Best Log Splitter For The Money – Get The Best Deals Here
While chopping wood is great exercise it can also be very taxing on the body.
Not to mention time-consuming. When your warmth depends on it, you may need something quicker and more reliable.
This is where a log splitter can come in very handy. A log splitter will take care of your chopping chores in half the time. And if you have multiple cords to deal with, trust us, you are going to want a good log splitter.
However, very few people know what to look for when they are shopping for log splitters. Let’s be honest, these aren’t exactly everyday appliances like a refrigerator or washer.
So to help you make the right choice, we have put together a little list and buying guide to get you pointed in the right direction. Let’s start by addressing some of the most important questions regarding log splitters.
Who Makes the Best Quality Log Splitters?
Fortunately, we were able to test a handful of log splitters for ourselves and there were a few brands that stood out to us.
For example, we really liked the reliability and ease of use of Swisher, Sun Joe, Champion Power Equipment and Predator log splitters.
Some of these brands’ products are even used for commercial purposes so you know they can be depended on.
How Many Tons is a Good Log Splitter?
The power and capacity of log splitters are measured in tons.
“Tons” refers to the overall splitting force. For instance, if you are dealing with mostly soft woods, you will probably only need a 4-6 ton log splitter. However, if you need to process wide diameter pieces of oak, you may need a 10+ ton splitter.
While you shop for a log splitter, you will no doubt come across 20-25 ton splitters. These are heavy-duty machines and you will only need them if you are dealing with large pieces of hard wood.
Are Kinetic or Hydraulic Log Splitters Better?
It depends on the kinds of woods you will be processing.
By far, the biggest advantage of hydraulic wood splitters is that they are more powerful. With a hydraulic splitter, you will be able to power through large diameter, knotted wood with relative ease.
The biggest drawback to hydraulic splitters is the cycle times. Some hydraulic splitters have 30-second cycle times so it may take a lot of time to get through large piles. Kinetic splitters on the other hand have very fast cycle times.
However, you do lose power with kinetic splitters. If you are dealing with soft woods or small diameter wood, this shouldn’t be a problem. In summary, for large, knotty pieces of wood, you’re going to want a hydraulic splitter. For softer woods, kinetic splitters should work well.
What Should I Look for When Buying A Log Splitter?
Usually, people buy log splitters to spare their bodies from having to chop wood by hand.
That’s why we like splitters that have a vertical cutting option. A vertical cutting option basically allows you to simply roll large logs into place without having to lift them up onto a horizontal table.
And if it’s not easy on the body, what’s the point, right? You should also look for the splitting capacity which is usually measured in tons. If you typically process hard woods like oak, you will want a higher power rating.
You should also pay attention to the cycle times because that will dictate how quickly you are able to split logs.
What is the Best Log Splitter for the Money?
The best log splitter for the money will be the one that matches your power needs the closest.
Not everyone will need a super-charged 20 ton splitter that costs thousands of dollars. So you should carefully assess the kind of wood you usually need to split in order to make the best choice.
A valuable log splitter will also be one that is easy on your body and saves you time. That’s why you should pay attention to the cycle time of any log splitter you are thinking of buying.
Best Log Splitter For The Money
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1. – Swisher LS22E 120V Timber Brute Eco Split Electric Log Splitter – Best Premium
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2. – Champion Power Equipment 27 Ton 224cc Log Splitter – Best 27 Ton Model
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3. – Predator 20 ton Log Splitter – Best Under $1500
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4. – SuperHandy Log Splitter Electric Portable 6 Ton – Best 6 Ton Splitter for the Money
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5. – Landworks Log Splitter Portable 20 Ton – Best Splitter Under $1000
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6. – WEN 56207 6.5-Ton Electric Log Splitter – Best Splitter Under $400
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7. – Sun Joe LJ10M 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter – Best Budget 10 Ton Splitter
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8. – Powerhorse Horizontal/Vertical Log Splitter – Best Commercial Log Splitter for the Money
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9. – SuperHandy Log Splitter Portable Electric – Best 14 Ton Splitter for the Money
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10. – EARTHQUAKE 32228, 5-ton Electric Log Splitter – Best Electric 5 Ton Splitter
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11. – Boss Industrial ES7T20 Electric Log Splitter – Best Splitter Under $600
THE TOP 3
#1 – Swisher LS22E 120V Timber Brute Eco Split Electric Log Splitter – Best Premium
Selling Points:
- 120v motor
- 22 ton splitter
- Horizontal and vertical splitting
We start our list with one of the most powerful electric log splitters we have ever had the pleasure of testing.
The Swisher LS22E 120V Timber Brute Eco Split Electric Log Splitter is a 22 ton hydraulic splitter with direct drive.
The direct drive was a nice feature as it eliminates the need for a lot of moving parts. So in addition to being powerful, this log splitter should also be very durable.
