Tools

Testing The UK’s Best Log Splitters, Buyer’s Guide and Detailed Reviews

Last updated on November 24th, 2023

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In this review, I compare and discuss what makes a good log splitter as well as give my feedback after many hours of research and user testing splitting literally hundreds, if not thousands of logs over the last 12 months. My personal favourite is the Forest Master FM10 with its DUOcut blade. Watch my video further down to see it in action!

Whether you need just a few logs each winter weekend or you have a forested smallholding to clear, there is a log splitter for you here.

My best Log Splitters review looks at a range of manual splitters along with my personal log splitter of choice, the electric splitters – I don’t report on any petrol powered ones in this guide but I have reviewed some here. Personally, I would go for an electric log splitter everytime, especially if you are in a position to plug it into a standard plug socket. I also list the pros and cons of each model and give my recommendations after hours of research and testing as to who they’re best suited for.

Testing new Forest Master FM10-7 Log Splitter with a selection of softwood and hardwood logs of different sizes

My Best Pick is the Forest Master FM10 Log Splitter. The unique Duocut blade of this electric splitter can split logs with diameters up to 50cm from both ends meaning it’s comparable to the 10-ton models and it’s the model I personally still use myself.

My Runner-up is another electric splitter, the Portek Charger Quiksplit 8.5 Ton Log Splitter. This model uses kinetic technology with a flywheel to deliver both power and speed. This is the fastest log splitter in my review. It is more expensive, but a great investment for anyone who has plenty of logs to split regularly.

The Forest Master 10 Ton Log Splitter is my Best Manual Log Splitter and it is by the same manufacturer as my best pick. It can compete along with the best electric models in terms of splitting power. It also has the Forest Master proprietary Duocut blade that lets it operate at 10 tons of force.

Best Pick

BEST PICK - Forest Master FM10-T 7 Electric Log Splitter
Forest Master FM10 Electric Log Splitter
The Forest Master FM10 Log Splitter has both power and speed thanks to the Duocut blade that’s exclusive to Forest Master. This twin blade system splits from both ends of the log at the same time, speeding up the cycle time and dealing with tough and knotty logs more easily. This splitter deals with logs up to a maximum diameter of 50cm (that’s large) and 45cm long. Although I recommend this affordable model for the home user like myself, it really can handle a lot more which I talk about in my review further down. Its also got some great features such as the ability to do part runs for smaller length logs so the blade diesnt have to do a full run every time it splits a log. Finally, it also comes with a stand which you can choose to use or not and it's compatable with the heavy duty work bench which I also invested in. More on this further down. Overall, I think this is probably the model for most people.

The best Log Splitters that have been included in this review are listed below:

  1. Forest Master FM10 DUOCUT Electric Log Splitter – MY BEST PICK
  2. Portek Charger Quiksplit 8.5 Ton Log Splitter – 10 x faster than hydrolic log splitters
  3. Logmaster 7 Ton Flywheel design log Splitter
  4. The Handy 6 Ton Electric Log Splitter
  5. Forest Master FM16 Log Splitter
  6. Forest Master FM9 – 5 Ton Log Splitter
  7. Logmaster 7 Ton Hydraulic Electric Log Splitter
  8. Forest Master 10T manual DUO CUT Log Splitter – BEST MANUAL LOG SPLITTER

Best Manual Log Splitter

Forest Master Manual Duocut log splitter
This log splitter is the best manual model by a long shot and is by th same company as my best pick. With the option to position the unit vertically or horizontally, the patented Duocute blades splits the wood from both ends at once, efficiently and effectively just like by best pick but without the need for electric or petrol to use. This model is an excellent choice if you're looking for a heavy-duty manual model for professional or home use. It's the only model I would recommend for larger logs where it's not possible to use a petrol or electric model.

Top 8 Best Log Splitters Reviews

1. Forest Master FM10 DUOCUT Log Splitter – Optional stand and work bench which I recommend

Best Pick

Buy from Amazon.co.uk

So the first model on my list is the popular Forest Master FM10 DUOCUT Log Splitter, as pictured above. Now, it does come with a stand (as pictured below) so you don’t need to bend over when using it. However, at the moment, I’m not using the stand as I need to move the log splitter between two locations in the boot of my car so I took it off the stand to make transportation easier.

