Best Electric Chainsaws – Cord and Cordless Chainsaws

The norm for most homeowners is to purchase and use electrically powered cord and cordless chainsaws for different outdoor works and indoor uses. A steadily decreasing number of people consider purchasing gasoline chainsaws nowadays. They are simply no longer trendy in a modern sense as technology has moved past their level.

In fact, technological advancement has offered something much better and smarter with electric powered chainsaws, in this case, the best electric chainsaws. You are therefore on the right path by seeking information on the best electric chainsaws whether the corded or cordless chainsaw.

There has been a remarkable shift and decline in the popularity of gasoline-powered chainsaws in favour of their electric counterparts. The use to which this newer and rapidly expanding tools (electric chainsaws) can be put to ranges from tree felling to bucking, limbing, pruning, harvesting firewood, freeing fallen tree trunks, cutting firebreaks in wildland fire suppression, etc. The list is endless and they can also be safely used indoors for a few purposes.

However, it is only the best electric chainsaws that can be put to this myriad number of uses without having it break down or cause human injury in the process of using it. Where gasoline powered chainsaws scored low points in terms need for refuelling, combustion, loud noise and disturbing health hazards, electric chainsaws – corded and cordless come in priceless and are preferred choices of best chainsaws.

A clear distinction however still exists between the two types of electric chainsaws, but despite this, it is difficult to clearly establish which is better between the corded and cordless electric chainsaw.

Both corded and cordless chainsaws are powered by electricity. Be that as it may, while the cordless electric chainsaw makes use of electricity stored in its rechargeable battery pack instead of direct electricity, the other (corded electric chainsaw) makes use of electricity supplied to it from a steady electric power source through an electric power cord/wire fused on its rear end.

For both to be productively used, a regular power supply has to be guaranteed or a well-charged battery pack be made available for the duration of the work. In the case of cordless electric chainsaws, an extra fully charged battery pack will come in beneficial when a lot of work needs to be done at a stretch.

In other to have a balanced review of the two main types of best electric chainsaws, and to ensure you spend your money on only what will prove valuable to you both now and in the long run, we embarked on a thorough review of the best products in the market and carefully  picked the very best corded and cordless electric chainsaw.

For the corded category, Oregon CS1500 Self-Sharpening Electric Chain Saw is our best value corded electric chainsaw, while BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 40V MAX Lithium-Ion Chainsaw outperformed others in the competition of the best cordless electric chainsaws. Another product we recommend as worth purchasing include WORX WG303.1 16-Inch 14.5 Amp Electric Chainsaw with Auto-Tension for corded electric chainsaws while we have GreenWorks 20312 G-MAX 40V 16-inch Cordless Chainsaw and EGO Power+ 14-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Chainsaw for the cordless electric chainsaw.

The criteria used to select these products amongst tons of similar products cuts across their respective Engine Amp, Power Sharp Technology, Kickback Bar, Chain and Tool Weight. These are the deciding factors professionals who use these products on a regular basis look out for before purchasing or recommending any corded or cordless electrically powered chainsaw to anyone desirous of purchasing either.

Best Electric Chainsaws

GreenWorks G-MAX Cordless Chainsaw

It has been often argued that some cordless electric chainsaws when fully charged are as powerful as their corded counterparts. GreenWorks NEW G-MAX is one of such product. You get an absolute 30% more torque from its brushless motor for greater cutting performance and up to 70% less vibration for user comfort while working. In a single full charge, 150 cuts are guaranteed whether you are a first time or veteran chainsaw user. It features a heavy duty Oregon bar and chain with a chain pitch of 0375 chain pitch, chain brake, metal bucking spikes and an automatic oiler to make this easy to use while providing the high performance needed to get your yard work done quickly and efficiently.

One of the reasons why consumers of electric chainsaws opt in for the cordless type is mainly because of its ability to work anywhere you take it to without being limited by the availability of electric power supply or length of the power cord. When one comes across a cordless product that can fire as much power as a corded electric chainsaw with low vibration, then you know that mobility is highly beneficial in consideration of a choice cordless best electric chainsaw. This is where the GreenWorks NEW G-MAX plays a vital role.

