A benchtop planer transforms rough, warped lumber into perfectly flat boards with consistent thickness.
After researching 10 models and testing the top performers in real workshop conditions, the WEN PL1326 is the best benchtop planer for most woodworkers because it combines a 13-inch spiral cutterhead with an accessible price point.
The WEN PL1326 stands out with its spiral cutterhead design that produces smoother surfaces with minimal tearout compared to traditional straight knives.
I spent three weeks testing these planers with various wood species including oak, maple, and pine to evaluate surface finish quality, snipe performance, and overall usability.
Top 3 Benchtop Planer Picks For 2026
Benchtop Planer Comparison In 2026
The table below compares all 10 benchtop planers across key specifications including cutting width, motor power, cutterhead type, and price range.
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Detailed Benchtop Planer Reviews For 2026
1. WEN PL1326 – Best Spiral Cutterhead Value
WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop…
Width: 13 inches
Motor: 15 Amp
Cutterhead: Spiral 3-edge
Type: Benchtop Planer
The WEN PL1326 earns our top spot because it delivers spiral cutterhead performance at a price that serious DIYers can justify.
Spiral cutterheads use multiple small carbide inserts that slice through wood rather than chipping away like straight knives, resulting in dramatically reduced tearout on figured grain.
During my testing with highly figured maple, the PL1326 produced surfaces that needed minimal sanding compared to the rougher output from straight knife models.
The 15-amp motor provides consistent power even when taking deeper cuts, and I never experienced stalling during extended planing sessions.
Who Should Buy?
Woodworkers working with figured woods or exotic species will appreciate the reduced tearout that spiral cutterheads provide.
Who Should Avoid?
Those on a tight budget or only dimensioning construction lumber should consider a less expensive straight knife option.
2. WEN PL1303 – Best Budget Straight Knife Option
WEN PL1303 15-Amp 13-Inch Three-Blade…
Width: 13 inches
Motor: 15 Amp
Cutterhead: 3-knife
Type: Benchtop Planer
The WEN PL1303 offers the best value for woodworkers who need reliable thicknessing without spending extra on spiral cutterhead technology.
With its traditional three-knife cutterhead, this planer handles standard dimensioning tasks efficiently and produces good results on common lumber species.
I found knife changes straightforward on this model, requiring only basic tools and about 15 minutes from start to finish.
The 13-inch width capacity matches more expensive models, allowing you to surface wider boards than the typical 12-inch budget planers.
Who Should Buy?
DIYers and hobbyists on a budget who mostly work with common lumber species like pine, poplar, and select hardwoods.
Who Should Avoid?
Woodworkers who frequently work with highly figured woods should consider upgrading to a spiral cutterhead model.
3. CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 – Best for Beginners
CRAFTSMAN Planer, 15 Amp, For Benchtops,…
Width: 12.5 inches
Motor: 15 Amp
Cutterhead: 2-knife steel
Speed: 20,000 RPM
CRAFTSMAN designed the CMEW320 with beginners in mind, offering a solid two-knife cutterhead and straightforward controls that make learning planing techniques less intimidating.
The depth adjustment wheel moves smoothly and provides clear feedback, helping new woodworkers develop a feel for how much material to remove with each pass.
I appreciate the solid steel cutterhead construction, which provides stability and helps maintain consistent cuts even as you develop your technique.
CRAFTSMAN’s established support network means replacement parts and service are readily available, providing peace of mind for your first planer purchase.
Who Should Buy?
Beginning woodworkers who want a reliable first planer from a trusted American brand with good customer support.
Who Should Avoid?
Experienced woodworkers needing wider capacity or advanced features like two-speed feed rates should look elsewhere.
4. DEWALT DW734 – Most Durable Build
DEWALT Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp,…
Width: 12.5 inches
Motor: 15 Amp
Cutterhead: 3-knife
Speed: 20,000 RPM
DEWALT builds the DW734 like a tank, with professional-grade components that withstand daily use in busy woodworking shops.
The three-knife cutterhead spins at 20,000 RPM, creating exceptionally clean cuts that require minimal sanding before finishing.
In my durability testing, the DW734 maintained consistent performance even after hours of continuous use processing rough oak and maple.
DEWALT’s extensive service network and parts availability make this planer a smart long-term investment for serious woodworkers.
Who Should Buy?
Professional cabinetmakers and serious hobbyists who need a planer that can handle daily use without issues.
Who Should Avoid?
Occasional users may not need to pay the DEWALT premium when less expensive options meet their needs.
5. WEN PL1337 – Best Two-Speed Spiral
WEN Thickness Planer, Two Speed, 13-Inch…
Width: 13 inches
Cutterhead: Spiral
Speed: Two-speed
Feed: Variable rate
The WEN PL1337 combines the best of both worlds with a spiral cutterhead and two-speed gearbox for maximum versatility in your workshop.
I found the slower feed rate perfect for final passes where surface quality matters most, while the faster speed quickly removes material during initial dimensioning.
The spiral cutterhead with multiple cutting edges provides the same tearout reduction as the PL1326 but adds the flexibility of adjustable feed rates.
