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Do your hands ache with blisters during the winter season from all of those long hours spent shoveling snow? It’s time to give your shovel and your hands a rest this winter. Make the job much easier by knowing how to buy a snow blower that’s right for you!

Using a snow blower to move snow off your driveway and away from your yard is the most efficient way to keep your yard snow-free. Not only does it make the job easier, but it’s a lot quicker as well. With your new snow blower, there will be no more rushing to work in the mornings because you had to shovel the snow from behind your car first. 

Purchasing a snow blower is one of the best decisions you can make, but before you do so, you need to know how to pick the right one for your needs. Just like when shopping for a new lawnmower, there are several things that you’ll need to look for during the shopping process.

Read below for our full guide on how to make the right choice!

Start Looking Early

If you’re in need of a snow blower for the upcoming winter months, then you need to start shopping early. By the first of October, stores normally have a full stock on all of their snow blowers. Plus, when shopping early, there’s a chance that you might run into a few pre-season deals here and there. 

However, once the season’s first big snowfall lands down in your neighborhood, all deals are closed out. Stores sell out of their snow blowers quick as well, so if you don’t jump on it fast enough, you could be waiting weeks before they restock.

Know the Different Stages

As you’re shopping early, you have some time to think about the different stages of snow blowers to choose from. Each option has its own unique features, so it’s important to understand the difference and select the one that you need. Here’s an explanation. 

Single-Stage Snow Blower

A single-stage snow blower is one that has only one high-speed auger, which removes the snow from the ground and sends it out the chute. These snow blowers are ideal for areas that only experience an average snowfall that’s no deeper than 6 inches. 

It isn’t a self-propelled snow blower, and because of this, it’s best not to use it if you have a steep driveway. 

Two-Stage Snow Blower

A two-stage snow blower is one that has a slow-turning auger. It removes the snow from the ground and sends it into the machine where it’s then forced into a high-speed impeller that then sends it out the chute. These snow blowers are ideal for areas that receive 12 inches of snow. 

These machines are self-propelled and are able to break down compacted ice and snow much easier than a one-stage snow blower can.

Three-Stage Snow Blower

A three-stage snow blower is one that has a slow-turning auger that then places the picked up snow into the machine as well. However, it does so at a much faster rate than the two-stage snow blower. These snow blowers are ideal for areas that receive 18 inches of snow. 

It’ll get the job done much quicker than the other snow blowers and will do it with ease. 

Know Your Driveway

It’s essential that you understand your driveway before making a selection. If your driveway is a small and flat asphalt or concrete driveway, then you should have no problems using a stage-one snow blower. If you have a driveway that’s gravel or that’s steep, then you’ll need to use a stage-two or a stage-three snow blower. 

Know Your Snowfall 

You also need to take into consideration the type of snowfall that your home receives. The first thing to think about is the amount of snowfall that you normally get. Keep in mind the different amounts of snow that each stage snow blower can handle. 

Also, if you are used to getting wet or sticky snow, then you’ll need to consider using a two-stage or three-stage machine. A one-stage machine just won’t be able to get the job done. 

Consider Power Steering

Have you ever been driving your car and have the power steering shut off on you? If so, then you know just how difficult it can be to steer without it. The same goes for when pushing a snow blower. 

Power steering is a wonderful option to have when using these machines. Power steering makes doing 180° turns with your machine a breeze! 

Other Factors to Consider

Besides your power steering, there are some other factors to consider as well. Having all of the necessary features is a big factor when selecting the right snow blower for you. 

Headlights

Does the snow blower you want to purchase have headlights? Headlights are essential when needing to blow the snow early morning or late evening. 

Plastic vs Steel

Plastic chutes are better than steel chutes if you can believe it. Steel chutes are at risk of cracking and jamming, so they don’t last as long as plastic ones. 

Learn How to Buy a Snow Blower Before You Shop

Before you begin shopping for your new snow blower, make sure you know how to buy a snow blower first! Keep these tips listed above in mind as they’re going to become your best friends when making your selection. Remember to shop early and select the machine that meets all of your requirements depending on the type of driveway you have, the type of snowfall that you get, and more!

