When winter unleashes its fury, a reliable snowblower is not just a convenience—it’s a necessity for maintaining safe access to your home. For those with driveways of any size, Briggs & Stratton has built a reputation on durable, powerful outdoor power equipment. Their Storm Responder series is specifically engineered to tackle heavy, wet snow and deep drifts, turning a back-breaking chore into a manageable task.
Choosing the right model depends on the scale of your job, from a single-car driveway to a long, wide expanse. This roundup focuses on the best Briggs and Stratton snowblowers designed for driveway clearing, comparing key features like clearing width, engine power, and starting systems. We break down the options to help you find the perfect machine to conquer your winter weather challenges efficiently.
Our Top Picks for Briggs and Stratton Driveway Snowblowers
- Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder 24-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
- Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder 26-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
- Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder 28-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
- Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder 30-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
- Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder 31-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
- Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder 24-Inch Electric Start Gas Snow Blower
- Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder 26-Inch Electric Start Gas Snow Blower
- Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder 28-Inch Electric Start Gas Snow Blower
Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder 24-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
This 24-inch model is an excellent entry point into the Storm Responder series, offering a balanced combination of power and maneuverability. Its two-stage operation efficiently chews through snow, pulling it into the auger and then launching it out of the chute with impressive force. The clearing width is ideal for standard residential driveways and walkways, making quick work of accumulated snow.
Designed for reliability, it features a robust Briggs & Stratton engine known for consistent performance in cold weather. With multiple speed settings and easy-to-use controls, you can adjust your pace to the snow conditions. This snowblower provides substantial clearing capability without being overly bulky, making it a great choice for most homeowners.
Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder 26-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
Stepping up in capacity, the 26-inch Storm Responder is built for those who need to clear a larger area with each pass. The wider intake path means you can finish the job faster, reducing the total time spent in the cold. It maintains the powerful two-stage action that is crucial for breaking up packed snow and icy layers at the end of a driveway.
This model is engineered with user comfort in mind, featuring ergonomic handles and intuitive chute controls that allow you to direct snow precisely where you want it. The enhanced clearing width is particularly useful for wider two-car driveways or properties with substantial paved areas. It represents a significant upgrade in efficiency for more demanding winter conditions.
Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder 28-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
For maximum productivity on large driveways or commercial properties, the 28-inch model offers an even greater clearing swath. This machine is designed to move a high volume of snow quickly, making it a workhorse for the most severe winter storms. Its robust construction can handle the stress of continuous use on big jobs.
The larger frame supports a high-performance engine that delivers the torque needed for deep, heavy snow. Despite its size, it remains manageable with features designed to aid control and reduce operator fatigue. If your primary concern is minimizing clearing time on a large scale, this snowblower provides a professional-grade solution.
Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder 30-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
This 30-inch unit pushes the boundaries of residential snow clearing, offering a substantial width that dramatically cuts down on the number of passes required. It is engineered for properties with extensive paved areas where efficiency is the top priority. The powerful engine and reinforced auger system are built to process large amounts of snow without clogging.
Operating this snowblower allows you to clear wide paths effortlessly, making it feel like you have a commercial-grade machine at your disposal. The design focuses on durability and long-term performance, ensuring it can serve as a dependable asset for many winter seasons. It is an ideal choice for those with very long or multiple driveways.
Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder 31-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
As the largest model in the lineup, the 31-inch Storm Responder is the ultimate tool for tackling massive snow removal tasks. Its extra-wide intake is unmatched in the series, allowing you to clear a path wider than most residential garage doors in a single sweep. This is the model for those who face the heaviest snowfalls and have vast areas to maintain.
Beyond the impressive width, it includes all the heavy-duty components needed for relentless performance. From the reinforced steel augers to the high-capacity engine, every part is selected for maximum endurance. If you need the highest level of performance and have the storage space for it, this snowblower stands at the top of its class.
Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder 24-Inch Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower
This model combines the capable 24-inch clearing width with the exceptional convenience of push-button electric start. No more struggling with a pull cord on a cold morning; a simple turn of a key gets the powerful engine running instantly. This feature is a significant quality-of-life improvement that makes the task of snow removal much less daunting.
It retains all the benefits of the standard 24-inch model, including its maneuverability and effective two-stage snow throwing performance. The electric start system is typically backed by a built-in battery, ensuring reliable starts throughout the season. For anyone who values effortless operation, this snowblower is a standout option.
Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder 26-Inch Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower
Get the best of both worlds with this 26-inch snowblower that offers a wider clearing path and the ease of electric start. The combination means you can clear more snow faster, and begin your work with minimal physical effort. It is perfectly suited for larger driveways where reducing both start-up time and clearing time is important.
