Best Time to Buy a Snow Blower

Summer might not be the season you associate with snow blowers, but it's actually one of the best times to snag a deal. Most people aren't thinking about snow removal in July, so retailers are trying to clear out last season's inventory. You'll likely find discounts on older models (but still a big upgrade from what you already have), and since it’s the off-season, you won't face the competition of winter buyers.

Fall is a sweet spot for snow blower purchases because stores restock their shelves in anticipation of winter and offer early-season sales. Buy in the fall, and you'll have first dibs at the new inventory and be one step ahead of the panicked snow blower buying rush after the first heavy snowfall.

Once winter starts winding down, snow blowers tend to go back on sale. Retailers are eager to clear their inventory before spring so you can find some massive end-of-season deals. While the selection might not be as extensive as in the fall, you can save a lot of dough if you don't mind waiting until next year to use it.

Once winter is over and the snow has melted, demand for snow blowers plummets. However, this doesn't always mean you'll find the best prices. Spring is when most retailers transition to their spring and summer products, and the remaining snow blowers may still be marked at their regular prices until clearance sales hit later.

Mid-winter can be one of the worst times to buy a snow blower (but still make sure to watch for holiday deals!). High demand means retailers can make plenty of sales without lowering the price, and the selection might be limited as stores run low on stock. If you wait too long into the winter season, you could end up paying a lot more than you would have during off-peak times.

It may seem like a good idea to rush out and buy a snow blower when a major storm is forecast, but this is when prices tend to surge. Retailers know that demand is high, so they don't need to offer discounts. Also, you might run into low inventory or long delivery times.

January's MLK Day sales can be another opportunity to find a discounted snow blower. Retailers may be trying to move inventory as winter progresses, so keep an eye out for markdowns.

President's Day, which falls in mid-February, is a great time to look for discounts. Retailers frequently offer winter equipment deals on snow blowers and more.

Father's Day sales in June reliably feature outdoor equipment, including snow blowers. This is a great time to find early summer deals on last season's inventory.

Though not directly related to snow blowers, some retailers include them in their back-to-school promotions. Look for deals in late August and early September.

Black Friday is infamous for its massive discounts, and snow blowers are often part of the mix. It's one of the best times of the year to at a steep discount, but act fast before they sell out.

As the holiday season rolls around, almost every retailer offers some kind of deal on their stock. Heck, maybe you'll even find a 2-for-1 deal so you can keep one for yourself and give the other away as a gift (or just keep that one too).

Battery-powered snow blowers are quieter, more eco-friendly, and require much less maintenance than gas models. They're an excellent choice in most weather regions and for homeowners who want a no-nonsense, easy-to-use snow-clearing machine.

Living in an area with regular heavy snow may require a more powerful two-stage snow blower. For lighter snowfalls, a single-stage snow blower should be more than enough.

Some retailers charge extra to assemble your snow blower. If you're comfortable with DIY, it’s worth it to save on cost by building it yourself—it's usually not as complicated as it looks. If it's hard to follow the manufacturer's manual, there should be helpful how-to videos on how to put together your specific model online.

Looking for even more of a bargain? Consider buying a refurbished snow blower. These units are typically repaired, tested, and certified by the manufacturer or a manufacturer-endorsed third party to be in good working condition, often with a warranty included. (Pro tip: check out Greenworks Renewed; the selection is always changing!). 

Don't skimp on quality—choose a reputable brand like Greenworks (wink-wink) to ensure your snow blower is built to last. Cheap alternatives may be tempting now, but they'll cost more in repairs and frustration over time.

Many retailers offer snow blower kits that include accessories or extra batteries at a discounted price. Purchasing a kit can save you money on essential add-ons like spare parts or storage covers you'll probably want to get anyway.