Best Wood Chipper
A wood chipper is a machine built to take pieces of wood and chop it up into extremely small pieces. This helps to dispose of large branches you may have cut down, making it easy to remove without leaving it lying on your lawn (which can damage the grass). For most of us, spring and fall require the most yard work, and inevitably this involves removing branches from trees. In this instance, a wood chipper is a key piece of yard work equipment.
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Budget
Pick
WEN 41121 15-Amp Rolling Electric Wood Chipper
Topic Description
Many people save their discarded branches to be burned, although this is neither efficient nor environmentally-friendly. Instead, a wood chipper allows you to make your own wood chip mulch or even as compost. Wood chippers vary a great deal in terms of size and power, so be sure to buy one that fits your requirements (see our Wood Chipper Buyers’ Guide below for more information).
Methodology
To build our list, we reviewed hundreds of wood chippers available to buy online. To give a list of quality wood chippers, with a range of different types, we factored in the following criteria: price, brand name, motor type (i.e. electric or gas), multi-function or single function, warranty, weight (and portability), size, and capacity.
This allowed us to build our top five list (below) containing a type of wood chipper for every situation you may need one.
Our #1 Pick
Landworks Mini Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher Heavy Duty
Description:
The Landworks was our runaway pick for the best wood chipper on the market. Although it describes itself as a ‘mini,’ the most accurate part of its name is the ‘heavy-duty’ part. This is one seriously impressive piece of equipment. The reduction ratio of 15:1 is market leading, and it can handle branches and debris up to 3” wide. The large (and extended) feeding chute demonstrates how this chipper is built for action. The price is also far from bank breaking, making this an all-in great buy.
- Size: 34.6 x 32.2 x 22.8 inches
- Weight: 99.8 pounds
- Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
What We Like:
- We really like the vertically extended discharge chute, because not only does it help to collect what you chipped, it also is adjustable, so you can angle it anywhere between 90 and 145 degrees. This is a nice touch, making the whole process much easier.
PROs
- Power. It’s impossible to avoid just how powerful this machine is. Given how small it is as well, it offers an impressive ratio.
- Safe. The safety features are extensive, and the extended input chute keeps you well away from the mechanism.
CONs
- Overpriced. The price is somewhat high, especially compared with other models on the market.
- Quality. There are some complaints online about how long this model lasts, pointing at the lack of quality in some of the components.
Budget Pick
WEN 41121 15-Amp Rolling Electric Wood Chipper and Shredder
Description:
This model our budget pick, but it also gets additional points for being electric. Not only are you saving money, but you’re also saving the planet. Don’t think that an electric model lacks the heft to deal with the largest branches though, because this one doesn’t.
Plus, at $127.22, this one is roughly one-third of the price of mid-market options. If you’re not a regular wood chipper user, then this is the one for you.
- Size: 21 x 16.5 x 36 inches
- Weight: 23.1 pounds
- Warranty: 2-year warranty
What We Like:
- We like the power that this one brings. A 15-Amp motor doesn’t sound powerful, but when you consider that it provides 8000 cuts per minute - which is over 130 cuts a second - you’ll see that it’s no slouch when it comes to power.
- It can also shred sticks up to 1.5 inches in diameter, making it a seriously powerful operator.
PROs
- Safe. The internal safety mechanism automatically prevents the machine from starting while the hopper is open.
- Lightweight. This is lightweight in terms of pounds, but a heavyweight in terms of performance.
CONs
- Performance. This model does struggle with curved branches, which can make extra work for you.
- Takes some figuring out. It’s not the most intuitive model to operate.
High-End Pick
SuperHandy Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher Ultra Heavy Duty 7HP 212cc 3 in 1 Multi-Function 3" Inch Max Capacity
Description:
Most home-use wood chippers are simply watered-down versions of industrial models. Not this one. The SuperHandy model is an industrial-level model that you can have in your own yard. As well as the pure performance, it also is multi-function, containing a leaf mulching setting. So if you want to feel like you’re working in a sawmill, it will cost you (just over $600), but you’ll be able to use a comparable piece of equipment.
- Size: 29.5 x 25.7 x 40.6 inches
- Weight: 120.7 pounds
- Warranty: 3-year warranty
What We Like:
- We like the multi-functional aspect of this shredder. Wood chipping, shredding, and mulching are all a breeze with this beast of a machine.
- The side chute can handle up to 3” branches, and the attachable leaf vacuum makes mulching even easier. To put it another way, whatever you want to do, this machine makes it a breeze.
PROs
- Powerful. The 15:1 ratio of this device indicates how well it can handle whatever you throw at it.
- Warranty. Three years is a really solid amount of time.
CONs
- Heavy. At 120 lbs, this can require two people to move.
