Snow Removal
What Size Snow Blower for Sidewalks and Walkways?
Quick answer
About 120 feet of 4-foot sidewalk and walkways (480 square feet) in moderate snow needs a 21 to 22-inch single-stage snow blower, or a 24-inch two-stage if storms often top 8 inches. A 21-inch machine clears it in 3 passes and about 4 minutes. The EGO SNT2122 is light and easy to steer.
Sidewalks reward a narrow, nimble machine. A 4-foot walk takes 3 passes with anything from 21 to 28 inches, so extra width buys nothing, while a lighter machine turns around mailboxes, lampposts and porch steps far more easily. The one reason to go bigger is the icy ridge the street plow throws onto the curb side of the walk.
Our top pick is the EGO Power+ SNT2122 21 in. Single-Stage Snow Blower Kit at $699.00: a 21-inch path, 13-inch intake, 42-foot throw and push-button start. For the steps and stoop, a cordless shovel such as the EGO SNS1201 shares the same battery. Measure your walks in the snow clearing time calculator.
On this page
How long do sidewalks and walkways take to clear?
| Clearing width | Passes | Time | Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 in | 5 | 7 min | Slow or underpowered |
| 18 in | 4 | 5 min | Slow or underpowered |
| 21 in | 3 | 4 min | Recommended |
| 24 in | 3 | 4 min | More than needed |
| 28 in | 3 | 4 min | More than needed |
| 32 in | 2 | 3 min | More than needed |
About 480 square feet. Recommended: 21 to 22 inch single-stage, or a 24 in. two-stage if storms often exceed 8 in.. Times assume a 15 percent overlap, walking speeds of 150, 120 and 85 feet per minute in light, moderate and heavy snow, and 20 seconds per turn.
What size snow blower for sidewalks and walkways?
A 21 to 22-inch single-stage, or a 24-inch two-stage if storms often exceed 8 inches or the plow buries the walk. On 120 feet of 4-foot walk a 21-inch machine makes 3 passes in about 4 minutes, a 24-inch makes 3 passes in the same 4 minutes, and an 18-inch makes 4 passes in about 5 minutes. A 12-inch cordless shovel takes 5 passes and about 7 minutes. Only a machine 32 inches or wider gets a 4-foot walk down to 2 passes, and that machine is too heavy for steps and tight spots.
How many passes does a sidewalk take?
Walks come in different widths, and the pass count jumps in steps. Passes equal walk width divided by 85 percent of the clearing width, rounded up.
| Walk width | 12 in shovel | 18 in | 21 in | 24 in | 28 in |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 ft (typical front walk) | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| 4 ft (typical public sidewalk) | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| 5 ft | 6 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| 6 ft (wide or commercial walk) | 8 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
Assumes a 15 percent overlap per pass. Multiply passes by walk length for walking distance.
Why is a narrow snow blower better for sidewalks?
Three reasons. First, maneuvering: a single-stage machine can pivot at a mailbox or tree lawn where a heavy two-stage needs a three-point turn. Second, chute control: on a sidewalk you have to throw snow onto your own lawn, not back into the street, onto a neighbor's walk or at passing cars, and a light machine lets you swing the chute and the body quickly. Third, steps: no snow blower belongs on stairs, so you will switch to a shovel for the stoop; a cordless shovel like the WORX WG460 ($313.50) or a strain-reducing Snow Joe Shovelution saves your back. For the shovel trade-offs, see snow pusher vs snow shovel.
What are the rules for clearing a public sidewalk?
They vary by city, so check your local ordinance. Many municipalities require homeowners to clear the public sidewalk in front of their property within a set number of hours after snowfall ends, and the window, the fines and who is liable for a fall differ from place to place. Common rules also prohibit throwing or plowing snow into the street, and ask residents to keep curb ramps, fire hydrants and storm drains clear. If you are responsible for a corner, see the corner lot with sidewalk page, and for older or less mobile neighbors a light battery machine makes helping out quick.
Which snow blowers fit sidewalks and walkways?
Narrow single-stage machines and a cordless shovel for steps, plus one 24-inch two-stage for plow ridges and deep storms. More options in best single-stage snow blowers.
