7 Best Chipper Shredders – Electric & Gas Chipper Shredders
If you have a garden, then you must know that it requires some work to keep it up. If you happen to have trees, or large bushes of any type in the garden, then you should know that there will be plenty of branches and leaves to deal with on a constant basis. The single best solution to managing such organic garden waste, is to chip or shred it.
By shredding or chipping your bushes, branches and leaves, you will keep your garden clean, have your own source of pure, organic mulch and manure, as well as maintain an environmentally friendly garden. If you have had enough leaves and branches in your garden, and you feel that now is the time to do something about it, then here are the 7 best wood chipper reviews you should check out.
Image | Product Name | Power | Diameter | Reduction Ratio | Rating | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Sun Joe CJ601E Wood Chipper Shredder | 14 Amps, electric | 1.5 in | 16:1 | 4.3 | |
 | 2. Tazz K32 4-Cycle Engine Chipper Shredder | 212 cc, gas | 3.0 in | 20:1 | 4.3 | |
| 3. Sun Joe CJ602E Corded Electric Chipper Shredder | 15 Amps, electric | 1-3/8 in | N/A | 4.0 | |
 | 4. LawnMaster FD1501 Corded Chipper Shredder | 15 Amps, electric | 1.5 in | 10:1 | 4.0 | |
 | 5. Earthwise Corded Electric Chipper Shredder | 15 Amps, electric | 1-3/4 in | N/A | 3.6 | |
 | 6. Patriot CSV-3100B Chipper Shredder | 10 HP, gas | 3 in | N/A | 4.4 | |
 | 7. Earthquake Chipper Shredder | 205 cc, gas | 3 in | 20:1 | 3.9 |
7 Best Gas Powered & Electric Chipper Shredders - Reviews
#1. Sun Joe CJ601E Electric Wood Chipper Shredder
Editor's Rating: 
(4.3 / 5)
Chipper Joe from Sun Joe is the perfect machine for those who want to avoid fumes from gas powered machines, but still want a reliable and powerful machine to work with. Chipper Joe runs purely on electricity. It comes with a powerful, 14-Amp motor, which generates up to 4,300 revolutions per minute, providing enough power thereby for cutting up leaves and branches thrown into it.
It will shred or chip branches and and any wooden stick with a diameter of up to 1.5 inches. Chipper Joe is ETL approved and the manufacturer backs it up with a full 2-year warranty. Its powerful system will help you to reduce the size of your garden waste up to about 1/16th of the material's original size. It is also maintenance free, all you ever need to do is to plus it in, and it's ready.
Pros
- Features large, 6-inch wheels for better maneuverability
- Powerful 14-Amp electric motor to get the job done as quickly as possible
- Features a safety hopper that prevents the motor from running when it is opened
- Will chip and shred your branches up to 1.5 inches thick
Cons
- Does not come with a sack or any container for collecting the output
Who should buy?
Not every one has to do heavy duty jobs. If you need to chip or shred a large tree trunk, then Chipper Joe is probably not for you. If on the other hand, you think green, and love the environment, and you need a chipper/shredder that is environmentally friendly, and at the same time powerful and reliable, then check out Chipper Joe.
#2. Tazz K32 212cc Gas Powered 4-Cycle Engine Chipper Shredder
Editor's Rating: (4.3 / 5)
If you are specifically interested in machine power, and getting as much wood chipped and shredded in as little time as possible, then you should look towards a gas powered machine. Tazz K32 is powered by Viper's 212 cc and 4-stroke engine, which comes with a 5-year warranty. The rest of the chipper is as well made from only the finest and durable materials. The design is compact, and it will easily find storage space in your garage.
Tazz K32 is quite rugged, but stands at just 34 inches of height. This also allows the easy dropping of waste into it. Larger branches can pass through the limb chute. Tazz K32 will chip and shred branches and leaves up to 3 inches in diameter. Its grinding chamber is fitted heavy-duty hammers and knives that will reduce your plant waste up to 1/20th of the original size. This chipper has been tested for and surpasses ANSI-B71.6 safety standards.
Pros
- Powerful Viper 212cc gas powered engine for efficient chipping and shredding
- Includes a rugged debris bag for collecting the machine's mulch output
- Large, 11-inch diameter wheels for easy unhindered movement across the garden
- Small wood chipper with maximum power
Cons
- The K32 is not environmentally friendly
Who should buy?
