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10 Best Electric Wood Planers 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,402
Power
Cutting Depth
Blade Type and Quality

Most important from
7489 reviews

Power
Its powerful motor effortlessly pulls boards through, providing consistent thickness and precision for a variety of hardwoods and softwoods.
Cutting Depth
The planer’s two-speed gearbox offers flexibility between faster rough cuts and finer finishes, accommodating different woodworking needs.
Blade Type and Quality
Users appreciate the included extra set of knives, especially given the stock blades' tendency to dull relatively quickly during heavy use.
Weight and Portability
The planer is heavy and stable, ideal for a fixed workshop rather than portability, reflecting its robust build and aluminum base.
Dust Collection
The fan-assisted chip ejection system throws chips far enough that a simple hose and bucket setup suffices for dust collection without needing a vacuum.
Ergonomics and Comfort
The planer delivers an incredibly smooth finish, transforming even previously planed wood into butter-smooth surfaces on the very first pass.

The DEWALT DW735X is a powerful and precise benchtop thickness planer designed for woodworking enthusiasts and professionals who need to handle larger pieces of wood efficiently. With a strong 15 amp motor spinning the cutterhead at 20,000 RPM, it easily manages wider materials up to 13 inches across and cuts to a maximum depth of 0.13 inches per pass. The three-knife cutter head is a standout feature, offering longer knife life and quicker blade changes, which means less downtime and consistent smooth finishes. The two-speed gearbox helps you choose between finer or faster cuts depending on your project needs.

Weighing in at 102 pounds with a rigid aluminum base, it’s stable and durable but not very portable, making it best suited for a fixed workshop setup rather than frequent relocation. Dust collection is thoughtfully handled with a fan-assisted chip ejection system and a dust hose adapter, which keeps your workspace cleaner and reduces clogging. Comfort-wise, the automatic carriage lock helps prevent common issues like snipe (those unwanted dips at the start or end of a board), and the large, easy-to-read thickness scale and depth-stop make adjusting for repeated cuts straightforward. It also comes with infeed and outfeed tables, enhancing support for longer boards.

Some users might find the size and weight limiting if space or mobility is a concern. For those seeking a robust, accurate planer for regular use in a home or small professional workshop, the DEWALT DW735X offers a dependable balance of power, precision, and thoughtfully designed features.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,402
Power
Cutting Depth
Blade Type and Quality

Most important from
7489 reviews

Power
Its powerful motor effortlessly pulls boards through, providing consistent thickness and precision for a variety of hardwoods and softwoods.
Cutting Depth
The planer’s two-speed gearbox offers flexibility between faster rough cuts and finer finishes, accommodating different woodworking needs.
Blade Type and Quality
Users appreciate the included extra set of knives, especially given the stock blades' tendency to dull relatively quickly during heavy use.
Weight and Portability
The planer is heavy and stable, ideal for a fixed workshop rather than portability, reflecting its robust build and aluminum base.
Dust Collection
The fan-assisted chip ejection system throws chips far enough that a simple hose and bucket setup suffices for dust collection without needing a vacuum.
Ergonomics and Comfort
The planer delivers an incredibly smooth finish, transforming even previously planed wood into butter-smooth surfaces on the very first pass.
#2

JET 13-Inch Benchtop Thickness Planer for Woodworking, Helical Style Cutterhead with 2-Speed (18 FPM / 26 FPM) Feed Rate, 2 HP, 120V 1Ph (JWP-13BT)

The JET 13-Inch Benchtop Thickness Planer is a solid choice for woodworking enthusiasts who need reliable, precise wood thicknessing. Its 2-horsepower motor and 10,000 RPM helical cutterhead with multiple high-speed steel inserts provide smooth, quiet cuts while reducing tear-out. The 13-inch wide planing capacity and maximum cutting depth of 1/8 inch allow you to handle a variety of board sizes with good control. The cast iron bed and steel cover add stability, helping keep boards flat and minimizing snipe. Its adjustable folding infeed and outfeed tables save space and make it easier to feed wood in and out comfortably.

Weighing 75 pounds, it’s sturdy but still movable if needed. The planer includes a dust hood to connect to a dust collector, helping keep your workspace cleaner, though some users may want to add a more powerful dust collection system for heavy use. The adjustable depth stop is handy for making consistent cuts, which benefits repeat projects. On the downside, while the planer is fairly user-friendly, its size and weight mean it isn’t as portable as smaller handheld models, so it’s best suited for a dedicated woodworking area. Also, it operates on standard 115 volts, which is fine for most home shops but might limit performance in very heavy-duty applications.

