Log splitters are very heavy-duty products since they are made to take on heavy logs. How do you avoid ones that are either too weak or require a long and unnecessary assembling process?
Our expert contractors have the answer for you with choices that are gas, electric, and even manual to save you time.
Reviews of the Top Log Splitters
1. Champion Power Equipment Log Splitter
Most of us need tons of splitting force when we’re looking at heavy-duty jobs. The Champion Power Equipment log splitter can more than handle big logs.
The log splitter has an integrated log cradle that makes loading very easy. The powerful 80cc engine can handle a log size up to 19 inches long and 50 pounds.
The cycle time is about 20 seconds, and there is an auto-return valve that cuts time on splitting wood by a lot to maximize efficiency. Even for such a large and heavy-duty gas log splitter, the unit is portable thanks to never-flat wheels and a handle for mobility.
What We Like
- Gas-powered log splitter
- Portable with wheels and handle
- Auto-return valve
- 20-second cycle time
- Can handle bigger logs
- Integrated log cradle
- 2-year limited warranty
- Low-oil shutoff
- Recoil start
- Cast iron sleeve
- Efficient at splitting logs
- 50-state-compliant emissions
What We Don’t Like
- Not the best for eucalyptus tree wood
- Assembly takes around 30 minutes
2. PowerSmart Log Splitter
The PowerSmart log splitter is a 6-ton electric log splitter with a 15-amp induction motor working together with a hydraulic system that splits wood quickly. It’s not a commercial or industrial-purposed tool, and our team members recommend it for small to medium-sized jobs.
It’s one of the best log splitters for portability as it has rear wheels and easily maneuverable handles. The size of the overall log splitter makes it easy to pack it into the back of a standard sedan. Get through wood 22 inches in length with a 22 second cycle time with tons of splitting force.
What We Like
- 6-ton electric log splitter
- 15-amp induction motor
- Hydraulic system
- Fast log splitting
- Steel splitting wedge
- Recommended for small to mid-sized jobs
- Rear wheels
- Environmentally friendly
- 2-year warranty
What We Don’t Like
- Not the best for seasoned wood
- Better on drier wood
3. Kindling Cracker Firewood Splitter
The best budget log splitter title goes to the Kindling Cracker log splitter. Keep in mind that a manual log splitter such as this one is meant for splitting firewood and small logs rather than large logs and thick logs. Since manual splitters are arguably safer to use than a gas or electric splitter, and they don’t require as much maintenance.
The top ring is 6.5 inches in diameter and the entire tool is made from cast iron – one of the toughest and most durable materials out there.
The small manual splitter can be used indoors and out. Use it with your trusted axe or hammer for a clean split.
What We Like
- Easy-to-use manual splitter
- Safer than electric log splitters and gas splitters
- Cast iron construction
- Can be used indoors and out
- Virtually maintenance-free
- Great for firewood and splitting smaller logs
- Bolt holes for permanent mounting
- Affordable price
What We Don’t Like
- Requires more effort to split logs
- Not for larger logs
4. Powerhorse Log Splitter
Our woodworking team loves versatility, which is why both horizontal and vertical log splitters are very sought after. The PowerHorse 22-ton hydraulic log splitter has a user-friendly design that switches from vertical to horizontal with a quick maneuver.
The unit has a very heavy-duty design with i-beam construction and very thick steel support brackets. The auto-return wedge will save log splitters much time and there are log cradles onboard to catch the split logs.
The Powerhorse is one of the best log splitters in terms of durability with its thick steel plate construction and the angled stripping surface can handle the stress when the logs stick or jam.
What We Like
- Reinforced stripper design
- Log cradle catches wood
- 22-ton hydraulic log splitter
- Will split wood quickly
- 25-inch maximum log length
- Horizontal and vertical position
- 3000 PSI hydraulic pressure
- Very rugged design
- Attaches to category 1 and 2 tractors
What We Don’t Like
- No supply and return hoses
- Assembly required
5. SuperHandy Log Splitter
The SuperHandy log splitter is very handy indeed – living up to its name. The electric-powered splitters have a 1500W motor and an IP54 rating and can handle logs up to 20.5 inches long and 10-inches in diameter. The overall unit itself is less than 100 pounds, which makes it highly portable with the added help of large rear wheels.
