If you've got a tree-lined property, a wood chipper turns the annual fallen-branch problem into a free supply of mulch. Domestic-grade chippers handle branches up to 75 mm comfortably — anything thicker and you're looking at commercial gear. We've put these through their paces on hardwood and softwood prunings; here's what survived.
Our team’s top picks
Sun Joe CJ603E 15-Amp Electric Chipper
- 1.7" cutting capacity, 15-amp motor
- Light enough to wheel into the back yard
- Reverse and lock
- Honest electric workhorse
Worx WG430 Electric Chipper
- 13-amp motor, 1.75" capacity
- Compact, easy storage
- Plunger included for pushing material
- Quiet for an electric
DR Power 4" PRO Wood Chipper
- 14HP petrol engine
- 4" cutting capacity
- Self-feeding hopper
- Built for repeated session use
Bosch AXT 25 TC Quiet Shredder
- Turbine cutting system, very quiet
- 17 mm cutting capacity for green material
- Plug-in mains power
- For small green prunings, not branches
Brush Master 6.5HP Wood Chipper
- 3" cutting capacity
- Petrol — go anywhere
- Aggressive value for the spec
- Solid for occasional rural use
What to look for in a wood chipper for branches
- Cutting capacity ratings are optimistic — buy one rated 15 mm above your real-world need.
- Electric chippers are quieter and lighter; petrol chippers handle larger branches and longer sessions.
- A reverse function is essential — every chipper jams eventually.
- Look for self-feeding hopper geometry; you want the machine pulling branches in, not you pushing them.
- Always wear safety glasses, gloves and ear muffs. Wood chips travel further than you expect.
Frequently asked questions
Electric or petrol chipper?
Electric for branches under 40 mm and weekly garden tidies — quieter, cleaner, and you're likely operating near the house anyway. Petrol for branches over 50 mm or remote use.
Why does my chipper keep jamming?
Almost always because the branches are too forked, too wet, or too soft (privet, willow). Trim side branches off before feeding, and let very wet material dry a couple of days.
Can I chip leaves and grass clippings?
Most chippers handle dry leaves but choke on damp grass. A dedicated leaf-shredder (or a lawn mower bag) is better for soft material.
How thick a branch can a domestic chipper handle?
Most home electric models top out at 40–45 mm. Mid-range petrol handles 75 mm. Anything thicker — buy a chainsaw and a maul.
Bottom line
If you only take one thing from this guide, it is that quality matters more than spec on paper. The picks above have been chosen because our team uses them or trusts them — not because they are the most expensive or have the flashiest marketing. Buy once, garden often.
