If you love your lawns, you should invest in a chipper shredder. The best part is that your waste can be used to create a compost that can be beneficial to you.
Besides chipping your waste, you may need to wood to create wood chips that you can use for different projects in some cases.
A wood chipper and shredder can do almost the same job, but a chipper can do both dry and fresh wood, which a shredder cannot do. In the recent past, manufacturers are making multifunctional tools that can do both wood chipping and shredding.
This buying guide will cover the six best wood chippers that you can find in the market. It is a mix of both electric and gas-powered units to help you find your match. Most of them are also multifunctional to give you convenience. Here is a quick guide;
1. AAVIX AGT308 Electric Chipper & Shredder
It comes with a 50L collection box that gets the job done with ease. The wheel of the unit has a diameter of seven inches for stability.
Product Specification
- Product Dimensions: 20.1 x 16.5 x 41.3 inches
- Product Weight: 30.9 pounds
Pros
- It has a 15amp motor that has an overcurrent protector.
- It features an electromagnetic switch that protects the motor when in operation.
- It has an openable body when you need to open to clean the blades.
- It comes with a 50L collection box for convenience.
Cons
- Some users complained that the unit is prone to clogging.
- Some users complained of poor customer service from the company.
2. GreatCircleUSA Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher
It is a 3-in-1 multifunction unit that can chip, shred, and mulch separately.
The machine has been made with safety in mind. All you need to do is to operate it according to the manual and wear the right protective gear. It comes with a discharge bag that can prevent the wood chips or mulch from messing with your environment.
The chipper comes with a 3-year limited warranty and fully dedicated customer care.
Product Specification
- Product Dimensions: 30 x 24.1 x 41.6 inches
- Product Weight: 125.7 pounds
Pros
- It is multifunctional.
- It is gas-powered to make it powerful and efficient.
- It is safe to use.
- It comes with a discharge bag for collecting your wastes.
- It comes with a 3-year warranty and dedicated customer service.
Cons
- Some users complained that it did not have enough power that made it to keep jamming.
- Some users complained of poor customer service from the company.
3. Super Handy Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher
It uses a powerful recoil that starts at 7HP 212cc, which operates on a single-cylinder gas power engine; hence it can handle 3-inch diameter wood with ease.
Although it is gas-powered, it uses 87+ unleaded gasoline, with ethanol not recommended. It can do a maximum capacity of 0.7 gallons that gives you easy transportation and use.
The unit has sturdy hooks to hold the catch bag well.
The engine has been designed to ensure the user’s safety so long as you follow instructions and wear the right protective gear.
It comes with a 3-year limited warranty and dedicated customer care.
Product Specification
- Product Dimensions: 29.5 x 25.7 x 40.6 inches
- Product Weight: 120.7 pounds
Pros
- It is multifunctional.
- It is powerful.
- It is easy to handle and use.
- It has sturdy hooks to keep the catch bag securely in place.
- It is safe to use.
- It comes with a 3-year limited warranty.
Cons
- The oil cap does not have a convenient location.
- It is hard to put together.
4. Sun Joe CJ602E-RED 15 Amp Electric Wood Chipper/Shredder, Red
It has a compact design and with 6-inch wheels for easy movement. It is safe with a locking knob to prevent the motor from running when it is opened. It comes with a 2-year warranty. It has a no-load speed of 4100 rpm.
Product Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 19.7 x 17.3 x 37.8 inches
- Product Weight: 26.2 pounds
Pros
- It has a 15-amp motor that can effectively chip and shred branches of a thickness of 1.5 inches.
- It is compact with wheels for easy movement.
- It is safe with a locking knob so that the motor does not run when opened.
- It comes with a 2-year warranty.
- It is easy to use with an instant switch.
Cons
- It is not possible to replace or reverse blades.
- Some users complained that it does not much well.
5. CJ601E 14-Amp Electric Wood Chipper/Shredder
It is safe to use with a locking knob to stop the motor from the operation when opened. It can do small-sized chips that can be turned to mulch.
It has a high reduction level of 16:1. It is easy to assemble and maintain. It is electric-powered, and hence there are minimal chances of smoke or fumes.
A 2-year warranty backs the unit.
Product Specification
- Product Dimensions: 37.5 x 17 x 19 inches
- Product Weight: 25.4 pounds
Pros
- It has a powerful motor of 14amps and high speeds of 4300 rpm.
