Top 10 Best Log Splitters (Reviews & Buyers’ Guide 2022)

The king is here. Split bigger firewood without the added effort with this beefier version of the Kindling Cracker log splitter. The Kindling Cracker XL King uses the same patented, award-winning design of the original Kindling Cracker to make easy work of splitting larger pieces of firewood.

Safety is still the top priority, so the Kindling Cracker XL King features a wide-mouthed safety ring to keep your logs in place. The base measures 10.5 inches and has square feet with bolt holes so you can mount your manual log splitter for steady and safe use. All of these features work together to keep your hands far from the wedge, making your log splitting tasks safer.

Sometimes, you just need something a little bigger to get the job done. This XL version has a wide 9-inch diameter ring to accommodate larger pieces of wood. It’s also taller than the brand’s older version of a firewood splitter; at 17 inches, you’ll never run out of room below the wedge. The solid cast iron construction is durable and virtually maintenance-free which gives you more time and energy to complete other tasks.

Say goodbye to swinging heavier axes or maces that can cause body aches and sore spots. The Kindling Cracker XL King log splitter is designed to make log splitting easier with useful features and high-quality craftsmanship. Never run out of firewood for your fireplace, ovens, and bonfires ever again.

There’s truth to the saying “nothing beats the original” and the Kindling Cracker log splitter proves it. The patented design of the original Kindling Cracker makes it a must-have tool in any working man’s shed. It’s efficient, dependable, and not to mention so easy to use that some users even say that it makes log splitting ‘almost fun’.

As far as manual log splitters go, the Kindling Cracker is the standard that other tools are measured upon. It’s safe and easy to use, has features that make log splitting efficient, and has a build quality that makes it a dependable tool for long time use.

Splitting firewood can be a tough and risky task, especially without the proper tools. Sure, you can make kindling with just an ax but it’ll take you more time and effort, not to mention the added risk involved. The Kindling Cracker does the hard work for you so you don’t have to.

All you need is a maul, a solid base to mount it to, some logs and you’re good to go. Place the log inside the 6.5-inch safety ring, swing your maul down and drive the wood into the wedge, load the next log—safe, easy, effective.

It’s just the best way to split wood for your fireplace, barbecue pit, and more. This is the standard version of the XL King and it will be a great fit for indoor and outdoor use, thanks to its 6.5-inch wide ring and 12-inch height. Its solid one-piece cast iron construction makes sure that it will be the only log splitter you’ll ever need.

Every year, thousands of injuries occur from accidents related to wood splitting. Don’t be part of the statistics and use this manual log splitter from Inertia. The Inertia Wood Splitter is a safer alternative compared to traditional wood splitting with an ax.

It’s made from industrial coated cast iron so durability won’t be an issue. While it’s heavy enough to stay stable while splitting wood, it’s also lightweight compared to other log splitters so you can carry it around wherever you need to. A welcome feature for anyone who’s looking to cozy up around the campfire on camping trips.

This manual log splitter is designed with safety in mind. The ample 6.5-inch mouth opening swallows up firewood with ease and the durable wedge makes sure your limbs are out of the way when you’re splitting up wood for kindling.

From the outdoors to the fireplace, staying warm and cozy by the fire is easy with the Inertia Wood Splitter around.

This one’s built differently from the other manual log splitters on this list. The Kabin Kindle Quick Log Splitter uses the same enclosed wedge system to split logs but has a wider mouth to accommodate big and bulky pieces of firewood.

While this log splitter from Kabin doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it has a few features that set it apart from its competitors. As mentioned above, the Kindle Quick design lets users feed different shapes and sizes of firewood into the splitter with ease. The wide opening also doubles as a carrying handle that makes it great for carrying around the campsite or backyard.

The wedge of the Kindle Quick also makes quick work of logs without compromising the safety of the user. The wedge is located deep into the opening of the splitter and away from any limbs or personal clothing.

At 15 pounds, this is not the lightest splitter on the list but that gives it a more steady base for more secure log splitting. The base features bolt holes for permanent mounting. The substantial weight partnered with the unique x-style base makes this log splitter a top contender in terms of stability.

Cool fact: the x-style base also serves as a crate for carrying or storing firewood after splitting.

Sometimes, simple is the way to go. If you’re looking for a simple log splitter that gets the job done without gimmicks, then you might want to consider the Handygo Wood Kindling Splitter.

This log splitter from Handygo is basically an upright wedge with a wide base with four mounting holes. It’s made of high-strength structural steel used in ships, bridges, and pressure vessels so you can rest assured that it’s durable. Mount it on a stump, pick up your hammer and you’re ready to make some kindling.

The simple design of the Handygo Wood Kindling Splitter doesn’t feature rings or handles that guide the wood into the wedge so it will take a little more effort to split some logs. However, the simple wedge design is sharp enough to make splitting logs easier and safer compared to traditional wood splitting with an ax.

The main pros of this manual log splitter include the simple design, solid base (can be secured with four bolts), high-quality material and construction, and the price. For less than half the price of the other log splitters on this list, this can be a great option for those who have value in mind.

