Electric chainsaws make an excellent addition to any workshop. They’re quiet, lightweight, and easy to use.
If you’re looking for a tool that offers a decent amount of cutting power and is easy to maintain, an electric saw is just what you need. To help you get started, we’ve reviewed the best electric chainsaws available.
Reviews of the 5 Best Electric Chainsaws
1. BLACK+DECKER CS1518 Electric Chainsaw
Have you always wanted to buy an electric chainsaw that hits the sweet spot between pricing and features? If you answered yes, then look no further than the Black & Decker CS1518 unit.
Electric chainsaws start easily, and this one is not any different. All you need to do is press the lock-off button, squeeze the trigger, and it will start running.
Another thing you’ll love about the Black & Decker chainsaw is that it has a pretty decent cutting capacity. Equipped with an 18-inch Oregon bar and chain, this saw can cut logs that are up to 16 inches in diameter.
What really impressed us though was the tiny radius tip of the bar. This helps to minimize the size of the kickback zone; thus, enhancing a user’s safety. This saw also sports a chain brake, which further helps to keep an operator safe.
To add to this, the Black & Decker is the best electric chainsaw for the money as it's super affordable.
In terms of specifications, the chain has a gauge of .05”, a pitch of ⅜”, and 62 drive links. It also clocks in a chain speed of 12.5 m/sec, which is fairly slow compared to a gas-powered chainsaw. However, it’s not unusual for a standard electric saw of its size.
The tool-free chain tensioning system means you don’t need to look for additional tools to adjust tension.
The automatic chain oiler is yet another feature that contributes to the ease of using the Black & Decker saw. This helps to keep the chain lubricated at all times. To add to this, the oil reservoir has a clear window, making it easy to track the chain oil.
Pros
Cons
Are you looking to buy the best electric chainsaw for camping? If you are, you'll want to get a small chainsaw like the Dewalt 20V Max DCCS620P1.
The fact that it has such a compact and lightweight profile is the primary reason that makes it ideal for camping. It weighs just 8.8 pounds, allowing you to carry it along with your camping gear.
Despite being light, it offers a decent battery life. It gets its power from a 20V Max 5 Ah battery that achieves up to 90 cuts on 4 x 4 wood per charge. This gives you more than enough power output for cutting firewood while camping.
The Dewalt 20V Max is designed with ease of use in mind. For one, it has a tool-free tensioning mechanism. This saves you from having to get additional tools or learn sophisticated skills to adjust the chain’s tension.
With regards to safety, its 12-inch bar boasts a low-kickback tip. This helps to minimize the risk of accidents. Still, you’ll want to ensure that you have all protective equipment on your person.
Pros
Cons
Have you been hunting for the best battery-powered chainsaw? If you have, you'll be impressed with the Milwaukee 2727-21HD cordless chainsaw.
One of the biggest highlights of this chainsaw is its power. It’s equipped with Milwaukee’s PowerState brushless motor technology. This motor is said to provide as much cutting power as you’d get from a 40cc gas engine. Also, brushless technology leads to better motor life than brushed motors.
The RedLithium High Output 12.0 Ah battery is yet another feature that sets this chainsaw apart. Not only does it enhance this tool’s power but it also allows it to run 50% cooler than standard batteries.
And as is common with lithium-ion batteries, this one gives you a decent runtime as well. Based on our tests, it can easily perform 150 cuts in 6 by 6 cedar on a single charge.
The only downside to the Milwaukee chainsaw is its weight. At 21 pounds, it’s heavier than other cordless saws. However, this isn’t too surprising considering that it has a 12.0 Ah battery onboard.
On a more positive note, this electric chainsaw is fitted with a very generous guide bar. At 16 inches long, this bar can easily slice through logs that are 14 inches in diameter.
The 2727-21HD chainsaw is chock full of user-friendly features. These include a scrench onboard storage, auto oiling system, and dual-stud bar that enhances the bar and chain retention.
Pros
Cons
Want to buy the best electric chainsaw for cutting logs? If you do, consider the Dewalt 60-Volt FlexVolt.
This is one of the more expensive electric chainsaws, but it offers plenty of value. For starters, both its 2.0Ah battery and charger have been included. This means you won’t have to spend additional money purchasing these accessories.
Another one of its key highlights is the FlexVolt technology. This provides a lot more power, torque, and better performance than a conventional brushless motor. Just to put things into perspective, this chainsaw can cut an 8-inch long stock within 6 seconds.
