Log splitters
A splitter saves your back, and most buyers look only at tons. Your power source, your log size and the warranty matter as much.
Electric is clean and quiet, and needs a suitable cord. Gas goes anywhere and costs more. Manual machines are slow and free of fuel.
Check length and diameter. Most small electric machines take about 20.5 by 10 inches, and manual ones about 18 by 8.
BILT HARD gives 90 days on its best seller, and PowerSmart and Sun Joe give two years.
One operator, gloves and eye protection, level ground, and hands away from the ram.
6.5 tons · logs 20.5 in long, 10 in across · 104.7 lb
A compact 6.5 ton electric splitter for logs up to 20.5 in long and 10 in across, scoring 4.7 out of 5 from 152 ratings.
Best for: A homeowner splitting a few cords of seasoned wood.
≈ $329
7 tons · 15 A, 1,800 W · logs 20.5 x 10 in · 34 in stand · 5.5 in wheels · cross wedge · 109.8 lb
Seven tons, a cross wedge and a removable 34 inch stand on 5.5 inch wheels.
Best for: A buyer who wants a stand and a cross wedge without extra cost.
≈ $347
20 tons · 7 HP gas · 2-stage pump · rapid auto return · 148.7 lb
A portable gas splitter with 20 tons, a two-stage pump and an auto-return ram, with 355 ratings at 4.4 out of 5.
Best for: A rural property with cords of hardwood.
≈ $870
10 tons · 2-speed pump · logs 18 x 8 in · 87 lb · no gas or power
A hand-pumped 10 ton splitter that needs no power or fuel, with 1,965 ratings at 4.3 out of 5, the proven choice for off-grid wood.
Best for: Off-grid owners and small amounts of firewood.
≈ $250
For seasoned rounds up to about 10 inches, listings say so. Knotty hardwood asks for more.
The time for the ram to go out and back. The BILT HARD 18 ton states 7.5 seconds.
For heating: A homeowner splitting a few cords of seasoned wood.
Where it does best: 4.7 out of 5 from 152 ratings
Where it does worst: Listing has only two facts
For heating: A buyer who wants a stand and a cross wedge without extra cost.
Where it does best: Stand and cross wedge at this price
Where it does worst: 4.4 out of 5 from 166 ratings
For heating: A rural property with cords of hardwood.
Where it does best: 355 ratings at 4.4 out of 5
Where it does worst: Needs fuel and oil care
For heating: Off-grid owners and small amounts of firewood.
Where it does best: Works anywhere, no fuel or power
Where it does worst: Slow compared with a motor
$200 – $329
4 models
$342 – $400
4 models
What changes as you move up a band: Weight — Entry level 101 · Mid range 109.8 · Upper range 147.7
Stove against stove, where the comparison already exists on this site.
The stoves here are taken from the catalog of this site. Specifications are the ones the manufacturer states and the ones on the Amazon page; prices are readings from Amazon.com and move often, and both change. Ranking rests on declared specifications, on stated strengths weighed against stated limits, and on price. No stove here has been lit by us, and nothing on this page suggests it has.
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