4 Best Wood Chipper Under $1000

As someone invested in the care and management of my own property, I understand that key factors to consider when purchasing a wood chipper include the power source, cutting capacity, reduction ratio, portability, and durability. Electric wood chippers are generally less costly and easier to maintain than their gas-powered counterparts, making them a good fit in this price range.

When it comes to cutting capacity, a machine that can handle the average size of branches in your yard is crucial to avoid manual pre-cutting. Furthermore, a chipper boasting a high reduction ratio will produce finer chips, requiring less frequent emptying of the collection bag.

My own quest for the best wood chippers under $1000 involved scrutinizing user reviews and manufacturers' specifications, verifying the efficiency, ease of use, and longevity of various models.

By focusing on products that offer the best features within this budget, I aimed to identify machines that are not only cost-effective but also robust enough to handle tough yard work. Following this research, I'm ready to provide insights into some of the standout choices that could revolutionize the way you handle your garden's natural waste.

The 4 Best Wood Chipper Under $1000

1. Sun Joe Electric Chipper

2. LawnMaster Chipper

3. G Garden Wood Chipper 

4. GreatCircleUSA Wood Chipper

Here are our 4 top picks of the best budget-friendly wood chippers. In addition to being affordable, they’re also efficient and sturdy.

Whether you're a homeowner or a professional, you'll find these wood chippers to be valuable assets in maintaining a clean and tidy outdoor space.

#1 Sun Joe Electric Chipper

If you're in search of an affordable and effective way to deal with yard debris, this chipper offers a convenient solution.

Pros

• Transforms twigs and branches effectively into mulch
• Electric motor starts easily and requires little maintenance
• Lightweight and portable with wheels for movement

Cons

• Only suitable for light-duty tasks
• Limited to 1.5-inch thick branches
• Can jam with tougher branches, requiring manual clearing

From the moment I assembled the Sun Joe Chipper, it was clear that this tool was designed for user ease. The setup was hassle-free, and I was ready to tackle my garden refuse in no time. It's refreshingly lightweight, so moving it around my yard was not a struggle at all, even for me alone.

Its electric motor impressed me with its immediate start-up — a stark contrast to wrestling with a gas-powered unit's pull cord. I've efficiently turned piles of twigs and small branches that used to clutter my lawn into useful mulch, which my garden beds have benefited from substantially.

However, its domination ends with light-duty work; the chipper does have its limits. I noticed it starts to groan a bit with anything approaching its maximum advertised branch thickness. On a couple of occasions, I had to unclog jammed pieces, which was a simple but interruptive process. It's a minor inconvenience, considering the convenience it otherwise provides.

In summary, this chipper is ideal for regular garden maintenance if you're dealing with small to medium-sized branches. While it's not a heavy-duty machine, it makes up for it with its ease of use and effective mulching capabilities, at a price point that doesn't break the bank.

#2 LawnMaster Chipper

I'd recommend this tool for anyone looking for an efficient and budget-friendly way to manage yard waste.

Pros

• Powerfully handles branches up to 1.5 inches
• Significantly reduces the volume of yard debris
• Sturdy construction with dent-resistant housing

Cons

• Limited to branches of 1.5 inches in diameter or less
• Electric cord restricts movement
• Collection bag may need frequent emptying

Just finished clearing my backyard with the LawnMaster FD1501, and I must say, it’s quite a workhorse for its size. The powerful 15-AMP motor didn't falter, even as I fed it a continuous stream of branches, each within its size limit of 1.5 inches.

What's truly convenient is how this chipper turns a mountain of branches and leaves into a single bag of mulch. This not only saves space but also offers a natural, nutrient-rich addition to my garden beds. Moreover, I appreciate its design – the polypropylene material feels tough, capable of withstanding the occasional bump without a dent.

There are, however, some limitations. While it manhandles smaller branches, it's not meant for larger limbs, so you might need to pre-cut bigger pieces. Being electric, you’re tethered to an outlet, which can limit your range around the yard. Additionally, the included bag fills up quicker than you’d expect, so be ready for regular emptying.

