Best Snow Blowers

Craftsman 31AE5HTG799 (Around $950)

Best value, 2-stage gas snow blower. Reviews say this Craftsman snow blower is an excellent choice for clearing dense, compacted and/or deep snow. It has an easily adjustable chute deflector and power-driven wheels, which can disengage independently to assist in turning. A 9-horsepower motor supports its 28-inch clearing path. The Craftsman snow blower is designed to handle long sloping driveways and snowfalls of over eight inches. Reviews say this model doesn’t throw quite as far as the Toro Power Max 828 LXE, but for most people, that tradeoff will be worth the $500 cost savings. It comes with a two-year warranty.


Toro Power Max 828 LXE (Around $1,500)

Long-throw 2-stage gas snow blower. Features-wise, the Toro Power Max snow blower is virtually identical to the cheaper Craftsman 31AE5HTG799, but reviews say the Toro throws farther, which may be important if you have a wider driveway. Reviews say two-stage snow blowers are best for hilly drives, since they have powered wheels. They are also the only option for gravel drives, since the auger doesn't touch the surface of the driveway. The Toro snow blower has a 28-inch clearing path and a two-year warranty.


Toro 1800 Power Curve (Around $300)

Single-stage electric snow blower. Although it's only appropriate for light snowfalls and short, flat driveways, the Power Curve snow blower has wheels, so it's easier to push than a power shovel. The Power Curve has a movable chute and an 18-inch clearing path. Reviews say the Toro 1800 Power Curve does a nice job, but definitely isn't built to handle ten inches of wet snow on a long driveway. You'll have to contend with a power cord, but you won't have to worry about the engine maintenance and fueling required with gas-powered snow blowers.


Toro Power Shovel(Around $110)

Electric power shovel. If your snow clearing needs amount to cleaning off light snow from short sidewalks or a deck, the Toro Power Shovel will save you from bending to use a manual shovel. However, since it does not have wheels, you'll still need to do the pushing. Despite initial skepticism, testers say snow blowers in this class actually work surprisingly well for their intended purpose.

Best Treadmills

Sole F80 (Around $1,500)

Best mid-range folding treadmill. According to treadmill reviews, the Sole F80 is the best in this price range, with a strong warranty (20 years on the motor, five years on parts and two years labor), as well as options that are comparable to more expensive treadmills. The Sole has a 335-pound weight capacity, and its 55" x 20" running surface is longer than other treadmills in its price class. It has six programs, plus speed and incline controls on the armrests, and both handgrip and chest-strap pulse sensors. The Sole treadmill folds up for storage. The Sole F80 is best for walkers who want to try the occasional run, but it won't take the same pounding as a more expensive treadmill.


Image 19.0R (Around $600)

Budget treadmill for walking. The Image 19.0R, along with other inexpensive treadmills, has only a 90-day parts and labor warranty -- the shortest in the industry. Even so, reviews say the Image treadmill is fine if your fitness plans only include walking. This treadmill has a wider 19" belt and a stronger motor (2.8 horsepower with a ten-year motor warranty) than some other budget models. Even so, regular walkers and runners will need a more durable treadmill. It folds up for storage and comes with a handgrip heart-rate sensor. The Image treadmill has a user weight limit of 300 pounds.


Life Fitness T3-0 (Around $2,200)

Best treadmill for running. The Life Fitness is a favorite of professional runners for its shock-absorbing deck and customizable controls. This treadmill can also save user data and favorite workouts for several family members. Its 58" x 20" running surface is long enough and wide enough for most runners and its 3.0-hp motor is smooth and quiet. An included heart-rate monitor works in conjunction with special programs to keep you in your heart-rate zone. It has a high 400-pound user weight limit, and is backed by a lifetime frame warranty with ten years on the motor, five years on other parts and one year labor.


PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR (Around $2,400)

Runner's treadmill with negative incline. Reviews say the PaceMaster Platimum Pro VR is unique in that it has a negative incline (down to a -3.0 grade) -- helpful for runners who want to strengthen the fronts of their legs by simulating downhill running. Some testers say this treadmill is helpful in preparing for hilly races like the Boston Marathon. The PaceMaster's Constant Effort Compensation mode adjusts speed to keep your exertion level constant. It has a 3.0-hp motor, a long 60" x 20" belt and a 400-pound weight limit. The PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR is one of the few treadmills still made in the U.S.


Landice L7 Pro Sport Trainer (Around $3,000)

Best treadmill for pros. Reviews say that this sturdy, well-built Landice treadmill feels like one of the commercial treadmills you'd find in a health club. The Landice can take a real pounding from serious runners. Like the PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR, a 400-pound weight capacity ensures that pretty much anyone can use it. Reviews also give the Landice L7 high marks for ergonomics and build quality, backed by a lifetime warranty on all parts. If you're looking for a quiet treadmill, reviews say the 3.0-hp motor is smooth and discreet. This treadmill has a larger footprint for stability, so you'll need plenty of floor space for the L7.