Best Gas Log Splitter: Top 4 Models for Homeowners and Professionals

As the saying goes, cutting your own firewood warms you twice. It does not have to mean swinging a maul for hours, though.

Whether you split a few face cords for the fireplace or several full cords a season, a gas log splitter saves your back.

Below are four gas splitters, from a compact 7-ton model to a 34-ton tow-behind, followed by a buying guide and safety tips.

OUR TOP PICK

If you are looking for the best gas splitter for making fireplace firewood, look no further than the Champion 7-Ton gas splitter. It handles logs up to 19.3 inches long and 50 pounds, which covers most stove and fireplace wood. Its compact frame stores easily, and a front handle lets you wheel it around by hand.

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The Best Gas Wood Splitters Are…

Product	Details
1. Champion 7-ton Horizontal Gas Log Splitter	1. Champion 7-ton Horizontal Gas Log Splitter Top Pick	- 80cc four-cycle engine - 20-second cycle time - Max log length: 19.3” - Max log weight: 50 pounds - Weighs 146 pounds - Recoil start - Low oil shutoff	Check Current Price
2. YARDMAX YS2565 25-Ton Half Beam Gas Log Splitter	2. YARDMAX YS2565 25-Ton Half Beam Gas Log Splitter	- 6.5HP – 208cc Briggs and Stratton engine - Weighs 474 pounds - 9.7-second cycle time - Includes 4-way wedge - Log spinner plate - Towable	Check Current Price
3. Champion 25-Ton Horizontal/Vertical Gas Log Splitter	3. Champion 25-Ton Horizontal/Vertical Gas Log Splitter	- 224cc four-stroke Champion engine - 12-second cycle time - Full beam design - Max log length: 24" Diameter - Weighs 429 pounds - Cast iron cylinder sleeve	Check Current Price
4. Swisher LSER11534 34-ton Gas Log Splitter	4. Swisher LSER11534 34-ton Gas Log Splitter	- 344cc Briggs and Stratton engine - 22-second cycle time - Electric start - Low oil shutoff - Max log length: 25" - Towable	Check Current Price

1. Champion 7-ton Horizontal Gas Log Splitter : Overall Best Gas Log Splitter

As mentioned earlier, the Champion 7-ton is our top pick for a homeowner who is only looking to split small to mid-sized logs.

Its compact size makes it easy to move and store. Champion rates it for a 20-second cycle time with an auto-return valve, per Champion's 7-ton splitter page.

Specs

• 80cc four-cycle engine
• 20-second cycle time
• Max log length: 19.3”
• Max log weight: 50 pounds
• Weighs 146 pounds
• Recoil start
• Low oil shutoff
• Horizontal wood splitter

What I Like About This Product

It is small but capable for its size. Seven tons handles seasoned stove-length rounds well, but do not expect it to power through large, green or knotty logs.

Even though you have to put it together from scratch, its assembly is easy and straightforward, with a partner. If you doubt that, Champion has an assembly video on their product page that’ll give you an idea.

What I Don’t Like About This Product

It is not towable, and there are few accessories for it. The 19.3-inch length limit also rules out longer logs.

Pros

• Very affordable
• Auto-return valve
• Low oil shutoff
• Easy mobility and storage

Cons

• Limited accessories
• Not for large or knotty logs

Takeaway

With its low profile design and ease of use, the Champion 7-ton horizontal log splitter is most suitable for home use. It is also the least expensive model here.

Overall Rating: 4.9/5

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2. YARDMAX YS2565 25-Ton Half Beam Gas Log Splitter : Overall Best 25T Gas Log Splitter

The Yardmax YS2565 is a powerful and innovative 25-ton gas log splitter. It has a log spinner footplate that rotates knotted logs to make it easy to split them, consequently reducing stress on the beam.

Specs

• 6.5HP, 208cc Briggs and Stratton engine
• Weighs 474 pounds
• 9.7-second cycle time
• Includes 4-way wedge
• Log spinner plate
• Towable
• Low oil shutoff

What I Like About This Product

Its 9.7-second cycle time is the fastest in this guide, and 25 tons of force handles most firewood. The 4-way wedge splits a round into four pieces per stroke.

What I Don’t Like About This Product

The 4-way splitting wedge is less effective on large, twisted or knotted logs, and you must check that it is mounted tightly before each session.

Also, a half beam splitter isn’t the best for regular towing. The wheelbase is narrow.

Pros

• Great value for the price
• Works in both vertical and horizontal position
• 4-way splitting head makes work faster
• Easy assembly
• Log spinner makes it easy to split twisted and knotty logs

Cons

• 4-way Wedge doesn’t work effectively on large or knotted woods
• Assembly takes a couple of hours

Takeaway

If you want a fast 25-ton gas log splitter, the YS2565 is a strong choice.

