The Best Chipper Shredders You Can Get - Picks by Bob Vila

Nov 05, 2024

By Glenda Taylor

Updated on Nov 4, 2024 4:43 PM EST

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Chipper shredders are landscaping tools that grind up branches, leaves, and other dry organic debris. Shredding this waste material reduces the volume, making it easier to haul away or, better yet, reuse around the yard. The resulting chips can be used as mulch on a flower bed to keep weeds at bay or added to a compost pile to create a rich, dark compost that will improve the soil quality. We tested three chipper shredders on a mountain of pruned branches, dried sunflower stalks, and assorted garden debris. Each tool proved capable of doing the job, but they all came with their own pros and cons relative to power, performance, and price.

Our top choice, the Earthquake K33 Gas Chipper Shredder, boasts a powerful, easy-to-start 301 cubic centimeter (cc) gas engine with ample chipping power and a low hopper rim that makes it easy to load for hours on end, if necessary. Additionally, we highlight a range of top models that feature towing hitches, larger chipping capacity, and electric motors in this guide. Read on to learn more about these handy machines and choose among the best chipper shredders for your yard—and your budget.

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 the following machines will suit a variety of needs. Keep reading to discover some of the best chipper shredders on the market today.

Our Ratings: Assembly 4/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 5/5; Noise 4/5; Value 4.7/5

The Earthquake K33 chipper shredder provided everything we needed for routine and occasional heavy-duty yard work. Packing a dual-knife chipper disc and a 301cc gas engine that produces 13 foot-pounds of torque, it possesses the power to chip branches up to 3 inches thick without hesitation. On the other side of the machine, four shredding hammer assemblies make quick work of twigs, leaves, pine cones, and other fine garden waste.

We were impressed by the Earthquake K33 chipper shredder from start to finish. The engine started on the first pull of the recoil cord. We alternated feeding tough, dried hardwood branches and freshly pruned green wood into the branch chute, up to the full 3-inch thickness specification. At no time did the engine stall, and it only slowed a few times.

The hopper produced similar results. At one point, we dumped an entire bushel basket of pine cones and dried leaves into the hopper all at once, but it tore right through them and filled the collection bag tightly, without the need to clear clogs from the discharge chute. The collection bag also earned high praise, as it simply twist-locks onto a receiver on the discharge opening for quick attachment and removal.

Although it costs several hundred dollars more than some other compact gas-powered chipper shredders, we felt the performance warranted the premium price. The Earthquake K33 would make a smart choice for frequent use on larger properties.

What our tester says: “Operating the Earthquake K33 was very gratifying. The engine was super easy to start, and it had more than enough power to chew through any branch that would fit in its chute.”

Get the Earthquake chipper shredder at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Mowers at Jacks.

This Earthquake Wood Chipper Offers Unbeatable Power, Tested and Reviewed

Our Ratings: Assembly 4/5; Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 4.7/5; Noise 4/5; Value 5/5

There is no need to exceed your budget on a heavy-duty tool for infrequent use. The SuperHandy chipper shredder sells for a fraction of the price of our Best Overall pick but delivers reliable power and performance for frequent medium-duty yard work, such as green wood branches up to 3 inches thick, dry leaves, pine cones, and twigs.

We assembled the SuperHandy chipper shredder in about 45 minutes. The kit did not include engine oil, so be prepared with a quart of 10W-30 for year-round use. The engine started on the second pull and started thereafter on the first or second pull every time.

This machine includes a collection bag supported from above by a steel spreader rod. The spreader holds the bag up, allowing the chips to begin filling at the far end of the bag. The setup worked fairly well, but the airflow was not strong enough to pack the bag tightly.

A couple of operational notes distinguish the mid-level power of this unit from our Best Overall pick. To avoid clogging, the hopper required a steady, moderate flow of leaves and pine cones. Sometimes twigs blocked the flow to the shredder head, so we kept a push stick nearby. When it came to dried hardwood branches, this unit maxed out at about 2 inches thick, as anything thicker was likely to cause the machine to stall. With that being said, the SuperHandy chipper shredder is an excellent value for disposing of freshly pruned branches, fallen leaves, and the like.

