The 9 Best Wood Splitters

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These wood splitters can make turning logs into firewood a less time-consuming—and ultimately safer—endeavor.

If you’re tired of manually splitting your firewood with an axe or maul, you might want to consider purchasing a dedicated wood splitter. These machines require much less effort than traditional chopping, and are essential for processing large amounts of firewood efficiently. Wood splitters are available in manual options that are still considerably easier to use than an axe, and automatic machines that are activated with the push of a button. These electric or gas-powered machines aren’t cheap, but with their extremely quick processing speed—some can split a new log every 7.5 seconds—the time saved could be worth the investment.

The first thing to consider when choosing a wood splitter is how much wood you plan on going through. If you’re just going to be tackling a few logs a couple times a week, it would probably make more financial sense to go with a manual option, like the Timber Tuff TMW-11. But if you’re going to be working through an entire tree you chainsawed down, or if you have a small firewood business, you’re going to want an automatic machine. These will cost more than manual splitters, but they’ll save you a significant amount of time and energy that you can then spend on more enjoyable activities.

Gas-powered versus electric is another factor to think about. While electric splitters are quieter and don’t generate the harmful fumes of a gas engine, they’re also limited to the length of your extension cord. Gas-powered splitters are more portable, but keep in mind that you’ll have to refill their fuel tanks regularly, and they cannot be used indoors like corded models can.

You should also pay attention to the amount of driving force that your splitter is capable of generating. This force is measured in tons, and is an effective indicator of how powerful one splitter is as compared to another. Gas-powered models offer much more driving force than electric or manual options, so keep that in mind if you know you’ll be needing maximum power.

When curating this list of options, I called upon my own experience using wood splitters while working at a large state campground. During this time, I spent countless hours using both electric and manual splitters, and have come to recognize the features that were beneficial, as well as issues to watch out for. I made sure to include a balance of styles and types on this list, so whether you’d prefer a manual tool for splitting a few logs, or an automatic model for powering through large wood piles, you should find an option that fits your needs and budget.

For more great additions to your fireplace setup, check out our picks for the best fireplace accessories, fireplace tools, and fireplace TV stands.

Key Specs

The power and convenient design of this Yardmax wood splitter allows you to finish your job quickly, and—most importantly—safely. The optional support stand makes it comfortable to use next to a wood pile too, so you can remain standing during use.

We’re also a big fan of the spacious log tray, which keeps the split wood on the unit instead of falling to the ground and requiring you to frequently bend over. The two-handed operation is our favorite feature of this machine, and requires you to keep both hands out of harm's way during the entire splitting process.

Key Specs

Although it requires more elbow grease than automatic splitters, the portability and safety benefits of this Sun Joe model could be worth the extra effort.

Since it doesn’t require a power source—it’s powered by the user pumping a pair of handles that engage the hydraulic ram—you can take it anywhere, and its relatively slow operation should reduce the chance of accidents. The 87-pound weight and lack of a wheeled base makes it less practical for moving around frequently, though, and since it’s designed to be used on the ground, you will be doing a lot more bending over with this model than you would with an elevated machine.

Key Specs

We’re big fans of the portability of this corded splitter, whose durable wheels and rubber grips allow you to easily wheel it to and from your work area. With 5 tons of splitting force behind the wedge, this machine is just as suited to cutting large, 10-inch diameter logs as it is for powering through smaller kindling.

Weighing in at about 104 pounds, you’ll probably need some help if you want to use it on a workbench or truck bed, so keep that in mind. It can also be used with a separate stand kit to raise it to waist height, although this must be purchased separately.

Key Specs

Although it won’t be ideal for processing extra-large logs, you won’t find a faster or easier way to split kindling than with this manual Kindling Cracker. Its straightforward design also makes it easy to use—just position the log inside the frame, and strike the end with a small sledgehammer or maul.

With no moving parts or sharp blades getting close to your hands or feet, it also greatly reduces the chances of injury. The light, 10-pound weight makes this tool easy to bring out to your wood pile, or if you prefer, you can use the bolt holes to permanently mount it to a stump.

Key Specs

This manual splitter uses a sliding handle to force the wedge into and through your logs. At just 8.8 pounds, it’s one of the easiest options to carry to and from your wood pile, and the slim profile also makes it convenient to store away when not in use.

It’s also relatively safe, and it shouldn’t be too hard to maintain control and position of the head during operation, unlike axes and mauls, which are tougher to control. This is also one of the cheapest options we included, so it would be a great choice for anyone on a tight budget.

Key Specs

Thanks to an impressive 15-second cycle time and 1,500-watt motor, this electric splitter is well-suited for anyone who has to get through a large amount of wood in a short amount of time.

A large handle and 7-inch rubber wheels make it easy to transport, and it's simple to set up once you get where you’re going. This is a durable machine as well, with a powder-coated frame and an overall IP54 rating, which means that its internal components won’t be affected by dust or water spray. At just 18 inches high, its low-profile design is convenient for storing underneath workbenches or in a truck bed.

Key Specs

If you absolutely need the powerful output and low cycle time of a gas-powered machine, this SuperHandy option could be a great investment. It uses its 20-ton power to quickly and easily split your wood, and thanks to a spring-loaded return, can process each log in just 7.5 seconds. This model doesn’t require any power cables or extension cords, so you’re free to bring it wherever you need to, although its 132-pound weight will require an extra set of hands if you need to lift it onto a truck bed.

Key Specs

The 3.3-pound weight and minimal footprint of this manual splitter makes it a great choice for those who are short on space, but still have a decent amount of wood to split.

Its compact size makes it the most portable manual splitter on our list, and after securing it to a sturdy stump with the four included screws, you’re all set to start splitting. Its slanted side fins naturally separate both sides of the log as you go, so you won’t end up with a stubborn log stuck at the bottom. This unit wouldn’t be ideal for larger logs, but it’s well-suited for smaller wood and kindling.

Key Specs

This monster of a machine isn’t going to be a practical choice for occasional splitting, but if you’re looking for maximum power and don’t mind the heavy weight and bulky size, this Powerhorse splitter won’t let you down. Its multifunctional design allows it to be used vertically or horizontally—whichever is more convenient for you—and can handle logs up to 25 inches long.

You won’t be able to move this machine yourself—it weighs a hefty 593 pounds—so you’ll need a tractor or truck to transport it. Luckily, it provides a 2-inch ball coupler and has 8-inch rubber tires designed for towing up to 45 MPH.

Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider's Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.

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