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The Best Log Splitter

Last updated on August 16, 2024
Categories Garden & Outdoors Tags

We looked at the top 9 Log Splitters and dug through the reviews from 131 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Log Splitters.

Best Log Splitter

Our Review Process

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Our Picks For The Top Log Splitters

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Product Overview
Key Takeaway
Pros
Cons
 Best Overall

Boss Industrial Electric Log Splitter

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Boss Industrial

Electric Log Splitter

Electricity powers the Boss Industrial Electric Log Splitter, eliminating the fumes and fuel requirements of a gas-powered splitter. This means you can use it indoors or even in a garage area. It can also tackle woods up to 22 inches round, although it does have difficulty with harder logs.

Overall Take

Fume-Free SplitterSince this log splitter doesn't use gas or emit harmful fumes, it can be used inside a work shed or large garage.

Pros
" An electric - powered model that is easy to used one - handed. Construction and tires are sturdy"
Cons
"Probably, the only negative I see in this machine is one-handed operation. For me, safety is extremely important. That’s why I prefer log splitters that have two-handed operation."

The electric-powered WEN 6.5-Ton Electric Log Splitter eliminates the fumes you get with a gas-powered model. Since it's not as powerful as other splitters, it makes a better choice for those who have access to lighter, smaller woods that they can use to make firewood. The built-in handle and wheels make it easy to maneuver around.

Overall Take

Simple Yet EffectiveThis log splitter is portable and easy to transport with a handy set of wheels and a built-in handle.

Pros
" Rugged construction. Can be used with or without 34 inch stand that comes with it."
Cons
"Unfortunately, this tool is going to struggle with harder woods."
 Also Consider

Champion 7-Ton Compact Gas Log Splitter

Champion

7-Ton Compact Gas Log Splitter

For serious DIY-ers or commercial professionals, this powerful gas-powered model can handle woods up to 25 inches in diameter. It's on the pricier end, but still cost effective for a commercial operation. Its build makes it easy to tow, as long as you don't go above 45 miles per hour.

Overall Take

Handles Large CutsPerfect for professionals, this log splitter can be attached to the back of a truck and towed from job site to job site.

Pros
" Compact yet powerful. 80 cycle engine handles logs approx 19 inches in length"
Cons
"Requires quite a bit of assembly time and effort."
 Best Value

Sun Joe Logger Joe 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter

Sun Joe

Logger Joe 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter

The Sun Joe Logger Joe 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter uses hydraulics to split wood, eliminating the need to rely on fuel or electricity while working. It will require more physical labor than other splitters, and it can only handle woods up to 8 inches wide. But perhaps its biggest benefit is its price. The Sun Joe Logger Joe 10-Ton Hydraulic Log S...

Overall Take

Budget-Friendly SplitterYou'll need a little elbow grease to operate this log splitter, which uses hydraulics instead of gas or electricity.

Pros
" Split logs up to 18 inches long and 8 inches wide. Made of sturdy steel. Two year warranty. Easy to use."
Cons
"Handles a little too short"

Buying Guide

If you’ve ever tried to cut your own firewood, you know it’s more complicated than simply sawing logs. You’ll need a way to divide the logs into smaller, cleaner sections that you can slide into a fireplace or pile onto an outdoor fire pit. A log splitter will help you create perfectly-sized logs with minimal physical labor.

But you’ll have to make a few decisions before you purchase one. The biggest is whether you’ll buy a gas- or electric-powered splitter. Each has specific benefits, but overall, the biggest bonus to gas-powered log splitters is power. Newer electric log splitters pack some fairly impressive power, though, so don’t rule them out based on generalities.

As with other electric-powered tools, a log splitter that runs on electric doesn’t emit the fumes seen with its gas counterparts. In fact, you can even use some models indoors, making it perfect for setting up a shop in your basement. You’ll also save money and time on purchasing fuel to keep your log splitter going throughout your project.

Once you’ve decided on how your log splitter will be powered, it’s time to look at other features. Some splitters are built for commercial use, making them the right choice for those taking them to job sites. If you’re merely using it to create fireplace logs for your own family, though, you might be able to get away with something less pricey or more convenient.

