Best Log Splitter Reviews 2018

One of the quickest and easiest ways of splitting logs is by using a log splitter. These power tools are efficient, easy to use and safer than other log splitting methods. But which type, brand, and model is the best? Currently, there are electrical, gas-powered and manual log splitters. Each of these has its merits and drawbacks. The complexity doesn’t end there; the many brands and models on the market make it even harder to select the best log splitter. But you don't have to worry; we have done the hard part of researching for you and now present you the five brands we believe have the best log splitters. In this review, we feature one log splitter from each of them. The reviewed log splitters are a mixture of type and price, and differ from each other in other ways too. Read through and pick one that meets your splitting needs.

Overview

PROS

CONS

SPECS

Type

Power

Log Size

Size

Warranty

Our Top Choice

Boss Industrial 7-Ton Electric Log Splitter

Boss Industrial manufacturers superior log splitters for home, commercial and industrial use. The 7-Ton Electric Log Splitter is a professional grade splitter ready to conquer your workload.

Fairly priced, measuring against its performance. Impressive splitting speed. Compact structure. One hand operation. Reputable brand. Powerful and dependable.

The splitters wedge isn’t replaceable

Electric Hydraulic Log Splitter

2 HP Motor, 7 –Ton Pressure

20.5” Length & 10.5” Diameter

40 x 13.5 x 20.5” 106 lbs.

2 Years

Best Value

Fiskars Super Splitting Axe

Fiskars is a prestigious manufacturer of tools that empowers you in the office, garden, home and in the classroom. The 36-inch Super Splitting Axe is best for medium to large logs.

Comes with a lifetime warranty. Lightweight and doesn't break easily. A strong, shock absorbing and non-slip handle. Proprietary grinding technique. Reputable brand.

Not the best for shorter persons.

Log Splitting Axe

Manpower

Medium – Large Logs

37.4 x 9.3 x 1.8”; 5.8 lbs.

Lifetime Warranty

Champion Power Full Beam Log Splitter

Champion Power Equipment is a leading brand in generators and other power tools. The 25-Ton Log Splitter is made for tough splitting jobs, especially in a commercial setting.

Very powerful, making it best for all types of splitting. Supports horizontal and vertical log splitting. Safe to use. Maneuverable is easy. Large fuel tank.

Ideal for outdoor use only.

Gas Powered Log Splitter

224 cc Engine, 25 Ton Pressure

23.8” Long; 100 lbs. Weight

19.1 x 28.3 x 71.3”; 450 lbs.

2 Years

Pow' R' Kraft 7-Ton Electric Log Splitter

Pow' R' Kraft manufacturers innovates tools that we all need daily, including electric log splitters. The 7-Ton electric log splitter is powerful and ideal for home use.

Has 2-speed settings. Durable steel construction. Portable. Quiet operations. It is assembled upon delivery. Consistent and convenient splitting.

After delivery offloading is your responsibility.

Electric Log Splitter

3 HP; 4 & 7 Ton Pressure

12” Diameter; 20” Long

42.5 x 22 x 12.5”; 205 lbs.

2 Years

YTL International 10-Ton Manual Log Splitter

YTL International’s mission is to be a trendsetter in manufacturing products for big box, home improvement, and farming. The 10-Ton Log Splitter is a powerful, manually operated illustration of this ideology.

Impressive 10-ton power. Affordable. Portable. Smaller in size. Usable in remote areas, where electric or gas powered log splitters cannot access or aren’t usable.

Because it’s manually operated, it is not the best for use by expectant mothers and the older persons.

Manual Hydraulic Log Splitter

Manual; 10 Ton Pressure

Up to 18” Long

44.5 x 10.2 x 11.8” ; 90.3 lbs.

None

(Updated December 11, 2017)

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How Do I Choose the Best Log Splitter?

Imagine this: you’re rocking back and forth in your comfortable and probably well-used rocking chair in front of a traditional fireplace, sipping a hot cup of your favorite beverage on a cold winter night. Throw in a couple of your best buds, TV and old movies, and you’ve achieved nirvana. Now, this fireplace needs something to burn, yeah? So why not throw a couple of pieces of wood into your imagination. No, not just anywhere; right into the fireplace. Now, you have actually, really achieved nirvana.

Now, step out of that imagination because there is work to be done. You can’t just throw huge, uncut logs into your fireplace; you have to cut them down into sizeable chunks that will fit in there. This, beautiful people, is why you need a log splitter. It is usually a safe and convenient way to split your wood without exerting too much energy. There are a lot of options to pick from, ranging from the manual to the electric and gasoline-powered kind. Get a log splitter, split your wood for the cold winter days, stack it neatly on your firewood rack, and wait for winter to do its worst.

