Best Electric Log Splitter Reviews: Expert Insights
Contents
- The Best Electric Log Splitters Are:
- 1. Boss Industrial ES7T20 7-Ton Electrical Splitter : Overall Best Electric Log Splitter
- 2. WEN 56207 Lumberjack 6.5-ton Electric Log Splitter : Best Budget Option
- 3. Swisher LS22E 22-Ton Electrical Log Splitter : Powerhouse Option
- 4. YardMax YS0552 5-ton Electric Log Splitter
- Overall Rating – 4.2/5
- Reasons to Consider Buying an Electric Log Splitter
- Saves You Maintenance Headache
- Back Reliever For The Weary
- Saves Lungs And Planet Earth
- Log Splitter Safety
- Final Thoughts
- Sources
Splitting a big pile of firewood with an axe is hard work, and not an option if you have a bad back or an injury.
An electric log splitter uses a hydraulic ram to push rounds into a wedge. It is quieter than a gas splitter, needs less maintenance, and produces no exhaust.
Here are four electric log splitters worth considering, followed by a short guide and key safety rules.
OUR TOP PICK
If you are in a rush and just want to get your hands on the best electric log splitter you can find, our pick would be the Boss Industrial ES7T20. It has a 7-ton splitting force, comes fully assembled, and is easy to move. Its control is operated with one hand, so keep your other hand well away from the log and wedge while the ram moves.
The Best Electric Log Splitters Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Boss Industrial ES7T20 7-Ton Electrical Splitter | 1. Boss Industrial ES7T20 7-Ton Electrical Splitter Top Pick | - Motor: 2HP - Tonnage: 7 tons - Optimal log length and diameter: 20.5” and 10” respectively - Weighs 128 pounds - Auto return function - 14-second cycle time | Check Current Price |
| 2. WEN 56207 Lumberjack 6.5-ton Electric Log Splitter | 2. WEN 56207 Lumberjack 6.5-ton Electric Log Splitter | - Powerful 2.3HP motor - 32-inch stand attachment - Recommended log length: 20.5” Diameter: 10” - Tonnage: 6.5 tons - Weighs 98 pounds - 20-second cycle time | Check Current Price |
| 3. Swisher LS22E 22-Ton Electrical Log Splitter | 3. Swisher LS22E 22-Ton Electrical Log Splitter | - 2HP, 120V motor - 13 seconds cycle time - Max log length: 25” - Weighs 456 pounds - Tonnage: 22 tons | Check Current Price |
| 4. YardMax YS0552 5-ton Electric Log Splitter | 4. YardMax YS0552 5-ton Electric Log Splitter | - 120V motor - Tonnage: 5 tons - Weighs 108 pounds - 16 seconds cycle time - Max log length: 20.5” | Check Current Price |
1. Boss Industrial ES7T20 7-Ton Electrical Splitter : Overall Best Electric Log Splitter
The Boss Industrial ES7T20 is a strong electric splitter with a 2HP motor and 7-ton hydraulic splitting force.
Specs
- Motor: 2HP
- Tonnage: 7 tons
- Optimal log length and diameter: 20.5” and 10” respectively
- Weighs 128 pounds
- Auto return function
- 14-second cycle time
- 5” sharpenable steel wedge
What I Like About This Product
The first thing you notice is how quiet it runs compared with a gas splitter.
A full cycle takes about 14 seconds.
The manufacturer rates it for rounds up to 10 inches in diameter and 20.5 inches long. Stay within those limits; oversized or knotty rounds can jam or kick out of the cradle.
The single-handle control is fast to use. Never hold or guide the log with your free hand while the ram is moving; position the log, step back, then run the cycle.
What I Don’t Like About This Product
The main complaint is the one-handle control. Many electric splitters use two-hand controls so both hands stay clear of the wedge. With a one-hand control, the safety depends on you keeping your free hand away.
Pros
- Heavy-duty construction
- Fully assembled: plug in and split
- Quiet motor
- Good value
- Large, sturdy wheels for easy transport
Cons
- Sits low, so you may want a stand to ease pressure on your back
- One-hand control needs extra care
- Non-adjustable ram makes it slow for short firewood
Takeaway
Get yourself a Boss Industrial ES7T20 if you want an all-around electric splitter. It’s strong, durable, and easy to operate and transport. Be sure to place it on a raised platform or get a stand attachment.
Overall Rating – 4.9/5
2. WEN 56207 Lumberjack 6.5-ton Electric Log Splitter : Best Budget Option
The WEN Lumberjack is similar to the Boss Industrial ES7T20 in power. It adds a stand that raises it to a more comfortable working height, and it usually costs less.
Specs
- Powerful 2.3HP motor
- 32-inch stand attachment
- Recommended log length: 20.5” Diameter: 10”
- Tonnage: 6.5 tons
- Weighs 98 pounds
- 20-second cycle time
- Adjustable ram plate and 5-inch wedge
What I Like About This Product
The adjustable ram plate is a big plus if you split short rounds. It cuts the time spent waiting for the ram to reach the log.
