Last Updated on June 12, 2022 by Gary Stephen
Log splitters are the best solution to get firewood in a jiffy. Remember those winter days when you struggle with dry hardwood logs to split? With the cold making, your fingers feel like stone?
Forget those days and your old ax! Let it rest in your warehouse and bring out the best log splitter instead. But which one to buy? You can buy gas, electric, or a manual log splitter. You can choose which one fulfills your recommendation better, and we’ve compiled a list to help you along the way.
It will save your time and split more than two dozen logs within 10 minutes. More importantly, you can split as much wood as you want without back pain or blistering! Really? Really.
What is a Log Splitter?
Simply, a log splitter is a kind of machine which splits pre-cut wood chunks or logs into two or four splices. It uses a small chainsaw or saw bench for cutting. Some log splitters have hydraulic, piston, or electrical rods to generate force. The force of the log splitter is generated through tons. So, the more weight, the more wood that will be produced.
Lighter log splitters are perfect for home and cabin use are around 10-15 tons. But, for professional and commercial use, this power rating should increase to 30+ tons. Higher pressure will allow for long, thick, and dry logs that are even and cut clean and neat.
A log splitter could be a great alternative to the old hand ax. It can cut 3 or 4 dozen logs in an hour, depending on the pressure, power, and speed. The splitter takes less time to complete splitting without making you exhausted.
Picture | Product Name | Power | Details |
---|---|---|---|
WEN 56207 6.5-Ton Electric Log Splitter | Electric | ||
Boss Industrial ES7T20 Electric Log Splitter | Electric | ||
Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SELS60 6 Ton Electric Log Splitter | Electric | ||
Powerhouse XM-380 Electric Hydraulic Log Splitter | Electric | ||
Champion 7-Ton Compact Horizontal Gas Log Splitter | Gas | ||
YARDMAX YS2565 25 Ton Half Beam Gas Log Splitter | Gas | ||
Goplus New 1500W 6 Ton Electric Hydraulic Log Splitter | Electric | ||
NorthStar Horizontal/Vertical Log Splitter | Gas |
Top 8 Log Splitters Reviews of 2024
If you need a log splitter for home, restaurants, motel or cabin use, then you will find a lot of affordable options. So, to help you narrow them down, I’ve listed 8 log splitter reviews that will make it easier to get your regular firewood splitting done.
#1 WEN 56207 6.5-Ton Electric Log Splitters
Our first log splitter review is for WEN 56207 Electric Log Splitter. This is the best electric log splitter for those who are looking for standard performance. In short, WEN Log Splitter is quite a handy tool for providing enough supply.
Its special 15A motor has the functional ability to provide 13,000 pounds pressures. So, you can use this machine for log cracking. It’s suitable to use both indoor and outdoors. For portability, it has two 5.6 inch tires which won’t get flat over the time of usage. It weighs only 98 lbs and is so easy to move single-handedly.
The log splitter is suitable for small to medium all kinds of tree logs. According to the manufacturer, it’s good to split ten diameter logs, but we find this a bit hard to believe. While we try one 10+” diameter log, it struggles with splitting. Power will also decrease during wood splitting.
Thus, if you need to cut 10 or more logs with the splitter, you have to do so smartly. While splitting these logs in half, flip it again and again to complete full splitting. Otherwise, it was pretty decent on ¾ inch diameter of woods. It’s 4/4″push the plate into the 5″ wedge to cut hard to soft any woods a like a nice even rip.
Pros and Cons
- The fully smooth and noise-free operation, suitable for indoor usage.
- With built-in log cradle/guide it keeps a log on track for smooth splitting.
- Sturdy construction and safe for everyday usage.
- Complete plug and play operation.
- Very cheap compare then other renowned brands of log splitters.
- Need to use your two hands to remain large diameter of the wooden log while splitting.
- Won’t spill 10″ diameter logs.
If you have a limited budget but need the best splitter for a cabin or small house, then this one is the perfect choice for you. It’s easy to use, transport, and performs well. It’s quite an impressive machine for log splitting overall.
#2 Boss Industrial ES7T20 Electric Log Splitters
Our Second choice is the Boss Industrial ES7T20 log splitter. It’s made for showing the ultimate power and strength. It offers both convenience and portability, and the power of the ram is excellent to deal with any significant projects. Its powerful electric motor delivers a 7-ton splitting force, plus it doesn’t have toxic emissions that come with those gas-powered units.
