Best Wood Chipper Shredders in the UK in 2022 | Comparison Table
What is the best chipper shredder? Depending on the needs you may choose one of the beasty gas-powered machines belonging to the class of the commercial- or professional-grade equipment. Otherwise, you may opt for a portable electric chipper shredder capable of dealing with light-duty tasks.
The majority of gardeners face the problem of debris disposal like sticks, tops, stems, or similar. The burning of waste is the most common and trivial way out. The chipper shredders would prevent you from wasting debris that could be turned into valuable raw material.
The latter can be used as mulch cover which allows saving on purchasing expensive fertilizers. In general, the feasibility of chipper shredders is obvious for any homeowners, professional landscapers, or just gardening enthusiasts. However, the big variety of available options on the market makes it difficult to choose a particular model.
Domestic- or commercial-grade?
If you have a small area that needs a light-duty cleaning like dead leaves or grass removal, then it would be unreasonable to purchase an expensive commercial-grade unit, which would process easily even thin branches of trees. And on the contrary, if you are a happy owner of a large orchard, there’s a high probability that a cheap low-duty chipper shredder would not handle branches or boughs. That is why you should determine the class of your future device in advance.
- Domestic tools like Bosch Electric Shredder come with plastic housing. Steel blades are usually used as a cutting unit. These tools are lightweight and compact, and this fact is especially relevant for small yards or gardens where every foot counts. Besides, residential-grade units would easily fit the trunk of any car. More than that, they are energy-saving and low-cost alternatives to commercial- or professional-grade models. With all the above-mentioned advantages such low-duty tools will help you to get rid of light debris like leaves, grass, thin stems, and similar garden wastes.
- Commercial-grade chipper shredders would be suitable for larger land plots and public gardens and squares. These machines can have plastic or metal housing. However, you may find a model made of composite materials. Carbide blades, rotor, or turbine mechanisms may serve as a cutting unit. Such enhanced units would handle raw branches, thick roots, stems, and dry vegetable tops.
This class of chipper shredders is very popular among owners of larger open-air territories and cleaning companies focusing on gardening and landscaping. This fact is grounded by a beneficial combination of sufficiently high power and reasonable prices.
Commercial models would suit your needs if you are going to process large volumes of thin-stemmed trees and thick branches. For example, Hyundai Petrol Self-feeding Garden Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher can draw in and chip branches up to 100mm. It would become possible thanks to the highest capacity of such chipper shredders. They are always equipped with an enhanced cutter and built of metal. Some models are even capable of stub disposal.
Cutting mechanism. This the most essential element is driven by the motor/engine and can be chosen among three types which have particular benefits and are designed to treat specific wastes or debris:
Blade–cutting is performed with the help of steel carbide blades. This type of shredder would be most suitable for mulching fallen leaves or cutting grass, thin stems, vines, and some shoots. However, the structure of such mechanisms doesn’t allow dealing with thick lumps of wood or branches.
Rotor - This mechanism comprises a large sharpened gear that is capable of processing bigger debris like stems or branches. Such a chipper design has the power to handle thick lumps of wood. Nevertheless, such a unit would hardly process soft debris like leaves or as-cut grass. They would be just mashed and fall out. Long stems would stick and wind on a gear. This fact will lead to the necessity of a constant cleaning of the cutting mechanism. Besides, machines with rotor-type cutting mechanisms are usually heavier due to design peculiarities.
Turbine – this type combines the benefits of the two above-mentioned mechanisms and is considered to have the most advanced design. These machines are equipped with a rotating tapered shaft with embedded blades. This feature allows chopping and crushing of both recently cut and dry garden debris of any size. The high price is the only downside of such chipper shredders.
Electric units are equipped with motors up to 4kW and may be powered by single- or three-phase power outlets for light- and heavy-duty purposes. This feature should be obligatorily considered when choosing a chipper shredder, as overcurrent will cause motor burnout, whereas low voltage won’t be enough to start the unit.
