Best Electric Log Splitters

There are few things as comforting as a wood fire, but few things as strenuous and monotonous as cutting your own wood. For those first few swings, there’s something almost primal and alluring about the swing of an axe.

However, that appeal quickly fades away when your shoulders are feeling like they would rather fall off your body if they could.

An electric log splitter takes away the work while providing all the firewood you need. The most common varieties are hydraulic splitters, which use the hydraulic pressure to generate incredible force to squeeze a block of wood between a wedge shape and a plate until it gives under the pressure and splits.

Another type of log splitter is a kinetic log splitter, which instead uses flywheels to store power that sends the wedge into the wood at great force.

Here, we’re going to look at some of the best electric log splitters on the market to see which might help you best suit your needs.

Electric Log Splitter Comparison Chart

1. WEN 56207 6.5-Ton Electric Log Splitter

With 13,000 pounds of log-cracking pressure in the palm of your hands, you can quickly transform logs into firewood with the WEN 56207 6.5-Ton Electric Log-Splitter with Stand.

This unit, also known affectionately as the WEN lumberjack log splitter, features a powerful 15-Amp 2.5 horsepower motor to make easy work of logs up to 10-inches in diameter and 20.5-inches in length.

Install the included stand to elevate the cradle 34-inches off of the floor, or assemble the wheels directly to the body of the log splitter for a low-profile design that sits directly on the ground.

Forget the hassles and expenses that come with gasoline-powered alternatives. An electric log splitter means you will never have to worry about cold starts or clogged carburetors again.

With a 20-second cycle time, a 14.75-inch cylinder stroke, a 16-square-inch push plate, and a 5-inch wedge, you’ll be able to take on even the hardest of woods.

Two-handed operation maximizes user safety while the fume-free design eliminates carbon monoxide and other toxic emissions.

Easily transport your splitter from the shed to the forest with the onboard pull handle and the two never-flat 5.5-inch wheels.

And, because it’s a WEN product, your log splitter comes backed by a two-year warranty, a nationwide network of skilled service technicians, and a friendly customer helpline.

Notable Features

• Powerful 15A motor provides over 13,000 pounds of log cracking pressure
• Use the log splitter with or without the 34-inch stand depending on user preferences
• Included pull handle and 5.5-inch never-flat wheels make for easy transportation between jobs
• Electric power means no gasoline, no carbon monoxide emissions, and limited maintenance
• Split logs up to 10 inches in diameter and 20.5 inches in length
• Some reviewers have referred to it being slightly less powerful than anticipated, and that it would be wiser to invest in something sturdier

Pros

• Works flawlessly
• Great value product for the price
• Easy assembly
• It will handle larger logs than the manual says it can
• Splits logs that won’t split with an axe, fibrous ones, and it removes the hardest, most frustrating parts of splitting wood

Cons

• Struggles with hickory
• A piece of log got stuck under the log ram
• The button under the lever stuck every time it’s pressed requiring a flathead to pop it back out after every split
• Works but is very slow

2. YARDMAX YS0552 5 Ton Electric Log Splitter

The YARDMAX is a slightly cheaper electric log splitter and, as a result, delivers 5 tons of power behind the ram. However, that’s a lot of power for a splitter that’s a much more economic option.

It takes slightly longer to cycle the cylinder at 18 seconds compared to the Boss Industrial’s 10 seconds. These differences aren’t a major concern if you’re using wood that’s suitable for the YARDMAX.

It advertises cutting logs up to a diameter of 10 inches in diameter, and this is roughly accurate. It has been able to cut logs with a diameter up to 12 inches, but not too much beyond that.

However, it handles soft and hardwoods with ease, despite the seemingly low 5-ton power delivered behind the ram. This includes hemlock, maple, chestnut, beech, and oak.

