Having the right tool for the job is the biggest step. If you’re new to the world of electric hand planers, everything might seem pretty confusing. Any tool listing seems to have a million different figures and terms that you don’t understand.
If you’re in the market for a new power planer, you’re in luck. We put together a comprehensive list of 7 of the best electric hand planers on the market in 2021. We’ll also cover some important features that you need to shop for before introducing our list. Let’s get started.
Best Electric Hand Planer Picks!
Features to Consider Before Buying an Electric Planer
If you’re not sure what to look for, it’s easy to pick up the wrong electric planer. To help you avoid wasting time and money, let’s review some features to consider before buying an electric planer.
Keep in mind which of these features matter to you, personally. It might help you make your decision as we talk about the 7 best electric hand planers in a later section.
The Price
The price might be the most important factor for many people. On our personal list, the prices range from around $65 to $230. That’s a pretty wide range, to say the least.
Why does it range so much? It’s all thanks to the other features listed below. If you’re buying a simple electric hand planer for occasional use, maybe it’s better to aim for the lower end of the price spectrum.
Motor Power
All of these planers are driven with an electric motor. The motor spins the blades which ultimately make the cut.
More powerful motors can work through harder and thicker material. Undersized motors will create shotty cuts and leave a less-than-perfect final face.
Cutting Depth
The cutting depth is the maximum amount that can be cut from a single pass of your power planer. Typically, more powerful motors also feature a deeper cutting depth.
A shallower cutting depth means you’ll have to make multiple passes to get the same depth offered by more expensive options.
Max Cutting Width
Not only is there a max depth, but there’s also a max width. This is the length of the blades.
This figure will tell you how wide of a pass you can make with the tool. A 3-1/2” width means you can cut a 2×4 in a single pass.
Corded or Cordless
The two big buying options for electric hand planers are corded or cordless. Cordless power planers use a battery pack. Corded ones need to be plugged into an electrical wall outlet the whole time that you want to use them.
If you’re working on remote sites, we would suggest a cordless option. If this tool is going in your woodshop and/ or you have an extension cord, a corded option will be perfect.
Keep in mind, cordless options are more expensive if you factor in the battery and replacement batteries.
For the sake of comfort, price, and functionality, we’re going to stick with corded options for this list. Plus, the everyday user should have an outlet they can plug right into.
Holding Comfort
For bigger projects, you could be holding and using a planer for hours on end. If you choose a more comfortable power planer, your wrists and hands will be thanking you later.
It might seem silly, but a comfortable grip means a lot when it comes to your planer. It’s less significant if you’re just getting it for quick, easy projects, but it’s still worth a thought.
Weight
The weight is another feature to consider for planers that you plan on using for extended periods of time. Cordless power planers are always heavier than their cordless counterparts.
Heavier tools will fatigue you quicker and will lead to a more uncomfortable project. Getting a lightweight tool means you can work for longer without taking a break.
The Blades*
We have an asterisk on this feature because we’re a little torn. The blades are a big deal, but it’s really easy to replace or substitute them out.
If you didn’t know, every hand planer comes with a certain set of blades pre-installed. The blades are responsible for doing all the cutting.
At the same time, it’s incredibly easy to swap out blades in your tool. It might only take you a few seconds. If the pre-installed blades are less than desirable, a few bucks will get you a nice set of blades that you can install yourself.
Build Quality
Finally, you’ll want to consider the final build quality of the tool. Cheaper tools will feel, well, cheaper.
Poor build quality could mean a worse final cut, the tool breaking down quicker, and the need to replace the tool sooner.
Different brands are synonymous with different qualities of construction. We’ll speak to that as we introduce the tools in our lineup.
Let’s take a closer look at each model electric hand planer …
1. Makita KP0810 7.5-Amp Hand Planer: Best Overall
Features:
- Motor power: 7.5 amp
- Maximum cutting depth: 5/32”
- Maximum cutting width: 3-1/4”
- Corded
- Weight: 7.3lbs
Tool review:
Let’s start with the strongest contender in this category: Makita’s KP0810. If you didn’t know, Makita is a Japanese-based company that cranks out some really impressive tools. Their build quality is impressive, and this power planer is built to go the distance.
