A firewood processor is a machine designed to cut and split firewood with minimal manual handling of the logs. There are typically four main parts of the machine, each dedicated to a separate function. Processing begins with a log pile – a pile of logs that have been de-limbed and cut to an appropriate length, generally 10–12 feet (3.0–3.7 m). Popular brands include Multitek, Wood Beaver, DYNA, Hakki Pilke, and Blockbuster. Many individuals use processors commercially and also privately as a hobby. Others choose to rent them as an alternative to purchasing.

Typically a conveyor that pulls the split firewood away from the processor and into a waiting delivery truck's box or a woodpile for later handling. Some setups will use multiple conveyors and introduce a tumbling system to clean the firewood.

The output capacity of a firewood processor varies with the size and cost of the machine, from one cord per hour on a $22,000 entry-level machine (2020 prices).[3], up to five or six cords per hour on a $60,000 industrial machine. (2020 prices).See notes on output capacity ratings below.

The choice of machine depends on a large number of variables other than straight production output. Different markets require different processing. For example, people who heat with large outside wood boilers prefer large, slow-burning pieces of hardwood, while a good campfire is made of small pieces of fast-burning softwood. Restaurants with wood-fired ovens prefer small pieces as well, but of hardwood or specialty species.