This machine is designed purely for power. Some people may find it to be noisy, while others may think it is not environmentally friendly. The Tazz K32 is definitely not for such people. It is designed for those who can appreciate the power of a 212 cc engine, coupled with the efficiency of a 4-stroke engine. It is designed for those who want to get the job done, and as quickly as possible.
#3. Sun Joe CJ602E 15 Amps Corded Electric Chipper Shredder
Editor's Rating: 
(4 / 5)
Sun Joe chipper shredder features a 15-Amp electric motor. The motor's power allows it to chip and shred leaves and branches up to 1.37 inches in diameter. This machine itself is made with a metal frame, some plastic parts and the debris bag, which all come together in a compact way. This makes this chipper not only environmentally friendly, but also futuristic and nice looking.
Its large 7-inch wheels makes it easy to move around, or to simply change location when working. There is also a push paddle which makes it safer to feed items into the hopper. At just 38 lbs of weight, this machine is definitely lightweight compared to the gas powered variety. In addition to that, it aids you in protecting the environment, by avoiding the unnecessary use of gasoline.
Pros
- It comes with a powerful 15-Amp motor to make chipping and shredding as fast as possible
- The 7-inch diameter wheels make it easily movable both on paved roads and in the garden
- There is an included, large debris bag for easy disposal of the mulch
- Comes with an extra set of reversible blades
Cons
- Its maximum cutting diameter of just 1.37 inches, which is still okay for an electric chipper
Who should buy?
Sun Joe designs and builds home care and maintenance products, as well as the best electric wood chipper shredders for people with a 'Green' perspective. If going green or living green, is of no importance to you, then this chipper will definitely come across as too weak. If on the other hand, you are an environmentally friendly individual, then you will find ways to cope with its power limitations and make the best wood chipper out of it, while continuing to live green.
#4. LawnMaster FD1501 Corded Electric Chipper Shredder
Editor's Rating: (4 / 5)
LawnMaster's FD1501 uses a 15-Amp electric motor to turn your garden's waste into a heap of nutrient-rich mulch. It is designed in a modern-looking and quite stylish way, with a green, gray and black color combination that makes it quite an attractive piece of machinery. It also features large, 8-inch wheels that both offer enhanced mobility for the machine, as well as improve its looks with their black and green color combination.
Who should buy?
LawnMaster FD1501 has a maximum cutting diameter of 1.5 inches. Although it is recommended not to be used in trying to chip or shred bamboo, its machine power still manages to achieve a 10:1 mulch ratio, which is not too bad for a 15-amp electric machine. It comes with a collection bag to output your mulch into, and a push-stick to make feeding the hopper a safer affair.
Pros
- Powerful 15-amp motor for maximum efficiency
- 8-inch diameter wheels make the machine quite mobile and in all terrains
- Lightweight and nice design. This shipper shredder is very modern looking
- Comes with a push-stick for improved safety
Cons
- Cannot process bamboo stems
Who should buy?
The LawnMaster FD1501 is designed for those who want a simple and yet, elegant way of dealing with their garden waste. It uses electricity and is not too loud. It does not emit harmful gases into the atmosphere, and it is really a beauty to behold. It is stylish, looks modern, and is definitely something to enjoy working with.
#5. Earthwise 15-Amp Corded Electric Chipper Shredder
Editor's Rating: 
(3.6 / 5)
Earthwise's Chipper Shredder comes with a 15-Amp electric motor as well. It delivers enough power for it to chip branches up to 1.75 inches in diameter. Its design is a little out of the ordinary, and it looks rather odd with its gray and lack upper side fitted with the white bin collector underneath. This makes it look like a badly designed robot, although there are advantages to using the bin as opposed to garbage sacks.
Its top is designed with a wide-mouth leaf chute, which allows a safer operation of the machine. It features an overload protection for more safety, so once things get out of hand, it will just power off to avoid any damage to the machine. There is also a reset switch available and you will be thankful for having a large plastic bin that you can clean easily.
Pros
- Powerful 15-amp motor can shred branches up to 1.75 inches thick
- Comes with an overload protection system with a reset switch
- Features a leaf chute, including a tamper tool which keep your hands safe and free
- Comes with a large collection bin for the mulch
Cons
- The machine looks rather funny with the collection bin underneath
Who should buy?
Earthwise's machine is designed for those who want a simple machine which is easy to maintain. It runs on electricity, so there is no periodic engine maintenance. It garbage bin is washable, so you don't have to meddle with dirty sacks, and if offers plenty of safety features.