The electric-powered tools are mainly equipped with a blade-type cutting machine designed to handle light and thin debris. However, there are some super powerful exceptions. In general, electric corded chipper shredders have several indisputable advantages like a fuel-free system which is an eco-friendly aspect. Low noise level is another advantageous feature of electric devices, thus they can be operated at any day or night time with no disturbance to the surroundings. Besides, electric models are usually cheaper than their gas-powered counterparts with a good performance. Nevertheless, you may face some downsides when operating a chipper shredder of this type. The restricted mobility due to a power cable or extension cord, dependence on power source availability, and lower power output in comparison with gas options are among them. Overall, the electric chipper shredders would be suitable for smaller yards or gardens to mulch light debris.
Modern gas-powered chipper shredders are mostly equipped with 2-stage engines. Having chosen one of such machines, you become an owner of a commercial- or professional-grade model. The latter features higher power and performance to tackle a larger volume of work. Besides, gas units run on fuel, thus they do not need an electric power supply source. They have greater maneuverability, due to the absence of a limited cable/cord, and usually, come on wide rugged wheels. With all the above-mentioned beneficial features, they might be less advantageous than the electric units in terms of a high noise level and complicated maintenance. Thus, a gas-powered chipper shredder would become the most attractive option, if you have a large outdoor territory with plenty of greens and trees with no electricity available.
Throughput. This parameter shows the maximum amount of debris a chipper shredder is capable to process. The high throughput of a unit saves the time a user has. However, the higher the capacity is, the more power will be required. Consequently, this fact would increase the price, size, and weight of the device, as well as expenses for electricity or fuel. In order to pick the right option, you should estimate the volume of planned work which depends, in its turn, on the area. It is preferable to purchase a chipper shredder of slightly higher throughput than is planned, to tackle more challenging tasks if required, and not to overpay for a useless power.
Chipping and shredding diameter. This parameter determines the maximum allowed thickness of the incoming debris with no risk of chipper shredder damage. This characteristic is important for the machines designed for branch and wooden lump chopping and depends on their class and type of driven mechanism. Gas-powered units take the lead in this case, as they can process thicker materials in comparison with the electric models. The diameter of cut branches may be different depending on a class of a chipper shredder:
- domestic – up to 1-1/2 inches;
- commercial – 2 inches;
- professional – 3 inches and more.
Power output. This value is measured in kW for electric models and HP for gas-powered options. In particular, the electric units can deliver from 1.5 up to 4 kW, and the gas models are capable of generating up to 8 hp, accordingly. Higher power output will enable a chipper shredder to cut thicker branches and increase operating speed.
Charging/discharging hopper. There is a receiver on the upper part of the housing of a chipper shredder. Some models have the possibility to adjust their position. And it would be more convenient to feed the incoming material through the tilted hopper than vertically positioned one.
The mulched/chopped material falls off through a discharging hopper. It also can be positioned straightly or tilted, depending on the model. With a help of a deflector, you may regulate its position according to your needs (downwards or upwards).
Weight. This type of gardening equipment is usually offered in a quite heavy design depending on the power type and class of a chipper shredder. The weight can be from 22 up to 220 lbs and influences the maneuverability of a unit.
Expert Opinion: Ron Weingartz, Co-owner and Vice President of Sales at Weingartz
Ron Weingartz is co-owner and vice president of sales at Weingartz, a Michigan-based feed and farm supply store. This is a family business set up in 1094 and owned by the Weingartz family. Ron also provides expert advice on lawn equipment.
“The key advantage [with chipper shredders] is that you will get a much better reduction, typically a 10 to 1 or to 12 to 1 reduction in debris. This is because they have a series of swinging knives, down in a hopper that will actually shred the debris versus just running it through the vacuum and impeller. If you have a lot of heavy chipping, you are going to want something with a large engine because it does require more horsepower. And there is a nice feature, a tow bar. You can attach it and hook it to your lawn tractor. Some of the heavy-duty machines have a larger diameter impeller and are up to 30 pounds of weight in the impeller. The additional weight will help the momentum for chipping. If you have something with a heavier impeller, it has the momentum to do a better job”.
8 Best-Selling Best Chippers / Shredders in the UK | Comparative Table
Customers' Choice | Best Petrol Wood Chipper
Best Value | Best Electric Shredder
Bosch Shredder AXT 25 TC (plunger for trimmed material, 53-litre collection box, cardboard box, material...
