The 8 Best Log Splitters of 2022

Buying a Log Splitter

If you like real wood fires — and who doesn’t? — you could benefit from a log splitter in several ways. It helps turn unwanted wood waste in your backyard into usable firewood, and it’s an essential tool if you have enough seasoned lumber to start a full-fledged firewood operation. On the other hand, you might just fancy having a handy tool to split kindling right on your hearth.

A log splitter doesn’t seem like a mainstream tool. But Vince Christofora, owner of Woodstock Hardware in Woodstock, New York, says log splitters (AKA wood splitters) are actually becoming more popular. He says this may be because firewood prices continue to rise and more and more people aspire to make their own.

For anyone with an abundance of logs to split and completely over the romantic notion of swinging an axe, Christofora says a log splitter can be an invaluable tool.

Log splitters can be manual, electric or gas-powered. They also can mount on the back of a tractor. Here are some things to consider when looking for the best log splitter for your purposes:

• Power: “Wood splitters are all about power — the splitting force they produce,” says Christofora. Power capabilities range from five tons to more than 40 tons. He recommends buying the most powerful one your budget allows.
• Maneuverability: This suffers as power increases. The most powerful gas-powered log splitters must be towed and often require two people for assembly. Smaller electric and manual ones are much easier to store and deploy.
• Maintenance: All tools require cleaning and lubrication. Electric and manual log splitters need far less maintenance than gas-powered or tractor-mount models.
• Log size: Each splitter has limits on the size of the logs it can cut. The most powerful gas-powered models can handle logs more than 24 inches long and weighing up to 100 pounds. Electric models can typically handle 20 inch logs no more than 10 inches in diameter.
• Type of wood: Underpowered machines can’t always handle dense hardwoods like oak and maple, especially if it’s unseasoned. Go for extra power if you’re splitting hardwoods.
• Ram return speed: Many log splitters have an automatic return feature that resets the ram after each split. The length of the return cycle helps determine the suitability of a particular model for large scale production.