Winter is the time we stock up logs for fireplaces. We’ve listed the best log splitter under $1000 to keep your log supply going this season!
Best Log Splitter Under $1000 | Pad Outdoor
A log splitter is an equipment used for splitting logs specifically for firewood. Thus, if you have a fireplace, especially an outdoor kind, then securing the best log splitter under $1000 is a must.
While buying log splitter from famous brands seems like a smart decision, we would like to share with you some top-rated log splitters that are mid-range in price yet functional and perform well.
Top Pick for the Best Log Splitter Under $1000
We personally love the Wen 56207 Log Splitter as it has all the features that a good log splitter must have. It is electric powered and does not cost a lot while still giving you enough power to cut and split green or dried logs into kindling sizes.
As many other pieces of machinery, log splitters can be classified into 3 categories – the cheap kind as they are smaller in size, the mid-range (usually the electric type), and the powerful and bigger one which is usually gas-powered.
The smaller log splitter can cost between $100 to $300, depending on the features as most of them have limited functions and usually operate manually. For instance, they are usually recommended for splitting thinner and softer woods. Unless you are specifically looking for the best manual log splitter, then you better invest your money in something much more powerful.
The mid-range are bigger in size and have more power. They are usually electric-powered and can cost somewhere between $300 to $1000. They have more features and functions, so you can split more woods in less time. Think about it, you’re paying for their function to split more types of woods and their efficiency.
The powerful and commercial-grade log splitters are operated with gas. They are often used in heavy-duty operations and are the preferred type of most lumberjacks and for industrial uses.
If you are wondering what category should you buy, then we recommend sticking with the mid-range ones. Most homeowners don’t require the commercial type log splitter and the smaller ones can leave you feeling frustrated.
After all the considerations, we can confidently vouch for the best log splitter under $1000 as the ideal choice for residential purposes.
How To Choose The Best Log Splitter?
There are certain considerations that you need to take note of when buying a log splitter for firewood. And we’ve got the best features to look for below:
The Types Of Wood To Split
There are many types of wood used for firewood. You have to match your log splitter to the wood types. You see, you can split woods when they still contain much moisture. This type is called green logs. They still have that greenish color and are much softer. If you plan to split this type of wood then the electric and gas-powered ones are recommended.
The dried logs, on the other hand, are aged wood and are brown in color. These types are already dried, so all its moisture is gone. The dried logs are perfect for firewood.
Many people consider dried woods as the easier to split as they are lighter and easier to break. In fact, the manual log splitter could be used for aged and dried woods. However, with the best log splitters under $1000 which are usually electric splitter, cutting and splitting green or dried woods can be done in seconds and takes less time.
Motor Power
Since we recommend the electric type as the best log splitter for home use, we also want to remind you to choose the one with a powerful motor. The splitter should have enough power to cut through green or aged wood without much effort or straining.
Hence, it is important to check the splitting force of the machine. You can do this by checking the amps and the horsepower of the splitter. The average motor power for the electric types is 15 amp with more or less 2 HP.
What if I prefer the manual log splitter?
In this case, you better choose the log splitter with cast iron material. You have to remember though that the manual splitter is best used for dried logs only. This type is perfect for those energy conservationists and those who don’t mind hammering the logs onto the cast iron splitter. In other words, this is not recommended for woods and log with a bigger diameter.
The Length And Diameter Of Wood
As mentioned earlier, the size of the log to split is also an important consideration. For smaller logs the manual and electric type work best while the gas log splitter is ideal for larger wood diameters.
For the best electric log splitter, woods with 12-inches diameter is a good size. The ones with 20 inches and more diameter could use the more powerful gas splitter.
The Cycle Time Of The Splitter
The cycle time determines how much time it takes for the machine to split the log. We recommend you get the best log splitter with 15 to 20-seconds cycle time. In other words, the faster the cycle time is, the lesser time is needed to split the woods.
For example, a 20-seconds cycle time splitter takes 20 seconds for the ram to go back to its default position after splitting. In this sense, the 15-seconds cycle time is much faster as it only takes 15 seconds for the ram to go back to its starting position.
Portability
The places where you intend to use your log splitter is also important as it helps you choose the best kind to buy. Obviously, the gas powered ones are a lot heavier. That’s why it is recommended for industrial use wherein the splitter is rarely moved.
Meanwhile the manual and electric types are more portable. If you just plan to split woods in your front yard or backyard, then the electric ones are the best choice. This way, the power outlet is just meters away and can be addressed with a functional extension wire.
If you, for instance, want to go camping and require a splitter, then the cast iron manual type is your perfect choice. No plug needed yet reliable in splitting dried logs.
Warranty And After Sale Perks
We couldn’t stress this enough, but please do consider the warranty of the splitter, especially if you end up buying an electric or best gas splitter under $1000.
