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While making our recent electric planer user guide, we discovered that finding the best planer is not a ‘plane’ (pardon the pun) and simple task.
However, after spending hours separating the wheat from the chaff, we created this shortlist of the best electric planers in the UK. We’ve also included a handy buying guide that explains what features to look for when purchasing an electric planer.
Electric Planer Reviews — The UK’s Top 5 in 2024
To help you to choose the best electric planer in the UK, we’ve reviewed five of the top models below.
1. Bosch Professional GHO 26-82 D Corded Planer
- Powerful 710W motor
- 18,000 RPM no-load speed
- 2.6mm planing depth and 82mm planing width
- 9mm adjustable rebating depth
- Adjustable dual chip extraction system
- Compact design
The GHO 26-82 D from Bosch’s Professional Range is a heavy-duty, high-performance corded planer that will easily take on all your planing projects.
While the GHO 26-82 D is the most expensive planer in our top five, its corded design means you won’t have to spend extra on batteries. Furthermore, a dust bag, parallel guide and carry case are included in the price.
This model features a powerful 710W motor. As it’s corded, you don’t have the extra battery weight, so it remains easy to manoeuvre despite its power. It also features the easy blade change Bosch WoodRazor system, using a one-blade drum developed especially for smooth, even results.
With a top no-load speed of 18,000 RPM and a maximum single-pass planing depth of 2.6mm, this model easily makes our top 5. It also has a solid 9mm rebate depth, with 0.1mm adjustment increments.
Thanks to its soft-grip handle, it is comfortable to use over extended periods and also features a ball-jointed swivel cord for freedom of movement. Due to its compact shape, you will have no issues getting into corners, while the centre groove makes for easy chamfering.
Undoubtedly one of the best UK electric planers, this model is powerful, precise and easy to use.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Powerful 710W corded planer | Expensive |
Single-pass: 82mm x 2.6mm | Need extension cords when using far from sockets |
Rebate depth: 9.0mm | |
Adjustment increments: 0.1mm | |
18,000 RPM | |
Includes dust bag, parallel guide, and carry case |
2. Makita DKP180Z LXT Cordless Planer
- Lithium-ion batteries
- 1,4000 RPM no-load speed
- 2mm planing depth and 82mm planing width
- 9mm maximum rebate depth
- 1.5 m/sec² Vibration K factor
- Weighs only 3.2kg
The DKP180Z LXT is a high-quality, 18V cordless planer by Makita that can take on any home DIY project. This body-only model is compatible with Makita 18V li-ion interchangeable batteries and has a built-in battery protection circuit to protect your batteries from overheating and over-discharge.
With a planing width of 82mm, a 2.0mm maximum depth and an impressive rebating depth of 9mm – this model has excellent specifications for a cordless version. The depth can be finely adjusted between 0mm and 2.0mm via the easy-to-use click depth adjustment knob.
With its double carbide blades and a no-load speed of 14,000 RPM, this planer provides a smooth finish and superior performance. Thanks to its easy blade setting system, it’s easy to configure and change blades as needed.
While no dust bag is included, you can purchase one separately or connect the unit directly to a Makita dust extraction system. Other useful features include a lock-on button for extensive use, a spring-loaded stand and an ergonomically shaped handle for both left and right-handed use.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Cordless | Dust bag is not included |
Battery protection circuit | No batteries included |
Single-pass: 82mm x 2.0mm max | |
Rebate depth: 9mm max | |
Double carbide blades | |
14,000 RPM no-load speed |
3. Ryobi R18PL-0 ONE+ Cordless Planer
- 0-1.6mm adjustable cutting depth and 82mm planing width
- Additional front handle
- Durable steel planing base with integrated chamfering groove
- Rear mounted kickstand
- Left and right chip exhaust
- Includes side fence for precision planing
This cordless body-only planer by Ryobi is part of their ONE+ system and is therefore compatible with all other Ryobi cordless power tool batteries.
With its 200W motor, this cordless planer lags a little behind the others in terms of performance. While it has an excellent max rebate depth of 12.5mm, its no-load speed of 11,000 RPM is considerably less than many other models, as is its maximum planing depth of 1.6mm.