If you do plan to use it away from home, you’ll need to keep portability in mind. Features like handles and wheels will come in handy if you need to transport them around, even if you’re taking them from one area of your house to another. For those using a log splitter only at home, a smaller model may be easier to store when you aren’t using it. Some log splitters can be towed, which is a consideration if you’re planning to transport it to different job sites throughout the day.

Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
16

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the log splitters available to purchase.
9

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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131

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Split Wood Club, Best Reviews Guide, Comparaboo, 10 Techy, No Place Called Home.

6,789

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 9 Log Splitters and also dug through the reviews from 131 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Log Splitters.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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The Best Bang For Your Buck

Sun Joe Logger Joe 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter

Key Takeawy

The Sun Joe Logger Joe 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter uses hydraulics to split wood, eliminating the need to rely on fuel or electricity while working. It will require more physical labor than other splitters, and it can only handle woods up to 8 inches wide. But perhaps its biggest benefit is its price. The Sun Joe Logger Joe 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter is far more affordable than competitors.

What other experts liked

Split logs up to 18 inches long and 8 inches wide. Made of sturdy steel. Two year warranty. Easy to use.
- BestReviews
Has two wheels to make it easier to move around
- Top 5 Reviews
This Logger Joe seems to be the lightest model in this review. At less than 90 lbs. it’s easy to pick it up all by yourself and put it in the trunk of a car.
- Best Advisor
After the operator places a log he or she can stand upright to use the hydraulic pump handles.
- Idea Hacks
With this pump, you can easily achieve 10 tons of splitting pressure. This amount of force is enough to split relatively large logs.
- 10 Best Ranked
There is a cradle function which helps keep split wood in one place and prevents it from falling. This way, you can easily turn it after the first split and start again if you are aiming to cut the log into quarters.
- Best of Machinery
It has cradle is perfect for most logs and it will prevent them from falling, so there is no need to lift them a few times during the operation.
- Tools Reviewer
It has convenient rear wheels to cart it through a yard.
- Cozzy
June 19, 2018 | Full review
It has powerful hydraulic ram builds up to 10 tons of driving force.
- Strawpoll
It requires almost no assembly, you just attach the handles and you are ready to go. The manual is well written and illustrated, no problem here.
- Garden Hive Fly
There are two handles on the log splitter, to allow you to pressurize the log with different speeds. This manual log splitter would allow you to split logs that are up to 18 inches long and 8 inches in diameter.
- Top 10 Best Budget
Easy to use – there is no oil, cords or gas.
- Log Splitter Advice
The good news is that you don’t have to worry about the additional expenses you get from gasoline, electricity, or motors.
- Top 5 Best Products
Very easy to set up, just take it out of the box and add your handles, and you’re ready to start splitting logs with the best of them.
- Split Wood Club
July 11, 2018 | Full review
It has two long handles that are fitted with rubber for a better grip allow you to stand clear of the log you are splitting and work the hydraulic pump without stooping.
- Electrosaw HQ
It does not make much noise so you don’t have to worry about waking your neighbors or family up!
- My Greenery Life
The Sun Joe 10 ton log splitter is designed for logs up to 18" long and 8" in diameter. It boasts an all steel construction that makes it extremely durable.
- Better Homesteading
It is sturdy steel construction.
- Tool Juice
One great side of this manual log splitter is that is lightweight, which can really come in handy when camping.
- Best On Tests
It’s very strong; in fact, it has an all-steel construction that’s designed to last.
- Best 10 Best

