The Best Log Splitters for the Money: Maximizing Value

Those who rely on wood heating understand the importance of a reliable log splitter.

With the right tool, cutting enough wood for the winter can be enjoyable instead of a hassle.

Not all log splitters are created equal and cheap ones can cause splinters, cracks, and be slow.

Top-tier commercial splitters, on the other hand, are as efficient as it gets.

But what about something in the middle?

Here are the best log splitters for the money:

1. Sun Joe LJ10M – Best Overall
2. WEN 56208–Updated Model
3. Boss Industrial ES7T20 – Best Electric
4. Champion Full Beam – Best Gas

If you are looking for the best log splitters on the market, you have come to the right place. Our evaluation will help you find the perfect one.

Find the perfect log splitter for your needs with this comprehensive review article – whether you prefer a manual splitter or an automatic one.

Best Log Splitters For the Money

Ok, let’s take a look at some great log splitters that are worth the money and also some budget-friendly ones. It all depends on the job you’re doing and how often you need to split wood.

If you’re just needing to cut wood every so often and are physically capable of it, there are a few manual options on this list that will help make the job more efficient.

But if you’d like to harness the power of hydraulics, electricity, and gas, then there are a few great picks for that as well.

1. Sun Joe LJ10M 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter

Hydraulic log splitters are easy to use, and this one doesn’t cost very much. The Sun Joe LJ10M Log Splitter can use up to ten tons of force to plow through logs as big as 8 inches wide by 18 inches long.

If you’re trying to make firewood or clear the trees around your backyard, this is a fantastic product.

One of the best advantages of using this log splitter is that it doesn’t need gasoline, oil, or electricity.

Hydraulic engineering does everything without demanding anything.

It even comes with a limited two-year warranty to protect all parts.

Another excellent feature is the steel construction. Everyone knows that steel is one of the most rigid metals in the industry.

What makes this log splitter even better is the fact that it’s only 87 pounds, which is much lighter than most other splitters.

2. WEN 56208 6.5-Ton Electric Log Splitter with Stand

If manual and hydraulic splitters aren’t powerful enough, the WEN 6.5-Ton Electric Log Splitter will do just fine.

This impressive piece of machinery has enough force to use 13,000 pounds of pressure, splitting logs up to 10 inches in diameter by 20.5 inches in length.

There’s also an option to include a heavy-duty extension cord. Don’t worry about lugging this splitter around, it comes with two wheels on one side to roll around wherever you need to take it.

The other side has a leveled surface to stabilize when you set it down to start using. There’s also an adjustable mount to raise or lower the entire log splitter.

The cycle time of the WEN Electric Log Splitter is another excellent feature. It cuts logs in as little as 20 seconds.

You’ll be able to split up to 120 logs per hour!

For a budget-friendly splitter, you might not find anything comparable.

3. Boss Industrial ES7T20 Electric Log Splitter

The Boss Industrial is a powerful electric log splitter that offers up to 7 tons of splitting force.

This log splitter is one of the best-rated electric log splitters and for good reason.

The Boss Industrial gives a good fight against its gas-powered counterparts. It’s hard to believe it’s electric while using it.

One of the biggest perks of electric log splitters is having no harmful emissions while using them.

Long days of splitting wood around an open gas motor aren’t exactly pleasant.

It also has built-in side rails. These help to stabilize logs while they are being split to avoid having to keep picking up pieces and placing them back on the machine.

It also has a one-handed operation system for its hydraulics.

This can be a real game changer, especially for individuals who aren’t as physically capable of operating a log splitter.

The Boss Industrial is pretty heavy at around 120 lbs. It does come with wheels and easy capability for propping up to move, however.

The frame is sturdy as well. It’s made with solid steel tubing and brackets, which makes damaging this splitter very difficult.

The wheels are also sized appropriately to ensure this splitter isn’t wobbly when moving or in use.

You can expect each cut, or complete “split,” to take about 10 seconds. This will depend on the width and length of each log piece, of course.

The ability to store this log splitter is exceptionally convenient. Due to the wheels and design to stand up, it can be stored vertically to minimize storage space.

Remember, if you’re working in cold or freezing temperatures, allow your log splitter to warm up a bit. Don’t just plug in the Boss Industrial and go straight to splitting.

So if you’re looking for more power out of a log splitter but don’t want to spend over a grand, the Boss Industrial is an excellent choice.

