If you are searching for the best log splitter according to consumer reports in 2023 then this post is for you.
“Chop your own wood it will warm you twice”. This romantic notion has helped me and inspired me to get my wood splits for a long time.
What if you want to go through the splitting in the quickest way possible?
There is no answer other than having a log splitter.
A log splitter helps you get the job done quickly without going through lots of swearing and sweating.
The recent increase in the buying of the log splitter backs my point that people are busier than ever.
So if you too are getting into buying a lot of splitters, I am here to help.
In this post, I am going to review the top best log splitters. The product listed here is personally tested and verified. I too help from the consumer reports as well, to bring you a well-balanced list of products. So Without further ado let’s get started.
Bests Overall: WEN Electric Log Splitter
WEN Electric Log Splitter stands first in our list due to its quiet performance, it comes powered with 6.5 tons of cutting power, a compact design, and a powerful 15 amp powerful motor that gives the power to cut through the 10-inch diameter of the log smoothly.
7 Best Log Splitter Consumer Reports
I have compiled a list of the 7 best log splitter based on consumer reports 2023.
1. WEN 6.5-Ton Electric Log Splitter
- Included stand
- Easily handles 10-inches long logs
- 15 amp motor
- The splitting force of 6.5 Tons
Let’s accept it gas-powered log splitters are loud, noisy, and bulky and make them hard to use in a home.
So for those with sensitive ears grown on their heads, it is hard to go with gas-powered splitters, despite the fact that they are powerful and help you go through a pile of wood at one time.
I find electric splitters the best option for those scenarios; silent operators, compact, easier to take around, and pretty handy to use in a home, just LIKE the Wen-designed log splitter. The splitter comes powered by a powerful motor and renders quiet operations for long splitting.
In terms of power, in my experience and testing, it is good to go. Powered with a 15 amp motor, it easily passes through a good size of log we usually use in home for fire burning.
The stand apart aspect, my favorite one is its stand. The stand really marks a difference and makes the wood splitter way easier to use than you imagine.
In my experience, I easily passed through a 10-inches diameter of logs without any big issue. And I particularly liked the way it performs, it is like a go-to machine whenever you need to split logs. It split logs like a pro and makes the tasks way easier than you imagine.
Some of the users mentioned that the product is not as durable as you expect. But, in my testing, I found it is durable and as long-lasting as any of the other models listed, so don’t take that part as a negative, I think it is good to go for a homeowner for regular log splitting.
Pros
- Quiet, silent performer
- Powerful 15 amp motor
- Includes a stand that helps in bending and fatigue
- Durable model
Cons
- Limited to the areas where electricity is available
2. NorthStar Horizontal/Vertical 30 Ton Log Splitter
- Gas powered Hydraulic engine
- 30-Tons splitting force
- 25 inches max log length
- Cast iron Hydraulic Pump
If you are looking for a powerful wood splitter that operates both horizontally and vertically, look nowhere and get your hands on NorthStar designed wood splitter. With its immense power of 30 tons, this splitter got the guts to pass through any pile of wood in no time.
This wood splitter is good for commercial as well as residential log splitting tasks. Look at its refined Hydraulics and high-performing Honda-designed engine.
Its high-quality components make it one of the top-notch products, and hold up heavy use for a long time.
It is a towable to 2-inch ball coupler. The log splitter is powered by a GX200 series Honda engine. The best and stand apart aspect of this Honda engine is that it got a low-oil shutdown as well as an idle down feature that not only reduces the noise level but increases the fuel efficiency.
The modern designed Log splitter shares a cast iron-made Hydraulic pump and auto return valve with a quad filtering system to extend the overall lifespan of the hydraulic system.
Don’t forget that, the Hydraulic system pivots easily horizontally and vertically, to help you handle the logs splitting in both directions.
Another aspect that makes this log splitter stands out is its gas-powered engine. You know that those splitting lots of large woods, can’t go by without having a gas-powered engine.
