The biggest difference between single-stage and two-stage snow blowers is power. Most single-stage snow blowers handle snowfall up to about 8 inches, whereas two-stage snow blowers can tackle up to 2 feet of snow. The “stage” term refers to how each blower removes snow. A single-stage snow blower has an auger that both gathers and blows away the snow. A two-stage snow blower, in comparison, has an auger that sucks up the snow and an impeller that launches it into the air. In addition to being able to remove deeper snow, two-stage snow blowers also have larger intakes that range in width from 20 to 36 inches.