# SnowMaster 824 QXE vs Deluxe 28 SHO: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the SnowMaster 824 QXE (Toro) and Deluxe 28 SHO (Ariens) among snow blowers. SnowMaster 824 QXE is the cheaper of the two at $1199.

## Side by side

| Spec | SnowMaster 824 QXE | Deluxe 28 SHO |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $1199 | $1699 |
| Brand | Toro | Ariens |
| Type | single_stage | two_stage |
| Power source | gas | gas |
| Clearing width (in) | 24 in | 28 in |
| Intake height (in) | 18 in | 21 in |
| Engine cc or voltage | 252 cc | 301 cc |
| Electric start | Yes | Yes |
| Self propelled | Yes | Yes |

## Key differences

- Type: SnowMaster 824 QXE single_stage vs Deluxe 28 SHO two_stage
- Clearing width (in): SnowMaster 824 QXE 24 in vs Deluxe 28 SHO 28 in
- Intake height (in): SnowMaster 824 QXE 18 in vs Deluxe 28 SHO 21 in
- Engine cc or voltage: SnowMaster 824 QXE 252 cc vs Deluxe 28 SHO 301 cc

## What reviewers say

**SnowMaster 824 QXE** — One whitelisted hands-on source: NYT Wirecutter, whose top pick this is after nine New England winters of testing. It's the fastest blower they've tested—clearing a measured 100-ft x 4-ft path through 8 in of snow in half the time of a 30-inch two-stage Troy-Bilt—throws snow up to about 40 ft, and handled a 5.5% test-driveway slope without issue. Downsides: it bogs down at around a foot of heavy wet snow, has no reverse drive and no headlight, and its chute barely turns past 90 degrees. (1 sourced review.)

## Sources

- SnowMaster 824 QXE: https://www.toro.com/en/product/36003 (toro.com, verified 2026-06-19)
- Deluxe 28 SHO: https://aeoutdoorpower.com/products/ariens-deluxe-28-sho-28-301cc-two-stage-snow-blower-921072 (aeoutdoorpower.com, verified 2026-06-19)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/snow-blowers/toro-snowmaster-824-qxe-vs-ariens-deluxe-28-sho/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, SnowMaster 824 QXE ($1199) vs Deluxe 28 SHO ($1699) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/snow-blowers/toro-snowmaster-824-qxe-vs-ariens-deluxe-28-sho/
License: CC BY 4.0.