Get the SuperHandy chipper shredder at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Great Circle.

Our Ratings: Assembly 5/5; Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 4/5; Noise 5/5; Value 4.7/5

For smaller properties and those who want to save money on yard cleanup, the Wen electric wood chipper and shredder could be an ideal choice. This budget-friendly machine features a strong 15-amp electric motor that drives up to 8,000 cuts per minute. As a light-duty chipper shredder, it is not suitable for clearing fallen trees or major storm cleanup but accepts branches up to 1.5 inches thick and produces usable mulch for the yard or garden. The compact, upright design makes it easy to store in smaller spaces.

Our best electric chipper shredder had the lowest price among all the models in this guide. It was fast and easy to set up and did a great job on the small stuff. Assembly and startup took about 15 minutes, and all the necessary tools were included. Weighing just 23 pounds, the machine is very lightweight but stable while in use. The chips it produced were similarly sized to those from the gas chipper shredders, so they were useful for either mulching or composting.

Larger property owners—and those with piles of bigger branches—will be underwhelmed by this machine. It worked more slowly than the gas-powered chipper shredders in this guide. The narrow opening was too small to insert leaves efficiently, and the 1.5-inch maximum branch size limited practical usage to (mostly) the smaller branches you might prune during spring yard maintenance. If a storm blows down a tree, or a big branch falls, this model probably won’t cut it.

What our tester says: “Unlike big heavy gas models, the lightweight Wen electric chipper makes it easy to grind up the smaller branches that I often prune on a whim because they knock off my hat while I’m mowing. It’s super convenient.”

Get the WEN chipper shredder at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Target.

Maybe our top picks are not quite right for you, or perhaps you’d just like to know what other chipper shredders are available. Although we have not tested these models, rest assured that they showcase even more features and capabilities.

Grind and shred loads of leaves, twigs, and branches up to 3 inches in diameter with the GreatCircleUSA wood chipper shredder. This gas-powered wood chipper features a powerful 7 horsepower (hp), 4-stroke single-cylinder overhead valve (OHV) engine and includes a ½-inch capacity chipping and shredding top hopper and a 3-inch max branch chute. It has a reduction ratio of 15:1 for easy disposal of bulky yard waste. Plus, a leaf vacuum port and discharge bag streamline the mulching process.

This residential wood chipper has an engine speed of 3,600 revolutions per minute and produces 9.14 foot-pounds of torque. By adding the optional tow bar (sold separately) users can tow it behind an ATV, lawn mower, or tractor for easier site access. Additionally, this model is certified for clean operation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). A note of caution: Do not use this chipper shredder for fresh greens, pine cones, palm branches, and petrified wood/vines as those materials can clog the hopper.

Get the GreatCircleUSA chipper shredder at Amazon.

Massive piles of leaves, sticks, and branches up to 3 inches in diameter should be no problem for the DK2 gas-powered chipper shredder vacuum mulcher kit. This portable wood chipper model includes a tow hitch, a drop stand, ATV-style locking wheels, and a vacuum kit, making it one of the most versatile options in this guide. The large air-filled tires roll easily over rough ground, whether towed behind an ATV or lawn tractor or when moved by hand. 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 208cc commercial-grade Kohler engine for long-term durability. It produces 10.5 foot-pounds of torque to power through tough material without stalling. A keyed on/off switch prevents unauthorized operation for added safety. Double-edge steel cutter blades can handle any heavy-duty job, while users can place the directional chip chute wherever disposal is desired.

Get the DK2 vacuum chipper shredder at Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., or The Home Depot.

A tight budget and limited storage needn’t prevent users from obtaining a powerful gas chipper shredder. The Landworks mini compact chipper shredder shreds branches up to 3 inches in diameter. It features a single feed system that combines the functions of the top hopper and side branch chute found on other gas-powered chipper shredders. The 45-degree wide mouth chute accepts leaves, twigs, and branches up to 3 inches thick.

This Landworks model may be smaller in overall size but not in power—it boasts the same 7 hp gas engine found on our Best Bang for the Buck pick, and you can direct the discharge chute to fill a garbage can. The machine features a 15:1 reduction ratio, so the resulting chips will be ideally sized for use around plants and bushes as mulch or to mix into a compost pile.

