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Top 10 Best Log Splitters In 2023 (Reviews And Advanced Buyer’s Guide)

by Jason Murray | Last Updated: January 5, 2023

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

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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.

Top List Best Log Splitters

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 you to learn everything you need to learn before buying log splitters.

ImageProduct
Best Electric Log Splitter

WEN Electric Log Splitter with Stand

  • 13,000 Pounds of Log
  • Cracking Force
  • Spacious Cradle
  • Easy transportation
  • Powerful 2 HP electric motor
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Read review
Best Hydraulic Log Splitter

LJ10M Logger Joe

  • Powerful hydraulic ram builds up to 10 tons of driving force
  • Log cradle prevents split wood from falling
  • Durable steel construction
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Read review
Best Gas Log Splitter

Champion 25-Ton

  • Durable and Towable
  • Dual Position
  • Auto-return and integrated log cradles
  • Log Catchers and Strippers
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Read review

#1. WEN 6.5-Ton – Best Runner Up

wen The WEN 6.5-Ton comes with a horsepower motor that runs on 15Amp. This allows the machine to exert a pressure of about 6.5 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 20 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.

The WEN 6.5-Ton is equipped with wide tires that come in handy when you are moving it from one place to another. Unlike other types of splitters, this particular tool is operated using both hands. Care should be taken during the operation. If you remove one hand, the ram assumes the starting position. This makes it safe for you.

I bought this to keep my body from getting damaged while swinging a maul. It’s quite useful. Won’t break dense, wet oak rounds or knots, but I’ll give them another go after they’ve dried a little. Works well on most straight-grained, dry rounds with diameters up to 12″ and lengths of up to 20″.

Instructions

I was amused by the instructions. (“Convince a good friend or even a trustworthy foe to help” – “Talk to the log and explain what’s about to happen to make sure it’s properly prepared” – “Keep all other living creatures, including children, pets, and in-laws, a minimum of 20 feet away from the work area”) — This is not a mistake. Someone had a good time with this.

Recommendation

I called to have the unique screws sent to me since the manual said that the handle was already in place, but it wasn’t. You must tighten jigg bolts/screws each time you use the splitter because of the vibration produced while splitting logs. Also, pay attention to the warning about keeping clear when using the splitter — 6.5 tons of pressure may suddenly hurl a 20-pound chunk of wet oak 15-20 feet away due to its tremendous force. You don’t want anything getting in its way!

On purchase, you get a 2-year warranty, with a nationwide network of skilled service technicians and a friendly customer helpline.

Pros
  • Has enough splitting force to make work easier
  • Operated by two hands to prevent potential injuries
  • Can be used indoors
  • Compatible with a generator
Cons
  • Doesn’t sit firmly on the ground
  • It doesn’t have the ideal force for large and hard logs

#2. LJ10M Logger Joe 10 Ton – Best Manual Hydraulic Log Splitter

logger joe 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 high pressure, which makes splitting slower, and the other one low pressure, which is faster.

The machine comes with a 10-ton capacity. This means that by simply using the lever, you are generating a force of 10 tonnes, which goes through wood with great ease. Its levers allow you to chop woods that are 18 inches in length and 8 inches in diameter.

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.

Pros
  • Has a compact and durable design, which consumes little space
  • Doesn’t run on fuel or electricity, meaning it is maintenance-free
  • It is portable
  • Splits several kinds of wood with different types of thickness
Cons
  • Doesn’t split green wood
  • With knotted logs, the machine could get jammed
  • Not as fast as other types of log splitters on the market
  • Not the best for large types of wood

#3. Boss Industrial ES7T20 – Best Electric Log Splitter

boss 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.

You can use it both indoors and outdoors as it emits no fumes or exhaust. You can easily power it using the typical amp and run it safely in your garage. The only disadvantage you might encounter is that it can be used when it is horizontally oriented. Nevertheless, it can chop woods of up to 10 inches in diameter and 20.5 inches in length.

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.