Forest Master FM10T-7 Log splitter being used for splitting large logs

I also have the log bench log catcher tray (as pictured below) that attaches to the stand. This is an extra accessory and not essential but it is a nice addition to make life a little easier, which is why I paid extra for it.

Forest Master optional Workbench is highly recommended

When it arrived, it came with the oil already filled but if you invest in one, and this goes for any log splitter, just double-check it does have oil in before using it. This means that it is ready to use straight out the box if you really want to, simply plug it in and it’s good to go.

Powerful and reliable 2200 watt motor powers the 5 Ton ram
Powerful and reliable 2200 watt motor powers the 5 Ton ram

Now back to the actual log splitter and using it, the Forest Master FM10 DUOCUT Log Splitter is powered by a powerful 2200 watt motor that produces 5 tons of splitting pressure. This is more than enough to split most logs and is perfect for the home user splitting a few logs and it could cope well with the heavier use I have put it through.

Forest Master FM10 DUOCUT Log Splitter splits large logs with ease
Forest Master FM10 DUOCUT Log Splitter splits large logs with ease – Being used without stand

What really separates this model from other brands I have considered and used is the powerful electric motor, combined with the patented Duocut blade. I can’t stress this enough, the Duocut blade makes all the difference as it gives the machine the ability to split logs from both ends at the same time. This is what actually gives it the splitting performance of a 10-ton log splitter but for a more affordable price point.

Log splitter duocut splitting log at both ends
DUO CUT blade can split logs from both ends, this works well with knotty wood

The overall quality of this log splitter is also very good, up to now I haven’t experienced any problems when using it and it’s had no issues splitting even the largest of logs. To be honest, I think it’s probably one of the best models, especially once you attach the stand.

So, I have also had a chance to test out their customer service as I have contacted them a few times by email with various questions regarding delivery to queries on using the splitter and I always got a reply within 24 hours or sooner. I will stress I did purchase the machine and it was not given to me for free or anything like that, so they had no reason to treat me any differently to any other customer purchasing from them.

It is also worth noting that I have also purchased the Forest Master USBB Firewood Kindling Log Splitter Axe Hatchet that is great for making kindling. You can check it out here.

The frame and overall build quality are strong and sturdy enough to remain in line and not twist under all the pressure – a common problem I have noticed with cheaper models.

Forest Master FM10-7 Log Splitter splitting large log
Forest Master FM10-7 Log Splitter splitting large log

Something I also feel is worth pointing out is that I have been using it on some very large logs, wider than the recommended 50cm and it’s still handled them with ease too, although I wouldn’t recommend doing this often, I just wanted to see how far I could push it knowing that I was going to review it eventually.

As previously mentioned, not only does splitting logs from both ends speed up splitting time, but it also means that this model splits logs up to an impressive 50cm in diameter as well as up to 45cm in length. Because of this, the FM10 is comparable to the larger 10-ton models that only split logs from one end; and most similar models will split logs only up to 25cm in diameter.

Ram stop on log splitter can be quickly adjusted in workbench when workbench is fitted
Ram stop on log splitter can be quickly adjusted in workbench when workbench is fitted
Ram stop on log splitter can be easily adjusted from above when no workbench is used
Ram stop on log splitter can be easily adjusted from above when no workbench is used

One of the features often overlooked is that this model has is the ability to stop the ram part way up. You can split logs up to 45cm in length but if you have lots of smaller logs, for example, only 30cm in length, you can move the ram up and turn the black knob to lock the ram partway up the log splitter. This way, you don’t have to do a full cycle with the ram every time you split a log which saves so much time.

