is the best time to buy a snowblower?

Summer and fall are your best bets, according to the experts. (New snowblower models are typically released in summer.) If you know you’re going to need a snowblower this winter, shop before the season starts to find the best deals and a great selection. “The best time to buy a snowblower is before the customer needs to use it,” Bokano says.

Traditionally, you get the best deals on seasonal products at the end of the season. But when it comes to snowblowers, there’s usually little to no inventory left by March. “At the end of the season, you may find discounts on whatever’s left, as retailers are eager to offload snowblowers. But expect the selection to be very thin,” says McGrath. “The sweet spot for saving is early in the season.”

What is the worst time to buy a snowblower?

In a word: winter. According to McGrath, prices tend to be higher when demand peaks, regardless of whether you’re shopping for airplane tickets, an RV or a snowblower. So, if you can, avoid buying a snowblower when everyone else is shopping for one—because finding one may be difficult.

“Like every industry, outdoor power equipment faces supply chain challenges,” Bokano says. “Sourcing a unit when a major snowfall is near will be very challenging for any consumer.” Most snowblower inventory is depleted by January—and possibly even earlier, depending on where you live and how much snow you’ve gotten.

Unlike lawn mowers, which depending on where you live you can use year-round, snowblowers are only useful during the winter months. Most manufacturers produce a limited number of snowblowers to meet the demand for the season. Once they sell out, production doesn’t resume until early summer as manufacturers shift their focus to producing lawn mowers.

When are the sales seasons for snowblowers?

The best time to buy a snowblower and get the best deal is often between May and June, when pre-season sales start. If you preorder next season’s model at a discount, you can avoid the rush when winter starts. While this is when you’ll find the widest selection, Bokano notes that the selection available for preorder won’t be in physical stores yet.

Another great time to buy is on Black Friday. But those deals happen “on a case-by-case and year-by-year basis,” Bokano says. So, your best bet is to check with local retailers closer to Black Friday to confirm.

What to consider before buying a snowblower

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Let’s be honest—snow shoveling isn’t the most fun winter activity, and it’s hard work! But before you buy a snowblower, there are a few important factors to keep in mind. Make sure to consider the following details.

Power source

There are a few ways to power up your snowblower: gas, a power cord or a battery. Gas snowblowers are convenient and powerful, but if you’d rather not spend on gas, you have other options.

When looking at cordless snowblowers, which can be more convenient than those that require an extension cord, consider the battery size and run time. The run time of a battery-powered snowblower will depend on how much snow you’re clearing and the ambient temperature, as well as the size of the battery.

“For optimal performance, we always recommend having extra batteries on hand so users don’t have to wait while batteries recharge to continue clearing,” Bokano says.

Climate

Before you choose a snowblower, consider your local climate, average snowfall depth and frequency of snowfall. Bokano says that people living in snowy, icy climates will need a more powerful and possibly wider snowblower.

Some snowblower shovels cut a path six inches deep and will throw snow 25 feet, Bokano says. “This is great for the customer who just needs to clear a single-car driveway or pathways in front of their residence,” he adds, noting that heavier snowfall might require a heavier-duty machine. 

Outdoor space

Finally, consider the space you’ll need to clear. If you have a big driveway or wide sidewalks, you’ll probably need a snowblower that cuts a wider path. Bokano says some larger snowblowers can plow 21 inches deep and two feet wide!

Tips for buying a snowblower

Ready to buy? Here’s what the experts recommend looking for when shopping for a snowblower.

• Assembly: When buying a snowblower, consider whether you want to assemble it yourself. Many stores offer assembly to make your purchase easier. “Consumers shopping in-store may take advantage of this service to save time and effort in assembly,” Bokano says.

• Transportation: If you have a smaller vehicle, consider having the machine shipped to your house. “This avoids any hassles with transporting or moving a unit of that size anywhere but from the door to the garage or shed,” Bokano says.

• Warranty: It might be tempting to buy a used or refurbished snowblower to save money—but if you go this route, make sure it comes with a warranty. Repairing a snowblower can be expensive!

• Open box deals: Another way to save? Call local stores and ask if they have any open box deals. If a customer returned a snowblower, you can usually pick it up for a discount. 

FAQ

Is it cheaper to buy a snowblower in the summer?

Absolutely! While you might find a cheaper snowblower at the end of the season, most models are sold out by mid-winter. Your best bet is to wait until early summer, when you can preorder next season’s snowblower at a discount.

What is the most reliable snowblower brand?

Many leading manufacturers, including Honda, RYOBI and TORO, sell high-quality snowblowers. But always read reviews and double-check online for any recalls or important information before buying. 

Who has the best prices on snowblowers?

Big box retailers often run major deals, so scope those out before you commit. You can also validate offers on manufacturer websites, too.

How long does a snowblower last?

Snowblowers are built to last for several years. Most major brands offer warranties that typically range from one to five years—or even longer, depending on the model.

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Sources:

• Christian Bokano, product manager at Klein Tools
• Kristin McGrath, senior editor at The Krazy Coupon Lady

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