The powerful engine and auger system are designed to move wet, heavy snow that can stall less capable machines. The electric start functionality ensures that the machine is ready to work when you are, regardless of the temperature. This model strikes an excellent balance between high performance and user-friendly operation.
Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder 28-Inch Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower
This is the premium model for those who refuse to compromise on either power or convenience. The 28-inch clearing width handles large-scale jobs efficiently, while the electric start system guarantees a quick and easy beginning to your work. It is the definitive solution for serious snow removal on extensive properties.
Built to the highest standards, this snowblower incorporates heavy-duty components throughout its design to ensure longevity and reliable operation in the toughest conditions. The integration of electric start on such a powerful machine means you get commercial-grade performance with residential-grade ease of use. It represents the peak of the Storm Responder line for the discerning homeowner.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Briggs and Stratton Snowblower for Your Driveway
So, you’ve decided a Briggs and Stratton snowblower is the right tool for your winter battles. Great choice! Their engines are known for reliability. But with different models out there, picking the right one can feel a bit overwhelming. I’ve been through this, and I want to help you figure out exactly what to look for so you don’t end up with a machine that’s either overkill or not enough for your driveway.
First, let’s talk about clearing width and intake height. The clearing width is how wide a path the machine cuts. For a standard one or two-car driveway, a model around 24 to 26 inches is usually perfect. It’s a great balance between power and maneuverability. If you have a very long or wide driveway, you might want to step up to a 28-inch or even a 30-inch model to get the job done faster. The intake height is how deep of snow it can handle in a single pass. If you get heavy, wet snow or those surprise lake-effect dumps, look for a higher intake height, ideally 21 inches or more.
Next, consider the power and starting system. All Briggs and Stratton engines are solid, but you need to match the horsepower (HP) or torque rating (cc) to your typical snow conditions. For light, powdery snow, a lower HP might suffice. For the heavy, slushy stuff, you’ll want more power. Now, for starting: I cannot stress this enough—get an electric start. While most models have a recoil (pull-start) backup, the convenience of pushing a button or turning a key on a freezing cold morning is worth every single penny. It saves you so much frustration.
Finally, think about the auger and drive system. A two-stage snowblower has an auger that chews up the snow and an impeller that throws it out the chute. This is what you want for anything more than a few inches of snow. Look for features like power-steering if you have a lot of turns to make; it makes handling a heavy machine much easier. Also, check the number of forward and reverse speeds. More speeds give you better control in different snow depths. When looking at the 8 best Briggs and Stratton snowblowers for driveways, I always prioritize models that make the physical work easier, because clearing snow is hard enough as it is.
Frequently Asked Questions
How reliable are Briggs and Stratton snowblower engines?
In my experience, they are very reliable. Briggs and Stratton has been making small engines for a very long time, and they’ve built a reputation for durability and easy starting. Like any engine, their longevity comes down to proper maintenance—using fresh fuel (or fuel stabilizer), changing the oil regularly, and storing it properly in the off-season. I’ve found that if you take care of them, they’ll start season after season with minimal fuss.
What is the main difference between a two-stage and a single-stage snowblower?
This is a crucial distinction. A single-stage model is smaller, lighter, and uses a rubber-edged auger to both collect and throw the snow. It’s great for light snowfalls on small, paved areas. A two-stage model, which is what you’ll see in most driveway-sized machines, is much more powerful. The first stage is a metal auger that breaks up the snow, and the second stage is a separate impeller that sucks up the snow and throws it out of the chute. This design handles deeper snow, ice chunks, and heavy, wet snow much more effectively.
Can I use a Briggs and Stratton snowblower on a gravel driveway?
You can, but you need to be careful. Most two-stage snowblowers have a skid shoe adjustment that allows you to raise the scraper bar up off the ground. You want to set it high enough so the auger doesn’t scoop up and throw gravel, which can damage your machine, your windows, or your car. It might leave a thin layer of snow behind, but that’s better than launching rocks. Some people even wait until a base layer of snow has packed down before using the blower.
How important is the electric start feature?
I consider it one of the most important features for convenience. While the recoil pull-start is a reliable backup, an electric start (which usually just requires you to plug the machine into a standard outdoor outlet) makes getting started on a cold morning incredibly easy. It eliminates the struggle of pulling a cord when the engine is cold and stiff, which can be a real physical challenge. For me, it’s a feature I wouldn’t want to be without.
What kind of maintenance does a snowblower need each year?
Annual maintenance is pretty straightforward and key to reliability. At the end of the season, I either run the engine until the fuel tank is empty or add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the gas from going stale and gunking up the carburetor. You should also change the engine oil, check the auger and drive belts for wear, and lubricate the control cables and chute mechanism. Giving it a quick wipe-down to prevent rust is also a good idea before you put it away for the summer.