Pros

  • Electric 5-ton log splitter with 2200W of power perfect for the home user.
  • Splitting ability comparable to a 10-ton unit when used with the Duocut blade.
  • The two-handed operation passes all important safety regulations that ensures it is very safe to use.
  • Maximum log dimensions: diameter – 50cm; length – 45cm.
  • At 47kg, it’s fairly heavy but the wheels make it easy to move the unit around.
  • Adjustable stand to 84cm long and a working height of 73cm puts less strain on your back.
  • Comes with a 1-year warranty for full peace of mind.

Final conclusion

The Forest Master FM10 Log Splitter has power and features beyond its specifications because of its Duocut blade. This is what I really like about this model as well as the build quality and responsive customer service I experienced.

Splitting large amount of logs with Forest Master FM10-T 7 Log Splitter

I really like that it comes with the Duocut blade that allows you to split logs from both ends at once, reducing the splitting cycle time; this also allows you to split logs up to 50cm in diameter instead of 25cm with a single blade and it also puts this model on par with 10-ton models that only split from one end. Add in the 45cm length of log that this model can accommodate and you have a great log splitter for home use.

The Forest Master FM10 log splitter is my overall Best Pick of Log Splitters. It’s an affordable model with high-quality construction and all the power that you need to split a variety of logs at home. The majority of people cutting logs are at home or even if you have a small wood or smallholding I think this is a great model that is more than capable of splitting larger numbers of logs with ease. To give you a rough idea, it can split around 100 logs in an hour.

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Read next: What moisture content should firewood be? And how to season your own firewood


2. Portek Charger Quiksplit 8.5 Ton Impact Electric Log Splitter

Fastest Log Splitter on the Market

Buy from Mowers-online.co.uk

Portek Charger Quiksplit 8.5 Ton Impact Electric Log Splitter

Get through a large pile of logs with the Portek Charger Quiksplit 8.5 Ton Log Splitter in about a third of the time it would take with a hydraulic log splitter. This is because of the kinetic energy it produces using the two large flywheels. This is a relatively new method to power log splitters.

The impact of 8.5 tonnes allows this Portek splitter to slice through knotty wood as a hot knife cuts through butter. It’s enough force to deal with logs up to 30cm in diameter and 40cm long.

You need both your hands to operate this log splitter, one for the drive mechanism and the other for the ram. This serves as a safety mechanism as well as saving you time. The ram snaps back into place once you release it and you reach for another log to load in.

The Portek Charger Quiksplit 8.5 Ton Log Splitter is a heavy machine at 73kg but the designers have done what they can to alleviate any difficulties caused by this. Wheels on either side of the stable front structure let you move the unit around your workspace. The handles are padded so that you don’t grow blisters as you pull or push the heavy machinery along. The only difficulty is in transporting this splitter up and down any steps.

This log splitter comes with the standard one-year warranty in case anything goes wrong.

Pros

  • Electric log splitter splits logs quickly in comparison to hydraulic models.
  • Powerful 1500W motor splits the largest logs effortlessly.
  • Uses kinetic energy to release 8.5 tonnes of impact to split the wood in seconds.
  • Two wheels for easy mobility.
  • Short log splitting cycle is under 1 second.
  • Two handled design is easy and efficient to operate.
  • Warranty is 1-year for worry-less ownership.

Conclusion

The Portek Charger Quiksplit 8.5 Ton Log Splitter provides both power and speed. Using an impressive 8.5 tons of pressure, this model has a splitting cycle of under one second. This is due to the flywheel technology it uses instead of the more standard hydraulic system. This model is more expensive than other log splitters but time is money, and you do save a lot of time with this model.

We made the Portek Charger Quiksplit 8.5 Ton Log Splitter our Runner-up with the recognition that this is one of the fastest splitters we review. If you need to split a lot of logs in a short space of time, this is the model for you.

Read next: How to light a wood burning stove using the upside-down fire


3. Logmaster Electric 7 Ton Log Splitter

Buy from Amazon.co.uk

Whether you want to split kiln dried wood for immediate use in your log burner or chop green wood for storage, the Logmaster Electric 7 Ton Log Splitter does it all. This compact beast is very powerful with 7 tonnes of force and uses advanced flywheel kinetic technology for splitting logs much faster than most models. Besides, you will love the ease of use and quiet operation. The fitted wheels are additionally handy and the steel body itself doesn’t demand any maintenance.

