Choose the Right Gas Powered Log Splitter
Looking for the best gas log splitter? With so many log splitter brands on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed—different tonnages, features, and prices.
I’ve done the testing and picked the top performers in every category. From budget workhorses to heavy-duty beasts, these are the gas-powered log splitters that are actually worth your money—no fluff, no overpriced electric gimmicks, just solid tools with real quality control.
Best Overall Gas Log Splitter
If you want one gas log splitter that checks all the boxes-power, reliability, versatility, and price-the Boss Industrial WD27T is it. It's the kind of tool you can rely on season after season, whether you're splitting softwood or dense oak.
Winner: Boss Industrial WD27T
Why We Love It: It's powerful without being overkill. You get vertical and horizontal splitting, a tough engine, and smooth operation-perfect for both seasoned firewood pros and serious homeowners.
Key Features of the Product
- 27 tons of splitting force - handles hardwood with ease
- Briggs & Stratton CR950 engine (208cc) - proven reliability
- Horizontal & vertical modes - great for large, heavy rounds
- Auto-return valve - speeds up your workflow
- DOT-approved 16" tires - tow it around your property or job site
Best For: Homeowners and part-time firewood sellers who want pro-grade power without going to 35+ tons. Ideal if you're splitting several cords a year and want a reliable, flexible machine.
Best Budget Gas Log Splitter
You don't need to spend a fortune to get a solid, gas-powered log splitter. The SuperHandy 20-Ton delivers dependable performance at a price that makes sense for most homeowners. Simple, compact, and ready to work.
Winner: SuperHandy 20-Ton
Why We Love It: It's budget-friendly without cutting corners where it matters. For under $1,000, you get real 20-ton power, fast cycle time, and a durable engine-all in a compact frame.
Key Features of the Product:
- 20 tons of splitting force - handles most firewood jobs easily
- 7 HP, 209cc gas engine - reliable, consistent power
- Horizontal operation - simple, safe, and beginner-friendly
- 7.5-second cycle time - quick and efficient
- Polyurethane wheels - easy to move around your yard
Best For: Homeowners on a budget who still want real gas-splitter muscle. Great for seasonal firewood prep, especially with small to medium-sized logs.
Best Gas Log Splitter for Home Use
If you're a homeowner splitting wood for your own firewood stack, you want something that's fast, simple, and easy to manage. The Boss Industrial GD16T21 hits that sweet spot-compact but powerful, with smart features that make splitting feel effortless.
Winner: Boss Industrial GD16T21
Why We Love It: It's fast, clean, and efficient. The dual-action design means no wasted time-every push and pull splits a log. For weekend wood splitting, it's one of the easiest machines to live with.
Key Features of the Product:
- 16 tons of splitting force - perfect for home use
- Kohler 6.5 HP engine - smooth starts, low maintenance
- Dual-action cylinder - splits both directions to cut time in half
- 8-second cycle time - get through a pile fast
- DOT-approved wheels - tow it around your yard with ease
Best For: Homeowners who split wood regularly but don't need commercial-grade tonnage. Great for small to medium logs and anyone who wants a quick, no-fuss workflow.
Shop Boss Industrial GD16T21 →
Best Gas Log Splitter for Hardwood
Hardwoods like oak, hickory, or maple can make most wood splitters struggle. You need serious force-and that's exactly what the Boss Industrial WD37T delivers. It's built like a tank and eats through dense, knotty logs without hesitation.
Winner: Boss Industrial WD37T
Why We Love It: It's one of the toughest machines in its class. When you're dealing with stubborn, twisted grain, this log splitter powers through without slowing down. It's the kind of tool that handles the jobs others can't.
Key Features of the Product:
- 37 tons of brute splitting force - made for the toughest logs
- 10 HP Briggs & Stratton engine - smooth power and long-lasting performance
- Horizontal & vertical modes - split big, heavy rounds without lifting
- Heavy-duty steel frame - built for years of rugged use
- 14-second cycle time - solid speed for its size and power
Best For: Landowners, professionals, or homeowners regularly dealing with dense hardwoods. Perfect if you split large volumes or work with big, knotty logs that would stall a smaller machine.
Best Commercial Gas Log Splitter
For commercial use, you need more than just power-you need consistency, speed, and a machine that won't quit under pressure. The NorthStar 37-Ton Horizontal/Vertical is built for that kind of workload. It's a workhorse, plain and simple.
Winner: NorthStar 37-Ton Horizontal/Vertical
Why We Love It: It handles long days and tough wood like a pro. With a Honda motor GX390 under the hood and commercial-grade hydraulics, this log splitter is made for serious firewood production without downtime.
