The 10 Best Wood Chippers & Shredders – [Reviews & Rankings]

If you live in or near a wooded area, a wood chipper can prove to be a very useful tool. It can help you clean up your yard while properly discarding dead branches and trees in an environmentally friendly way. The best wood chippers can simplify yard maintenance and dispose of unwanted material.

Wood chippers sometimes referred to as shredders, are motorized devices that are either gas or electrically powered. Branches, leaves, pine needles, and other organic matter are fed into the wood chipper.

At this point, pulleys and v-belts set internal blades into rotating motion, effectively chopping the matter. It’s then processed into two chutes, one that turns wood into chips, and another that turns other organic matter into mulch (Source). 

Wood chippers come in different varieties including a high torque roller, drum wood shredder, and disc chippers. However, wood chippers for residential use tend to have smaller capacities and motors.

Wood chippers are a simple and efficient way to create mulch and composting material. The chips from a wood chipper can also be used for walkways, play areas, and to create decor (Source). If you have a lot of excess tree matter on your property, a wood chipper is a worthy investment.

Prior to purchasing a wood chipper, you’ll need to consider the motor’s amperage and horsepower. You’ll also want to consider what size branches it can shred, how portable it is, and how the debris is collected.

Save yourself time and energy with one of these top-rated wood chippers.

Who Makes The Best Chipper Shredder?

The Patriot CSV-2515 is an electric wood-chipper with a 1.5 hp motor. It’s capable of creating 2.5-inch wood chips as well as shredding large volumes of leaves. The Patriot CSV-2515 is relatively quiet, simple to use, and empties out into an attached bag for easy disposal.

What is a Wood Chipper?

Having a mess of sticks, branches, leaves, pine needles, and so on, on your property can be a very frustrating and time-consuming mess to clean. In reality, messes like these don’t necessarily mean that you need to break out the rake and spend the whole day working in the yard.

A wood chipper is a device that can turn piles of sticks and branches into small chips. These chips can be much more easily discarded. Or, you can throw them into a compost pile and turn the chips into soil.

What Is The Best Wood Chipper for Home Use?

The PowerSmart PS-10 Garden Chipper/Shredder is sleek, agile, and easy to store. It has a powerful 15-amp motor that’s capable of chipping lawn clippings, branches, and other yard matter. The PowerSmart PS-10 is also ideal for creating your own mulch.

Comparing The Best Wood Chipper Reviews

1. CSV-2515 Patriot – Best Electric Wood Chipper

This unit is extremely powerful and can chip branches up to 5 inches thick. In addition, you can use it to shred leaves. You do not have to hassle for gas or oil because the unit turns on simply at the switch of a button. This electric wood chipper is eco-friendly and does not produce gas fumes. You can easily use it inside your garage, hothouse or even basement.

Highlights of This Product

This wood chipper plugs into a standard electric outlet. However, you will have to buy a separate heavy-duty extension because the wood chipper draws 14 amps of electricity. Patriot electric chipper weighs less than 100lbs and features sizable wheels to enhance maneuverability. It is suitable for smaller properties measuring less than half an acre. The wood chipper is designed to primarily shred up leaves and other small vegetative matter.

The wood chipper comes with a sizable collection bag for easy loading and offloading of leaves and other vegetative matter. Its tapered chipping cone allows you to feed rigid materials such as cornstalks and branches into the chipper. In addition, the chipping cone’s opening is wide to allow you to easily deposit debris for processing without having to prune them down to perfect, straight pieces that do not have offshoots.

The wood chipper features quality chipping knives made of steel. They are tough, durable and heat treated to resist wear. It is important to understand that this wood chipper is designed for chipping fresh vegetative matter. However, you can occasionally use the unit to cut small branches.

2. PowerSmart PS10 Chipper – Best Wood Chipper for Composting

This is the best wood chipper for turning the vegetative matter in your yard into confetti. It is designed to shred non-pliable branches; otherwise, soft, pliable branches might gum up the inner parts of the wood chipper and make it less effective. This garden tool is easy to assemble and use. All you need to do is to attach the wheels and base frame and bob’s your uncle. The wood chipper is designed to be highly maneuverable even on bumpy conditions. However, you may need to purchase a longer extension cord if you intend to work extensive yards.

