By Tom Scalisi and Timothy Dale | Updated Dec 31, 2021 3:42 AM

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A wood chipper cuts twigs, limbs, branches, and other solid yard material into small chips. These chips may provide mulch for a garden, kindling for a firepit, or even pressed wood to make furniture or complete other carpentry projects.

The best wood chipper for your yard must accommodate the twigs and branches you feed into it and suit your power requirements. While an electric wood chipper is quieter and runs on a home power supply, gas and power take-off (PTO) wood chippers are much more powerful, which allows you to cut through more material at a faster pace.

Continue reading for insight on the top models based on wood chipper reviews from customers, product efficacy, and overall value.

Wood chippers fall into three main types based on their power source: electric, gas, and power take-off (PTO).

Electric wood chippers look like golf bags. These compact machines run quieter than either gas or PTO chippers, but they often lack the power and capacity needed to deal with material larger than 2 inches in diameter.

For small branches and yard trimmings, an electric wood chipper does the trick. Less expensive, lighter, and easier to use, they just plug into a household outlet and go.

The most common residential wood chippers, larger, louder gas wood chippers give off a chemical odor due to the burning of gasoline. Gas-powered chippers may handle material of more than 3 inches in diameter.

More powerful than electric wood chippers, gas chippers need not sit near an outlet and won’t tether you to an extension cord. Situated in the middle of the price range for chippers, gas-powered wood chippers cost more than electric ones and not quite as much as the PTOs.

Power take-off or PTO refers to the drive shaft on the wood chipper through which it attaches to a splined output shaft on a tractor, mower, or truck. Through this connection the PTO wood chipper draws energy from the engine of the vehicle. This method of energy supply makes PTO wood chippers more effective than their gas or electric counterparts. They can cut through more material at a faster rate.

PTO chippers make an excellent choice for anyone who lives on a large plot of land. But, the best PTO wood chippers cost more than either electric or gas chippers, and they require a compatible vehicle in order to work.

Before choosing a wood chipper for your yard cleanup needs, take a few minutes to educate yourself on the most important shopping considerations for these tools.

Not all wood chippers use bags or bins to gather the chipper refuse. If you are looking for one that comes with a bag or bin, consider the storage container’s capacity. Larger bags make a great choice if you plan to use the wood chipper for a big cleanup project.

But, keep in mind that the larger the bin, the heavier it will be to empty. If weight is a concern, then you may want a smaller bag or bin that will require more frequent emptying instead of risking injury to lift an overfilled bag.

A wood chipper’s ability to cut through material fed into the machine is a key factor. Think about how you will use your wood chipper. For small branches and clippings, then an electric wood chipper will be fine. These smaller wood chippers usually shred branches up to 2 inches in diameter across the widest point.

To handle larger material, consider a gas or PTO chipper. These machines shred contents up to 4 inches in diameter. Some commercial wood chipper models cut through branches up to 7 inches in diameter, though these cost significantly more than the average residential wood chipper.

A wood chipper uses a powerful motor to turn a series of cutting and grinding blades with enough force (or torque) to cut through solid wood quickly. Torque describes the rotational force, typically measured in foot-pounds (ft-lbs), that a motor imparts on an object. This force enables the blades to cut through any appropriate material pushed into the hopper. Most residential wood chippers get a torque rating between 7 and 15 ft-lbs.

A shredding chute comes in handy if you clean up weeds, leaves, or other soft yard waste. This separate chute shreds less rigid material, such as tree branches, twigs, leaves, weeds, grass, or other plant-based yard waste.

While a separate leaf shredder would tackle this job on its own, a wood chipper with a built-in shredding chute gets the same results in a more cost-effective and space-saving way. However, keep in mind that a wood chipper/leaf shredder combo costs more than a similar wood chipper without the shredder.

The reduction ratio of a wood chipper indicates how small the material will be after it has passed through the wood chipper. For example, if a wood chipper has a reduction ratio of 8:1, it will reduce the material down to an eighth of its original size. The reduction ratio of most wood chippers typically ranges from 8:1 to 20:1.

Chippers need more power and energy to cut materials smaller. As the engine size increases, so does the price of the chipper. If you don’t need one that cuts the material into tiny pieces, you can save some money by choosing a chipper with a lower reduction ratio.

Weight and mobility rank as key considerations in the purchase of a wood chipper, but many shoppers overlook these factors. A wood chipper that’s too big or doesn’t have decent wheels can be very difficult to move around the yard, which reduces your overall yard cleanup efficiency.