What other experts didn't like

Requires more physical labor than electric or gas - powered splitters. Can only tackle small to med - sized logs.
- BestReviews
Handles a little too short
- Top 5 Reviews
Work's with up to 18 inches logs only.
- Best Advisor
It is heavy and not easy to move around.
- Idea Hacks
The unit does not deliver optimal performance at low speeds.
- 10 Best Ranked
Wheels are good for carting around a yard but not towing.
- Cozzy
June 19, 2018 | Full review
Requires fairly specific length of logs.
- Garden Hive Fly
The maximum cut length is around 16 inches against the 18 inches they advertise.
- Top 10 Best Budget
Low-speed failure.
- Log Splitter Advice
However, we do have hydraulics to help us out.
- Top 5 Best Products
When you’re splitting logs with this machine, the hydraulic splitter doesn’t extend all the way to the end. So when you’re cutting logs sometimes you have to turn the log around and split from the other side.
- Split Wood Club
July 11, 2018 | Full review
Not very portable.
- Electrosaw HQ
May not handle knurly logs well​.
- Better Homesteading
You may struggle a little more with green wood, but it has zero issues with hard wood.
- Tool Juice
It is not great for large logs and volumes.
- Best On Tests
Struggles with harder woods.
- Best 10 Best

What to Look For

  • Your first decision when buying a log splitter will have to do with how the unit is powered. Electric-powered units like the Boss Industrial Electric Log Splitter and WEN 6.5-Ton Electric Log Splitter eliminate the fumes that come with gas-powered models. That means you can not only breathe easier when you’re using it outdoors, but you could technically bring it inside for use in a garage or basement during those cold winter months.
  • The Champion 7-Ton Compact Gas Log Splitter will require you to use a mixture of fuel and engine oil, as well as hydraulic fluid. You’ll need more hydraulic oil than usual for smooth operation.
  • The Sun Joe Logger Joe 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter eliminates the inconveniences of both electric and gas log splitters. It uses a hydraulic ram that can provide 10 tons of driving force to any log. You won’t need any fuel and you won’t be tethered to a power cord, making it appealing to some consumers.  However, you will find that this model requires more manual labor than with electric and gas log splitters.
  • Before you can decide on a log splitter, it’s important to know how much capacity you’ll need. Although electric, the Boss Industrial Electric Log Splitter impresses with its power. It advertises that it can handle logs up to 10 inches in diameter, but you’ll find that it can slice through some woods as large as 22 inches round. However, it may struggle with tougher woods like logs, so it might not be ideal for commercial use. The Champion 7-Ton Compact Gas Log Splitter can chop through wood up to 25 inches in diameter. It also has the capacity to hold woods weighing up to 50 pounds. Although the Sun Joe Logger Joe 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter is convenient, you will find it’s limited in capacity, but it can take on logs up to 8 inches in width. It also struggles with harder woods.
  • It’s worth factoring price when you’re deciding just how much power you need. The Boss Industrial Electric Log Splitter, which combines power with convenience, retails for around the same price as the Champion 7-Ton Compact Gas Log Splitter. Since these models are similarly priced, it may come down to whether you’re willing to give up being able to handle woods up to 25 inches in exchange for not having to deal with fumes and having to maintain and buy fuel for a gas-powered splitter. The WEN 6.5-Ton Electric Log Splitter lacks the power of either of these two models, but is priced more affordably. If you only need to chop smaller woods, the Sun Joe Logger Joe 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter will save you quite a bit of money.
  • Whether you plan to regularly transport your log splitter or not, portability can come in handy if only for storage purposes. The Boss Industrial Electric Log Splitter can easily be disassembled and transported in parts, but it’s also a compact machine, making it easy to store away when you aren’t using it. The Champion 7-Ton Compact Gas Log Splitter is designed for easy towing, as long as you stay below 45 mph. It’s also portable, though, with large 10-inch never-flat wheels, and a foldaway handle makes it easy to store. The WEN 6.5-Ton Electric Log Splitter has a handle and wheels to make it easy to move around, and the Sun Joe Logger Joe 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter has a lightweight, 90-pound design that makes it easy to transport and even tuck into the back of a truck.

More to Explore

Cutting your own firewood can save money, but it’s important to always take safety precautions when working with a log splitter. In addition to wearing protective gear like heavy-duty work gloves and eye protection, you should also consider keeping your body safe. By buying a horizontal/vertical splitter, you can save yourself a little manual labor and keep your back in good shape. A log lifter is an extra expense, but it can save you the effort required to lift 150-pound rounds in order to get them onto the log splitter. You should also take extra precautions when operating a gas-powered log lifter, only using them outdoors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

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