Using a log splitter can significantly reduce the amount of time and effort that you need to put into splitting wood for your fireplace. With a wood splitter, you won't need to do hours of backbreaking labor with an axe or chopping maul. However, some log splitters are simply not convenient for regular use. Many gasoline-powered log splitters are large, bulky, and difficult to move around.
This is where electric log splitters can come in handy. Compared to other log splitting models that run on gasoline or diesel fuel, electric wood splitters are generally smaller and more portable. In fact, they're often referred to as "compact" electric splitters. While electric log splitters are still pretty heavy it's not difficult for a single person to move them around with minimal effort.
In addition, electric models are cheaper, both in terms of initial investment and energy costs. Electric wood splitters are also much friendlier to the environment than their fuel dependent counterparts.
When deciding on an electric log splitter, a couple of things need to be taken into consideration.
Generally, an electric splitter will exert somewhere between 4-tons and 20-tons of force on the log you’re trying to split. Some splitters allow you to set this force on the fly, though different versions have different minimums and maximums.
While most splitters can get the basic jobs done, you may want to consider a more powerful model if you regularly work with particularly tough, thick, or knotty woods. Smaller log splitters might not be able to handle these heftier logs and trying to force them to may cause serious damage to the machine or even personal injury.
Electric wood splitters require an electrical power source. It may seem like an obvious statement but it's all too easy to assume that there are outlets close to your work site only to learn that there aren't at all. While a few extension cords can usually close the gap, if push comes to shove, running too much cable is not only a hassle, it's not good for the electric motors, either.
If there isn't a suitably accessible power source you may need to consider a gas-powered unit.
Those who only chop a few logs each day to keep their house heated will have the best luck with electric splitters. Most electric log splitter models are not build to split cord after cord of wood every day – that’s a job for the more powerful and durable gas-powered splitters. In addition, sticking to softer woods will help ensure that the smaller electric wood splitter keeps working properly over the years.
Electric splitters are priced competitively compared to the fueled alternatives. In many cases an electric log splitter will easily pay for itself in energy cost savings over the course of just a couple years. This makes electric log splitters a great investment as long as you keep their strengths in mind!