Are you a gardener that is interested in wood chippers, but don’t know if it is right for you?
Do you want to add organic and safe mulch to your garden?
Or have you determined that you want a wood chipper, but just don’t know what the best one is for your needs?
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After testing almost every major retail wood chipper, spending endless hours researching, and even spending time with commercial landscapers, I have developed 11 Best Wood Chippers for Gardeners.
This article will not only provide you with the best wood chippers, but will provide a buying guide, help you get the longest use out of your wood chipper, and even provide you with wood chipper care tips.
Types of Wood Chippers
Cleaning up tree branches and twigs can be a hassle and sometimes even dangerous.
They are bulky, have little to no use, and a lot of times can damage your yard or even garden.
Because of this, wood chippers may be a great option for you.
They are a quick, cheap, and even better way to provide mulch to your garden and landscape. And even better wood chippers are a great way to compost leaves!
Not only this, but using wood chippers provides more use to wood and leaves, creates bio-fuel, and requires no burning.
Learn how to make mulch with wood chippers below:
But before you buy a wood chipper, it is important to understand the two types and the ways wood and leaves are chopped.
Wood Chipper
Wood Chippers are great options for anyone that has woody yard waste. This includes larger twigs and branches.
Wood chippers are heavier but use a sharper blade to chop your yard debris.
If you want to create mulch with wood that is over 3 inches in diameter then you will want to buy a wood chipper.
Wood Shredder
Wood Shredders are great options for small twigs and fallen leaves. They should not be used for larger branches.
Shredders have a bin connected to them for debris and can even have a shoot that empties onto the ground.
This is another great option if you want to create mulch and compost with wood that is under 3 inches in diameter.
Wood Chipper Power Source
Once you have determined whether you need a wood chipper or wood shredder it is important to decide how much power is needed.
Wood Chippers and Shredders are powered either by electricity or gas.
Electric Wood Chippers
Electric wood chippers are usually smaller than gas-powered.
This type of power source is cleaner, requires less maintenance, and is more affordable.
While it is not as powerful as gas-powered wood-chippers it is good for small jobs and weighs less. It should be noted that they are less mobile, as you are constrained by power cord length.
Gas Wood Chippers
Gas Wood Chippers are usually larger than electric-powered.
This type of power source requires more maintenance and more expensive.
It should be noted though that it is more powerful and can handle larger loads.
Not only this, but it is more mobile. It should be noted that it is quite a bit heavier than electric wood chippers.
Blade Mechanisms
Once you have decided on the type of wood chipper you want and the type of power source it is important to have a general idea of the three types of blade mechanisms.
While this shouldn’t affect your buying experience, it can be helpful to understand how you will be working with your wood chipper.
Drum Chipper
The drum chipper is a side drum into which you feed wood.
It has horizontal blades that break the wood and leaf debris into fine chips.
A good amount of wood chippers on the market are drum chippers.
Disk Chipper
Disk Chippers uses a flywheel and a large steel disk.
These two components spin in a perpendicular direction and the blades then cut the chips.
They are then further cut into fine wood chips.
This is another type of blade mechanism you will find in a lot of retail wood chippers.
Screw Chipper
Screw chippers use a conical, screw-shaped blade.
The wood is pulled in by these blades. The blades have a sharp edge that cuts it as it goes by.
It then further finely chops the debris into fine wood chips.
Wood Chipper Buying Considerations
Once you have determined whether you want a wood chipper or wood shredder it is important to have an understanding of certain features that will be important to your gardening need.
As a general rule, you should ask yourself the following questions to have a better understanding of your needs and what wood chipper features can benefit you:
- Why do you want a wood chipper?
- What do you need to chip?
- Where will you store your wood chipper?
- What power source will you use for your wood chipper?
- What is the size of your yard?
Once you have answered these I recommend using the list of features and functions to determine what wood chipper best meets your needs:
Type of Driver
When buying a wood chipper you must decide if you want a direct drive or a clutch drive transmission.
Direct drive wood chippers and shredders turn on as soon as you start the engine and continuously run.
You can expect to find this in cheaper models and one disadvantage is that it can jam from time to time.
There is also the clutch drive, which stops if nothing is going on.
You can expect to find this in more expensive models and one advantage is that it will not jam.
In addition, a clutch drive typically can handle heavier loads, holds more capacity, and comes with better bags or bins.
Diameter Capacity
Another important factor to decide what type of wood chipper or wood shredder to buy is the diameter capacity it can handle.