Your last step before making a final decision is to read our guide on the best snow blowers for winter 2020! Does yours make the cut?

If you’re tired of shoveling snow or you’re simply stocking the garage up with all the latest and greatest tools and you live in a snow prone region, you need to know how to choose a snowblower. Contrary to popular belief, they don’t all do the same thing. Some are definitely better than others depending on the amount of snow you have to remove from your landscape. 

That’s why we’ve put this handy guide together for you to see a step by step breakdown of what to look for when you start shopping. Keep reading to learn more.

A Handy Guide For How to Choose a Snowblower This Winter

The best snow blowers are not necessarily comparable to the best lawnmowers in terms of machining and functionality. But, it’s a good idea to consider how you might consider your next lawnmower purchase when purchasing a snowblower, too.

First, let’s take a look at the different types of snowblowers and then we’ll discuss a few other things to consider. Finally, we’ll talk about some of the attachments you can buy to make the job just a little bit easier.

Types of Snowblowers

There are advantages of each different type of snowblower that match the needs of the terrain and snowfall expected in your region. Some are better for small areas while others are more suitable for large yards and driveways. You may even find yourself looking at multiple snowblowers in order to achieve the best results for the exterior of your home.

Single Stage Gas Snowblowers

Gas snowblowers provide the greatest mobility because there is no power source to be concerned with. They also usually provide for the greatest clearing widths and intake heights compared to electric models. 

Single Stage Electric Cordless Snowblowers

A cordless electric snow blower is a bit lighter than a gas-powered blower and more compact making for easy mobility. They feature a push-button start feature which requires relatively no maintenance.

Single Stage Electric Snowblowers

Electric snowblowers are corded which generally requires an extension cord to operate. This feature limits mobility and you’ll need the extension cord to be flexible in cold conditions. 

Single-stage electric snow blowers require little maintenance and also feature push-button starting.

Two-Stage Snowblowers

Two-stage snowblowers are better for snow depths more than 8-inches. They are more powerful and suited for larger areas. Perhaps, however, the best feature of a two-stage snow blower is the engine-driven wheels which is better for uneven terrain and helps to reduce the amount of man-power necessary to power through that terrain. 

The two-stage process involves an auger that collects the snow and an impeller which swiftly discharges the snow. This process moves snow farther and faster than single-stage snow blowers so you can get the yard cleared in a fair amount of time and get back indoors by the warm and cozy fireplace.

Three-Stage Snowblowers

For a gas-powered blower that will not steer you wrong, select a three-stage snowblower. They operate similarly to two-stage models but work quicker and clear more snow.

Things to Consider When Buying a Snowblower

When it comes time to buy a snowblower, you need to know what exactly you’ll be using it for. Do you have a lot of hills on your property? What about the amount of snow you wish to remove and what type of snow is it?

Here are some of the most important things to consider when making your decision.

Terrain

If you’re clearing level surfaces, you’ll definitely want the assistance of an auger powered snowblower. These models are push-propelled which requires a bit of man-power so they’re not really suited for hills or slopes. You may need tire-chains for some models to provide traction depending on the conditions.

Type of Snow To Be Removed

If you’re just removing the light cover, a single-stage unit will do the trick. However, if you’re trying to remove wet, heavy, snow, a two-stage unit will do better but ultimately you’ll want a three-stage blower for larger yards and more depth.

Depth of the Snow To Be Removed

Anything over 8 inches will require a two-stage or three-stage blower. You can get away with single-stage blowers for depths of snow less than 8-inches as long as it’s not too heavy or compacted.

Covered Areas

Smaller driveways and front porches can be taken care of with a small single-stage unit. If your driveway is over 60-feet long, you’ll need a two-stage or three-stage blower to get the job done right.

Choosing Snowblower Attachments

Remember how we mentioned that snow blowers aren’t the same as lawnmowers? It’s true, but, you can find attachments for certain types of lawnmowers that will allow you to complete the task of removing snow from your yard.

If you don’t want to invest in such a large attachment, you can opt for a snow cab that simply attaches to your regular snowblower to help isolate you from the snowfall and cold elements.