We would rather buy a less popular brand with a good warranty than buying from a famous brand with limited or bad service.
As a rule of thumb, get one with at least a one-year warranty. If you can find a splitter with 2-years warranty, it’s much better. Also check their return and exchange policy.
Split dried log in just 3 steps with Mighty Hand Manual Log Splitter. This is a cast iron splitter that is perfect for logs with a slightly bigger diameter.
This manual splitter is perfect for home use and for camping. This helps you cut logs of up to 9-inches diameter a lot safer than other axes. The 11 inches base allows you to crack wood with great stability.
To top it all, there is no mounting needed as this function, cheap log splitter is ready to use after purchase.
Pros:
A lot cheaper and easily available
Simple and fast; just set, strike, and split
Stable cast-iron body
Equipped with 1-year warranty service
Simple and straightforward design, perfect for beginners
Suitable for home and camping use
Allows you to split logs in kindling sizes
Cons:
Needs a bit more force when cutting fibery woods
Can be difficult to cut logs larger than 9-inches diameter
This electric log splitter from WEN brand is also a favorite by many homeowners. You can either choose to buy just the log splitter alone or with the recommended accessories like extension cord and firewood rack.
It boasts a 15- AMP motor that allows you to crack woods with up to 10-inches in diameter. You can use this splitter with its stand or without. The stand has never-flat wheels, which makes it easier for you to move the splitter.
And since it is electric-powered, there are no toxic fumes emissions during operations.
Pros:
Can split up to ten-inches wide logs and up to twenty-inches in length
Does not require a lot of maintenance
With powerful 15-AMP motor that makes use of 13,000 pounds cracking pressure
Has 20-seconds cycle time, allowing you to split more woods in less time
Can be easily transported with its 5.5 inches never-flat wheels
Easy and safe to use with its on/off switch and circuit breaker
Offers 2-years warranty, so you can use the machine with confident
Cons:
The controls are on the side which is a bit difficult to see when you are working.
The cotter pin that secures the wheels is made from soft metal, so you have to drag it gently on an uneven surface.
Another manual log splitter that made it to our list is this one from Inertia. We love the durability and portability of this version.
It only weighs 10 pounds, thus easy to carry with you when you are out camping. It also has no sharp edges, so it is very safe to use even when you are chopping logs in kindling size.
To make the buyers feel at ease with their purchase, Inertia also offers a satisfaction guarantee policy wherein you can send back the product if you are not happy with it or return it if you see damage to its construction. N questions asked, they will give the refund and replacement.
Pros:
Very portable and easy to carry around; only weighs 10 pounds
Safe to use as it has no sharp edges
Made from cast iron material which is known for its durability
Perfect for camping and cracking logs for bonfires
Comes with mounting holes, if you want to mount it permanently in your backyard for better stability
If you are looking for a gas log splitter to buy, then we recommend this 7-ton compact log splitter from Champion.
This amazing machine has an auto return feature with its 20-second cycle time. You can also choose the engine power of your splitter: 79cc, 224 cc, and 338 cc. Obviously, the higher the cc means the more powerful the log splitter is and can handle much wider and heavier logs.
For instance, the 79cc model can crack logs with up to 7 tons and 19- inches long. This particular unit has 4 strokes and a low oil indicator.
Pros:
Can be used for a much heavy-duty job
Has air cooled feature, so overheating is less likely to happen
Also equipped with cast iron sleeve, adding to its durability
With its 20-seconds cycle time, you can split more logs in less time; a total of 180 cycles per hour
Provides great stability with is 10-inches never-flat wheels
Offers 2-year limited warranty, plus a lifetime technical support!
Cons:
A bit more expensive that the electric type
Produces loud noise which can be annoying to some
Only has 1.3 gallons oil system capacity
5. PowerSmart PS90 Electric Log Splitter
PowerSmart PS90 Electric Log Splitter. Via: Amazon.com
Last on our list is this PS90 6-ton log splitter from PowerSmart. This electric red and black log splitter also boasts 15-amp motor power is perfect for splitting logs with up to ten inches diameter wide and 21-inches length.
Pros:
Powerful induction motor with 1.75 HP and 15-amp
Has 20-seconds cycle time
Produces no emissions
Has the perfect size and easy to transfer and carry around
Comes with 20-years warranty
Cons:
Requires you to follow its specific instructions, so reading the manual is necessary
Can split 10-inches softwood but needs more smaller diameter logs when splitting hardwood
Top Pick!
We personally love the Wen 56207 Log Splitter as it has all the features that a good log splitter must have. It is electric powered and does not cost a lot while still giving you enough power to cut and split green or dried logs into kindling sizes.