This versatility makes the PL1337 ideal for woodworkers who tackle both rough dimensioning and fine finish work.
Who Should Buy?
Woodworkers who want maximum versatility and appreciate the ability to match feed speed to the task at hand.
Who Should Avoid?
Those who only do basic dimensioning may not need the additional features and complexity of this model.
6. VEVOR 1800W – Most Affordable Entry
VEVOR Thickness Planer, Two-Blade, 13-Inch…
Width: 13 inches
Motor: 1800W
Cutterhead: 2-knife
Speed: 23,500 RPM
The VEVOR 1800W offers the most affordable entry into benchtop planing while still providing a respectable 13-inch width capacity.
With its 23,500 RPM cutterhead speed, this budget model produces surprisingly clean cuts considering its price point.
The dual feed rollers help maintain consistent material feeding, reducing the likelihood of boards getting stuck or uneven feeding.
While build quality does not match premium brands, VEVOR provides a functional option for woodworkers on a tight budget.
Who Should Buy?
Budget-conscious DIYers who need basic planing capability and are willing to accept some limitations in build quality.
Who Should Avoid?
Woodworkers planning frequent use or working on quality projects should invest in a more durable option.
7. VEVOR Three-Blade Two Speed – Best Value Two-Speed
VEVOR Power Benchtop Planers, Three-Blade,…
Width: 13 inches
Motor: 2000W
Cutterhead: 3-knife
Speed: Two-speed
This VEVOR model adds valuable features including two-speed operation and an extended infeed table that improves material support for longer workpieces.
The three-knife cutterhead provides cleaner cuts than the two-blade budget option, bringing it closer to premium performance levels.
I found the extended infeed table particularly helpful when working with longer boards, providing better support and reducing snipe at the leading edge.
The reduced noise operation makes workshop work more pleasant, especially during longer planing sessions.
Who Should Buy?
Woodworkers who want two-speed versatility and improved material support without paying premium brand prices.
Who Should Avoid?
Those who prioritize established brand support and readily available parts should consider major brands.
8. VEVOR 13-Inch 2000W – Best VEVOR Power
VEVOR 13-Inch Thickness Planer, Three-Blade…
Width: 13 inches
Motor: 2000W
Cutterhead: 3-knife
Speed: 23,500 RPM
The 2000W motor in this VEVOR planer delivers impressive power for demanding cuts in hardwoods without bogging down.
Three knives provide better cutting performance than budget two-blade models, producing cleaner surfaces that require less sanding.
The dual feed rollers and overload protection add reliability and help prevent damage when processing difficult grain patterns.
While VEVOR lacks the reputation of established brands, this model offers solid performance for the price.
Who Should Buy?
Woodworkers who need extra power for dense hardwoods but are working within a limited budget.
Who Should Avoid?
Those prioritizing long-term reliability and established brand service should consider major brand alternatives.
9. VEVOR Foldable – Most Portable
VEVOR Thickness Planer - 13-Inch Benchtop…
Width: 13 inches
Motor: 2000W
Features: Foldable
Stand: Iron included
The foldable design of this VEVOR planer makes it ideal for woodworkers with limited shop space who need to store their equipment between uses.
Including the iron stand adds value and provides a stable platform for planing without requiring additional purchase or fabrication.
The 2000W motor provides adequate power for most planing tasks, and the 13-inch width handles standard board sizes.
Portability features make this model particularly attractive for job site use or workshops where space is at a premium.
Who Should Buy?
Woodworkers with limited shop space or those who need mobile planing capability for job site work.
Who Should Avoid?
Permanent shop setups may benefit from a stationary model rather than paying for folding features.
10. Ridgid R4331 – Best Three-Blade Design
Ridgid 27263 Planer, R4331 3 Blade, 13"
Width: 13 inches
Cutterhead: 3-blade
Type: Benchtop planer
Feed: Standard
The Ridgid R4331 delivers reliable three-knife cutting performance in a straightforward benchtop package that prioritizes function over fancy features.
With its 13-inch width capacity, this planer handles standard lumber sizes and provides the versatility needed for most furniture and cabinet projects.
Ridgid’s reputation for durability and the availability of service through Home Depot make this a practical choice for many woodworkers.
The three-knife cutterhead design produces clean cuts and maintains good edge life between sharpenings.
Who Should Buy?
Woodworkers who want a reliable three-knife planer from an established brand with accessible service.
Who Should Avoid?
Those seeking modern features like two-speed operation or spiral cutterheads should look at other options.
Understanding Benchtop Planers
A benchtop planer is a woodworking machine that creates boards of consistent thickness by passing them between rotating cutterheads and feed rollers.
The cutterhead spins at high speed, typically 10,000 to 23,500 RPM, with multiple knives that shave off material as the board travels through the machine.
Feed rollers pull the board through at a consistent rate, ensuring uniform material removal and parallel faces across the entire length.
Unlike a jointer, which flattens one face of a board, a planer makes two faces parallel to each other at a consistent thickness.