It has a trigger lock that will keep the tool running without the need to hold the trigger the whole time. The rubber grip on the handle and knob and the overall weight make this tool easy and comfortable to use for a whole day.
It also has a chip ejection port on both sides of the tool. What does this mean? You can vary your stance and cut on either side of the tool.
The price is the highest on this list, but the tool is also the best (in our opinion). It will do everything you need it to, and more.
Pros:
- Pretty powerful motor
- Deepest cutting depth
- Very lightweight
- A ton of added features
- Very strong performance and balance
- Best option (in our opinion)
Cons:
- Most expensive option
2. WEN 6534 Hand Planer: Most Powerful
Features:
- Motor power: 8 amp
- Maximum cutting depth: 1/8”
- Maximum cutting width: 4-3/8”
- Corded
- Weight: 11.5 lbs
Tool review:
On the opposite end of the spectrum as the Makita is this WEN. WEN is a name that’s known for budget options of different tools that are equally viable. This power planer packs a big punch in a low-cost package.
The motor is powerful, and the max cut is impressive.
Since this is the budget option, you should understand that the tool doesn’t have the best manufacturing quality. It feels cheap in your hand and it’s a little uncomfortable to hold.
Still, this tool is nothing to shake a stick at. It also has a dual-side chip port so you can decide which direction you want to cut from.
This tool is probably selling for half the price that it deserves to be sold at. We think it’s an impressive piece of machinery. You’re not sacrificing a ton in order to save over a hundred dollars.
Pros:
- Best price
- Most powerful motor
- Widest cutting width
Cons:
- Pretty heavy
- Manufacturing quality isn’t great
- Tool chatter takes some getting used to
3. DEWALT Hand Planer, 7-Amp, 3-1/4-Inch (DW680K): Best Quality
Features:
- Motor power: 7 amp
- Maximum cutting depth: 3/32”
- Maximum cutting width: 3-1/4”
- Corded
- Weight: 11.8 lbs
Tool review:
When you see a yellow and black tool, you know that you made a good choice. DeWalt has made a name for themselves by selling high-quality, long-lasting, powerful tools.
This tool comes with a hard plastic carrying case, and it’s actually the only tool on this list to do so.
The handle is a little bulky and the tool’s weight is noticeable. Still, the holding position is comfortable and ergonomic.
The thing we really like about this tool is the accuracy. There’s very little tool chatter and this planer has a lot of precision in the manufacturing. The combination of these facts means that your final cut is smooth, mar-free, and very professional-looking.
The blades are easy to swap out, but we like the ones that come in the package.
The chip outlet is on the right, so this is better for right-handed users.
At the end of the day, this DeWalt offers the best quality on the list. This takes into account the blades and the tool itself.
Pros:
- Professional hard plastic carrying case
- Highest-quality option
- Best surface finish after a cut
Cons:
- Pretty expensive
- Handle feels a little bulky
- Heaviest option on our list
4. Porter-Cable PC60THP 6-Amp Hand Planer: Best Budget
Features:
- Motor power: 6 amp
- Maximum cutting depth: 5/64”
- Maximum cutting width: 3-1/4”
- Corded
- Weight: 8.4 lbs
Tool review:
The PC60THP from Porter-Cable is worth looking at. It’s easily the most comfortable option on this list, and you’ll immediately notice that once you pick it up.
For one, it has a dual-side dust port so you can choose whichever stance is most comfortable. The handle and depth knob have a generous amount of rubber coating them. Both are also ergonomic and fit well in your hand.
The weight is very light and the tool almost glides along the material underneath it. All of these factors combine to create a comfortable experience.
Admittedly, the motor is underpowered and the cutting depth is one of the worst on this list. This isn’t the right tool if you’re looking for heavy-duty projects.
However, the tool is comfortable enough to use for a full day without getting tired of it.