Overall, the LawnMaster FD1501 is a solid choice for those with smaller gardens or fewer heavy-duty chipping needs. It's not meant for large-scale operations but fits the bill perfectly for regular home use.

#3 G Garden Wood Chipper

Another affordable and effective machine is WEN electric wood chipper and shredder.  It has a powerful 15 amp motor with a speed of 8000 cuts per minute.

The machine’s maximum cutting diameter is 1.5 inches which makes it suitable for various sizes of branches, sticks, and twigs. It also has a reduction ratio of 17:1.

This wood chipper contains two 7-inch cutting blades. It also has two 6-inch wheels and a pull handle to move it with ease. There is a push stick as well as a supporting stand to keep it grounded.

The machine has a quick start switch and overload protection switch to stop when clogged. It comes with an attached collection bag for the debris.

As a safety measure, this chipper automatically doesn’t start when the hopper is open.

#4 GreatCircleUSA Wood Chipper

I'd recommend this wood chipper for anybody in need of a reliable, multi-function yard work tool that punches above its weight within this budget range.

Pros

• Quite efficient at chipping and mulching tasks
• Easy to transport around the property when attached to an ATV or lawn tractor
• Appears sturdy with a design that's focused on safety

Cons

• Requires separate purchases for vacuum and tow bar kits for full functionality
• Takes some time to learn the best way to feed materials efficiently
• Not suitable for certain green or moist materials, which can lead to jams

Rolling the GreatCircleUSA chipper out for a day's work, I was immediately struck by its solid build. You can tell the design has user safety at the forefront, and that's reassuring when you're about to feed it branches up to 3 inches in diameter. The 7HP engine started without a hitch, and within minutes, I was chipping away with apparent ease.

Transporting the chipper across my land was not an issue. Although the Tow Bar Kit is sold separately, once attached to my lawn tractor, I could quickly move to where the work was needed. The top hopper accepted garden waste readily, and the side chute managed branches without a problem, proving the design's efficiency.

After several uses, it became clear that the GreatCircleUSA chipper requires a specific technique to feed materials optimally. Once mastered, it makes quick work of typical yard waste, although it did balk at wetter materials. However, I was pleased with the 15:1 reduction ratio when converting piles of leaves and branches into usable mulch.

Buying Guide

When I look for the best wood chipper under $1000, I prioritize certain features that ensure efficiency, safety, and longevity. My approach is methodical, ensuring I get value for my investment. Here’s what I consider:

Power Source

I determine the power source that suits my needs:

• Electric: Suitable for small yards; quiet; requires an electrical outlet.
• Gas: Ideal for larger areas; more powerful; portable but noisier.

Reduction Ratio

The reduction ratio indicates how effectively a wood chipper can reduce debris. A higher ratio means more reduction:

• Typical Ratio: 10:1 is decent for moderate use.
• Higher-End Ratio: 20:1 or more for finer chipping.

Feed Capacity

The size of branches the chipper can handle is crucial. I assess my usual yard debris to choose appropriately:

• Small Diameter (<2 inches): For light yard work.
• Larger Diameter (3 inches or more): For heavier duty tasks.

Portability & Size

Maneuverability and storage are practical considerations:

• Wheels: Large wheels for easy movement.
• Compact Design: Essential if I have limited storage space.

Durability

Construction materials are indicative of longevity:

• Steel Frame: Ensures sturdiness and durability.

Safety Features

I don’t compromise on safety. Features like a tamper tool or automatic shutoff are a must.

Maintenance & Warranty

Ease of maintenance and a solid warranty provide peace of mind post-purchase.

By focusing on these factors, I can make an informed decision on a wood chipper that meets my requirements and budget.

Conclusion

Getting the right wood chipper depends on the features you need and what’s most suitable for your place. However, whether a gas or an electric chipper there are various affordable options. Both of which can keep your green area clean and waste-free.