Best Electric Chainsaws 2021 [Reviews & Buying Guide]

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Last Updated on December 15, 2020 by Alex Falasca

Buying a chainsaw is never fun or easy, except when it comes to buying electric chainsaws. They are the best chainsaws to work with, used by DIY persons and professionals alike, as they are comfortable, easy-to-use and lightweight. Unfortunately, most people are used to gas-powered chainsaws and have no idea that excellent electric chainsaws exist.

Therefore, if you want a new experience with a user-friendly electric chainsaw, here is an overview of the top six electric chainsaws in the market. You can pick any of them, depending on your needs and budget.

5 Best Electric Chainsaw Reviews in 2021


1. Oregon 570995 CS1500 Self-Sharpening Electric Chainsaw

This is one of the best electric chainsaws because it can maintain itself without any issues due, in large, to its self-sharpening feature. Moreover, its features are easy to maintain and do not cost a fortune. It also has a low noise level and is very user-friendly.

The neighbors will never complain about disturbances when you use it for your woodworking projects. It is the best-priced chainsaw due to its unique, ergonomic design and comfortable handling system.best electric chainsawProduct Features and Specifications

  • Has an automatic oiler with a translucent viewing window that you can use for oil checks.
  • Has a built-in instant start that’s easy to use.
  • Features a tool-free chain tensioner.
  • Comes with a 15 Amp/120 V electric power supply.
  • 18-inch minimum kickback bar and chain.
  • The over-mold ergonomic handle makes it easy-to-use.
  • Built-in power sharpener for chain sharpening.
  • Integrated chain braking system ensures that your security level, during woodwork, is top-notch.
  • Pitch is a 3/8-inch low profile.
  • No Load Chain speed is 2887 fpm/48 fps.
  • Gauge is .050 inches.
  • Bar length is 18 inches/45 cm.

Pros
  • Comes with safety features for zero to minimal chainsaw hazards
  • Backed by a 2-year consumer warranty and a 1-year professional warranty
  • It is balanced and lightweight with low-vibration
Cons
  • Chain tends to slip off the bar if not checked regularly or tensioned properly
  • Uses lots of oil

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2. WORX WG303.1 16-Inch 14.5 Amp Electric Chainsaw 

This is one of the best small electric chainsaws because it has great safety mechanisms that ensure stress-free work. Moreover, it is an all-electric tool that does not include batteries. In addition, it has a 14.5 Amp motor that performs the same way as a gas-powered chainsaw.

Anyone can comfortably use it, from ranch owners to farmers. This electric chainsaw has a patented auto-tension system that ensures it stays at the right tension every time you use it. It comes with a three-year manufacturer warranty.

 

electric chainsaw reviews


Product Features and Specifications

  • Has a tool-free tensioner.
  • Features an over-molded rubberized rear handle.
  • It includes a scabbard and a 4 oz. bottle of oil for its chain.
  • Built-in brake to ensure you are always safe.
  • Comes with a 3/8 inch pitch reduced kickback chain safety mechanism that easily improves your cutting performance.
  • Features an auto-oil lubrication and a built-in oil reservoir with an oil level indicator.
  • Peak power is 3.5 Hp.
  • Bar length is 16 inches.
  • Its oil tank has 6.75 oz.
  • Dry weight is 11.0 lbs.
  • Chain pitch is 3/8 inches.
  • Chain gauge is 0.50 inches.

Pros
  • Designed for everyone and easy to use
  • Has a great selection of features, from performance to safety
  • Affordable
  • Durable for a long working period
Cons
  • This brand does not sell many replacement parts for repair
  • Auto-chain tensioner knob not very secure tends to slip

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3. BLACK+DECKER CS1518 15-Amp Corded Chainsaw, 18-Inch

Are you looking for a powerful and user-friendly electric chainsaw? Then you should feel at ease with this electric chainsaw. It is one of the best cordless electric chainsaws in the market and comes with a self-lubricating and auto-oiling system. Besides, this electric chainsaw is easy-to-use and handle.

