IN THIS ARTICLE:
Getting rid of a lot of yard waste can be a hassle. Long branches don't easily fit in garbage bins; even when they do, they leave a lot of space that prevents you from filling the bin. Wood chippers get rid of that hassle. They cut branches down to a fraction of their original size, which means you get a lot more into a yard waste bin without any wasted space.
There are plenty of cheap wood chippers that don't dig too deeply into your wallet. The Sun Joe CJ603E is one such model. It can quickly handle branches up to 1.7 inches in diameter and comes with a collection bag that makes it easy to contain all the waste.
Wood chippers come in gas and electric models, each offering its own pros and cons. If you need the ability to process a lot of branches quickly, gas models are the way to go. They tend to have larger hoppers, produce more cuts per minute and can handle larger diameter branches. The cons are that they are large, heavy, loud and expensive. They also require regular maintenance and release carbon monoxide into the air, which is terrible for the environment.
Electric wood chippers are the better choice for most people because they are smaller, more easily portable, affordable, cleaner and quieter. They also require very little maintenance. They aren't as powerful as gas models, though, and cannot process as thick of branches. You also can't use them in locations where you don't have access to a power outlet.
Wood chippers are handy tools, but they can also be very dangerous if not used with proper care and caution. Before using any wood chipper, read the entire instruction manual to ensure you know how to operate the machine and what to do if you encounter any jams. Always wear safety glasses when using a wood chipper. It is a good idea also to consider wearing work gloves, ear protection and a face shield.
When the chipper is operating, never look down the chute or put your hands anywhere inside the hopper. It is best to keep kids and pets out of the immediate area since they could potentially hurt themselves or distract you enough that you make a potentially dangerous mistake.
When considering the capacity of a wood chipper, you need to look at two factors: the hopper size and the maximum diameter of branches it can accept. Most electric wood chippers can accept branches between 1.5 and 2 inches in diameter. Gas models may accept branches up to 3 inches in diameter.
The hopper size determines how many branches you can safely feed into a machine simultaneously. The larger the hopper is, the quicker you can get through large piles of branches. Like with diameter, gas-powered models tend to have larger hoppers than electric wood chippers.
The reduction ratio refers to how small the material will be after passing through your chipper compared to its original size. For example, a 12-to-one reduction ratio will reduce yard waste to one-twelfth of its original size. The reduction ratio of wood chippers varies significantly from machine to machine and ranges from as low as eight to one up to 20 to one.
More commonly found in large gas wood chippers than electric models, an adjustable discharge chute allows you to direct the waste to wherever is most convenient for your purposes.
As with an adjustable discharge chute, an included collection bag or bin, or one you can purchase, makes for a more convenient cleanup. These either attach directly to or sit just below the discharge chute.
To get the most efficient use out of your wood chipper, you need the ability to move it to wherever you are, cutting down the majority of the branches. This means portability should be a priority. Various factors should be considered when considering how easily portable a particular wood chipper is, including the type and size of the wheels, the handles and the overall weight and size of the machine.
For a cheap electric wood chipper, you can expect to spend between $100 and $300. Gas models are considerably more expensive, with any models costing between $500 and $750 considered cheap.
A. Like all blades, wood chipper blades also get dull from use. Most manufacturers recommend resharpening the blades after every six to eight hours of use. While this might not sound like a lot, the actual cutting process of a wood chipper is very short, so six to eight hours of use is often more than a year or two for the average user.
A. If your wood chipper is getting clogged often, more than likely, you are trying to feed branches that are too large for it to handle or a lot of wet leaves and green branches.
What you need to know: The Sun Joe CJ603E has a high reduction ratio and can handle branches up to 1.7 inches in diameter to make short work of most yard waste.
What you'll love: It features a reverse mode to easily clear out jams without having to go poking around inside the machine. Also, it comes with a collection bag for mess-free operation.
What you should consider: It doesn't cut up fresh green leaves.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
WEN 41121 15-Amp Rolling Electric Wood Chipper and Shredder
What you need to know: The WEN 41121 may not be the most capable model, but it comes for a wallet-friendly price and is more than sufficient to handle the needs of the average home user.
What you'll love: It boasts a compact and lightweight design that is easy to both transport and store. There is an internal safety mechanism that prevents the motor from starting when the hopper is open too.
What you should consider: It can't be used on branches more than 1.5 inches in diameter.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
GreatCircleUSA Mini Wood Chipper
What you need to know: It isn't as affordable as electric models, but if you need more power than they offer and the ability to handle thick branches up to 3 inches in diameter, there are few cheaper gas-powered models than this.
What you'll love: The large hopper and powerful 7HP motor allow you to feed a lot of branches through it quickly. It also features large pneumatic wheels that handle bumpy terrain better than the small plastic ones found on most electric chippers.
What you should consider: The wheelbase could be a bit wider to offer more stability.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Brett Dvoretz writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
