Finding the best electric chainsaw for your needs can be quite a challenge nowadays, especially with all the options available on the market.
Aside from choosing from the different brands of electric chainsaw products, there are also two main types of electric chainsaw that you have to choose from – corded and cordless.
Each of these types has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on your purpose for buying them. To help you find the best one and to discover if electric chainsaws are any good in the first place, you should refer to the best electric chainsaw reviews provided below:
1. WORX WG303.1 16-Inch Chain Saw, 3.5 HP 14.5 Amp – Lots of features mean minimal owners maintenance
The Worx WG303.1 is a corded electric chainsaw that uses a 15.5A electric motor to power its machine. It features a rubberized handle for easy-full grip and comfort while working.
Automatic chain tensioning system
The bar and chain measure 16 inches and are suitable for light to moderate woodwork. The chain of this machine comes with an automatic chain tensioning system, making the chain adjustment process faster and safer.
This automatic feature helps control the tightness of the chain to avoid the machine from malfunctioning, resulting in better cutting performance and a prolonged lifespan.
Additional safety features
Aside from the auto chain tension the Worx also includes an automatic lubrication system and chain brake which both help in keeping the chainsaw efficient and safer to use.
Pros:
- Automatic chain lubrication
- Automatic chain tensioning system
- Added built-in chain brake to bring the saw to a halt if required
- Comfortable rubberized grip
Cons:
- Not suitable for heavy duty woodwork
If you are looking for an electric chainsaw for medium-duty woodwork, then the Worx WG303.1 is definitely worth checking out.
Good for maintaining a small backyard
It is suitable for cutting down branches or limbs of up to 14 inches thick. If you are maintaining a small backyard garden, this product can definitely help you efficiently with all the trimming and pruning jobs, making them easier and quicker.
2. Makita UC4051A Electric Chain Saw, 16″ – A well-built product perhaps the best corded electric chainsaw on test
The Makita UC4051A is the updated and upgraded version of the Makita UC4030A. This electric chainsaw has a 15A electric engine that powers its 16 inches bar and chain.
It weighs about 12.3 pounds, it’s highly versatile and easy to use. This product can accommodate light to medium-heavy-duty woodwork. The Makita UC4051A can easily cut through up to 14-inchs of wood such as firewood and fallen trees, perfect for most jobs around the home garden.
Requires an extension cord
Makita UC4051A requires the use of an extension cord measuring 50 ft. going up to 100 ft. A 100 ft. extension cord will need a 10-gauge rating while a 50 ft. extension cord requires a 12-gauge rating. It is important to follow this extension cord requirements to ensure safe use of your electric chainsaw as well as uninterrupted power.
Pros:
- Light and easy to use
- Kickback brake
- Double insulator
- Rubberized handle with spike
- A well built product
Cons:
- Not for heavy-duty work
The Makita UC4051A features a trigger lockout which keeps it from getting accidentally activated. It also has a chain catcher to protect you from the chainsaw in case it accidentally breaks plus other additional safety features such as chain brake and run-down brake.
There are also front and rear guards purposely built to protect you from any flying wood debris that might come your way. Of these electric chainsaw reviews the built in safety features of the Makita combined with its well-built metal components make it one of the top performing machines on test. This is especially true given the keen price point.
3. BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 20V MAX Lithium Ion 10 in. Chainsaw – The cordless lightweight design will be convenient for lots of users
The Black and Decker LCS1020 is a cordless chainsaw powered by a 20-volt battery. In effect this is the lowest powered chainsaw on test. It is also the lightest and weighs only 7.2 lbs, making it very light and ideal for all-around home use.
Includes a quality Oregon chain and bar
The chain and bar it uses are a high quality Oregon low-kickback model measuring up to 10 inches. It is made with a blade tensioning system that does not need any tools to adjust, saving you more time while simultaneously increasing your cutting efficiency. The blade tensioning system also means as a user you need less expertise to use this product.
Comfortable handling
Many chainsaw users appreciate the Black and Decker LCS1020 because it’s lightweight, well-made, plus it offers comfortable handling features. These features help in finishing the work faster and more efficiently.
On the downside the small 10″ bar provides only limited cutting power. This might be fine for day to day tasks around the yard but for anything more arduous you may want to choose something more powerful.
Pros:
- Super lightweight makes it easy to handle and control
- Cordless for use away from the home if required
- Cheaper than the alternatives on test
Cons:
- It does not have an automatic oiler
- It is not for medium to heavy duty use
- Limited power only
If you only want an electric chainsaw for occasional and light duty purposes, then the Black and Decker LCS1020 is one of the best options you can buy. It comes at a cheaper price and can accommodate your pruning and small trimming jobs with ease.
4. OREGON CORDLESS 40 Volt MAX CS250-S6 Chain Saw Kit with 1.25 Ah Battery Pack – Good battery power with good cutting capability
The Oregon PowerNow CS250 is a cordless chainsaw and comes with a 40 V battery to power its 14-inch chain and bar, this is 2″ smaller than both of the corded models in this test but 4″ larger than the B&D. It’s also twice as powerful as the B&D.