Its lightweight design makes it ideal for novice and professional woodworkers to handle with ease. Moreover, it is highly safe and can last for some time without any technical problems. You just have to abide by its user manual for long-term optimal functionality.best electric chainsaw for homeownersProduct Features and Specifications

  • Has an 18-inch Oregon low kickback bar and chain for an improved woodworking experience.
  • Offers a tool-free chain tensioning for quick, easy and convenient chain adjustments.
  • Automatic oil system ensures that the bar and chain are always lubricated.
  • Clear window for easy monitoring of the oil levels.
  • Comes with a chain break feature for maximum safety during woodworking.
  • Minimal noise level during use.
  • Convenient front and rear guards protect your hands from the flying debris and chain contact.
  • 15 Amp power motor.
  • Lock off button to prevent activation of the chainsaw accidentally.

Pros
  • Easy start: you just plug it in and you are good to go
  • Lightweight, well balanced and easy-to-handle
  • Comes with a two-year limited warranty
  • Durable and affordable
Cons
  • Chain likely to loosen up during first use, but you can easily re-tighten it
  • Poorly-written instructional manual

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4. Remington RM1645 Versa Saw 12 Amp 16-Inch Electric Chainsaw

If you want a decent electric chainsaw for trimming and pruning small trees, the Remington model is your best pick. It is the best chainsaw for the money with a 12 Amp powerful motor.

This electric chainsaw is easy-to-use and handle, and has a full-wrap handle that makes it easier to make cuts, at all angles. It is also highly versatile and reliable during light cuts. In addition, it is lightweight and comes fully-assembled. Make use of its user manual for optimal functionality.Remington electric chainsawProduct Features and Specifications

  • It is powered by a 12 Amp motor.
  • Has a 16-inch low kickback bar and chain.
  • Easy-view oil window for monitoring the level of the electric chainsaw oil.
  • Wrap-around hand guard for versatility; you can cut in every angle you want.
  • Includes an automatic chain oiler.
  • Features a soft-to-the-touch rear grip for comfort and reduced vibration during cuts.
  • Compact design but highly versatile during woodcuts. The design also allows for easier storage.
  • Chain pitch is 375 inches.
  • Manual chain tension.
  • Comes with an external adjustment screw for proper chain tensioning.

Pros
  • Lightweight and very easy-to-use and maneuver
  • Comes with a two-year limited warranty
  • Ideal for pruning, trimming and light cutting
  • Very affordable given its precise cuts
Cons
  • Issues include severe oil leak, adding to its operation costs
  • Not ideal for heavy-duty cutting

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5. Greenworks 16-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw

This is one of the best cordless electric chainsaws because it does not use any gas, nor does it have any pull cords. It requires no maintenance but will still function and deliver as expected.

This corded chainsaw is suitable for medium-duty woodworks, such as limb pruning and felling small trees. You can also use it to clear debris and slice firewood. Since it is battery-powered, you can take it anywhere without worrying about the limitations caused by extension cords. It further produces very little noise during operation.best cordless electric chainsawProduct Features and Specifications:

  • Features an innovative brushless motor tech for a longer runtime and extended lifespan with less wear and tear and more torque and power.
  • Heavy-duty 16 inch Oregon bar and a chain reduced kickback.
  • Toolless chain adjuster allows for a quick tightening or loosening of the chains on the chainsaw.
  • Features an instant electric start.
  • Comes with a chain brake and a low kickback chain for enhanced safety.
  • Has metal bucking spikes.
  • It is compatible with 14 different lawn tools, making yard work easier for avid lawn care home owners.
  • Automatic oiler.
  • Chain pitch is .0375.

Pros
  • Has a simple starting procedure
  • Excellent power for a battery-operated chainsaw
  • Very quiet with a low vibration during use
  • It is very lightweight, easy-to-handle and store
Cons
  • Leaks oil when in storage
  • Needs proper care to ensure the chain tension is always well-maintained

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Types of Electric Chainsaws

Electric chainsaws are the best types of chainsaws for homeowners. This is because they are lighter, easy-to-handle and more versatile compared to gas-powered chainsaws.