- It is compact and portable.
- It is safe to use as it has a locking knob.
- It has a high reduction ratio of 16:1.
- It is easy to maintain and use.
- It is electric-powered; hence there is no inconvenience of smoke or fumes.
- It comes with a 2-year warranty.
Cons
- Some users complained that it did not last them long.
6. WEN 41121 15-Amp Rolling Electric Wood Chipper and Shredder
It has a safety mechanism that prevents the motor from operating when the hopper is open.
The unit comes with two cutting blades and two wheels, and an additional storage and collection bag.
It has a reduction ratio of 17:1. When you buy it, you are liable for a two-year warranty.
Product Specification
- Product Dimensions: 21 x 16.5 x 36 inches
- Product Weight: 23.1 pounds
Pros
- It has a fast speed that can do 8000 cutes per minute.
- It has two cutting blades.
- It has a high reduction level of 17:1.
- It is safe so that the motor is prevented from operating when the hopper is open.
- It has a quick start since it is electric.
- It is easy to maintain.
Cons
- For some users, the safety switch did not work well.
- The blades cannot be changed.
Buyer’s Guide
All six machines are great wood chippers that will correctly do the job. If you are trying to settle on one, then this section is for you as we go through the differentiating factors that set the chippers apart. Here is a quick guide.
Chipper with the highest reduction ratio: When the reduction ratio is high, it means that it has high performance. When we compare the six, the WEN 41121 15-Amp Rolling Electric Wood Chipper and Shredder have the highest reduction ratio of 17:1, giving it a capacity to do 8000 cuts per minute.
Machine with high collection box: A collection compartment is convenient as it helps collect what you are chipping and can collect for a long time before you have to empty. In this case, the AAVIX AGT308 Electric Chipper & Shredder has the biggest capacity collector of 50L.
The most inexpensive wood chipper: When it comes to the price, the cheapest chipper is WEN 41121 15-Amp Rolling Electric Wood Chipper and Shredder.
Our overall recommendation: When we compare the six, our best judgment is the WEN 41121 15-Amp Rolling Electric Wood Chipper and Shredder as it is affordable and yet fast and convenient.
Although you already have an idea of which wood chipper you choose, you also need to know the factors to consider when you are shopping for one. Some of the factors to keep in mind include:
The Raw Material
As much as all wood chippers do more or less the same work, they have their limits on what they can do. That is why some can do a diameter of 1.5 inches while those can do a three-inch diameter.
If you plan to do small twigs and leaves, it is easier for you as most machines can handle that. If you have larger pieces, then you need to choose well.
The Workload Capacity of the Chipper
Chippers come in different sizes depending on the workload they can handle. If you need a machine that you can use once in a while, you are okay with the small residential chipper. However, if you have a large workload, you are better off with the commercial chipper.
Gas VS. Electric chippers
Chippers can either be powered by electricity or gas. When you compare the two, gas-powered varieties usually are more powerful and can even handle a bigger diameter. They are a great choice when you have a big workload.
The problem with gas chippers is that they tend to be heavier comparatively hence not so portable. Gas-powered units tend to create a lot of smoke.
On the other hand, electric models are fast, efficient, and do not produce any harmful fumes. Its limit is that you have to have electricity for them to work. They are lightweight, portable, and great for small jobs at home.
Machine’s Reduction Ratio
The reduction ratio of a unit affects its performance. It is simply the number of chipped materials that can come out of the machine.
Most units with a high reduction ratio normally have several chipping blades or shredding knives, which is why they are more efficient.
A high reduction ratio can give you finer chips, which can easily be processed into mulch.
Additional Features
Additional features are not a must, but they come with many other benefits. For example, some machines have a vacuum to suck any debris into the collection bag. Some feature a bower mechanism to stack the shredded chips into piles, making it easier for you to load a truck.
Safety Precautions for Using a Wood Chipper
Although you may have the safest wood chipper, you also need to take extra precautions to ensure you are safe such as:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Put little wood at a time.
- Feed the chipper well so that your hands are a safe distance away. When your hands are too close, you face a risk of injury,
- Wear protective gear. Protect your clothes, eyes, ears, and hair from any debris and dust.
- Clean as you go. Clean your working area to avoid the chances of accidents.