If you’ve ever been in the market for an electric chainsaw in the past, you’ll know what a daunting task it can be with the different makes and models available. But it doesn’t have to be so difficult as we’ve done the hard work for you.
It’s easy to see the appeal of electric chainsaws. They’re quiet, lightweight, easy to use, and have a whole host of safety features built in.
After comparing and narrowing down all the options out there, here are some of the best electric chainsaws available, along with some tips on what to look out for. So, whether you’re a professional or simply need something for personal use, you’re sure to find one to suit you.
Table of Contents
Quick View: Overall Winner
After reviewing 7 of the top choices when it comes to electric chainsaws, the best is the wonderfully named WORX WG303.1.
- High performance
- Easy to handle
- Comfortable to use
- Key safety features
- Great for beginners and experienced
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What to Consider Before Buying an Electric Chainsaw?
Knowing what to look for in an electric chainsaw will help you to narrow down your options and make an informed decision.
Let’s go over some of the most important things you need to consider before deciding which electric chainsaw will be best for you.
Price
When in the market for a new chainsaw, one of the first considerations is probably going to be the cost because, let’s face it, any power tool is likely to be a significant investment. The price of chainsaws is quite variable depending on the brand you go for, as well as the power and features.
But buying an electric chainsaw doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. For example, if you only need it for working in your own workshop, you won’t need a professional-quality chainsaw chock-full of features. You can easily get a good electric chainsaw that is suitable for personal use for less than $100.
Having said that, if you want an electric chainsaw that packs a lot of punch and has some extras to offer, it may be better to take the leap and invest in one of the more high-end models.
Where Will You Be Using the Chainsaw?
The biggest issue with electric chainsaws is that, due to their cord, they are limited by distance. Before purchasing one, you will have to take into account that you will only be able to use the chainsaw where there is an outlet, or you may otherwise need to invest in grounded extension cords, furthering the overall cost of your chainsaw.
If that is something you’d be open to, you need to ensure that an appropriate extension cord is used. It must be a cord suitable for outdoor use and with the correct gauge for your particular chainsaw, which is dependent on its power. If you use the wrong cord, it will negatively impact the performance of the chainsaw and it can be quite dangerous as it increases the risk of electric shock.
Now, if you only plan on using your electric chainsaw in the workshop, then none of that will be an issue. You can simply plug it in and go.
Guide Bar Size
The guide bar of a chainsaw is measured from the tip to the point where it emerges from the powerhead. Generally speaking, a chainsaw should be able to cut through a log that is twice the diameter of the length of the guide bar without any trouble. The guide bar should also be 2” longer than the diameter of any piece of wood you would want to cut through in a single pass. Any smaller than that and you will risk kickback.
So, when choosing an electric chainsaw, the size of guide bar you will need depends on the size of the wood you plan on cutting with it. For trimming, pruning, and small DIY tasks , you would only need a 6” to 14” guide bar. Meanwhile, chainsaws with a 16” to 20” guide bar are capable of handling much bigger tasks, such as felling medium-sized trees.
It’s important to note, though, that the longer the blade, the heavier your chainsaw will be. This will make it more difficult to handle, less maneuverable, and more difficult to transport should you need to.
What Safety Features are Included?
Safety is of the utmost importance when using an electric chainsaw. Like any other power tool, chainsaws can be very dangerous and, should something go wrong, the potential damage that can do to the user doesn’t bare thinking about. Thankfully, modern chainsaws are equipped with various safety features to protect the user during operation.
One of the most common hazards, and the most common cause of injury is kickback. Kickback results in an unexpected movement of the guide bar that is often so fast and aggressive that the user does not have time to react. One popular safety feature that helps prevent kickback is a reduced kickback guide bar. This reduces the number and severity of kickbacks by reducing the size of the kickback danger zone. Chain breaks can also stop the saw in the event of a kickback, meaning that it is less likely to cause an accident.
Many chainsaws also have hand guards that can protect the user from flying debris and prevent the hand from hitting the chain should the user’s grip slip. Some battery chainsaws will have a front and rear hand guard, while others may only have one in the front. And some have no hand guard at all.
