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10 Best Electric Planers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Makita 2012NB 12" Portable Planer

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,211
Power
Blade Type and Quality
Dust Collection

Most important from
761 reviews

Power
Despite its portability, the planer handles tough materials like Ipe with ease and continues to perform reliably.
Blade Type and Quality
Changing blades is straightforward and hassle-free, a significant improvement over other planers.
Dust Collection
While the dust collector port needs to be purchased separately, it's essential for managing the large volume of shavings produced.

The Makita 2012NB 12" Portable Planer is designed for those who need a reliable and portable planer for various woodworking projects. It's relatively lightweight at 28.07 kilograms, making it easier to transport to different job sites. This planer is quite powerful with 1650 watts of power and operates at a low noise level of 83dB, which is one of the quietest in its class, ensuring a more comfortable working environment.

It features a 4-post design with diagonal cross supports that provide stability during operation, and the large table extensions help support larger workpieces effectively. The planer offers a cutting width of 11.86 inches, allowing you to handle a variety of wood sizes. Additionally, the blade change system is designed to be the fastest and easiest on the market, using disposable double-edge blades, which can save you time and effort.

However, the planer is not without its drawbacks. While it is portable, some users may still find it heavy to carry frequently. The absence of an advanced dust collection system means you may need to manage dust manually, which can be a bit messy. Despite these minor issues, those who prioritize ease of transport, quiet operation, and straightforward blade changes will find this planer a valuable addition to their toolkit.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,211
Power
Blade Type and Quality
Dust Collection

Most important from
761 reviews

Power
Despite its portability, the planer handles tough materials like Ipe with ease and continues to perform reliably.
Blade Type and Quality
Changing blades is straightforward and hassle-free, a significant improvement over other planers.
Dust Collection
While the dust collector port needs to be purchased separately, it's essential for managing the large volume of shavings produced.
#2

DEWALT Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp, 12-1/2-Inch, 3-Knife Cutter, 20,000 RPM, Corded (DW734)

Rating
9.7
Power
Cutting Depth
Blade Type and Quality

Most important from
2719 reviews

Power
The powerful motor handles even the toughest hardwoods without missing a beat.
Cutting Depth
Initial results are excellent, providing glass-smooth surfaces on various hardwoods like White Oak, Poplar, and Red Oak.
Blade Type and Quality
Knife changes are straightforward, and the reversible knives significantly extend their lifespan.
Weight and Ergonomics
The planer is notably heavy, but this weight contributes to its stability and performance.
Dust Collection
Dust collection could use improvement, requiring periodic checks and cleaning.

The DEWALT Benchtop Planer (DW734) is a robust electric planer with a powerful 15-amp motor capable of 20,000 RPM, making it suitable for handling larger and deeper cuts in hardwoods. The three-knife cutter head operating at 10,000 RPM ensures a smooth finish with 96 cuts per inch, which is among the best for portable planers. The disposable and reversible knives extend the knife life by 30% and make replacements quick and easy. Additionally, the four-column carriage lock minimizes snipe by reducing movement during operation.

The extra-long infeed and outfeed tables provide ample support for materials, enhancing the planer's stability and accuracy. The material removal gauge and large thickness scale help achieve precise cuts consistently, while the turret depth stop allows for quick returns to frequently used depths. However, its significant weight of 36.29 kilograms (approximately 80 pounds) might be cumbersome for some users when moving it around.

While the planer includes a dust hood, the dust collection may still require improvement, as with many planers in its class. The DEWALT DW734 is ideal for woodworkers who need a powerful, precise, and durable planer for professional or heavy-duty use, but it may be less convenient for those who frequently need to transport their tools. It also comes with a three-year limited warranty, underscoring its reliability. Despite its few drawbacks, this planer remains a top choice in its category.