EGO Power+ SNT2122 21 in. Single-Stage Snow Blower Kit
$699.00The entry EGO kit: steel auger, 21-inch path, 42-foot throw, IPX4 construction and a 10-car driveway of 8-inch snow per charge on two included 4.0Ah batteries, with adjustable skid shoes for uneven ground.
Best for: first-time cordless buyers with a standard two-car driveway
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EGO Power+ SNT2125AP 21 in. Auger-Propelled Snow Blower Kit
$1,099.00A single-stage 21-inch with an auger-propelled drive that pulls itself forward, heated grips, two LED headlights and a maker-rated 16-car driveway per charge on the two included 7.5Ah batteries.
Best for: paved driveways where a lighter machine is easier to handle than a two-stage
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Greenworks Pro 60V 22 in. Brushless Single-Stage Snow Blower Kit
$699.99A 22-inch path with a 13-inch intake, brushless motor and dual battery ports with auto-switchover, sold with two 5.0Ah batteries and a dual-port charger.
Best for: Greenworks 60V households clearing a paved driveway after moderate storms
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EGO Power+ SNS1201 12 in. Cordless Snow Shovel Kit
$359.00A brushless 56V shovel that throws snow up to 25 feet with a 60° direction dial, clears a 3-car driveway of 6-inch snow on the included 2.5Ah battery and folds on a hinged shaft.
Best for: EGO owners who want a second tool for decks, steps and walks
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Poulan Pro 18 in. Single-Stage Gas Snow Blower with Electric Start
$500.99A 99cc four-stroke rated to start at -22°F with push-button electric start, an 18-inch path and a one-hand 190° remote chute, sized by Poulan Pro for small to mid-sized driveways.
Best for: short paved driveways where pull-starting in the cold is a dealbreaker
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PowerSmart 24 in. Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower with Briggs & Stratton 208cc
$699.99The lowest-priced Briggs & Stratton two-stage in this list, with electric start, handle warmers, LED lights and 13-inch snow tires on a 24-inch self-propelled frame.
Best for: first two-stage buyers moving up from a shovel or single-stage
Check price on AmazonHow we chose
We did not test these products in person. Picks are researched from manufacturer specifications and owner manuals, engine and safety certifications where they apply, warranty terms, public recall records, and the recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We favor established brands with large review counts and parts support, match each pick to a real yard size or task, and place it in the tier where its price and capability actually belong.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best snow blower for sidewalks?
A light 21 to 22-inch single-stage machine such as the EGO SNT2122, which clears a 4-foot sidewalk in 3 passes and turns easily around mailboxes and trees. If the street plow buries your sidewalk in an icy ridge or storms often top 8 inches, a 24-inch two-stage handles that better while still taking 3 passes. Pair either one with a shovel for the steps.
How wide should a snow blower be for a 4 foot sidewalk?
Between 21 and 24 inches. With a 15 percent overlap, a 21-inch or 24-inch machine clears a 4-foot sidewalk in 3 passes, the same as a 28-inch machine. An 18-inch model takes 4 passes and a 12-inch cordless shovel takes 5. Only a machine wider than about 28 inches gets a 4-foot walk down to 2 passes, and that is too heavy to handle well on sidewalks.
Can you use a snow blower on stairs?
No. Snow blowers are not designed for steps: the machine can tip, slide or fall, and the auger can catch the stair nosing. Clear stairs with a shovel or a cordless snow shovel, working from the top down, then treat them with ice melt. A cordless shovel that shares a battery with your snow blower, such as the EGO SNS1201 with EGO machines, keeps the gear simple.
Am I required to shovel the sidewalk in front of my house?
In many cities, yes, but the rule depends on your local ordinance. Many municipalities require homeowners to clear public sidewalks within a set number of hours after snow stops, and some fine owners who do not. Rules on where you may put the snow, including bans on throwing it into the street, also vary. Check your city or town website for the exact requirements.
Researched, not professional advice. This page is compiled from published specifications, manuals, labels and owner-review consensus, not hands-on testing. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and product label, and consult a qualified professional where safety, chemicals, fuel or structures are involved. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.