Best Planers
Compare planers by performance, capacity, accuracy, durability, compatibility, safety, and value to find the right option for your workshop.
Our shortlist
DEWALT DW735 is the first model we'd compare for serious benchtop thickness planing. The alternatives solve different versions of the same buying decision: Makita 2012NB for portable precision alternative, JET JWP-13BT for helical-style alternative, Grizzly G0940 for value spiral-cutter alternative. Pick by use case first, then current price.
Quick comparison
| Model | Best for | Key specs | Main drawback | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DW735 | serious benchtop thickness planing | 13-in three-knife, two-speed thickness planer; fan-assisted chip ejection | It is still a benchtop planer: dust collection, noise and snipe management remain part of the workflow. | Price |
| Makita 2012NB | portable precision alternative | 12-in portable thickness planer; compact jobsite/workshop design | Measure stock size and available shop space first; unused machine capacity still carries a footprint and ownership cost. | Price |
| JET JWP-13BT | helical-style alternative | 13-in benchtop planer platform | Measure stock size and available shop space first; unused machine capacity still carries a footprint and ownership cost. | Price |
| Grizzly G0940 | value spiral-cutter alternative | 13-in benchtop planer with spiral-style cutterhead class | Measure stock size and available shop space first; unused machine capacity still carries a footprint and ownership cost. | Price |
DEWALT DW735
Key configuration: 13-in three-knife, two-speed thickness planer; fan-assisted chip ejection.
The two feed speeds and three-knife 13-in format give users more control over throughput versus finish than simpler one-speed planers.
Where it loses: It is still a benchtop planer: dust collection, noise and snipe management remain part of the workflow.
Check Current PriceMakita 2012NB
Key configuration: 12-in portable thickness planer; compact jobsite/workshop design.
12-in portable thickness planer; compact jobsite/workshop design. That capacity and machine format are the practical reason to consider it for portable precision alternative.
Where it loses: Measure stock size and available shop space first; unused machine capacity still carries a footprint and ownership cost.
Check Current PriceJET JWP-13BT
Key configuration: 13-in benchtop planer platform.
13-in benchtop planer platform. That capacity and machine format are the practical reason to consider it for helical-style alternative.
Where it loses: Measure stock size and available shop space first; unused machine capacity still carries a footprint and ownership cost.
Check Current PriceGrizzly G0940
Key configuration: 13-in benchtop planer with spiral-style cutterhead class.
13-in benchtop planer with spiral-style cutterhead class. That capacity and machine format are the practical reason to consider it for value spiral-cutter alternative.
Where it loses: Measure stock size and available shop space first; unused machine capacity still carries a footprint and ownership cost.
Check Current PriceBefore you choose
Own the 'best planers' intent. Keep examples, subquestions, and recommendations tightly scoped to this page's exact query.
Frequently asked questions
What matters most when choosing planers?
Start with the required capacity and workpiece, then compare control, compatibility, footprint, consumables and total system cost.
Is the premium model always the best buy?
No. Pay for capacity, precision or workflow improvements you will actually use.
How should I use the shortlist?
Match your use case to the 'Best for' column first, eliminate models with a deal-breaking limitation, then compare current price and availability.