- The AXT 25 TC quiet shredder – the first universal shredder for both soft and hard materials
- High torque high-performance 2500 W motor
- A patented block release system allows blockages to be loosened easily without the need to remove the hopper
- Effortlessly shreds woody materials up to a maximum diameter of 45 mm thanks to an extremely high torque of 650 Nm
- Items included: AXT 25 TC, plunger for trimmed material, 53-Litre collection box, cardboard box (3165140465373), material throughput: 230 kg/h, max. cutting capacity: Dia. 45 mm, 2500 W
Best 3000W Silent Impact Shredder
Ryobi RSH3045U 3000W Silent Impact Shredder, Amazon Exclusive
- Powerful 3000W impact shredder
- Two reversible, hardened steel blades shred branches, brambles, and shrubs to a fine mulch
- Integrated handle and large wheels for easy movement around the garden
- The large container holds up to 55L of shredded material
- The safety plunger pushes green material into the shredder and keeps fingers away from the cutting blades
- Amazon Exclusive
Best 2800W Corded Electric Garden Shredder Under £200
Powerful Hyundai Portable Garden Shredder 2800w 2.8 kw 230v Electric Garden Shredders, Branch Shredder, Electric...
- impressive power: the 2800w powerful Hyundai motor makes light work of garden clearance, making wood chipping quick and easy with the power you can count on when you need it most
- detachable collection bag: the large detachable collection bag allows you to keep all your wood chippings in one place and allows you to dispose of them quickly and easily
- flat push stick included: designed with safety in mind, the electric shredder comes with a flat push stick so you can easily make light work of any overhanging branches while protecting your hands and arms at all times
- lightweight and compact: weighing just 20.80 kg and with its portable wheeled design the hych2800es can be easily maneuvered making it user friendly and a no-fuss machine
- power cable: the hych2800es comes with a 10m power cable that allows you the flexibility to move the shredder to put you in control of any job around the garden
- warranty: the hych2800es is covered by a 3-year platinum Hyundai warranty
Best Budget Under £150
Bosch 600853670, Shredder AXT Rapid 2200 (2200 W, 230 Volt System, Cutting Capacity 40 mm, in Carton), Green/Black
- Fitted with 2200 W Bosch PowerDrive motor
- Patented large capacity hopper for quick and easy feed
- Practical plunger for increased material throughput
- 40 mm high precision laser-cut, twin edged blade, reversible for extended life, lightweight with wheels for easy transportation
- Ships in certified frustration-free packaging, fitted with motor overload/restart protection and 2 years parts and labour guarantee
Best Cheap and Compact
Einhell Electric Shredder GC-KS 2540 (2 Reversible Blades Made of Special Steel, Large Funnel Opening, Motor...
- For effective operation, the Einhell GC-KS 2540 electric shredder has two long-lasting, robust reversible blades made of special steel which are driven by a powerful 2,500 W motor.
- The large funnel opening means it is convenient to use and makes it easy to feed in the material you want to shred, for branches up to 40 mm in diameter.
- The funnel has a safety interlock and can be swung down for cleaning and maintenance. There is a motor circuit breaker for protection against overloading.
- The electric shredder can be transported quickly and easily in the garden and home grounds thanks to the wheels and robust chassis. An integrated practical transport handle makes this even easier.
- The shredder has a shredder debris bag which is fitted quickly and easily on a hook.
- Note: Overloading branches into the chute will stop the machine from working, in this case, the shredder has to be restarted
Testing & Customers Reviews: 4 popular shredders compared: Bosch, Forest Master, Ryobi, Hyundai
We found reviews from real YouTube bloggers about the products from our article.
MrGardener18: " So far I've been very impressed by Bosch AXT Rapid 2200 shredder. It weighs 12 kilos and it has a 2 200 watt motor it has sound figures of 107 decibels which again are quite low for a machine like this. The machine comes pretty much fully assembled. You just need to put on the wheels. It comes with about two three-meter long cables which is perfectly reasonable to get in and out of buildings but you're going to need an extension knee to get any further. It comes with a material sort of tamper down which fits really nicely into the chute and reaches most of the way down to the blades so you can clear most of the debris that builds up in there. It's nice and strong and sturdy as well so it's not going to break in the first use and it fits nicely in the top for storage. The only problem is it doesn't have anywhere to store it when you're actually using the machine.
