If you want to do you back a favor and replace your axe with a log splitter, there are many great options to choose from. While gas-powered versions are bigger and more powerful, electric splitters are quiet, less polluting – and usually quite sufficient for most home users.
The problem is, since there are so many options to choose from, sometimes it can be hard to know where to start – so here are our top picks for best electric log splitter to help point you in the right direction.
The Best Electric Log Splitter on the Market 2023
1. Boss Industrial ES7T20 7 Ton Electric Log Splitter (Our Top Recommended)
Another good option for anyone looking for an electric splitter suited to small-scale use. Its 13.5A 2Hp motor allows it to exert a force of seven tons, plenty to slice through most logs that casual home users will need to chop.
We like the way this machine is easy and convenient to use. It features one-handed operation and automatic ram return, and at only 106lbs, is relatively lightweight and easy to manage. It also includes 7” wheels, allowing you to take it to wherever you need to work.
A big positive is that it runs off regular a/c current, and as an electric splitter, can also be used indoors. This makes it an ideal machine to install in a shed or a garage so you don’t need to go outside to chop up wood.
It is rugged and built to last, too. The frame is constructed of strong metal tubes while the 5” wedge is made of heavy-duty steel.
One thing we like less about this machine is its low position. It doesn’t include a frame or a stand, meaning it needs to be operated on the ground – and you need to kneel or squat to work it.
Another slight issue is that when you try to split larger logs, they occasionally “run up” on the wedge – although most of the time this isn’t a problem.
This is a good all-round splitter for home use that won’t cost you a fortune. However, if you need something for more heavy-duty splitting, larger models are available.
What We Like
- Easy and convenient to use – one-handed operation and automatic ram return
- Lightweight and mobile – features large 7” wheels so you can take it anywhere
- Sturdy, durable design – includes a 5” heavy-duty steel splitting wedge
- Runs off regular a/c power – don’t need a special power supply to use it
- Powerful splitting force – delivers up to 7 tons of power
What We Don’t Like
- Uncomfortable low position – need to squat or kneel to operate it
- Larger logs can “run up” – although not a problem most of the time
2. WEN 56207 6.5-Ton Electric Log Splitter With Stand (Best for the Money)
This electric log splitter from WEN is powered by a 15A motor that produces 2.5Hp, allowing it to deliver a splitting force of 6.5 tons, plenty for dealing with most regular home log splitting duties.
It is designed to be easy to move and features a pull handle along with 5.5” never-flat tires that make it practical to wheel from one place to another.
It is also convenient and comfortable to use. It comes with a 34” optional stand that allows you to position it at waist height or on the floor, according to your preference. This can help avoid bending and lifting to minimize the strain on your back.
For a home-use splitter, it also has a decent log-splitting capacity – it can deal with anything up to 20.5” in length and 10” in diameter, again, plenty for most home users.
The biggest drawback with this splitter is its relatively slow cycle time of 20 seconds. If you need to work quickly, you might find this slows you down a little, but this will still allow you to deal with up to 120 logs per hour at a leisurely pace.
Another minor gripe we have is that it is a little complicated to set up. The manual could also be a little more clearly written – although most people will still be able to work it out.
Overall, an excellent machine for small-scale home log splitting – although if you need something with more power or a faster working cycle, you might be better off looking elsewhere.
What We Like
- Decent log cutting capacity – up to 20.5” long by 10” in diameter
- Plenty of power for home use – can deliver 6.5 tons of splitting pressure
- 34” stand – can be used on the stand or on the floor
- Easy to move – includes pull handle and 5.5” never-flat tires
- Reasonable price – very affordable machine
What We Don’t Like
- 20-second cycle – although still fast enough for most home users
- A little complicated to assemble – manual could be clearer
3. YARDMAX YS0552 5 Ton Electric Log Splitter
Yardmax makes a range of high-quality splitters that come with very reasonable price tags for what they are – and this five-ton splitter is no exception.
It can be used on the stand or directly on the floor, giving you more flexibility over how you work. We also appreciate the log tray that catches logs once they are split, reducing the need to bend over and pick logs up from the floor.
It is designed to be easy to set up and use wherever you like, and it includes large wheels that allow you to roll it over uneven ground. It can be used indoors or out, depending on your needs.
For such a compact unit, it still boasts a respectable log splitting capacity of 20.5” in length by 10” in diameter, comparable with any other splitter in its category.
We might complain that five tons of splitting force is a bit low – but realistically, this is plenty for most regular home users. The 16-second cycle is also on the slow side, although this can be speeded up with the stroke limiter if you are dealing with smaller logs.
This is another top product, in keeping with Yardmax’s traditions, and for anyone who wants a smaller machine to take the effort out of splitting logs for the fire, this machine comes highly recommended.
