Top 10 Best Log Splitters In 2018 – (Reviews And Advanced Buyer’s Guide)

If you have a fireplace and you like warming your home every evening, you always need ready logs to throw in. This is where best log splitters come in. To some people, chopping wood the conventional way isn’t an option.

It leaves their backs aching the whole day. Plus, the option isn’t that safe. It doesn’t take you long to chop wood with an axe before realizing how much time and effort it requires. Luckily, there is a solution for you.

Best Log Splitters 2018

Here is a review and guide to the top 10 best log splitters that will make your work super easy. And we hope this will help to learn everything you need to learn before buying log splitters.

Boss Industrial ES7T20 – Best Electric Log Splitter

One of the electric splitters that offer versatility to homeowners in terms of when and how logs are chopped is the Boss Industrial ES7T20. No wonder it is called the boss. Being a combination of both the electric and hydraulic types, it has a lot to offer. That is, regarding how easy and powerful the machine is at its work.

The machine features a fixed blade against which the log is loaded. The 7-ton force is enough to split the wood within seconds. In fact, it splits a cord in an hour. It has a powerful two horsepower electric motor to aid in the process. The engine is relatively light, making the whole system portable.

It can be conveniently operated using a single hand. This makes it even user-friendly, though you have to ensure that your other hand is safe. To prepare for the next log, the splitter’s ram system retracts automatically. This is important to keep the rhythm going. Users who have tried it claim that it chops the wood easier than it looks.

Other features include a warranty of 2 years, that is, for domestic purposes, but for commercial use, it reduces to 90 days. That said, the tool is recommended for those struggling with medium to heavy work while chopping wood.

WEN 56206 6-Ton – Best Runner Up

The WEN 56206 6-Ton comes with a 2 horsepower motor that runs on 15Amp. This allows the machine to exert a pressure of about 6 tons. Although you might think this force isn’t powerful enough for your needs, the machines split wood rather easily. It makes it an ideal tool that will turn your pile of logs into tiny pieces of firewood.

This particular machine can chop woods, which are 20.5 inches long and 10 inches wide. Any woodcutter can simply set this lightweight unit and allow its push plate that is connected to a fifteen and a half inch ram to do its work.

It takes only about 11 seconds for the whole process to be over. That is, six seconds for the wood to efficiently split apart, and about five seconds for the machine to retract the rim and assume a ready position. The machine is electrically powered, which means convenience and time saving for you. There are no binding maintenance needs and certainly no worries about harmful emissions.

On purchase, you get a 2-year warranty, with AW32 hydraulic oil. This is enough to fill the 2.8-quart reservoir.

TR Industrial TR89130 15Amp – Best Log Splitter for Portability

If you desire user-friendliness, an electric log splitter, durability, and robustness all in one unit, the TR IndustrialTR89130 15Amp tool is everything you need. It is also best suited for most domestic purposes. The reasonable price range it falls under is all the more reason why you shouldn’t pass it for anything else.

With a 15Amp motor, the engine is adequately substantial in producing about 5 tons of pressure. While this may not suffice for many industrial applications, it does wonders in turning logs into firewood.

This log splitter chops wood that is up to 20.5 inches in length and 12 inches wide. The operation is done using two hands. You should continuously control it with the lever with one hand when the other is on the power button.

The machine comes with a manufacturers guarantee of 2 years. Although, as with many other types of electric products, it might need some coverage. All in all, it still makes the best and the most user-friendly log splitter ever.

LJ10M Logger Joe 10 Ton – Best Manual Hydraulic Log Splitter

If you are looking for a manual hydraulic log splitter, the LJ10M Logger Joe 10 Ton splitter is the one you should consider buying. You won’t have to worry about fuel or electricity. It doesn’t use either. This means that you can save on the expenses of trying to maintain the motor or purchase the fuel. Also, it saves on the weight the machine would have.

Although the machine being manual requires a bit of an effort while splitting the wood, much of the muscle power is reduced by the hydraulics. As a result, the work is made easier. The LJ10M Logger Joe 10 Ton splitter is operated using two levers. One of the levers is a high pressure, which makes splitting slower, and the other one low pressure, which is faster.

Apart from its amazing features, it also comes with a warranty of 2 years. If you are scouting for a splitter that will enable you to chop wood into tiny pieces, this unit has the ideal power to cut through almost anything you load on it. Also, it is highly portable.