The Logmaster Electric 7 Ton Log Splitter is a more powerful and bulkier version of the Logmaster 6 Ton Hydraulic model that we review next. At 60kgs, this log splitter weighs a lot more than the 6 Ton model, whilst being a few inches longer and wider in dimensions (115.5L x 30W x 68H cm). It certainly produces more pressure force at 7 tons but other than that, it shares the same stainless steel construction with a streamlined frame.

This model utilises kinetic flywheel technology that eliminates the need for oil and hydraulics in its operation. This log splitting technique is actually around three to five times faster than hydraulic action log splitters, which most other models are.

Safety is an important issue with so much force and speed. The separate on and off switches help to make sure you do not start the machine accidentally. You need two hands to operate the levers for the ram, keeping your fingers away from this hazardous part when it activates.

Logmaster Electric 7 Ton Log Splitter Split Timber Wood In Seconds, 5 X Times Faster Than Hydraulic Log Splitters by

The Logmaster Electric 7 Ton Log Splitter deals with almost all kinds of logs including knotty seasoned wood and freshly cut wood. It splits logs to a maximum length of 40cm and 300cm diameter. The tool is rated to operate on 230V mains power and it comes with a 1.6m electric cord. You may need to buy an extension cord if you work away from a mains outlet.

Push the large lever followed by the second lever to activate the ram and split the log.

Also important to mention is that the model has a 12-month guarantee so you can relax and enjoy using your log splitter.

Pros

  • Electric log splitter uses flywheel technology to split wood in a matter of seconds.
  • Splitting force of 7 tonnes delivers efficient results for all kinds of wood.
  • Wheels for easy transportation.
  • Easy to work with due to simple two lever operation.
  • Maintenance-free steel construction thanks to not using any hydraulic rams.
  • Twelve-month warranty for full peace of mind.
All in all, this log splitter is a great buy if you deal with different kinds of logs and a lot of them too. It will save the labour and significantly cut the time of hydraulic splitters, leave alone regular wood splitting axes.

Conclusion

The Logmaster Electric 7 Ton Log Splitter is a relatively compact yet powerful and fast machine. The power and speed come from its 7-ton force along with the flywheel technology. Without a hydraulic system, this splitter is low maintenance. This is a quiet unit so it won’t annoy your neighbours when in use. However, it may rumble as you wheel it over hard surfaces as it’s heavy at just over 60kg.

The Logmaster Electric 7 Ton Log Splitter is an excellent model for your consideration if you split all kinds of wood and you want to do it quickly.

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How to clean your stove glass using ash – step by step


4. The Handy 6 Ton Electric Log Splitter

Best Entry Level Model

Buy from Amazon.co.uk

Overall it's an excellent log splitter and has over 100 fantastic reviews on Amazon to support this. Its perfect for home owners who have a few logs to split on the weekends.

The Handy 6 Ton Electric Log Splitter, is powered by a 230v, 2200 watt motor. It has an impressively long 16-meter cable that gives you have plenty of length to work with. 

This model will split logs up to 52cm long which is on par with our Best Pick and deals with logs up to 25cm in diameter. This is ideal for most homeowners splitting a few logs at the weekend.

This Handy splitter also comes complete with a stand so you can split logs standing up. Not having to hunch over or kneel down puts less strain on your back and saves wear and tear on your muscles.

Pros

  • 6 Tons of splitting power – 2200 W – 230 volts motor.
  • Comes complete with stand, so no bending down to load logs.
  • CE APPROVED and two handed operation.
  • Passes all important safety regulations.
  • Maximum log length it will split – 52cm.
  • Maximum splitting diameter – 25cm.
  • Product weight: 46.5kg.

Conclusion

Overall, the Handy 6 Ton Electric Log Splitter is a good entry-level splitter. It’s an intelligent choice for homeowners who only occasionally split wood for their fire pit or fireplace. If you want to split logs more often or have a stack of large logs to cope with, we suggest looking at one of the other log splitters we have reviewed.

