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Chipper shredders are landscaping power tools that grind up branches, leaves, and other dry organic debris. The shredded chips that result can be used as mulch on a flower bed to keep weeds at bay or added to the compost pile to create a rich, dark compost that will improve the soil quality.
The best chipper shredder will depend on how much debris a yard produces and whether shoppers want to use the machine where electricity isn’t available. If a chipper shredder seems like a wise investment for the yard and garden, read on for the factors and features to consider and learn why the following products are considered among the best on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: GreatCircleUSA Wood Chipper Shredder
- RUNNER-UP: SuperHandy Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Landworks Mini Compact Chipper Shredder Mulcher
- BEST ELECTRIC: PowerSmart PS10 Electric Garden Chipper/Shredder
- BEST GAS: DK2 Gas-Powered Chipper Shredder Vacuum Mulcher Kit
- BEST SMALL SIZE: Wen 41121 Rolling Electric Wood Chipper and Shredder
- BEST HEAVY-DUTY: DK2 Gas-Powered Commercial Chipper Shredder
- BEST FOR COMPOSTING: Sun Joe CJ603E Electric Silent Chipper/Shredder
How We Chose the Best Chipper Shredder
We researched the most sought-after chipper shredders in their respective categories and discovered that the best models are determined by their type, feed type, intake diameter, chute options, towing ability, and other special features included by top brands.
After extensive product research, we included options in our list of top picks that were gas- and electricity-powered depending on user preference and come with manual or gravity-feeding designs. As for power and ability, most of these chipper shredders can take on 1.5- to 6.25-inch branches and have additional top hoppers for smaller branches and twigs. Plus, some of the disposal chutes on these chipper shredders can be adjusted to aim the shredded bits into a vacuum or disposal bag.
For added versatility, a lot of these models can be towed with a truck, lawn tractor, ATV, and more. For added reassurance, some of the chipper shredders on this list have safety knobs or locks to prevent unwanted chipping.
Our Top Picks
To qualify as a top pick, a chipper shredder must be powerful enough to shred dry yard waste, safe and easy to operate, and durable enough to provide years of service. Shredding needs vary, but one of the following machines should be a good pick for the yard.
Best Overall
GreatCircleUSA Wood Chipper Shredder
Grind and shred a whole lot of leaves, twigs, and branches up to 3 inches in diameter with the GreatCircleUSA wood chipper shredder. This bad boy features a powerful 7-horsepower (hp) 4-stroke single-cylinder overhead valve (OHV) gas engine and comes with a ½-inch capacity chipping and shredding top hopper and a 3-inch max side chute. All in all, this model has a reduction ratio of 15:1. Plus, there is a leaf vacuum port and discharge bag for mulching. It also includes CR12MoV cutting blades that work effectively, every time.
With a 0.7-gallon capacity, this industrial wood chipper has a max speed of 3,600 revolutions per minute and 9.14 foot-pounds of torque. This model can also be towed behind an ATV, lawn mower, or tractor depending upon where it is needed with the two wheels built-in (tow bar sold separately). To top it all off, this model is certified for safety by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). But, this model should be used with zero-ethanol gasoline, and it should not be used for fresh greens, pine cones, palm branches, and petrified wood/vines.
Product Specs
- Type: Gas-powered
- Feed type: Manual feed/gravity feed
- Maximum intake diameter: 3 inches
Pros
- 7-hp 4-stroke single cylinder OHV gas engine; can cut branches of up to 3 inches in diameter
- Leaf vacuum port and discharge bag for mulching; reduction ratio of 15:1
- 2 wheels built-in; can be towed behind an ATV, lawn mower, or tractor for ample portability
- The model is EPA and CARB certified for safety and reliability
Cons
- Zero-ethanol gas is recommended over unleaded brands; may malfunction otherwise
- Should not be used for fresh greens, pine cones, palm branches, and petrified wood/vines
- Tow bar sold separately; can only be moved by hand over short distances
Get the GreatCircleUSA chipper shredder at Amazon.