Key Features of the Product:
- 37 tons of splitting force - crushes even oversized, knotty rounds
- Honda GX390 engine - legendary reliability and fuel efficiency
- Horizontal & vertical modes - split big logs right where they fall
- Industrial I-beam construction - resists flexing and wear
- Fast cycle time with auto-return - built for volume and speed
Best For: Firewood businesses, landscaping crews, or landowners splitting heavy loads daily. Ideal when reliability and raw performance matter more than anything else.
Best Horizontal/Vertical Gas Log Splitter
Need flexibility? A horizontal/vertical log splitter gives you options-split rounds on the ground without lifting, or go horizontal for speed. The SuperHandy 25-Ton does both, and it does them well.
Winner: SuperHandy 25-Ton
Why We Love It: It's a great blend of power and versatility. You can roll big rounds right under the beam in vertical mode, or switch to horizontal and cruise through smaller logs. All without sacrificing performance.
Key Features of the Product
- 25 tons of splitting force - handles tough hardwoods with ease
- 7 HP, 209cc gas engine - dependable and efficient
- Horizontal & vertical modes - adjust based on the job
- Bucher hydraulic pump - smooth, consistent power
- 12-second cycle time - good pace for residential or pro use
Best For: Homeowners or pros who want one machine for everything-small logs, big rounds, odd-sized pieces. Ideal if you split year-round and want flexibility on every job.
Best Gas Log Splitter for Large Logs
When you're dealing with oversized rounds-24" or more-you need more than power. You need the right beam design, wedge angle, and vertical splitting. The Champion 25-Ton Full Beam is built for that exact job.
Winner: Champion 25-Ton Full Beam
Why We Love It: It combines serious force with a full-beam frame that stays solid under pressure. The vertical mode lets you roll big logs into place without breaking your back-huge win for solo work.
Key Features of the Product:
- 25 tons of splitting force - crushes large, dense rounds
- 224cc gas engine - reliable and easy to maintain
- Full-beam horizontal/vertical design - stable and strong under heavy load
- Skewed wedge - slices through tough, twisted grain efficiently
- Log catchers - no need to keep picking up heavy halves
Best For: Anyone regularly splitting oversized logs-landowners, rural homeowners, or anyone cutting rounds too heavy to lift. Great for big firewood jobs with tough, thick wood.
Best Gas Log Splitter Under $1500
If you're looking for real power without crossing the $1500 line, the SuperHandy 20-Ton hits the mark. It's one of the few gas-powered machines in this range that doesn't feel like a compromise.
Winner: SuperHandy 20-Ton
Why We Love It: It delivers solid, dependable performance for under a grand. Most log splitters in this price range are underpowered or poorly built-this one isn't. It's compact, quick, and gets the job done.
Key Features of the Product:
- 20 tons of splitting force - enough for most hardwoods
- 7 HP, 209cc gas engine - reliable cold starts and good fuel economy
- Horizontal operation - simple and safe for homeowners
- 7.5-second cycle time - fast and efficient
- Durable frame with solid wheels - easy to move, built to last
Best For: Homeowners who want a capable, budget-conscious machine for seasonal firewood prep. Great for small yards, medium logs, and tight budgets without sacrificing power.
Best Portable Gas Log Splitter
Portability matters-especially if you're splitting in different spots around your property or hauling your machine off-site. The Boss Industrial GD20T24 delivers power and mobility without sacrificing performance.
Winner: Boss Industrial GD20T24
Why We Love It: It's compact, fast, and towable. Dual-action splitting means you're working efficiently, and the setup is easy to maneuver, even solo. Great balance of speed and convenience.
Key Features of the Product:
- 20 tons of splitting force - handles hardwoods and larger rounds
- Kohler SH265 6.5 HP engine - durable and easy-starting
- Dual-action cylinder - splits in both directions for speed
- 6-second cycle time - extremely efficient for its class
- DOT-approved 16" off-road tires - towable and terrain-ready
Best For: Users who want a mobile log splitter that's easy to transport and quick to operate. Perfect for rural homeowners, rental use, or anyone working across large properties.
Shop Boss Industrial GD20T24 →
Best Gas Log Splitter by Tonnage
Tonnage is everything when matching a log splitter to your woodpile. Too little power, and you'll struggle. Too much, and you're overpaying. Here's a breakdown of the best options at each tonnage level-tested, trusted, and matched to real-world use.
Best 15-20-Ton Gas Log Splitter
This range is ideal for most homeowners-plenty of power for regular use without going overboard. The Boss Industrial GD16T21 is a standout in this category thanks to its speed, simplicity, and smart design.
Winner: Boss Industrial GD16T21
Why We Love It: It's fast and efficient without being bulky. The dual-action cylinder saves time, and its compact footprint makes it easy to store and tow. Great value for the performance you get.
Key Features of the Product:
- 16 tons of splitting force - handles most softwoods and medium hardwoods
- Kohler 6.5 HP engine - reliable and long-lasting
- Dual-action cylinder - splits on both strokes for max efficiency
- 8-second total cycle time - fast enough for larger piles
- DOT-approved wheels - move it anywhere, easily
Best For: Homeowners who want dependable performance for seasonal splitting. Perfect for 12-18" logs and folks who value speed and portability over raw tonnage.