And the good thing is that even when you’re working that fast, you don’t have to worry about safety. This is because the saw relies on a low-kickback chain. Besides, it also has a built-in chain brake that can stop a spinning chain on its tracks.
This also results in remarkable battery life. According to Dewalt, the chainsaw achieves 70 cuts on 6” by 6” pressure-treated pinewood on a single charge.
Also, onboard this piece of cutting equipment is a chain and bar tightening knob. This helps you to make quick work of adjusting the chain’s tension.
That said, it's important to note that this Dewalt unit is not anywhere as cheap as the Black & Decker chainsaw we reviewed earlier. So if you choose this saw, be ready to shell out a few more bucks.
Pros
Cons
Is the Dewalt 60-volt FlexVolt a little out of your budget range? If so, then check out Oregon CS1500 as it's the best chainsaw for the money.
There’s a lot to love about this chainsaw starting with its lightweight profile. It weighs a measly 12.6 pounds, which makes it very easy to carry. This also makes it a great chainsaw to use for overhead cutting.
Despite its weight, this saw doesn’t compromise on functionality. It’s fitted with an 18-inch bar that provides a generous cutting capacity. Better yet, it has a small radius nose, a factor that significantly lowers the risk of kickback.
Apart from the low-kickback chain, the saw’s self-sharpening system is another feature that contributes to its safety. Oregon’s PowerSharp feature comes integrated into the saw, ensuring that the chain remains sharp and ready to use.
Another aspect that makes this one of the best electric saws is the 15-amp motor that enhances its efficiency. It provides consistent power, ensuring that you don’t experience any dips in performance.
There’s also a tool-free chain tensioning mechanism that makes the electric chainsaw easier to use. The automatic oiling system onboard is another welcome feature. It keeps the moving parts lubricated, guaranteeing optimal efficiency.
Pros
Cons
Electric vs Gas Chainsaws
At first glance, these two types of chainsaws may not appear that different. They both use a motor of some sort to rotate a sharp chain, which slices through trees, logs, firewood, and more.
However, if you do a more in-depth analysis, you’ll realize that they differ in significant ways. Here’s how they stack up against each other:
Runtime
There are a couple of operational differences between these chainsaws. One of the most obvious ones is the runtime each machinery offers.
If you opt for a corded electric model, you’re guaranteed an unlimited source of power. As long as you can access an electric outlet, then you can work on long projects without any interruptions.
The downside to this is that you’re limited by the length of the cord. Most power cords are just 100 feet or less, and this can be a major setback in certain applications.
Unfortunately, a cordless electric chainsaw isn’t any better. Most of these battery-powered units run for an hour, at most. This means that if you’re looking to work for an extended period, you’ll probably have to recharge it a couple of times.
Alternatively, look for a spare battery and have it ready to go once the current one runs out of juice.
Without a doubt, gas-powered chainsaws reign supreme in this font. As long as its fuel tank is filled to capacity, it will run for as long as you desire.
Noise Levels
This is one area where electric chainsaws truly shine.
Make no mistake, these power tools aren’t exactly quiet. In fact, they produce up to 90 decibels. But compared to their gas-powered counterparts that generate at least 120 decibels, the electric models are definitely quieter.
So if you’re looking to do some quiet cutting or landscape maintenance near a church, school, hospital, or other recreational areas, an electric chainsaw is the ultimate choice.
Pros and Cons of Electric Chainsaws
Like any other type of chainsaw, electric saws have their fair share of merits and disadvantages. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their pros and cons:
Pros
Here are a couple of advantages you stand to gain from the best electric chainsaws:
Lightweight
Whether you decide to go for a corded or battery-powered model, one thing you can be certain about is that it will be light. Unlike their gas-powered cousins, these chainsaws don’t rely on engines nor do they need to have fuel tanks. This makes them lighter and easier to carry around.
Smaller
Another benefit of an electric chainsaw is that it’s only made up of a few parts. This results in a more compact size. This really comes in handy when you have to wield the tool for an extended period or use it for overhead cuts.
Easier to use
Electric chainsaws are also easier to use in several ways. For one, getting them started is a breeze. Just plug the machine to a power outlet and you’re good to go. The fact that they’re smaller also allows you to make cuts in tight or hard-to-reach areas.
Unlimited power
One of the greatest strengths of an electric chainsaw is that it provides consistent power. This is particularly the case if you choose a corded electric model. You don’t have to stop mid-way through your project to refill the fuel tank or recharge any batteries.