In comparison to the Boss Industrial, the increased height on the YARDMAX thanks to its attachable stand is a welcome change. You’re not going to get a sore back with this one and it offers a little more stability when the splitter is in use. Despite the increased height, it’s incredibly portable, with minimal assembly needed to get it in and out of standing position.

One slight issue you might find is that the plastic wheels tend to degrade faster than any of the other components. They work well, to begin with, but can’t handle the weight over time. Replacing them with something a little sturdier might be in your best interest.

Notable Features

• Handles most soft and hardwoods
• Attachable stand makes it much more comfortable to use
• Quick installation and setup

Pros

• Includes stroke limiter, stand, and log tray
• 16 second cycle time
• Able to cut larger and knotty logs
• Durable

Cons

• Stand on the short end
• Mostly usable on clean logs
• Difficult to move

3. Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SELS60 6 Ton Electric Log Splitter

Using a 1.75 HP engine, the Southland Outdoor Power Equipment log splitter delivers 6 tons of power to the ram. Like the YARDMAX, it has an 18-second cycle time, which is not below average for log splitters of its type.

It has no trouble cutting woods with a similar hardness to cedar, pine, and oak, but shows a little more trouble with particularly gnarled or knotted pieces of oak, which is also not uncommon for log splitters of this type.

It can effectively handle logs up to 10 inches. Though some users have noted that it can go beyond this recommended limit with some clever positioning, for safety’s sake, you should stick to the 10-inch diameter logs.

However, a nice additional feature that we would like to see on more electric log splitters is the integrated stroke limiter.

This is an option that can be enabled to provide a shorter stroke that can deal with smaller logs. It offers a little more precision while at the same time shortening that cycle time.

If you don’t mind taking the time to cut and transport more, but shorter, logs, it can make the splitting process even more efficient.

Assembly is also incredibly quick. While others we have looked at, like the YARDMAX, can take up to 45 minutes for full assembly, there isn’t much to do with the Southland Outdoor Power Equipment splitter but fitting some wheels on.

It doesn’t have a stand option, as a result, making it slightly more uncomfortable to use, but the convenience may well be worth it for you.

Notable Features

• Minimal assembly required
• Stroke limiter makes shorter logs a breeze

Pros

• 18 second cycle time
• Adjustable integrated stroke limiter
• Enhanced portability
• Compact design

Cons

• No receiving tray
• Two hands needed to operate
• Shuts off at too high pressure

4. Goplus New 1500W 6 Ton Electric Hydraulic Log Splitter

The first hydraulic splitter we’re looking at today, the Goplus uses 1500W of power to deliver 6 tons of force.

While hydraulic splitters might be a little slower than the electric/kinetic equivalent, this also makes them significantly easier to use so they may be a better option for those who aren’t entirely confident about using a kinetic splitter.

The splitter fits logs of up to 21 inches in length and is recommended for use with logs up to 10 inches in diameter but can effectively split just about anything up to 14 inches in diameter, too, including oak.

The log cradle is a good feature that helps keep logs in place so there’s less risk of displacement and uneven splits when it’s in operation. While the splitter is a little on the heavier side (as it needs to be), the handles and wheels allow you to stand it vertically to quickly transport it from place to place, making it highly portable.

It is not, however, designed to split green, knotty hardwoods, which can give it something of a hard time.

The ease of use, transport, and stand-up storage makes it one of the most beginner-friendly splitters on the list and ensures it doesn’t take more space than it needs to.

It does require two hands to operate but this actually makes it safer as it ensures you’re never in a position to have your hands in the path of the split wood.

Notable Features

• Vertical handles and wheels make transport easy
• Two-handed operation ensures safety
• Log cradle keeps logs held securely in position

Pros

• User-friendly
• Splitting force of 6-ton
• Affordably priced
• Fully portable

Cons

• Light use only
• Horizontal splitting only
• Not efficient on dry or hard logs

5. Powerhouse XM-380 Electric Hydraulic Log Splitter

Using a 3 HP motor to deliver seven tons of power, our second hydraulic log splitter is joint first in terms of power, alongside the Boss Industrial. That effectively means that the Powerhouse is able to handle the vast majority of woods, providing the logs are the right size. In terms of size, it’s quite versatile, too. It can hold logs of up to 20 inches in length.