Of course, as an electric log splitter, you won’t need to keep up with oil changes or always make sure you have fuel on hand which is convenient.
The electric motor is also emission-free so this is a great option for anyone conscious of their carbon footprint. The Swisher LS22E 120V Timber Brute Eco Split Electric Log Splitter also has a 25 foot power cord so it offers pretty good mobility overall.
The only thing we have against this splitter is that it has a 13 second cycle time – and it’s actually longer if you are dealing with particularly knotty wood.
Other than that, we really liked the power of this splitter and the fact that you can split wood in horizontal and vertical positions.
Pros
- Eco-friendly
- Includes towing rig
- Stores vertically as well
Cons
- 13 second cycle time
Overall Score: 98/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#2 – Champion Power Equipment 27 Ton 224cc Log Splitter – Best 27 Ton Model
Selling Points:
- 224cc motor
- Includes log catchers
- 11 second cycle time
The Champion Power Equipment 27 Ton 224cc Log Splitter is a hydraulic, 27 ton log splitter. There is no wood you can throw at this splitter that it will have trouble with.
This would be a great choice for anyone who processes multiple cords every season.
This is a gas-powered splitter so it will require some basic maintenance. But as long as you keep up with oil changes, this splitter should serve you well for many years. It is built very well.
The only downside to that is that it weighs over 400 pounds.
It does have a pair of 16” tires for easier transportation; but overall, this isn’t the most portable log splitter on the market. Still, you should be able to use the Champion Power Equipment 27 Ton 224cc Log Splitter for commercial applications.
The Champion Power Equipment 27 Ton 224cc Log Splitter can handle logs up to 100 pounds and 24 inches. It has an 11 second cycle time which is pretty good for a splitter of this capacity.
Pros:
- Very powerful
- Relatively quick cycle time
- Very durable
Cons:
- It’s heavy
Overall Score: 95/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#3 – Predator 20 ton Log Splitter – Best Under $1500
Selling Points:
- 212cc engine
- Gas powered
- 16 inch wheels
The reason we make it a point to acknowledge when a splitter is gas-powered is that gas-powered splitters tend to be significantly more powerful than their electric counterparts.
The Predator 20 ton Log Splitter is a gas-powered splitter with a 6.5 horsepower engine.
Of course, this is a 20 ton splitter so you should have no trouble with woods like oak. The Predator 20 ton Log Splitter is rated to handle logs up to 16 inches in diameter and 23 inches long.
This is a hydraulic pump splitter with a fast cycle speed. Just be aware that assembly can be kind of difficult.
Pros
- Good price
- Reliable startup
- Good for heavy woods
Cons
- Assembly can be tricky
Overall Score: 94/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#4 – SuperHandy Log Splitter Electric Portable 6 Ton – Best 6 Ton Splitter for the Money
Selling Points:
- 1500w motor
- 7” wheels
- 15 second cycle time
The SuperHandy Log Splitter Electric Portable 6 Ton is a handy little splitter to have around if you normally deal with small, soft woods.
This is an electric splitter with a hydraulic pump so you get pretty decent power overall.
As the name implies, it is rated at 6 tons. That’s good enough for splitting logs up to 10” in diameter and 20 inches in length.
The SuperHandy Log Splitter Electric Portable 6 Ton also features an auto-return cylinder that retracts as soon as the log is split.
This is a nice little convenience feature that will likely save you some time. Speaking of time, that was really the only problem we had with this splitter. This splitter has a 15 second cycle which is pretty long compared to other splitters in the same class.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Portable
- It can be propped up on a workbench
Cons
- Slow cycle time
Overall Score: 94/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#5 – Landworks Log Splitter Portable 20 Ton – Best Splitter Under $1000
Selling Points:
- Auto return system
- Hydraulic gear pump
- 7 HP engine
The Landworks Log Splitter Portable 20 Ton has a 7.5 second cycle time which means you don’t have to wait very long between logs.
It’s fast, it provides smooth, continuous power and it produces clean cuts.
We were very impressed with the overall performance of this splitter – especially considering that it typically sells for under $1000.
You can easily split logs that are about 16 inches in diameter with this splitter.
The 2-stage gear pump features multiple impellers which makes for very efficient operation and splitting. Plus, it only weighs 132 pounds so you can easily move it around your property with 10” transport wheels.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Fast
- Efficient
Cons
- No vertical splitting
Overall Score: 96/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#6 – WEN 56207 6.5-Ton Electric Log Splitter – Best Splitter Under $400
Selling Points:
- 34” stand
- Compact design
- 15 amp motor
This electric splitter would be good for anyone who typically has to process light woods. It comes with a 34 inch stand that brings the splitter up to about waist height.
But you can also use the splitter without the stand. You can prop it up on a workbench or operate it on the floor, on a couple large cookies or pretty much anywhere.