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5. Forest Master FN16 – 8 Ton Log Splitter

Best Heavy Duty Model for Professional use

Buy from Amazon.co.uk

The Forest Master FM16 Log Splitter is the bigger sibling to our Best Pick. This FM16 model is powered by a very powerful 2300 watt motor. It produces an impressive ‘8 tons of splitter pressure’. However, when combined with the Duocut blade, this is comparable in power to a 16-ton log splitter.

The Forest Master FM16 Log Splitter can be run in either single blade mode or twin blade mode. When in twin-blade mode, it splits the logs from both ends using the Duocut blade that is attached to the other end of the log splitter. Not only is this faster but it serves to split logs that are difficult to split with just one blade.

When used in single blade mode, this model splits logs up to 52cm long with a maximum diameter of 300cm. When you use the log splitter in twin-blade mode, the maximum spitting length is reduced to 43cm, but the maximum diameter increases to a very impressive 60cm, which is a seriously large log.

Other improvements with this model include the two-speed option. The fastest speed does a full split (on small to average logs) in only five seconds. However, you can slow the splitter down to split larger logs safely.

This model is a heavy-duty machine and its 81kg weight reflects this. It has four wheels rather than the standard two. This saves you a potential back injury as you don’t have to lift up one end of the unit to wheel it along, just push or pull it.

Pros

  • Comes complete with heavy-duty stand so you can be upright to feed the logs through.
  • Two handed operation puts safety first and passes all important safety regulations.
  • Two speeds to fit the size of the log.
  • Maximum log length it can split – 52cm.
  • Maximum splitting diameter – 60cm.
  • Weighs 81kg.
  • CE approved Weather protected to IP54 15 second cycle time.
  • Four wheels for better manoeuvrability.
  • Three-year year warranty for extra peace of mind.

Conclusion

The Forest Master FM16 Log Splitter is the largest log electric log splitter we review. It’s also the most powerful by far in splitting power and versatility. This is, without doubt, a model for professionals, those who have very large logs to split and others who split a lot of wood, often. You do pay a premium for the size, power and speed of this splitter, but this is a workhorse log splitter that handles anything that you put through it. And the three-year warranty shows the confidence that Forest Master has in the long-term durability of this product.

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6. Forest Master FM9 – 5 Ton Log Splitter

Best Small Affordable Log Splitter

Buy from Amazon.co.uk

This Forest Master FM8 is the cheapest log splitter we have reviewed and at under £200 (at time of writing), it offers excellent value for money. Its a very popular model, and all though it lacks the size of some of the larger log splitters, its more than efficient for splitting most logs.

The Forest Master FN9 Log Splitter is a smaller entry-level log splitter. This model is designed with homeowners with small fires and wood-burning stoves in mind. It is also a good choice for those looking for a log splitter that won’t take up too much space.

This small but powerful log splitter produces 5 tons of splitting power. This enables it to split logs up to 37cm long with a maximum diameter of 25cm.

Forest Master states that it saves 50% on electricity when compared to similar two lever electric log splitters. But this is something we couldn’t personally measure.

5 TON ELECTRIC LOG SPLITTER HYDRAULIC WOOD TIMBER CUTTER 2200WATT MOTOR

Pros

  • Electric 5 Ton log splitter for those looking for a powerful but smaller model.
  • Ideal for homeowners with small fires and wood burning stoves.
  • Two handed operation, puts safety first and passes all important safety regulations.
  • Maximum log length it will split – 37cm.
  • Maximum splitting diameter – 25cm.
  • CE approved Weather protected to IP54.
  • Product weight: 37kg.

Conclusion

This Forest Master FM9 Log Splitter is a popular model. Though it lacks the size of some of the larger log splitters, it is more than efficient for splitting most logs.

This model does not come with a stand or the Duocut blade that many of the other Forest Master models come with. They can be purchased separately but that would drive up the cost of this model to around the prices of some of the more powerful models that have those options as standard. For example, our Best Pick, the Forest Master FM10 Log Splitter, could then be a consideration.

