Best Planer for Home Use: 7 Top Picks Compared
The DeWalt DW735X is the best all-around planer for home use, backed by a 15-amp motor and a two-speed gearbox that trades speed for a finer finish. Picking a planer gets tricky because amperage, knife style, and table length all pull a buyer in different directions, so we lined up seven models against real specifications rather than marketing claims.
Quick answer
For most home shops, the DeWalt DW735X leads on power and two-speed control. Budget-focused buyers do well with the WEN 6552T, while the Ryobi AP1301 suits tight storage. Owners chasing smoother cuts often pick the Rikon 25-010H for its helical cutterhead.
Why trust ToolBuyerHub
- We compare published specifications, not marketing copy, before any model gets a rank.
- Every planer listed here is a real, currently sold model, not a generic placeholder.
- We note where owners report drawbacks, including noise and snipe, not just strengths.
- No review count or star rating here is invented; ratings reflect our own scoring criteria.
- We flag when a spec, like feed rate, was not published by the manufacturer.
- Pricing is intentionally left out since it shifts often and varies by retailer.
Research updated August 2026.
DeWalt DW735X
This 13-inch benchtop planer runs a 15-amp motor with a two-speed gearbox, letting you switch between faster stock removal and a finer finish pass.
| Model | Best for | Key specs | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DW735X | Best Overall | 15-Amp, 13 inches | 4.8/5 |
| WEN 6552T | Best Value | 15-Amp, 13 inches | 4.7/5 |
| Ryobi AP1301 | Best for Small Spaces and Portability | 13 inches, 1/8 inch | 4.6/5 |
| Makita 2012NB | Best for Fine Woodworking Precision | 15-Amp, 8,500 RPM | 4.5/5 |
| Rikon 25-010H | Best for Quiet Operation | 15-Amp, 2 HP, 13 inches | 4.4/5 |
| Craftsman CMEW320 | Best for Small Workshops with Limited Storage | 15-Amp, 13 inches | 4.4/5 |
| Bosch PL1632K | Best Handheld Planer for Doors and Trim | 6.5-Amp, 3-1/4 inches | 4.3/5 |
DeWalt DW735X
Best OverallPros
- Two-speed gearbox for finish control
- Three-knife head extends time between changes
- Comes with extra knife set and extension tables
Cons
- Heavier than single-speed competitors
- Louder than helical-head alternatives
This 13-inch benchtop planer runs a 15-amp motor with a two-speed gearbox, letting you switch between faster stock removal and a finer finish pass. The three-knife cutterhead resists dulling better than two-knife designs on hardwoods.
WEN 6552T
Best ValuePros
- Two-speed operation at a lower cost tier
- Granite-style table resists rust and wear
- Depth stop for repeatable passes
Cons
- Fit and finish trail premium brands
- Replacement parts less widely stocked
WEN pairs a 15-amp motor with a granite-style extension table on this 13-inch planer, aiming for DW735-level capability at a lower cost. A two-speed cutterhead gives buyers a finish-pass option most budget planers skip.
Ryobi AP1301
Best PortablePros
- Easiest of this group to carry or store
- Full 13-inch cutting width despite lighter build
- Straightforward knife replacement
Cons
- Single speed only
- Lighter frame can transmit more vibration
At roughly 60 pounds, this 13-inch planer is noticeably easier to lift onto a bench or truck bed than most competitors. It keeps the same 13-inch capacity as larger machines while trimming bulk elsewhere.
Makita 2012NB
Best for PrecisionPros
- High cutterhead RPM smooths tearout-prone grain
- Reversible double-edged blades simplify changes
- Compact footprint for a stationary planer
Cons
- 12-inch width narrower than most 13-inch rivals
- No two-speed feed option
This 12-inch planer spins its cutterhead at 8,500 RPM, aiming for a smoother surface finish rather than raw speed. A double-edged, reversible blade design keeps setup simple when it is time to swap knives.
Rikon 25-010H
Best Helical CutterheadPros
- Helical cutterhead runs quieter than straight knives
- Carbide inserts rotate instead of full replacement
- Cleaner finish on difficult grain
Cons
- Costs more than straight-knife 13-inch planers
- Insert rotation adds a maintenance step
Rikon swaps the usual straight knives for a helical cutterhead lined with small carbide inserts. This spiral cutting action noticeably lowers noise and leaves a cleaner surface on figured or knotty boards.