You've got a nice clear on-off switch which is a twist to turn on and a press to turn off. There is a safety screw on here as well which means that if that's not done up properly or the body works not on properly the machine won't work. This machine can cut material up to about 40 millimeters which is pretty impressive but I think it's better in that range of sort of 20 to 30 millimeters. It's not really designed that effectively to get rid of those sort of really woody stuff. It's much better suited to the slightly softer materials ornamental grasses autumn winter clearances of perennials and things like that and sort of small amounts of brash. But any sort of standard garden waste this thing will deal with. The shreddings that it produces are really nice and fine and they compost down in absolutely no time at all.
This one in particular only weighs 12 kilos as you can see it's not that big with the wheels very easy to maneuver around even the sort of trickiest garden if you've got steps or something anyone can maneuver this one to wherever you need it. It's very simple inside what we've got is a disc which the blade sits on. This is quite nice. You can get replacement blades or you can reverse it so you get twice the run time out of the single blade you can sharpen it with an angle grinder It's remarkable how it doesn't clog now as I say I've had this for quite a while now and it hasn't clogged once and it hasn't fused once which is really impressive for a machine like this. It just gets the material in and chucks it out. So really I can't recommend this machine highly enough."
Pyracantha: "If you're looking for something that can also mold your green waste or you can put cardboard through as well as plant material if you've got quite a large garden then this is the machine that i would probably recommend.
I've been using Forest Master FM6DD-MUL at the top of the nursery I'm really impressed with it. It's been shredding a plant material quite thick branching and it's done really well. The blades are actually reversible in this model so if the blades are getting blunt you can't turn the blades around and you can use the blades again. So in terms of the engine it's reliable. It's a fairly powerful engine. It's a six and a half horsepower. It starts fairly quick within one or two pulls.
Up to now I've been really impressed with this model like I've been using at the top. So if this was just a chipotle you wanted to shred things like plank rolls you wouldn't do it. It would just get caught up in the turbine shredder sort of system. But with this new model, they've actually redesigned it, so it is a shredder and a motor as well."
Tim's Tropical Fruit Forest: "It doesn't overheat. Worked it really hard for a lot of hours in the middle of the day in the hot sun and it was completely fine. Ryobi Electric Crusher Shredder is a really strong machine so the only way it stopped was because the branches were too big. But I think for most like 99 of backyard growers there was you who are using this just as a mulching there you know small trees and branches and whatever I think it's perfectly fine. I'm really really happy with its maneuverability. The wheels seem pretty strong even though it's just a basic rod. It's light. I can lift that with one arm.
It did handle some palm fronds. I know a lot of people buy these for palm fronds because other mulches actually get a lot caught in it. So I have coconut palm fronds and a bismarck palmer my neighbor's property which always hangs on my side. So I did three big palm fronds and it had no problem chugging through a mold. Overall I'd say I'd give this a strong 9 out of 10."
gcc2007: "I'm quite pleased with the way Hyundai Wood Chipper tends to drag the stuff through so once you get it into the blades there is a natural tendency even though it doesn't have a material feed for it to drag through nourish. I'm using it to put brushes stuff through and it chews that up no problem at all. I found that with softer wood my old Christmas tree for example it happily chomp through a four inch diameter trunk from the tree. But when we were using some older harder woods the hazel around about three inches it goes through it but it takes its time and it was enough make a noise. So I think you have to be realistic about this. For the price and the power it does an extremely good job.
What didn't I like. Well, the assembly there really the level of accuracy when they've drilled the holes to put the various bits and pieces together was a little bit disappointing. When I phoned up for help and that's one good things that the gem power the UK distributor are available on the end of the phone to help. However I got it together in the end but it's not something that I would have been able to do without the help of a hydraulic car jack. That's one downside and the other thing I would say which is really a minor gripe but the free safety goggles were really not up to the job. I had to discard them straight away. I had a little bit of trouble restarting yet when I shut it down after having first granite and then restarted just a few minutes later. I struggled a little bit and I think it's just a question of getting used to it finding the right setting.