However, this model does feature two reversible tungsten carbide tipped blades, and unlike many other models, this planer includes a dust bag.
Another nice feature is this unit’s integrated chamfering groove on its durable steel base and the included side fence. The rear-mounted kickstand is also handy to prevent you from accidentally damaging your work when you set your planer down after use.
If you are looking for an electric planer for chamfering, rebating, and light general planing, the Ryobi R18PL-0 is a good choice, especially if you already have other Ryobi ONE+ tools.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
A shallower planing depth of 1.6mm | No batteries included |
Rebate depth: 12.5mm max | A shallow planing depth of 1.6mm |
Steel base with chamfering groove | |
Two reversible TCT blades | |
Included dust bag, side fence & wrench |
4. Dewalt DCP580N Cordless Planer
- Powerful brushless motor
- Lightweight, compact and ergonomic design
- Large twin blade drum with TCT blades
- On-board blade storage and Torx key
- Large front and rear shoe
- Compatible with AirLock dust extraction system
- Ergonomic design with overmolded rear handle and bale handle
If you’re looking for a powerful electric planer, but don’t want to go corded, then the Dewalt DCP580N is your best option.
Thanks to its highly efficient brushless motor, this model significantly reduces energy loss, friction wear and excess heat caused by the brushes in standard motors.
This planer has a single pass of 82mm with a respectable max planing depth of 2.0mm. A max rebate depth of 9.0mm and a no-load speed of 15,000 RPM put this model on par with the best cordless planers. You can easily adjust the depth by 0.1mm increments for extra precision.
This planer features a large double-blade drum with two reversible tungsten carbide tip blades. There’s also discreet onboard blade storage and an integrated Torx key for making quick blade changes.
This model guarantees precision and accuracy as the front and rear shoes are milled in situ. It also features a foot lock-off to keep your workpiece safe from blade damage, a guide fence and an air-lock port compatible with the Dewalt air-lock dust connection system or dust bags. Unfortunately, this model doesn’t include batteries or a dust bag.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Brushless cordless planer | No dust bag included |
Single-pass: 82mm x 2.0mm | No batteries included |
Rebate depth: 9.0mm | |
Adjustment increments: 0.1mm | |
15,000 RPM | |
Two TCT reversible blades |
5. Bosch PHO 1500 Planer
- Powerful 550W motor
- Up to 1.5mm cutting depth
- Woodrazor blade system
- Single-sided chip ejection system
- Automatic parking rest
If you are looking for a budget electric planer to take on light tasks, then the corded Bosch PHO 1500 Planer is worth considering. Not only is it low in price, but as a corded model, you won’t have any extra outlay for batteries. However, remember that the dust bag is not included in this model.
With its 550W motor and impressive no-load speed of 19,500 RPM, you would expect this model to be capable of a greater planing depth than its maximum of 1.5mm. However, it does have a decent rebate depth of 8mm, and it is easy to finely adjust the depth thanks to its infinitely variable adjustment knob.
The blade is also easy to fit and calibrate. Bosch has developed the WoodRazor System that only requires one blade for a smooth finish with a process that makes blade changing rapid and intuitive. The tungsten carbide-tipped blade is reversible, so its lifespan is doubled.
While this planer is not quite up to taking on heavy-duty jobs, it is certainly user-friendly and comes with plenty of useful features, such as a safety lock-off button, an auto-extend parking rest (so you won’t damage your workpiece) and three V-grooves in the base plate to make rounding off corners nice and easy.
