It’s not that easy to look for the best electric chainsaw, especially if you’re not familiar with the features and specs. But the good news is that there are plenty of great options available for you in the market and we’re here to share some of our best picks.
Thanks to technological advancements, power tools such as electric chainsaws are now equipped with improved functionalities that are somewhat difficult for the average customer to understand. So, in this article, we aim to discuss the different functionalities and features of electric chainsaws and share a list of some of the best ones with you.
We’ve tackled all the important aspects involved, such as the engine, bar length, safety, and more. And to help you make the best decision, we’ve included electric chainsaw reviews that will go through the tools according to their quality, efficiency, and overall functionality.
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Oregon CS1500 Self-Sharpening Corded Electric Chainsaw
Things to Consider When Shopping for the Best Electric Chainsaw
There are plenty of electric chainsaws available on the marketplace but you need to do your research well in order to find the right one for you. So, how do you decide if you’re getting the best electric chainsaw?
Below are the important factors to consider:
Power
When it comes to power, you need to think about how you intend to use the chainsaw. Remember that different tasks require a different amount of power. For professional logging use, then you definitely need something with enough power.
However, if you need it only for simple tasks, like cutting branches and trimming hedges, then you can settle with the low power chainsaws.
Safety
Electric chainsaws are power tools that rely on electricity. And just like with using any electric device, safety should be your priority. It’s even scary to imagine the type of injuries that you could encounter as a result of mishandling the machine. But mishandling is not the only thing that could lead to injuries when using the electric chainsaws.
Therefore, when looking for the best electric chainsaws, you should choose those that come with ample safety and security features in order to minimize safety risks. For example, it’s pretty common for chainsaws to experience kickbacks.
This is dangerous especially if your chainsaw doesn’t have the right system that could counter kickback. So before buying, check to make sure that the chainsaw is certified and checked by relevant authorities to ensure that they are safe to use.
Battery-Powered vs Power Cord
Electric chainsaws are either corded or battery-powered. Your choice will mainly depend on whether you need a portable model or not. It’s important that you check out the limitations of each unit so you can make the best decision.
For instance, if you’re going for a chainsaw with a power cord, then your movement will be limited. But the best thing is that this model is quite powerful and your work won’t be interrupted.
Meanwhile, battery-powered chainsaws are more portable. Therefore, you can take them with you anywhere you want to. But they don’t have enough power and your work could be cut short whenever the battery runs out.
Weight
Remember that when using the chainsaw, you’ll be holding it in your hands for most of the time. Therefore, the overall weight of the machine is an important consideration. If you’re going for a heavy unit, you could end up with fatigued hands after working for long hours.
So, before you purchase an electric chainsaw, find out if the weight is comfortable enough for you to handle. Lighter chainsaws are definitely better choices in terms of weight, but sometimes, the power could be compromised if you go for a lightweight model. Chainsaws are generally heavy and you cannot expect that much power from lighter models.
Price
The cost of electric chainsaws will vary greatly, depending on the features, brand, power, and more. It’s important that you think ahead of how much you will be willing to spend for an electric chainsaw and you settle with that budget when looking for the best electric chainsaw to buy.
Focus your search on the chainsaws that are within your budget and then compare them to each other. Go for a model that can give you the best value for your money. Different models and brands of electric chainsaws usually come with different features and they have different prices as well.
But regardless of how much is your budget, don’t ever compromise on quality and functionality. You definitely don’t want to buy something that you can’t use or something that won’t last for a long time.
Best Electric Chainsaws Reviews
To speed up your search, we’ve compiled a list of electric chainsaws that we believe are truly the best. We’ve also added short reviews so you will know what to expect from each of them. Take the time to read the best electric chainsaws reviews and decide which models can work best for you.
1 – Oregon CS1500 Self-Sharpening Corded Electric Chainsaw
The Oregon CS1500 Corded Electric Chainsaw is one of those products that will come up when you look for the best electric chainsaws online. Indeed, this unit is very popular and that’s because a lot of customers are impressed by the way this chainsaw works.