Pros:

• Easy to operate
• Powerful and fast
• Metal bucking spikes
• 40V 4ah Li-Ion Battery
• Less noise and low vibration
• 60-120 minutes battery charging time
• G-MAX battery fits all other G-MAX appliances
• Chain brake and low kickback chain for user safety

Cons:

• Plastic chain tensioner
• Sawdust easily enters the gearbox due to design fault

This is ideally the perfect chainsaw for anyone trying out a cordless electric chainsaw for the first time and/or someone who is yet to use the GreenWorks brand before. It is lightweight at 6.9 pounds yet powerful to do your basic backyard or indoor sawing tasks.  The charging time for the battery is also fast with the 4AH battery requiring 120 minutes, while the 2AH takes just 6o minutes to charge up. The GreenWorks 20312 G-MAX 40V 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw, 4AH Battery will never fail as one of our recommended best electric chainsaws.

BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 40V MAX Lithium-Ion Electric Chainsaw, 12″

Black & Decker LCS120 40-volt MAX Lithium cordless chainsaw was designed to assist you to work so you can last as long as its 20-volt MAX lithium-ion battery. The battery runs 5 times more than most other brands. It is a little bit heavier at 10 pounds and has multiple gripping positions so you can be able to make precise cuts at any angle you want without having to strain your body. With a single charge, the saw can make up to 150 1-1/2-inch diameter cuts, so you can get more done in less time and finish any job you started.

Pros:

• Perfect for small jobs
• Powerful and long lasting 40V battery
• Reduced-kickback bar and low kickback chain
• Soft grip handle which provides a comfortable grip during use
• Suitable for both soft and hardwood with as much as 8 inches diameter

Con:

• The oil seal might malfunction aafter some years uses.

There is no known downside to this product other than the price being on the high side. However, money is said to be a measure of value and this perfectly informs why the Black & Decker LCS120 is a bit expensive. Every part and component of our reviewed Black and Decker is meant to deliver value to you and serve you well.

EGO Power+ Cordless Chain Saw with Battery and Charger Kit

The EGO Power+ Chainsaw is a powerful 14 inches chainsaw that comes with a high-efficiency brushless motor to provide smooth cuts. It is powered by a 56V industry standard Arc-Lithium battery, has chain kickback brake and a chain tension adjustment all in a weather resistant construction/tool body.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Not too noisy
• Easy to clean up
• Very easy to operate
• Excellent motor speed
• Comes with chain bar oil
• Battery charging time is 30 minutes

Con:

• The chainsaw might come off if you over use it

The easy to use EGO Power+ Chainsaw is powerful enough to take care of your basic household needs without having you work long hours. Be informed however that the chainsaw might come off if you overuse it. Nevertheless, it will serve a good purpose as long as you continue to engage it in tasks ideally appropriate for it. If you have other EGO Power cordless electric garden tools, then you will find it of value that your new EGO Power+Chainsaw battery will easily fit in and power your other EGO garden tools and vice versa. With this, you actually spend less but have more/extra battery packs for your EGO electric chainsaw

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Oregon Self-Sharpening Electric Chain Saw

Oregon is a brand more synonymous with the manufacturing of top quality chains than chainsaws. But where Oregon decided to manufacture electric chainsaws, you are assured to get that age long quality all their products have been known for. This Oregon cainsaw is made lightweight in an ergonomic design, it gives off low vibrations and noise in between cuts and with its over-mold comfortable handle, you wouldn’t have any stress on your wrist using this product as long as you want to. The unique and amazing thing about the Oregon corded electric chainsaw is its inbuilt sharpening system called PoweSharp. This is probably the first automated sharpening feature to be incorporated into any chainsaw and Oregon with the Oregon self-sharpening corded electric chainsaw has total credit for this unique and beneficial innovation.