Log splitters are not just for personal use; there are some pretty heavy-duty ones that will suffice for your industrial or commercial cutting, splitting logs with varying levels of thickness. What this basically means is that there is a log splitter for every splitting need.

Stay with us and we’ll tell you a few things you should know before purchasing a log splitter.

Price

Log splitters usually cost between $70 and $1,300, depending on the brand, type and even the tonnage. For example, an electric-powered log splitter will cost more than a manual one, all other things being equal. Now, because we are dedicated to bringing you the best of options, we have left out the uncharacteristically cheap log splitters because, truth be told, we are not sure of their safety.

Features

Some of the factors to look out for in a log splitter include:

Type
Size
Material
Use
Availability of Components
Speed

Construction and Design

Size is something you should really consider before taking the leap and getting yourself a log splitter. Log splitters come in a variety of sizes that are measured in tons. Make sure that the splitter you pick is neither too big nor too small for its purpose. The size of the splitter should be commensurate with the thickness of the wood or log you will, more often than not, be splitting; higher tonnage should equal thicker wood. Little piece of advice: if you are getting a splitter for personal use, you will most likely not need one with a higher tonnage than, say, 30 tons, because hey, how thick can wood for personal use be, right? However, if you intend to use it commercially or industrially, you sure do need some heavy-duty stuff.

Also, consider the speed of the equipment. Trust us when we say you don’t want a splitter that is slow. Nobody wants to waste the whole day splitting wood and, if splitting wood is your job or something like that, you know time is of the essence and you need to split wood as fast as mechanically possible. However, you also do not want a splitter that is too fast. You don’t want something that works way faster than you can keep up with. Make sure the splitter works at a speed that is realistic and can be worked with, and you are good.

Please, be sure to check the material the splitter is made of. Splitting wood is no walk in the park; it’s really tough work, so you want a splitter that can prove to be even tougher than the wood to be split. Imagine you are splitting and the splitter becomes the split; you would have wasted precious money on a pile of rubbish. Steel will most likely not fail you, but there are some other quite durable materials out there, such as FiberComp; be sure to ask and check.

Performance and Ease of Use

Log splitters are of diverse kinds – manual, electric and even gas-powered. The type of log splitter you choose is completely left to your discretion. However, just so you know; with the manual log splitter, you can split your wood anywhere, provided that there is space, but the electric one requires an electrical outlet. The gas-powered one must, obviously, be fed with gas before it can run. So, be sure to pick the one that will be most convenient for you, or whoever will be making use of it.

Another pertinent factor to bear in mind before you finally make your choice is the availability of the parts or components of that particular log splitter. You might run into problems with log splitters whose parts are either not available at all in the market or are quite difficult to find. What then happens if, in the course of splitting wood, something breaks or pulls out and gets lost? It is safer to go with a log splitter that you are sure of finding its spare parts in the market to save you stress, the cost of constantly replacing the whole thing, or the annoyance of giving up and having to pack up the equipment. We present before you a myriad of possibilities; do yourself a favor and choose a log splitter with the best possible outcome.

What is the Best Log Splitter?

To get the best deal, you must strike a balance between all the factors we considered in our buying guide and other personal preferences. This is no easy task, which is why we have reviewed the top five log splitters from the leading brands. These are brands that you can trust and count on for high-quality, dependable log splitters. We trust that in our review - whether you’re looking for a manual, gasoline or electric-powered log splitter, there is one for you. Get ready for winter with a log splitter!

Our Top Choice

Cut your log splitting time in half by using the Boss Industrial 7-Ton Electric Log Splitter. This log splitter has a good log capacity and requires only single hand operation. If you’re looking for a gasoline powered log splitter, check the 16-Ton Gasoline Log Splitter, with a record splitting time of 4.5 seconds, using a 6 HP engine.

Boss Industrial Electric 7-Ton Log Splitter, 2 HP Motor

Boss Industrial Log Splitters- ES7T20

Features

Boss Industrial specializes in log splitters ONLY. This is clear assurance that they have invested their hearts into these tools. Just as independent reviewers describe it, specialists in such niches have a special place in the industry’s history. For all their splitters, the brand states that their Boss advantage lies with superior hydraulics, great value, portability, safety and finally testing. Boss Industrial has several product categories which include electric splitters, gas splitters, 3-point hitch splitters and splitter accessories.