What We Like
- Includes stand and log tray – reduces bending and lifting
- Stroke limiter – allows you to speed up your work rhythm
- Can deal with decent-sized logs – maximum of 20.5” x 10”
- Requires only minimal assembly – you only need to attach the optional stand
- Portable and suitable to use anywhere – easy to move, can be used indoors or out
What We Don’t Like
- Lack of power – although this is not designed to split the toughest logs
- Slightly slow splitting cycle – although stroke limiter can speed this up
4. Powerhouse XM-380 Electric Log Splitter, 7-Ton
If you are looking for a reasonably-priced and functional log splitter that will take all the hard work out of cutting logs at home, this is another machine that could be worth a look.
This is a splitter that is designed to give you plenty of power and capacity to split logs – as long as you don’t need anything too extreme.
It can take logs of up to 20.5” in length by 12” in diameter – this is larger than many other comparable splitters and offers you the possibility to work through logs of slightly thicker dimensions.
We like the two-handed control mechanism, too. While one-handed systems might be more convenient, two-handed operation ensures you keep your hands out of harm’s way, making this a good option if you value safety.
One issue we have with this machine is the cycle speed. It’s a little slow for people who need to work through large quantities of logs quickly – but it can still split up to 100 logs in an hour, which should be fast enough for most home users.
We also found this splitter to be noisier than many in its category, although not excessively so – and still much quieter than a gas splitter.
This would be another good pick for someone who needs an affordable log splitter to deal with small-scale log chopping. It is less suitable if you need more extreme power or a faster splitting cycle.
What We Like
- Powerful 3Hp motor – allows it to deliver 7 tons of splitting force
- Deals with even large logs – maximum size of 20.5” in length by 12” in diameter
- 2-handed operation – keeps the operator’s hands out of the way
- Compact and lightweight – easy to transport
- Simple operation – easy for anybody to use
What We Don’t Like
- Slow working rate – but can still split up to 100 logs per hour
- Noisy – louder than some other electric splitters in the same category
5. Powerhouse XM-580 9 Ton Electric Log Splitter
For those who like the idea of the Powerhouse splitter above but who feel that seven tons is not quite enough, this slightly larger nine-ton model might be a better option.
Apart from the larger size, it’s a very similar machine the seven-ton version. It features a more powerful 4Hp motor that allows it to deliver the extra splitting force, and it also incorporates an improved hydraulic system that increases torque by up to 45%.
Otherwise, it includes many of the same advantages as its smaller sibling. It’s easy to set up and can be ready to use in under half an hour. Once set up, it is extremely simple to operate, and any adult will be able to use it effortlessly.
It is compact and mobile, too, meaning you can easily take it to wherever you need – and due to the lack of fumes, you can also use it indoors if you prefer.
Unfortunately, it shares the same disadvantages, too. Assembly is a little complicated, something that is not helped by the sometimes confusing user manual. It is also noisy for an electric log splitter.
All in all, this is a machine that does exactly what it was made for. If you want an electric log splitter for home use that will offer you slightly more power than many of the alternatives, this could be worth checking out.
What We Like
- Extra power – produces 9 tons of splitting force for even tougher logs
- Improved hydraulic system – increases torque by 45%
- Simple to operate – simply place the log and pull the lever
- Compact and mobile – can be used anywhere, indoors or outdoors
- Minimal assembly – you can have it ready to go in under half an hour
What We Don’t Like
- Manual not well written – some of it is a little confusing
- Noisy – like the smaller model, this unit is not the quietest of electric splitters
6. Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SELS60 6 Ton Electric Log Splitter
This six-ton log splitter is comparable to other splitters in its class in many ways. It is powered by a 15A battery that delivers 1.5Hp – this might be less than some other models, but it is still able to produce a splitting force of six tons, plenty for most home users.
However, the major difference between this splitter and most others in this category is that this one can be used either horizontally or vertically. This makes it easier to deal with larger logs since you don’t need to pick them up and place them on top..
It is also designed to be mobile. It features large wheels and is easy to push to any location, allowing you to split wood wherever your logs are. When you have finished working, it is easy to store, too. Simply put it in the upright position to reduce the footprint and save space.
As good as this splitter is, it isn’t without its faults, however. It doesn’t have a log catcher, which means you have to bend and stoop to pick up logs that have already been split.
It also has a relatively slow splitting cycle – although, with the stroke limiter, you can speed things up when you are dealing with smaller logs.
If you are looking for a log splitter that can be used either vertically or horizontally, this should be near the top of your list of possibilities. It is a solid piece of equipment and comes highly recommended.