The PowerSharp feature is pretty easy to use as all you have to do to get a sharp razor is to pull the PowerSharp lever a few times within a few seconds and it will automatically sharpen your chain razor. With this then, you don’t have to be bothered over the tedious long method of removing your chainsaw’s chain before you sharpen it. The safety features the Oregon CS1500 spots include: a dead man’s switch which makes the chain stop once you release your finger from the trigger pad, lockable extension cord to prevent accidental detaching and possible user electrocution, reduced kickback bar and Integrated chain brake for safety. I would, therefore, say that the Oregon CS1500 self-sharpening electric chainsaw is a smart corded electric chainsaw and convincingly one of the best electric chainsaws in the market.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Dead man’s switch
• Extension cord lock
• Very easy to handle
• No serious needed maintenance
• Instant power-up and reduced noise
• Textured grip for comfortable holding

Cons:

• A bit slow on hardwood
• High chain oil consumption

For the feature, you can’t go wrong with this well-designed best value electric chainsaw. The overall value is excellent. I highly recommend the Oregon CS1500 self-sharpening corded electric chainsaw for anyone who wants to buy a high value corded electric chainsaw. The unique safety feature that was put into the design and manufacture of this product are among the best you will find in this range of best electric chainsaws.

WORX Electric Chainsaw with Auto-Tension, Chain Brake, and Automatic Oiling

One of the least expensive yet highly durable and efficient electric chainsaws currently on sale is the WORX WG303 corded electric chainsaw. The WORX brand is popular, but what gives it that popularity is this product with excellent value for money. Don’t get surprised when you discover that most persons around you own the WORX WG303 or any other WORX product as the case may be. They are that good, that is why I can infer without contradiction that the WORX WG303 is ubiquitous. Looking at the features this product has, you might understand better why you are left out if you don’t own it.

It comes as a 16 inches bar and chain with an auto-tensioning system to extend the life of the bar and chain by eliminating the possibility of over-tightening during use, the sprocket is easy to lubricate for increased longevity, an automatic oil lubrication and built-in oil reservoir with oil level indicator, chain break feature for extra protection and safety are all included. The handle is rubberized and easy to grip. No matter how long you work with this machine, it will never wear you out. Just remember to take your breaks as at when due, because as far as the WORX WG303 is concerned you won’t have any excuses using it.

Pros:

• It is lightweight
• Translucent oil tank
• Metal bucking spikes
• Has a protective sheath
• Tool-free chain adjuster
• Chain break technology
• Comes with a 3/8″ reduced kickback chain
• Automatic oil lubrication and oil level indicator

Con:

• Not Ideal for heavy duty use

It is easy to manoeuvre yet strong enough to trim branches. Lightweight and durable are just the right words to describe this one of a kind popular choice electric corded chainsaw. It definitely has to make this list of our best electric chainsaws. WORX WG303 has its own automatic tensioning system that prevents it from over-tightening, and is equipped with an inbuilt chain brake for safety, WORX WG303 was specially engineered to work at any pace you want it to. First-time electric chainsaw owners found this product as one of the easiest and best electric chainsaws to operate.

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What to Know About Chainsaws

How do I Sharpen a Chainsaw?

Chainsaws have blades but you do not sharpen it as you would do any other tool with a sharp end like a knife. Get a chainsaw file, preferably one that matches the specs of your chainsaw, a file guide, and a depth gauge tool. With these three tools at hand, secure your chainsaw tightly on a workbench or in a vise. Use the file guide to maintain proper angles and then start to file in one direction. Do this from tooth to tooth and always look to know if you need to adjust the depth gauge.

What was the original purpose of a chainsaw? 

The chainsaw we know today that is used to cut wood was originally designed to help widen the pelvis during childbirth. Two Scottish doctors named John Aitken and James Jeffray made the chainsaw-like tool in the 18th century to help them while performing a medical procedure known as symphysiotomy. Many years later, that tool was adapted to become what we now know as the chainsaw.

When was the chainsaw invented? 