As described above, if the branches have more than a 3-inch diameter than you’ll want to buy a wood chipper.
If it is less than 3 inches you’ll want to buy a wood shredder or a combo chipper.
Reduction Ratio
Just as important as the diameter capacity is the reduction ratio.
The reduction ratio is how much the wood chipper will reduce debris.
For example, a 5 to 1 ratio means it will reduce debris down to 1/5 of its original size.
If you want the best size reduction ratio you should buy a wood chipper with a 10 to 1 ratio.
As a general rule, the larger the reduction ratio the more powerful it is.
Bag Capacity
The bag capacity is another important factor when deciding what wood chipper to buy.
The size of the bag will make a big difference in you have a large yard.
Large bags hold 10 bushels. This means less time spent on stopping and emptying your bag. It should be noted that larger bags are heavier though.
It should also be noted that the standard size of wood chipper bags is 2 to 3 bushels.
Shredding Chute
The Shredding Chute is another important feature you should consider when buying a wood chipper.
If you want to mulch leaves then I recommend looking for a wood chipper that comes with a separate shredding chute. This is perfect for general gardening needs and can make your work quicker and easier.
11 Best Wood Chippers (Least to Most Expensive)
1. PowerSmart Electric Garden Chipper ($105)
- Power Source = Electric (15 amp)
- Branch Diameter = 1 5/8 inch
- Warranty = 2 years
- Amazon Stars = 4 stars
- Weight = 29 pounds
- Reduction Ratio: 17:1
The PowerSmart Electric Garden Chipper is perfect for any gardener who wants to create mulch but has a little yard or few leaves and branches.
This wood chipper comes with a powerful 15 amp that can chip branches up to a 1 5/8 diameter.
It comes with a compact 6-inch wheel design that allows you to move it almost anywhere.
This garden chipper also comes with a safety hopper lock knob that prevents it from working when opened (to clean).
This ideal for lawn clippings, leaves, and small branches.
2. Sun Joe Electric Garden Chipper ($115)
- Power Source = Electric (15 amp)
- Branch Diameter = 1.5 inches
- Warranty = 2 years
- Amazon Stars = 4 stars
- Weight = 26 pounds
- Reduction Ratio = 17:1
The Sun Joe Electric Garden Chipper is perfect for turning branches and twigs into nutrient-rich garden debris.
This wood chipper can process twigs and branches with a diameter up to 1.5 inches and makes quick work of them with its 15 amp engine.
This wood chipper comes with a full 2-year warranty and is perfect for someone who needs a portable wood chipper.
And if you are looking for a lightweight wood chipper this machine comes in at 26 pounds!
3. WEN Wood Chipper ($120)
- Power Souce = Electric (15 amp)
- Branch Diameter = 1.5 inches
- Warranty = 2 years
- Amazon Stars = 4 stars
- Weight = 23 pounds
- Reduction Ratio = 17:1
The WEN Electric Wood Chipper is the lightest true wood chipper on this list. If you don’t want to push around a heavy machine then this is your choice.
This machine includes 2, 7-inch blades that can shred branch diameters up to 1.5 inch.
Not only this but it’s one of the few wood chippers that comes with a push stick and extra storage.
Best of all is that it comes with a 17:1 reduction ratio, which is better than competitors for this size.
4. WORX Bladeless Wood Chipper ($125)
- Power Source = Electric (13 amp)
- Branch Diameter = 1/10 inch
- Warranty = 3 years
- Amazon Stars = 4 stars
- Weight = 24 pounds
- Reduction Ratio = 11:1
The WORX Bladeless Wood Chipper is the most unique wood chipper on this list.
While you can use this wood chipper for very small twigs, it was built for leaves. And if you have a lot of leaves then this is the perfect wood shredder for you.
It can be easily assembled, disassembled, and stored making it one of the most versatile wood shredders on the market.
What you’ll love about this machine though is that it can mulch up to 53 gallons of leaves per minute. This will help make quick work of even the largest yards.
4. FlowTron Electric Shredder ($165)
- Power Source = Electric (13 amp)
- Branch Diameter = 1/10 inch
- Warranty = 1 year
- Amazon Stars = 3.5 stars
- Weight = 17 pounds
- Reduction Ratio = 30:1
If you are looking for a pure leaf shredder then look no further than FlowTron.
At 17 pounds, this lightweight leaf shredder can mulch 11 bags down to the size of one bag.