Runner-Up
SuperHandy Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher
For a combination of power and finely shredded debris, check out the SuperHandy wood chipper shredder. This gas-powered landscaping tool features a powerful 7-hp engine that can shred branches up to 3 inches in diameter, making it an efficient choice for large yards with multiple trees and shrubs. The SuperHandy mulcher chipper comes with two chutes, including a side chute for branches and a top chute for leaves and twigs up to ½ inch in diameter.
A separate leaf bag (included) can be attached to the discharge chute to catch the shredded material for use as mulch or compost. The 15:1 reduction ratio produces fine shreds suitable for mulching or composting. A lawn tractor or utility vehicle with a tow bar kit can tow this tree shredder, making it easier to move it around the yard.
Product Specs
- Type: Gas-powered
- Feed type: Manual feed/gravity feed
- Maximum intake diameter: 3 inches
Pros
- 7-hp engine can cut branches with diameters of up to 3 inches
- Dual chutes; side chute for branches and top chute for leaves and twigs
- Separate leaf bag can be attached to the discharge chute for catching shredded material
- Can be towed with a tractor or utility vehicle if desired
Cons
- Discharge bag can fill up very fast; may require frequent emptying
- Should be used with zero-ethanol gasoline; may cause malfunction otherwise
Get the SuperHandy chipper shredder at Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
Landworks Mini Compact Chipper Shredder Mulcher
A tight budget needn’t prevent users from obtaining a big, powerful gas chipper shredder. The Landworks mini compact chipper shredder, which costs hundreds of dollars less than similar larger models, shreds branches up to 3 inches in diameter. It features a side chute for branches and a top hopper for leaves and small twigs.
The Landworks may be a bit small in overall size but not in power—it boasts a 7-hp gas engine, and its discharge chute can be configured to empty into a garbage can. The machine features a 15:1 reduction ratio, so the chips will be finely shredded, making them ideal for use around plants and bushes as mulch or as fodder for the compost pile.
Product Specs
- Type: Gas-powered
- Feed type: Manual feed
- Maximum intake diameter: 3 inches
Pros
- Side chute for large branches and top hopper for leaves and branches
- 7-hp gas engine is powerful enough to take on small to large jobs
- Discharge chute can be placed wherever needed for clean and easy use
Cons
- Some assembly required; may be tricky for first-timer users
Get the Landworks chipper shredder at Amazon.
Best Electric
PowerSmart PS10 Electric Garden Chipper/Shredder
For small yards and light debris, an electric chipper shredder can be just the ticket. The PowerSmart electric chipper shredder features a powerful 15-amp electric motor that grinds and shreds branches up to 1⅝ inches in diameter. Thanks to its 17:1 reduction ratio, users will end up with fine bits of wood and leaves that will decompose quickly in a compost bin.
The PowerSmart twig and leaf shredder features a top gravity-feed chute with a safety hopper locking knob that prevents the motor from operating when opened. The unit discharges chips at the bottom of the machine, which allows users to connect a bag (included) to the discharge chute to collect the chips. To operate, users will need a heavy-duty 12- or 14-gauge exterior extension cord.
Product Specs
- Type: Electric
- Feed type: Gravity feed
- Maximum intake diameter: 1⅝ inches
Pros
- 15-amp electric motor can cut up branches of 1⅝ inches in diameter
- Top gravity-feed chute for added safety; safety cover that shuts off the motor
- Safety hopper locking knob prevents the motor from operating when opened
- Discharge bag included for catching mulched or shredded materials
Cons
- Requires a heavy-duty 12- or 14-gauge exterior extension cord
- May only be suitable for heavy-duty chipping and shredding
Get the PowerSmart chipper shredder at Amazon or The Home Depot (tool only).