What Makes this Garden Tool Stand Out?

This is a powerful yard tool that features a 15-amp motor with speeds of up to 4500 rpm. It can easily take down branches up to 1 ½ inches in diameter. In addition, the machine is incredibly mobile.

Powersmart wood chippers feature safety locking knobs to prevent accidents caused by the blades and machine turning or spinning when the machine is turned on. In addition, an overload switch automatically switches the machine when it is fed with too much debris at once. This prevents damage to the machine’s motor and internal parts. It is incredibly suited for those small and medium jobs. 

The machine is small but solid. It can cut through overgrown shrubs, vines and mulberry branches. If you require a compost heap, it comes with a handy mulching feature. The machine weighs 33 pounds and has 6-inch wheels making it easy to move around. It is perfect for small sized residential properties and it is easy to clean and maintain. 

3. Tazz K32 Chipper – Best Wood Chipper for Mulching

Despite its compact size, this wood chipper is incredibly powerful and provides consistent performance on branches measuring less than 3 inches in diameter. It is powered by a viper engine that is incredibly easy to start. In addition, the wood chipper features a rugged steel construction that makes it tough and durable. The wood chipper also comes with a 34-inch high hopper that makes cleaning up of the yard quite easy. Its heavy-duty knives and hammers can easily reduce the vegetative matter in your yard to a third of their original volume. 

What makes the Tazz Wood Chipper so Popular?

This machine is designed for the way you shred. The entire frame of the machine is solid and will serve you for many years. Its steel hopper is made of solid steel to handle the rigors of dropping loads of plant matter. In addition, the wood chipper’s j-hammers can reduce the volume of vegetative matter in your yard by 20. This machine can provide perfect mulch after chipping.

This device uses gas and is powered by a powerful, 4-cycle engine. The motor gives the machine suction strength that can grind, chip and shred 3-inch thick branches. The device is perfect for medium-sized yards and properties with lots of wood area. The casing and blades of the product are made of steel and the kickstand and wheels make the machine well balanced.

The machine is 34 inches high making it easy to drop waste into the hopper. It comes with a collection bag that can be attached and detached to facilitate disposal. The wood chipper has a rubber mesh straps that keep the debris from flying out of the shredding chamber.

4. Earthquake 14267 Chipper – Most Maneuverable Wood Chipper

This wood chipper is not only eco-friendly, but it is also powerful enough to cut through 6-inch thick branches. It is also lightweight, which means that moving it around is not physically demanding. This wood chipper will automatically switch off when fed with excessive amounts of vegetative matter in one go. It is important not to try to operate the machine without its collection bag attached because it will throw out your mulch at very high speeds.

More Details about the Earthquake 14267

This product works well for a medium sized garden that is covered by tree branches in the spring and dead leaves during fall. It is gas powered and uses a powerful Viper engine. The machine features heavy-duty blades and triangular hammers that chop up branches up to three inches thick. It has two entry points to choose from. Tree branches can be fed through the chute located on the side of the machine or through the hopper on the top of the machine. 

Not many wood chippers feature collection bags. You may have to use a rake or other garden tool to move the chippers to the required location or transport the chippers with a wheelbarrow. However, this wood chipper comes with a debris bag that is more than just a bag. It features a bottom-out zipper for easy loading and off loading of debris as well as a dock-and-lock bag connector. This collection bag makes it much easier for you to mulch your vegetative matter. 

5. Brush Master CH3M17 270cc 3″ Feed Commercial Duty – Best Wood Chipper for Large Yards

This wood chipper comes with a powerful engine that delivers incredible performance. It also features a three-way feed system, debris bag, and drop-down and rake in chute. Yard machines wood chipper can handle branches up to 2 inches in diameter. It 10:1 debris ratio allows you to turn ten normal bags of vegetative matter into one.

Why  We Love the Brush Master CH3M17

People with sizable yards will appreciate the incredible performance of this wood chipper. With 16 powerful hammers and one steel cutting blade, it can chip, shred, and mulch vegetative matter. Its rugged construction makes it strong and durable; it can easily handle hardwoods.

