If you are looking to split logs, you have a few different options. You can opt to split all of the wood by hand with an axe or a maul; this is a great workout, but is time intensive and a lot of work.
You could get a gas-powered splitter, which is powerful. It’s also extremely loud, messy, will give off noxious fumes. Not to mention the fact that you need to purchase gas, oil, and mix it all together.
Probably the best option would be to go for an electric log splitter. They can plug into any outlet, indoor or outdoor, are quiet to operate, are portable, and provide plenty of power for moderately sized logs.
For this article, we have compiled ten electric log splitters and tested them all; this has allowed us to narrow down the options for you so that you can find the best electric log splitter for your needs.
Top 10 Electric Log Splitters Comparison Table
| Picture | Name | Splitting Force | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Boss Industrial ES7T20 Electric Log Splitter, 7-Ton | 7 tons | $$$ | 4.5 |
| 2. Champion Power Equipment-100251 25-Ton Horizontal/Vertical Full Beam Gas Log Splitter with Auto Return | 25 Tons | $$$$ | 4.6 |
| 3. PowerSmart PS90 6-Ton 15 Amp Electric Log Splitter | 6 Tons | $ | 4 |
| 4. Champion Power Equipment 90720 7 Ton Compact Portable Log Splitter | 7 Tons | $$$$ | 4.4 |
  | 5. NorthStar Horizontal/Vertical Log Wood Splitter | 37 tons | $$$$ | 4.8 |
| 6. Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SELS60 6 Ton Electric Log Splitter | 6 Tons | $$$ | 4.6 |
| 7. Powerhouse XM-380 Electric Hydraulic Log Splitter, 7-Ton | 7 tons | $$$ | 4.1 |
| 8. Boss Industrial EC5T20 Electric Log Splitter, 5 Ton | 5 Tons | $$$ | 4.5 |
| 9. YARDMAX YS0552 5 Ton Electric Log Splitter | 5 Tons | $ | 4.6 |
| 10. Earthquake W1200 Compact 5-Ton Electric Log Splitter, 5 Year Warranty | 5 Tons | $$ | 3.6 |
What Should I Look For in an Electric Log Splitter?
Just like when you purchase any new piece of equipment, there are several key factors that you need to look for when you are looking for the best electric log splitter.
- Tonnage. The amount of tons that is listed on each and every log splitter is the amount of splitting force that the splitter can push out. Generally speaking, the higher the number of tons, the more force the splitter can produce.
If you are going to be using the splitter on lots of different size pieces and different species of wood, you should err on the side of caution and get a splitter that can deliver more tons of force.
- Portability. The great thing about an electric splitter is that they are relatively lightweight and smaller than gas powered splitters; this allows them to be pretty portable. As long as there is a power outlet, you will be able to use them in any location.
The fact that they do not put off any fumes makes them great for use inside your house. Since they don’t weigh very much, you should be able to transport them with relative ease, as well.
- Log Size and Type of Wood. As we mentioned above, the type of wood that you will be splitting, as well as the size of the logs dictates what size splitter you will need.
For instance, if you are going to be splitting large pieces of hardwood, like oak, you would need a more powerful splitter than if you are going to be splitting small pieces of softwood, like pine.
Top 3 Best Electric Log Splitter Reviews
1. Boss Industrial ES7T20 Electric Log Splitter
Of all of the splitters that we tested, this is the most heavy-duty and was priced higher than the others on our list. It has the most power of any of the splitters, using up to 7 tons of force.
When we were reviewing it, we found that it could split most logs up to 16” in length with a diameter of 12” across with ease. However, on some of these bigger pieces, we had to re-split the same piece to make it small enough for a wood stove.
The unit can be operated with one hand, which is ideal if you need to hold an odd-shaped piece of lumber in place. The splitting wedge also returns automatically, which was a big time saver.
The unit comes equipped with wheels, so it is relatively portable. It weighs 128 pounds, however, so if you are thinking of moving this up steps, you may need some assistance.
Summary: This is the best electric log splitter that we found. It has plenty of splitting force and is very easy to use. While it is portable, you may need assistance if you are trying to move it up a hill or steps.
2. Champion Power Equipment-100251 25-Ton Horizontal/Vertical Full Beam Gas Log Splitter with Auto Return
This splitter performed very well in our testing with an incredible 25 tons of splitting force. It has space for logs up to 24 inches long and weighing up to 100 pounds.
Like our number one pick, this splitter has wheels attached to it for portability. It weighs a bit more, though, so it will be towable for up to 45 mph. This log splitter is EPA certified and CARB compliant.
The price might make this a smart buy if you have many logs to cut. Don’t worry about this product since it includes a 2-year limited warranty and lifetime technical support. That is not something provided with many other log splitters.
Summary: This log splitter has more force than the other splitters that we tested, but it comes with a higher price. If you want a reliable and powerful log splitter, you cannot go wrong with the Champion brand. A 25-ton log splitter with a 224cc engine, Champion provides a dependable product.
This is a good buy for someone looking for a portable and powerful, log splitter.
3. PowerSmart PS90 6-Ton 15 Amp Electric Log Splitter
This is another splitter that is extremely portable and is the cheapest splitter that we reviewed. What is really impressive about this splitter, however, is the fact that despite its low price it boasts 6 tons of splitting force.
The big drawback for this splitter, though, is that the splitting deck where the log is placed can only handle a log up to 21” long and 10″ in diameter. For most use cases, this is long enough and you don’t need to cut the logs down to a smaller size.
Summary: This splitter has a lot of splitting force for its weight and price. However, even though it could split longer logs with ease, it has a smaller splitting deck than some models. This might make the job of splitting take a little longer than some users would like it to take.
FAQs
How Much Wood Can You Split in a Day?
You can cut down and block out 5 cords of wood per day. But if you do it with one person, it will take longer than one day. Hardwood like oak is about 2 tons per cord. That’s a lot of weight to lift in one day, no matter how old you are.
Will a Log Splitter Split Green Wood?
If you cut green logs, they are more difficult to split than dry logs. You’ll need a heavier log splitter if you want to split newly cut logs. How thick are the logs that you want to split? The thicker the logs, the bigger your log splitter needs to be.
Is Cutting Firewood Profitable?
If you want to make some money, you can try selling firewood. If someone has a fallen tree with extra firewood, they might be able to sell it. They will need to cut the wood and then advertise it for sale.
Why Does Split Wood Burn Better?
Split firewood is easier to light and burns hotter than whole logs. This is because the bark of a log has a different density than real wood. A log’s density refers to how heavy it is. Split logs have more things inside of them to burn, so they will burn hotter and better than whole logs.
Is Firewood Easier to Split Green or Seasoned?
Green firewood is easier to split. If you want to make it dry, you need to split the wood as soon as possible after felling trees. If you do this, it will be easier to saw and also season faster so that it burns more efficiently. Green wood is also easier to cut down with a saw.
Conclusion
The best option for splitting logs is to get an electric log splitter. Electric log splitters are powerful, easy to use, and don’t create any harmful exhaust while they work. They also require no gas or oil mixture because it runs on electricity.
Save time and energy with the right tool in hand; invest in a good quality electric log splitter today.
