Ariens vs Simplicity Snowblower: The Unfiltered Truth Before You Buy

The forecast predicts a foot of heavy, wet snow, and the dread begins to set in. Your driveway, a clear path to freedom just hours ago, will soon be an impassable white barrier. Choosing the right snowblower isn’t just a purchase; it’s an investment in reclaiming your winter mobility and peace of mind.

Two names consistently rise to the top of any serious discussion: Ariens and Simplicity. Both are premium brands promising decades of reliability, but they represent two very different philosophies in the war against winter. The problem for buyers is that their spec sheets often look deceptively similar, hiding the critical differences that will define your snow-clearing experience for years to come.

This isn’t just about engine displacement or clearing width. It’s a battle of ideologies: Ariens’ bare-knuckle, all-steel brawn versus Simplicity’s thoughtfully engineered, feature-rich approach. Making the wrong choice can lead to frustration with unwieldy controls, buyer’s remorse over missing features, or worse, a machine that isn’t suited for the unique demands of your property and climate.

The Heritage of Heavy Metal: Understanding the Brands

Before diving into a direct comparison, it’s crucial to understand the DNA of each company. Their history and core design principles are the foundation upon which their reputations are built, influencing everything from the gauge of the steel to the feel of the controls.

Ariens: The “King of Snow”

Hailing from Brillion, Wisconsin, Ariens has been in the snow game since 1960. They have earned the moniker “The King of Snow” by building machines with a singular focus: uncompromising snow-clearing power. Ariens machines are legendary for their all-steel construction, from the handlebars down to the discharge chute and skid shoes.

Their core philosophy is durability and raw performance. Ariens engineers prioritize heavy-duty components like large-diameter serrated augers and high-speed impellers designed to chew through the densest snow without bogging down. This commitment to robust, straightforward engineering means you’re investing in a machine built to last for generations. If you’ve ever wondered about the lineage of a specific machine, knowing what year is my Ariens snowblower can reveal a long history of reliable service.

Simplicity: The Engineer’s Choice

Simplicity, owned by the engine giant Briggs & Stratton, approaches the market from a different angle. While also built for longevity, Simplicity places a much higher emphasis on the operator’s experience and refined engineering. They are known for introducing thoughtful features that make the arduous task of snow removal more comfortable and precise.

The brand’s philosophy is to balance raw power with sophisticated controls and ergonomics. Features like Free Hand™ Control, heated handgrips, and smooth power steering are often standard on Simplicity models. They appeal to the user who appreciates not just a powerful machine, but a smart one, where every lever and control has been optimized for ease of use. Their dedication to user-centric design is evident even in older models, like the venerable simplicity 555 snowblower, which was known for its solid build and straightforward operation in its day.

Head-to-Head Breakdown: Ariens vs. Simplicity

When you place these two titans side-by-side, the nuanced differences become clear. While both will clear your driveway effectively, how they accomplish the task and the experience they provide can be worlds apart. The following table breaks down the key areas where these brands diverge.

Feature	Ariens (Typical Approach)	Simplicity (Typical Approach)	The Verdict
Build Quality	Renowned for all-steel construction, including dash and chute. Heavy-gauge metal throughout. Often heavier overall.	Heavy-duty steel frame and auger housing, but may use high-impact polymers for some components like the dash on certain models.	Ariens takes the edge for sheer, uncompromising material robustness.
Auger & Gear Case	Features large, serrated steel augers and a legendary cast-iron gear case for maximum durability.	Utilizes notched steel augers and often a heavy-duty cast-iron gear case on higher-end models for excellent performance.	A virtual tie, as both use top-tier components where it counts most.
Steering & Handling	Primarily uses Auto-Turn™ steering, a differential-based system that allows for effortless zero-turns but can feel “squirrely” on uneven terrain.	Employs dual-trigger power steering, which allows the operator to disengage power to a specific wheel for precise, controlled turns.	Simplicity often wins for users who prefer more deliberate, predictable control over their turns.
Controls & Ergonomics	Simple, robust, mechanical controls. The focus is on reliability over complexity. Chute controls are typically manual cranks or levers.	Advanced controls are common, including electric chute rotation, Free Hand™ Control, and heated hand grips as standard features on many models.	Simplicity is the clear winner for those who value comfort and advanced, user-friendly features.
Engine Options	Primarily uses their own Ariens AX engines (manufactured by LCT) known for being powerful and reliable.	Exclusively uses Briggs & Stratton engines, which are renowned for their easy starting and long-term reliability.	This comes down to brand preference; both offer excellent, purpose-built snow engines.
Long-Term Value	Exceptional resale value due to brand reputation. Widespread parts availability and simple mechanics make for easy DIY repairs.	Strong value, but brand recognition is slightly less than Ariens. Excellent dealer support and parts network through Briggs & Stratton.	Ariens holds a slight edge in resale value and aftermarket parts availability.

Performance in the Real World: Beyond the Spec Sheet

Technical specifications only tell part of the story. How a snowblower performs at the end of a long, icy driveway during a blizzard is what truly matters. Here, the design philosophies of Ariens and Simplicity translate into distinctly different user experiences.

Raw Power and Clogging Resistance

When it comes to the heavy, wet snow that plagues many regions—often called “heart attack snow”—Ariens machines truly shine. Their combination of aggressively serrated augers and a high-speed impeller creates a formidable system for processing immense volumes of snow quickly. The all-steel construction of the chute and housing means there’s less flex, contributing to a consistent and powerful throw.