Final Thoughts 

Now that you know everything there is to know about how to choose a snowblower, you can start preparing for the arrival of winter. And, you better hurry, it’s almost here! Forecasters are also reporting that this is expected to be one of the coldest winters on record in recent history so you can be guaranteed that your new snowblower will get plenty of use.

We hope you found this information helpful. Feel free to contact us if you have questions or comments about the best snowblowers to buy or any other products featured on our pages. We will be glad to get you pointed in the right direction.

One of the greatest inventions in the last 60 years was the electric wheelchair. It opened a whole new world of efficiency to those that require a wheelchair for everyday life.

Thanks to modern technology, those electric wheelchairs have continued to improve, offering more features, efficiency, and becoming more lightweight than ever.

However, there is such a huge market for finding a lightweight electric wheelchair. It can be hard to know which one to go with.

Here are some tips and factors to consider as you comb through all of the options that have become available in the electric wheelchair industry.

Weight Limits

Many people these days aren’t just looking for a wheelchair that’s lightweight or electric, they are looking for a powered wheelchair to avoid limitations on things like steep hills and tough terrain.

Many people don’t factor into this equation is the weight limit of the wheelchairs they’re looking at. This is crucial to factor into a lightweight wheelchair to make sure it will be comfortable for you.

An affordable wheelchair with steering control on any surface is great. But, if it can’t hold your weight then you won’t be able to enjoy all of the benefits that it lists online.

Fortunately, the marketplace is so vast that there are several perfect fits out there for whatever your weight may be. Simply filter out your options before moving onto any other qualities on your checklist.

Wheel Capabilities

As mentioned in the previous step, it’s crucial to find a wheelchair that can power through several different terrains. That way, nothing’s holding you back from enjoying life to the fullest with your family.

The best way of finding the one that fits your lifestyle best is by sticking to power electric wheelchairs only.

In this case, the bigger the wheels, the better. The chairs out there that have front-wheel drive will be your best bet for any foundation that you come across.

The front-wheel drive will give you the most control with your joystick so that you can keep a watchful eye on the path in front of you. Big wheels give you the most comfortable ride possible, which is obviously a very important feature.

Another valuable thing to keep your eyes out for is the suspension of the wheelchair itself.

This will prevent you from having a bumpy ride when going over bumps; Lord knows how many headaches that can cause throughout the day.

Thanks to modern technology you can live the lifestyle you want to. If you and your family are big on checking out local parks and trails, there’s nothing holding you back from enjoying that to the fullest!

Accommodations

Every wheelchair model’s number 1 priority is ensuring that you’re able to live a comfortable and versatile lifestyle.

The idea is that your wheelchair won’t hold you back from doing almost any activity that you want to, and different wheelchair companies do that in different ways.

Some companies place a premium on the foldability of the chair. These are typically very lightweight and provide a way to live on-the-go.

If you and your family are the type to hit up places like the grocery store, local eats, etc. in a few hour’s time, foldable chairs would be a great fit.

However, foldable chairs typically lack padding and almost never have the option to recline. That leaves your comfortability up to chance, which isn’t ideal.

Another crucial measure of accommodations is the quality of a wheelchair’s footrests and headrests. These features will ensure your comfort while you go about daily tasks.

While you may not always need the headrest, it’s nice to have as a way of avoiding neck pain a few days down the line. Read the full product description of each wheelchair you look at to get an idea of the padding it provides.

Battery Life

Is there anything more annoying than running into a situation where your wheelchair is running low on battery while you’re out and about?

Nothing’s more high stress than speeding up a trip to the grocery store in fear of the battery dying on you in the middle of an aisle. 

If you’re going to be using the electric wheelchair each day, you’ll want to find a wheelchair with the most battery life possible. That way, you know that your wheelchair can keep up with the hustle and bustle of your everyday life.

However, if you aren’t going to be using it all day, every day then the need for long battery life isn’t quite as necessary.

You’ll be able to mix and match a bit more to fit your budget and the accommodations you’re looking for. Depending on your circumstance, a mobility scooter may also be an option.