Pros
  • Easily operated with a single hand
  • Doesn’t seize knots as other log splitters would
  • Doesn’t emit harmful fumes, it is electric and can be powered by a single push button
  • Splits about a cord in one hour
  • Value for money
  • Maneuverability
Cons
  • It can get slow with excessively large loads
  • May not be efficient with tougher woods

#4. YARDMAX 5 Ton Electric Log Splitter – Best Log Splitter for Portability

TR If you desire user-friendliness, an electric log splitter, durability, and robustness all in one unit, the YARDMAX 5 Ton Electric Log Splitter 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 wonder in turning logs into firewood.

One of the features that makes it a popular choice is its design uniqueness. It stands 4 feet tall, which makes it convenient for you as you chop the logs. The wheels it is equipped with also make its movement easy.

This log splitter chops wood that is up to 20.5 inches in length and 10 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 manufacturer’s guarantee. 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.

Pros
  • Has a convenient height so that you don’t have to bend every time you are loading wood
  • Highly durable and versatile
  • Perfect for most home applications
  • Has wheels for easy portability
Cons
  • Not the best choice for large woods
  • Struggles with knotted types of logs
  • Movement may be limited by the power outlet

#5. Champion 25-Ton – Best Gas Log Splitter for Both Commercial and Domestic Use

champion 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.

As 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.

The Champion 25-Ton log splitter is also among the versatile types available on the market. You can use it when it is vertically or horizontally oriented. These positions can be easily switched to ensure that the machine accommodates larger pieces of wood.

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.

Pros
  • The tool is versatile and can be used either horizontally or vertically
  • Has beautiful wheels for easy portability
  • The 12 second cycle time is sufficient for an efficient chopping rhythm
  • Has log catchers
  • A lifetime of technical support
  • Features a log stripper
Cons
  • The initial assembly is a bit overwhelming after the purchase
  • Many of its small accessories are proprietary

#6. Northstar 37-Ton Log Splitter – Most Powerful Log Splitter

northstar The Northstar 37-Ton Log Splitters is perhaps the best there is on the market if you are looking to do wood chopping in a 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.

Featuring a smart hydraulic system, the unit adjusts the pressure as well as the oil flow to increase its performance in terms of chopping wood. Other features packed into this beautiful machine include a tow hitch and a chain. This, together with its wheels, allows you to tow it anywhere you want.

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.

Pros
  • Very powerful and suited for many applications
  • Has a good quality and durability
  • Lots of positive reviews
  • Features a low-voltage shutdown sensor
  • Relatively quiet
Cons
  • Very expensive
  • Not the lightweight splitter you are looking for
  • Overheats if it runs for many hours
  • Requires tools for assembly

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

pow 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.

With this particular tool, you can chop logs up to 10 inches wide and 20 inches long. Sometimes, you can even split wood with a diameter of up to 12 inches. One of the most impressive features this log splitter comes with is that it can be powered by standard electric outlets. That means it is safe for use indoors.

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 is 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 a hundred pounds, making it easy to move around. Anyone would recommend this tool to you.

Pros
  • Can be powered by most residential power outlets
  • May accommodate logs of up to 12 inches in diameter
  • Safe to use with risk of hands getting stuck
  • It is ideal for small to medium tasks
Cons
  • Not the best for commercial purposes
  • Might get jammed with large pieces of logs
  • Location and the operation of the machine is limited by the plugin design
  • Not the best for the wet season

#8. Powerhouse XM-380 – Best Log Splitter for Domestic Purposes

powerhouse 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.

Log Splitter Features

The Powerhouse XM-380 wood splitter has a 7-ton ram. This is enough force to cut several types of wood with varied thicknesses. 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 overload protection that prevents the burning out of the motor. The unit is user-friendly and can be easily operated using both hands. The risks of injury are very minimal.

