Splitting logs by hand can be exhausting, but the right log splitter makes the job much easier. These tools come in a range of styles, from simple manual wedges to powerful electric machines, helping homeowners and professionals turn logs into firewood with minimal effort.
Log splitters vary in size, power, and price. Heavy-duty models are best for large job sites, while smaller manual options work well for splitting small firewood pieces. Prices reflect these differences, with high-quality manual splitters starting at $25 and high-powered electric models reaching $1,000 or more.
After researching top options, we found the Landworks Portable Log Splitter to be the best choice for its heavy-duty design, impressive power, and long-lasting fuel capacity. However, there are several other great picks that are more budget-friendly. To help you find the right tool for your needs, the This Old House team put together this guide to the best log splitters. Read on for our top seven picks.
Best Log Splitters: Our Top 7 Picks
- Landworks Portable Log Splitter: Best Overall
- Kindling Cracker Firewood Splitter: Best Manual Splitter
- Estwing Sure Split Wedge: Best Splitting Wedge
- Sun Joe 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter: Best Manual Hydraulic
- BILT HARD Electric Log Splitter: Best Electric Hydraulic
- WEN 56208 Electric Log Splitter: Best Stand
- Fiskars IsoCore Wood Splitting Maul: Best Axe
Compare the Best Log Splitters
| Product | Type | Material | Weight | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Landworks Portable Log SplitterCheck Price | Gas-powered | Stainless steel | 146 pounds | 35 x 22.6 x 16.8 inches |
Kindling Cracker Firewood SplitterCheck Price | Manual | Cast iron | 10 pounds | 9 x 13 x 9 inches |
Estwing Sure Split WedgeCheck Price | Manual | Alloy steel | 1 pound | 8.9 x 2.5 x 1.8 inches |
Sun Joe 10-Ton Hydraulic Log SplitterCheck Price | Manual hydraulic | Steel | 87 pounds | 41.1 x 8.1 x 11.8 inches |
BILT HARD Electric Log SplitterCheck Price | Electric | Steel | 98 pounds | 36.4 x 10.4 x 18.3 inches |
WEN 56208 Electric Log SplitterCheck Price | Electric | Steel | 119 pounds | 38.5 x 28.3 x 39.3 inches |
Fiskars IsoCore Wood Splitting MaulCheck Price | Manual | Wood | 10 pounds | 36 x 8 inches |
Best Overall
Landworks Portable Log Splitter
Good for: Professionals or serious DIYers looking for a powerful log splitter.
With its 209cc gas-powered motor, this log splitter provides more stable and reliable cutting performance compared to electric-powered models. Additionally, it can be used anywhere that’s ventilated, and it has a long-lasting fuel capacity of 1.6 gallons.
Pros and Cons of Landworks Portable Log Splitter
- Runs on standard unleaded fuel
- Provides seven horsepower to support the 20-ton-rated system
- Includes 10-inch sturdy transport wheels for portability
- Emits toxic fumes and should only be used outdoors
- Is the most expensive log splitter in this review
What People Are Saying About The Landworks Portable Log Splitter
Positively, customers who reviewed this gas log splitter said that it was very powerful, consistently handled larger logs, and was easy to assemble. They also valued its 10-inch, all-terrain wheels for portability. Unfortunately, some reviewers said that the filter screen in the fluid reservoir came loose.
Best Manual Splitter
Kindling Cracker Firewood Splitter
Good for: Those looking for a manual splitter for firewood or home DIY projects.
This log splitter offers a dependable method for chopping firewood with a sharp splitting head secured inside a cast iron frame. Though this manual model requires more effort than hydraulic or gas splitters, it needs less force than a typical axe.
Pros and Cons of Kindling Cracker Firewood Splitter
- Is practically-maintenance free compared to gas- and electric-powered models
- Is built with bolt holes for mounting the splitter
- Created from high-quality cast iron
- Requires a lot of strength from the user
- Criticized for being unable to split harder woods, such as oak
What People Are Saying About The Kindling Cracker Firewood Splitter
Many customers were able to split wood easily with this manual tool. They also loved the clean, stable design. Unhappy reviewers criticized this manual wood splitter for not being strong enough to split tough wood, such as oak.
Best Splitting Wedge
Estwing Sure Split Wedge
Good for: Those looking to split small pieces at home with a manual wedge.
Similar to the other manual splitter in this review, this splitting wedge simplifies the splitting process while providing the user with more control. The durable metal wedge is set directly into the log and stricken with a hammer for a sure split.