The electric log splitter is about 106 lbs and 40×13.5×20.5 es, and takes a reasonable amount of space to store. You can use it both indoors and outdoors efficiently, as it’s easy to move anytime and anywhere without any complication.
The splitter has a built-in side rail that keeps the log steady while splitting, while the front handle allows more maneuvering. The design of the Boss Industrial is unique and safe though. The patented hydraulic system for this electric splitter is beneficial for long-term usage.
Another feature we love is it has a 2Hp electric motor that runs on 115VAC and draws more than 13.5 amps or 1500 watts. The log splitter needs a 15-amp circuit to run, but you can also use 20A citric too. It comes with a regular length of the cord but if need any extension gauge extension cord will do great.
It can split to any 14 to 17 ” of logs fast and for many times. Sometimes you may need to turn over the log and split it again. Because for high dimension logs it may leave some part uncompleted. But otherwise, it’s great for any kind of wood.
Pros and Cons
- Good quality log splitter for small residential work.
- Automatic ram return and convenient one-handed operation.
- Cuts woods in 5-6 sacs even the thick logs too.
- Very affordable, and last for a long time.
- The splitter tends to split one side of the log and avoid knots.
- Some trouble when you are going to 20+es thoroughly dry woods on it.
All in all, it’s a great log splitter for long-term use. It is compact in size and portable. It also offers decent performance on heavy and thick logs and cuts very fast. Moreover, it comes at a fair price which anyone can afford.
#3 Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SELS60 6 Ton Electric Log Splitter
Here is another affordable log splitter for your everyday use. If you want a more powerful log splitter that can deal with any stubborn woods, then this is the machine to try. Southland Power Equipment SELS60 is the best commercial log splitter. It splits more logs with ultimate power but is also super easy to handle. It can cut even the highest diameter of the log, like butter. That’s what we like to hear!
The machine has heavy-duty 1.75 HP motor with a powerful 15 amp induction motor. So, if you’re a professional, you can manage the rugged situation with quite ease. This powerful engine can give a powerful punch to break every hard wooden chunk that you lay in front of it. Moreover, it has the ability to split a combination of logs so you get many cut logs every time.
The splitter takes approximately 18-second to cut a log. After trying some thin logs, we worked with some 26″ long maple logs. It takes almost the same time.
Another plus point of the splitter is that you can use it either horizontally or vertically. We know when you are dealing with a large 20 diameter of log it can be tough to lift, control and split. This is where more split comes in handy. With this big boy, splitting huge logs are a piece of cake.
Pros and Cons
- Great for splitting large to small logs of any type.
- Engines work fine and start with one or two attempts, even on the cold days.
- Handy instruction manual for explaining assembling and taking care process.
- According to many users, it’s a durable product.
- Very straightforward maintenance.
- This product is a bit pricey but a good investment.
- The assuming process is simple, but due to the weighty tolls, it takes a lot of time.
The motor, ram, and construction go well together to achieve every successful splitting. It’s a powerful machine for any professional to cut a massive amount of logs every day.
#4 Powerhouse XM-380 Electric Hydraulic Log Splitters
Next on our list is for Powerhouse XM-380, which is the best electric log splitter. This is a petite-sized electric log splitter, which we absolutely love. It’s made for small houses and small-spaced areas that you can easily move. It only weighs 103 pounds with its 38×11 size, but is still able to split 100 logs per hour.
Due to its size, you can’t split many logs right away, which means you can break one chunk of wood at a time. It’s not like the big size multi-log cutters, but its compact size and powerful engine makes sure you can cut logs without having head and backache. It doesn’t make much noise, which makes it easier to work for hours on-end.
Another great aspect of this machine is that it’s safer than other manual wood cutting processes. To prevent injuries, it has two handles and simultaneous operation. So, you can use both hands and operate the machine according to your preference.
The design of the log splitter is patented. It’s electrically powered and portable. It consists of a hydraulic ram, safety controls and the capacity of the splitter is 7 ton. The splitter retracts when you remove your hand from the lever so that you can load the next log and save more time.
The splitter takes only six seconds to split a hardwood log about 20″ long in 12″ diameter. So, after splitting a log, it returns to the previous position in 5 seconds.
Pros and Cons
- Its spilled logs pretty fast, even the long, thick logs, within six seconds.
- Suitable for almost every kind of wood.
- Portable in size, you can store it in a small space in a warehouse after use.
- Way better than the gas or petrol splitter, very quiet, sturdy and durable.
- Very affordable, and a high-quality product.
- The guide rails are made of light metal.
- Struggles with bugger logs when they are dry.