The electric log splitter has a constant splitting force that will get you through the wood pile quickly with only a 15-second cycle time! Since it’s a 6-ton electric log splitter, it will not emit fumes or emissions [1], which makes it more eco-friendly than a gas-powered splitter.
What We Like
- Heavy-duty 1500W motor
- More eco-friendly than gas log splitters
- Very efficient
- Portable design
- IP54 rating
- Sturdy splitting wedge
- Low profile
- 6-ton log splitter
- 13,500 pounds of pressure
What We Don’t Like
- Hydraulic fuel not included
- No vertical capabilities
6. XtremepowerUS Log Splitter
With a name like XtremepowerUS, our team went into this review with high expectations that were met in the end. This electric log splitter is not super large but provides 7 tons of splitting power, which is quite a lot for electric log splitters. There is a built-in log cradle to hold the logs.
The XtremepowerUS electric splitter is highly portable with two large rear wheels and 2 comfort grip handles. We found that the wood splitter is ideal for homes with a fireplace or wood stove. The XtremepowerUS electric log splitter has an IP54 rating so you can leave it out in a pinch.
What We Like
- Indoor and outdoor use
- IP54 rating
- 7 tons of splitting force
- Splits logs quickly
- Wood cradle
- Class B insulation
- Portable design with large wheels
- Comfort grip handles
- Vertical or horizontal use
- 1500W of power
- Can split 10-inches in diameter
- 21-inch max log length
What We Don’t Like
- Some assembly required
- Oak rounds are more difficult
7. NorthStar Log Splitter
If 19-inch and 50-pound logs are too small for your purposes, then look for the NorthStar Log Splitter.
This particular gas-powered log splitter is designed for vertical and horizontal splitting and it comes equipped with an extremely powerful Honda GX160 engine. The engine is fuel-efficient with a high output so you can split logs quickly and easily.
The concentric hydraulic pump allows the NorthStar log splitter to handle the toughest jobs but still maintains portability. The oversized wheel, high-speed tires, and fenders make moving the large machine very easy.
What We Like
- Built for the tougher jobs
- Fuel efficient
- Honda GX160 engine
- Rugged design
- Easy to maneuver
- Premium hydraulic filtration
- Low-oil shutdown
- Steel reinforced hose
- Engine guard
- For 25”x16” max log diameter
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive unit
- Assembly could take some time
Log Splitters Buyer’s Guide
The best log splitters can handle the type of wood you need to split regardless of the type you choose. Do you work with smaller logs, green wood, large logs, or seasoned wood? To make sure you have all the features needed including how much power the log splitter can produce, our woodcutting team has created a quick checklist.
Power/Tonnage
Your first consideration is the power and tonnage of power. If you handle very hard or knotty wood, then you will need a much more powerful log splitter compared to someone who works with softwoods.
Before we get into too much detail about the different types of log splitters, we will say that gas log splitter options have more driving force than electric splitters, so if power is what you need, go for the gas.
Gas-powered models can deliver up to 30 tons of force, but you will more commonly find 25 tons as that is the average. 25 tons could handle logs up to 24 inches in diameter, which is very large.
Even the best electric log splitter won’t get you past 10 tons. Electric models provide anywhere between 6 to 10 tons of force, which can get through logs up to 12 inches in diameter. If you often work with large logs past 12 inches, then definitely go for gas models.
Manual wood splitters are not machines and engine-operated, so the driving force behind these tools is your strength.
Power Source
This is where our woodworking team gets into the various types of best wood splitters out there. There are electric, manual, and gas log splitters out there, but which is best for your needs?
Gas-powered log splitters are the most powerful, and they are also ones that can be operated vertically and horizontally if you get the right unit. These types can handle large logs and harder woods.
Electric log splitters are excellent for light to medium-duty jobs, and manual log splitters are recommended for small pieces of wood one would need for a stove or fireplace and not for construction.