Minimal maintenance
Compared to gas-powered chainsaws, electric units are significantly easier to maintain. The most you’ll have to do is clean the individual components, such as the air filter; and keep up with its lubrication.
Less noise
As we mentioned earlier, gas chainsaws are significantly louder than the electric varieties. This makes them the best power tools to use in high-traffic areas.
Cons
Although there’s a lot to love about the best electric chainsaw, this doesn’t take away from their limitations. Here are some of their disadvantages:
Not as powerful
Electric chainsaws aren’t as powerful as the gas-powered models. As a result, it takes longer to slice through wood or fell trees. On the plus side, they can run non-stop, something you can’t achieve when using a gas saw.
Limited reach
If you go for a corded electric saw, keep in mind that you can only use it near a power outlet. For this reason, it’s not the kind of tool that you can take with you to the field. In fact, if your saw has a very short power cord, you may not be able to use it for simple tasks around the house - like lawn maintenance and landscaping - because of its limited reach.
Relies on electricity
This is kind of a bitter-sweet situation. On one hand, its reliance on electricity means you have consistent power.
On the other hand, this means that if there’s a power outage or failure of some sort, you won’t be able to use your chainsaw. For this reason, you should consider having a backup saw like a powerful cordless chainsaw.
Battery vs Corded Electric Chainsaws
By now, you’re well aware that electric chainsaws come in two varieties, that is, either corded or cordless.
None is superior to the other so choosing between the two boils down to your individual needs and preferences.
Personally, I prefer a cordless chainsaw to a corded model because I find that it carries less risk. The idea of having a 120-volt cable hanging down on the end of a fast-rotating chain makes me a little apprehensive. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you should rule them out.
Ultimately, a corded electric chainsaw is not only cheaper but also provides consistent power throughout the cutting process.
A cordless chainsaw has fewer risks. The fact that it's not connected to a power cord means you don’t have to worry about the chain accidentally slicing through the cable.
The downside to a cordless chainsaw is its limited runtime. You can only work for as long as the battery lasts. Once it runs out of juice, you have to stop and recharge it to full capacity before carrying on with your project.
How to Choose the Best Electric Chainsaw
Here are some of the chainsaw features you should keep an eye on when picking this power tool:
Intended use and Power source
The first thing you’ll want to consider is how you’ll be using the electric chainsaw. This will determine just how much cutting power you need and the most suitable power source.
Will you only use it around the house? Or, do you plan to carry it to the field and use it to fell small trees as well?
For small-scale cutting jobs within your property, get the best corded electric chainsaw. However, for applications where portability is an important aspect, cordless chainsaws are a better fit.
Motor power
A corded electric chainsaw doesn’t produce the same power as its battery-powered one. So you’ll want to compare the chainsaws’ individual power output.
For a corded saw, pay attention to the amp rating of the electric motor. This determines just how much power it can draw without either overheating or breaking down.
On that note, the amp rating of a typical corded model ranges between 8 and 15 amps. An 8-amp is ideal for small-scale cutting, a 12-amp for medium-duty work, and a 15-amp for heavier duty jobs.
When it comes to a cordless electric chainsaw, the one thing you should be keen about is voltage. The higher the voltage the longer it lasts. For instance, a battery-powered chainsaw with 40V lasts longer than one with 20V.
Another aspect crucial to the operation of cordless units is the amp-hour rating (Ah). If you intend to use your chainsaw for a long time, be sure to invest in one with a higher amp-hour rating; preferably 6Ah or 8Ah.
Size and Bar Length
The size of a given electric chainsaw largely depends on its bar length.
It’s a no-brainer that saws with longer bars will be heavier and larger. However, they’ll also provide a higher cutting capacity.
On the other hand, chainsaws with short bars are lightweight, smaller, and compact. They’re best suited for cutting small tree branches or very light-duty tasks.
Top handle vs Wrap handle
The design of the handle doesn’t have a direct impact on the chainsaw’s performance but it’s still a factor worth considering.
It will determine how comfortable you are when using your chainsaw. This then means that it can improve or compromise your productivity. The two handle designs you’ll have to choose from are:
Top handle
Top handle chainsaws have a handle positioned at the very top. This makes it easy to maneuver the chainsaw in tight spaces like under decks or around trees.
Wrap handle
In this case, the handle completely wraps around the chainsaw. This results in a very secure grip.