This is an electric splitter so while you don’t have to deal with any oil changes or emissions, you do lose out on some power. But if you don’t plan to split logs that are over 10” in diameter, you should be fine with this splitter.
The WEN 56207 6.5-Ton Electric Log Splitter has a 16 square inch push plate and a 5 inch wedge. You can also adjust the push plate so it doesn’t have to move back so far. This cuts down on cycle times.
Pros
- No emissions
- Very lightweight
- Affordable
Cons
- A bit underpowered
Overall Score: 95/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#7 – Sun Joe LJ10M 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter – Best Budget 10 Ton Splitter
Selling Points:
- Steel frame
- Hydraulic
- Electric motor
The Sun Joe LJ10M 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter takes a bit of elbow grease to operate but it will save you a significant amount of money.
For this reason we would say that the Sun Joe LJ10M 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter is best for people on a budget and who don’t mind the manual operation.
The Sun Joe LJ10M 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter is rated to split logs up to 8 inches in diameter and 18 inches in length. It only weighs 87 pounds so it is very portable – just make sure you have a long extension cord handy to power it.
Pros
- The ram return is very convenient
- Long handles
- Very affordable
Cons
- Manual operation
Overall Score: 93/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#8 – Powerhorse Horizontal/Vertical Log Splitter – Best Commercial Log Splitter for the Money
Selling Points:
- 212cc engine
- 10 micron filter
- Hydraulic splitter
If you are concerned about breathing in a bunch of sawdust, the Powerhorse Horizontal/Vertical Log Splitter would be a great choice for you.
It has multiple filters to help capture small contaminants from the wood and the engine.
Speaking of the engine, it produces 22 tons of ram force to help you power through knotty, gnarly wood with ease. Indeed, this splitter was plenty powerful when we tested it and we had no trouble even with large pieces of oak.
You can use this splitter in the vertical or horizontal position and has a cycle time of 13 seconds.
Pros
- Auto-return wedge
- Built in log cradles
- Comes with towing rig
Cons
- Slow cycle speed
Overall Score: 94/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#9 – SuperHandy Log Splitter Portable Electric – Best 14 Ton Splitter for the Money
Selling Points:
- Electric
- 15-amp motor
- 2-stage hydraulic gear pump
This was a surprisingly powerful splitter considering it’s electric. The SuperHandy Log Splitter Portable Electric was able to split logs that were up to 20 inches in diameter.
It also features a brushless motor so it should last for a long time.
The SuperHandy Log Splitter Portable Electric runs pretty quietly overall too – 65 decibels to be exact. So it would be a good choice for anyone who prefers relatively quiet operation.
The cycle time is 16 seconds which is pretty long overall; but that’s sort of to be expected with electric models. However, it only weighs about 126 pounds so you can easily set it on your workbench for easier operation.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Runs quietly
- Long control handle
Cons
- Long cycle time
Overall Score: 94/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#10 – EARTHQUAKE 32228, 5-ton Electric Log Splitter – Best Electric 5 Ton Splitter
Selling Points:
- 1500 watt motor
- Optional stand and tray kit
- Hydraulic
The EARTHQUAKE 32228, 5-ton Electric Log Splitter is lightweight and has transport wheels so you can roll it around as needed.
It offers 5 tons of force in an electric model. So it would be suitable for anyone who normally processes small, soft pieces of wood.
We didn’t like the fact that you can’t split vertically with this machine; but not having to deal with oil changes is pretty nice. As long as you don’t need to split oak and don’t care about vertical operation, this is a solid splitter.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Durable
- Easy to move around
Cons
- No vertical splitting
Overall Score: 92/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#11 – Boss Industrial ES7T20 Electric Log Splitter – Best Splitter Under $600
Selling Points:
- 7 ton splitting force
- Electric motor
- Automatic ram return
The Boss Industrial ES7T20 Electric Log Splitter features a 2 horsepower electric motor and built in side rails that helps keep logs in place while splitting.
Even if you have never used a splitter before, this one is very easy to use.
And since it’s electric, you can use it both outside and in your garage or workshop. However, don’t get the wrong idea. The Boss Industrial ES7T20 Electric Log Splitter would be best only for smaller splitting jobs.
Even with the hydraulic system, the Boss Industrial ES7T20 Electric Log Splitter has trouble with hard, knotty wood.
Pros
- Affordable
- Indoor and outdoor use
- Zero emissions
Cons
- Struggles with hard wood
Overall Score: 93/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Final Thoughts
So which one was our favorite overall? That would have to be the Swisher LS22E 120V Timber Brute Eco Split Electric Log Splitter.
This was the most impressive electric splitter and it can be operated horizontally and vertically which is very convenient.
But you may be gravitating towards a different model which is perfectly fine. Just be sure to review the features carefully so you only pay for what you need.