What’s better than a manual log splitter with a single wedge? A log splitter with two wedges. That’s right, the Craccker Manual Log Splitter has two joined wedges that split a piece of log into four smaller pieces. It’s already solved a problem for you that you didn’t even know existed.

If you want to get the job done quickly and prefer to have smaller pieces of firewood or kindling, then maybe this is the route for you. This log splitter from Craccker is a great addition to any household that likes its supply of firewood in identical sizes and cuts.

It’s safe to use even with bigger pieces of firewood, thanks to its 8.8-inch diameter ring that guides the log into the two wedges below. The round base also makes it secure enough to be used unbolted but if you’re looking for a more permanent mount, you may also do so by using the two bolt holes found on the base.

The Craccker Manual Log Splitter is also taller than some of its competitors. Standing at 14.5 inches, it can accommodate longer pieces of firewood with ease. It’s also made of cast steel so it’s basically maintenance-free. However, some users suggest painting or oiling the exposed metal parts to further protect them from the elements when mounted outdoors.

Splitting firewood can be a hassle even with a log splitter if it’s not stable. That’s why the base is as important as the cutting wedge itself. With the Snugniture Firewood Kindling Splitter with Cover, you can easily split wood without worrying about the splitter toppling off.

One of the key features of this manual log splitter is its steady base. It has a wider base that helps with stability and security when you’re splitting wood. That’s a welcome feature especially if you’re thinking of packing this log splitter for camping trips. It can also be fixed into place with the two bolt holes found at the bottom.

Speaking of camping trips, the cover included in the package is a great add-on to this log splitter as it doubles as a carry bag. While cast steel is durable on its own, having a little extra protection from the elements will make sure your new log splitter stays new even after years of use. The cover doesn’t only protect the log splitter from rust, it can also prevent injuries around the workplace by keeping the blade hidden when not in use.

Previous customers commend this log splitter from Snugniture for its efficiency and safety. The 8-inch diameter ring can take on regular-sized logs with ease while the cast steel wedge tucked underneath makes log splitting easy and safe. A great option to consider on this already packed list.

Looking for a versatile log splitter? Then check out the Okronis Firewood Splitter that has a removable second wedge.

Modular manual log splitters may be a little difficult to imagine but they do exist. This number from Okronis proves that a little add-on can be a world of difference in a sea of similar cast iron log splitters.

The Okronis Firewood Splitter comes with a secondary blade attachment that can make splitting wood more efficient. Just screw it in place and you’re ready to split one piece of firewood into four pieces. That’s a great way to make smaller pieces of firewood for your bonfires on camping trips. The removable blade also means you can sharpen it easily if needed.

If you prefer using bigger pieces of firewood, just use the single wedge and watch your kindling pile stack up. Like many other log splitters on this list, this one is made out of cast iron so longevity wouldn’t be an issue. It also has bolt holes to help secure the base on a stump or other flat surface, making log splitting safer and easier than conventional firewood splitting.

Tip for new users: multiple taps with a heavy hammer will do the trick if you’re not comfortable with using bigger and bulkier maces.

Turn bigger, more daunting tasks into smaller and manageable ones with the Grillmer Half Ring Kindling Splitter XL. This manual log splitter is designed to take on bigger and bulkier logs with its unique half ring design.

When other log splitters fail to get the job done with their smaller guide rings that can only accommodate regular-sized logs, this piece from Grillmer comes in ready for action. The half ring design can handle logs of irregular shapes and sizes, making it a versatile piece to have in your backyard or on camping trips.

While it doesn’t have the guide rings of other log splitters on this list, this Grillmer Half Ring Kindling Splitter XL can split logs into finer pieces of kindling without a hitch. The half-ring also serves as a guard that stops you from swinging your hammer or mallet all the way down to the sharp blade beneath.

Another unique feature of this manual log splitter from Grillmer is the three-piece construction that allows you to disassemble it for easy transport. That’s extremely useful if you plan to bring a log splitter around on your trips but you can also choose to mount it permanently on a stump or anvil by using the four bolt holes as anchor points.

Other log splitters on this list are built solely towards heavy backyard use but this one can do the same while being portable at the same time. If you’re the outdoorsy type who favors a little versatility over permanence then this might be the best log splitter for you. As they say, different folks, different strokes.

The last on our list but definitely not the least. This cast steel log splitter from Gardrit may be small but it surely gets the job done.

Sure, you may sacrifice a little bit in the size of logs it can split but that comes with an advantage, too. This can be your perfect companion on camping trips when space and weight can be deciding factors. The Gardrit Wood Splitter Cast Steel is small enough to be carried around with minimal effort while still proving to be adequate for splitting smaller logs for your campsite needs.

Splitting kindling won’t be an issue since you can carefully use the sharp wedge to create fine kindling for your bonfire. It’s a really useful tool if you want to immerse yourself in the full camping experience. What kind of campsite would it be if you don’t roast s'mores over a fire, right?

This is a good option for people who love the outdoors and want a compact log splitter that’s easy and safe to use. Just pack it along with a two-pound hammer that can double as peg hammers and you’re ready to set up camp. The solid cast steel construction means it is durable but extra care like cleaning it after use will prolong the life of the tool.