#6. Patriot CSV-3100B 10-HP Gas Powered Chipper Shredder
Editor's Rating: 
(4.4 / 5)
If you own a large property and you need a reliable machine that can turn your plant waste into valuable and nutrient-rich mulch, then Patriot's CSV-3100B should be worth your attention. It comes with the Briggs & Stratton Vanguard Power Engine, which is a smooth running and rather quiet machine, with a lo-tone muffler, overhead valve and a low-oil indicator.
The power of the chipper allows it to easily chip branches up to 3 inches in diameter. It will consistently produce coin-sized chips with very little maintenance. It comes with a large hopper that assures a smooth and safe work flow. There are large wheels that make it easy to be moved around the yard, and there are neither pulleys nor belts in the system, so that all of the engine's power is directed at chipping and shredding. This also allows for very minimal maintenance.
Pros
- Seriously powerful 10-hp engine will get the job done in no time at all
- This machine will chip wood and branches up to 3 inches in diameter
- It comes with a side discharge system that allows you to work for hours on a single spot
- This chipper is the heavy-duty machine you need for your large property
Cons
- The Patriot CSV-3100B is gas powered and is therefore not environmentally friendly
Who should buy?
This chipper shredder is designed for those who steadily have large amounts of garden waste to be turned into mulch. This includes owners of large properties, as well as small scale professional gardeners.
#7. Earthquake Chipper Shredder with 205cc 4-Cycle Gas Powered Engine
Editor's Rating: 
(3.9 / 5)
This machine delivers maximum chipping power. It comes with a patented dual-triangular hammer, designed to release maximum power at its point of impact with the wood. The engine is a powerful 205 cc 4-stroke engine from Briggs & Stratton, which provides the user with a highly reliable and powerful source of chipping power.
This Earthquake chipper with chip through woods and branches up to 3 inches thick. Its reduction ratio is 1/20th of the garden waste's original size. There is a large hopper with a handle for transporting the machine around. It also features large wheels for easy transport, and a solid metal stander for balancing it upright. A 2-bushel bag is included in the package, to aid in the mulch collection and disposal.
Pros
- This machines is fitted with a very powerful 205 cc 4-cycle gas powered engine
- It features heavy-duty knives and hammers for efficient chipping and shredding
- Sticks and branches up to 3 inches in diameter are absolutely no problem for this one
- The package includes a 2-bushel bag for mulch collection
Cons
- It's gas powered, so it's not environmentally friendly.
Who should buy?
This machine is designed for garden owners who need maximum power in a compact design. Its patented dual triangular hammer, coupled with the raw chipping power of a 205 cc Briggs & Stratton engine, make it the ultimate heavy-duty chipper shredder in a small form factor.
Chipper/Shredder Power Source
Chipper shredders are categorized into two when it comes to power source: electric and gas. Compared to gas chipper shredders, electric chip shredders come in a design that’s pretty simple and less varied. Both electric and gas chipper shredders have their own advantages and disadvantages as discussed below.
#1. Electric Chipper Shredders
Electric chipper shredders are generally less powerful compared to the gas models. Despite that, they still hold an important place in your tool shed. When it comes to power, electric chipper shredders usually have a power output that ranges from 1 to 2 HP. Such power is enough to tackle looser debris like sticks, leaves, light shrubbery and food scraps. However, some larger and more expensive models pack enough power to handle tree limbs.
The fact that they have less moving parts makes electric chipper shredders much lighter compared to gas models. Some are a s light as 12 pounds while the larger ones clock in at 100 pounds. The lightweight construction of electric chipper shredders makes them much easier to move around.
Pros
- Smaller space-saving design
- Are generally less expensive
- Zero emission makes them healthier and more eco-friendly
- Less noisy
- Lighter construction that’s easier to transport
- Greater weight-to-power ratio
Cons
- Working range is limited by extension cord
- Less powerful compared to gas models
- Lack of more power makes it difficult to chip larger tree limbs
#2. Gas Chipper Shredders
For most gardeners, gas chipper shredders are the standard choice. They pack more power compared to electric ones. Generally, gas chipper shredders have a power output that ranges from 4 HP to a whopping 10 HP. That means that they pack a more powerful punch that makes quick work of tricky yard debris.
Gas chipper shredders tend to have more moving parts, a feature that makes them much heavier. The lightest gas chipper shredders clock in at around 100 pounds, which is about the weight of the heaviest electric chipper shredders. Larger models max out at around 200 pounds.
