Honda are the best. PERIOD. Simplicity are next, followed by Ariens ,Snapper and Toro. All the rest are junk.
However, they are also the most expensive.
Look on Craigslist for a good used Simplicity. 8-9 HP with 24-26”.
Make sure whatever you get has a cast iron front gearbox.
I bought an MTD, 26 in 10HP, electric starter, two-stage snow blower in 1999.
Keep the oil changed, replace the skid shoes, have had one set of belts and it's been great for about a dozen winters in W PA.
I did select the "tank treads" instead of tires, and with 5 forwards and 2 reverse speeds, you can't stick this thing.
If it's junk, I'm a happy junk collector.