Gas vs Electric Log Splitter: Which One Fits Your Woodpile?
Gas and electric log splitters compared on tonnage, cycle time, log size, noise, where you can run them and upkeep, with one example of each from the listings we reviewed.
By FirewoodGearHQ Editorial
Updated October 5, 2026
Verdict: Choose an electric log splitter if you split a cord or two a year of seasoned wood up to about 10 in across and want to work quietly in a garage. Choose a gas log splitter if you split several cords, green or knotty hardwood, or rounds over 10 in, and can work outdoors.
Both use a hydraulic ram to push a log into a wedge. They differ in how much force they make, how fast they cycle, how big a round they take and where you can run them. This comparison covers both types, then one example of each from the listings we reviewed.
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Side by side
| Factor | Gas log splitter | Electric log splitter |
|---|---|---|
| Typical rated force | 20 to 37 tons | 4 to 10 tons |
| Typical cycle time | 7 to 16 sec | 14 to 20 sec |
| Typical max diameter | 16 to 24 in | 8 to 10 in |
| Where it runs | Outdoors only | Garage, shed or outdoors near an outlet |
| Weight | About 130 lb portable to 550 lb towable | About 90 to 125 lb |
| Upkeep | Engine oil, fuel, hydraulic fluid | Hydraulic fluid only |
| Example: Ezasin 20 Ton (gas) | 20 tons, 8 sec, 20.5 x 16 in, 135.2 lb | Not applicable |
| Example: Evernexta 7 Ton (electric) | Not applicable | 7 tons, 17 sec, 20.5 x 10 in, 97 lb |
Ranges are typical of the listings we reviewed; example figures are manufacturer rated, collected 5 October 2026.
Force: tons and what they split
Electric splitters on a 120V outlet are limited by the motor, so most are rated 5 to 7 tons, with a few at 10. That splits straight, seasoned rounds up to about 10 in. Gas splitters start around 20 tons and go past 35, enough for green oak, knots, crotches and stringy elm. Our tonnage guide and tonnage calculator help you size it.
Speed: cycle time
Electric splitters typically cycle in 14 to 20 seconds; portable gas splitters in 7 to 10, and two-way gas splitters split on both strokes. For a cord a year the difference is an afternoon; for five cords it is days.
Log size
Most electric splitters top out near 10 in diameter and 20 in length. Gas splitters take 16 to 24 in rounds, and many tip up to vertical for rounds you cannot lift.
Where you can use it
Electric splitters make no exhaust and little noise, so they work in a garage or close to the house, but they need a heavy, short extension cord. Gas splitters must run outdoors and are as loud as a lawn mower, but they go anywhere, including the woodlot.
Upkeep and storage
Both need hydraulic fluid. Gas adds engine oil changes, fresh fuel and winter storage care. Electric splitters weigh about 100 lb and store upright in a corner; portable gas splitters weigh 130 to 150 lb, towable ones 450 lb and more.
Two examples
| Award | Product | Woodlot Score About the HQ ScoreThe Woodlot Score runs from 0 to 100 and weighs rated performance, build, value, safety listing and warranty, using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick › | |
|---|---|---|---|
7 Ton Electric Log Splitter
|
67/100 | Buy | |
20 Ton Gas Log Splitter, 209CC 7HP Hydraulic
|
52/100 | Buy |
7 Ton Electric Log Splitter
A 7 ton electric log splitter with 2900 PSI hydraulics, a stated 17 second cycle with automatic return, two-hand controls, 6 in wheels and a 2 year warranty plus 1 year on registration.
Pros
- 2 year warranty, plus 1 more year after registration
- Automatic ram return and a stated 17 second cycle
- Two-hand safety control
- Compact 36.6 x 9.8 x 18.3 in, 97 lb
Cons
- 10 in maximum diameter
- Very few ratings so far
- 7 tons struggles with knots and green hardwood
- Ground level, no stand
20 Ton Gas Log Splitter, 209CC 7HP Hydraulic
A 20 ton horizontal gas log splitter with a 209 cc, 7 HP engine, dual-stage pump, auto-return detent valve, a stated 8 second cycle and 20.5 x 16 in log capacity on 10 in pneumatic tires.
Pros
- 20 tons for green and knotty hardwood
- Stated 8 second cycle with auto return
- 16 in maximum diameter
- 10 in pneumatic tires
Cons
- Outdoors only; engine needs fuel and oil
- No warranty term stated
- Few ratings so far
- 135.2 lb listed weight
How we scored them
Each example is scored out of 100 on performance, build, value, safety and warranty, using only what the listing publishes. The weights are on our How We Pick page.
| Product | Woodlot Score | Perf. | Build | Value | Safety | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evernexta 7 Ton Electric | 67 | 20 | 13 | 16 | 6 | 12 |
| Ezasin 20 Ton Gas | 52 | 24 | 12 | 16 | 0 | 0 |
Pick the wood species, the biggest round you split and its condition to get the splitter tonnage to shop for.
One operator only, with hands well clear of the wedge and the ram. Wear eye protection and gloves, set the splitter on stable, level ground, and keep kids and pets away from the work area. Run gas splitters outdoors only, and never reach in to clear a jammed log while the ram can move. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a gas or electric log splitter better?
Neither in general. Electric is better for small amounts of seasoned wood near the house; gas is better for volume, green wood and big rounds.
Can an electric log splitter split hardwood?
Seasoned, straight-grained hardwood up to about 10 in, yes. Green or knotty hardwood often stalls a 5 to 7 ton electric splitter.
Are gas log splitters loud?
About as loud as a lawn mower. Wear hearing protection. Electric splitters are much quieter.
Can I run a gas log splitter in a garage?
No. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide. Run gas splitters outdoors only.
What about kinetic splitters?
Kinetic splitters use a flywheel instead of hydraulics and cycle in a few seconds. Few have an owner track record on Amazon yet, so we have not reviewed them.
Related guides
See the log splitter hub, the best electric log splitters under $500, the best gas log splitters under $2,000, the best log splitters for home use and the best vertical log splitters. Splitting by hand? See the best splitting maul.
About the author
The FirewoodGearHQ editorial team researches firewood and wood heating equipment from published specifications, ratings and warranty terms, and scores every pick the same way. We do not run our own product trials.