Other features of the Powerhouse XM-380 include two front wheels, which make portability easy. You can push it anywhere you want with ease. However, these wheels have a base that makes it a bit difficult to move around. Also included is a warranty of one year. These and other features it comes with makes it worth a considerable option for an electric log splitter.
Pros
  • Comes with a ram that retracts automatically
  • 11 seconds is a short and convenient cycle time
  • Comes with wheels for easy transportation
  • Has been designed with safety in mind, the overload protection prevents you from overworking the machine
  • Fewer risks of injury
Cons
  • Not the best choice for rainy weather
  • The wheelbase is a bit narrow for movement
  • If your home has a breaker less than 16Amps, it might not be the best choice for you

#9. Dirty Hand Tools 30 Ton – Best Gas Log Splitter for Versatility

gas log splitter If you are looking for a log splitter that can accommodate most of your chopping needs the Dirty Hand Tools 30 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 30 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 30 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 off the ground. Your logs can also be easily measured using the marks along with the cradle.

The cycle time is impressively fast. In only 13.3 seconds, you will have finished a full cycle. Thanks to its 8-inch wedge. On the negative side, it weighs more than 500 pounds. It can only be towed and can be hardly moved individually. Nevertheless, it is highly durable.

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.

Pros
  • The whole unit is highly durable
  • Comes equipped with couplers and safety chains
  • The purchase comes with the necessary accessories
  • Has warranties of 1, 2, and 3 years
  • It is powerful and very versatile
  • Fast cycle time
Cons
  • It is very heavy for a log splitter. It has to be towed everywhere
  • Comes with blade guards that are a bit flimsy

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

best 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.

The greatness of this tool, however, comes at a price. It weighs a lot, and without its wide pneumatic wheels, you wouldn’t move it that far.

In terms of the wood sizes it can efficiently split, the Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SLS20825 25 Ton accommodates 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.

Pros
  • Highly durable, efficient, and powerful
  • Comes with a warranty of 3 years for the metal frame, 2 years for the engine, and a year for its hydraulics
  • Highly versatile and can be used in the either vertical or horizontal orientation
  • Has durable and D.O.T. approved wheels
  • Chops all kinds of wood, making it ideal for domestic and commercial use
Cons
  • Incompatible with the four-way wedge
  • Takes some time to assemble it
  • Wood split fall to the ground

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 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. 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 at 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 electric, a gas, manual/hydraulic log splitter.

Conclusion

If you have made it this far through the post, you certainly have gained insight into 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!

About Jason Murray

Hello! My name is Jason Murray. I am a full-time author of the website. My main goal is to facilitate the process of choosing the goods and provide our readers with everything they need to make a good purchase.
I worked for a well-known tool company for 7 years before joining the BigHomeChores team. And now I write reviews so that buyers like you can have the best assistance and education in making that next purchase.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. James says

    Boss Industrial can handle pretty much anything and when it doesn’t you just need to cut the logs smaller so the splitter can do its thing. Been using this model for a long time and I’m very happy with how it handles things and it is the best electric log splitter for me.

    Reply
  2. Stan says

    Not everyone is a fan of it, but I really like using manual hydraulic log splitters. They’re maintenance-free, portable, no need to pay extra for gas or electricity and does a great job at splitting wood. And LJ10M Logger Joe 10 Ton – best manual hydraulic log splitter.
    More people should give this a go.

    Reply
  3. Donnie says

    If you want a real beast working for you then the Northstar 37-Ton is just the thing and best electric log splitter. It will take some time to set up but when you have big wood to split you need this. It will go through anything like butter.

    Reply
  4. David says

    As per your recommendation “Top 10 Best Log Splitters”, I got the Boss Industrial one and it purrs like a cat! It has so much power that it’s scary… You need to be really careful with this one but it does a hell of a job, I’ll tell you that.

    Reply
  5. Benjamin says

    I like the WEN 6.5-Ton one. I’ve seen it in action at a friend and it works great. Hadn’t noticed if it sits firmly on the ground or not. Need to look again but it seemed to be ok. And it cuts everything in seconds. It’s best electric log splitter with stand for me.

    Reply

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