Gas Log Splitters vs. Electric Log Splitters

Anyone in the market for a new log splitter knows how useful a powerful log splitter can be when cutting firewood. The right log splitter can save you hours of hard labor splitting logs by hand and help you save up valuable firewood for next winter.

Which Best Fits Your Needs – Gas or Electric?

Something to consider before purchasing a new log splitter is whether or not a gas powered or electric log splitter will best fit your needs. Each type has their own benefits and drawbacks, this guide will help you choose the right log splitter for your needs.

Gas Log Splitters

Gas log splitters are your best bet for ultimate power and splitting larger, harder to split logs. Gas powered units come in a variety of power level with splitting forces from 8 to 35 tons. Most units can be operated in both a horizontal and vertical position, towed behind a truck or ATV, and can generally split larger and tougher logs.

Pros of Gas Log Splitters

• Super powerful. Gas powered log splitters produce high splitting force and are available from 8 to 35 tons.
• Split the most difficult wood logs. With higher splitting force gas log splitters are capable of splitting larger logs, including both seasoned and unseasoned.
• Can operate anywhere. With no need for a power source you can split anywhere.
• Can handle large logs. Gas log splitters are recommended for logs greater than 12″ in diameter and 20″ in length.

Cons of Gas Log Splitters

• Cannot be used indoors. Due to emissions from gas engine adequate ventilation is needed.
• Louder to operate then electric units.
• More expensive than electric units. Gas powered log splitters generally cost more because they are larger and more powerful than electric models.
• Require regular maintenance. With any combustable engine regular upkeep including oil changes, spark plug replacements, and air filter changes is necessary.
• Heavier than electric models. More powerful and larger sized gas powered log splitters are larger than electric models. Most models can be towed behind a truck or ATV to transport and move around.

Check Out These Top-Rated Models:

1. Champion Power Equipment Gas Powered Log Splitter
2. Dirty Hand Tools Gas Powered Log Splitter
3. Swisher Gas Log Splitter with Electric Start

Electric Log Splitters

Generally you will find electric log splitters with 4 to 15 tons of splitting force. You’ll find that the major difference between electric and gas powered log splitters is the splitting force level, which is less for electric motors than combustable motors. Apart from the power level delivered to the splitting maul each type of splitter works the same with a hydraulic driven system.

Pros of Electric Log Splitters

• Can be used indoors. Electric log splitters just need a standard electrical outlet for power, and without emissions this means you can split wood in a close area.
• Cheaper than gas powered models. You’ll often pay less money for a electric log splitter.
• Less noise. Electric units operate at a much lower noise level than their gas powered counterparts.
• Easier to move around. Being lighter weight electric log splitters are generally easier to move around.
• Less maintenance. Without a combustable engine you won’t have to worry about changing the oil, spark plugs, air filters, and adding gas.

Cons of Electric Log Splitters

• Less splitting force. Generally you will find electric models with 4-15 tons splitting force, while gas log splitters have 10 to 30 tons of force.
• Need power source. With electric units you will have to operate them close to a power source, so you won’t be able to move around your property.
• Cannot split larger logs. Gas powered log splitters can handle logs greater than 12″ in diameter and up to 25″ in length, while electric splitters can usually only handle logs up to 12″ in diameter and 20″ in length.

Check Out These Top-Rated Models:

1. Boss Industrial Electric Log Splitter
2. WEN Electric Log Splitter
3. Pow’ R’ Kraft 2-Speed Electric Log Splitter

The Bottom Line

The major takeaway is that both gas powered and electric log splitters serve their function and one may fit the users needs better than the other.

For ultra powerful splitting machines you should consider a gas powered log splitter. This will insure that the splitter you purchase can handle every type of wood you place in it. If you also plan on spitting larger sized logs a gas powered splitter is the way to go. Gas powered log splitters will also give you flexibiliy to use the machine anywhere on your property without relying on a power source, however you won’t be able to run the machine indoors.

If you want to split smaller logs and have the option to use the splitter indoors, such as a barn or garage, then consider looking into electric log splitters. If the power level delieverd from an electric unit will be sufficient for your needs and you plan on using your splitter close to an electric source, then a electric log splitter may be for you. They are lighter and less expensive than gas powered units and may be enough for your needs.

Now that you know which type of log splitter will best fit your needs you can start looking at the best models available.

If a gas powered log splitter is for you, look into one of the most popular choices on the market the Champion Power Equipment Gas Log Splitter or the Swisher Gas Log Splitter with Electric Start for ultimate power and strength. Both units offer plenty of power and durability for any serious homeowner or woodcutter.

If an electric log splitter is for you, check out the top-rated and popular Boss Industrial 7-Ton Electric Log Splitter or the WEN 6-Ton Electric Log Splitter for a great value and reliable unit.

Or take a look at our comparison guides and reviews of the best log splitters on the market.