Simplicity machines are no slouches in the power department, but they are often engineered for a more balanced performance. Their Velocity™ Throwing System is designed to move snow farther, which can be a significant advantage in clearing wider areas. While they handle heavy snow with ease, the primary focus feels less on brute force and more on efficient and clean removal.

Handling and Maneuverability: The Driveway Dance

This is arguably the most significant point of differentiation. Ariens’ Auto-Turn™ technology is a marvel of engineering, allowing the machine to pivot on a dime with almost no effort from the operator. However, this sensitivity can be a double-edged sword. On uneven surfaces or when one wheel hits a patch of ice, the system can cause the machine to pull unexpectedly, requiring a firm hand to keep it tracking straight.

Simplicity’s dual-trigger steering offers a more traditional and predictable handling experience. By squeezing a trigger under the left or right handle, you disengage the drive to that wheel, allowing for a smooth, controlled turn. While it doesn’t offer the zero-turn radius of the Ariens, many users find it more stable and confidence-inspiring, especially on slopes or long, straight paths.

The Unspoken Factor: Deep Engineering and Longevity

What the marketing materials don’t tell you is often what determines a machine’s lifespan. Both Ariens and Simplicity build their machines to last, but they showcase their quality in different ways. Ariens’ commitment is visible in the sheer gauge of the steel used for nearly every component. The frame, handlebars, and auger housing feel incredibly rigid and substantial.

Simplicity’s quality is often found in the finer details. The fit and finish can feel more refined, and the design of the control linkages and gearbox often reflects a meticulous engineering process. They use quality components where they matter most, like heavy-duty cast-iron gear cases in their premium models, ensuring the core of the machine is built for decades of service.

Features That Actually Matter: Gimmick or Game-Changer?

Modern snowblowers come with a host of features designed to make your life easier. Here, Simplicity’s focus on the user experience gives it a distinct advantage, though Ariens’ simplicity has its own appeal.

Simplicity’s Signature Comforts

Simplicity has built its brand on providing features that reduce the strain of snow removal. Their Free Hand™ Control is a prime example. This system allows you to lock in the drive speed, freeing up one hand to operate the chute rotation and deflector controls without stopping. For users with complex driveways that require frequent adjustments, this is a massive convenience.

Furthermore, features like heated handgrips and push-button electric chute controls are often standard on their mid-to-high-end models. These aren’t just luxuries; on a sub-zero morning, they significantly improve comfort and allow you to work longer without fatigue.

Ariens’ No-Nonsense Approach

Ariens tends to offer premium features like heated grips on its higher-tier Platinum and Professional models, but its core lineup focuses on simplicity and reliability. The controls are mechanical, direct, and incredibly durable. There are fewer wires, motors, or switches to fail in the harsh, wet environment of a snowstorm.

For the user who believes that complexity is the enemy of reliability, this is a major selling point. The all-metal, crank-operated chute controls, for example, may be less convenient than an electric joystick, but they are virtually indestructible and will work reliably for the life of the machine.

The Long-Term Commitment: Maintenance and Cost of Ownership

A snowblower is a long-term investment, and the total cost of ownership goes beyond the initial price tag. Ease of maintenance, repair costs, and parts availability are critical factors to consider.

Ease of Service and DIY Repairs

Here, Ariens’ straightforward mechanical design is a significant advantage for the home mechanic. Common maintenance tasks like changing the oil, lubricating the auger shaft, and replacing shear pins are incredibly accessible. The simplicity of the design means there are fewer components to remove and fewer complex systems to diagnose.

Simplicity machines are also designed to be serviceable, but the inclusion of more electronic features can add a layer of complexity to diagnostics and repairs. However, their use of high-quality Briggs & Stratton engines means that engine parts and service expertise are widely available.

Dealer Network and Parts Availability

Both brands have strong, established dealer networks across North America, ensuring that professional service and OEM parts are readily available. Ariens, due to its long-standing popularity and the sheer number of units sold over the decades, benefits from a massive aftermarket parts industry. This can make finding affordable replacement parts for older machines slightly easier.

Simplicity’s connection to the vast Briggs & Stratton service network is a huge asset. Any dealer that services Briggs & Stratton engines will be familiar with the power plants on these machines, providing a broad base of support.

The Final Verdict: Which Snowblower Should You Buy?

The choice between Ariens and Simplicity is not about which brand is “better,” but which brand is better for you. Both are top-tier manufacturers that produce machines far superior to many other options on the market. The final decision rests on your personal priorities, the nature of your property, and the type of snow you typically face.

Choose Ariens If…

You should opt for an Ariens if your top priority is raw, uncompromising power and long-term durability. If you live in an area that frequently gets deep, heavy, or wet snow, the aggressive auger system and all-steel construction of an Ariens are built to handle the absolute worst that winter can dish out. You value a simple, rugged machine with fewer complex parts that could fail and appreciate the ease of performing your own maintenance.

Choose Simplicity If…

You should lean towards a Simplicity if you value a more refined operator experience and premium features. If you have a long or complex driveway that requires frequent turning and chute adjustments, Simplicity’s smooth power steering and Free Hand™ Control will make the job significantly less fatiguing. You appreciate the comfort of heated grips and the convenience of electric controls and want a machine that balances robust power with thoughtful, user-focused engineering.

Ultimately, the decision between Ariens and Simplicity is a “good problem” to have. While this guide focuses on these two, other high-quality matchups, like the one detailed in our Cub Cadet vs Toro Snowblower showdown, also present compelling options. By choosing either an Ariens or a Simplicity, you are investing in a high-quality piece of equipment that, with proper care, will provide you with reliable service and clear driveways for many winters to come.