Top Firewood Splitter Review: Save on Heating

Video Watch Time = 4 1/2 minutes

Want to reduce your heating bill and boost your self reliance skills? A wood splitter can help with that. Making your own firewood is a powerful way to reduce your heating bill, and the wood splitter I review in this video receives a solid “A” grade in my books. It’s the best selling wood splitter in Canada, and except for one minor issue, I like it a lot. Details below.

If you heat with firewood or even supplement your heat with it, a good wood splitter can make all the difference. Manual splitting with an axe or maul is fine for a while, but if you deal with any serious quantity of firewood—especially knotty or dense hardwood—mechanical help is not just useful, it’s a game changer. In this article (and the video above), I take you through one of the best-selling log splitters in Canada, the Champion 25-Ton splitter, to show you exactly how it works and why it has earned such popularity.

Why a 25-Ton Wood Splitter?

You might assume that a splitter needs 20 or 30 tons of splitting force to be worthwhile. And in some cases, that’s true—especially if you’re handling large-diameter, gnarly hardwood rounds. But for most average users dealing with wood up to 12 or 14 inches in diameter, a 7-ton unit like this one hits the sweet spot. It’s powerful enough to split serious firewood but small and light enough to be portable and easy to store.

In the video, you’ll see the Champion splitter handle a mix of wood types with surprising speed and efficiency. The cycle time (how long it takes to split and return) is quick—around 20 seconds—which means you can get through a pile of wood faster than you might think.

Gas Power with Portability

One of the standout features of this model is its gas-powered engine. Unlike electric splitters that need to be close to a power outlet (and often struggle with tougher wood), this unit can go anywhere you go. Whether you’re out at the cottage, the back of your property, or deep in the woods, the 79cc Champion engine is up to the task. It starts easily, runs smoothly, and offers reliable performance.

And despite being gas-powered, this splitter is still quite compact and transportable. The integrated handle and wheels make it easy to move, and it stores nicely in a corner of a shed or garage when not in use.

Horizontal Operation for Safety and Simplicity

This model uses a horizontal splitting setup, which means you load your log onto the beam and the ram pushes it into the splitting wedge. Some high-end commercial splitters have vertical options (where the splitter stands up and you roll big rounds into place), but for residential use, horizontal splitting is often more convenient and ergonomic.

You’ll see in the video how steady and safe the operation is. The controls are intuitive and designed so that your hands stay clear of moving parts, and the machine remains stable even during tougher jobs. For users new to mechanical splitters, this is a major confidence booster.

What It Can and Can’t Do

Like any machine, this wood splitter has its limits. While it works great on most logs up to 14 inches, it will understandably struggle with twisted grain, massive rounds, or super-dense hardwood that would challenge even bigger machines.

But that’s not a flaw—it’s simply about using the right tool for the job. For regular home heating needs and recreational firewood, this unit hits a great balance between power, size, and price.

🔧 Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Wood Splitter

Splitting force: 25 tons is enough for most serious wood splitting needs
Power source: Gas-powered offers full mobility, while electric is quieter and cleaner
Cycle time: Faster is better for big wood piles
Weight & wheels: Look for portability if you’ll move it around
Horizontal vs vertical: Horizontal is simpler for small to mid-size logs

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can this splitter handle large rounds of hardwood?
A: It can handle hardwood up to about 12–14 inches in diameter if the grain is straight. Very large or twisted gnarly block may need to be tackled in small bites, but this is rare.

Q: How heavy is the unit?
A: This 25-ton model weighs about 490 lbs. It’s heavy enough to stay put while operating but light enough to wheel around easily.

Q: Does it require much maintenance?
A: Not much. Like any small engine tool, regular oil changes (I do mine once a year) and keeping the air filter clean are key. The hydraulic system is sealed require maintenance. Just check the hydraulic oil level.

Q: Is it safe for beginners?
A: The controls are simple, and the two-handed operation ensures your hands are clear during use. All wood splitters can hurt you if used wrong, but just make it a policy never to have your hand on the log when initiating a split. That guarantees safety.