Regardless of how much battery life you ultimately need for your soon-to-be wheelchair, it’s definitely one of the first factors you should include during your search.

Find yourself a wheelchair that can keep up with your everyday life.

Find the Lightweight Electric Wheelchair to Suit Your Needs

While it may be overwhelming to view the number of options you have in the lightweight electric wheelchair industry, using these factors will filter your options significantly.

Be sure to read this article on the ultimate guide to electric wheelchairs for more helpful info you should consider during your search for what’s going to fit your life best.

For more inquiries, get in touch with us by visiting our contact us page. We’re always excited to chat with our readers further!

These days we are bombarded with images of perfect skin, and whether you yourself have a top-notch complexion or not, you could easily be forgiven for feeling less than perfect, thanks to air-brushed celebrities and society’s so-called image of perfection.

Before we go on, I’m certainly not suggesting you shouldn’t embrace your own appearance and your own perceived imperfections, you are you after all, but if you are unhappy with a certain part of your appearance, especially skin-wise, then the good news is that there are options available to you.

Have you heard of microdermabrasion? I’m sure you have in some guise, probably from a leaflet or advertisement in a salon or clinic, but what you might not be aware of is that you can perform microdermabrasion at home, with your own fair hands – no need for a surgeon’s scalpel or anything remotely scary sounding!

I guess first of all we should look at exactly what microdermabrasion is.

What is microdermabrasion?

Personally I think the best way to look at microdermabrasion is as a more rigorous version of exfoliation, because basically that’s what it does. It is a cosmetic procedure, which as we mentioned, can be done at home or in a salon, and uses crystals to gently remove dead skin cells from the outermost layer of the skin. You might have heard of it described as an ‘instant facelift’ in beauty magazines.

This is the most simplistic way to describe microdermabrasion, but it is actually a little more complicated when you peek below the surface, like most things in life.

How does microdermabrasion work?

When you look at your skin, you might just think it is just one layer, but in actual fact there are several layers below the surface that act as a barrier to harsh environmental factors. Your skin is made up of two major layers, called the epidermis and the dermis, but microdermabrasion works mainly with the epidermis, the layer which is closest to the top, the layer you can actually see.

The crystals we mentioned before are what make up the major tool in microdermabrasion, and they are applied either with a machine, or with your hands. The crystals are called aluminium oxide crystals, and these are tiny rougher elements which work to gently buff the skin. This causes a break up of the top layer of the skin, often referred to as the stratum corneum, and your body goes into autopilot, thinking there is an injury, so it sends troops, i.e. the development of newer and healthier cells, to the area it thinks is damaged. What results is a fresh, glowing, new layer of skin, which of course means a fresh, glowing complexion for you!  You’re basically fooling your body into kick-starting the healing process. Clever stuff!

Why should I get microdermabrasion?

You could of course just want a fresher complexion, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but you could also be looking into this cosmetic method because you have a skin condition that could be improved with microdermabrasion. If you have fine lines and wrinkles, stubborn blemishes, clogged pores, troublesome blackheads, or hyperpigmentation, then microdermabrasion could be a method that works for you, however one of its major uses is to help treat residual acne scars. I have also heard first hand from a person who had positive experience treating stretch marks.

If you are an acne sufferer, do be aware that you should never undergo microdermabrasion in any guise if you have an active condition, but if you want to rid yourself of old acne scars then this could certainly be a treatment option. The general idea is that by having several treatments, you affect the way your body regenerates new skin cells, speeding up the healing process, and eradicating those scars that have been such a bane in your life. Microdermabrasion has been shown to be very effective in this way.

On a more superficial level, microdermabrasion doesn’t come with a long list of side effects, or the need for downtime, and all you may find is that immediately after a treatment you skin may be a little red or swollen, which should go down over the next 24 hours.

Additionally, microdermabrasion is a much cheaper alternative to cosmetic surgery, and let’s face it, we want to try and avoid the surgeon’s knife if at all possible! Chemical peels are also more expensive, as well as Botox, and come with more risk attached.

Microdermabrasion can be performed on the face, chest, neck, arms or hands, however at home procedures do tend to focus on the face.