Champion 25-Ton – Best Log Splitter for Both Commercial and Domestic Use

Something about gas powered log splitters, compared to the manual and electric types, is that they offer lots of power. This is the reason they are the best choices if you want to split lots of wood either for domestic or commercial purposes. The Champion 25-Ton log splitter is one such tool.

This machine comes with the ultimate power you desire to ensure your work is made much easier. The unit can hold weights of up to a hundred pounds with a capacity of splitting wood of up to 23 inches. The time it takes for the cycle is only 12 seconds.

Like its name indicates, this machine has a force of 25 tons. Splitting wood is very easy as a result, and with the two catchers it is equipped with, you won’t have to fret about the daunting task of collecting logs scattered on the ground.

Although the product is heavy, the movement is aided by the D.O.T approved tires. They make it easy to tow from one place to another.

Northstar 37-Ton Log Splitter – Most Powerful Log Splitter

The Northstar 37-Ton Log Splitters is perhaps the best there is on the market if you are looking to do wood chopping the large-scale way. It comes with a very powerful engine and unbelievably 37 tons of chopping pressure!

That is enough power to cut through all types of wood, although the company specifies 24 inches in length and a diameter of 16 inches.

Some users claim that they have loaded logs, which were bigger than that, but it chopped them with ease. The cycle time is about 14 seconds only.

The product packs many features to make it even more convenient and efficient. The two-star pump provides the machine the ability to use equal reassure as a single pump, while at the same time using less of the engine force.

If the amazing features and power it comes with do not tempt you to buy this particular product, then the 4-year warranty will. The manufacturer ensures everything is hassle-free.

Pow’ R’ Kraft 65556 4-Ton – Best Log Splitter for the Budget

The high price that comes associated with this particular tool is worth every penny. Most products of its caliber are much affordable. But with the metal frame, the Pow’ R’ Kraft 65556 4-Ton log splitter is constructed from, it has to be the definition of power and durability that you shouldn’t pass up.

The splitter is electrically run with 15Amp and is powered by a 1.75HP motor. It seems a little below what you may be anticipating, but it can drive the ram with a force of about 4 tons. This is still enough to accomplish most of your domestic needs.

In terms of safety, the machine can only be run with both hands. Removal of one hand will make it stop. Nevertheless, the machine is suited for many small to medium tasks.

Aside from the machine being the best for small tasks, one other thing that makes it attractive is the 2-year warranty it comes with. Also, it weighs less than hundred pounds, making it easy to move around. Anyone would recommend this tool to you.

Powerhouse XM-380 – Best Log Splitter for Domestic Purposes

The Powerhouse XM-380 is a product of a relatively new name in the industry. A look at its reception and reviews, however, shows how quickly it is becoming the people’s favorite. It is one of the log splitters you should consider buying.

This machine has the capability of chopping approximately 100 logs every hour. This is quite impressive, which is why the splitter is perhaps one of the best tools you need if you are looking to make your domestic wood gathering a walk in the park.

It comes equipped with a powerful motor. With a Wattage of 2200, it spins the machine at 3500RPM. At this speed, any log will be chopped in only 6 seconds. Also, it takes 5 seconds for the ram to automatically retract.

The Powerhouse XM-380 wood splitter has a 7-ton ram. This is enough force to cut several types of wood with varied thickness. Any log with a diameter of 12 inches and a length of 20.5 inches can be accommodated. You won’t have to worry about fueling this machine as it is electrically run.

In terms of safety, it comes equipped with an overload protection that prevents the burning out of the motor. The unit is user-friendly and can be easily operated using both hands. Risks of injury are very minimal.

Dirty Hand Tools 100342, 28 Ton – Best Gas Log Splitter for Versatility

If you are looking for a log splitter that can accommodate most of your chopping needs the Dirty Hand Tools 100342, 28 Ton is the tool to go with. It is gas powered and it comes equipped with a powerful engine that is capable of splitting most of your logs.

The tool produces a whopping 28 tons of splitting force. Even the knotted wood types can be easily chopped. Anything smaller than 25 inches long doesn’t stand a chance.

The Dirty Hand Tools 100342, 28 Ton features road tires to enhance the towing speed. The tires are D.O.T approved, which means they are of good quality. Also, it comes with a log catcher, so, they don’t fall of the ground. Your logs can also be easily measured using the marks along the cradle.