Rating
9.7
Power
Cutting Depth
Blade Type and Quality

Most important from
2719 reviews

Power
The powerful motor handles even the toughest hardwoods without missing a beat.
Cutting Depth
Initial results are excellent, providing glass-smooth surfaces on various hardwoods like White Oak, Poplar, and Red Oak.
Blade Type and Quality
Knife changes are straightforward, and the reversible knives significantly extend their lifespan.
Weight and Ergonomics
The planer is notably heavy, but this weight contributes to its stability and performance.
Dust Collection
Dust collection could use improvement, requiring periodic checks and cleaning.
#3

WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer

Rating
9.7
Cutting Depth
Blade Type and Quality
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
967 reviews

Cutting Depth
Setting up measurement and adjustment is easy, allowing precise control over the cutting depth.
Blade Type and Quality
The spiral cutterhead stays sharper longer, providing consistent planing without issues.
Weight and Ergonomics
Operation is straightforward and even a newbie can start putting out good results with this planer.

The WEN PL1326 is a powerful benchtop thickness planer with a 15-amp motor that produces 10,000 RPM, making it highly effective for heavy-duty planing tasks. It features a spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered and rotatable HSS blades, which ensures a smooth and clean finish on the material.

Users can plane boards up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide, providing versatility for various woodworking projects. The onboard material removal gauge is a helpful feature that informs users about the cutting depth of each pass, allowing for precise adjustments. At 36.74 kilograms, the weight of this planer contributes to its stability during operation but may be challenging to move around for some users.

The cast iron material enhances its durability, promising long-term use. However, the planer only operates at one speed, which might limit its flexibility in handling different types of wood. Users looking for a robust and reliable planer for substantial woodworking projects will find the WEN PL1326 to be a strong contender, though they should be mindful of its weight and single-speed limitation.

Rating
9.7
Cutting Depth
Blade Type and Quality
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
967 reviews

Cutting Depth
Setting up measurement and adjustment is easy, allowing precise control over the cutting depth.
Blade Type and Quality
The spiral cutterhead stays sharper longer, providing consistent planing without issues.
Weight and Ergonomics
Operation is straightforward and even a newbie can start putting out good results with this planer.

Buying Guide for the Best Electric Planers

Choosing the right electric planer can make a significant difference in the quality and efficiency of your woodworking projects. Electric planers are used to smooth and flatten wood surfaces, and they come in various sizes and with different features. To find the best fit for your needs, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they relate to your specific requirements.
PowerPower is measured in amps for corded planers and volts for cordless ones. Higher power means the planer can handle tougher materials and larger projects more efficiently. For light-duty tasks, a planer with 5-7 amps (corded) or 18-20 volts (cordless) should suffice. For more demanding jobs, look for planers with 8-10 amps or higher. Consider the type of wood and the scale of your projects when choosing the power level.
Cutting DepthCutting depth refers to how much material the planer can remove in a single pass. This is important for achieving the desired smoothness and flatness quickly. Planers typically offer cutting depths ranging from 1/16 inch to 1/8 inch. For fine, detailed work, a smaller cutting depth is preferable. For larger, rougher projects, a greater cutting depth will save time and effort. Choose a planer with adjustable cutting depth to give you flexibility for different tasks.
Blade Type and QualityThe type and quality of blades affect the finish and durability of the planer. High-speed steel (HSS) blades are common and suitable for softwoods, while carbide blades are more durable and better for hardwoods. Some planers come with double-edged blades that can be reversed for extended use. Consider the types of wood you will be working with and the importance of blade longevity when selecting a planer.
Planing WidthPlaning width is the maximum width of material the planer can handle in one pass. Common widths range from 3 to 6 inches. For small, detailed work, a narrower width is sufficient. For larger boards or surfaces, a wider planing width will be more efficient. Match the planing width to the typical size of the materials you work with to ensure optimal performance.
Weight and ErgonomicsThe weight and ergonomics of the planer affect how comfortable and easy it is to use. Lighter planers are easier to maneuver, especially for extended periods, but may be less powerful. Heavier planers offer more stability and power but can be tiring to use. Look for a planer with a comfortable grip and well-balanced design to reduce fatigue and improve control. Consider your physical strength and the duration of your typical projects when evaluating weight and ergonomics.
Dust CollectionDust collection is crucial for maintaining a clean workspace and protecting your health. Planers with built-in dust collection systems or ports for attaching a vacuum can significantly reduce the amount of dust generated. Some models come with dust bags, while others require a separate vacuum attachment. If you work in a small or enclosed space, prioritize a planer with effective dust collection to keep your environment clean and safe.

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