Electric Vs Gas Snow Blowers. EGO and TORO sent their best. Here’s what happened.
Winter brings its fair share of challenges, especially when it comes to clearing snow from long driveways. This season, I had the chance to put two of the most popular snow blowers to the test: the Toro 828 Two-Stage 252cc Gas Snow Blower and the EGO Power+ 56V 2-Stage Electric Snow Blower. With a 450-foot driveway to clear and about six driveways full of snow, I got a good feel for how these snow blowers performed under real-world conditions. Today, I’m sharing my experience, comparing these two powerhouses, and helping you decide which one might be right for you.
The Heavy Hitters: Toro and EGO
Both the Toro 828 and EGO Power+ 56V are powerful two-stage snow blowers designed to tackle hefty snowfalls. These machines come with a range of features to make snow removal faster and more efficient, but there are key differences between them that can impact your decision.
- Toro 828 OAE 28″ 252cc Premium 4-Cycle OHV Power Max Snow Blower
Price: $1,599.00
A robust gas-powered model, the Toro is designed for larger areas and heavier snow. With a 252cc engine and a 28” clearing width, it promises high performance, even in tough winter conditions. You can shop the Toro 828. - EGO Power+ 24″ Snow Blower Self Propelled 2-Stage 56Vx2 (Bare Tool)
Price: $1,199.00
This electric snow blower is powered by two 56V batteries and offers an impressive 24” clearing width. The EGO is quieter, more eco-friendly, and requires no fuel or maintenance—an attractive feature for anyone looking for an easier-to-use snow blower. You can find the EGO Power+ 24″ Snow Blower here.
Performance Comparison: Power, Maneuverability, and Efficiency
Clearing Width and Efficiency
The Toro 828 has a larger 28” clearing width, which allows it to cover more ground in fewer passes. For my long 450-foot driveway, this was a huge advantage. The EGO Power+, with its 24” clearing width, required an additional trip to clear the driveway. While the difference might seem small, when you’re working in 5-degree weather, that extra trip feels brutal.
Noise and Maintenance
One of the major differences between these two models is the noise level and maintenance. The Toro 828, being gas-powered, is much louder than the EGO Power+. My wife noticed this immediately—the Toro’s noise echoed across our property, while the EGO was nearly silent. The EGO’s quiet operation and lack of fumes were a big plus.
Additionally, the Toro 828 requires regular maintenance: checking the oil, fueling, and dealing with the occasional spark plug. The EGO Power+, on the other hand, is a battery-operated model that needs very little upkeep. Simply charge the batteries, and you’re ready to go.
Power and Performance
Both snow blowers handled the snow well, even when faced with slushy, heavy snow. The EGO Power+ claims to throw snow up to 50 feet, while the Toro 828 can toss it up to 45 feet. In practice, both machines easily threw snow far enough to clear my driveway and surrounding areas. While the Toro’s gas engine is powerful, the EGO Power+ proved more than capable, especially considering its quieter, eco-friendly operation.
Run Time and Battery Life
The EGO Power+ uses two 10Ah batteries, which allowed me to clear my entire driveway, even with about 6 inches of heavy, slushy snow. That said, if you’re working with lighter snow, you’ll get even more run time. The Toro 828, being gas-powered, never had to worry about running out of power—it just kept going. However, the gas consumption might be a concern if you’re dealing with multiple snowstorms in one day.
One interesting tip I learned while using the EGO Power+: to maximize battery life, it’s helpful to lower the throttle. This helps the snow blower conserve power while still clearing the snow effectively.
Durability and Design
The EGO Power+ uses a shear pin system on the auger. If you hit something solid, like I did with a brick, the shear pin will break rather than damaging the auger. Fortunately, EGO provides extra pins on top of the machine for easy replacement. On the other hand, the Toro 828 uses a hardened gear system that can detect hard objects and stop the auger. If this happens, you can simply back up, restart the auger, and keep going. This feature is nice for those who don’t want to worry about shear pins.
Final Thoughts: Which Snow Blower is Right for You?
After spending a full season using both of these snow blowers, I can confidently say that both are excellent choices. However, your decision should depend on your specific needs:
- The Toro 828 is the right choice for those with larger driveways or who live in areas that see frequent heavy snowfalls. It’s powerful, reliable, and able to clear snow quickly with fewer trips. It’s a great option if you don’t mind the extra maintenance and noise.
- The EGO Power+ is perfect for those who want a quieter, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly snow blower. It’s ideal for smaller to mid-sized driveways, and the battery-powered convenience makes it easier to use. Plus, you won’t have to deal with gas or fumes!
Special Deals on Snow Blowers
Now is the best time to buy a snow blower, especially as we head into March. You can currently find the Toro 828 on sale for $1,199 at Home Depot, a significant savings from its original price. You can also check out the EGO Power+ snow blowers, which offer great deals as well. Here are a few options:
- EGO Power+ 24″ Snow Blower Self Propelled 2-Stage 56Vx2 (Bare Tool) – $1,199.00: Shop here
- EGO Power Equipment POWER+ 21″ Single-Stage Push Snow Blower – $499.00: Shop here
- EGO Power+ 28″ Snow Blower Self Propelled 2-Stage 56Vx2 (Bare Tool) – $1,499.00: Shop here
Thanks for joining me today. I hope this comparison helps you make an informed decision. Drop your favorite snow blower in the comments, and I’ll be sure to reply. Don’t forget to tune in every Friday for our Power Tool Week in Review!
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