The purchase of this unit comes with a 4-way wedge, storage cover, and fenders. Moreover, you get a total of five replacement filters and a suction screen among other accessories. Depending on your choice, you can get warranties of up to three years.

Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SLS20825 25 Ton – Best Gas Log Splitter

The Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SLS20825 25 Ton is the best gas powered log splitter, perhaps even better than the electric types. It produces an incredible 25 tons of pressure. As such, it is the best tool to own if you want to virtually do nothing while chopping wood.

The machine comes with an OHV engine, powerful enough to accommodate the tons of pressure it produces. The engine also has about 3750RPM. It has a cycle time of 17 seconds. This means it can chop the wood rapidly and assume the starting position conveniently. This is why it also cuts as the commercial option.

In terms of the wood sizes it can efficiently split, the Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SLS20825 25 Ton accommodate a length of 26 inches and a diameter of 30 inches. Also, the hydraulic oil can be easily pumped through the whole unit with the 2 stage pumping gear.

Yellow – You might make an assumption that this particular tool, with its power and strength, has to be producing lots of noise. You couldn’t be more wrong, it is relatively quiet, surprisingly, even better than some of the log splitters on the market.

Best Log Splitter – Buyer’s Guide

With no knowledge of what to look for when searching for the best log splitter on the market, the search can be such an overwhelming task. These tools come in various types, sizes, and capabilities. There are those that are suited for smaller tasks while others can easily accommodate the large-scale projects.

Aside from knowing how a log splitter works, how do you know the perfect one for all your needs? Here are some of the things you need to consider.

The Type of Work

The type of work you are looking to do matters a lot in terms of which product to buy. For instance, a machine best suited for domestic purposes won’t be the best choice for large-scale projects. Also, the electric types are limited in terms of functionality.

As a result, you need to determine the sole purpose to which the unit will serve. If you are a homeowner and you need the tool for occasional chopping of wood, the most expensive and heavy splitter shouldn’t be an option.

What Safety Features Does it Have?

Safety is mandatory regardless of the purpose to which you are buying the tool. When that tool has sharp edges that could lead to injuries, it even becomes the first priority. Apart from wearing all the safety gear, you should ensure that the machine itself is safe for operation. Some log splitters expose you to risks of getting hurt. There are those that can be operated using both hands while others with a single hand. Choose a product that has safety features like low-light shutdown, and overload protection among others.

Efficiency

How much force does the log splitter produce? Is it enough for your needs? Each product on the market has a capability that is different from the next. However, not all of them can do what they say they do.

The machine might be producing enough power, but when you use large types of logs, they do not perform as effectively as the small logs do. This might force you to chop them into smaller logs before using the machine. The last thing you want happening is doing half the work.

What are its Features?

Even though any product that is loaded with features might cost an arm and a leg, it does you good if you gave the traits a hard look. Most of these different products have varying modes of operation, capabilities and the extra features they pack. Only consider those features that are useful to you. An overload protection or low-oil shutdown are some of the important features you should consider.

Others include the amount of force it provides, that is, in tons – this will allow you to determine if it will fit your needs or not, the length of the cord needed to power the machine, as well as the outlet type. The product’s warranty also goes a long way in hinting how trustworthy the manufacturer is.

The Size It Cuts

This tells you right away if it will suffice for your needs or not. Check the maximum length and the diameter of the wood the log splitter is capable of handling before making the purchase.

Maintenance

Do not go buying a product that will require lots of services to keep it running. Ensure that the maintenance needs are minimal. Otherwise, you will end up spending more on it than you should have if you had chosen a different product. If it is changing the oil, the process should be simple and clean. If it requires cleaning, it should allow you to keep it free from debris among other types of dirt to keep it running efficiently.

Other things you might want to consider is the motor current – it determines the splitting force, the cycle time, and whether you need an electric, a gas, manual/hydraulic log splitter.

Conclusion

If you have made it this far through the post, you certainly have gained insight on what type of log splitter to buy. Still, if you have any doubts, the Boss Industrial ES7T20 is the first option you should consider for most of your needs. It is user-friendly, splits several types of wood, and ideal for medium and small types of projects.

Hopefully, the buyer’s guide gives you what you need to know to make an informed decision on buying the best log splitter available. Don’t forget to share!