The manufacturer recommends using with logs up to 12 inches in diameter, which is the widest of any splitter we’ve reviewed, but the loading tray makes it difficult to try split anything wider, though some users have mentioned being able to split up to 20-inch diameter logs.

It splits woods like cedar, fir, birch, and pine with very little difficulty, and can even handle knotty oaks very well.

One problem that may cause some frustration, however, is the instructions provided. The manual has a few spelling errors and lacks some necessary information, so assembly can take a little longer than necessary.

However, once it’s up and running, it’s a highly effective, power splitter, able to reliably handle harder woods than the others reviewed here.

A low profile makes it a little uncomfortable to use for too long, but that won’t be a problem for most people using it simply to get firewood.

Notable Features

• Incredibly powerful, able to handle most kinds of hardwood and softwood
• Can hold logs of up to 20 inches in length
• Handles even knotty oaks well

Pros

• Fully portable
• Affordable
• Can split hard and knotty logs
• Auto-stop safety feature

Cons

• Replacement parts are hard to find
• Wheels slightly undersized

More Help Choosing the Best Electric Log Splitter

If you’re not familiar with electric log splitters and are a bit confused by some of the facts and figures you’ve seen in our reviews, or elsewhere, then here’s some more information and explanations to help you chop through the details with ease and find the best log splitter for you.

Here we go with log splitting for beginners.

How Does An Electric Log Splitter Work?

In simple terms, a log is placed on the log splitter in a log tray or cradle, lengthways, and butted up against a solid flat stop or plate at one end. At the other end of the log splitter is a large wedge or blade.

When operated, one end is slowly compressed towards the other, which causes the blade to be driven through the grain of the log until it splits. The blade then retracts to its original position.

Electric vs Gas

The next question is why an electric log splitter and not a gas log splitter?

You may be thinking that a gas splitter will do a much better job. Well, yes gas splitters have more power and can split larger logs and harder wood but for the vast majority of logs that most everyday home users will be splitting, a good powerful electric log splitter will have plenty of power to get the job done.

The gas-powered versions can obviously be used anywhere as they don’t need to be attached to a power outlet, but again most users won’t be far from an electrical outlet and a good extension cord will keep your electric log splitter connected.

While gas log splitters do have their advantages, the downsides are that they are more expensive, and require a lot more maintenance than an electric wood splitter which adds to running costs and downtime.

And a gas log splitter is more polluting. Not only is this less environmentally friendly but it also isn’t good for you, and prevents you from using them inside a shed or garage.

Electric splitters are very low maintenance and an electric log splitter could even be used indoors for splitting firewood right next to the fireplace or wood stove if you choose.

Gas splitters are better for professionals and heavy users wanting to split large hardwood logs away from an electric power source.

Electric wood splitters are ideal for most users.

Ton – For Pressure, Not Weight!

At first glance, you could be forgiven for thinking that a 7-ton electric log splitter sounds very heavy!

You’ll be relieved to hear that the ton figure doesn’t refer to its weight, but to the pressure that the log splitter can exert. And 7 tons is a huge amount of pressure forcing a cutting blade or wedge into those poor logs.

They don’t stand a chance. Even the lowest force of the log splitters in our list, the YARDMAX YS0552, can generate a very powerful 5 tons of splitting force.

Hydraulics

You may be wondering how that much force is generated by an electric motor of around 2 or 3 HP. That’s the magic that is hydraulics. The electric motor pumps hydraulic fluid into the system and the magic happens – well, the physics of hydraulics happens, which forces a ram with great force to split the wood.

How much splitting power do you need?

To give you an idea of how much power you might need, 7 tons should be enough to split a seasoned log with about a 12-inch diameter.