4. Champion 25-Ton Horizontal/Vertical Full Beam Gas Log Splitter with Auto Return

The Champion 25-Ton comes in at more money, but that money is well spent. It offers ease of use for horizontal and vertical log splitting, a log catcher on either side, and an automatic cylinder return.

If you spend a lot of time chopping wood until your hands, wrists, and entire body begin to ache, you may want to consider getting a log splitter that’s backed up with a lot of power.

This Champion log splitter model comes with a 224cc OHV engine.

The wood catcher on either side saves a ton of unnecessary bending down and standing back up for long durations.

On average, this Champion delivers a 10-12 second cycle time which is very efficient. You’ll be able to split, unload, load a new log, and be ready to go again.

And if you’re dealing with larger logs throughout your splitting, it only takes a few seconds to switch to vertical alignment, saving you from having to bend down and pick up heavy logs.

This Champion log splitter also comes with a two-year warranty, and Champion is known for excellent customer support.

They’ll work with you to solve any issues with your log splitter.

This is a very powerful log splitter and is only really needed if you’re doing a lot of splitting and need a lot of power.

For people who heat their homes over the winter with wood, then this would be an excellent splitter for them.

5. Toro TM. Firewood Splitter

Cutting firewood with an axe is tricky, but we all can’t find enough space to fit a massive gas-powered log splitter. Fortunately, you can split small logs with the Toro TM. Firewood Splitter.

It’s designed to slice logs right down the center, and it even has grooves to prevent splintering and cracking.

All you have to do is place a log upright on top of the blade, center it based on how you want it to split, and hit it with a hammer.

The splitter has a guard around the edge to hold the log in place while also preventing injuries from happening.

Once you’ve split the log, it can be pulled out in two pieces.

Perhaps the best feature of this splitter is that you don’t need a ton of force to make it work. Gravity works in your favor, as does genius design.

The company even claims that children and senior citizens can use this tool without too many problems.

It’s perfect for camping trips, backyard maintenance, and more.

6. Manual Log Splitter by Redneck Convent

Manual log splitters are easy to use. All you need is a driving force and a log to split open.

The Manual Log Splitter by Redneck Convent is designed for use with an 8-pound hammer.

Simply place the sharp end of the wedge in the center of the log that you intend to cut and hit it directly on the back of the splitter.

It comes in a diamond shape to split logs into four sections.

It’s one of the best ways to make firewood without having to use an axe over and over again.

There are notches along each side to prevent the wood from breaking off into random directions as well.

You can use it with hickory, walnut, and other softwood. Made out of steel and rust-resistant orange paint, the manual log splitter is as tough as any other.

It is 7 inches long by 3 inches wide at the back end. The tapered front section is sharpened to slice without an issue.

It’s also heat-treated to prevent corrosion from friction.

7. Kindling Cracker Firewood Kindling Splitter

Finally, the Kindling Cracker Firewood Splitter is very similar to the manual splitter at number three.

It has a guard rail around the ring’s circumference to protect whoever’s chopping wood, but it also locks each log to make it as easy as possible.

If you’re hunting for a firewood splitter for camping, this is your best bet. The top ring of this setup is 6.5 inches across.

It’s also only 10 pounds, much like the Toro TM. Splitter.

Are you planning to keep the splitter at home? If so, it has multiple holes along the bottom ring to mount it to the ground.

The entire product is made with high-quality cast iron.

This log splitter doesn’t require an axe, electricity, wheels, gasoline, oil, or anything else. All you need is a lightweight hammer between three to four pounds.

Line the log up in the center ring, hit it with the hammer, and it’ll cut right down the middle. It doesn’t get much easier than that!

What To Look For In Log Splitters | Buyers Guide

There are a few key features to pay attention to with log splitters to make sure you get the one that matches the types of jobs you need it for.

Fuel / Power Source

Generally speaking, log splitters have three primary fuel sources:

• Manual
• Electric
• Gas

The manual is just a simple axe and a capable body. Manual wood splitting has a lot of advantages, like less noise, no pollution, convenience, and a good workout.

However, manual wood splitting is a repetitive action and, when done consistently over long periods can be damaging to the body.

Electric log splitting is typically light and easy to store and maneuver. They are more powerful than manual splitting but less powerful than gas splitters.

They’re great for small to medium-sized logs and can make a day’s worth of work turn into just a few hours.

Gas log splitters are the most powerful. They’re also faster and more efficient.

