There is nothing better than sitting in front of a cozy fire. However, it’s not fun to have to cut all that wood, which can bring on a lot of aches and pains from swinging an ax. If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, you may want to consider investing in an electric log splitter that can take on all the work.
An electric log splitter can easily provide you with all the firewood you need. Using a ton of force, an electric log splitter squeezes blocks of wood between a plate and a wedge until the wood splits. Here are a few tips and reviews to help you find the best electric log splitter for your needs.
Considerations When Choosing the Best Electric Log Splitter
Benefits of an Electric Log Splitter
You will find there are lots of advantages to using electric log splitters including
Large Log Capacity
With an electric log splitter, depending on the model, you can split logs up to 12-inches in diameter.
Little to No Maintenance
You won’t need to add gas or change the oil.
Easy to Use
These models are simple to start with just the push of a button.
No Dangerous Fumes
With an electric log splitter, you can actually split logs in your home, inside a garage or shed since you don’t have to deal with fumes from the machine’s exhaust.
Tonnage
When you see the term tonnage, it is referring to the measurement of the force that is used by the machine to split logs. With a higher tonnage value, you can split larger logs.
If you are looking to split logs up to 12-inches in diameters, an electric log splitter can be a great choice.
Typically, you will find that most electric log splitters are rated between 5 and 10 tons of force, but there are some models out there that are more powerful.
Also keep in mind that the higher the tonnage that a log splitter is rated for, the higher the price tag.
Make sure you consider the diameter of the logs you want to split and then choose the tonnage that works with both your budget and the size of the logs.
Speed
Another term you will see as you shop is the cycle time.
This is a rating used on electric log splitters that tells you how long it will take a log splitter’s ram to become fully extended before returning to its starting position.
With an electric wood splitter, you will see cycle times stated in a matter of seconds.
If the electric log splitter has a short cycle time, it will split logs faster. But some electric log splitters include added features that will help the machine split logs faster as well.
Stroke Limiting
This feature stops the ram from becoming fully extended when it splits shorter logs.
Two-Way Splitting Wedge
A wedge with this feature can split logs at the time the ram extends and then also again when the ram goes back to its starting position
Four-Way Wedge Capability
With this feature, you can fit a four-way wedge into the machine allowing it to split a log into four pieces giving you twice the splitting capability
Positioning Features
Since electric log splitters tend to be lightweight, they are easy to maneuver.
You can also tow the more powerful and larger and models behind a trailer while the smaller models can either be wheeled by hand or carried.
There are several features you can look for in an electric log splitter that can help you find the position when operating it including:
- Wheels – When you have wheels that attach to the splitter’s frame, it makes towing easier. The wheels may be made of rubber, which is more durable, or plastic, which is more affordable.
- Built-In Trays and Log Cradles – Help to catch logs after they have been split, this feature helps to stop you from having to bend over to catch them.
- Detachable Stand – With a detachable stand, you can work with the log splitter at waist height and it won’t take up space on a tabletop. This type of feature helps to make an electric log splitter convenient as well as comfortable to use.
Best Electric Log Splitter Reviews
To save you some time, we’ve put together a list of the best electric log splitters we could find. While you can’t go wrong with any of the ones listed below, read on for our #1 recommendation.
Swisher LS22E Electric Log Splitter
A great machine to have for use at home, the Swisher LS22E Electric Log Splitter is handy to have if you have a wood-burning stove or fireplace. This is a heavy-duty log splitter that has a quiet operation than a typical gas engine log splitter. You can also use it inside using a standard outlet.
Using a two-stage pump feature, you get maximum splitting performance in both vertical and horizontal splitting positions. Helping to maximize the cycle time, the Switcher LS22E gives you enough splitting force for any type of wood and has a 13-second cycle time.
The integrated log cradle helps to lessen the chance that the log will roll off of the beam. It also comes with a one-inch machined steel compound wedge and a 2 ½ gallon hydraulic tank. The Swisher LS22 is road towable allowing you to take it anywhere.
The included vertical beam lock adds to the machine’s safety and security when you split wood in a vertical position while the direct-drive helps to reduce the number of moving parts in the machine. It is also equipped with a dual voltage motor that you can change from a 110-volt single-phase to a 220-volt single phase.
Pros
- You can use this machine inside if you don’t want to stand out in the cold
- It is easy to tow if you want to take it to the woods with you
- It’s easy to store when not in use
Cons
- It can take a while to assemble
- It is hard to figure out the amount of hydraulic fluid you need
WEN 56207 Electric Log Splitter
Allowing you to operate at waist level or on the ground, the WEN 56207 Electric Log Splitter can stand 34 inches off the ground. With wheels that attach right onto the body of the log splitter, it can also have a low-profile design that sits right on the ground. Offering a powerful 15-amp motor, this machine makes easy work of splitting logs 10-inches in diameter.
Since this is an electric log splitter, you won’t need to be concerned about clogged carburetors or cold starts. It has a cycle time of 20 seconds that lets you cut over 120 logs each hour. It also is equipped with a five-inch wedge, 16 sq. inch push plate, and a 14 3/4-inch cylinder stroke, so it can handle even the hardest wood.