Powerhouse XM-380 is an affordable option for any house owner who needs to cut logs daily. It is a much more accessible option than your ax and other bulky splitters. So, now you can cut logs without breaking a sweat.
#5 Champion 7-Ton Compact Horizontal Gas Log Splitters
Do you want to meet a real champ? Here is Champion Power 7 ton gas log splitter, the best of all time (in our humble opinion). It can split any size, type, and weight of logs in no time. It is suitable to use either horizontal or vertical only with adjusting the pull pin.
The Champion Power log splitter gives a portable, dependable, fast, and heavy-duty log splitting. Its 3-inch hydraulic cylinder and two-stage pump produce 3000 psi pressure. So, it can complete the cutting procedure of a single log within 14 min. And that includes returning the blade after cutting the log. It can cut 50 lbs of the 19″ logs, like cutting tofu.
Besides, it has 2″ ball hitch and dot approved wheels. It also includes a 1.3-gallon hydraulic oil capacity and a spin-on oil filter. The machine comes with an 80cc engine with a one-gallon gas tank and cast iron sleeve.
If you want to split bigger logs, then this one unfortunately isn’t for you. It can only cut max log size 19.3 inches, so you should never try more than this size. The best part is that the machine changes direction while starting to cut logs.
Pros and Cons
- Suitable to cut logs from a vertical or horizontal position.
- Powerful 196cc champion OHV engine provides more speed and power while cutting.
- The splitter comes with the log catcher for both sides.
- Great for cutting small to large and size and type of woods in no time.
- All the wire and mechanical instruments are safely covered with a proper cover and tube.
- Takes a lot of time to assemble and unease to shift or move.
- Due to its robust performance and quality, it will cost you a lot.
The best log splitter from Champion Power showed important actions during our tests. It’s able to deal with dry wet and any tree woods like a piece of butter. So, those who need extreme power can definitely go for it.
#6 YARDMAX YS2565 25 Ton Half Beam Gas Log Splitters
A High power engine, portability, and colossal working stamina is crucial when looking for a log splitter that’s not scared to work hard. Well, the YARDMAX YS2565 25 Ton Half Beam Gas Log Splitter has it all. In short, it’s a 25-ton gas log splitter with a standard design and flawless performance.
The rugged machine is specially made for heavy-duty applications. You will have many benefits. First of all, it’s easy to assemble. Second, its compact in size and quite quick and easy to move. Finally, you can use it both vertical and horizontal and can cut anything.
The machine can split wood into two pieces with its built-in two-way wedges. But if its smaller diameter of the log then it cut into four pieces. YARDMAX Gas Log Splitter has the patented four-way wedge with the blade too.
It has another fantastic tool for the dual log cradles. It catches splitting wood with the pair of log cradles. If you use it with the mountable log table, then your work will be more comfortable and less messy.
The cradles are included with the machine but you have to buy the mounted table as a separate part. Its plate rotates logs for splitting, riding extra pressure on the beam.
It’s a powerful, clean, and efficient log splitter for any professional or home use. But, if you are looking full-beam gas splitter by YardMax, you can see this machine too.
Pros and Cons
- Very easy to assemble with less effort.
- Useful to split large size of wet or dry any kind of woods.
- It’s wood cradles make sure even cutting and create less mess.
- Good to use for horizontal and vertical usage.
- Its patented U-beam structure gives a stronger performance.
- After every work, you may need to check and tighten the motor mount bolts.
This log splitter creates more splits for its cost. It’s good to deal with wet to seasoned, or any kind of wood. If you give it proper maintenance, the splitter will last for years without any trouble.
#7 Goplus New 1500W 6 Ton Electric Hydraulic Log Splitters
Goplus Electric Hydraulic Log Splitter is another good log splitter on our list. It’s small in power capacity but great for house usage. The Goplus New 1500W is a 6-ton log splitter that runs on electricity. You can use it indoors to keep your firewood supply up and going. It’s a waterproof log splitter and will not rust fast. These are features that many log splitters lack. But the Goplus New 1500W has an IP rate of waterproof rating. The machine has 1500W of working power to work on different types of woods. For firewood supply at home, you may need high length and diameter of woods every time. You can split 10 to 16′ of logs with the log splitter. We tried 20′ logs with this machine, and it started fracture at least 5/6″. So, if you need to cut thick and large dry woods, you have to flip the fractured part and cut it again. It is a two hand-operated safe wood splitter. Many people may not happy with the fact of using both hands during work. But, keep in mind that this is a safer option. After using it for some time, you will get used to it.