Pros
- More powerful compared to electric chipper shredders
- Unlimited working range due to absence of a power cord
- Chip faster and more efficiently
- Pack enough power to chip branches measuring at least 1 to 2 inches in diameter
Cons
- Noisier than electric models
- Much heavier due to more moving parts
- Need more maintenance and must winterize in chilling weather
In case a gas chipper shredder appeals to you most, then it’s advisable to go for an affordable, powerful model that’s got the highest horsepower - at least 8 HP. In doing so, ensure that it’s a little less noisier for your comfort and those around you.
Design of Chipper/Shredder
The same way they can be categorized in terms of power, chipper shredders can also be categorized in terms of design: disk, screw, drum and flail. Each has a unique twist in terms of the shredding mechanism.
#1. Disk Chipper Shredders
This is the most common chipper shredder design. There great versatility allows then to handle almost anything thrown at them. A disk chipper consists of a flywheel that has got blades at the end. The flywheel is spun at very high speeds. Often, the weight of the flywheel is what determines the power of a chipper shredder. A heavier flywheel translates to more chipping and shredding power.
#2. Screw Chipper Shredders
Screw chipper shredders are the most intense on the market and among the most powerful. These chipper shredders consist of huge screws that rotate slowly pulling in branches and obliterating them. Due to their great power, screw chipper shredders tend to be more expensive are are most commonly attached to trucks.
#3. Drum Chipper Shredders
This was the first design used in chipper shredders. This type of chipper shredder has a rotating drum equipped with sharp metal teeth on the outside. The opposite spinning motion is what pulls in debris and grinds them with intense pressure. Drum chipper shredders are an ideal option for those that want to chip lots of materials at once.
#4. Flail Chipper Shredders
This type of chipper shredder comes in a lightweight construction, a feature that makes them ideal for tackling lighter debris. Flail chipper shredders consist of a spinning drum attached with a plastic string or metal chains.
#5. Lower-end flail chipper shredders
They are specially designed for leaves and softwood waste. Higher-end models have the capacity to handle small branches, sticks and shrubbery. Flail chipper shredders are the ideal option for those that want a cheaper model where there’s less heavy debris to handle.
Things to Consider When Buying Chipper Shredder
When shopping for the best chipper shredder, there are a number of things you need to take into consideration in order to make a more informed purchase decision.
#1. Mounting Option
There are two mounting options to choose from: top-mount and side-mount. Chipper shredders with a top-mount hopper is a good option in case you want gravity to do the job for you. However, if you need a more versatile feeding mechanism, a side-mount chipper shredder will suffice. Part from the top hopper, this chipper shredder has a side chute designed to accommodate branches.
#2. Reduction Ratio
This is the volume reduction your chipper shredder can achieve. The reduction ratio ranges from 10:1 to 20:1. It’s recommended to settle for a chipper shredder with a higher reduction ration since there will be less residue to deal with.
#3. Weight
Weight is a major consideration when shopping for a chipper shredder. A lighter shredder is more portable but tends to sacrifice some power. Heavier models on the other hand are more powerful but much difficult to transport. In case you must settle for a more powerful model, then it’s advisable to choose those with wheels for easy mobility.
#4. Feed Capacity
The feed capacity would largely depend on the amount of debris you want to handle. In case you’ve got tones of debris, then it is good to settle for a chipper shredder with multiple chutes or entry points. This will help reduce the time needed to shred materials.
#5. Number of Blades
It’s good to choose a chipper shredder with more blades. The larger number of blades make it last longer and means less frequent sharpening and replacement.
#6. Noise
In case noise if a bigger concern to you, then it’s advisable that you choose an electric chipper shredder.
#7. Warranty
You don’t want to purchase a chipper shredder that doesn’t come with a warranty. The warranty will cater for any defects in parts or poor workmanship and is a proof of the product’s quality. A stronger and longer warranty increases confidence in your purchase.
Conclusion
We have come to the end of our chipper shredder reviews, and if you were searching for the single best chipper shredder, you must have discovered by now, that there is no ultimate chipper shredder. What we have seen are different machines, each providing the best service for specific tasks or situations. You can therefore make your choice based on environmental friendliness, chipping power, user friendliness and dependability.
Read More: 10 Best Composters
Resource: popularmechanics.com, wikipedia.org, weekendgardener.net
Last Updated on August 7, 2020 by