Get the Landworks chipper shredder at Amazon.

Residents of wooded properties might consider investing in the DK2 gas-powered commercial chipper shredder. It is equipped with a 429cc Kohler Command Pro gas engine to take on the big branches. This heavy-duty tree shredder can chew branches up to 6.25 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 level with a pickup truck bed, allowing users to load the back of the truck for easy hauling. With an approximate 12:1 reduction ratio, this model should produce chips suitable for mulching.

The DK2 commercial wood chipper comes mounted on its own trailer that is equipped with DOT-approved tires, making it legal to tow on roadways. It also features a built-in locking steel toolbox (keys included) to conveniently store safety gear. In addition, users receive safety glasses, ear protection, work gloves, and the tools required to manage the machine’s minimal assembly.

Get the DK2 chipper shredder at Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., or The Home Depot.

Compost decomposes more quickly when the organic matter is small and fine, and the design of the Sun Joe electric chipper mulcher 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 half the size of some other machines. The Sun Joe shreds branches up to 1.75 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.

Get the Sun Joe chipper shredder at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Tractor Supply Co.

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 with manual, gravity-feeding, and vacuum designs. For testing, we decided to include both premium and budget-friendly models.

We referred to product specifications as well as our own observations to evaluate the three chipper shredders we tested. The process included assembling the machines, transporting them 400 feet across the yard to the work site, and using each one long enough to fill two bushel baskets with shredded landscape debris. After working with each model, we recorded our notes on a scoring rubric. Then we compared the specs of the models we tested with the models we didn’t test to ensure that our recommendations were as useful as possible.

For one-time use, you might consider renting a chipper shredder, but property owners who have trees often find it more convenient to own one. These machines range in price from around $100 for a lightweight electric model to several thousand dollars 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.

Chipper shredders are available in two main types: electric and gasoline-powered, with each being suited to different chipping and shredding needs.

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 1.25 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 to these models is that there is 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 a wheelbarrow.

Gasoline-powered chipper shredders 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.

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, allowing users to connect a large implement, such as a commercial chipper shredder.

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 of chipper shredder is best for your needs is to consider how much debris the yard produces. For instance, a gas-powered model may be the better choice for a large garden whose owner needs to shred bushels of dry organic stalks, twigs, and limbs. However, if there are no more than a few wheelbarrows of debris to clean away in the autumn, users could probably get by with an electric model.

To keep fingers a safe distance away from a shredder’s sharp blades, these machines feature long chutes, also called hoppers, into which the user inserts twigs and sticks. Some chipper shredders feature a single-loading chute, while others have two chutes—one for branches and one for smaller yard waste.

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. The higher the ratio, the smaller the chips the machine will produce.

While chipper shredders are straightforward landscaping tools, some models include accessories that can make them easier to operate.

It’s essential to check both gas and electric chipper shredders before each use to ensure that no debris is stuck in the chute or blades and 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.

Chipper shredders are power tools, and as such, users must follow basic safety precautions during operation:

If you’re in the market for a chipper shredder, you likely have some questions. Read on for answers that will help you shop wisely.

A chipper shredder is a landscaping tool that shreds dry wood and plant waste to be recycled as mulch or compost or simply discarded.

A reduction ratio indicates how much the chipper shredder 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 one bag.

First, load branches and other dry yard waste into the shredder’s intake chute(s). You can then collect the small chips in a bag for use in your garden or discard them.

The chips are ideal 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.

Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester who spent 20 years in the nursery and landscaping industry, where he mowed, edged, planted, pruned, cultivated, irrigated, and renovated beautiful landscapes. Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest outdoor power equipment, hand tools, lawn care products, and other outdoor living goods.

Additional research provided by Glenda Taylor.

Staff Writer

Glenda Taylor is a BobVila.com staff writer with a background in the residential remodeling, home building, and home improvement industries. She started writing for BobVila.com in 2016 and covers a range of topics, including construction methods, code compliance, tool use, and the latest news in the housing and real estate industries.

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