Overall, this planer makes an excellent choice for beginners on a budget.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
550W corded planer | Planing depth: 1.5mm max (low for corded models) |
Rebating depth: 0-8.0mm | Dust bag not included |
No-load speed: 19,500 RPM | Need extension cords when using far from sockets |
WoodRazor Blade System | |
3 V-grooves for rounding corners |
Best Electric Planer — 2024 Comparison Table
Name | Main Features | Price | Score |
---|---|---|---|
Bosch Professional GHO 26-82 | • Powerful 710W corded planer • Single-pass: 82mm x 2.6mm • Rebate depth: 9mm • Increment adjustment: 0.1mm • 18,000 RPM • Includes dust bag, parallel guide, and carry case | £££ | 9/10 |
Makita DKP180Z LXT | • Cordless 18V planer with battery protection circuit • Single-pass: 82mm x 2.0mm max • Rebate depth: 9mm max • Double carbide blades • 14,000 RPM no-load speed | £££ | 8/10 |
Ryobi R18PL-0 | • Cordless 18V planer • Rebate depth: 12.5mm max • Steel base with chamfering groove • Two reversible TCT blades • Dust bag, side fence & wrench included | ££ | 7/10 |
Dewalt DCP580N | • Brushless cordless planer • Single-pass: 82mm x 2.0mm • Rebate depth: 9.0mm • Adjustment increments: 0.1mm • 15,000 RPM • Two TCT reversible blades | £££ | 8/10 |
Bosch PHO 1500 | • 550W corded planer • Rebating depth: 0–8.0mm • No-load speed: 19,500 RPM • WoodRazor Blade System • Three V-grooves for rounding corners | ££ | 7/10 |
Electric Planer Buying Guide
Not sure what to look out for when choosing an electric planer? Here’s our guide to the main features you should consider.
Corded/Cordless Power
One of the first choices you should make is whether you will go for a corded or cordless model.
Corded models have greater power but less freedom of movement (i.e., you have a power cord to work around and must be near a power socket). As planing is messy, dusty work, it’s better to do it outside, weather and project permitting. Therefore, if you don’t have a workshop, this often means using cumbersome extension leads and trailing power cords through your home.
Cordless models have less power and are fairly bulky, especially the higher-performance models as they need at least a 2.5Ah battery, although we recommend 5Ah.
Note: Unless you own compatible batteries, your costs will jump considerably if you buy a body-only model.
Cutter Head & Blade Type
While electric planers all work in the same manner, they do have different blade systems and blade types.
Tungsten carbide tipped blades are renowned for their cutting precision and durability, so they’re highly recommended. Where possible, look for models that feature reversible blades. When they need changing, turn them over, and you’ve got another fresh blade.
Planing Width
Most electric planers have a standard planing width of 82mm. However, you may come across a few models that stray from this standard, so it’s always best to check the right width for your project.
Planing Depth
Planing depth is the maximum depth your planer can plane off in one pass. While you won’t normally want to plane at the maximum, if you are doing some stripping work before adjusting the depth for a finer finish, you may want to look for a model that offers a generous maximum depth to save you time.
Most planers average at around 2mm max, with the option to adjust this down to 0.1mm. However, some models can plane up to 4mm in a single pass.
Rebate Depth
When used as a rebate plane, you can create casings and joints. Rebate depths are usually around 8-12mm. Double-check your planer’s rebate depth is compatible with your project.
RPM
Your planer’s RPM (revolutions per minute) is how often its blade drum spins per minute without a load. Look for a high-speed model to ensure a quality finish and effective stock removal.
Dust Bag/Extraction System Compatibility
Planing is messy, dusty work and requires a lot of cleaning up. For this reason, many people use a dust bag. Most brands sell their dust bags separately, although some manufacturers will include them with certain models. An even better solution is connecting an extraction system if possible.
Depth Adjustment Knob
Check the increments by which you can adjust your planing depth via the adjustment knob. The lower the increments, the greater the precision and control you’ll have over your final finish.
Parking Rest
A parking rest prevents your planer’s blade from coming into contact with and damaging your workpiece if you set it down before reaching a complete standstill.
Price and Accessories
If your favourite model is body-only, factor in the price of any batteries or extra accessories, such as a dust bag, before making your final decision.
Final Thoughts
Thanks to its outstanding performance, deep planing depth, impressive power levels, and general ease of use, the Bosch Professional GHO 26-82 is the best electric planer in the UK.
Planing up to 2.6mm deep in a single pass, it also has a rebate depth of 9.0mm and a no-load speed of 18,000 RPM for the smoothest of finishes.
To top it off, this model comes with a parallel guide, dust bag, and carry case. So, unlike most cordless body-only models, you’ll have everything you need to start planing.
Pro Tip: Check out our thicknesser buying guide if you want a small planer thicknesser instead of an electric planer.