With a 5-year warranty for typical use, it provides good value and durability. If you’re looking for a dependable benchtop planer that balances power, precision, and build quality, this JET model fits well into most woodworking setups.

#3

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

Rating
8.2
Cutting Depth
Blade Type and Quality
Dust Collection

Most important from
726 reviews

Cutting Depth
Ideal for planing rough cut cedar, transforming it into attractive, smooth lumber with ease.
Blade Type and Quality
The high speed steel cutter blades are durable but swapping to carbide blades can extend their lifespan.
Dust Collection
Hooking up to a shop vac is essential to manage the substantial sawdust produced.

The WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer is a powerful and efficient tool suitable for woodworkers looking for precision and quality. With a robust 15-amp motor, it generates 10,000 RPM, ensuring smooth and consistent operation. The spiral cutterhead with 26 staggered and rotatable HSS blades provides a clean and smooth finish, enhancing the quality of your work.

The onboard material removal gauge is a handy feature, enabling users to monitor the cutting depth of each pass, which can go up to 6 inches thick and 13 inches wide, accommodating a variety of boards. Made from durable cast iron, the planer weighs 36.74 kilograms, which might be a drawback for those seeking portability, as it's relatively heavy. However, its sturdy build contributes to stability during operation.

In terms of ergonomics and comfort, the design appears straightforward, but users may need to consider their own workspace setup to ensure ease of use. This planer is ideal for serious woodworkers who prioritize high-quality finishes and robust performance over portability.

Rating
8.2
Cutting Depth
Blade Type and Quality
Dust Collection

Most important from
726 reviews

Cutting Depth
Ideal for planing rough cut cedar, transforming it into attractive, smooth lumber with ease.
Blade Type and Quality
The high speed steel cutter blades are durable but swapping to carbide blades can extend their lifespan.
Dust Collection
Hooking up to a shop vac is essential to manage the substantial sawdust produced.

Buying Guide for the Best Electric Wood Planers

Choosing the right electric wood planer can make a significant difference in the quality and efficiency of your woodworking projects. Electric wood planers are essential tools for smoothing and flattening wood surfaces, and they come in various types and sizes to suit different needs. To find the best fit for you, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they relate to your specific requirements. Here are the main specs to consider when selecting an electric wood planer.
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 and softwoods, a planer with 5-7 amps (corded) or 18-20 volts (cordless) should suffice. For heavy-duty tasks and hardwoods, look for planers with 8-10 amps or more. Choose based on the type of wood and the scale of your projects.
Cutting DepthCutting depth refers to how much material the planer can remove in a single pass. This is important for determining how quickly you can achieve the desired thickness. 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. Consider the precision required for your work when choosing the cutting depth.
Planing WidthPlaning width is the maximum width of the wood that the planer can handle in one pass. Common planing widths range from 3 to 6 inches. If you frequently work with wider boards, a planer with a larger planing width will be more efficient. For smaller, more detailed projects, a narrower planing width may be sufficient. Match the planing width to the typical size of the wood pieces you work with.
Blade Type and QualityThe type and quality of the blades affect the smoothness of the finish and the durability of the planer. High-speed steel (HSS) blades are common and suitable for most tasks, but carbide blades are more durable and stay sharp longer, making them ideal for heavy use. Consider the frequency and intensity of your work to decide between HSS and carbide blades. Additionally, check if the blades are easily replaceable or resharpenable.
Weight and PortabilityThe weight of the planer affects its portability and ease of use. Lighter planers (5-10 pounds) are easier to maneuver and suitable for smaller projects or on-site work. Heavier planers (10-20 pounds) offer more stability and are better for stationary use in a workshop. Consider where and how you will use the planer to determine the ideal weight for your needs.
Dust CollectionDust collection is crucial for maintaining a clean workspace and ensuring your health and safety. Some planers come with built-in dust collection systems or ports for attaching a vacuum. Effective dust collection reduces cleanup time and improves visibility while working. If you work indoors or in a small space, prioritize planers with efficient dust collection features.
Ergonomics and ComfortErgonomics and comfort are important for reducing fatigue during extended use. Look for planers with comfortable handles, well-balanced designs, and easy-to-reach controls. Features like adjustable handles and vibration reduction can enhance comfort. If you plan to use the planer for long periods, prioritize models with ergonomic designs to minimize strain.

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