Things To Look For When Choosing a Snow Thrower:

* All machines should have a deadman control for safety; if you release it, the machine stops.

* Check for easy deflector and chute adjustment. This changes the direction and height the snow is being thrown. You do not want to have to stop the machine and get out tools to move the chute. Instead, look for a simple crank, preferably on the control panel.

* High-end snow blowers have electric start as a standard feature, while others offer it as an option. In cold weather, a recoil start can be a pain to use, so an electric start might be worth the extra expense.

* Choose a clearing width that matches your needs. There is no point paying for a 28-inch width if you have a narrow front walk. Conversely, if you are plowing a large driveway or small parking lot, you will want the widest clearing path you can afford.

* Pick the right amount of power. If you regularly get 12 to 18-inch snows, you will need a two-stage model with 7 to 9 horsepower. Mid-range snow blowers (5.5 to 8 horsepower) are good for moderate accumulations on a regular basis, while a single-stage snow blower is adequate for light snow and smooth surfaces.

* Make sure you can handle your machine. Those two-stage, 250-pound monsters will blitz through a ton of snow, but they are heavy and often tricky to steer.

* Headlights are another handy feature, since days during snow season are so short. Halogen lamps offer the best light.

* If you have limited garage space, some single-stage models have folding handles for compact storage.

* A serrated blade on the auger is great for breaking ice and hard snow.