Which log splitter review

Compact log splitters save on storage space and are typically still powerful enough to use for splitting firewood for personal heating use. Maximum log length is limited, often to around 16 inches long, so a chainsaw may be necessary for cutting longer logs to length. Manual splitters and splitting axes also take up less storage space than powered splitters.

On the smaller end, a manual splitting wedge may weigh as little as 9 pounds and be less than 1 foot wide and tall. These compact models are portable and often come with holes in the bases to stabilize them by bolting them down to tree stumps. At the other end of the scale, gas-powered splitters can weigh hundreds of pounds and come mounted on their own trailers or wheel-bases, some of which can be as large as a compact car. Their main purpose is functional but a few additional features and accessories may be handy.

With the above key features and shopping tips in mind, check out some of the best log splitters available, chosen for performance, quality, and price. Wood splitting needs vary, and some may need a hefty gas log splitter to split enough wood to last all winter, while others may want a small manual log splitter that serves only to further split quartered logs into kindling.

No matter the needs, one of the following log splitters should fit the bill. Generate up to 13, pounds of log-splitting force with the WEN 6. This horizontal electric log splitter includes a inch stand for splitting logs at waist level, or it can be placed on the ground to make loading large logs into the cradle easier. The WEN features a second cycle time and is suitable for splitting logs up to 10 inches in diameter.

Its wedge-shaped head splits logs into two halves, which can then be repositioned in the cradle for splitting into quarters. Among the most manual of all wood-splitting options, the Fiskars Splitting Axe weighs just 5. Best of all, it comes at an affordable price point. The Fiskars axe is fully manual, but its advanced bevel convex blade concentrates splitting power with each strike and also makes it easier to pull the blade out of the wood if the split is incomplete.

This is a balanced axe , designed to increase swing speed and multiply striking power. It comes with a textured, nonslip grip to reduce hand fatigue. Standing just 9. The Hi-Flame splitter is made from bright orange, powder-coated steel and features a sharpened vertical blade welded to a base plate that can be positioned on the ground or bolted to the top of a log stump for added stability.

Each side of the vertical blade features a slanted steel guide that directs the split wood at a diagonal angle to reduce the chance of logs getting stuck on the blade. A mallet or maul is required for splitting the firewood. This bad boy generates 25 tons of ram force to easily split large logs up to 24 inches in length that weigh up to pounds. Not fond of lifting those heavy logs? With just a couple of quick adjustments, the Champion tips up to a vertical position, allowing you to easily roll a log into place on the strike plate.

This gas-powered splitter is designed for serious log splitting. This compact manual splitter is portable and well suited to taking on camping trips or just to the backyard for splitting small logs with a mallet or sledgehammer.

The Kindle Quick is made from solid cast steel in a tripod designed for stability, and it comes with a sharp wedge blade in the center that splits firewood in two, reducing the amount of strike force required to split the wood. This basic electric log splitter comes with all the features necessary for splitting logs up to 21 inches long and 10 inches in diameter.

The PowerSmart Log Splitter features 6 tons of ram force and can be placed either on the ground or a sturdy workbench, making it more comfortable to split wood in a garage or workshop during inclement weather. The PowerSmart runs on electricity, so there are no fumes and no need to swing an axe or mallet.

It features a second cycle time and comes with a steel frame for durability. It weighs pounds and comes with large wheels and a handle for easier maneuverability. For an excellent log splitter that can do all the hard work for you, consider the WEN Electric Log Splitter and enjoy a fume-free work space with this electric unit.

If shoppers are looking for an additional manual unit to add to their arsenal, the Hi-Flame Firewood Kindling Splitter is a great choice—just make sure you have a mallet or maul to use with it. Anyone who has to split wood on a regular basis will likely appreciate the assistance afforded by a log splitter. Our list of recommendations gathers the range of log splitters available and offers the top picks in each category—manual, automatic, gas-powered, and electric options.

Our recommendations offer an ideal choice for each user depending on the tonnage the user requires and the size of the logs they are looking to split.

The best wood splitter for one person may not be the best for another. There are many factors that go into making a smart decision that not only gets the job done, but also does so in a way that ensures that you are not wasting money. A quick note before we get into the nuts and bolts: At Wood Splitters Direct , we have attempted to make all our log splitters very customizable to fit your splitting needs. You will see options on some listings like four way wedges , log cradles , dislodgers , etc.

This gives you the ability to modify your splitter just the way you like it! All you need to do is add the options to your cart to see see the new pricing of your custom built splitter. Also, remember that the price you see in your cart includes shipping and taxes, too! This can be somewhat of a difficult question to answer.

Sometimes, what we want out of a wood splitter and need from a wood splitter are two totally different things. A lot of the time, our answer is: "From what you've told us, you really don't need that much tonnage.

I was kind of set on a 45 ton. Don't get us wrong, we will definitely sell you a larger log splitter if that's genuinely what you want. However, we will only recommend what we genuinely believe you need … and we're not afraid to say so. We've found that most people just don't require as much force, consistently , for the vast majority of their splitting projects.

Now, that being said, we will be the first to admit that in certain situations it just makes sense to go with the bigger splitter after you've already narrowed your choices and you're doing the last "apples to apples" comparison.

It's worth keeping in mind that the average rental size unit in the United States is a 26 ton log splitter because most non-commercial projects just don't need more tonnage than that. We're offering a general guideline based on the Janka Hardness Test. This test measures the hardness of various wood species based on the necessary pounds-force lbf needed to embed a steel ball into the wood.

Please take this with a grain of salt as every piece of wood is different and no guideline will ever be perfect. One of the biggest mistakes we see, time and time again, is when people buy a 45 ton log splitter instead of a 26 ton or 34 ton log splitter because the price difference between the lower tonnage and the higher tonnage is similar.

This article is edited and updated by Michelle Ullman , the tool expert for The Spruce. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs.

For this roundup, she considered dozens of log splitters, evaluating each for basic features, extras, and customer evaluation. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile.

Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors.

The 7 Best Log Splitters of Turn logs into firewood to feed your fireplace all winter long. By Michelle Ullman. Michelle Ullman. Michelle Ullman has written hundreds of articles on home decor since She's a self-taught decor expert who contributes to several publications.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process. Our Top Picks. Best Overall:. Best Budget:. Turn logs into firewood and get in an arm workout to boot with this reasonably priced and effective hydraulic log splitter.

Best for Small Logs:. This splitter is designed for home use on small logs intended for average-sized fireplaces, firepits, or campfires. Best for Large Logs:. This fast and powerful gas log splitter makes quick work even of hard or damp logs.

Best with Stand:. The included inch stand raises the log splitter up high enough to prevent strain to your back. Best Manual:. Powered by a sturdy hammer or mallet and your own energy, this manual split wedge makes quick work of logs and is very portable. Best for Kindling:. Use this manual splitter to produce small pieces of kindling perfect for getting your fire started.

In This Article Expand. Our Picks.