Look for wood chippers that come with sturdy stands and large wheels capable of moving over grass, garden, paving stones, deck boards, sticks, and any other obstacles on the ground. Keep in mind that the heavier a wood chipper, the more difficult it will be to move across uneven ground or up steep inclines.

If you have a larger property, but few trees, a lightweight wood chipper will work great because you can move it around the yard quickly and effectively without significant fatigue.

We chose the top-rated wood chippers featured below based on the considerations discussed above and overall quality to help you find the most suitable one for your yard.

Sun Joe’s 15-Amp Electric Chipper provides uninterrupted shredding power through an extension cord or nearby outlet. A 15-amp motor supplies the able blades with the needed energy for chipping, mulching, and shredding. Though it weighs just 38.6 pounds, this compact electric wood chipper packs a punch and boasts an impressive reduction ratio of 21:1.

A built-in safety mechanism automatically stops the motor when the hopper is open to help reduce the risk of injury. For those who want to avoid the harmful fumes of a gas model, Sun Joe’s chipper is one of the best. Keep in mind, the small unit only accommodates material up to 1.7 inches in diameter.

Clear your yard of waste without clearing out your wallet with WEN’s affordable Rolling Electric Wood Chipper. A 15-amp motor chips, shreds, and mulches materials of up to 1.5 inches in diameter, including branches, sticks, leaves, and twigs, at a reduction ratio of 15:1.

At just 23.1 pounds, the compact chipper proves easy to maneuver without or without the help of the included pair of wheels. An auto-shutoff feature takes effect whenever the hopper is open to help prevent injury. The chipper also includes a bag that collects the chips and mulch.

For those who want to make the most of a fallen branch or limb in a small yard, Sun Joe’s 14-amp Electric Wood Chipper/Shredder will do the trick. This affordable small wood chipper uses an electric motor that runs at speeds up to 4300 RPMs. It doesn’t take up a lot of room in the garage, shed, or workshop. Simply stand it up in a corner and forget it.

The budget chipper cuts sticks and limbs up to 1½ inches thick and produces usable mulch for your garden or yard. This light-duty chipper, however, won’t clear fallen trees or do heavy landscaping work.

Intradin’s SuperHandy Ultra Duty 7 HP Gas Wood Chipper cuts sticks and limbs up to 1½ inches thick and produces usable mulch for your garden or yard. The main feed chute accommodates larger material of up to 3 inches in diameter. An auto-feed function begins pulling material through so that users can stand at a safe distance in the event of flying wood chips.

SuperHandy features a 7 HP engine that produces up to 8.1 ft-lbs of torque for chipping and mulching at a reduction ratio of 15:1. An included shredding chute deals with leaves, twigs, and other vegetation. The gas-powered wood chipper weighs 120.7 pounds and includes wheels to facilitate transport.

Landworks’ Wood Chipper Shredder 7 HP makes a great residential wood chipper. Its extra-large capacity can handle most yard waste, including sticks, twigs, branches, and other vegetation of up to 3 inches in diameter. The 7 HP engine produces up to 8.1 ft-lbs of torque to shred, chip and mulch at a reduction ratio of 15:1.

Built-in wheels facilitate the transport of this 99.8-pound chipper. Users must simply ensure that they fire it up in an area with proper lighting and ventilation. Then, just guide the blunt end of the material into the hopper and allow the auto-feed function to safely pull the piece the rest of the way through.

Patriot Products’ 10 HP Wood Chipper grinds through tough hardwoods with an impressive 14.6 ft-lbs of torque. The main feed chute accommodates branches and other yard waste of up to 3 inches in diameter.

This 139-pound chipper includes wheels to facilitate transport. An oil sensor light indicates when it’s time to change the oil. The machine runs quietly for a high-torque gas wood chipper, but hearing protection is still advised.

Small wood chippers, like those that process materials of 2 inches or less, come in handy for small yards and minor yard debris. But large branches and full tree removal require a heavy-duty wood chipper. GreatCircleUSA’s Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher can get the job done.

The heavy-duty chipper accommodates branches and limbs of up to 3 inches in diameter. Its blades chop through any solid organic yard waste at a reduction ratio of 15:1. A built-in hopper shreds less rigid material. An included discharge bag helps collect all the output.

At 125.7 pounds, the chipper conveniently attaches to an ATV, a lawnmower, or a tractor with a tow bar. Two strong wheels allow for easy pushing and pulling.