Overall Rating: 4.8/5

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3. Champion 25-Ton Horizontal/Vertical Gas Log Splitter : Most Durable 25T Gas Log Splitter

Another log splitter from Champion, this 25-ton model runs on a 224cc Champion engine and works horizontally or vertically.

Specs

• 224cc four-stroke Champion engine
• 12-second cycle time
• Full beam design
• Max log length: 24″
• Weighs 429 pounds
• Cast iron cylinder sleeve
• Low oil shutoff
• Towable (check the manual for the maximum towing speed)

What I Like About This Product

Its 12-second cycle time is a little slower than the Yardmax, but it is still quick.

I would pick it over the Yardmax for towing. Its full beam design is more stable when hitched to a truck, and at 429 pounds it is lighter than the Yardmax.

What Don’t Like About This Product

Assembly is straightforward, but the parts are heavy, so get a helper.

Pros

• Worth the price
• Perfect for regular towing
• Quick change between upright and horizontal position
• 224cc Champion engine
• Lighter than the Yardmax

Cons

• May require a helping hand for installation
• Bark and wood accumulate on the beam

Takeaway

Twenty-five tons handles most homeowner firewood, including green oak. The full-beam design and trailer hitch make it easy to tow around your property.

Overall Rating: 4.7/5

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4. Swisher LSER11534 34-ton Gas Log Splitter : Best Gas Log Splitter for Power

The Swisher 34-ton is our pick for the most power. It has a 344cc Briggs and Stratton engine with both electric and recoil start.

Specs

• 344cc Briggs and Stratton engine
• 22-second cycle time
• Electric start
• Low oil shutoff
• Max log length: 25″
• Towable

What I Like About This Product

Besides low oil shutoff, it has a cold-weather start feature that makes the engine easier to start in winter.

The electric start is a real convenience on an engine this size.

What I Don’t Like About This Product

You have to get the standard lawn and garden battery for the electric start yourself.

Pros

• Powerful enough for large gnarly and knotted type of woods
• Beam lock for added security in upright position
• Electric start for convenience

Cons

• Doesn’t come with a battery
• Expensive

Takeaway

If you split large, knotty hardwood in volume, the Swisher LSER11534 has the most force in this guide.

Overall Rating: 4.6/5

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Buying Guide

If you want a gas splitter, you must ensure that its speed, position, and tonnage, are in line with your needs. Of course, price would also play a big part in your decision.

Also weigh the pros and cons of gas against electric models.

Advantages Of Using A Gas Log Splitter

Here are some reasons why you should consider a gas log splitter:

Power

Gas splitters generally offer more splitting force than electric models. Homeowner gas models commonly run from about 7 to 35 tons.

Toughness

More tonnage handles green, knotty and large-diameter logs that stall smaller machines. This is a major choosing factor between a gas and electric log splitter.

Works On-The-Go

A gas splitter works anywhere, with no outlet or extension cord. Carry fuel in an approved gas can, and refuel only after the engine cools.

You can tow or wheel it to the woodpile instead of hauling logs to the splitter.

Nemesis To Heavy Logs

Larger models can run in a vertical position, so you can split heavy rounds on the ground without lifting them onto the beam.

Disadvantages Of A Gas Log Splitter

Cost

Gas splitters usually cost more than electric splitters, and they add fuel and engine upkeep.

Noise

The primary concern with gas splitters is their high noise level. If you’ve used a lawnmower or tool with a powerful engine, you’ll understand.

Wear hearing protection, and only run them outdoors. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide.

Maintenance

The gas engine of this type of splitter requires regular maintenance to function smoothly. From valves, fuel hose to oil level, many parts call your attention for a checkup. And it’s easy for a non-mechanical person to get overwhelmed.

Size

Gas-powered log splitters have several heavy components, unlike electric wood splitters. So, it becomes an issue if you aren’t in the market to deal with a large machine that you can’t move around quickly with your hand.

Log Splitter Safety

Only one person should load the log and work the control. Keep both hands off the log and away from the wedge while the ram moves.

Wear safety glasses, gloves and sturdy boots, as Penn State Extension's wood heating guide recommends for splitting.

Check that 4-way wedge attachments are tight. The CPSC recalled one brand's 4-way wedge after it could loosen or detach during use.

Final Thoughts

In your search for the best log splitter, you have to consider your wood species and size. Then match the tonnage and log length to the wood you split most.

If you want one just to make firewood to warm your home, I’ll highly recommend the Champion 7-ton Gas Log Splitter. Its low-profile design is just what you need for easy mobility and storage. It handles seasoned rounds up to 19.3 inches long.

For knotty, twisted or green logs, step up to a 25-ton model, or the electric-start Swisher 34-ton for the most power.

Sources

• 7-Ton Log Splitter 90720, Champion Power Equipment
• Heating with Wood: An Introduction, Penn State Extension
• SpeeCo and Woods Recall 4-Way Wedge Accessory for Log Splitters Due to Impact Injury Hazard, US CPSC