I like the big wheels which makes it easy over soft and lovely terrain. It does come with a car tow hitch which I haven't fit the ending the towbar because I'm dragging it down behind a garden tractor. I'd be happy to recommend it to anybody. I think value for money it's extremely good and I have the confidence that knowing I have the 3r guarantee I should get good news out of it and even if I came to sell it in six months time when I've done the bulk of the work. I've done I think the amount of money I would expect to get back."
Other Popular Chipper Shredders
Top Best Chipper Shredders | Reviews
We’ve made the best selection of modern advanced chipper shredders. Some of them can be successfully used when fulfilling some professional-grade landscaping or cleaning projects like gas-powered machines. Other chosen models like electric corded will be suitable for the light-duty jobs in smaller gardens.
1. EARTHQUAKE Chipper Shredder Heavy Duty | Best Gas-Powered
This gas-powered model demonstrates an incredible performance in a compact design. Its powerful 196cc, 4-cycle Kohler engine gives an opportunity to chip 3” diameter branches and bunches of leaves. Besides, an easy-starting system will contribute to user-friendliness, facilitating its operation and saving time for a user.
This machine features a rugged steel hopper to safely receive tough materials. The tri and j-type hammers of the rotor system will reduce material 20:1. The included debris bag may be used as a collecting compartment with a bottom zipper and a quick bag connector. In spite of outstanding performance, the Tazz K52 has a perfect size facilitating its handling, transportation, or storage.
Features
- Power source: gas-powered
- Chipping diameter (in): 3
- Weight (lbs): 119
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 29.9 x 24.6 x 51
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This model is one of the best options in its class featuring enough power in its portable design to tackle the most challenging pulverizing tasks around the largest gardens or yards.
2. WOOD CHIPPER SHREDDER MULCHER | The Most Powerful & Universal 3-in-1
This is another advanced and versatile gas-powered chipper shredder which features the professional-grade 7 hp 212cc 4-stroke engine. The latter enables the machine to process wood limbs up to 3’’ in diameter. Besides chipping and shredding functions, this device is capable of mulching light debris like fallen leaves and dead grass. The system is equipped with a low-oil sensor contributing to a safe operation and thus increasing its durability.
This model has a compact and ergonomic design to improve convenience and overall efficiency during its operation. In particular, it comes with an extended adjustable discharge hopper which can be 90°-145° angled. The improved maneuverability of this unit is ensured by the rugged all terrain wheels.
Features
- Power source: gas-powered
- Chipping diameter (in): 3
- Weight (lbs): 86.8
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 34.6 x 32.2 x 22.8
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This is one of the most powerful and universal 3-in-1 model among other chipper shredders from our list, and it fairly stands the name being a super handy unit indeed.
3. Best Electric
This notable unit is driven by a durable 15-Amp motor with steel blades that generates up to 4500 RPM. This value is enough to handle materials up to 1 ¾ in diameter.
For safety reasons, the GS70015 comes with a tamper tool to keep an operator’s hands off the cutting mechanism. This model is supplied with a 1.2-bushel collecting bin to accumulate the cut debris and easily distribute it above the ground by disconnecting the bin from the unit. The rear wheels contribute to its portability, thus being easily moved around your territory. The design of a cutting mechanism provides access to perform a proper cleaning.
Features
- Power source: electric corded
- Chipping diameter (in): 1.7
- Weight (lbs): 31
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 24 x 18 x 42
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I would recommend this model for those who strive for an eco-friendly and quiet option with no desire to spend time for preparatory work and routine maintenance.
4. SUN JOE | Best Budget
Being manufactured by a reliable brand of outdoor power tools, this electric chipper shredder will efficiently reduce and recycle the majority of garden debris. It will handle up to 1.5-inch branches to turn it into natural fertilizer thanks to a powerful 15-Amp motor. The latter enables reaching the speed of up to 4,300 RPM which is enough to enhance the efficiency when working with materials of different thicknesses and weights. The on/off switch of this unit makes the starting process quick and effortless.
The upper hopper is equipped with a safety locking knob to prevent the motor from running when opened. The convenience of operation is also ensured by the compact and lightweight design, as well as 6-inch wheels with a standing frame for better stability.