The Forest Master FM9 Log Splitter is a basic log splitter for those who occasionally like to provide their own wood for home fire pits and fireplaces.

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7. Logmaster 7 Ton Electric Log Splitter

Buy from Amazon.co.uk

This Logmaster 7 Ton Hydraulic Electric Log splitter produces 7 tons of splitting force and is powered by a 1960 watt - 230v motor. The maintenance free, heavy duty structure, ensures that it splits both seasoned and green wood with ease, which enables you to split wood at any time of year.

This Logmaster 7 Ton Hydraulic Electric Log splitter produces 7 tons of splitting force and is powered by a 1960W – 230v motor. This heavy-duty structure splits both seasoned and green wood with ease. Split wood at any time of year as you don’t need to wait for the logs to dry out. It splits logs up to a respectable 25cm in diameter and can handle longer logs up to 52cm in length.

This unit features a self-lubricating hydraulic ram which has an automatic return that shortens the split-cycle time. Finally, it also has two very sturdy wheels that makes moving the log splitter around much easier.

Can be used without stand if prefered

Pros

  • Electric 7 Ton heavy-duty log splitter.
  • Ideal for homeowners who are looking for a real workhorse.
  • Two handed operation ensures it’s safe to use.
  • Maximum log length it can split – 52cm.
  • Maximum splitting diameter – 25cm.
  • Comes with 12-months manufacturer warranty for extra peace of mind.
  • Weighs 57kg.

Conclusion

The Logmaster 7 Ton Hydraulic Electric Log splitter is another great log splitter from Logmaster. It’s probably a better choice than the slightly less powerful 6-ton model we reviewed earlier. This popular model provides plenty of power and handles long pieces of wood with ease. It comes with a much-needed stand so you don’t have to bend over to operate the machine.

If you have a regular need to split wood that’s not too large in diameter, this Logmaster model is certainly worth a closer look.


8. Forest Master 10 Ton DUO CUT Manual Log Splitter

Best Manual Log Splitter

Buy from Amazon.co.uk

firstly the Forest Master does a excellent job at splitting very large logs up to 60cm (24"), it only really hesitates, on very knotty logs. But on most logs, it does a great job and splits them fairly quickly.

The Forest Master 10 Ton DUO CUT Manual Log Splitter has a lot of powerful words in its name. This is probably the most powerful manual log splitter available. According to Forest Master themselves, it’s also the fastest manual log splitter available and they may just be right.

This manual splitter has an upgraded and improved dual action jack that produces 10 tons of splitting power. It has a choice of two speeds for convenience: fast for smaller, more manageable logs and a slower speed to split larger or more difficult logs. This manual model is genuinely impressive as it can split logs as large as the biggest electric log splitter can – up to 60cm in diameter and 51cm in length.

You can split logs in with the horizontal or vertical position. You have a choice of applying either 5 tons or 10 tons of force in the vertical position with your selection of foot pedals to use.

This manual model features the proprietary Forest Master Duocut blade that lets you cut the log from both ends at once. This is what allows for the extra force and also speeds up the splitting cycle time. Splitting the log from both ends allows one blade to continue cutting if the other blade is stuck in a knot.

One final, important feature this model incorporates is the safety valve. This stops you from overloading and damaging the hydraulic jack, a common problem with some other manual models.

firstly the Forest Master does a excellent job at splitting very large logs up to 60cm (24"), it only really hesitates, on very knotty logs. But on most logs, it does a great job and splits them fairly quickly.

Pros

  • Manual log splitter that provides up to 10 tons of splitting pressure.
  • Operate by foot or by hand, in a vertical or horizontal position.
  • Duocut Blade makes this model comparable to a 20 ton log splitter.
  • Log splitting dimensions: up to 60cm in diameter and 51cm in length.
  • Weighs 36kg.
  • Comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty for full peace of mind.