It’s capable of delivering excellent performance but won’t produce that much noise. One of its great features is the self-sharpening system that sharpens the chain automatically as it operates. This is certainly a lifesaver and it also helps keep the chainsaw in excellent condition while delivering maximum results.
The chainsaw’s ergonomic shape and low profile mean carrying this unit is comfortable even for a longer period. Furthermore, the chain can be easily attached using a tool-less chain tensioning system. Overall, this electric chainsaw is user-friendly and can work best for beginners.
But perhaps the best thing about this chainsaw is that it has a chain brake lever, a security feature that will automatically stop the chain once pulled. This is such a great safety feature, especially for beginners.
Pros:
It comes with a chain brake for safety
The chain can be easily and quickly tensioned using a chain-tensioning knob
Comfortable and ergonomic
Equipped with a highly efficient motor
Good value for money
Cons:
The front handle is a bit small
2 – BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX Cordless Chainsaw LCS1240
Black + Decker is one of the most popular brands of electronics on the market. When it comes to the best battery powered chainsaw, the LCS1240 definitely tops our list!
It features a 12-inch bar & chain that’s well capable of accomplishing tasks that involve cutting trees and branches. This electric chainsaw comes with an automatic oiling system that provides more convenience in handling and maintenance.
Plus, you’ll be able to adjust the chain easily since this equipment comes with a tool-free tensioning for the chain. One of the most important things to keep in mind when it comes to using this electric chainsaw is that you need a good amount of oil supply in order to operate it for long hours without any interruptions.
Thanks to it being light in weight, this chainsaw is very portable and you don’t need to exert lots of effort to get it working. What’s really great about this Black & Decker LCS 1240 is that it has a truly impressive runtime.
After only a single charge, you can get it to cut up to 60 pieces of 4 by 4 lumber. Another thing that makes this chainsaw popular is that it comes with a wraparound handle. This handle will let you cut different positions conveniently and easily.
Pros:
Comes with a tool-free chain tensioning
Easy to handle
Equipped with an automatic oiling system
Great price
Lightweight
Cons:
Doesn’t require frequent oiling
3 – Makita UC4051A 16″ Electric Chain Saw
The Makita UC4051A is truly one of the most impressive electronic products that Makita has ever made. It certainly deserves to be on this list because it’s heavy-duty and highly efficient. This chainsaw has a 16-inch bar length to guarantee efficient trimming and fast cutting, including firewood and thick logs.
This device has been integrated with modern technology and is absolutely easy to operate and maintain. It has a speed of 2,900 FPM and it comes equipped with a motor with a built-in current limiter that helps to ensure you’re getting enough power to operate the chainsaw.
This also helps protect the motor from getting burnout since it minimizes the excessive amount of load that the chainsaw will handle. In addition, this electric chainsaw is equipped with a chain brake to guarantee optimum productivity.
This machine has an automatic chain oiler so you’ll be able to cut continuously with no interruptions. The chainsaw’s oil reservoir is large enough and comes with a window that allows you to monitor the oil level.
For added convenience, this electric chainsaw is equipped with rubberized grip handles. This helps to ensure that you’ll not feel fatigued even after several hours of working in it. The tool’s trigger switch is large enough for you to easily get it to work without the need to apply too much force.
Overall, this model is a great choice for those who need something for professional work. If you have enough experience in handling chainsaws, you shouldn’t have any problem using this unit.
Pros:
Comes with a transparent oil reservoir
Easy startup
Equipped with built-in safety features
Ergonomic grip
Powerful
Cons:
The cord is such a hassle
4 – WORX WG305.1 Electric Chain Saw
The WORX WG305.1 Electric Chain Saw is ideal for homeowners who need a reliable chainsaw for occasional work. It can work well for light to medium cutting tasks, such as trimming, pruning, and general clean up in your yard.
Just like with all the other electric chainsaws on this list, this product is equipped with safety features. Furthermore, operating the saw is easy. To start, you just need to engage the safety lock switch of the machine and then activate the throttle trigger.
