How to Choose a Snowblower That Will Last for Years to Come?

Winter’s approach brings a critical decision for homeowners in snowy climates: choosing the right snowblower. The market is crowded, but two names often rise to the top of the consideration list: Ariens and Craftsman. One is hailed as a heavy-duty, long-lasting machine, while the other is known for its accessibility and value. This choice can feel paralyzing.

Making the wrong decision can lead to years of frustration, from a machine that can’t handle heavy, wet snow to one that’s constantly in the shop for repairs. The core problem isn’t just about brand loyalty; it’s about matching the machine’s capabilities, build quality, and long-term reliability to your specific needs and local conditions. This guide will cut through the marketing noise to reveal the brutal truth about these two brands, helping you make a confident and informed purchase.

Meet the Contenders: Brand Philosophy and Reputation

Understanding where each brand comes from reveals a lot about the machines they produce. Ariens and Craftsman target different users with fundamentally different approaches to manufacturing and design. This core philosophy impacts everything from the materials they use to the final price tag.

Ariens: The Heavy-Duty Specialist

Ariens has built a stellar reputation on a foundation of durability and power. Often seen as a premium or prosumer brand, their machines are engineered for longevity and tough conditions. The company prides itself on robust, all-steel construction, from the auger housing to the discharge chute. This focus on heavy-gauge metal results in a machine that feels planted, durable, and ready for demanding work.

Users consistently praise Ariens for its ability to chew through and throw heavy, wet snow without bogging down. Features like the Ariens AX series engines and Auto-Turn steering enhance performance and maneuverability. This commitment to quality makes Ariens a top choice for those in heavy snow belts or anyone who views their snowblower as a long-term investment. They are a prominent name among snowblowers made in USA, a factor that appeals to many buyers.

Craftsman: The Accessible Everyman

Craftsman, a name long associated with Sears and now widely available at retailers like Lowe’s and Ace Hardware, has a different focus. Their primary goal is to provide accessible, feature-rich machines for the average homeowner at a competitive price point. Many Craftsman snowblowers are manufactured by MTD Products, a massive company that also produces machines for brands like Troy-Bilt and Cub Cadet.

Craftsman snowblowers often appeal to budget-conscious buyers and those with small-to-medium-sized properties. They are known for being user-friendly, often lighter than their Ariens counterparts, and packed with convenient features like electric start and power steering. However, this value-oriented approach often involves using more plastic components, which can be a point of concern for long-term durability in harsh, cold climates.

Head-to-Head: The Ultimate Ariens vs. Craftsman Breakdown

When you place these machines side-by-side, the differences in philosophy become tangible. The choice between them hinges on a few critical areas of performance and construction. One brand prioritizes raw power and longevity, while the other focuses on upfront value and user convenience.

Build Quality and Materials

The most significant distinction lies in the materials. Ariens is synonymous with all-steel construction. Their auger housings, dashboards, and discharge chutes are almost universally made of heavy-gauge steel. This results in a heavier machine that resists vibration and feels incredibly solid when plowing through compacted snow at the end of a driveway. The trade-off is that metal chutes can rust if not properly maintained.

Craftsman, conversely, incorporates more plastic and polymer components to keep costs and weight down. It’s common to find Craftsman models with plastic chutes, dashboards, and other non-structural parts. While modern polymers are durable, they can become brittle and crack in extreme sub-zero temperatures, especially if they take a hit from a hidden chunk of ice or a rock. The longevity of these plastic parts is a frequent topic of debate among users.

Performance and Power

In terms of raw snow-moving power, Ariens generally holds the edge. They equip their machines with powerful Ariens AX engines (made by LCT) that are well-regarded for their torque and reliability in cold weather. This power, combined with heavy-duty serrated steel augers and large impellers, allows Ariens blowers to throw snow farther and handle deep, wet snow with less strain.

Craftsman snowblowers, often equipped with engines from MTD or other manufacturers, are certainly capable for most residential tasks. They perform well in light to moderate powder snow and can clear typical driveways effectively. However, some users report that they can struggle or bog down in the heavy, icy plow roll left by city plows, or during late-season wet snowfalls.

Features and Ergonomics

Both brands offer essential features like electric start, multiple speeds, and headlights. However, they differ in their approach to usability. Ariens features its “Auto-Turn” steering technology, which makes the heavy machines surprisingly easy to pivot at the end of a pass. Some users love it, while others find it can take some getting used to.

Craftsman often includes trigger-controlled power steering on its models, which provides intuitive, on-demand turning. The controls on Craftsman machines are often praised for their simplicity and ease of use, making them less intimidating for first-time owners. While both are effective, the feel and operation are distinct, making it a matter of personal preference.

Key Differences Summarized in a Table

To provide a clear snapshot, the table below highlights the fundamental differences between the two brands based on the most critical factors for a buyer.

Feature	Ariens	Craftsman
Primary Build Material	All-Steel Housing and Chute	Steel Housing, Often Plastic Chute/Dash
Engine Reputation	High-Torque Ariens AX (LCT) Engines	Various (MTD, etc.), Value-Oriented
Performance Focus	Heavy, wet snow; deep drifts; throwing distance	Light to moderate snow; average driveways
Durability & Lifespan	Considered a long-term investment (15+ years)	Shorter expected lifespan; more maintenance
Price Point	Higher upfront cost (Premium)	More affordable (Budget to Mid-Range)
Ideal User	Homeowners in heavy snow areas; those prioritizing longevity	Budget-conscious buyers; smaller properties; moderate snowfall

The Overlooked Factor: Service and Support

Here is the single most important piece of advice that spec sheets and online reviews often miss: the best snowblower brand for you is the one with the best local dealer support. A snowblower is a complex machine that will eventually need service, parts, and repairs. Where you buy it and who can fix it is more critical than the brand name itself.

Ariens is primarily sold through independent servicing dealers. These small businesses not only sell the machines but also stock parts, process warranty claims, and have trained mechanics. Buying from a local dealer establishes a relationship that is invaluable when a shear pin breaks or the engine won’t start on the morning of a blizzard. For those who own one, knowing the right maintenance, such as what type of gas to use for an Ariens snowblower, is crucial, but professional service is irreplaceable.

Craftsman is predominantly sold through big-box retailers. While the purchase price may be lower, getting service can be a significant challenge. These stores typically do not have in-house repair shops. You may be required to transport your broken machine to a centralized, third-party repair facility, often resulting in long wait times during the busiest part of the winter. Before you buy, a critical step is to search for “authorized Ariens service center” and “authorized Craftsman service center” in your area. The results of that search should heavily influence your final decision.

The Final Verdict: Which Machine Should You Choose?

The choice between Ariens and Craftsman is a classic battle of investment versus value. Neither brand is universally “better”; they simply serve different priorities.

Choose Ariens if:

• You live in an area that receives heavy, wet snow or significant annual snowfall.
• You view your snowblower as a long-term investment and expect it to last for over a decade.
• You prioritize robust, all-metal construction over a lower price.
• You have a strong, reputable local Ariens dealer for service and support.

Choose Craftsman if:

• You are on a tighter budget and need a capable machine for a lower upfront cost.
• You have a small to medium-sized driveway and experience moderate, powdery snowfall.
• You are comfortable with more plastic components and a potentially shorter overall lifespan.
• You value widespread availability at major retail stores.

Ultimately, the debate is similar to the well-known Toro vs Ariens snowblower comparison; it comes down to balancing premium build with practical affordability. By evaluating your local climate, property size, budget, and—most importantly—your local service options, you can move beyond the brand names and select the machine that will serve you reliably for many winters to come.