Pros and Cons
- A very affordable option for any homeowner.
- Fit to cut small to medium long seasoned or wet logs.
- It can run on home electricity.
- Simple maintenance gives hisses with the operation, clean, etc.
- The wheels seem flimsy.
- Not built to deal with massive logs.
In general, an affordable and well performative option. It’s perfect for anyone who needs log supply during the winter months. It is suitable for using indoor too so anyone who lifts wood logs can use it with ease.
#8 NorthStar Horizontal/Vertical Log Splitter
If you sell fire logs by profession, then this lean and mean machine is the perfect fit for you. The NorthStar Log Splitter is a 37-ton log splitter and can split almost anything you feed it. You can use it either vertical or horizontal position; it is flexible on both.
The best log splitter from NorthStar is gear up with a very robust engine from famous brand Honda. It has a Honda GX270 engine with a unique idle down feature. It accumulates fuel and diminishes clattering while loading the next wood chunk.
This log splitter also comes with a concentric hydraulic pump. It adjusts the pressure and flow by providing high or low pressure. Usually, when there is no resistance and low flow else of high pressure. This feature increases productivity and lessens the cutting time, though.
The machine includes the four-wad wedge wings to quarter logs with a single piece instead of three. The splitter does have the automatic cylinder retunes. It saves you from pushing the lever again and again, to return the blade in the previous position.
The great thing about the machine is it can cut all seasoned or wet logs, even the knotty woods, very well. Most of the log splitters, even the powerful ones, show trouble while slicing woods with a crouch. It’s like running a hot knife over butter.
Pros and Cons
- Highest 37-ton RAM, very capable of splitting large dry logs.
- The powerful motor engine from Honda always starts on a single attempt.
- It is good for not making much noise during work.
- As long as the fuel remains in the engine, it never gets tired of splitting.
- Due to its quality and features, the product is costly (but a good investment).
- It is more than 600 pounds, making it hard to assemble, shift, etc.
Although this machines costs a but extra, consider all the features that make it stand out on the market. It’s a professional-grade splitter which will service you for years to come.
Different Types of Log Splitters
There are many types of splitters available on the market. They lessen the hard work of swinging an ax, which is why we believe it’s a must-have addition to your itinerary, especially for cold winter months. Down below, we have discussed four favorite kinds of log splitters. Let’s get started:
Manual Log Splitters
The manual log splitter is simple, light, affordable, and needs little space for storage. The manual log splitter can be foot-powered; hand powered and even hydraulic powered. This log splitter requires more or less manpower to run but is still a good alternative to cutting woods with an ax. If you need firewoods on the occasional period, consider having these splitters.
Electric log splitters
Electric log splitters are fast, portable, and an advanced solution for log splitting. They are good to use inside your home or outside. They get powered by an electronic motor that runs with the home electricity. For operation level, they could be either ground, stand, or bench level.
This type of splitter is quite cost-effective and requires low maintenance. You can run them in a home with the usual electrical outlet. Easy as 1, 2, 3!
Gas Log Splitters
Gas log splitters are the most robust, large and heavyweight compared to the two mentioned above. They are suitable for the vast-spilled diameter of logs. Most of the gas log splitters have a complete cutting cycle of 10-15 sacs. They don’t need to get plugged in, but are not usable indoors.
They are made for outdoor usage, need oil changes, and air filter changes. It comes with a different price range, and for getting quality one, you have to pay. If maintained adequately, then a gas log splitter will serve you for many years. Gas splitters are great for home or heavy professional usage, and definitely worth the investment.
Kinetic Log Splitters
Kinetic Log Splitters are the most advanced splitter to cut wooden at lightning speed. It uses a strong flywheel system that stores energy from the engine to splitting wheels. Moreover, it releases it while cutting logs.
It doesn’t need to wait for the ram to press the log and slice down little by little steadily. It also doesn’t hassle you with hydraulic oil, pumps, and so on. The kinetic splitters are, therefore, also a lot easier to maintain. You only need to take a tune-up of the engine and that’s it. As you can deduct, we love it!
How to Use a Log Splitter? Step to Step Guide
Before buying a log splitter, especially buying a kinetic one, you should have a clear idea of how to use your best wood splitter in the safest way possible. In general, the basic concept of log splitter operation for a different type of log splitter is the same. Some extra procedure that applies for only a particular model is in the manual as well. Follow these steps to use a log splitter properly.