This one with its gas power, helps you seamlessly pass through any pile of load. Plus, the thing I might have overlooked but got attention due to consumer reports is that it is good for cutting dry as well as green woods without any big issue or trouble.
And most importantly, the feature that helps you to orient vertically or horizontally, is what a real back saver is when handling larger rounds.
Pros
- Operates both horizontally and vertically
- Lots of 30 tons of power
- Modern idle shutdown Honda-designed engine
- Easily pass through the green as well as dry woods
Cons
- Large and heavy takes all the time in assembling
3. Inertia Cast Iron Manual Log Splitter
- 10-inch log base
- Effective splitting edge
- Guide ring at the top
- Simple to use
If you are looking for a log splitter to cut relatively smaller pieces of logs for residential use, the Inertia-designed cast iron manual log splitter is the right option to get hands-on.
It is an ideal contender for cutting through larger logs but is immensely efficient and effective in kindling out the already split logs.
It shares a cast iron construction, making it one of the most durable and solid constructed log splitters.
With a 10-inch cutting base, it makes it easier for cutting up to 10-inches of the logs. For longer and oversized logs, you may have to flip the log.
In my experience, when kindling through small logs using an ax it becomes hard to further kindle them through, and frustrating as well.
This log splitter makes it easier for the short work and prevents your fingers injured using a larger-sized ax.
In total, if you need a quick fix for your logs, in one go, without any big issue or hiccup, this log splitter is the right option to get hands-on, making it easier to kindle through already split logs.
Pros
- Simple yet efficient
- 10-inches long cutting base
- Safe for splitting
- Easily portable
Cons
- Needs to be mounted to a bench or log
4. Swisher LS22E 22-Ton Timber Brute Eco Split Electric Log Splitter
- 22 Ton splitting power
- Vertical and Horizontal splitting power
- 13-sec of splitting power
- Big thick wheels
Gas Powered log splitters are powerful and easily pass through piles of logs in one go. But, what if you don’t like gas-powered splitters due to their noise, but need the same range of power, go with Swisher LS22E designed electric log splitter.
Its splitting force can easily match the gasoline-powered splitters without being noisy around.
It is one of the durable log splitters and shares a rust-stainless steel construction, which makes it extremely durable and long-lasting.
One more edge of this electric log splitter over many others is its visibly longer cradle. This visibly extra long cradle makes it easier for the larger logs to easily cut through without much sweat and issues.
If you are a professional and have to take the log splitter around for providing services on the site, it got long thick wheels that are durable and can easily be traveled along. The wheels make the splitter easier to move without any big trouble.
I found this log splitter way easier to use than many others. Its cycle is too fast and makes your eyes lose count several times.
In just 13-seconds this splitter can take the logs, way faster than many the even gasoline-powered log splitters.
The most aspiring aspect of the log splitter is its 22 tons of splitting force. You know that electric log splitters’ force or power is far behind gasoline, but in this particular case it leads from the front, and it is one of the most powerful electric log splitters.
Also Read: Best Gas Logs
Pros
- Robust and Powerful 2 HP motor
- Horizontal as well as vertical log splitting
- Thick, and robust wheels to move around
- Fastest cycle time
Cons
- No stand, will have to buy one separate
5. Boss Industrial ES7T20 Electric Log Splitter
- 7-tons of splitting power
- Automatic RAM return
- 14-Seconds of cycle
- 2 HP powerful motor
Mostly log splitters are hard to operate for beginners. If you think it can be hard for you too, to get the splitting logs job done, go with an easy-to-use and convenient designed one-handed operation go with Boss Industrial ES720 log splitter.
The stand-apart aspect of this log splitter is that you can either use it on a table or without one. Its height and body are smaller than regular log splitters, so you can either buy a stand to work by standing or use it from there.
For us, neither of the two worked fine, or in no way we could find any difference in using any of them.