Go to the salon or stay at home?

Now, this is a preference thing, but I am all about saving money and saving hassle, so for me, I’m going to be staying at home!

It is worth mentioning that home methods are always going to be less potent than salon treatments, basically because of the machinery and equipment used in a salon, but that doesn’t mean that at home treatments don’t offer major benefits, and as a first port of call, they’re certainly worth a good try.

In a salon, your therapist will use specialised equipment to apply the crystals to your skin, and do the buffing thing, but at home you will probably purchase a scrub or cream and apply the product to your skin with your hands, having washed them thoroughly first, of course. At home products use the same aluminium oxide crystals, so the only major difference is the way you apply them, and the depth to which they go. If this is your first try at microdermabrasion, or you’re still slightly in need of persuasion, then save some money and try it out at home first.

As microdermabrasion has gained popularity, more and more companies have jumped on the trend, and it’s also possible to buy microdermabrasion units for use at home.

One thing to remember – always moisturise after a treatment. Oh, and stay out of the sun for a few days afterwards too.

How much will this all cost?

We’ve mentioned that at home treatments are always going to be cheaper than those done in a salon, albeit a weaker version of the treatment. You can buy products from all the major big hitters in the beauty world, including L’Oreal, Olay, Neutrogena etc, as well as the aforementioned units, which are usually found cheaper online.

A product you buy for at home use will probably contain up to 30 treatments, depending on how much you use at any one time, and depending on the brand you buy, can cost you anything up to around $100. Always remember that you’re better buying a well-known brand, over one that you’ve never heard of but is cheaper. Your skin is precious, and it’s not worth taking a risk to save a few dollars in this way.

The units we were talking about are obviously going to be more expensive, but will last you for a considerable length of time. These are again varied in price, but you can expect to pay anything up to the $300 dollar mark, depending on brand.

In comparison, if you go to a salon and have your microdermabrasion treatment done professionally, you can expect to pay more. This will depend on the area of the body you’re aiming it towards, the number of treatments required, and of course, which salon you go to, but on the whole you can expect to pay between $80 – $200 per treatment. The major plus point to this is of course the fact that you don’t need to do it yourself!

Which units do you recommend?

Image	Title	Price	Rating	Reviews
	Rejuvaderm MD - At Home Professional Handheld Microdermabrasion Machine - Medical Grade - Diamond Tip - Anti Aging... Anti Aging...	199.00	4.7	17
	Kendal Professional Diamond Microdermabrasion Machine HB-SF01	229.98	4.5	102
	MicrodermMD - Home Microdermabrasion Machine w/ AUTO Mode - Medical Grade - Diamond Tip - Anti Aging	289.95	4.3	87

Read this article for a list of our recommended at home microdermabrasion machines and a handy comparison table that makes it easier to choose your unit.

My first treatment

1. See this video article for a demonstration of at home microdermabrasion process on a face.
2. Your unit comes with an instruction manual – be sure to read it.

So, to sum it all up …

There is no arguing that microdermabrasion has become a major big-hitter in the beauty world, and it now features on many a salon’s product list, usually at the higher end price-wise. Doing your own treatment at home has many benefits, not to mention the lower cost, and the fact that you don’t have to leave the house!

On a treatment level, microdermabrasion has been scientifically proven to be hugely effective for a number of different skin conditions, and for former sufferers of acne with residual scars, microdermabrasion is the answer to many a prayer. Nobody should have to live with scars and blemishes that make them unhappy with their appearance. Some people can live with such scars and see them as a positive over the past, but for others this isn’t possible.

It all comes down to personal preference, but the bottom line is that our outer layer of skin is what the world sees of us appearance-wise, and if it bothers someone so much, then of course struggling shouldn’t be an option; this is where microdermabrasion has managed to put a smile back on many people’s faces.

So, at home or at the salon? I guess the choice is yours, but if you’re looking at using microdermabrasion as a long-term treatment option, something you’re planning on repeating, and home treatments work for you, well, it makes sense to save some dollar, and keep it all in your own home.

Here you’ll find a gallery of photos taken before and after microdermabrasion treatment. As you see – microderm can give great results in acne removal and in general helps clean and freshen your skin.

