The Eight Best Power Planers

After trying out 15 handheld power planers, our reviewer focuses on the eight best. He explains which features are most important and why, then evaluates each planer accordingly. A sidebar on cordless planers points you toward the best choice there as well.

Product Finder: Tools in this Article

Porter-Cable - 125 Power Planer
This planer from Porter-Cable produces cuts that are accurate enough for immaculate finish work and fast enough for the roughest framing jobs

(1 user review) Porter-Cable - 126 Power Planer
This planer from Porter-Cable is a great tool for beveling the edges of doors or putting a smooth edge on long stock

(4 user reviews) Bosch - 1594K Power Planer
The standard beveling fence on this Bosch planer is easy to set at various widths and angles

Makita - 1912B Power Planer
This smooth-cutting planer from Makita is best used for wide boards and framing

Bosch - 3365 Power Planer
This planer from Bosch is a maneuverable tool with a fast and accurate blade-changing process

Festool - HL 850E Power Planer
This high-performing planer from Festool is best used in a woodworking shop or for finish carpentry

Metabo - HO 0882 Power Planer
Particularly well suited for finish work, this planer from Metabo has an excellent front grip

Hitachi - P20SB Power Planer
This planer from Hitachi has a comfortable grip and produces a very smooth cut