The best electric chainsaws do not require the use of too much physical strength. An expert and a newbie can easily maneuver it. As such, they are best-suited for small yard tasks, as well as limbing, felling, trimming and pruning small trees. They are easy to maintain, with some requiring zero maintenance.

There are two types of electric chainsaws: corded and cordless/battery powered. Both are useful when it comes to different home tasks, but they are powered differently, which sets them apart when it comes to functionality. Here is some advice about these chainsaws, as well as information on when to use one and not the other:

  • Corded Electric Chainsaws

Corded electric chainsaws are powered by a power source: just plug in its cord and you are ready to start pruning and trimming small trees and collecting firewood. Cords are usually unique to the individual electric chainsaw with no extension to its specified yard radius. However, you can use a portable generator and carry the corded electric chainsaw, but you will have to ensure that there are no tangles that will mess with the cord.

The best part about using this type of chainsaw is that it can run continuously, as long as it is tethered to a reliable power source. Likewise, it has more power when compared to a battery/cordless powered chainsaw and is highly versatile in terms of use. Having said this, both are resourceful, depending on the yard task.

You can always settle for this chainsaw when it comes to undertaking small home tasks, such as collecting firewood, but it is not ideal for work that is away from home because of its limited power source. After all, generators also run out of fuel.

  • Cordless/Battery-Powered Chainsaws

These are the best electric chainsaws for heavy-duty tasks that are away from a reliable power source. This is because they use free rechargeable batteries that can be easily carried around. The problem only comes when you are working because it is hard to know when the battery will run out. It can be in the middle of your work, which is very inconvenient, but this is not dangerous because of the safety mechanisms in place.

Moreover, this type of chainsaw produces less noise compared to a corded one and is best-suited for indoor work. Besides, they have a reduced power capacity compared to corded chainsaws run by an electric power source.

Therefore, both types are great, depending on the task and motor power. You can easily find them at a pocket-friendly price. Their prices usually differ by brand, so you can just browse through some reputable brands. Having said this, it will not hurt to have both at home, for conveniences’ sake.

 

How to Find the Best Electric Chainsaw

It is very easy to be overwhelmed by the various types of electric chainsaws in the market. Here is how you can narrow down your choices and select the best electric chainsaw:

  • Intended Use

You will have to consider your main task before selecting a chainsaw. Ideally, these types of chainsaws are designed for pruning, trimming and felling small trees and branches. You can also use the versatile corded chainsaw to collect firewood.

  • Safety Features

Always read the special features, as well as the specifications, before selecting any type of chainsaw. Look at some online reviews on different brands before shopping. In relation, the safer it is, the easier it will be for a newbie user to get the hang of it.

  • Motor Power

This determines what you can use the chainsaw for – the higher the better. It does not matter if it is a corded or cordless electric chainsaw. Therefore, be sure to check the motor power in relation to what you intend to use it for.

  • Guide Bar Length

This feature usually determines how you can use the chainsaw and its level of durability. The longer the blade, the more issues you will have with kickback. Therefore, for regular pruning and trimming, settle for a 8-14 inch blade. Medium firewood cuts require 16-18 inch blades. The safety rule is that your blade should be 2 inches longer than the size of the wood you want to cut.

  • Experience

The more experience you have handling a chainsaw, the easier it will be to choose a model best-suited for your needs. However, if you have limited to zero experience, you can choose a user-friendly model that’s light and easy-to-handle.

  • Your Working Environment

If you plan to use the electric chainsaw indoors, you are better off with a cordless/battery-powered chainsaw because it produces less noise during operation compared to the corded type that can disturb the neighbors. In relation, off-site work away from home also requires a battery-powered chainsaw but, if you have a portable generator, you can always buy the corded one or have them both.

  • Price

You should never place a price tag on any chainsaw. Instead, buy one according to its value and convenience to you. The most expensive chainsaws have better and more durable parts compared to the cheap, affordable ones that have flimsy plastic parts prone to wear and tear. Therefore, you can opt for a durable one regardless of the price. Nevertheless, electric chainsaws are usually within a reasonable price range, so you should be able to easily afford any of them.