You can have microdermabrasion sessions at your local skin clinic or spa or you could also buy an at home microdermabrasion kit. We’ve listed the best ones in an article here.

Have you had similar results? Please send us photos so we can add to this gallery.

Choosing The Right Electric Knife Sharpener Based On Reviews 

If you are a chef or a good cook you could certainly have some basic information about electric knife sharpeners. They are an indispensable tool for chefs to help them to win many battles in their kitchens. These sharpeners have quite a few advantages because they are operated by electricity and are quite easy to handle. Even those who do not have much experience and expertise can handle these knife sharpeners quite easily. While it is possible to sharpen knives manually, it is fraught with difficulties and even risk of injuries.

Hence, going in for electric knife sharpeners would be a much better choice. They are easy to operate and sharpening even the blunt-edged knives would not take much of time. It is also safer compared to manual sharpening. However, choosing the right knife sharpener is not easy because of the various options available in the market. In this article we will have a look at two electric knife sharpener reviews and then arrive at a conclusion as to which is the better option.

Features Of Presto 08800 Eversharp Electric Knife Sharpener

• This sharpener comes with a two stage sharpener technology.
• It is suitable for sharpening any non-serrated blade and that too quite easily.
• It works almost on an autopilot mode and therefore avoids guesswork or groping in the dark so to say.
• Sharpening does not take more than a few seconds because of the high quality Sapphirite sharpening wheels.
• The product satisfies the highly demanding NAES or North American Electrical Standards.
• It also comes with a filter to avoid spattering.

Features of Chef’s Choice 130 Professional Knife-Sharpening Station, Platinum

• Coming from the house of Chef’s Choice this knife sharpening system is one that has 100% diamond abrasives.
• It is a highly versatile knife sharpener and can sharpen steels, strops and almost any type or model of knife available in the market.
• The stropping disk is made from high quality super hardened steel.
• It comes with a unique angle guide sharpening feature and therefore 100% perfect sharpening is no longer a difficult job.
• It comes with an easy to use on and off switch and stabilizing feet.
• Comes with a 3 year warranty.

Pros and Cons

Now that we have had a closer look at both the above knife sharpeners let us take our electric knife sharpener reviews a bit further. We will look at the various pros and cons associated with each of these brands.

Let us get started with the Presto 08800 Eversharp Electric Knife Sharpener Pros

Priced at $25 when purchased from Amazon.com this, electric knife certainly offers excellent value for money. For those who have voluminous amounts of grating and cutting there is no doubt that this knife sharpener will come in very handy. It takes literally a few minutes for sharpening almost any type of blades. Those who have big amounts of sharpening requirements will find this sharpener very useful.

Presto 08800 Eversharp Cons

However, on the flip side it might require manual steeling and that too by hand before it is sharpened. When honing a blade it also is reported to have a slight burr. Those who are ready to put up with this burring sound would have nothing much to complain against it.

Now let us have a look at the Presto 08800 Eversharp Electric Knife Sharpener and try to list out some advantages and disadvantages.

Chef’s Choice 130 Professional Knife-Sharpening Station Pros

If you believe in the proverb “give peanuts and you will get monkeys” then you will certainly have a second look at this knife sharpener. Thought it is priced at $136 when purchased from Amazon.com it certainly has a number of advantages worth mentioning. It is well and truly a top class electrical knife sharpener with 100 percent diamond abrasives. If you are looking for a consistent sharpening angle with the best of results then there is every reason to buy this sharpener. It comes with three different grooves and each one of them is for different types of knives.

Chef’s Choice 130 Cons

While there is nothing much negative about this sharpener, there is no doubt that it is slightly big in size and hence lugging it around could be a problem. Further the price could be a big dampener for those who are conscious about their pockets.

Conclusion

Looking into the various pros and cons there is reason to believe that the Presto 08800 Eversharp Electric Knife Sharpener is a better buy because of the sheer advantage of cost. Though it may not be as versatile and as feature-rich as the Chef’s Choice sharpener, it will certainly do almost all the tasks which the latter will do.