Remember this is for a seasoned log, being a log that has been left to dry out. Because seasoned logs are drier they are much easier to split than freshly cut or green logs. The same force will probably split a green log about half the diameter.

So it makes a lot of sense to season your wood before splitting, as it needs less force to split, saving on your log splitter purchase. And seasoned wood is better to burn anyway so you may as well wait before splitting logs.

Also, hardwoods like oak, beech and maple, need more force to split than softwoods like pine, fir and cedar. So maybe having a check of which type of trees might be the source of your logs will help you choose the best electric log splitter. Do you have hardwood or softwood trees in your property or area?

Whichever log splitter you choose, it is not an exact science as wood varies so much, that’s the beauty of nature. Sometimes you will be able to split larger logs than the log splitter is supposed to split and you will always occasionally find a log that you can’t split, maybe because it is particularly knotty wood for example.

Log Size

Diameter

While on the subject of diameter, it is one of the specifications of an electric splitter. Not just in the size of the log it has the splitting force to split, but also in the size of the log tray and how large a log it can hold.

But you are more likely to be restricted by the splitting force than the size of the log tray. If a log doesn’t fit in the log tray then the chances are the log splitter won’t have the force to split it anyway. So the tray size gives you a good indication of what size log the log splitter can split. (Isn’t that a tongue-twister?!)

Length

Another dimension to look out for when looking at log capacity is the length of the log carrier tray. This is the distance between the backstop and the cutting tool, and therefore the maximum length of log the splitter can accommodate.

It’s worth bearing in mind the maximum length but it doesn’t necessarily rule out a particular model, because if you are cutting or chopping wood into lengths for splitting anyway, once you know this size you can just make sure you cut them short enough to fit in.

All the models in our best electric log splitter list have a maximum log length of around 20-inches so can accommodate quite large logs.

Cycle Time

No, this isn’t what you do after you’ve finished your log splitting.

Cycle time is the time taken for the electric log splitter to compress and then the automatic ram return to re-position. In other words, it is the time taken to split a log and be ready for another.

They are all relatively quick -we aren’t talking about minutes here. It takes around 20 seconds.

This may or may not be a major factor to consider for you in choosing an electric splitter. Imagine if you have 100 logs to split, if you save 5 seconds on each split, then overall you save 500 seconds which is a little over 8 minutes.

For some people, such as workmen on the clock, this may be a huge benefit. For others, including probably most home users, it makes little difference.

Stroke Limiter

Some models have a stroke limiter, or ram limiter, which will reduce the stroke time. The limiter reduces the distance traveled by the ram if its full distance is not needed, thus reducing the overall cycle time.

For example, the Southland SELS60 electric log splitter has a maximum log length of 20.5-inches and has an 18 second cycle time. But it is equipped with a stroke limiter, so if you are splitting logs of say 10-inches long you can set the limiter to reduce the cycle distance and therefore time for each cycle.

Portability

Electric log splitters weigh around 100lbs which is about the weight of a large dog! So you aren’t going to be carrying them around with one hand.

But you wouldn’t want them to be too light. They need to have a strong and sturdy frame to withstand the high forces being generated by the hydraulics, or they will fall apart. And they need to have some weight in them for stability when putting large logs on and off them.

This does mean however that you need to think about how much, and how you will be moving your electric log splitter around your property. Wheels are important and you’ll see that all the electric log splitters on our list have wheels built-in.

You may want to think about the ground around your property, or wherever you’ll be using the log splitter. If you will only be moving it around on firm and level ground like a path or driveway then the electric log splitters with smaller wheels will probably be fine for you.

However, if you will be moving it over uneven and soft surfaces then larger wheels may be needed. The Goplus electric log splitter in our list has large sturdy wheels so maybe that electric model is the best electric log splitter for you if that is the case.

Log Catcher

A feature that you may find useful is a log catcher.