Once the throttle is released, this saw will stop working and the chain will come to a stop. You won’t have a hard time handling this saw. It weighs less than 7 lbs. and is among the lightest saws on this list.
The electric chainsaw reviews that you’ll find online indicate that this product is one of the most popular chainsaws, especially among the elder users and individuals who prefer to use lighter models.
This chainsaw’s ability to accomplish cutting tasks will mainly depend upon the type of wood that’s being cut, whether it’s wet, dry, soft, or hard. Most users find that this saw performs extremely well when used in cutting wood with up to 8 inches of thickness.
Pros:
Comes with a tool-less chain tensioning system
Inexpensive
Lightweight design and easy to use
Simple and fast starting mechanism
Cons:
The oiler must be manually operated
5 – Greenworks 12-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw
With a bar length of 12 inches and a capacity of 150 cuts in every charge, the Greenworks 12-inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw is the best cordless electric chainsaw that we would strongly recommend. It provides smooth performance that results in clean cuts.
As for the chain, you can be guaranteed that it’s durable as it’s made from high-quality material. If you need a heavy-duty chainsaw to carve and mill wood, this is the unit that we would strongly recommend. This battery-powered chainsaw is well capable of performing the job in the best way possible.
Featuring a brushless motor technology, this chainsaw machine enhances power and performance up to a great extent. Even if you work with this chainsaw for hours, you won’t get fatigued because it’s pretty easy to maneuver.
In addition, it produces less noise and about 70 percent fewer vibrations. This lightweight chainsaw is highly portable and you can carry it with you anywhere you want to. Thanks to its auto-oiling feature, this chainsaw doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. Just make sure there’s no oil leakage.
It’s also worth noting that this electric chainsaw comes with a tool-less tensioning for the chain, which allows for an easy and quick chain adjustment. Overall, this is a great electric chainsaw to buy. It has enough bar length, superior performance, and a powerful battery.
Pros:
Affordable
Cordless
Durable
Doesn’t make a lot of noise
Maneuverable
Push-button start
Cons:
Requires a lot of effort to keep the oil in check in order to prevent leaks
6 – Scotts CS34016S 16 in. 13-Amp Corded Electric Chainsaw
Featuring a powerful 13-amp motor, the Scotts CS34016S is capable of delivering enough power and performance that can compete with gas chainsaws. It has a 16-inch bar and chain leading to fast and clean-cut results. This chainsaw comes with an electric cord that has a protective bar to ensure safety.
Plus, it has a chain cover for safer and worry-free storage. This unit has an automatic oiling system and has an oil level window where you can monitor the amount of oil left. It also comes equipped with a tool-free tensioner adjustment.
The molded grip with rubber has a big loop that assists the handle for a more comfortable grip. And since this unit doesn’t require any oil or gas, you won’t have to deal with mess or fumes, so it’s guaranteed to be safe for the environment.
Pros:
Equipped with an automatic oiling system.
It comes with an ergonomic and cushioned handle for a more comfortable grip
There’s a visible oil level window for easy oil monitoring
The cord comes with a retention hook
Cons:
The plastic components have a cheap industrial look
7 – Earthwise CVPS43010 Corded Electric Pole Saw/Chainsaw
The Earthwise CVPS43010 Corded Electric Chainsaw is a unique type of chainsaw that can covert from pole saw into a chainsaw and vice versa. Doing so requires minimum effort. This device is equipped with a button on its body offering comfort for the user when doing a conversion.
All you need to do is to press the button and this tool will start converting to a pole saw from a chainsaw. When it’s used as a pole saw, the device can be extended in order to cut out tree branches. The pole saw feature could go up to 7.5 feet, which is pretty impressive.
Therefore, you’ll be able to get into the top of the trees without any problems. This length of a pole saw should be enough to maintain your garden. Plus, the extension pole is pretty sturdy. This convertible saw features a 10″ cutting bar, and that should be enough to provide you with a good number of cuts.
