Best Planers from Top Stores

Updated October 11, 2026

Compare the best planers from top stores in one place.

Planers on this page range from $265.99 for a portable hand model up to $21,339.00 for a large industrial unit. They feature either straight knives or helical cutterheads, and power ratings from 3 HP to 15 HP.

For home workshops, a benchtop or portable planer with a 2-3 HP motor and a helical cutterhead offers smooth cuts and less noise. Larger shop-floor models provide higher feed rates and thicker capacity but require three-phase power and more space.

Key factors include cutterhead type (helical for finer finish), table size for larger stock, dust collection ports, and adjustable fence for consistent depth. Match the motor power and cutterhead to the thickness of material you plan to work with.

Questions

What is the difference between straight and helical cutterheads?

Helical cutterheads cut smoother and generate less tearout, while straight knives are simpler and cheaper.

Do I need a three-phase power source for all planers?

Only larger industrial planers typically require three-phase power; portable and benchtop models run on standard single-phase outlets.

Can I use a planer on hardwood?

Yes, but choose a higher-power motor and a sharp cutterhead, and consider a slower feed rate for best results.

How often should I sharpen the planer knives?

Sharpen when you notice tear-out or a loss of cutting efficiency, usually after several hours of heavy use.

Is dust collection important for planers?

A good dust extraction system keeps the workspace clean and reduces health hazards from fine wood particles.