The Briggs & Stratton 1022E 22-inch is one of the best values among single-stage gas snow blowers. This no-frills model (#1696715) provides just enough power to handle light to medium snowfalls. If you don’t need the bells and whistles other machines are offering, this is quite a bargain.
208cc 950 Snow Series Engine
The 1022E model runs on a 208cc Briggs & Stratton 950 Snow Series engine. This 4-cycle OHV engine produces 9.5 ft/b of torque (estimated around 5.5 to 6 horsepower). There is no need to mix oil and gas. This engine has limitations but is adequate enough for light to moderate snowfalls. Once it reaches the peak of its torque curve, it can really generate some impressive power. It’s also fairly quiet and has minimal vibration.
Briggs & Stratton assembles their snow blowers in the United States. However, the 950 Series engines are made overseas.
10-inch Auger Cleans Surface
A heavy-duty plastic auger scrapes the surface well. With light snow, it’ll clean right down to the pavement. It can struggle with compacted snow or ice and leaves behind a tiny layer. This is expected at this price point. If this is a concern, you can step up to the Briggs & Stratton 1222EE model which features an impressive steel serrated auger.
Despite being plastic, the auger should hold up if you avoid gravel surfaces. The paddles are rubber-tipped which will take the brunt of the wear. This is a good thing as you can simply replace them when worn instead of having to change out the whole auger assembly. Replacement rubber paddles are around $40 and easy to switch out. With moderate use, you will only need to do this every few years.
How Much Snow Does the Briggs & Stratton 1022E Remove?
With a 22-inch clearing width and 12.5-inch intake height, this single-stage will handle 8-10 inches of soft snow easily. A throwing distance of around 25-30 feet is common which makes it powerful enough for a large 2-car driveway. This model does a surprisingly good job with wetter snow too. It is safe to use on wood decks.
Where you see the limitations of this sub-$500 snowblower is at the end of the driveway. It just doesn’t have enough power to clear big piles efficiently. The harder the snow gets, the less effective clearing is. This is a snow blower you want to use right after the storm hits before snow freezes up.
Auger-Propelled Forward Speed
Like most single-stage gas snow blowers, the Briggs & Stratton 1022E moves using an auger-propelled drive system. This just means that the paddles will scrape the ground and gently guide the machine forward as you use it. It’s not as smooth as a true self-propelled machine, but it works well. You can move this forward easily with one hand and almost anyone should be able to handle this.
At 93 pounds, it handles well. Maneuvering in and out of spaces is easy and it doesn’t require a lot of effort to make a 180 degree turn. The 8-inch tires are just average in terms of gaining traction. The only area it struggles with is uneven surfaces. If you have a bumpy driveway, you can feel it start to veer to the left or right when operating.
Chute-Mounted Handle
Unfortunately there is no remote chute controls in the standard model. To adjust direction or angle, you have to step around and do so manually. Some people might be able to reach through while staying behind, but in my opinion it’s a few inches too far away. The chute deflector does move smoothly and there is next to no clogging.
If a remote deflector is a must, the Briggs & Stratton 1022ER is just as worthy a choice. It usually runs a little more expensive and can be tough to find. But it is the exact same unit plus the deflector. I’ve never actually run into one of these so I can’t comment on how well the crank operates.
With or Without Electric Start
The standard Briggs and Stratton 1022E comes with an electric start option. Simply plug in an extension cord to an outlet and press the button to get started. This is a great feature for when temperatures get bitterly cold. Or if you have trouble physically pulling the recoil cord to start the engine up. I’m not sure if B&S is including the cord these days or not.
If you’d like to save a few dollars, you can buy this model without the electric start. To me, I like having it as a backup just in case I have issues with the traditional recoil start. But if you’re on a tight budget, it’s around $40 cheaper.
Warranty
Briggs & Stratton has a 3-year limited warranty on this model (#1696714). The machine must be taken to an authorized dealer for repair.
Conclusion
This is my favorite budget single-stage machine out there. If you’re having trouble deciding whether you need a snow blower, or money is tight, this is a great choice. This has enough power to handle most snow falls under a foot and doesn’t require a major investment. The build quality is solid despite its affordable price. If you can deal with the limitations, you should be happy.
For those looking who like the brand and need some more power, I also recommend the Briggs & Stratton 1694741. It has a noticeable upgrade to a more powerful 250cc engine. Both are listed in our top 5 single-stage snowblowers for 2019.
Specs:
Brand: Briggs & Stratton
Model: 1696715 (Operator’s Manual)
Stage Type: Single-Stage Gas Snow Blower
Engine: 208cc 4-Cycle OHV
Fuel Capacity: 0.8 gallons
Plowing Capacity: Unknown
Clearing Width: 22 inch
Intake height: 12.5 inch
Throw Distance: 30 feet
Tires: 8 inch
Weight: 93 pounds
Warranty: 3-year Limited
Features:
Starting Method: Recoil and Electric
Speed/s: 1 (Auger-Propelled)
Power Steering: No
Chute adjustment: Chute Mounted (200 degree radius)
Headlight: No
Heated handlebars: No