Conclusion

This Forest Master 10 Ton Log Splitter does an excellent job at splitting very large logs, up to 60cm in diameter. The Duocut blade (unique to Forest Master splitters) increases the power of the splitter, splits logs from both ends and speeds up the splitting cycle time. You operate this model in either a horizontal or vertical position and by the associated hand or foot controls respectively.

If you want, or need, a manual splitter rather than a powered one, this is the best one that we found. It just splits log after log, day after day – a genuine workhorse model. This is definitely a serious log splitter.

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Buyer’s Guide

A log splitter is technically a mechanical axe that splits logs with ease, especially if you purchase a model powered by electricity or petrol rather than a manual model. It’s much safer to use than an axe as you just press buttons and pull levers rather than swing a sharp blade about your body.

This Buyer’s Guide covers the main decision you must make in choosing your log splitter – the method of powering it. We also discuss the common features that most log splitters have.

Electric, petrol or manual

You have a choice of three methods of powering a log splitter – electricity, petrol and manual (your own power). There are no petrol-powered splitters in our review but we include a brief discussion here in case you come across one in your research.

Electric log splitter being tested

Electric log splitters run off mains electricity and not batteries. A powerful motor ensures the logs split with ease and most log splitters have motors that are between 1960W and 2300W. Many are around 2200W which is more than enough power for splitting most logs.

Many petrol log splitters are powered by engines of around 6hp. They’re much heavier than their electric counterparts but are able to generate much higher force impacts. The pressure power of petrol splitters ranges from around 7 tons to over 25 tons, more than enough power for the most avid firewood collector. These are self-contained units so you can take them to where you’re felling trees for efficient log splitting.

Petrol log splitter being tested

Manual log splitters require your muscle power in order to work. You might think that these models are only for creating firewood for the home fireplace. But the manual model we review here produces 10 tons of force and can handle logs up to 60cm in diameter. That’s a serious log splitter but some others weigh as little as a few kilograms and are portable.

Hydraulic vs Kinetic

We’ve included this section as several of the log splitters we review use a kinetic system rather than the traditional hydraulic system to deliver power. Kinetic systems store power from the motor in flywheels and then release it in one spurt to pop the blade through the log very quickly. This reduces the splitting cycle time to as little as a few seconds. In the hydraulic splitting system, the ram has to cut through the wood and then retract, taking anywhere from 15 to 30 seconds. Hydraulic systems also need oil and other lubricants and can be messy to maintain.

Kinetic systems handle tough or knotty logs well. The force of the blade plus its speed means that splitters using this system can out-split even the most powerful electric hydraulic systems.

Common features

Tons of pressure

Log splitter splitting large log

This is the amount of pressure used to split logs (the more, the better). Most models are between 5 and 8 tons. If you just split a few logs at the weekends, a 5 ton model should be sufficient for you as long as the logs are not too big. However, if you cut large amounts of logs, especially larger logs, you would be better investing in a slightly more powerful 7 or 8-ton model that can handle the extra workload more efficiently and effectively. We have two 10 ton models in our review, one of which is manually operated.

Dual action

Some models split logs from both ends at the same time. This speeds up the process (the splitting time cycle) and makes it easier to split larger logs. The Forest Master models in our review have the company’s unique Duocut twin blade to accomplish this task.

Maximum splitting length

Log splitter splitting length

This is the maximum length of log that can be split. The longer this length, the fewer logs you have to cut down before putting them into the log splitter. Most log splitters will split logs around 37cm-520cm in length.

Max splitting diameter

This is one of the most important considerations. If you have very large logs, some smaller log splitters may not be able to split them. In this case, you may want to invest in a model that has a larger splitting diameter of around 50cm or 60cm. We have log splitters in our review that can handle this.

Splitting cycle time

You may encounter this statistic as it’s the amount of time needed to split an average log on a particular log splitter. It’s useful when comparing the speeds of different models. Some models have a feature that adjusts the cycle to match the log length so you don’t have to wait for the hydraulic arm to reach the log every time. And the Duocut blade on the Forest Master models also speeds things up.