The wood chipper comes with semi-pneumatic wheels that maintain its balance and makes it easy for you to conveniently move it around. People with back problems will appreciate using this wood chipper because it comes with a collection bag that can drop down to the ground level to allow you to rake in debris.

This wood chipper is also environmentally responsible, and can transform as much as 12 bags of your yard’s debris into just one small bag.

6. Yardmax YW7565 Wood Chipper – Highly-Efficient

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If you are looking for a efficient and straightforward wood chipper, then the Yardmax YW7565 is a prudent choice. This durable machine will give you the versatility of shredding branches at a maximum size of 3 inches in diameter.

Yardmax promises high-end power supply through its 6.5hp engine to give you a chipping power of 9.5 ft-lbs. It can easily handle long branches through the autonomous chute. That means you do not have to worry about pruning.

Besides, you are also getting a sturdy wheelbase to carry the piece around the area without a hassle. For beginners, the Yardmax YW7565 can be an efficient choice.

7. Sun Joe CJ602E Wood Chipper – Best For Personal Use

If you need a wood chipping unit for personal use, then Sun Joe CJ602E wood shredder and chipper are worth investing in. Besides longevity and power, you are promised a warranty worth two years with this product.

This chipper’s motor moves at 4300 rotations per minute thanks to the 15 amp motor incorporated into it. Sun Joe has not just focused on a powerful machine, but also on the safety features.

The hopper present on this chipping machine has a lever that does not start the wood chipper when open. Being a portable and residential unit, it gives you decent shredding of wood debris and twigs of thickness up to 1.5 inches of diameter.

8. Patriot Products CSV-2515 Wood Shredder – Sturdy Design

The CSV-2515 by Patriot Products is a sturdy and robust wood chipper for your garden work. Being compact and lightweight makes it an efficient shredder for your mulching needs.

It comprises of a 14 amp electric motor that powers the chipper through the standard outlet of 110 volts. Not to mention, this machine delivers noiseless and seamless operation for handling branches of sizes up 2.5 inches efficiently.

Operating this wood chipper is quite simple as you do not need any preparation for the unit in advance. Just add the leaves, twigs, and other debris to shred them into tiny pieces. Furthermore, the parts collect neatly in the bags attached to the sides of the chipper.

9. Eco-Shredder ES1600 Wood Chipper – Productive Model

The ES1600 by Eco-Shredder is a productive wood chipper that will take care of the debris in your yard for good. It is definitely a good machine that takes care of the trees in small areas without any issues.

With a decent power of 2.5hp, this wood chipper rotates at 2800 rpm to give you a flexible shredding operation. Not to mention, the functionality of the system comprises a three-way chipping system for cutting and mulching.

Additionally, you utilize this operability in this wood chipping unit without the need of assembling it. The ES1600 is excellent for moderate chipping and shredding of sizes up to 1.375 inches in diameter.

10. Champion 100137 Wood Chipper – High Performance

If you need a wood chipper for bulky wooden debris, then the Champion 100137 is undoubtedly a good option. It operates on gas fuel to power its 338cc motor for high-end chipping.

The decent power lets it shred wooden pieces of 3 inches diameter. Not to mention, it comes with an installed disposal bag as well. The heavy work handled by this unit is supported through a sturdy wheelbase that has 12-inch tires.

The Champion 100137 also promises precision with the shredder blades of 13.8 inches, including four hammers for quick results.

Most Common Issues People Have with Wood Chippers

• Too Much Maintenance: From keeping the exterior shell nice and shiny to make sure the blades are always sharp enough, wood chippers require their fair share of maintenance. This is especially true for gas-powered models, which will also need routine oil changes.
• Big and Heavy: Wood chippers are not typically lightweight or portable. People who don’t consider the size of weight of their top choice tend to also be the ones who complain the most about these things when they receive the wood chipper.

Output Process: People who purchase wood chippers don’t all have the same expectations. Especially when considering how and where the wood chips go. Certain models have bags, others will just shoot them out. It is common for people to not realize this and purchase a model with an inconvenient output process.

