The reason you don’t currently have a log splitter is the ridiculously high prices, right?
If that’s the case, then you’ve come to the right place. You don’t need to pay a hefty amount of money to get a log splitter that works well. You only need someone to guide you to low-price ones. That’s what I’m here for!
I got you the 5 best cheap log splitters on the market in this review.
Top Choice
Top Rated Electric Log Splitters offers unparalelled quality and performance with its patented technologies.
Built-in side rails keep logs stable while splitting, and the front handle allows for easy maneuvering.
Sun Joe LJ10M Log Splitter
The Sun Joe has the perfect balance between low price and high efficiency. It’s an ideal choice if you don’t want to pay a hefty amount on an engine-powered log splitter.
Similar to the expensive log splitters, the Sun Joe also works by hydraulic pressure. It’s hand-operated, which means you can depend on it for your daily workout. This also means you can easily set it up and start splitting right away.
At 10 tons of horsepower, the Sun Joe has a considerable level of force. Additionally, it has a cradle function that prevents the split wood from falling. This function comes in handy when you want to turn the wood log while it’s in the splitter.
The steel casing will protect the splitter and keep its exterior intact. Moreover, the wheels on the bottom will help you transport it and store it effortlessly. Its small size also accounts for easy storage.
One downside to the Sun Joe is its short beam. It’s shorter than the standard which means you may have to chop large logs down, so they fit in it.
- [POWERFUL]: Hydraulic RAM Builds up to 10 Tons of driving force
- [LARGE CAPACITY]: Splits logs up to 18 in. Long x 8 in. Wide
- [EFFICIENT]: RAM return spring for quick resets
- [DURABLE]: Steel frame construction with wheels for easy portability
Pros
- Compact size
- No gas or electricity consumption
- No need for constant maintenance
- Low sound
- Easy storage
- No smoke emissions
- It has a splitting capacity of 12-inch diameters
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Small wheels
- Non-adjustable control handles
- Not stable while splitting
- Short beam
Kindling Cracker Splitter
If you want to chop up some small logs for your fire heater, the Kindling is the right option for you. With its user-friendly design and ease of use, it’s the perfect splitter for home users.
Here’s how it works, you set your log on top of the bar that’s in the middle of the Kindling. Afterward, you push the log so it splits through the bar. You can use a hammer for that step.
The reason we consider this a better option than an ax is that it requires less force. Most users struggle with axes because of the force they need. You won’t face this problem with the Kindling.
Furthermore, the Kindling has rings at the top and the bottom for protection. They help keep the logs in place so they won’t slip out. Besides, they ensure that your hand won’t get injured in the process.
The Kindling is the most durable splitter on our list. The cast iron accounts for its durability and sturdiness. Additionally, it doesn’t require any power source to work. So, it won’t cost you any more than its price.
On top of that, this splitter doesn’t require any maintenance.
- A safe and easy way to make kindling with no moving blade or sharpened object passing by your hands
- Splits firewood with less force than a standard axe
- 6.5in. inside diameter top ring
- Made of high-quality cast iron in Australia
Pros
- Sturdy
- Easy to use
- Safe to use
- Suitable for home users
- No maintenance requires
- Durable cast iron construction
- It’ll last for years
Cons
- It requires safety precautions
Boss Industrial ES7T20 Electric Log Splitter
The Boss Industrial has it all; the high motor power, the portability, and the convenience. The 2Hp electric motor has the ability to generate 7 tons of horsepower.
Plus, the ram power can handle large jobs. You use the splitter both indoors and outdoors.
The Boss has a built-in rail on the side that provides stability when the splitter is in work. Additionally, there’s a front handle that allows you to maneuver it easily.
You’ll need a large place to store it. It measures 40” x 13.5” x 20.5” and weighs 106 lbs. However, it’s easy to move around and transport from one place to another.
The splitter runs on a 15-amp circuit, but you can also use a 20-amp one. The Boss comes with a standard-length cord. If you want to extend it, you can use a gauge extension cord.
Unlike most gas-powered machines, the Boss doesn’t emit toxic gasses. The hydraulic system that it runs by is eco-friendly and long-lasting.
The Boss works by inserting the log and letting it push onto the splitter. It can operate on diameters up to 14-17 inches. Sometimes, you’ll need to turn the log inside before continuing your splitting.