Adding more components
If you get gas-powered log splitter, then make sure it has ample gas before adding the hydraulic oil. The next thing is adding oil to the wood splitter. How much oil you should pour varies from model to model. So, read the instruction of your model carefully to figure out the amount. After that, your machine will be ready to work.
Activate the wedge
After setting up and adding essential components, you can begin to place a log for testing. First, secure the position of the wood against the wedge. Place the cleaner part of the log on the edge, so the knotty part doesn’t get obstructed while cutting. It will not stop the machine but may cause unclear or fractured woods.
Now, locate the lever and pull to trigger piston. It will apply a high pressure using wage and start to break the wood structure into your desired size. The activation mechanism could be a button, depending on the model.
If you are going to use a manual wood splitter, then this process will be a little different. Manual logs include a hydraulic jack on the side of a log splitter. And a welded wedge would get situated on the other side.
Begin with tightening down the jack’s screw to secure the log. After that, move the cylinder into position. Manually pump the hydraulic jack until the wood chunk cut down. After completing, release the screw and push the cylinder in the previous position. Do the same for the next log splitting.
Safety tips
Secure your log into position by holding it in the middle. It will help the splitter as a guide to split a line and also save you from getting hurt. Some splitter has guide keep a log align, but for manual log splitting, you have to hold it to split well.
For more protection, you need to wear eyeglasses, boots, and gloves for scattered pieces of wood.
Read the manual
Reading the manual or instruction guide of your top-rated log splitter is very important. It will teach you how you can operate the machine in a safe way. Also, it will instruct you about the maintenance of the splitter. We don’t want you to lose a limb!
What to Look for While Buying a Log Splitter?
Choosing the best log splitters is easy. If you can consider some essential factors like these:
Power
For home usage, 20-25-ton wood splitters will be excellent. Many people use 6-15 ton’ splitter for 2/3 months of winter firewood supply.
Select your log splitter according to the broadest wood brunch. Make sure your splitter can deal with green wood too. But remember, more power means more cost. So, be careful in choosing according to your needs.
Construction
Check the operating tools, wheel, bench, guide, etc. of the splitter is well-made. Also, the warehousing of the machine should be well covered. Powerful log splitters are meant to be used outside. Even your garage has enough space but rather use your gas splitter in the yard, because gas splitters make toxic fumes. So, avoid indoor operation at all cost.
Your electric log splitter should be transportable. The bulky splitter is robust to shift outside. That’s why they need a durable and robust wheel that glides on the grassy, stoned, or concrete ground.
Performance
Different types of wood logs need a different kind of splitter to spill. It is the hardness that requires power performance. Since hardness branch diameter is also an essential factor. Check the diameter limit of your log splitter. Also, calculate what you usually use to split for firewoods. If you often cut 6-10″ branches, then a 6-ton log splitter will do great. For more diameter, the ton rate gets increased as well. For the 20+ diameter of logs, 22 or more tons of splitter will do fine.
Here is one thing to consider, the green logs. Green logs are those logs that are not seasoned. Usually, this type of wood is hard to cut. If you want to use your house tree branches for cutting, then you have to go for higher tons. A 12′ green log need 16-ton log splitter.
Brand
In most cases, a brand is the other name of quality. If you want a quality product, don’t go for a random or unknown brand. Also, many brands offer models with a non-brand engine to lessen the cost. What the engine or motor made from and which name is also a crucial factor. Be very careful when checking these factors.
Price
Most log splitters for home and professional usage usually are around $200+. So, if you want a log splitter for occasional usage, then make a budget from $300-$700. The range of splitter is good to supply the right amount of woods for a winter month. But if you need firewood supply for 6-10 months then its better invest in a $1000 or more splitters. Before judging a splitter with its price, check its features, power, capacity, and brand.
Will the wood splitter’s bade need sharpening?
Good news! The splitting wedge of your wood splitter is likely to never need sharpening, especially when used correctly. Remember, maintenance is key! The blade should remain sharp as long as it is only used on wood, and according to your use manual.
Final Verdict
Are log splitters worth the investment? I mean, winter is only for 2 to 3 months? I say, once you see how much time this nifty machine saves you you’ll never want to go back to hand-cutting wood again, making it the perfect investment for a lifetime. If you live in a cold country and have a fireplace, what are you waiting for?
A log splitter allows you to spend more quality time with your friends and family. Many different sizes, quality, and power of log splitters are available on the market. You can choose from one of our selected options or research more online. Make sure your best log splitter suits your needs and budget. Also, consider a log splitter that will give you ultimate performance.
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