Best Gas
DK2 Gas-Powered Chipper Shredder Vacuum Mulcher Kit
Bigger branches, up to 3 inches in diameter, should be no problem for the DK2 gas-powered chipper shredder vacuum mulcher kit. This rugged gas-powered model comes with wheels, a tow hitch, a drop stand, ATV-locking wheels, and a vacuum kit, making it one of the most versatile options on our list. It boasts a 7-hp engine and an extra-large feed chute and hopper for either large branches or smaller twigs and leaves.
The DK2 wood shredder features a 208-cubic-centimeter (cc) engine for maximum torque while also having a removable key shutoff for safety. The double-edge steel blades do not disappoint and can handle any heavy-duty job to be done while the directional chip chute can be placed wherever disposal is desired.
Product Specs
- Type: Gas-powered
- Feed type: Manual feed
- Maximum intake diameter: 3 inches
Pros
- Comes with multiple accessories and tools; wheels, a tow hitch, a drop stand, ATV-locking wheels, and a vacuum kit
- Extra-large feed chute and hopper for either large branches or smaller twigs
- 208cc engine for maximum torque and effectiveness while in use
- Removable key shutoff prevents any unwanted chipping for safety
Cons
- Some users report poor manufacturing quality and issues while using
Get the DK2 vacuum chipper shredder at The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Acme Tools, or Tractor Supply Co.
Best Small Size
Wen 41121 Rolling Electric Wood Chipper and Shredder
For light cleanup around the yard, consider the Wen electric wood chipper shredder. It will easily shred branches up to 1½ inches in diameter, thanks to a gravity-feed chute located at the top. Its 17:1 reduction ratio creates small chips for use either as mulch or quick-to-decompose fodder for the compost bin.
This small electric wood chipper works quietly, comes with wheels for easy maneuvering around the yard, and features a safety lock on the chute that keeps the blades from spinning while the chute cover is open. There’s also a push stick for pushing debris into the chute and a collection bag that attaches at the bottom to collect the chips. The machine is compact enough to tuck away against a garage wall or stow in a storage shed when a user’s work is done.
Product Specs
- Type: Electric
- Feed type: Manual feed/gravity feed
- Maximum intake diameter: 1½ inches
Pros
- 17:1 reduction ratio is perfect for cutting wood into small chips; can be used as a mulch or quick-to-decompose fodder
- Wheels are perfect for maneuvering the unit around the yard or work site
- Safety lock on the chute keeps the blades from spinning
- Push stick can help push any debris back into the chute or collection bag
- Compact size is perfect for storing in a garage or shed
Cons
- Some users have reported poor quality construction and difficulty using
- Intake chute is very small; will not take large piece of wood
Get the Wen chipper shredder at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Target.
Best Heavy-Duty
DK2 Gas-Powered Commercial Chipper Shredder
Invest in the DK2 gas-powered commercial chipper shredder to go where the big branches are. This powerful tree chipper can chew branches up to 6 inches in diameter and features a self-feeding side chute that grabs branches and pulls them into the spinning blades. The chips shoot out of a discharge chute on the other side that sits at pickup bed level, allowing users to load the back of their pickup truck with chips for easy hauling. With an approximate 12:1 reduction ratio, it should produce chips suitable for mulching.
The DK2 commercial wood chipper comes mounted on its own trailer, which is approved by the DOT, making it legal to go on roadways. It also comes with a built-in locking steel tool box (keys included). In addition, users will receive safety glasses, ear protection, work gloves, and the tools required to manage the machine’s minimal assembly.
Product Specs
- Type: Gas-powered
- Feed type: Self-feeding
- Maximum intake diameter: 6¼ inches
Pros
- Self-feeding side chute provides hands-free use for safety and convenience
- Discharge chute sits at pickup-bed level; chips can be loaded into a truck bed
- Comes mounted on its own trailer; approved by the DOT
- Built-in locking steel tool box with keys for added user-friendliness; comes with safety glasses, ear
- protection, work gloves, and tools
Cons
- Some users report some difficulty using this model; may wear out over time
Get the DK2 chipper shredder at The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Tractor Supply Co.