From Boss Industrial’s log splitter collection, we picked the powerful 7-Ton Electric Log Splitter which is ideal for homeowners. This splitter is durably constructed and has a rugged design. Despite lacking a towing feature, moving it around is pretty easy. Since it is electrically powered, there aren’t any gas emissions. So you can use it both indoors and outdoors. Comparing its manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $449 and its performance, this is one of the best deals on the market today.

Below is a highlight of its other features:

As a sign of quality and standard, this splitter is listed with CSA, a prestigious testing organization
Maximizes portability and ergonomics by having centrally located handles, and large wheels coupled with optional stand accessories
Strong log cradles hold logs tightly, mitigating chances of damages caused by dropped logs
Large and sturdy wheel base makes the splitter travel-friendly even in the roughest terrains
Made with full gear shafts, increasing the amount of stress the splitter can handle
Superior hydraulics cuts your log splitting time in half
Has a cord length of 5.5 feet
Doesn't need any assembly after purchase
Hydraulic pressure of 3500 psi, the highest from this manufacturer
Oil capacity of 4 quarts and horsepower of 2 hp.
Has an automatic return feature
No dual direction splitting
2 years residential and 6 months, commercial warranty

If this isn’t for you, browse Amazon to see other splitters from Boss Industrial, including gas powered ones.

Best Value

Just as the name suggests, Super Splitting Axe delivers one-strike splits and is best for taller persons. The axe has a unique head shape which splits logs from the blade upwards. If you’re looking for a chopping axe, check the Fiskars 23.5-Inch Axe ideal for felling trees. This ax has a shorter 23.5-Inch handle for better control.

Fiskars Super Splitting Steel Axe, 36-Inch, Lifetime Warranty

Fiskars Log Splitters – X27, 36-Inch

Features

Fiskars is a true legend! And we mean it. The brand, which is well-known for its axes, scissors, and high-quality knives, has been on the market for the last 367 years - almost 4 centuries. The secret behind Fiskars success is their design philosophy: that everything, even the simplest and smallest tools, can be made smarter and better. Other product categories that Fiskars has include; watering, lawn care, wood preparing, landscaping, harvesting, pruning and trimming tools, and container gardening among others.

From Fiskars axes, we picked the Super Splitting Axe, which at the time of this research was a bestseller on Amazon. If you are a taller person who prefers using a longer axe, this is a great deal. The unique blade geometry is enhanced perfected weight balance maximize its performance and ease of use. During this research, the manufacturer’s retail price was $69.99, but you could get on Amazon at a discount.

Here is a highlight of its other features;

The blade geometry makes it easy to remove the ax from the wood
The head shape makes it easy to split wood, by dispersing wood from the blade
Unmatched splitting power, the head is heavy and large
Improved control and reduced hands strain, the handle is textured and non-slip
Sheath protects the users and the blade
Lightweight handle is made of Shock-absorbing FiberComp material
The handle is strong enough to withstand and prevent overstrike damages
Blade has a low friction coating, which prevents cases of the head getting stuck in the wood
The blade is made of hardened steel, and stays sharp longer than a traditional axe’s

The axe we've featured here is the 36-Inch one. In case you're looking for a different size, you can choose among, the 17-Inch, 23.5-Inch, and 28-Inch versions. Also, if you want a different package for the 36-Inch, there is 36-Inch and hatchet combination or a 36-inch axe and a knife sharpener.

Want more than one? Check the wide range of Fiskars axes on Amazon and pick another one to go with it.

The Champion Power Equipment 25-Ton Log Splitter is for anyone looking for a powerful log splitter which can tackle the toughest of splitting jobs. It has a 224cc 4-stroke OHV engine, delivering up to 25 tons of force. Looking for an electric powered log splitter? Check the low profile design of Champion Power Equipment’s 7-Ton Portable Log Splitter.

Champion Power Equipment, 25 Ton Full Beam Log Splitter, Gas Powered, Towable

Champion Power Equipment Log Splitters- 100251

Features

For the last decade, Champion Power Equipment has been designing some of the world’s finest power equipment for recreational, work and home use. In addition to log splitters, other products from this brand include; generators, inverters, winches, transfer pumps and engines. Their log splitters provide dependable, heavy duty, and portable log splitting power - which you need when you’re stocking up on winter firewood or clearing a field. Their log splitters range from a force of 7 tons to 37 tons, so whether you want a log splitter for home or commercial use Champion Power Equipment has something for you.

From Champion Power Equipment, we picked the 25-Ton Log Splitter, which is powerful enough to split wood of up to 100 lbs. in weight. This splitter stands out for its capability to split logs in horizontal and vertical positions. While the retail suggested price for this powerful log splitter at the time of this research was $1900, on Amazon the same splitter could be yours with just $1300 or lower.

