Head-to-head · Best Snow Blowers

Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO vs Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.0 vs 4.7). The gap is mostly about users wanting smart controls and smooth operation — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #5 in Best Snow Blowers

Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO

4.0

$2,099as of May 27

The Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO is praised for its powerful 306 cc engine and exceptional snow throwing capability, particularly with heavy wet snow. Reviewers noted the Auto-Turn steering system as intuitive and easy to use, though it takes some time to adjust to. The snow blower offers good traction and is built to last, making it a solid value at around $1200. However, some users reported issues with initial setup, including insufficient lubrication and misaligned components that required dealer attention. It's recommended for those seeking a high-capacity, durable snow blower rather than users wanting premium features or a less expensive option.

Strengths

— 306 cc engine with plenty of power for the size
— Excellent snow throwing distance and performance with heavy wet snow
— Auto-Turn steering is easy to use and makes turning simple

Watch-outs

— First gear is faster than expected, requiring adjustment time
— Chute rotation control requires reaching over the dash to operate

$2,099 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Snow Blowers

Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE

4.7

$1,199

The Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE delivers strong performance with its 252cc engine and innovative Personal Pace system that matches user walking speed. Reviewers praised its ability to throw snow 45 feet and handle various snow conditions effectively. The Quick Stick chute control was highlighted as particularly user-friendly. However, some users noted the machine's weight can be problematic in deep or hard snow, and it's not designed for turf or gravel surfaces. This snow blower is ideal for homeowners with moderate to heavy snowfall needing efficient clearing without the complexity of traditional two-stage models.

Strengths

— Powerful 252cc OHV 4-cycle engine with electric start throws snow up to 45 feet
— Personal Pace® Self-Propel System matches walking speed for better traction and control
— Quick Stick® chute control allows single-motion direction changes

Watch-outs

— Weight can cause issues in deep or hard snow conditions
— Not recommended for turf or gravel surfaces per manufacturer

$1,199 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO

The Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO delivers the most powerful engine in the group with 306 cc, outperforming the Toro Power Max 824 and EGO models. However, it lacks the lightweight, user-friendly features of the Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE and is not as versatile in terms of chute control compared to the Ariens Deluxe 24, which offers better maneuverability.

Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE

The Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE excels with its Personal Pace self-propel system and Quick Stick chute control, features not found in the EGO or Ariens models. While it doesn't match the Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO's engine power or throwing distance, it provides better maneuverability and user comfort, especially in moderate snow conditions.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO	Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE
Type	2-stage	Single stage
Clearing Width	28 in	24 in
Engine	306 cc	252cc OHV 4-cycle
Drive Type	Disc-O-Matic	Rear-wheel drive
Chute Control	In-Dash Remote Chute/Deflector Control	Quick Stick® chute control
Weight	267.5 lbs.	Approximately 200 lbs
Clearing Height	21 inches	—

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