It’s splitting time just like our above-reviewed log splitter is pretty fast. In my experience, it takes only 14-seconds to get the log splitting job done.
With 9=seconds to get the log splitting process to work, and just 5-seconds for the log splitter to show its muscle.
You can control the speed as per your requirements, you can make the log splitter quick it up for you, or have it controlled at a slower speed.
This can be done using simple adjustments, to find the right speed for you. The overall speed, in my testing, is all about the type of wood you are cutting through.
It is an efficient and superb log splitter just like the way I mentioned it is convenient to be used. It got a great cutting capacity, unlike a regular electric log splitter this one can easily handle up to 17-inches of diameter.
With this big size of logs, you don’t have to worry about damaging your log splitter.
In total, if you have to sum up the review in one line, this log splitter is the right fusion of control, durability, power, and convenience. It does it all, what you expect from an electric log splitter.
Pros
- Impressive log splitting power
- Easily handles up to 17 inches of logs
- Automatic RAM to return feature to control the speed
- Pretty quiet, and noiseless operation
Cons
- For a larger person, it might require having a stand
6. Southland Outdoor Power Electric Log Splitter
- 18 sec of cycle time
- 5 HP motor
- Performs horizontally and vertically
- Automatic shut off
If you are on a budget and looking for an affordable and budget-priced electric log splitter that does it all for you without breaking your bank, go with the Boss-designed ES7T20 Electric log splitter.
It does not mean that you have to settle for a sub-par product, this log splitter is as reliable and consistent in performance as any of the listed ones.
It is not as heavy as most of the splitters around. With just 100 pounds of weight, lifting it and putting it on a table or on a stand would not be a big issue. But it does not come with a stand, you will have to buy one separately.
Storing the log splitter too would not be a big issue. It can be stored horizontally or vertically, depending on your space requirement.
With adjustable speed control, this log splitter allows you to handle it all without getting exhausted. You can adjust the speed, and feed as many logs as you want. With 18-sec of cycle time, it allows you to easily and quickly handle the splitting jobs.
The stand apart aspect is its power. It comes with a 1.75 HP power motor that provides you with enough splitting power.
Don’t forget that its position can be interchanged, change the position from vertical to horizontal, and enjoy the right flexibility at your work.
Its automatic shut-off or automatic turning-off is one of the most impressive aspects no one should overlook. If the engine detects overloading, it turns off automatically, with no further damage or big issue.
So, I can easily say that this log splitter is the one that even a professional would love to have around. It provides a decent amount of power and an impressive log capacity, it has everything you can ask for, for professional-level splitting tasks.
Pros
- 6-Tons of splitting force
- Good for residential and commercial splitting tasks
- Can perform the tasks horizontally and vertically
- Automatic shut-off feature
Cons
- No cradle, and stand
7. Powerhouse XM-380 Electric Hydraulic Log Splitter
- 7 Ton splitting power
- 3 HP motor
- 11 Sec of splitting cycle
- Automatic turn off
If power and perfection are what you seek in a log splitter, don’t skip the Powerhouse-designed XM-380 log splitter. It got the right 7-ton of power and can split in perfection, once you get your hands on the model, I am sure you would love it.
The log splitter is pretty durable and shares all metal construction. It would be safer to say that it is going to last longer compare to other, splitting logs with safety in the comfort of your home.
Yes, it looks good too, shares a bright color that definitely grabs the eyeballs, and makes an aesthetic appeal.
If you talk about splitting comfort, it is comparatively shorter and comes in a compact body. It does not come with a stand or table, you will have to buy one to get it worked.
Guess what, despite its power-packed performance, the log splitter ranks one of the fastest splitters with 11 seconds of the cycle. I would say, this is the fastest splitter for our list, and you will lose count looking at how fast it goes.
If you look at its performance and handling for soft and hard logs, it handles it all without any hiccup.
It works remarkably well on soft and harder logs, and its 3 HP motor provides the right amount of power in cutting through larger and hard logs without any damage.