What We Like
- Vertical or horizontal operation – more flexibility to cut heavier logs
- Powerful mechanism – can deliver 6 tons of splitting power
- Stroke limiter – speeds up the work when splitting shorter logs
- Easy to store – can be stored standing up to reduce footprint
- Good mobility – large wheels make it easy to move to a new location
What We Don’t Like
- No log catcher – need to pick up split logs from the floor
- Slower splitting cycle – some people might find it slows their work
7. Goplus 6 Ton Hydraulic Electric Log Splitter
If you want a powerful electric log splitter but you are looking to spend as little as possible, this machine could be just what you are looking for. It delivers six tons of splitting force, and at this price point, represents excellent value for money.
While this machine is not supposed to be used for anything like commercial-grade log splitting, if you need to chop up logs for your fire or wood stove, it will save you a lot of effort and hassle.
At just over 100lbs, it is not too heavy, and with its large, tough wheels and easy-to-grip handle, it is easy to move to wherever you need to use it.
We appreciate the log cradle that is designed to hold the logs in place as the machine splits them, and we also like the fact that it is very easy to operate. The controls are intuitive, and just about anybody will be able to work this machine.
One of the negatives we have to mention is the fact that this log splitter is only capable of splitting logs of up to 14.5” in length and 9.8” in diameter. This is slightly smaller than other similar splitters, although the difference is not huge.
We also find that this machine is made of components that seem to be of a lower quality than those used in comparable splitters – but with a machine with such a low price tag, this is only to be expected.
This is a splitter that will appeal to someone who is looking for a budget option that represents great value for money. While it won’t be able to deal with larger or tougher logs, it will do an excellent job of slicing through regular logs for firewood or for burning in a wood stove.
What We Like
- Easy to move – includes convenient handle and large wheels
- Useful log cradle design – holds logs firmly in place for splitting
- Respectable amount of power – splits logs with a force of 6 tons
- Very affordable price – compares favorably with other similar units
- Easy to operate – uncomplicated, intuitive controls
What We Don’t Like
- Limited log capacity – maximum log size 14.5” length by 9.8” diameter
- Quality not as high as some other splitters – although this model is less expensive
Buyer’s guide
As we mentioned, there are many log splitters to pick from, and choosing can be a challenge. Let’s look briefly at the disadvantages of electric models – then we can talk a bit about the most important features to look for when buying one.
Why electric?
Traditionally, log splitters – like most power tools – have been gas-powered. However, electric versions now exist that offer several distinct advantages.
Electric units are quieter and less polluting and, since they don’t give off poisonous emissions, can also be used indoors.
They are generally cheaper and are also easier to maintain – gas engines require regular servicing to keep them in good working order.
They are also usually lighter and more mobile, making them suitable if you need to use your splitter in different locations.
Gas log splitter, on the other hand, can usually deliver much more power – the biggest heavy-duty splitters are all powered by gas – and are designed for more intense work. They also offer you more flexibility since you do not have work within range of a power outlet.
In general, electric splitters are ideal for casual home users who need to split smaller logs for firewood or for wood stoves. If you need more power or value the ability to work away from a power source, a gas-powered machine might be better for you.
Check our guide on how to build a log splitter at home.
What to look for when choosing an electric log splitter
Here are the most important features to look for when choosing the best electric log splitter for you.
Power
The power of a log splitter is measured in tons – this refers to the amount of force it exerts on the log to split it. Most home-use electric splitters are rated in the six- or seven-tons range, and this is plenty for most regular splitting jobs.
Even five will get the job done – but if you need to split harder or knottier wood, you might prefer something with a bit more power.
Horizontal or vertical
Most smaller splitters can only be used in a horizontal position, which means you need to lift each log up to the rack, causing strain on your back. However, some splitters can also be used in a vertical position, allowing you to simply roll the log into position.
If you want to split bigger pieces of wood, look for one that can be used in both positions. With home-use electrical splitters, this capability is not so common – only one splitter in our review gives you this option.
Log capacity
An important consideration is the maximum size of log a splitter can handle.
Make sure any splitter you are interested in can split logs of the size you require.
Splitting cycle time
The splitting cycle is the amount of time it takes for the splitter to split a log and for the ram to then return to its starting position ready for the next one. A fast cycle speed allows you to work through your pile of logs in less time.
Something between 10 and 15 seconds is generally considered a good speed – but for small-scale work on an electric splitter, a slower cycle time won’t be such a problem unless you frequently need to chop up large quantities of logs.
Mobility
One advantage of electric splitters is that they are easy to move around.
Look at how heavy the machine is, if it has tough, large wheels and if it has a handle that makes wheeling it about more practical.
Many similar options, all highly recommended
As you may have noticed, many of the machines in this review have similar qualities, and sometimes there is little to choose between them. Our top pick or the runner-up are both excellent options – but if you are having trouble deciding, any of the splitters in this review would be capable of doing a more than acceptable job.