Horizontal vs vertical log splitters

Vertical log splitters

Most log splitters have a horizontal design. The main advantage of this orientation is that you can comfortably work standing up as many splitters now come with a stand. The downside is that logs are usually heavy, so lifting larger logs up from the ground can be difficult. The trick here is to work only with manageable log sizes. 

Vertical logs splitters are usually associated with petrol and some manual models. The advantage is you usually don’t have to lift the logs up high and you can normally tilt the log onto the log splitter. This, however, is only really useful for petrol models because trying to split a very heavy, large log with a manual model is usually not an option for many people.

The best log splitters let you choose between these two orientations.

Types of wood that can be split

Seasoned wood has usually already been dried out to some extent and so has a lower moisture content than green wood. It is much easier to split, even with a manual model.

Types of wood that log splitters can split

Green wood is from freshly felled trees and is usually green as the name suggests. It still has much of its moisture content and is difficult to split. Look for a log splitter with a high impact force, shown by the number of tons of pressure it can generate. The higher, the better.

FAQs

Why would I choose an electric log splitter over a manual one?

manual log splitter vs powered log splitter.

We’re not going to take sides in this debate, but we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each type of log splitter. Note, however, that there’s some overlap in the power of electric and manual splitters and the size of logs that they can handle.

Electric log splitter

Pros

  • Requires a lot less effort on your part to operate it.
  • Splits logs quickly so the task takes less time.
  • Simpler to use, just buttons and/or levers.
  • Can split more logs for a longer time without getting too tired.

Cons

  • More expensive than some manual models.
  • Needs to be close to an electricity source.

Manual log splitter

firstly the Forest Master does a excellent job at splitting very large logs up to 60cm (24"), it only really hesitates, on very knotty logs. But on most logs, it does a great job and splits them fairly quickly.

Pros

  • Can be less expensive than powered models.
  • Smaller models are lighter and portable.
  • Self-contained so you can take it into the woods or wherever you are going to need to use it.
  • Smaller models great for making kindling for your occasional fire.

Cons

  • Takes your energy to use.
  • Only a few models can compete with the larger electric models and none with the larger petrol models.

Final conclusion

We are always telling kids not to run with scissors. So why do we let our adult loved ones loose with a sharp axe to split wood for our fire pit or fireplace? The log splitters in this review provide a safe way to create the fuel for your cosy, cuddle-up-around-the fire evenings. And if you choose an electric rather than a manual model, very little effort is involved. And the largest and fastest splitters we look at are for those who have pile upon pile of logs to deal with or who split wood as part of their professional lives.

Our choice for the Best Log Splitter is the Forest Master FM10 Log Splitter. The unique Duocut blade gives this model power and speed beyond its specifications to handle any domestic log splitting needs.

Our Runner-up, the Portek Charger Quiksplit 8.5 Ton Log Splitter uses kinetic technology that enables the unit to split logs up to five times faster than a regular hydraulic log splitter. And this unit delivers high pressure as well.

We found an excellent manual model, Forest Master 10 Ton DUO CUT Manual Log Splitter that can compete with many electric splitters. Plus it has the added advantage of being entirely self-sufficient, well, with you along.

If you’re not convinced about needing a log splitter, we do have a review for the aeons-old method of splitting wood – see our Best Log Splitting Axe article.

On the other hand, if you really do need a powerful log splitter, look into our Best Petrol Log Splitter review.

And once you have a pile of split wood, read our recommendations about where to store it.

If you have wood that’s too big to go through your log splitter, you need our review of the Best Chainsaws For Preparing Fire Wood.


Last update on 2024-03-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Welcome to my site, my name is John and I have been lucky enough to work in horticultural nurseries for over 15 years in the UK. As the founder and editor as well as researcher, I have a City & Guilds Horticultural Qualifications which I proudly display on our About us page. I now work full time on this website where I review the very best gardening products and tools and write reliable gardening guides. Behind this site is an actual real person who has worked and has experience with the types of products we review as well as years of knowledge on the topics we cover from actual experience. You can reach out to me at john@pyracantha.co.uk

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