Durability
The best electric chainsaw is also designed with durability in mind. To determine its longevity, check the materials used in its construction. The housing, cutting bar and chain, air filter, and others should all be made of sturdy materials.
Safety Features
Using chainsaws- regardless of whether they’re electric or not- comes with a set of risks. So to minimize the risk of injury, you’ll want to ensure that your saw is equipped with all the essential safety features.
For one, it should have a well-functioning chain brake. This is meant to bring the chain to an immediate stop in case of a malfunction. It should also have a safety switch, and one that’s easy to access. This way, you can press the switch and stop the chainsaw from running whenever you want.
Extra Features
Apart from the safety features, there are a few other elements that make electric chainsaws easier to use. These include:
- Toolless auto-tension chain system - this lets you adjust the chain’s tension without any tools
- Oil reservoir with clear window - this makes it easy to track the oil level so you can refill in time
- Extension cord - important to note here is that there are different types of extension cords. If you plan to use your extension cord with other outdoor tools like lawn mowers, then ensure you buy the right one.
- Automatic oiling system - an automatic oiler helps to keep the bar and chain well-lubricated, enabling them to function at their best.
What Safety Gear is Required When Using an Electric Chainsaw?
There are several safety gears that you should invest in before using an electric chainsaw. These include:
- A chainsaw helmet or hard hat
- Earmuffs to protect your ears from excessive noise
- Visor or face shield
- Chainsaw gloves
- Safety glasses
- Chainsaw boots
- Chainsaw chaps or pants
FAQs
What is the best-rated electric chainsaw?
The best-rated chainsaw is the Oregon CS1500. With more than 6,000 reviews, there’s no doubt that it’s a fan favorite. It boasts features, such as an auto oiling system, tool-free chain tensioner, ergonomic design, and an instant startup.
Are electric chainsaws any good?
Yes, they are. Even though they can’t handle heavy-duty cutting jobs, there are several applications where they’re the most suited tools:
- Light-duty cutting such as removing branches, trimming limbs, and cutting firewood
- Felling small-sized trees
- Quick jobs that have a sense of urgency
- Beginner operators, particularly because they’re small and light
Do electric chainsaws work well?
Yes, they do. In fact, they’re easier to use in a couple of ways. They’re easier to start and provide non-stop power, allowing you to work on long projects uninterrupted.
Are electric chainsaws worth it?
Whether you opt for a corded or cordless chainsaw, you can rest easy knowing that you'll get a ton of value. These chainsaws are particularly suited for small-scale cutting tasks.
And the good thing is that these electric models are way cheaper than the gas-powered ones. Entry-level saws start at $150 whereas high-end models cost $400 at most. This is still cheaper than gas saws that start off at $500.
What is the most powerful electric corded chainsaw?
The Black & Decker CS1518 is the most powerful corded electric chainsaw. It uses a 15-amp motor and an 18-inch chain and bar. This gives you maximum cutting power and capacity, allowing you to tackle any light- to medium-duty tasks with ease.
Are electric chainsaws safer?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions by buyers.
Some individuals assume that because they’re smaller and more compact, they’re safer. However, this isn’t true. Like its counterparts, an electric chainsaw has a fast-spinning chain, which is what can cause an injury.
As such, you should always handle it with the same care that you accord other outdoor power equipment.
Are electric chainsaws as good as gas?
This boils down to the specific applications you’re looking to tackle. Essentially, electric chainsaws are the best tools to use for certain applications whereas gas-powered ones are suited for other tasks.
For every day felling of large trees, a gas chainsaw will provide sufficient cutting power and speed. But for light-duty jobs like cutting small logs and trimming limbs, an electric chainsaw is the best.
Does Stihl make electric chainsaws?
Yes, Stihl makes electric chainsaws. Stihl chainsaws are revered for being light, comfortable to hold, and powerful.
Conclusion
There are a few things you should look for when buying the best electric chainsaws. This entails factors such as the electric motor power, durability, and safety features.
One model that comes close to checking all these boxes is the Black & Decker CS1518. At a reasonable price, this chainsaw offers a nice selection of features that you’re sure to love.
First off, it’s powered by a 15-amp motor, which is what drives the 18-inch guide bar. It boasts an automatic oiling system, so you’ll never have to worry about the bar and chain failing while you’re working.
Better yet, there’s a clear window, so you can check the oil level and refill when necessary. This chainsaw is also equipped with a tool-less chain tensioner and a chain brake to enhance your safety.