Providing 13,000 pounds of cracking pressure, the WEN 56207 Electric Log splitter includes an auto-return push plate. It also includes side-mounted wings that support the log and keeps it from rolling away as the machine operates. The two 5 ½-inch wheels will never go flat and the onboard pull handle will allow you to easily move this log splitter through the woods.
This easy to use machine won’t require maintenance like gas-powered log splitters and comes with a reliable start. You can also adjust the push plate’s travel distance using the ram-limiting adjustment ring to give you a short cycle time and maximize the machine’s efficiency. The wedge is designed at 45 degrees to give the log an accurate and sharp split while the auto-return cylinder will automatically retract after the split has been made to save you energy and time.
Pros
- This is a super easy to use and start the machine
- It’s very efficient and makes quick work of log splitting
- It’s easy to move, and you can even take it out to the woods with you if you want
Cons
- it’s hard to steady the log and run the machine
- The ram comes up a little short, and it would be better if it were closer to the wedge
Boss ES7T20 Electric Log Splitter
This industrial rated log splitter uses patented technology to give you unmatched performance and quality. The Boss ES7T20 Electric Log Splitter features increased power to take on large projects. Offering portability and convenience, this log splitter uses a powerful 2 horsepower electric motor that gives you seven tons of force when splitting logs.
The Boss ES7t20 Electric Log Splitter won’t give off harmful emissions you typically get with a gas-powered unit. This allows you to split wood outside or inside. It also features built-in side rails that will keep wood stable when you are splitting them.
With its front handle, you can easily maneuver the Boss ES7T20 while the patented hydraulic system allows you to operate the splitter with just one hand. it also includes an automatic ram return and can split one cord of wood in just 25 minutes. You can run the Boss ES7T20 with household electricity, and it will only consume about 1500 watts of electricity.
Pros
- You can operate it with just one hand
- It has a sturdy housing and frame
- The wheels are pretty large and won’t wobble
Cons
- The splitting wedge is not tall enough
- It’s not easy to move it around
Southland SELS60 Electric Log Splitter
Featuring a 1.75 HP engine, the Southland SELS60 Electric Log Splitter is equipped with an 18-second cycle time and cut woods similar in hardness to oak, cedar, and pine. Able to handle a log up to 10-inches, this log splitter also comes with an integrated stroke limiter that allows you to make a shorter stroke with a smaller log. Offering more precision and efficiency, it also helps to shorten the cycle time.
This is a fast to assemble machine that just needs its wheels fitted on. The Southland SELS60 Electric Log Splitter does not come with a stand, but you can configure it to a vertical position for easier storage and better maneuverability, especially with its seven-inch wheels.
Equipped with a five-inch steel wedge, the Southland SELS60 Electric Log Splitter will split logs easily and quickly. And, thanks to the 15-amp induction motor, it delivers a high level of performance to work in the most rugged conditions.
Pros
- There is very little to assemble
- The stroke limiter feature makes it easy to cut shorter logs
- It works quickly and easily
Cons
- You need both hands to operate it
- It doesn’t have a receiving tray
Sun Joe LJ602E Electric Log Splitter
Featuring a hydraulic ram, the Sun Joe LJ602E Electric Log Splitter comes with a motor with 15-amps that can give you the driving force of 5-tons. This means you can easily split a standard seized log. Perfect for light-duty or home use, this log splitter includes durable steel construction, so it will last you a long time.
ETL-approved, the Sun Joe LJ602E comes with six-inch rear wheels for easy maneuverability and only weights about 93 pounds. It includes a safety switch system and a reset button in case of an overloaded circuit to keep you safe as you work.
Pros
- This is an affordable machine that is super portable
- The cycle break is pretty handy and makes the work go faster
- It includes important safety precautions for safe use
Cons
- It doesn’t work in temperatures under 48 degree Fahrenheit
- It sits too close to the ground, so you have to bend over a lot
The winner of the best electric log splitter roundup is the WEN 56207 Electric Log Splitter. Giving you the versatility to operate at waist level or on the ground, this log splitter can either stand 34 inches off the ground or sit right on the ground thanks to wheels that attach right onto the body of the log splitter. Offering a powerful 15-amp motor, this machine makes easy work of splitting logs 10-inches in diameter, and you won’t have to be concerned about cold starts or clogged carburetors thanks to its electric engine.
The WEN 56207 features a cycle time of 20 seconds that lets you cut over 120 logs each hour. Providing 13,000 pounds of cracking pressure, this log splitter includes an auto-return push plate and side-mounted wings that support the log and keep it from rolling away as the machine operates.
The two 5 ½-inch wheels on the WEN 56207 will never go flat and the onboard pull handle will allow you to easily move this log splitter through the woods. This easy to use machine won’t require maintenance like gas-powered log splitters and comes with a reliable start. The definite winner of the best electric log splitter roundup is the WEN 56207 Electric Log Splitter hands down.