Thanks to this chainsaw, you won’t have to deal with any stubborn branches in your yard anymore! It also includes an Oregon bar that can provide precise cutting to even the toughest branches in your garden.
Of course, this chainsaw also comes equipped with safety accessories, such as the protective bar, chain cover, as well as shoulder strap. All these things help minimize any safety risk when using this chainsaw.
This model is equipped with a telescoping pole that can extend to provide more reach when cutting branches from tall areas. Some saws tend to be heavy if there’s a pole attached but not with this saw. Even after attaching the pole, the machine is still light because the pole serves as a telescopic extension.
Pros:
Equipped with a cord retention hook
Strong telescopic pole with a maximum reach of 8 feet
Provides clear cuts
Automatic oiling system
Cons:
Doesn’t seem to live up to the customer’s expectations
8 – BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Chainsaw LCS1020
One of the products that usually tops the battery-powered chainsaw reviews is the Black + Decker LCS1020. Featuring a bar length of 10 inches and equipped with a 20-volt lithium battery, this chainsaw is capable of carrying out all kinds of cutting tasks in your home, including trimming the branches in your yard.
Although this chainsaw can provide fast and smooth cuts, it will require more physical energy to accomplish thicker logs. This machine has a tool-free tensioning system that helps ensure faster chain adjustment.
Overall, the Black + Decker LCS1020 is easy to use, especially for minor cutting jobs. It has a truly efficient design. As a lightweight device, you won’t have a hard time maneuvering it as you cut woods. Plus, its lightweight design means you will be protected from stress and fatigue.
The Black + Decker LCS1020 has an improved oiling system with a clear window that allows you to monitor the oil level. As for the price, this chainsaw is fairly inexpensive. It’s a great choice for those with a limited budget.
If you are a beginner and you want to give battery-powered chainsaws a try, this should be an ideal choice. It’s suitable for those who want to sharpen their skills and are new to using chainsaws.
Pros:
Automatic oiling system
Comes equipped with a tool-free chain tensioning system
Has a pretty good power to accomplish lighter tasks
Highly affordable
Ideal for beginners and small cutting jobs
Medium-sized bar length
Cons:
Doesn’t seem to work well for heavy-duty jobs
9 – Goplus Corded Electric Chainsaw
When it comes to the best corded electric chainsaw, the Goplus Corded Electric Chainsaw is one of those models that stands out. That’s because this electric chainsaw has great features and it performs very efficiently.
First of all, this chainsaw has a powerful cutting speed of 13 m/s with an idling speed of 7,000 rpm. It comes with a 16″ sprocket tipped bar & chain, allowing you to cut through branches and all types of wood materials with ease.
In addition, this unit allows you to conveniently discharge wood chips and no clouds of dust at the left side, which prevents blockage resulting in a smoother and more efficient operation.
Another great feature of this Goplus Corded Electric Chainsaw is that it comes with a side-mounted chain tension system allowing for a quick and easy chain adjustment and prevents over-tightening.
Furthermore, it has an automatic oil lubrication system and is equipped with an oil tank with 340 ml capacity. The tank has a window level indicator so you can easily monitor the level of lubricant at the chain.
This helps ensure that the saw is able to continuously cut smoothly and safely. When it comes to safety features, this electric chainsaw won’t disappoint. It has various safety features like a built-in chain brake, switch-on safety lock, as well as widened baffle.
You just need to press the safety lock to turn the power on and prevent any damage resulting from accidental pressing. Plus, the safe baffle minimizes the risk of wooden chips scratching your skin.
Pros:
Powerful motor resulting in efficient cutting performance
Automatic oil lubrication
The oil tank has a generous capacity of 340 ml.
Comfortable grift with cushioning to minimize fatigue
Equipped with various safety features
Cons:
None
10 – Oregon Cordless 16-inch Self-Sharpening Chainsaw
Coming at a good price, the Oregon CS300-A6 is another great choice of electric chainsaw for those who need an affordable but reliable battery-powered chainsaw. This is ideal for homeowners, carpenters, arborists, landscapers, and pretty much any user out there.