They are often much heavier, requiring a vehicle to transport and move. Gas log splitters are an excellent choice for those who heat their homes during the colder months with wood.

Tonnage

The pressure, or force, a log splitter can deliver is measured in tonnage. This is a good gauge of finding the suitable log splitter once you know the average type of wood you’ll be splitting.

For reference, here’s a guide on the force needed:

Log Diameter	6″	12″	12″ (Gr.)	24″	24″ (Gr.)
Minimum Force	4 Ton	7 Ton	16 Ton	20 Ton	30+ Ton

In this table, Gr. just stands for “Green,” or when a log is relatively fresh and hasn’t yet been seasoned. This will require more force to split.

Movability

This is an often overlooked criterion for log splitters. Some log splitters will require a vehicle to be moved, while others may have to start horizontally.

If you expect to be storing your log splitter after each use, then getting one that is easier to maneuver and put in place will be the way to go.

Log Splitters Safety Tips

While log splitters may not have as sharp edges as axes, they still pose a danger, and caution should be exercised while using one.

Here are some general safety tips for log splitters.

Wear protective gear

It’s a good idea to have eye protection and some heavy-duty gloves.

Log splitters can send tiny sharp pieces of wood airborne, posing a danger to your eyes.

They can also be full of splinters, so if you want your hands to be ready for the next day, then a good pair of gloves is key.

Read the manual

Any log splitter you get will come with a user manual. Read this. Also, check out Youtube, as many models of log splitters will have some great how-to videos.

Use the right height

Splitting wood for long periods can wreak havoc on your back if you’re constantly bending over in poor positions.

To avoid unnecessary wear and tear while log splitting, then make sure you adequately raise or lower the height of it.

Some wood splitters make this easy, while others may require an additional platform to be raised.

Always check your logs

Logs can be like snowflakes, no two are alike.

Don’t get caught off guard; check each log before loading it in case of significant irregularities like twists or knots.

Always stop before adjusting

It can be tempting to take shortcuts to get a job done in a certain amount of time.

But log splitters should be powered off before making any sort of adjustment. They produce a lot of force and power, which can result in serious injury.

Don’t operate under the influence

While log splitting isn’t the most exciting job, especially when done for hours on end, drinking or using any intoxicant should always be avoided.

These machines produce a lot of force, and a straight mind is needed to ensure safety.

Appropriate lighting

Even if it’s just a few logs, ensure you have enough lighting to see what you’re doing.

The last thing you want is your hand still gripping the log as it begins to get split.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big of a log splitter do I need?

It depends on what is needed from the log splitter.

A 30-ton gas splitter is excellent for large logs.

A 4-ton splitter will be adequate for most home uses, and smaller logs for firewood.

Do you have to sharpen a log splitter?

Over time a log splitter’s blad will lose its sharpness and become dull. This will make subsequent splitting a lot slower and a lot more complicated.

Fortunately, sharpening log splitter blades is pretty straight forward and easy to do or have done.

Which is better, gas or electric log splitters?

This depends on the context and a person’s needs for splitting.

Electric log splitters can be better if less power is needed and fewer expenses made on gas as a fuel source.

However, gas log splitters are as powerful as they come and will be the only reasonable choice for specific jobs.

Can you build your log splitter?

Yes, a DIY log splitter can be built. It will require some mechanical knowledge and experience, however.

The main things you’ll need to build your log splitter are a wheel axel base, a sharpened cutting wedge, a tank for the fluid, and a few other parts.

You can use the axle to tow your splitter around to move it from place to place.

What is the most complicated wood to split?

There are three commonly known kinds of wood that are hardest for splitting:

1. Sweetgum
2. Elm
3. Cottonwood

But always be prepared when chopping and splitting wood; all different types can wind up with knots and twists within the round of wood.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of budget log splitters.

Find your perfect match, whether it’s a portable option for outdoor use or a heavy-duty splitter that can cut logs up to ten inches in diameter.

They’re all relatively affordable, so you don’t have to break the bank to get what you need.

For those in need of a portable tool, the Redneck Convent Wedge, Toro TM: Splitter, and Kindling Cracker Splitter are recommended.

Anyone who needs more power should reach for the WEN Electric Splitter or the Sun Joe Hydraulic Log Splitter to get the job done quickly.

Choose which one is best for you and get out there splitting!

Enjoy living the outdoor life!!!