These are just some of the safety features that may be included with your electric chainsaw. It is important to identify the specific risks that you will face when operating your chainsaw so that you can choose one that has the proper safety features to mitigate these risks.
Engine Power
Electric chainsaws have come a long way and, these days, you can easily find one with the equivalent amount of power as a traditional gas chainsaw. But power varies greatly between different brands and models of electric chainsaw. The power specifications are measured in the volts and amperage of the chainsaw.
An electric chainsaw that is rated around 30 to 35 cc is ideal for trimming and pruning. But, for more heavy duty tasks, such as tree felling and firewood cutting, you would need a more powerful chainsaw at 35 to 42 cc.
What Will You Be Using the Chainsaw For?
What all of this boils down to is the electric chainsaw that is best for you will depend heavily on what you plan on using it for. With the different guide bar lengths, power capacities, and cord lengths, different electric chainsaws are better suited for different tasks. So you need to ensure that the one you choose is suitable for the type of work you’ll be using it for, or it won’t be worth your money.
Some electric chainsaws are able to fell large trees, so long as the cord reaches far enough. Others are better suited for trimming. So you need to consider what you want from your chainsaw. If you only plan on using it for light DIY work in the workshop, or trimming in the yard, then you likely won’t need a lot of power, and you certainly won’t need to splurge on a professional quality chainsaw.
7 Best Electric Chainsaw Reviews
As you have probably guessed by now, there is a lot of variety in the electric chainsaws that are available. It can be rather intimidating trying to find the right one.
But, now that you know what to look for in an electric chainsaw and the considerations that need to be made, we can look at a selection of specific products that have been hand-picked for review based on those same considerations.
1. WORX WG303.1 (16”) (Top Pick)
Key Features:
- Automatic chain tension
- Ergonomic handle
- Chain brake
- Automatic oiling system
- ⅜” pitch reduced kickback chain
The WORX WG303.1 is ideal for everyday yard work and odd jobs. It is sturdy and more robust than smaller electric chainsaws, but remains lightweight and easy to handle. It is suitable for trimming, clearing bush, and cutting firewood, and the built-in safety features minimize any risks to the operator.
Pros
- Very lightweight at just 11 lb
- Plenty of power for everyday tasks
- Easy to use
- Easy to maneuver
Cons
- Not powerful enough for heavy-duty jobs
- Not particularly sparing with its use of bar oil
- Chain adjuster knob is quite bulky
- Doesn’t reach far without an appropriate extension cord
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. BLACK+DECKER CS1518 (18″)
Key Features:
- Automatic oiling system
- Wrap around hand guard
- Low kickback bar and chain
- Powerful 15 amp motor
- Chain break feature
The BLACK+DECKER Electric Chainsaw CS1518 is a powerful chainsaw that can meet deamanding cuts. It is great for cutting branches, as well as trimming around the yard. It is both durable and reliable and is made with user safety in mind. In particular, the chainsaw uses very little oil at each use.
Pros
- Lightweight at just 6 lb
- Good value for money
- Easy cleanup
- Can take down small to moderate-sized trees
Cons
- Long running time can damage the chain or sprocket
- Doesn’t hold a lot of oil so needs frequent topping up
- The adjusting mechanism is cumbersome
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Greenworks 20222 (14”)
Key Features:
- Powerful 10.5 amp motor
- Tool-free chain tensioning
- Front hand guard
- Auto-oiling system
- Brushless motor to reduce vibration
The Greenworks 20222 is a sturdy chainsaw that works well for trimming, clearing bush, cutting firewood, and felling small to medium trees. It’s easy to handle and, at just 8 lb, it’s great for long term jobs without causing fatigue. It is quieter than most chainsaws, including other electric chainsaws, but still packs a lot of power with its quick-starting motor.
