Choosing Your Equipment
To make real snow, you'll need an air compressor and, for most setups, a pressure washer. We recommend purchasing these separately from a local hardware store or online retailer to keep your overall cost down.
Our recommended equipment is based on our personal experience and strong customer ratings. Residential-grade equipment is ideal for making snow a few times a year, while commercial-grade equipment is best for frequent or extended snowmaking.
Pressure Washers
Pressure washers are required for the Forecaster and Cold Front Snow Guns. Here are the most important factors to consider:
- GPM Rating: GPM (gallons per minute) determines how much water flows through the pressure washer. In general, more water means more snow production.
- Quality: Higher-quality pressure washers use better motors and pumps, making them more durable for frequent snowmaking.
- Noise: Induction motors are significantly quieter than residential brush motors, making them a great choice if noise is a concern.
- Power Type: Pressure washers are typically electric or gas-powered. For most backyard snowmaking setups, we recommend electric models.
Top Pressure Washer Recommendation
Our top pressure washer recommendation is the IDM 2.1 GPM Pressure Washer. This commercial-grade unit is built for marathon snowmaking sessions and features a nearly silent induction motor and a durable triplex pump designed for commercial use.
It is also the largest pressure washer that can run on a standard 120V U.S. outlet. When paired with the Forecaster Snow Gun, it can produce approximately 2" of snow per hour across a 15' × 30' area.
Residential Pressure Washers
These electric pressure washers are a great way to get started with backyard snowmaking. While residential models are less durable than commercial-grade pressure washers, they can typically provide 1–2 years of use and are usually rated around 1–2 GPM at 110V.
For higher snow output at a lower cost, you can pair multiple lower-cost pressure washers with a train system. Visit our Train Packages page to learn more.
Commercial 120V Pressure Washers
These are the highest-quality pressure washers that can run on a standard 120V U.S. outlet. For the best snowmaking experience, we recommend investing in a commercial-grade pressure washer.
Water is the heart of any snowmaking system, so investing in a quality pump is a smart long-term choice. These pressure washers are built to handle years of heavy use while providing reliable performance and simplifying your snowmaking setup.
Commercial 230V+ Pressure Washers
230V pressure washers open the door to higher GPM ratings and significantly more snow production. These commercial-grade machines typically range from 2–5 GPM and are built for serious, heavy-duty snowmaking.
If you're serious about snowmaking and want to invest in a high-output system, a 230V pressure washer is an excellent choice.
Air Compressors
An air compressor is required for all snow guns. Here are the most important factors to consider when choosing your compressor:
- CFM Rating @ 90 PSI — The most important factor is how much air the compressor can output. Your compressor should provide at least 5 CFM @ 90 PSI. A larger compressor will work, but it will not improve snow quality or performance. We recommend 5–7 CFM @ 90 PSI.
- Noise — Depending on your setup, noise can be an important consideration. A quieter compressor can make snowmaking more enjoyable and help keep your neighbors happy!
- Quality — Residential compressors that meet the CFM requirements will work great for most setups. For a long-term upgrade, look for a compressor with an induction motor and cast-iron pump for increased durability.
Residential Air Compressors
These residential-grade air compressors are a great way to get started with snowmaking. Our team recommends these models, and we use them regularly to make snow ourselves.
While residential compressors are less durable than commercial-grade models, they can still provide reliable performance for several years of use.
Commercial Air Compressors
These air compressors are built for heavy-duty use and are designed to stand the test of time. They typically feature oil-lubricated pumps and industrial-grade components, making them a great choice for frequent or extended snowmaking.
Hoses & Fittings
If you're using your own equipment, make sure you have the proper hoses and quick connections to connect your equipment to the Forecaster or Cold Front Snow Gun.
Both snow guns feature a standard 3/8" male quick-connect water inlet and a 1/4" industrial male quick-connect air inlet.
For cold-weather snowmaking, we recommend using rubber hoses, which stay more flexible in low temperatures. Rubber garden hoses, air hoses, and pressure washer hoses are all great options.
Backyard Snowstorm packages include rubber hoses for this reason, along with an adapter fitting pack designed to connect to the recommended pressure washers on this page.