Manual or Automatic Log Splitter?
Should you pick a manual or automatic unit? The best wood splitter for you will depend on your purpose. If you work with the toughest logs in a large size and capacity, then our team says there is no other choice but to go for an automatic model, which encompasses gas and electric. If you need vertical and horizontal capabilities, it will also force your hand to go with a gas splitter.
However, gas wood splitters do have their downsides. Gas splitters are very loud during operation, so don’t forget your earmuffs. They also emit hazardous fumes that could be damaging to your health over time, which means they should only be used outdoors. One more benefit of using gas splitters is that they are not limited to the length of the power cord like electric units are.
Speaking of electric units, they are much quieter, eco-friendly without harmful emissions, and more lightweight and portable compared to the gas units. However, you will need to operate them close to a power outlet or source, which will limit your range of motion. You can use them indoors, which means working in your garage or workshop when it’s cold out is possible, unlike with their gas counterparts.
For ease of use, more splitting force, and a higher output, we definitely suggest going for automatic log splitters. However, manual splitters also offer their share of benefits.
A manual log splitter is great for splitting logs in a lower capacity, but you will have to rely on your own strength to get the job done, much like chopping wood. It’s not the best for those who work with a lot of wood or large log sizes. It is great for those who need firewood and kindling from time to time.
Auto-Return
Splitting wood with most log splitters requires users to lift the ram and return it by maneuvering levers. As you can imagine, the job gets done a lot quicker if the ram would return to the starting position on its own. Luckily, a good log splitter will have an auto-return function that allows users to remove the finished log and load a new one quickly.
Cycle Time
What is the cycle time? It is the length of time needed for the log splitter to get through the log. Unfortunately, depending on the type of wood you work with, the motor power, and the size of the wood, the cycle time will vary. As a general rule of thumb, our experts say anywhere around 20 seconds is reasonable.
Keep in mind that with extra features such as the auto-return function, it will still save you lots of time even if the machine requires more than a 20-second cycle time.
Build and Size
Most log splitters are built with heavy-duty materials since they need to go head-to-head with large logs that could potentially stick or jam. We all want a durable machine, but no one wants something that’s tough if it’s clunky or cumbersome.
The top log splitter should be tough, but it shouldn’t compromise its mobility or portability. Even if the unit is heavy, the presence of large rear wheels can still make it easy to push around, especially if they work together with a comfort grip handle or two.
Some large industrial-sized units are also built with a mobile base or there are even ones that can attach onto a tractor or truck for portability. Regardless of what you choose, even the most compact options should still provide all the power you require to do the job and to get it done quickly.
The size will also depend on your projects, so you may not be able to pick the exact size you want. If you can, smaller units are much easier to store and save space. While you’re at it, look for models that have an IP rating so it is relatively protected from the elements. It’s more crucial for a gas-powered option to be weatherproof because it needs to be operated outdoors.
FAQ
How many tons do you really need for a log splitter?
A 7-ton log splitter is what you need for logs up to 20 inches in length. The tonnage of the splitters will depend on what logs you work with. There are smaller 6.5-ton electric log splitters and gas-powered options up to 27 tons and more on the market for big and heavy-duty jobs.
Which is better: an electric or a gas log splitter?
A gas log splitter is better for more power, more range of motion, and larger jobs. However, if you value indoor and outdoor operation and a quieter motor, an electric log splitter is the better choice. Just be aware that the cable length may limit your movement.
Is buying a log splitter worth it?
Yes, buying a log splitter is worth it. These tools can cut large-sized logs into small pieces of kindling – it just takes the right unit. If you need wood pieces from time to time, a manual splitter would be better than an industrial-purpose gas unit.
Our Top Pick For a Log Splitter:
Champion Power Log Splitter
Our top pick for the best log splitter is the Champion Power Log Splitter, since it combines power with efficiency. The unit provides 7 tons of force from an 80cc engine for a 20-second cycle. There is also an auto-return control valve that saves users much time during operation. On top of that, the machine is very durable with a cast iron sleeve and integrated robust log cradle.
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