In this tool, Porter-Cable sacrificed power in the name of a lower price and higher comfort.
Pros:
- Great price
- Incredibly comfortable
- Good for light-duty work
Cons:
- Poor cutting depth
- Underpowered
5. Ryobi HPL52K 6 Amp, 3 1/4″: Best Well-Rounded Option
Features:
- Motor power: 6 amp
- Maximum cutting depth: 1/8”
- Maximum cutting width: 3-1/4”
- Corded
- Weight: 7 lbs
Tool review:
Ryobi is another Japanese-made tool company that focuses on build quality. You can always spot them from their lime green coloring.
If you look at the all-around usability of the different planers, this one checks the most boxes. It’s the middle-of-the-road champion as far as we’re concerned. The price, usability, comfort, and features are all impressive. None of them are the best overall, but none of them are lacking, either.
It has a trigger toggle, dual-chip ports, and a ton of rubber on the knob and handle. There’s a kickstand at the rear so you won’t scuff your work surface.
The cutting depth is good, although the power is a little weak. The smaller motor means that the tool can be lighter weight. This lends itself to a more comfortable experience as you use it.
Pros:
- Performs well in every category
- Very lightweight
- Comfortable
- Great build quality
- Good features added in
Cons:
- Underpowered
- Doesn’t outperform other tools in any given category
6. CRAFTSMAN CMEW300 6-Amp 5/64-Inch: Best Bang for Your Buck
Features:
- Motor power: 6 amp
- Maximum cutting depth: 5/64”
- Maximum cutting width: 3-1/4”
- Corded
- Weight: 7.8 lbs
Tool review:
If you’re looking for a Porter-Cable with more functionality and features, you’ll want a Craftsman. The CMEW300 is another corded option that adds extra quality to the Porter-Cable we reviewed earlier.
On paper, the two tools are very similar. They have the same cutting depth, motor power, and max cutting width. This option, however, is lighter weight, more comfortable, and feels more professional.
The 11-1/2” cast aluminum shoe makes this tool feel very sturdy and stable as you make each pass. There are dual-chip ports so you can cut on either side of the piece.
The overmolded rubber on the handle and knob add a level of comfort that you’ll appreciate. In fact, there’s not a lot that we dislike about this tool.
The only thing we can’t stand is the blades that come with the tool. We would suggest buying a better set of 3-1/4” blades and changing them before firing up the planer for the first time.
Pros:
- Tool feels stable and sturdy
- Very comfortable grips
- Lightweight
- Great price
Cons:
- Underpowered motor
- Poor cutting depth
- Pre-installed blades are junk
7. Bosch PL1632 6.5 Amp Planer, 3-1/4″: Best Kit
Features:
- Motor power: 6.5 amp
- Maximum cutting depth: 1/16”
- Maximum cutting width: 3-1/4”
- Corded
- Weight: 6.3 lbs
Tool review:
Bosch tools are typically high-quality and very functional. We appreciate the PL1632 and we think you might, too.
This option that we’re looking at isn’t the tool by itself, it’s a full kit. It comes with three fences, extra blades, a carrying case, shavings bag, the tool, and a set of wrenches to change the blades.
This kit sets you up with everything you need. If this is the first power planer you’re buying, it’s hard to describe the value of such a kit.
For the price, it’s impossible to find another kit that offers as much. The tool itself is impressive. The motor is more powerful than its 6-amp brothers, but the cutting depth is the lowest on this list.
What the tool lacks in depth, it makes up for in overall performance. The tool feels really strong as you use it. The balance feels really nice as you plane a piece.
Pros:
- Comes with everything you need
- Tool is impressive
- Lightest option on our list
- Balance and performance are strong
Cons:
- A little pricier (since so much is included)
- Cutting depth is poor
Conclusion
At this point, you should have a good idea of which electric hand planer is perfect for you. You can’t go wrong with any of the options on our list, but we understand that each tool appeals to a certain person.
If you want more tool guides, reviews, and instructional, explore the rest of our blog. Our experts have the knowledge you need so you can have the best woodworking experience.
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