Pros
- Quick and easy to start up
- Easy handling and good maneuverability
- Really good braking mechanism
- Good value for money
Cons
- Uses a lot of bar oil
- Leaks oil when not properly stored
- Chain loosens often so tension needs to be adjusted regularly
- Extension cord capture clip is too small for larger gauge cords
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Sun Joe SWJ701E (18”)
Key Features:
- Powerful 14 amp motor
- Good quality Oregon bar and chain
- Hand guard with kickback brake
- Auto-oiling system
- Ergonomic design
The Sun Joe SWJ701E is a solid and durable chainsaw that can handle more heavy duty tasks, such as felling trees. It has a lot of safety features, along with an adjustable ergonomic handle, which ensures the user has the best possible experience while sawing. It’s powerful and easy to start. All you need to do is push the button and you’re ready to go.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Can compete with small gas chainsaws in terms of power
- Good range of safety features
- Good value for money
Cons
- Tool needed to adjust chain tension, which can be tricky
- Chain becomes loose over time quicker than other chainsaws
- Leaks oil when not stored properly
- Instruction manual is not very clear
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. EGO Power+ CS1400 (14”)
Key Features:
- Efficient Brushless motor
- Ergonomic design
- Electric chain brake
- Weather-resistant
- Chain tensioning knob
The EGO Power+ CS1400 is a good chainsaw for trimming, limbing, and other small jobs around the yard, home, and workshop. It is designed for quick cutting and is easy to clean and maintain. It also has a number of features that have been improved upon from previous EGO models, including the chain brake and automatic chain oiler, all of which improve the overall performance of this electric chainsaw.
Pros
- Well-balanced and lightweight
- Comfortable to use, with minimal vibration
- Quick and easy to start up
- Packs a lot of power for a small chainsaw
Cons
- Chain loosens and needs to be tightened often
- Chain tensioner is weak due to a design flaw and may break
- May experience a sudden stop every now and then
- The bar and chain oil can leak
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. Earthwise CS30116 (16”)
Key Features:
- Good quality Oregon bar and chain
- Powerful 12 amp motor
- Auto-oiling system
- Tool-free chain tensioning
- Extension cord retention hook
Earthwise are best known for their eco-friendly products and the Earthwise CS30116 electric chainsaw is no different. It is lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, without sacrificing power or durability. It is designed with the user’s best interests in mind, with an ergonomic handle, easy chain tensioning, and low kickback safety features. It’s great for trimming, clearing brush, and stockpiling firewood, and can even handle occasional heavy duty jobs.
Pros
- Easy to keep track of oil levels thanks to the oil level window
- Low consumption of bar oil
- Good portability
- Low maintenance and easy to clean
Cons
- Lacks a chain break
- Leaks oil when not properly stored
- Chain occasionally slips
- Automatic oiler doesn’t always work as it should
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
7. Oregon CS1500 (18”)
Key Features:
- Self-sharpening chain
- Powerful 15 amp motor
- Auto-oiling system
- Tool-free chain tensioning
- Front hand guard
Oregon is a really well-known brand and the Oregon CS1500 electric chainsaw lives up to their reputation. It is versatile and suitable for a variety of jobs from trimming all the way to felling larger trees. It is lightweight and is built with a number of safety features, including a low kickback bar and chain, a chain brake, and low vibration grips. All of these combined allow you to operate the chainsaw with confidence.
Pros
- The PowerSharp chain can sharpen in just 3 seconds
- Can handle larger trees better than most other electric chainsaws
- Low vibrations and really quiet when in use
- Uses bar oil sparingly
Cons
- The position of the motor offsets the balance of the chainsaw
- Chips and sawdust sometimes accumulate so it needs to be cleaned
- Chain may be damaged if it doesn’t get enough oil
- Chain may slip if not regularly checked and tensioned
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Which Is Best?
Overall, the best electric chainsaw is the WORX WG303.1. It performs just as well as larger, more robust models, but is much easier to handle and carry around. It is a durable and versatile chainsaw and can be used for a variety of tasks both indoors and outdoors.
Best of all, it was clearly designed with comfort and safety in mind, with a whole host of features to make operating the chainsaw as easy as possible for the user. As a result, the WORX WG303.1 would make a great electric chainsaw for a beginner or someone more experienced.
Just make sure you use an appropriate extension cord if you plan on taking your chainsaw away from the nearest outlet, and that you know your chainsaw’s limits before you try to tackle a particular job. This will help you keep your electric chainsaw in good working order so that you can continue using it for many years to come.