Features
- Power source: electric corded
- Chipping diameter (in): 1.5
- Weight (lbs): 26.2
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 19.7 x 17.3 x 37.8
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This is the most compact and budget-friendly electric model from our list designed to efficiently fulfill light-duty jobs on smaller territories.
FAQ
How does a chipper shredder work?
Branches, leaves and other garden debris are processed in a chipper shredder in the following way:
- raw materials are charged through a funnel
- then debris goes through a cutting mechanism driven by a motor/engine and shredded into chips or mulch
- materials processed fall in a special container downwards.
Then cut debris are frequently used as compost for soil fertility improvement.
How to use a chipper shredder safely?
In general a chipper shredder is a quite simple device; however its improper use may cause dangerous situations. Thus, before the start-up you should carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions and safe operating rules.
While working with a chipper shredder take special care that no hard objects come into the cutting mechanism. You should be even more careful when feeding material into a charging hopper. You must never try to release stuck branches if a chipper shredder is in operation. Many manufacturers offer their products with special tamper tools to avoid any physical contact with a cutting system. Beside, you shouldn’t forget about safety goggles, gloves, and ear protection in case if you run a gas-powered model.
While working with an electric unit, check the integrity of its electrical insulation and other current-conducting elements. Flammable materials should be handled observing special precautions when running a gas chipper shredder.
How to sharpen chipper shredder blades?
A cutting mechanism is one of the main units of a chipper shredder. And its condition influences on the speed and quality of the cutting process. In order to get a desired quality of mulch or compost, you should ensure that blades are sharpened in an appropriate way.
Actually, you can sharpen it by yourself. For this purpose, you should use an electric grinder. While using the latter, observe a sharpening angle and its uniformity. Any deviation may lead to impairment of cutting properties. Besides, its unevenness may cause vibrations and jerking. Thus, the best sharpening result can be achieved at special machines with a laser angle indicator. Overall, if after sharpening of a cutting blade, there’s still unevenness, then this blade must be replaced by a new one.
Benefits
A modern chipper shredder will grant you an opportunity to solve several gardening or landscaping issues in a row, such as the following:
- The territory of your garden or yard will be always cleaned and maintained
- You will be able to make high-quality natural mulch or compost
- Saving – it won’t be necessary to spend money on debris disposal or mulch purchase
- Finally, you will be able to use the entire space of your territory, as no branches or piles of leaves will hoard it.
Trusted brands
There are plenty of manufacturers of chipper shredders on the global market offering different products for domestic and professional applications. However, we’ve prepared a list of reliable brands having a broad selection of relevant advanced products.
Bosch – a globally recognized brand that offers several highly demanded electric shredders for gardening enthusiasts and professional landscapers. Their products feature different power ratings, but the innovative turbine cutting mechanism is their outstanding feature. Besides, all models are equipped with a unique intake system which considerably speeds up the cutting process. Overall, the Bosch products feature the German high quality, convenience in operation, great performance and safety.
Sun+Snow Joe - the U.S.-based company which was found in 2004 as a manufacturer of snow blowers. Nowadays, the company offers a wide range of outdoor equipment for various purposes and seasons. In particular, they have a large selection of pressure washers, hedge trimmers, air compressors, leaf blowers, chipper shredders, etc. The company’s line of electric wood chippers and log splitters would satisfy even the most challenging needs. The chipper shredders from Sun Joe are a great combination of extreme power and unmatched prices.
Black&Decker – another well-known U.S. brand that manufactures a vast variety of outdoor equipment including garden and lawn tools. Most of their products are designed for domestic purposes featuring outstanding capacity and reliability. In particular, their chipper shredders will be most suitable for light-duty jobs on smaller holdings. More than that, the products are offered at quite reasonable prices.
Earthquake – belongs to Ardisam, manufacturer of power tools since 1991, which is located in Wisconsin. They are widely known within the U.S. for the broad selection of gas-powered chipper shredders. Their products are distinguished by compactness featuring, at the same time, competitive power and efficiency. Their easy-to-start system and rugged design enhance the user-friendliness and reliability of the machines, thus granting extra comfort during operation.