Best 20-Ton Gas Log Splitter
The 20-ton class is that sweet middle ground-strong enough for hardwoods, compact enough for easy handling. The Champion 20-Ton Compact Gas Log Splitter nails it with solid build quality and user-friendly design.
Winner: Champion 20-Ton Compact Gas Log Splitter
Why We Love It: It's reliable, maneuverable, and handles tough wood without bogging down. For a compact unit, it punches way above its weight and is super convenient for home or light-duty pro use.
Key Features of the Product:
- 20 tons of splitting force - enough for most hardwoods
- 196cc Champion engine - proven and easy to start
- Fast 12-second cycle time - keeps things moving
- Integrated log cradle - saves your back and speeds up workflow
- Portable design - fits easily in a truck bed or garage
Best For: Homeowners or rural users who want gas power without a huge footprint. Great for regular firewood use, especially with medium to large logs.
Best 25-Ton Gas Log Splitter
25-ton log splitters are the go-to choice for folks who want serious power without jumping to commercial size. The SuperHandy 25-Ton is a reliable workhorse that handles hardwoods and oversized rounds with ease.
Winner: SuperHandy 25-Ton
Why We Love It: It's strong, versatile, and built to last. With both horizontal and vertical splitting, plus a trusted hydraulic system, this machine handles just about anything you throw at it-without breaking the bank.
Key Features of the Product:
- 25 tons of splitting force - easily powers through hardwood
- 7 HP, 209cc gas engine - durable and fuel-efficient
- Bucher hydraulic pump - smooth, pro-grade performance
- Horizontal/vertical operation - flexible for all log sizes
- 12-second cycle time - solid speed for regular use
Best For: Homeowners and landowners who split regularly and need power for larger logs. Great for mixed wood types, and perfect if you want vertical mode for big rounds.
Best 30-Ton Gas Log Splitter
If you're splitting heavy, dense wood on a regular basis, 30 tons is that sweet spot between homeowner and commercial power. The Dirty Hand Tools 30-Ton brings muscle, reliability, and rugged build quality to the job.
Winner: Dirty Hand Tools 30-Ton
Why We Love It: It's built to take a beating. Whether you're working through twisted oak or oversized logs, this log splitter doesn't flinch. The full-beam frame and reliable engine make it feel like a commercial-grade unit-without the commercial price.
Key Features of the Product:
- 30 tons of splitting force - crushes tough, thick rounds
- 6.5 HP Kohler engine - trusted brand, built for the long haul
- Horizontal/vertical operation - easier handling for big logs
- Steel I-beam construction - rigid and built to last
- Fast 10.9-second cycle time - moves quickly through piles
Best For: Rural landowners, firewood sellers, or anyone needing heavy-duty output without going full industrial. Ideal if you split year-round and want a tough machine that can keep up.
Best 35-Ton Gas Log Splitter
When you need raw, unstoppable force for the biggest, ugliest logs on your property, a 35-ton log splitter is the way to go. The Boss Industrial WD37T delivers professional-grade power in a machine built to handle serious volume.
Winner: Boss Industrial WD37T
Why We Love It: This thing is a beast. It powers through massive hardwood rounds that would stall smaller machines. With its vertical mode and heavy-duty frame, it's ready for anything you throw at it-day in, day out.
Key Features of the Product:
- 37 tons of splitting force - takes on the largest, knottiest logs
- 10 HP Briggs & Stratton engine - strong, dependable performance
- Horizontal & vertical modes - no need to lift huge rounds
- Heavy-duty steel construction - built for long-term use
- 14-second cycle time - balanced speed for its tonnage
Best For: Professionals, firewood businesses, and landowners tackling high volumes of tough wood. Perfect if you need top-tier power without stepping into industrial-level pricing.
Where Else Can You Find a Good Wood Splitter?
While this list covers the top performers, there are other solid options worth mentioning. Super Split makes kinetic log splitters that are incredibly fast and ideal for firewood businesses needing high output. Oregon offers durable hydraulic models known for reliability in both home and commercial use.
If you're shopping locally, big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe's carry popular brands like Champion and Dirty Hand Tools-great for homeowners. And don't overlook Tractor Supply, which stocks tough, farm-ready units like CountyLine designed for serious, regular use.
Bottom Line: Pick the Wood Splitter That Works, Not Just Looks Good
There’s no one-size-fits-all log splitter. It comes down to your wood, your workflow, and how often you split. A 20-ton unit is enough for most people. Big rounds? Go 30+.
Whatever you need, one of these machines will handle it. Skip the hype around every expensive unit and go with something proven. The right wood splitter saves time, money, and your back.