Tips To Consider When Shopping For a Wood Chipper

Although there are many wood chipper brands on the market, many people do not know what to look for when buying a wood chipper. There are various factors to consider when buying a wood chipper.

Budget

It is important to determine how much you would like to spend on a wood chipper. Some wood chippers are more expensive than others. When shopping for a wood chipper, there is a good chance of getting one that fits into your budget.

Consider how much you are willing to spend and stick to that budget.

Amount of Yard Debris

Consider the type and amount of debris you have on your yard. If you are dealing with a few branches and leaves here and there then an electric wood chipper would work well for you. If you are planning to cut your trees in the future or have a large tract of land, then a gas-powered wood chipper would be ideal. 

Level of Gardening Activity

When it comes to gardening, some people are more active than others. If gardening is not something you are enthusiastic about you should consider shopping for a convenient machine. Some of the machines come with wheels and handles for easy movement. Electric-powered wood chippers are much easier to maintain.

Therefore, if you are looking for a wood chipper that does not require much work or attention, then consider buying an electric-powered wood chipper. On the other hand, gas-powered models are suitable for homeowners with sizable yards.

The Capacity of the Chipper

The features and specifications of a wood chipper show you exactly what the device can handle. Larger branches require a chipper with a larger capacity while smaller branches need a chipper with lower capacity. Remember the higher the capacity the higher the purchase price.

Knives and Blades

These components are what grinds and chops the wood. Be sure to choose wood chippers with blades that can cut through wood with ease. Another thing to consider is the accessibility of the blades in case you need to replace or remove the blades.

While trying to make the most of your investment look into self-sharpening blades that sharpen themselves after a while. Aside from increasing the lifespan, it lowers the maintenance costs.

Manufacturer

There are plenty of wood chipper manufactures. Some brands might be familiar while others are not. It is important to shop for brands that you know because you know what to expect. However, this does not mean that unknown brands are of lower quality.

The most important thing is to choose a manufacturer that is trustworthy and concerned with customer satisfaction. Choosing the wrong brand may mean that you may be unable to find quality after sales service.

Maintenance Needs

The longevity of any device is largely determined by how well maintained it is. However, not everyone remembers to do maintenance on their wood chippers. Therefore, if you are a forgetful person you are better off with a machine that needs minimal maintenance.

Some models require regular maintenance. However, if regular maintenance feels like too much work for you, consider getting an electric wood chipper. If you decide to buy a gas-powered wood chipper, consider buying one that features low oil sensor switch.

Size

Consider the size of the wood chipper you want to purchase. Not everyone has a large garage or storage space to keep items. Select a chipper that can easily be accommodated in your house. This would prevent you from storing your wood chipper outside where it may be damaged by the elements.

Weight

You may need to transport your wood chipper over a considerable distance or even lend it to a friend or relative. Those who use their wood chippers for commercial applications may need to carry their machines between job sites. Having a unit that is light and easy to handle is a significant consideration.

Collection Bag

Many wood chippers on the market feature collection bags. The bag is not really necessary for operation but it stores the debris. The bag is often made from durable material and varies in size. For some people, the 2-bushel bag meets their needs while others find the 5 bushel more suitable for their wood chipping needs.

One of the disadvantages of wood chippers with large collection bags is that they are often difficult to carry around and empty.

Portability

This is a significant factor to consider when buying wood chippers. Smaller chippers do not have tow bars, which means that you have to use the wheels and handle to move them from one place to another. If you choose an expensive but smaller model, ensure it has large wheels and ergonomic handle.

In addition, the wheels should be durable and replaceable. Some wood chippers come with spare wheels and parts so that you can easily replace them when they wear out.

Ready To Buy The Best Wood Chippers & Shredders?

This Wood Chipper review is meant to help prospective customers invest in quality wood chippers and minimize regrettable purchase decisions.

There are many wood chippers on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. It is advisable to choose wood chippers that fit your specific needs.

Research the best wood chippers before making a purchase decision. Consider various factors when shopping for a wood chipper including your budget, weight, size, and portability of the wood chipper.

Be sure to choose one that will serve you for longer. What’s your favorite wood chipper? Share with us below!