  • Ease of Use

Although these types of chainsaws are the easiest to handle, this does not mean that everyone can easily handle them. So, look for features that make them easier to handle, like rubber grip handles and a smooth start-up mechanism.

Pros and Cons of an Electric Chainsaw

There are both pros and cons associated with an electric chainsaw. If you need knowledge about these aspects then you have surely come to the right place. Here you will get a complete idea about the advantages as well as disadvantages associated with the electric chainsaw.

Pros associated with electric chainsaws

  • Easy to use

Electric chainsaw can be of two types. It can be corded or cordless. The corded model runs on power supply and the cordless model runs on rechargeable battery. Both the electric models are very easy as well as safe for usage. You will not face any kind of inconvenience while operating it.

  • Light in weight

One of the major advantages of electric chainsaws is that they are light in weight. As compared to the gas based saws they are far less in weight. Thus, you will not feel tired if you will use an electric chainsaw.

  • Limited noise

A great aspect about electric chainsaws is that they don’t make any loud noises. Just a small sound is produced that is completely bearable. Thus if you are living in a noise sensitive area where your neighbors might have an objection to noisy tasks then electric chainsaw is the best option.

  • Faster results

As compared to a manual chainsaw you can expect faster and much better results with an electric chainsaw. So, for any cutting needs related to home, farm or office these are one of the most preferable devices.

  • Affordable

Very large sized electrical chainsaws, that are used for industrial operations may be heavily priced but the normal kind of electric chainsaws for daily use and casual operations are priced very reasonably. You can get the best options in this category through the online platform.

  • Simple design

The design of electric chainsaw is generally very simple to understand. Just by going through the instruction manual you can get a complete idea that how it needs to be operated using the specified buttons. You don’t have to be a skilled task master to understand its design and working mechanism.

  • Simple maintenance

Electric chainsaws are very easy to maintain and you can easily shift them to the desired place. The only need is battery power or power connection. You may need to do a little oiling or chain tightening from time to time. Unlike the gas based chainsaws you don’t have to worry about mixing the fuel and oil for its operation.

Cons associated with electric chainsaws

  • They need electricity or battery power to operate

The main problem with an electric chainsaw is that it is completely dependent on power supply or battery power. Thus you need to have constant access to power supply in some or the other way to operate these devices.

  • Many electric chainsaws are just fit for casual use

The simple electric chainsaws are just fit for casual use. They are not suitable for high end operations. For bigger tasks you should have a really high powered electric chainsaw or a gas powered chainsaw that supports heavy cutting. A normal kind of electric chainsaw is fit for general purpose use in home, farm or office.

  • Corded chainsaw can restrict the area of usage

If you are using a corded electric chainsaw then it can restrict your usage because the length of the cord is limited. You always have to search for a power point nearby and in case you want to increase the length of the cord then you must have an extension arrangement. A battery operated model may also run out at times when the battery power is completely drained.

Safety Aspects of Electric Chainsaws

As per the study use of electric chainsaw results in more accidents than other versions of saws if proper safety precautions are not adhered to while handling electric chainsaws which are as follows:-

  • First and foremost always wear the proper safety gears while working with chainsaws like protect your eyes, ears and use gloves. Wear tight clothing and protect your face with the safety guard.
  • Secondly make sure the maintenance of your tools to the optimal like sharpening of blades, tightening of chain and use of lubricants before use and on frequent intervals to avoid accidents.
  • Make sure to make a proper grip with both hands on your chainsaw and position your feet firmly on the ground, avoid cutting with tip of blade.
  • Lastly make sure your safety from a falling branch of tree to avoid injury.

Conclusion

To conclude, an electric chainsaw is the best option for anyone looking for a chainsaw that will complete small-to-medium tasks, at home or off-site.

You will, however, have to be well-acquainted with some of the basics before buying one: sellers assume that you have an idea of how to use electric chainsaws, so they do not ask for proof of a license when purchasing them.

So, if you are looking for one of the best electric chainsaws in today’s market, you can opt for any of our top 5 listed above. They are all highly durable and within an affordable price range.