The machine is powered by a strong 40V battery and can deliver excellent performance even for heavy-duty tasks. Since it doesn’t require you to use gas, this chainsaw is truly very convenient to use.
This battery-powered electric chainsaw offers the best value for your money. Aside from the powerful battery and long bar length, this unit has several other exceptional features. First of all, it has an instant trigger start and will continuously operate even for a long time.
Another excellent feature that this electric chainsaw comes with is the brushless motor. Thanks to this innovative technology, you’ll enjoy a great runtime with great power. In addition, this machine has a sharp and well-tensioned chain. It’s capable of producing 400 cuts in one single charge.
Pros:
Bar length is long
Battery is powerful
Doesn’t require much maintenance
Equipped with PowerSharp Sharpening system
Instant start
Cons:
None
FAQs About Electric Chainsaw
How does an electric chainsaw work?
You are probably familiar with gas chainsaws and the electric chainsaw might seem like a new concept to you. As the name suggests, an electric motor powers this chainsaw, which is totally different from the way gas chainsaws are powered. In addition, electric chainsaws don’t come with moving parts, unlike gas or petrol-powered chainsaw.
It’s because they take the power from electricity and a component will then convert the electrical power to mechanical power by means of torque. Then the torque will be taken into a shaft within the chainsaw. As the shaft rotates, the chainsaw will spin around and start cutting wood.
Are electric chainsaws safe?
When determining whether the electric chainsaw is safer than the gas chainsaw, there are certain factors to think about. First is the handling. Usually, electric chainsaws are much lighter compared to gas chainsaws, which is why the electric ones are usually much easier to handle.
This also means less risk during operation. Another thing to note is that the electric chainsaw doesn’t involve messy mixing and you don’t need to apply any toxic fuels to get it up and running. Just like with any electrical appliance, you simply have to plug it in an outlet and go.
Since there’s no need to mix fuel, the electric chainsaw will not emit any pollutants in the air. Therefore, it’s eco-friendly. It also works very quietly so it also minimizes noise pollution. Perhaps the only safety hazard in an electric chainsaw is the presence of a power cord, although this can be remedied by opting for a cordless model.
Do electric chainsaws require oil?
Yes, these chainsaws need oil, however, you don’t need the oil for its motor. These models don’t have any combustion engine, and therefore, engine oil isn’t really necessary to lubricate parts.
However, the machine requires bar oil for the lubrication of the chain and guide bar. The bar oil of the chainsaw also helps keep the guide bar and chains protected against rust, corrosion, and wear and tear.
What about leaking oil?
One of the most common issues that people have with electric chainsaws is the leaking of excessive oil. The chainsaw that you will buy will usually come with an instruction manual that will mention this. There are many reasons why oil could leak. In some models, the oil will be forced out of the reservoir through a rubber bulb.
This will change the air pressure inside the reservoir. As expected, there will be changes in the temperature and air pressure all throughout the day and this will affect the reservoir and oiler, which causes the oil to leak.
Can I cut down a tree by using an electric chainsaw?
If you need to fell trees and cut down timber, then you definitely need a large and durable saw that’s capable of accomplishing heavy-duty projects. But the good news is that there are plenty of electric chainsaws that are as powerful as the gas chainsaws and are capable of accomplishing heavy work. The best electric chainsaws are well capable of cutting down trees.
Comparison Chart for the Best Electric Chainsaws
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Scotts CS34016S 16 in. 13-Amp Corded Electric Chainsaw
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Earthwise CVPS43010 Corded Electric Pole Saw & Chainsaw
Conclusion
Of all the electric chainsaws we have featured above, we were more than impressed with the BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX Cordless Chainsaw. For us, this is the best electric chainsaw to invest your money in.
That’s because this battery-powered chainsaw comes with many excellent features. This chainsaw comes with an automatic oiling system and a 12-inch bar and chain. And since it’s battery-powered, you’ll be able to accomplish various tasks even if there’s no electric plug around.
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