That helps make up for its slow cycle time. The stand is a back saver too. Get a helper during assembly.
What I Don’t Like About This Product
The main gripe is the manual, which could be clearer. For example, it says to open the vent valve before operating but doesn't clearly show where it is.
Pros
- Good bang for the buck
- Adjustable ram for shorter cycle splitting short logs
- 2.3HP motor
- Relatively lightweight
- Tall stand for reduced bending movements
Cons
- Slow 20-second cycle time
- Wheels are bad on gravel and dirt tracks
Takeaway
The Lumberjack 56207 is a great electric splitter from WEN that has many adjustability options for a hassle-free operation.
Overall Rating – 4.7/5
3. Swisher LS22E 22-Ton Electrical Log Splitter : Powerhouse Option
The Swisher LS22E is far stronger than typical electric log splitters, with a 22-ton rating. It also costs much more.
Specs
- 2HP, 120V motor
- 13 seconds cycle time
- Max log length: 25”
- Weighs 456 pounds
- Tonnage: 22 tons
- Includes log cradles
- Vertical and horizontal splitting position
What I Like About This Product
The Swisher LS22E works in either a vertical or horizontal position. The vertical position is handy for large rounds that are too heavy to lift.
In the horizontal position, log cradles catch the split pieces, so you bend over less.
It competes with gas models like the Champion 27-ton log splitter, without exhaust or a pull-start engine. It handles most hardwoods, though very knotty rounds can still stall any splitter.
What I Don’t Like About This Product
The log cradle metal is thin, and big logs can bend it. The splitter also weighs 456 pounds.
It has road-towable tires rated up to 45 mph, which helps when moving it around your property. Its 120V motor also needs a properly grounded, GFCI-protected outlet and a heavy-gauge extension cord, if any.
Pros
- 22-ton splitting force
- Fast cycle time
- Splits logs up to 25 inches long
- Vertical and horizontal positions
- Well-positioned one-hand lever
Cons
- Somewhat difficult to set up
- Expensive
- Heavy
Takeaway
If you are ready to splurge on an electric log splitter for use on your property, look no further than the Swisher LS22E. It has got everything from a fast cycle time, enormous splitting force, to usability in upright and horizontal positions.
Overall Rating – 4.6/5
4. YardMax YS0552 5-ton Electric Log Splitter
The YardMax YS0552 is a budget electric log splitter with a reasonable 5-ton splitting force and a handful of useful features for increased efficiency and convenience.
Specs
- 120V motor
- Tonnage: 5 tons
- Weighs 108 pounds
- 16 seconds cycle time
- Max log length: 20.5”
- Equipped with stroke limiter and log trays
What I Like About This Product
A 5-ton splitting force handles most seasoned firewood of modest size. Tough rounds may take a second try.
The stand saves your back, and the log tray catches split wood so you bend over less.
The stroke limiter is useful for short logs. It shortens the cycle by stopping the ram from traveling its full length.
What I Don’t Like About This Product
It is underpowered for big green logs or knotty logs. The wheels are small and the stand feels light.
The small wheels work best on pavement and level ground, so moving it across rough terrain is a chore.
Pros
- Handy stroke limiter saves time
- Log tray catches split woods and reduces bend overs
- Impressive cycle time for the price
Cons
- Its small wheels make transport difficult
- Two-hand operation is slower, though safer
Takeaway
If you are on a budget and split mostly small, seasoned rounds, the YardMax YS0552 is a nice option.
Overall Rating – 4.2/5
Reasons to Consider Buying an Electric Log Splitter
Other options include a kinetic log splitter, a manual splitter, or a gas hydraulic splitter. Here is why you might pick electric.
Saves You Maintenance Headache
Beyond checking and changing the hydraulic tank fluid as the manual directs and keeping the wedge sharp, there is little maintenance.
A gas splitter needs spark plugs, oil changes, and fuel. An electric splitter just needs a grounded outlet.
Back Reliever For The Weary
A splitter takes most of the physical strain out of making firewood. Electric models also skip the pull-start cord, which helps anyone with limited strength or mobility.
Saves Lungs And Planet Earth
In winter, many people prefer to split wood in a barn or garage. A gas splitter gives off carbon monoxide, which is deadly in an enclosed space; never run one indoors.
An electric splitter produces no exhaust and runs with a low hum.
Log Splitter Safety
Read the manual and follow it. A typical electric log splitter manual says to keep your hands away from the wedge and moving parts. It also warns never to pull a jammed log out by hand and to use a properly grounded outlet.
Wear safety glasses, gloves, and sturdy boots. Keep children and bystanders away, and avoid loose clothing and jewelry.
Final Thoughts
Pick the splitter that suits your budget, log size, and workload.
If you are indecisive, our top pick is the Boss Industrial ES7T20 electrical log splitter. It is reasonably priced, with a 7-ton splitting force and a 14-second cycle time. That is enough for typical homeowner firewood within its 10-inch diameter rating.
Sources
- Log Splitter Operation Manual (electric log splitter), Home Depot product documentation
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Basics, CDC