It is also incredibly lightweight meaning anyone can use it in any weather condition.
Best of all is that it is so easy to use you don’t even need to be a gardener to use it. It uses a simple two-step mulching process to make your work quick and efficient.
6. EarthQuake Heavy Duty Wood Chipper ($500)
- Power Source = Gas (212cc Engine)
- Branch Diameter = 3 inches
- Warranty = 5 year
- Amazon Stars = 4 stars
- Weight = 121 pounds
- Reduction Ratio = 20:1
If you want a powerful wood chipper that gives you the best bang for your buck then look no further than the EarthQuake Heavy Duty Wood Chipper.
This Wood Chipper is built with a 212cc engine, 5-year warranty, and 11-inch tires that never go flat.
It also can come with an optional vacuum kit that sucks 20% more debris than its competitors.
Not only this, but it comes with a mulch bag, amazing safety features, and is ready to use when you take it out of the package.
Best of all is that it can mulch branches up to 3-inches in diameter.
7. GreatCircleUSA Wood Chipper ($550)
- Power Source = Gas (212cc Engine)
- Branch Diameter = 3 inches
- Warranty = 3 year
- Amazon Stars = 4 stars
- Weight = 132 pounds
- Reduction Ratio = 15:1
Out of all the gas wood chippers on the list, the GreatCircleUSA comes with one of the best Reduction Ratios. This means you can expect to mulch more, faster.
What sets this wood chipper apart from its competitors is its 3:1 functionality. It comes with a top-load hopper for shredding, a side chute for branch mulching, and an optional vacuum for leaf mulching.
Not only this, but it comes with one of the best customer service centers among competitors. Any time you need them they are there!
And best of all is that it is easy to use, easy to maintain, and most importantly comes with the best safety features on the market.
8. SuperHandy Wood Chipper ($560)
- Power Source = Gas (212cc Engine)
- Branch Diameter = 3 inches
- Warranty = 3 year
- Amazon Stars = 4.5 stars
- Weight = 130 pounds
- Reduction Ratio = 15:1
The SuperHandy Wood Chipper is the highest rated wood chipper by Amazon on this list.
It comes with a limited 3-year warranty, a powerful 212cc engine, and an excellent 15:1 reduction ratio.
This is the perfect wood chipper for gardeners, foresters, homesteaders, and even small commercial businesses.
It can mulch up to 3 inches in diameter, is incredibly mobile and easy to move, and allows you to hook up numerous accessories to make your work easier and more effective.
9. Landworks Wood Chipper ($570)
- Power Source = Gas (212cc Engine)
- Branch Diameter = 3 inches
- Warranty = 3 year
- Amazon Stars = 4.25 stars
- Weight = 130 pounds
- Reduction Ratio = 15:1
The Landworks Wood Chipper is another great option for anyone who is serious about wood chipping.
Like its competitors, it comes with a 15:1 reduction ratio, a 3-year warranty, and a powerful and efficient 212cc engine.
It can mulch branches with a diameter up to 3 inches and is reasonably priced at $570.
Don’t look further than this wood chipper is you want a reliable machine that will last for years.
10. Yardmax Chipper ($765)
- Power Source = Gas (208cc Engine)
- Branch Diameter = 3 inches
- Warranty = 2 year
- Amazon Stars = 4 stars
- Weight = 226 pounds
- Reduction Ratio = 15:1
The Yardmax Wood Chipper may be my favorite wood chipper on this list.
And it’s for one simple reason. It comes with the Briggs & Stratton Engine. This engine is the best on the market. It is powerful, efficient, and was built to last a lifetime.
Not only this, but this machine is built with soli steel casings, durable parts, and rugged tires which adds to its durability and longevity.
Like its competitors, you can expect a solid warranty, a 15 to 1 reduction ratio, and mulching of branches with a diameter of up to 3 inches.
11. Patriot Wood Chipper ($1,400)
- Power Source = Gas (10HP)
- Branch Diameter = 3 inches
- Warranty = 2 year
- Amazon Stars = 4 stars
- Weight = 139 pounds
- Reduction Ratio = No Information
If you are a gardener or small commercial operator who wants to make quick work of twigs and small branches then the Patriot Wood Chipper is for you.
This lightweight, easy to move Wood Chipper can mulch branches up to 3 inches in diameter.
In addition, it comes with a jumbo bag, which holds twice the amount of mulched debris as its competitors.