- Pricey. At more than $600, you have to be certain before you buy this.
Most Efficient Wood Chipper
Sun Joe CJ603E 15-Amp 1.7-Inch Cutting Diameter Electric Silent Wood Chipper/Shredder
Description:
In very clear contrast to the SuperHandy model, we have the Sun Joe 1.7-inch chipper. What defines this one is its efficiency and subtlety – if a wood chipper can ever be subtle, that is. It’s designed to be silent, which really means it’s designed to operate efficiently, with unnecessary movement and features removed. It runs off a surprisingly strong 15-Amp battery, and it is a sleek piece of equipment. This is the wood chipper equivalent of a speedy city car.
- Size: 8 x 15 x 31 inches
- Weight: 38.6 pounds
- Warranty: 2-year limited warranty
What We Like:
- The price is the first thing that stands out. At less than $200, this is a budget-friendly option. It’s also lightweight and cheap to run.
- The motor can handle anything up to 1.7 inches thick, which should keep you busy unless you’re chopping down large trees.
- All in all, this model really packs a punch when compared to weight and general size (including noise).
PROs
- Weight. The 38.6 lbs means it’s easy enough to maneuver into place.
- Compact. Because of its size, it doesn’t take too much space up when you’re storing it.
CONs
- Capacity. For the more serious user, a 1.7” capacity isn’t going to cut it.
- Quality. Unlike some of the other models available, this one doesn’t seem to carry the same quality components.
Pick #5
Earthwise GS70015 15-Amp Garden Corded Electric Chipper
Description:
If you’re an occasional user of a wood chipper or someone who doesn’t think they’ll get the full usage from a big, expensive machine, the Earthwise model is a great pick. It’s a good value option, with a cord (so you’ll not lose charge through lack of use), and it does a great job of actually chipping wood. It can get through branches up to 1.75” thick, which puts it amongst the most solid models on the market.
- Size: 24 x 18 x 42 inches
- Weight: 31 pounds
- Warranty: 2-year limited warranty
What We Like:
- One of the subtle, but brilliant details about this model is the 40L collection bin. This is more than enough to get you through a serious amount of wood.
- The fact that it’s corded also makes a huge difference, particularly for infrequent usage. Although you will need to be close to an electrical outlet, it ensures you always have enough power.
PROs
- Durable. Although this is one of the cheaper models on our list, it’s not flimsy. It has the quality to keep going for many years.
- Portable. The wheels are robust enough to help it move over different terrain types really easily.
CONs
- Chipping. It doesn’t chip wood to the same fineness as the other models on the list.
- Hard to use. This model does require more work to operate than others on the market.
WOOD CHIPPER BUYER’S GUIDE
Do I need a wood chipper?
Although you may be attracted by the ability to shred wood whenever you need to, you need to be honest about how often you will actually use the machine. Think about whether you will be wood chipping once a month, or once a year. If the latter, you may be better off buying a multi-function device, which you can use to mulch leaves or even vacuum your lawn.
Multi-Function vs. Single Function
In all but the most extreme cases, a multi-function use is going to be a better option. The only exceptions to this are the following situations:
- If you will use a wood chipper regularly (i.e. more than once a month)
- If you will be chipping wood that is larger than 1.5” to 2” in diameter.
- If you don’t think you’ll need another function (i.e. you won’t mulch or shred anything)
Otherwise, you should work on the assumption that a multi-function model is best for you.
Different types of wood chippers
There are three main types of wood chippers that you can decide between. These types are differentiated by engine and usage type, so if you’ve followed the checklist above, you should have a sense of which type may be best.
ELECTRIC WOOD CHIPPERS
Electric chippers tend to be smaller and more lightweight. This gives them advantages for casual use, especially since they are easy to store away. If you do plan on using your chipper only infrequently, then choose a model with a cord. A battery may seem more convenient, but there’s always the risk it’s not charged, or doesn’t work when not in regular use.
Electric models tend to focus on smaller branches, so may not be the right option if you’re interested in heavy-duty work.
GAS-POWERED WOOD CHIPPERS
Gas-powered chippers give that extra oomph you need to get through big branches. In addition, many of the models also have a built-in shredder, which will help you get through the leaves. Some also have vacuums that you can use to clean up small pieces of debris, such as pine needles.
COMMERCIAL-GRADE WOOD CHIPPERS
If you’re thinking of starting a landscaping business, or your wood chipping needs have suddenly and drastically increased, it may be time to look at the commercial-grade chippers. Some of these are built to be towed behind tractors and trucks, and can range in size up to industrial or factory size pieces of equipment.
If you’re thinking about buying a wood chipper, but you’re not sure, use the tips below to determine whether you need one and, if you do, which is the best option for you.