Pros and Cons of Estwing Sure Split Wedge
- Has fins to widen the split, ensuring the wedge continues through the wood line
- The honed cutting edge of the splitting wedge is hand-sharpened and ready for use
- Made from durable, high-quality steel
- Requires a considerable amount of time and manual effort to use correctly
- May eventually crack due to the repeated force of hammer strikes
What People Are Saying About The Estwing Sure Split Wedge
Although this simple log splitter took more effort for customers compared to using gas- or electric-powered splitters, they said that the steel was durable, sharp, and evenly split logs of wood. They also reported that the splitting wedge had little to no “bounce.” Alternatively, others reported significant bounce despite multiple techniques, and the wedge didn’t arrive pre-sharpened for one user.
Best Manual Hydraulic
Sun Joe 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter
Good for: Homeowners who need to cut several large logs at a time.
This easy-to-use Sun Joe log splitter features two operating handles that can generate up to 10 tons of splitting force to split eight-inch logs into firewood. Featuring a return spring, the machine conveniently resets itself to let you cut more wood.
Pros and Cons of Sun Joe 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter
- Has a durable steel construction
- Built with a return spring, which allows for quick resets
- Doesn’t require gas, oil, or cords
- The wheels are small, affecting mobility
- Criticized for being slow
What People Are Saying About The Sun Joe 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter
Amazon customers noted that this log splitter was worth the money because of its power and ease of use. Unhappy reviewers said that the splitter couldn’t hold up to regular use, making it better for those who only need to split wood occasionally.
Best Electric Hydraulic
BILT HARD Electric Log Splitter
Good for: Customers looking for a powerful electric splitter for at-home or professional use.
Providing up to 6.5 tons of log cracking pressure and an 18-second cycle time between splits, this electric-powered log splitter is an easier way to split logs. The splitter operates horizontally but folds in a vertical position to save space in your garage or shed.
Pros and Cons of BILT HARD Electric Log Splitter
- Achieves speeds up to 3,400 RPM with its electric motor
- The two-hand controls ensure operator safety
- Its 5.7-inch sturdy transport wheels allow users to effortlessly roll the unit
- Requires access to a power outlet
- The defect warranty only lasts 30 days
What People Are Saying About The BILT HARD Electric Log Splitter
Overall, customers valued the heavy-duty splitting performance of this electric log splitter, including that the machine was simple to maintain and operated as advertised. However, there were some complaints about the unit lacking power to handle large logs.
Best Stand
WEN 56208 Electric Log Splitter
This log splitter comes with a useful stand that provides a base when you work. This splitter has a 15-amp electric motor that can provide up to 13,000 pounds of pressure. It also comes with 5.5-inch never flat wheels that make for easy transportation when bringing this splitter to a new jobsite.
Pros and Cons of WEN 56208 Electric Log Splitter
- Has a powerful motor that can deliver up to 13,000 pounds of pressure
- Features 5.5-inch never flat wheels for easy transport
- Can be used with or without the stand
- Has a heavy design that may be difficult for some to use
- May not be suitable for extra-large logs
What People Are Saying About The WEN 56208 Electric Log Splitter
We noted that customers who were pleased with this WEN log splitter’s dynamic performance and ability to quickly cut through wood. Others were impressed with its stand, noting that it allowed users to split wood without bending over. However, some customers said this splitter was heavy and difficult to move around, and others found that you sometimes needed multiple people to operate the machine correctly.
Best Axe
Fiskars IsoCore Wood Splitting Maul
If you prefer a traditional axe to split logs instead of an electric splitter, this powerful product provides a sharp blade with a riveted head that’s perfect for firewood. This axe has a shock-absorbing handle with a non-slip grip that reduces the strain on your hand and wrist while ensuring it won’t drop as you swing.
Pros and Cons of Fiskars IsoCore Wood Splitting Maul
- Features an iso-core shock-absorbing handle
- Has an extra-sharp steel blade that’s built to last
- Has a 36-inch handle that’s long enough for taller users
- Not designed for splitting large logs
- Requires a high amount of upper-body strength to use properly
What People Are Saying About The Fiskars IsoCore Wood Splitting Maul
We noted that customers who were impressed with this splitting axe were particularly pleased with its durable construction, comfortable handle, and powerful blade. However, some felt as though it didn’t hold up to heavy-duty splitting jobs, and others noted they found that it dented easily.
What You Need To Know Before Buying a Log Splitter
Understanding how a log splitter works will help you decide which model is best for your splitting needs. In order to find the best product for your needs, you’ll first have to decide if you’re seeking manual, hydraulic, electric, or gas. Additionally, you should take time to consider the splitter’s capacity, mobility, cycle time, and maintenance before deciding which splitter is best for you. Read our buying guide below for more key information about log splitters.