Cuts 250 branches on a full charge
It can cut to up to 10 inches of wood and when fully charged can let you cut up to 250 branches measuring 2-3 inches in diameter. The thicker the diameter you’re working on using this chainsaw the faster you’ll exhaust the charge of the battery.
One special feature of this good electric chainsaw that you cannot find in any of the other models reviewed here is its built-in sharpening system. This feature will allow you to sharpen your dull chain in just a few seconds.
Pros:
- A lightweight electric chainsaw that incorporates a 14″ bar
- Cordless electric battery powered
- Built-in sharpening system
Cons:
- Charging time
The Oregon PowerNow CS250 is highly efficient and operates with minimal sound. It only weighs 11 pounds to give you utmost comfort while pruning or limbing wood around your property. Utilizing this chainsaw does not require any complicated rituals such as heating up or mixing oil.
Since the Oregon PowerNow CS250 is battery powered, all you need to do is keep it fully charged so you can immediately resume with your work. One of the top safety features of this chainsaw is its trigger feature, which automatically stops the chain from moving once the trigger is released. This is a worthy safety feature.
The Oregon is a very good portable chainsaw, if you can live with the lower power and cutting capability then this will be an excellent choice for around the home. It would also be a good idea to purchase at least 1 spare battery if you have extensive pruning to undertake.
Could this be the best rated electric chainsaw on test?
So What’s The Best Electric Chainsaw – The Verdict
The list of the best electric chainsaw reviews provided here, are some of the most recommended machines in the market for light to medium duty use.
The best on test
Oregon PowerNow CS250 is one of the best electric chainsaws on the market that is packed with all the features you’ll need for light to medium-heavy cutting. However, you must note that like any other battery operated chainsaw this product is restricted by its limited battery capacity. Nevertheless, an extra battery should be enough to solve this problem and this product is our best electric chainsaw of this test.
Good for infrequent use
The Black and Decker LCS1020 with limited power and shorter bar should only be an option for those that might use it a few times a year. If you plan to use a chainsaw any more than that then consider something with more cutting power.
If you’d prefer the corded electric variety with constant power then both the Worx WG303.1 or Makita UC4051A are good options.
Budget corded chainsaw with lots of automatic features
The Worx WG303.1 is a budget model packed full of automatic features that will keep the infrequent user safe as well as the product itself in good condition.
A well built corded model that will last
The Makita doesn’t have as many features but it incredibly well built and will probably outlast many of the models on test here. Although the Oregon still pips it overall we think the Makita is the best corded electric chainsaw on test.
With both corded models you should adhere to the requirements of the extension cord specifications for safe and consistent use.
Buying an electric chainsaw can be a minefield if you’re not familiar with the market, but that’s why it’s important to pay attention to all the smaller details. Below, we’ve put together all you need to know about electric chainsaws before you buy.
Electric Chainsaw Buying Guide
To get started understand that there are two main types of electric chainsaw: corded and cordless. Let’s go over each:
Corded
These require a power source to get going, and one of the most significant advantages of a corded chainsaw is that you can use it for as long as it’s plugged in – no battery to worry about. The weakness, though, lies within the same advantage: using a power cord relies on there being power to use where you are using the chainsaw. Furthermore you’re limited by the length of the cord you opt for.
Cordless
The freedom of the cordless battery-powered chainsaw makes them a popular option for those looking to get in touch with nature in their garden and beyond. They’re more convenient than their corded counterparts but they do have a disadvantage. When they run out of charge, they need to go back on the battery charger again.
When purchasing a cordless chainsaw you should consider buying a second backup battery, so you can continue working.
Cordless options also have reduced power function over their plugin counterparts and aren’t ideal for heavy duty use. Too much, and they will stop working.
Weight
Compared to gas powered chainsaws, electric chainsaws are lighter and easier to use and transport. For example, the Black+Decker LCS1020 20V chainsaw reviewed above weighs only 7.2lb, compared to the average gas counterpart that can weigh up to 20lb.
Maintenance
Thankfully, electric chainsaws are simple to maintain. There’s no need to mix up gas or oil, and they have a range of safety features that allow your chainsaw to start quickly. The features of electric chainsaws range from tensioning and auto lubrication.
It’s always worth comparing all the features of the models that you are interested in before you go ahead and purchase. This way, you can ensure that you are getting the product that you need.
Noise/Pollution
Did you know that an electric chainsaw is a quieter option to use for your yard? One of the most significant differences to a gas-powered chainsaw is the fact that there is no loud, ongoing noise during use when the on/off button is in use.
As there is no petrol or gas, there is also a lack of exhaust fumes and pollution, which is something that everyone can benefit from. It makes the electric option friendlier to the environment.
Price
When you are researching the best electric chainsaw, one thing that will stand out is the fact that an electric chainsaw is cheaper than a gas alternative. There are more options on the market, and as an electric motor is present on the chainsaw, it’s a cheaper component than the smaller 2-stroke engines.
Electric chainsaws are also economical to run, which makes them a great option for your garden.
Ultimately, there will be a lot of things that are a concern for you when you’re investing in your new electric chainsaw, hopefully, this brief buying guide has given an insight into all the important considerations.