Best for Composting
Sun Joe CJ603E Electric Silent Chipper/Shredder
Compost decomposes more quickly when the organic matter is small and fine, and the Sun Joe electric chipper shredder’s design creates quality compost material. It features a top-load gravity chute and a reduction ratio of 21:1, making it capable of producing bits nearly twice as small as some other machines. The Sun Joe shreds branches up to 1¾ inches in diameter.
This small wood chipper comes with a top gravity-feed chute with a safety cover that keeps the blades from spinning when the cover is open. The small chips discharge at the bottom of the machine, with the option of attaching the included collection bag to collect the chips. The machine features an easy-pull handle and wheels for moving around the yard. It requires a heavy-duty 12- to 14-gauge extension cord to operate.
Product Specs
- Type: Electric
- Feed type: Gravity feed
- Maximum intake diameter: 1¾ inches
Pros
- Gravity feed provides 21:1 reduction ratio for mulching and creating compost material
- Safety cover stops blades from cutting when the cover is open
- Collection bag included for small chips to discharge into at the bottom of the machine
- Easy-pull handle and wheels allow the unit to move around the yard as needed
Cons
- Users are advised to take the first time slowly; has a slight learning curve
- Replacement parts may be expensive if the machine breaks down
Get the Sun Joe chipper shredder at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Tractor Supply Co.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Chipper Shredder
Chipper shredders range in price from around $100 for a lightweight electric model to several thousand for a heavy-duty gas-powered machine. The best chipper shredder option for a given user will depend on the type and amount of debris they plan to shred.
Types of Chipper Shredders
Chipper shredders come in two main types: electric and gas-powered, with each being suited to different chipping and shredding needs.
Electric
Mainly designed for small yards and light use, electric chipper shredders require plugging in with a heavy-duty 12- or 14-gauge exterior extension cord and can usually grind dry leaves and small branches up to about 1¼ inches in diameter. These backyard power tools are relatively small, about 2 feet wide by 2 feet deep and 3 to 4 feet high. Many come with wheels for mobility. The upside is there’s no gasoline to mix, no toxic fumes, and no fuel to store. The downside to electric models is that users are limited to the length of an extension cord, so they may have to bring the yard debris to the chipper shredder via wheelbarrow or such.
Gasoline
These powerful machines make quick work of yard cleanup by grinding twigs, leaves, and even small branches up to 6 inches in diameter. Because they’re not tethered to an electrical outlet, users can take them wherever needed, and they typically feature wheels for maneuvering. Some larger models come permanently mounted on a trailer with a hitch that allows the user to pull the machine with a pickup truck or lawn tractor.
Power Take-Off
Available for farm use or commercial mulch production, some large chipper shredders run off the power of another piece of equipment via a power take-off (PTO). The most common PTO source is the rotating spindle of a tractor, but some trucks and other large vehicles come with PTOs, and a large implement, such as a commercial chipper shredder, can be connected.
Yard Size and Debris
In general, a small yard is better suited to an electric chipper shredder than a large yard, but this is not absolute. A small wooded lot can produce more twigs and yard waste than a large lot with just a few trees. A better way to choose which type is best is to consider how much debris the yard produces. For instance, for a large garden whose owner needs to shred bushels of dry organic stalks, twigs, and limbs, a gas-powered model may be the better choice. If there is no more than a couple of wheelbarrows of debris to clean away in the fall, users could probably get by with an electric model.
Hopper/Feed Chute
To keep fingers a safe distance away from a shredder’s sharp blades, the machines feature long chutes, also called hoppers, into which the user inserts twigs and sticks. Some chipper shredders have a single-loading chute, while others have two—one for branches and another for smaller yard waste.