It is basically a platform that supports the split logs so they don’t fall to the ground once split. This means you don’t need to bend down to pick them up so saves some effort, and your back.

One Or Two Hands

Some machines can be operated with one hand and others need you to use two hands. This is an issue of safety versus convenience.

With two-handed operation, you have to have both hands on the controls for the log splitter to start compressing and splitting. This ensures both hands are out of the way and prevents serious crush injuries.

A log splitter with a one-handed operation obviously leaves one hand free during operation. This can make life a little easier but it does make the likelihood of injury much higher.

This one is really a personal choice and up to you but we would always say safety comes first.

Horizontal Or Vertical

A quick look at the pictures of the log splitters in our list will show you that they are all designed for horizontal operation, so you may be wondering where vertical comes in.

There are models of log splitters that are designed for vertical splitting. The logs sit at the base on the ground and the log splitting is achieved by driving the blade or wedge down into the log.

These are mainly to accommodate larger logs as they can be more easily maneuvered into place at the base, on the ground. And also the ground is a much stronger ‘backstop’ to hold the log against the tons of splitting force.

We haven’t included these as they tend to have more power and are more suitable for commercial operations.

High Or Low

Another question to ask is if you want the log bed to be closer to ground level or higher up around waist height.

There are pros and cons to each.

Having it lower to the ground means when you’re splitting wood you don’t have to lift the logs so high to get them up onto the log splitter. And after you split logs they don’t fall so far to the ground. This may be important to you if you don’t want to damage the ground you are working on, such as a grass area perhaps.

It also means you may not have such a need for a log catcher as the split logs will just roll onto the ground.

A low-level log splitter will also be much more stable and unlikely to topple over.

The downside of the low-level log splitters is that you are working bent over a lot of the time which can put a strain on your back.

There is no surprise that the advantages and disadvantages of having an electric log splitter at waist height are the direct opposite of those of ground-level log splitters.

While operating an electric log splitter at waist height you can be stood in a more comfortable upright position. But you will be having to pick the logs up and lift them higher to place them on the log splitter.

And if you don’t have a log cradle to catch the split wood, they will fall further to the ground, possibly causing damage to grass or driveways.

And of course, the extra height makes them less stable. So if you are using an electric wood splitter at waist height extra care must be taken that they don’t fall over.

Luckily some models have the option for both levels.

Like the WEN 56207, and the YARDMAX YS0552, which are numbers 1 and 2 in our list of electric splitters. They both have the option to sit directly on their wheels at ground level or with the addition of a stand to raise them up to waist height.

Extension Cord

A quick mention about something that you may not initially think about.

The chances are you will be using an extension cord with your electric log splitter. But you can’t just use any old extension cord you have around the house.

It’s important to make sure you have a cord that is capable of running your log splitter at maximum power and without causing problems, to your log splitter or your household supply.

The important thing is to make sure the extension cord is of sufficient gauge for the length of cord and the power draw of the log splitter you will be running.

For example, operating the Southland SELS60, Southland recommends 14 gauge in a 25 ft. cord or 12 gauge if using a 50 ft. cord. If that sounds confusing, the lower the gauge number, the thicker the wiring within the cord.

So there’s a lot to think about when making your choice from the best electric wood splitters but we hope we’ve given you enough information to help you find exactly what you need.

Electric Log Splitter Video

If you have never used an electric log splitter before, here is a short YouTube video demonstrating their use:

Conclusion:

The best electric log splitters, as explored in the reviews above, all bring something to offer. While they’re not the most effective tools for professionals, they are perfect for the homeowner that wants an efficient means of providing their own firewood.

However, choosing the right one is all about finding the log splitter that best accommodates the kind of wood you need it to handle, including hardness and thickness. Hopefully, the reviews above help you find the right log splitter for you.

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Sources:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Log_splitter
• https://images.homedepot-static.com/catalog/pdfImages/cb/cb40b9d3-ce22-44a8-95fd-31491230dba2.pdf