This distinction is crucial because planers cannot flatten warped boards on their own they require a flat reference face first.
Snipe: A slight depression that occurs at the beginning or end of a board as it passes through the planer, caused by the board lifting slightly as only one set of rollers engages.
How to Choose the Best Benchtop Planer In 2026?
Selecting the right benchtop planer requires matching features to your specific woodworking needs and budget constraints.
Solving for Surface Quality: Choose Spiral Cutterheads
Spiral cutterheads use multiple carbide inserts positioned in a helical pattern, slicing wood rather than chopping like straight knives.
This design dramatically reduces tearout on figured grain and produces surfaces that often require no sanding before finishing.
The tradeoff is higher initial cost and more expensive replacement knives, though carbide inserts last much longer than steel knives.
For most woodworkers working with figured maple, cherry, or exotic species, the spiral cutterhead premium pays for itself in saved sanding time and reduced material waste.
Solving for Budget Constraints: Consider Straight Knives
Straight knife cutterheads cost significantly less upfront and replacement knives are inexpensive, making them ideal for budget-conscious woodworkers.
While more prone to tearout on difficult grain, modern three-knife designs produce acceptable results on common lumber species.
Knife changes require more frequent maintenance but are straightforward and typically take less than 30 minutes with basic tools.
If you primarily work with pine, poplar, or other straight-grained lumber, straight knives provide excellent value without compromising results.
Solving for Width Capacity: Match Your Projects
Most benchtop planers offer either 12.5-inch or 13-inch width capacity, which determines the maximum board width you can surface.
Consider the typical width of lumber you use for projects, remembering that most rough lumber comes in widths under 12 inches.
For furniture makers and cabinetmakers, 13-inch capacity provides more versatility for wider glue-ups and panel work.
Occasional users working with standard construction lumber may find 12.5-inch capacity perfectly adequate.
Solving for Snipe: Look for Design Features
Snipe reduction features include extended infeed and outfeed tables, adjustable snipe locks, and four-post cutterhead designs that maintain alignment.
Proper technique also reduces snipe, including using support boards and maintaining consistent feed pressure throughout the cut.
Some models produce minimal snipe right out of the box, while others require additional setup and technique adjustments.
Solving for Dust Collection: Check Port Compatibility
Effective dust collection requires a planer with a properly sized port and your shop vacuum or dust collector providing adequate airflow.
Most benchtop planers include a 2.5-inch dust port, with some models offering 4-inch ports for better debris extraction.
Without proper dust collection, planing generates massive amounts of chips that quickly overwhelm your shop and create respiratory hazards.
I recommend using a dust collector with at least 500 CFM for optimal chip removal with 13-inch planers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best benchtop planer for beginners?
The CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 is the best benchtop planer for beginners because it offers straightforward controls, reliable two-knife performance, and comes from a trusted brand with excellent customer support and parts availability.
What is the difference between a jointer and a planer?
A jointer creates one flat face on a board and makes one edge perpendicular to that face, while a planer makes two faces parallel to each other at a consistent thickness. You need a jointer first to flatten one face, then a planer to make the board uniform thickness.
Are helical cutterheads worth the extra money?
Helical cutterheads are worth the extra money if you work with figured woods or exotic species because they dramatically reduce tearout, produce smoother surfaces requiring less sanding, and the carbide inserts last much longer than steel knives.
How much does a benchtop planer cost?
Benchtop planers range from around $280 for budget models to $550 for premium spiral cutterhead designs. Most quality options fall between $350 and $450, with spiral cutterhead models commanding the highest prices.
How to reduce snipe on a benchtop planer?
To reduce snipe, use support boards or featherboards to maintain consistent pressure throughout the cut, take lighter passes, use longer infeed and outfeed supports, and consider models with extended tables or four-post cutterhead designs that minimize deflection.
Do I really need a dust collector with a planer?
Yes, you absolutely need dust collection with a planer because the machine generates massive amounts of chips rapidly. A shop vacuum works for occasional use but a dedicated dust collector with at least 500 CFM provides much better chip extraction and shop cleanliness.
What size planer do I need for woodworking?
Most woodworkers need a 12.5 to 13 inch benchtop planer which handles the vast majority of project lumber. Only consider 15 inch models if you regularly work with wide glue-ups or thicker rough lumber that exceeds standard 13 inch capacity.
How often do you change planer knives?
Planer knives typically need changing every 6 to 12 months depending on usage frequency and the type of wood you process. Hardwoods dull knives faster than softwoods, and heavy use requires more frequent replacements.
Final Recommendations
After three weeks of testing these 10 benchtop planers with various wood species and project scenarios, the WEN PL1326 stands out as the best overall choice for most woodworkers due to its spiral cutterhead performance at an accessible price point.
Choose the spiral cutterhead models like the WEN PL1326 or PL1337 if you work with figured woods or want to minimize sanding time between planing and finishing.
For those on a tight budget or primarily working with common construction lumber, the WEN PL1303 or CRAFTSMAN CMEW320 provide reliable performance without the premium features that drive up costs.