Power Source
The most common types of log splitters are manual-, hydraulic-, electric-, and gas-powered models. Manual log splitters are compact cylinders that are typically built with cast iron and equipped with a splitting wedge. These splitters are the most affordable option, but they are labor-intensive and can’t cut larger pieces of wood.
Hydraulic log splitters use a handle or lever to trigger a hydraulic pump that forces wood through a sharpened wedge. Hydraulic splitters are less labor-intensive than manual models, but they still require some effort on the user’s part.
Electric-powered log splitters are corded models that can be used anywhere there’s an electrical outlet. They’re selected by homeowners because of their low-maintenance design and powerful performance. While electric-powered log splitters can cycle through a high number of logs every hour, particularly models with a large horsepower, they aren’t as powerful as their gas counterparts.
Gas-powered splitters contain engines that produce a powerful force capable of splitting a log in seconds. Because of their power and efficiency, gas models are typically the most expensive and heaviest log splitters on the market.
Capacity
The capacity of a log splitter refers to the largest log it can chop. Manual log splitters usually have the lowest capacity, chopping wood that’s only about a foot tall. Gas-powered log splitters usually have the largest wood capacity, cutting 100-pound logs that are over 22 inches long.
Mobility
Most electric- and gas-powered log splitters come with wheeled stands that allow for easy transportation. In general, electric log splitters will have a detachable, wheeled stand that gives users the option to place the frame on the ground or at waist level. Gas log splitters are usually constructed with permanent wheels, and some models even offer a ball hitch for vehicle towing.
Cycle Time
Cycle time refers to how long it takes a log splitter to chop a single log. Cycle time is reserved for electric- or gas-powered models that don’t require manual effort. While electric-powered splitters have a cycle time of around 20 seconds, gas-powered models can split logs in under 15 seconds.
Maintenance
Even the most basic of log splitters need to be sharpened to cleanly and evenly split pieces of wood. Gas and electric models, however, require additional maintenance, such as lubricating components, adding more fuel, cleaning the filter, and carefully storing the machine in a dry, covered area.
Safety Tips for Using a Log Splitter
Using a log splitter can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing and use it recklessly. In order to ensure you’re using a log splitter properly, it’s important to always follow these safety protocols.
- Read instructions and wear proper gear: Before use, read the manufacturer’s instructions closely to familiarize yourself with proper operating procedures and safety precautions. Before you start, you should also make sure you’re wearing the proper equipment, such as safety glasses, steel-toe boots, work gloves, and ear protection. Tie back long hair and avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in moving parts.
- Prepare the workspace: Prepare the log splitter on a flat, stable surface and ensure all guards and shields are in place. Check the oil and gas levels. Inspect the hydraulic hoses for leaks or cracks—worn hoses can rupture under pressure. Make sure the splitter is on solid, level ground. If it has wheels, chock them to prevent rolling. Clear the area of debris, bystanders, and pets.
- Position logs and use controls cautiously: Place logs squarely on the beam against the end stop. Make sure your hands and body are out of the way before engaging the wedge. When splitting, only use your hands to operate the controls. Never use any other body part to substitute as a push stick. Making log splitting a two-handed operation will also help keep the logs balanced.
- Split logs carefully and intentionally. Apply even pressure when pushing the control lever, and listen for the engine struggling—that likely means the log is too knotted or twisted to split safely. Release the lever to return the wedge and reposition troublesome logs instead of forcing them.
- Stay focused on the task: Stay focused on the task at hand while splitting logs. Don’t rush through it, as this could lead to mistakes. If you become tired, take a break. A moment of impatience or inattention is enough for an accident to occur.
Frequently Asked Questions About Log Splitters
Are log splitters worth the money?
A log splitter can be worth the money if you have a wood-burning stove or fireplace that you use on a daily basis, since it can save you time by simplifying the process of chopping firewood. While log splitters can be an investment, there are affordable manual and hydraulic models available for cutting small pieces of wood. If you need to split bundles of large logs on a regular basis, the cost of an electric- or gas-powered log splitter may be worth it.
Are log splitters dangerous?
Log splitters pose a safety risk if they’re not used properly. Read the included instructions before turning yours on, and be mindful of sharp edges even with a manual splitter. Also wear work gloves, safety glasses, long pants, and close-toed shoes.
Is it easier to split wet or dry firewood?
While you can split both wet and dry firewood, it’s easier to split dry wood because its low moisture content decreases resistance.
What is the best log splitter for a person with arthritis?
The best log splitter for a person with arthritis is one that requires minimal manual effort. For this reason, we recommend a gas or electric-assist log splitter rather than a splitting wedge.
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