And best of all is that it comes with a Briggs & Stratton Engine. What sets this specific engine apart from competitors is that it is powerful AND quiet.
Finally, one unique feature is that it can be hooked onto a mower, garden tractor, and ATV.
Wood Chipper Accessories
For most gardeners, a wood chipper should be all that you need to turn debris into mulch for your garden.
But there are several accessories that can make wood chipper easier and provide a greater variety of uses.
Below, are several wood chipper accessories that you should consider when buying a wood chipper.
Wood Chipper Bag
Wood Chipper Bags are a great accessory to buy.
While your wood chipper comes with a bag these may not last the entire season. I recommend buying 2 or 3 additional wood chipper bags if you plan on mulching debris all season.
Wood Chipper Vacuum
Wood Chipper Vacuum kits are another great option to buy.
If you have a lot of leaves in your yard every year that you would like to mulch then using a vacuum will not only make your job easier but much quicker.
Gas Wheelbarrow
Did you know there was such a thing as a gas wheelbarrow?
If you have a lot of wood that you need to bring to your wood chipper or if you physically can’t move wood from one area to another then make your life easier and buy a gas wheelbarrow.
Stump Grinder Teeth
If you have taken down a full tree and used a wood chipper to turn debris into mulch then you may want to consider stump grinder teeth.
Stump Grinder Teeth will allow you to fully grind your tree stump. This will allow you to use that area of your yard for other gardening purposes.
Wood Chipper Safety
Using a wood chipper can be a quick, easy, fun, and great way to turn debris into mulch and compost.
With that being said, it is important to take caution when using your wood chipper.
Over the years there have been numerous accidents causing massive injuries, including loss of fingers, hands, and arms.
In order to minimize your risk of injury please use the below guidelines for using your wood chipper:
- Always read your manual or instructions before using your wood chipper
- Wear Safety Glasses at all the time. I have been hit by debris almost every time I use a wood chipper.
- Turn off your wood chipper if you ever need to clean or unclog it. Also, never look into the chutes when using your wood chipper.
- Always slowly feed your wood chipper. Never try to jam more than what fits in it.
- Keep your wood chipper away from kids. And never leave your wood chipper on when unattended.
How to Use a Wood Chipper
After you have bought and set up your wood chipper it is time to use it.
While using a wood chipper isn’t hard, it does require a bit of an art and science.
Below, are several easy steps to follow when using your wood chipper:
- Read the manual and instructions that come with your wood chipper
- Place your wood chipper on level ground
- Set the deflector and chutes to the area of the ground where you want your mulch
- Slowly feed your branches into the wood chipper. If it becomes clogged turn off your wood chipper and use a large branch to push the debris deeper into the wood chipper
- Always feed a mixture of leaves and wood into your wood chipper. This will extend the life and make mulching easier.
- Always stand to the side of your wood chipper. This will prevent any type of injury from happening if debris shoots back out of the feeder.
Or watch this video learn more about how to use a wood chipper:
Wood Chipper Care
There is nothing worse than buying an expensive wood chipper and not having it last as long as it should.
Help increase the longevity of your wood chipper by properly caring for it during the season and in the offseason with the following steps:
- After every use properly remove all debris from the feeder and chutes of your wood chipper.
- Store your wood chipper in a garage or shed to prevent rusting
- Tie up the power cord when not in use. This will help reduce potential damage to it.
- Before you store your woodchipper away for winter use warm water and dish detergent to wash any part you can reach.
- Remove gas at the end of the season and change your oil at the beginning of every spring
Conclusion
You can’t go wrong with one of the best 11 wood chippers on this list.
And as you have read there are numerous factors that you should consider when buying your wood chipper and caring for it.
Some of these factors include:
- Decide if you want a wood chipper or wood shredder. Wood Chippers can mulch bigger branches, faster.
- Decide if you want an electric or gas wood chipper. Gas wood chippers are more powerful but require more maintenance.
- Understand your needs. If you need to mulch larger branches make sure your wood chipper can mulch 3-inch diameters.
- Also, if you have a large yard then you will want to make sure you have a larger reduction ratio. This will reduce the amount of time and energy spent on wood chipping.
- While accessories aren’t mandatory, having vacuums and grinder teeth can your wood chipping more effective.
- Always follow the safety tips provided in this article and at the very least read your wood chipper’s manual.
- If you want to have your wood chipper last longer then follow the simple steps listed in this article, such as cleaning it after every use and storing it indoors in the winter.
What’s Next?
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