If you want to know more about the 25-Ton Full Beam Log Splitter, here are its other features;

It uses unleaded gasoline with a minimum rating of 85 and 10 percent octane and ethanol
Has a fuel tank of 3.4 liters, meaning less refueling time
Has wheels, a 2-Inch ball coupler & an extended tongue for easy portability
For towing, the maximum towing speed is 45 miles per hour
Has a 12 seconds cycle time and low oil shut off feature
The automatic cylinder return feature is a plus when you’re splitting for hours
Supports logs with a maximum length of 23.8 inches and weight of 100 lbs.
Integrated log cradle, along with log catchers and single wedge
Has a 2 stage gear pump, however, no fenders
Assurance of quality through its 2-year limited warranty

Not within your budget limits? Browse Amazon to see other Champion Log Splitters with different prices.

The Pow' R' Kraft 7-Ton Electric Log Splitter splits logs of up 12 inches in diameter and 20 inches in length. With this splitter, you won't struggle with fumes and noise. Maybe not within your budget? Check the more affordable, but less powerful 4-Ton Electric Log Splitter that split logs of up to 20-Inches in length and 10-Inches wide.

Pow' R' Kraft 7-Ton Electric Log Splitter, 15-Amp 2-Speed Setting,

Pow' R' Kraft Log Splitter- 65575

Features

Pow' R' Kraft’s mission has been to offer their customers quality power products since 2001. Secondly, the brand believes that durability in power products is long gone from the general market. That's why many power products will only last within the warranty period. Resonates with you? According to them, their mission is to re-invent durability. For example, their pioneer product, a 4-ton splitter which was introduced in 2001, is still on the market and the design has not changed. Apart from log splitters, this brand also manufacturers chippers, haulers, mowers, shredders, mixers, plate vibrators, snow blowers, sweepers, and spreaders.

The 7-Ton Electric Log Splitter is build to last. Its increased hydraulic pressure is matched with an increased cylinder size. Since it is electric powered, you can use it in the basement, garage or a yard.

There is more to the product than just power and durability - these are the other features of this electric log splitter:

Requires two hands operation
Ground fault breaker which offers protection against overloading
Has 2-speed settings - normally it runs on the 4-ton speed and the 7-ton is kept as a reserve
There is a ram auto-return feature
Has heavy duty steel hydraulic components and construction for durability
Can be used both indoors or outdoors
Runs on a standard 15-amp circuit and has a horsepower of 3 hp
Has wheels and built in handles for easy transportation
2-years warranty

Deal with this log splitter? If not check, other Pow' R' Kraft log splitters here

Looking to spend less than $250 on a powerful log splitter? The YTL International Manual Log Splitter is a great option. It is ideal for medium splitting work, especially at home. Looking for a vertical log splitter, within the same price range? We’d recommend you check the heavy duty Vulcan 8-Ton Log Splitter for outdoor and indoor use.

YTL International 10-Ton Manual Log Splitter, 2 Wheels

YTL International Log Splitters- MS10

Features

YTL International has been on the market for the last decade, manufacturing log splitters, stump grinders, all season spreaders, dump cart, tow behinds, job boxes, and mesh cars. The brand understands that any tool they make should get the job done fast and easily. That’s why their products are carefully designed, in consideration with various dynamics and needs.

YTL International has some of the best manual splitters on the market, they even perform better than some electric or gas powered ones. They also know that sometimes the greatest motivation to buy a manual log splitter is not save some money. This is because manual log splitters can be an exercising program, bonding time or even a tool to teach your children perseverance, problem-solving and hard work.

The YTL International MS10 Log Splitter is manually operated using two long steel handles. It has a Ram stroke of 200mm and is operated horizontally. Its maximum splitting force is 10 tons, sufficient to split logs of up to 18 inches in length. Because of its design and operations, this splitter is fun to use, especially when you’re not in a hurry. The wheels make maneuverability easy, while the small size makes it simple to carry to your vehicle.

Want something different? Check the whole collection of YTL International log splitters here.

Get the Best Log Splitter of 2018!

Now that you’ve read through the entire review, you can go ahead and choose your favorite log splitter, knowing that it is the right choice.

Our Top Choice

Boss Industrial 7-Ton Electric Log Splitter

Best Value

Fiskars Super Splitting Axe

Champion Power Full Beam Log Splitter

Pow' R' Kraft 7-Ton Electric Log Splitter

YTL International 10-Ton Manual Log Splitter