Electric Log Splitter Buyer's Guide

If you're looking for a safe, easy, and clean way to split firewood, electric log splitters are what you need.

Electric log splitters require you to have access to an electrical outlet and might require the electrical circuit to be rated for a certain amperage. For a property owner who doesn't need to split enormous logs or commercial amounts of firewood, that might be the only concern with using one.

The advantages of gasless log splitters are outstanding:

• Large log capacity: can split logs up to 24" long and 12" in diameter (depending on model)
• Low maintenance requirements: no gas to refuel, no engine oil to change
• Ease of use: starts with a simple push of a button

Best of all, since there are no exhaust fumes, you can use them inside your garage, shed, or even your home if you don't mind sweeping up some wood shavings.

The features, parts, and qualities like tonnage are what will distinguish one model from another. Choose the benefits that matter the most to you, and stay warm and clean this winter with an electric wood splitter.

Electric Log Splitter Tonnage

Tonnage is the measurement of force that's used to split logs. The higher the tonnage value, the larger the logs an electric splitter can split.

Electric log splitters are an excellent choice smaller than 24" in length and 12" in diameter. When it comes to electric log splitters, it's common to see models rated for 5 to 10 tons of force, though more powerful splitters are available.

Several factors affect the amount of tonnage you'll need in your electric log splitter:

• Log length
• Log diameter
• Wood hardness

The higher the tonnage a log splitter is rated for, the more expensive the log splitter will be. Think about the size and density of the logs you plan to split, and choose the tonnage that works with both your logs and your budget.

Electric Log Splitter Speed Features

When shopping for an electric log splitter, you'll probably see a rating for cycle time. The cycle time is the amount of time it takes for the log splitter's ram to fully extend and then return to its starting position. Electric wood splitters will have a cycle time expressed in a matter of seconds.

The shorter the cycle time, the faster your log splitter will be able to split logs. However, some electric log splitters come with additional features that can help you split logs even more quickly:

• Stroke limiting or ram reduction: prevents the ram from fully extending when splitting shorter logs
• Two-way splitting wedge: allows the wedge to split logs both when the ram extends and when the ram returns to its starting position
• Ability to use a four-way wedge: allows the log splitter to be fit with a four-way wedge that splits one log into four pieces for twice the splitting capability

If splitting your firewood quickly is important to you (and it might be if you're working in the winter!), look for an electric log splitter with some or all of these features.

Electric Log Splitter Positioning Features

Another advantage of electric log splitters is that they're lightweight and easy to transport and put in place. Although larger, more powerful models might be mounted on tow-behind trailers, most smaller models can be carried and wheeled by hand.

Look for these features to help you put your electric log splitter in the best spot for you to use it:

• Wheels: attach to the frame for easy towing; can be made of plastic (more affordable) or high-density rubber (more durable)
• Built-in log cradles or trays: will catch logs after they're split to prevent you from having to bend to catch them  
• Full-length stand: can be detachable; allows you to work with the splitter at waist height without the splitter taking up space on a table

Features like these make electric log splitters not only convenient but also comfortable to use.