While everyone’s size and power needs vary by the types of branches and limbs they need to clear, most users benefit from a midsize wood chipper that’s easy to load and use. We recommend the Sun Joe 15-Amp Wood Chipper for most users who need to trim and mulch small branches and debris in their yard. For heavy-duty use or large branches, consider the GreatCircleUSA Wood Chipper.

These recommendations for best wood chippers span a range of models that are built to chip, shred, or mulch branches and yard debris. We’ve included several electric models that work well for the average yard that typically includes small branches and some leaf debris. Several more powerful gas-fueled wood chippers on the list will handle larger branches of up to 3 inches in diameter. This variety offers buyers more options to meet their specific needs.

We included models with optional attachments that enhance the range of possible applications, such as vacuum attachments to collect leaves for mulching or tow bars to attach the chipper to a riding lawn mower. Several units come with mulching bags, while others feature a directional debris chute without a bag. These wood chippers also come in a range of weights (23 to 139 pounds), but wheels and handles make them fairly easy to maneuver.

Not for nothing, wood chippers make frequent appearances in horror films. This incredibly dangerous yard tool should only be operated by an experienced user who is sure to take the following safety precautions:

Having your own wood chipper comes with many advantages, but the most obvious benefit is the yard waste disposal it provides. Old trees may give out at any time, and yearly trimming is necessary. This can leave you with a substantial pile of wood and yard material to remove. With a wood chipper, you still need to take the time to feed the material into the chipper, but you can easily dispose of or use the wood chips that are produced.

Wood chippers are also a useful tool to reduce the potentially harmful emissions produced by burning chemical-treated wood. Instead of releasing these toxic fumes and unpleasant odors into the air, you can mulch the wood and use it to protect your plants.

Besides mulch, you may also create pressed wood for carpentry projects or biofuel for fuel certain cars or other machinery.

To recap, a wood chipper:

Read on to find the answers to several of the most frequently asked questions about wood chippers.

Wood chippers are made for processing leaves, twigs, branches, and grass clippings. For this purpose, most people only require a wood chipper with a 1.5-inch cutting diameter. Though, if you have older trees on your property, your wood chipper may need up to a 3-inch cutting diameter to handle the thicker branches.

Choosing a level location for it to sit. Once it is in position, set the parking brake on any equipment used to haul it, then adjust the chip deflector and chip chute so that they direct the chips to your desired location.

Check the chipper for any debris before starting. If it is clear, start it up. If it isn’t, you will have to disconnect the spark plug and clean it out before turning it on. Never perform maintenance of any kind without disconnecting the power.

With the engine started, feed material into the wood chipper, blunt end first. The machine will begin chipping away allowing you to back off and move to the side of the chipper so you don’t get hit by pieces that may shoot out. Once you have finished chipping, clean up the wood chips with a leaf blower or leaf vacuum, dispose of them, or put them to good use.

To feed material into the wood chipper, begin with the blunt end and carefully guide it into the chipper. You may also want to include a mixture of dry and green limbs so that the moisture from the green branches can help to cool and lubricate the wood chipper’s knives.

Wood chippers’ noise output generally falls between 85 and 110 decibels, which is more than enough to warrant hearing protection.

A wood chipper ranges in price from just $100 to over $2,000 depending on the size, torque, and overall power. Typically, residential wood chippers cost about $100 to $400, though heavy-duty models can greatly exceed this amount.

Wood chippers can also shred leaves, but if you don’t need to chip any wood then it may be better to invest in a dedicated leaf shredder because these tools tend to take up less space and they are more affordable.

Dry wood is more likely to ignite when it’s exposed to the sparks that a wood chipper may create, so it’s best to do your wood chipping when the wood is cool and moist.

There are many things that shouldn’t be put into a wood chipper, including manure, pet waste, meat, bamboo, pressure-treated lumber, coconut shells, golf balls, and more. Instead, focus on what should go into a wood chipper: organic materials from the yard, including leaves, twigs, branches, and grass clippings.

Start any maintenance process by stopping the engine (ensuring all moving parts have stopped before proceeding) and disconnecting the spark plug wire to prevent accidental start-up.

To clean the wood chipper, begin by removing the flail screen and any larger debris. Clean the flail screen separately, then clean the chute and clean around the muffler with water and a brush or dry cloth. Avoid using a high-pressure spray of water because it can contaminate the fuel system.

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