This one of the most powerful log splitters also comes with an automatic shut-off feature. Sometimes looking at how fast it goes, you may be lured to put multiple logs, and if it senses the overpowering or overloading, the automatic turn-off feature turns it off and prevent any further damage.
Pros
- Compact, short, and easy to assemble and store
- 7 Tons of cutting power
- Powerful 3 HP motor
- Impressive log capacity
Cons
- Unstable wheels
Log Splitter Buying Guide
Keep in mind, that not all log splitters are made equal. To get the one that falls right on your needs, and helps you get the job done without lagging or freezing, you need to be careful.
There are a few top features you should look at in any log splitter before giving it a final shot.
Durable
In power tools, I have this unique formula for buying. Before the features, power, and other details, I look at it and its construction. If it is durable enough, then I give a go-ahead.
Because, in power tools you are handling robust operations, hard-to-go through things. If the product is not powerful, it surely will be broken in days, and anything on the table will be wasted.
No matter the log capacity, splitting power, and other details, the first thing you should check is its construction, material used in the making, and overall built.
Cycle Time
You want to quickly accomplish your log splitting tasks, aren’t you? So don’t overlook the cycle time, it helps you quickly get it all done.
So, I don’t always recommend going with the most powerful log splitter, but it should surely be fast to help me get it done. So, or my readers too, I recommend going with a log splitter that has at least 15 seconds of splitting cycle.
Engine Power
Yes, engine power is important, and one of the most highlighted aspects. The motor power is the feature that helps you easily go through splitting tasks.
A higher horsepower log splitter is surely a better option, and for those looking for a commercial or industrial scale log splitter, a must-have aspect.
The motor power or engine power easily translates into efficiency and productivity.
So, go with a high-powered motor if you are into buying a log splitter for commercial and industrial use. Even for residential use, don’t go less than 2 HP of motor power.
Horizontal and Vertical
The most common use of a log splitter would be horizontal. That’s why, if you have to pick between a horizontal and vertical log splitter, go with a horizontal one it is easier to operate.
Vertical log splitters are in fashion and are considered very convenient to use. That’s especially true if you have to deal with larger and denser logs, hard to lift.
So, if you have to deal with both types of splitting, go with a splitter that comes with horizontal as well as vertical log splitting. So that you get it done without any big issue or trouble.
Portable, easier to carry
Heavy, powerful log splitters are often purchased to be put on a permanent space. You can’t move them to different places.
If you have to deal with remote sites log splitting, and offering a place log splitting job, then don’t overlook a portable easier to the carry-around log splitter.
The splitter should have wheels, thick wheels that are easier to move around even within a workshop.
Splitting force
While reviewing any product we listed the splitting force of a log splitter, how can we forget to mention this particular aspect?
Splitting force determines how thick or dense logs you can split through.
If you want to cut through denser and bigger dimension logs, we recommend going with a greater splitting force. Don’t go with a log splitter with less than 3 tons of splitting force.
Wrap Up
Log splitters make the job way easier, smoother, and error-free. Without putting your blood and sweat into splitting, you get the job done in no time.
Buying a modern and useful log splitter that lasts for a long is not easier. It requires a solid durable construction, as well as modern features integrated.
In this long guide, we have reviewed your top best log splitters. These are the top-ranked and most useful popular options out there.
You can have a bird’s eye view of the models, and check which one of them grabs your eyeballs and falls right within your budget.
FAQs
How much pressure does it take to spit a log?
It requires at least 600KG of pressure to split a log. It depends on the log too; soft logs and hard logs can have different pressure for splitting.
On average, it takes around 600KG of pressure, the weight of the bear. It is pretty pressure, and that’s why it requires having the right tools for the job.
Is a vertical or horizontal log splitter better?
Horizontal logs are the most used and common in masses. They are great at splitting small logs, without any big issues. If you need to split through larger logs that are harder to lift, go with a vertical log, they are easier to split through denser and thicker logs.
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