It also works by one-handed operation, which means you should consider safety precautions before using it.
- Split Logs Effortlessly: Log splitter has a single-handed operation and allows you to split logs in your backyard with high-powered hydraulics that help the machine slice through logs with ease
- Easy to Use and Transport: Electric design allows you to use the log splitter in your garage or outdoors while the rubber wheels help you take this lightweight firewood splitter with you on the go
- Power Log Splitters: Features a splitting force of 7 tons and 3700 PSI hydraulic pressure, this hydraulic log splitter has a motor power of 2 horsepower and 14 seconds cycle time with 4 quarts oil capacity
- Guaranteed Stability and Durability: Built-in side rails keep logs stable while splitting, and the front handle allows for easy maneuvering: Steel construction makes this splitter last for years
Pros
- Amazon’s choice
- Powerful performance
- 2-year warranty
- Automatic ram return
- Operates fast
- Four-way splitter
- Durable and long-lasting
Cons
- Runs on a high current
- One-handed operation
- The splitter flexes on knots
Southland Outdoor SELS60 Log Splitter
The Southland SELS60 cuts through stubborn wood like it’s nothing. The 1.75Hp motor is suitable for both professional and home use. It runs on 6 tons of horsepower.
Furthermore, you can use this log splitter horizontally and vertically, which is a rare quality in cheap log splitters. It can also split several logs so you get a lot of wood out of one cut.
In addition, it has a long beam that fits large logs. This feature makes the Southland practical if you want to do a lot of chopping; it minimizes the time required to do so.
The Southland takes about 18 seconds to cut a log. Moreover, there’s an available stroke limiter function that allows you to save time by shortening the cycle.
For easier transportation, there are two wheels at the back of the Southland. As well as rubber front handles. The splitter moves smoothly and stands upright, which means you can store it anywhere.
It won’t take much floor space.
- Heavy duty 1.75 HP, 15 amp induction motor delivers maximum performance for the most rugged condition
- Effortlessly does big splitting jobs with a 18-second cycle time
- Integrated stroke limiter can adjust to a shorter stroke for smaller logs
Pros
- The engine starts fast
- An instructions manual included
- Highly durable
- Easy maintenance
- It splits all sizes of logs
- Amazon’s choice
- Easy to store
- High efficiency
Cons
- Relatively low horsepower
- Long splitting time
- Heavy tolls
Powerhouse XM-380 Electric Log Splitter
The Powerhouse is meant for small spaces. If you don’t have a large available storage space, you should consider getting this one. It only weighs 103 lbs and measures 38” x 11”, which is smaller than standard log splitters.
Despite its relatively small size, it works just fine splitting up to 100 logs in one hour. However, it affects the splitting process. Meaning, you won’t be able to split a lot of logs at the same time. You’ll need to break one log at a time.
The powerful engine makes sure the process goes smoothly, though. Plus, it emits minimal noise, which suits home use.
For extra safety, the Powerhouse works by a two-handed operation. Although this may be a hassle for people who prefer to work by one hand. It also includes safety controls and a hydraulic ram.
The Powerhouse has a horsepower capacity of 7 tons. What’s more, it has a splitter that automatically retracts in 5 seconds when your hands leave the lever. That way, you can insert the next log right away and save a lot of time.
- Motor 3.5HP, 7 Ton, 2200 Watt, 3500RPM- no running out of gas and starts every time
- Hydraulic, and Portable Electric Log Splitter
- Log Cutting Capacity: up to 20-1/2-inch in Length and 12-inch in Diameter
Pros
- Short splitting time
- High efficiency with all wood types
- Portable and small in size
- Low sound emitted
- Considerable value for money
- No gas or oil consumption
- Overload protection for the motor
- A two-handed operation for safety
- Auto-retract splitter
Cons
- The rails aren’t sturdy
- It struggles with dry logs
- Spare parts are hard to find
The Verdict
The best overall cheap log splitter in our list is the Boss Industrial ES7T20. It combines the affordable price, the high efficiency, and the ease of transportation, all in one unit.
If you don’t want to own an electric log splitter, the Kindling Cracker Splitter is the best substitute. It’s highly functional and long-lasting.