10 Best Electric Wood Planers 2026 in the United States

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.

The Makita XPK01Z 18V cordless wood planer is a solid choice if you need a lightweight and portable tool for moderate planing jobs. It offers a respectable cutting width of 3-1/4 inches and can shave wood up to 5/64 inches deep in a single pass, which is good for smoothing and shaping wood quickly. The double-edged carbide blades are durable and deliver clean, smooth finishes, helping you avoid rough patches. Weighing only 7.4 pounds, it balances power and portability well, making it easier to handle for longer periods without fatigue. The 14,000 RPM motor ensures efficient stock removal, so you won’t need to make too many passes.

The depth adjustment knob is straightforward and allows precise control over the cutting depth with clear markings, which is a helpful feature for accuracy. However, one downside is that it comes as a bare tool only, meaning you need to have a compatible 18V Makita battery and charger, which adds to the overall cost if you don’t already own these. Additionally, the planer lacks an integrated dust collection system, so you might find wood shavings spreading around your work area, requiring extra cleanup.

Ergonomically, the planer’s design is simple and comfortable enough for most users, but it doesn’t offer extra grip features some might prefer. This model is well-suited for hobbyists and DIYers who want a cordless planer for light to medium woodworking tasks and value ease of use and portability. For professional users or those needing heavy-duty continuous use, a corded planer with stronger dust control might be more appropriate.

The DEWALT 20V MAX Planer (model DCP580B) is equipped with a brushless motor, which offers enhanced power and runtime. It boasts an impressive 30,000 cuts per minute, ensuring quick material removal. With a maximum cutting depth of 2 millimeters (5/64 inches) and a precise depth adjustment knob, it provides accurate and adjustable cutting.

The planer's front and back aluminum shoes are precision-machined for consistent parallel cuts, and it includes a groove for edge chamfering. The Poly-V drive belt adds to its durability, making it a robust tool for various woodworking tasks. Additionally, the ergonomically designed handle reduces user fatigue, making it comfortable for prolonged use. The kickstand is a thoughtful feature, preventing material damage when the planer is not in use.

Weighing 7.4 pounds, it is relatively portable and easy to handle. However, it’s important to note that this model is a bare tool, meaning batteries are not included, which could be an added expense for new users. While it does not mention a dust collection system, users looking for a powerful, precise, and comfortable planer will likely find this model a good fit for their needs.