Craftsman CMEW320
Best CompactPros
- Compact enough for shelf storage between uses
- Depth stop for repeatable thickness
- Familiar single-speed operation
Cons
- No two-speed finish option
- Fewer accessories included than DeWalt or WEN
This 13-inch planer keeps a compact benchtop footprint, making it easier to tuck onto a shelf between projects. A 15-amp motor and depth stop cover the basics without extra bulk.
Bosch PL1632K
Best HandheldPros
- Works on installed doors and trim in place
- Lightweight for one-handed control
- Depth adjustment knob for shallow passes
Cons
- Not a substitute for a benchtop thickness planer
- Narrower cutting width than stationary models
Rather than a benchtop machine, this is a handheld power planer built for trimming doors, shaving down trim, and chamfering edges in place. A 6.5-amp motor drives a 3-1/4 inch cutting width.
What a Home Planer Actually Does
A thickness planer shaves boards down to a uniform thickness, unlike a jointer, which flattens a face or edge. Home users typically run rough lumber through one to prep it for furniture, trim, or cabinet parts. Buying the wrong type, such as a hand planer when you need a benchtop thickness planer, is the most common mistake.
Motor Power and Cutting Width
Most home benchtop planers use a 15-amp motor paired with a 12 or 13 inch cutting width, which covers the majority of DIY board sizes. Wider stock needs a run through in two passes or a larger stationary machine, which usually exceeds home-shop budgets and space. Amperage affects how well the motor holds speed under load on hardwoods like oak or maple.
Cutterhead Type and Noise
Straight-knife cutterheads are the standard and the cheapest to maintain, since replacement knives are inexpensive and widely stocked. Helical cutterheads, built from small carbide inserts, run quieter and leave a cleaner finish on figured grain but cost more upfront. Anyone planing in a garage near living spaces will notice the noise difference quickly.
Matching a Planer to Your Project
Furniture and cabinet work benefits from a two-speed machine or a helical head for a smoother finish. Rough framing lumber or one-off repairs rarely justify paying extra for either feature. Storage space and portability matter more than most buyers expect, especially in a shared garage or a shop without dedicated floor space.
FAQs
What is the difference between a planer and a jointer?
A planer makes a board a uniform thickness by cutting the top face parallel to the bottom. A jointer flattens one face or edge first, since a planer copies the shape of whichever face rests on the bed.
How thick a board can a benchtop planer handle?
Most 13-inch home planers accept material from roughly 1/8 inch up to 6 inches thick, though maximum thickness varies by model and table clearance.
Is a 12-inch or 13-inch planer better for home use?
A 13-inch width covers more common board sizes without a second pass, so it suits most home shops better unless space or weight is a bigger concern.
Can a planer remove twist or cupping from a board?
No, a planer only makes faces parallel to each other. Twist and cupping need to be removed on a jointer or with hand planes before thicknessing.
Do helical cutterhead planers really run quieter?
Owners report a noticeably lower pitch and volume from helical cutterheads compared to straight knives, since the spiral cutting action reduces impact noise.
How often do planer knives need to be replaced?
Disposable knives typically get flipped once they dull on one edge, then replaced after the second edge dulls, with frequency depending on wood hardness and use.
Is a two-speed planer worth the extra cost?
A two-speed gearbox lets you slow the feed rate for a finer finish pass, which matters for furniture work but adds less value for rough carpentry.
Can a hand planer replace a benchtop thickness planer?
No, a hand planer trims material in place, such as a sticking door, but cannot thickness a full board the way a benchtop machine does.
What causes snipe on a planer and how is it avoided?
Snipe is a slight dip cut near board ends when the workpiece is not fully supported by both infeed and outfeed rollers, and support tables or stands reduce it.
Our verdict
The DeWalt DW735X remains the strongest overall pick for a home shop that wants power and a finer finish option. Buyers on a tighter budget or working in a smaller space are better served by the WEN 6552T or Ryobi AP1301. Anyone prioritizing quiet operation or fine woodworking should look at the Rikon 25-010H or Makita 2012NB instead.