We researched and tested dozens of models, evaluating ease of use, safety features, and overall value. Our top recommendation, the Great CircleUSA Heavy Duty Wood Chipper Shredder, has an excellent reduction rate, is easy to use, and comes with an attachable vacuum for mulching. We want to emphasize strongly that when operating a chipper shredder, it is vital to wear safety goggles and ear protection—prolonged exposure to a typical 100+db output can damage your hearing—and follow all safety precautions. Also, never try to dislodge blockages while the machine is running. This chipper shredder boasts a 15:1 reduction rate, meaning it can transform 15 bags of lawn waste into one bag of mulch. As a safety note: This product should not be used for pine cones, palm fronds, vines, or fresh greens. For added convenience, this wood chipper shredder comes with attachments to add a leaf blower, or to tow it across larger yards with a lawnmower, ATV, or other method of transportation. While assembly isn’t complicated, the instructions may be challenging to follow. But this option but offers a level of efficiency that makes the price tag worth it. Price at time of publish: $685 After a quick assembly and connection to an electrical outlet, the chipper is ready to go. It handles limbs and twigs up to 1.5 inches, but you need to carefully feed them into the top hopper, using the included paddle. The wood comes out the perfect size for mulching around plants and shrubs. Leaves also feed through quickly, but they do not shred very finely. If you like them to almost disappear, this model cannot produce that result. There is no collection bag, which makes moving the mulch to the desired area more difficult. Prepare to bring a wheelbarrow and shovel to finish the job. Price at time of publish: $149 We note that this chipper shredder has a difficult time handling wet leaves and green plant material. (Almost all chippers have this disadvantage.) However, it does an excellent job reducing dry yard waste to mulch with a 20:1 compression ratio. Dry leaves are shredded into very small pieces, ideal for compost or leaving on lawns. After every use, or midway during a day of use, take the time to carefully check all bolts and tighten them as needed. The vibration of any chipper during operation can cause bolts to loosen. Price at time of publish: $1,299 The chipper comes with a 10.5-gallon collection bin to catch the shredded matter and transport it to the compost bin or pile. Simply feed leaves and twigs into the hopper with the help of the tamper tool. The hopper opening is wider than other models for faster feeding. However, since the chipper is not extremely powerful, the reduction rate is only 10:1, leaving larger pieces of wood and leaves that may not be attractive as mulch, but still good for composting. Price at time of publish: $160 The machine is surprisingly powerful for a small electric chipper and can handle branches up to 1.5 inches in diameter. The two 7-inch blades produce a 17:1 reduction ratio in the collection bag. Backed by a two-year warranty, this is a good choice for small yards. Price at time of publish: $130 Attached to the side is a 7-foot flexible hose to suction leaves and small twigs from shrub beds and tight areas. Since there is no feeder chute for branches, it is best to pick them up before using the vacuum unless they are very small. Price at time of publish: $779 The 21:1 reduction ratio reduces piles of leaves into the perfect size for compost. The collection bin is large enough to keep production moving but not so large that you can’t lift and carry it easily. Assembly is required, but the instructions are quite clear. We like this chipper’s safety features; for example, it doesn’t run if the hopper is open. The large wheels make moving and storage a breeze. Price at time of publish: $200 While it’s not a lightweight machine, at a hefty 120 pounds, you can maneuver it all over your yard on its 12-inch pneumatic wheels. The package includes a garden waste bag, which attaches to the discharge port on one side of the machine. We’ve noted that the bag has a short life, possibly owing to the powerful thrust of the dispersal chute. Other downsides are the rather slow rate you can feed leaves into the hopper, and the machine’s complex assembly, although the user manual illustrations are very clear and easy to follow. The manufacturer offers a two-year warranty on the emissions-control system. Price at time of publish: $600
Capacity
This refers to the largest branch diameter the machine can handle. If you’re looking for a chipper to clean up twigs, a low-capacity machine is perfectly fine. However, if you want to chip thick branches, you need to spend more on a more professional model.
Reduction Ratio
The reduction ratio of a chipper/shredder is based on how many bags of debris it takes to create one bag of mulch. That is highly dependent on whether you are shredding leaves or chipping branches. A higher reduction ratio equals a more finely textured bag of mulch.
Yard Size
For small urban yards, an electric chipper shredder is usually needed to take care of small branches and leaves. For yards over half an acre, cleaning up after a large storm, or clearing areas for replanting, a large, gas-powered chipper shredder is recommended.
Vacuum Capabilities
If you are mainly concerned with shredding leaves, a chipper shredder with vacuum capabilities is a good choice. If a chipper shredder you’re interested in doesn’t include a vacuum attachment to suction leaves, you may be able to purchase a compatible kit. You also can opt for a style of machine that resembles a push lawn mower—it sucks up material or chips and bags twigs, leaves, and debris as you navigate it around your lawn. However, those models can’t handle larger branches.
Why Trust The Spruce?
For this round-up, Mary Marlowe Leverette talked with commercial tree services and homeowners, read reviews, and tested chipper shredders. Carefully evaluating each machine’s capacity, reduction ratio, power source, warranty, and durability, she has chosen the best type of chipper shredder for different yard sizes and gardening needs. Mary is a Master Gardener and has extensive personal and professional experience testing, reviewing, and writing about home and garden products. You can find more of her work on The Spruce.