- Manual feed: On a manual-feed chipper shredder, the user pushes branches and limbs into the machine’s spinning blades. The spinning blade motion may help pull the branches into the blades slightly, but the user must maintain pressure.
- Self-feed: As the machines get larger and more powerful, so do their options. A self-feed chipper shredder features rollers inside the chute that actively pull branches and debris into the spinning blades. The user can load the branches into the chute and then gather more while the machine is grinding away.
- Gravity feed: Sometimes called a drop-in chute, a gravity-feed chipper shredder features a flared opening at the top of the machine. The user loads twigs and debris, and gravity helps them work their way into the spinning knives.
- Horizontal chute: A horizontal chute sticks out sideways with an upward tilt of about 45-degrees so the user can feed in debris from the side. The upward tilt keeps leaves and small twigs from falling out.
Reduction Ratio
The amount to which a chipper shredder will reduce debris is known as its reduction ratio. This number appears in the product’s description as a numerical ratio, such as 12:1. For example, if users purchase a chipper shredder with a 12:1 reduction ratio, it will reduce the amount of raw waste from 12 buckets or wheelbarrows to a single bucket or wheelbarrow. Average reduction ratios range from around 10:1 to 17:1, and the higher the ratio, the smaller the chips the machine will produce.
Additional Features
While chipper shredders are straightforward landscaping tools, some come with a few accessories that can make them either handier or easier to operate.
- Control system: Some self-feed chipper shredders feature sensors that automatically adjust the rate of the material being drawn into the spinning blades. This option is usually available only on commercial or prosumer models, but it helps keep debris from getting stuck in the chute if it’s fed in too quickly.
- Vacuum chipper shredders: This option uses suction to collect debris, so the user needn’t feed it into the chute. One type of vacuum chipper shredder resembles a standard lawn mower, but instead of cutting grass, it sucks up leaves and small twigs, grinds them, and then discards the shredded debris in a bag. A second type of vacuum chipper shredder is designed for pulling behind a lawn tractor. The difference between a lawn vacuum and a vacuum chipper shredder is that a lawn vacuum features suction only, while a vacuum shredder actually grinds up the debris.
Maintenance
Both gas and electric chipper shredders should be checked before each use to ensure that no debris is stuck in the chute or blades and to ensure that the blades are moving freely. Gas models require additional maintenance, including periodically replacing spark plugs and the air filter as well as changing the oil. Both types may need blade sharpening if the shredder starts working more slowly or fails to efficiently grind debris. Specific models may also require lubricating the chain, so consult the owner’s manual and stay up-to-date on maintenance tasks.
Safety Tips for Operating a Chipper Shredder
Chipper shredders are power tools, and as such, basic safety precautions must be followed during use.
- Wear safety glasses to keep airborne debris out of the eyes.
- A good pair of leather work gloves will protect the hands from pokes and scrapes when loading twigs and things like rosebush stems.
- If users are running a powerful gas chipper shredder, they will want to wear hearing protection.
FAQs
If you’re in the market for your first chipper shredder, you likely have some questions. Read on for answers that will help you shop wisely.
Q. What is a chipper shredder?
It’s a landscaping tool that shreds dry wood and plant waste to be recycled as mulch or compost or discarded.
Q. What is the reduction ratio in a chipper shredder?
A chipper shredder’s reduction ratio indicates how much it will reduce the size of the twigs, branches, or other plant waste. For instance, if a chipper shredder features a 12:1 reduction ratio, it will reduce 12 bags of yard debris to just 1 bag.
Q. How do you use a chipper shredder?
Load branches and other dry yard waste into the shredder’s intake chute(s). The small chips that result can be collected in a bag for use in your garden or be discarded.
Q. What can I do with my chipper shredder waste?
The chips are great for use as mulch around the bottoms of trees and other plants to reduce weed growth and help keep moisture in the soil. You can also add them to your compost bin.
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