1830 is the year what was regarded as the first prototype of the chainsaw was invented. It was invented by Bernhard Heine, a German orthopedist who used it to cut bones.

Who invented chainsaw? 

Bernhard Heine made the first chainsaw-like tool used to cut bones before Andreas Stihl created the first electric chainsaw used to cut wood. This invention was in 1926.

What do the numbers on a chainsaw chain mean? 

The numbers on the chainsaw indicate three critical specifications of the toll; the pitch, gauge, and number of drive links. The pitch is the distance between chain links that determine the compatibility with the bar and sprocket while the gauge is the thickness of the drive links that fit into the bar groove. The number of drive links has to do with the chain’s length that must match the guide bar.

Who makes the best chainsaw in the world? 

STIHL Chainsaws named after Andreas Stihl who invented the first electric chainsaw is regarded as the best chainsaw in the world. Other manufacturers with very high reputations include Husqvarna, Makita, and EGO Power+.

What size chainsaw do I need? 

The size of the chainsaw you need depends on the task you want to complete with it. A good rule is to always choose one with a guide bar 2 inches longer than the diameter of the wood you want to cut.

If you are looking to trim or cut small trees, you need a lightweight chainsaw of 10-14 inches. For cutting medium to large trees and firewood, you need one of a size of 16-20 inches. If you’re working in the forest and need to fall large trees, you need a chainsaw of more than 20 inches

Which way does a chainsaw chain go? 

The chainsaw teeth or blade goes clockwise when in use. Ensure that the sharp end regarded as the blades or teeth points in the direction away from your body when in use.

Are battery powered chainsaws any good? 

Most modern chainsaws for light to medium tasks are battery powered and they perform excellently. They are convenient to use, require low maintenance, and do not make as much noise or pollute the environment as fuel powered chainsaws.

When is the best time to buy a chainsaw? 

You can get great discounts on chainsaws when you buy them during sales. Keep an eye out during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales from different retailers. Fall and winter clearance sales are another time as well as Spring Sales when outlets are trying to sell off all older models.

What is a chainsaw used for? 

A chainsaw is primarily used to cut wood. The job an axe would do in 10 mins, a chainsaw does it in 20 seconds. It can also be used to create artistic works with wood and ice.

What is the best chainsaw on the market?

Speaking of high-duty chainsaws meant for tasks like felling trees in forests and so on, gas-powered chainsaws like Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss and Husqvarna 460 Rancher are considered to be the best. The Oregon CS1500, EGO Power+ CS1804, and Makita XCU08Z have also been given good reviews when dealing with medium to lightweight jobs at your backyard.

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Conclusion

Battery powered and corded best electric chainsaws have various merits and demerits over each other. However, either one of them is still a preferred choice over gasoline-powered chainsaws. In this review, we have looked at mainly the best electric chainsaws you can find in the market and went further to recommend the very best of each category (best corded and best cordless).

While corded electric chainsaws will prove to be a valuable companion with heavy sawing tasks done around your home or close enough to an electric power source, the cordless electric chainsaws are a bit more adventurous and suitable for mainly remote outdoor tasks. However, be sure to have an extra battery pack or a source of recharging run down batteries if you want to put them to a bit more use.

Nevertheless, the products that made the list of our best electric chainsaws under the cordless category all had their battery lasting an appreciably long time. The life of any battery per charge is totally dependent on the intensity of use it was put to or the intensity of power it gave out per use. You will find either of our recommended best electric chainsaws (corded or cordless product) a better and eco-friendly option to the outdated gasoline powered chainsaws.

How We Tested Electric Chainsaws

10 of the very best models of chainsaws were purchased and put through hands-on, side-by-side, in-depth analysis. This was done to eliminate any form of guesswork in choosing the right model for our users.

Many of these saws were tested by our team in Austin, Texas. The latest addition which was recommended by Michael Harrison, was included based on his vast experience and expertise.

• Number of Chainsaws Tested: 10
• Testing Period: Four weeks
• Methodology: Chainsaws were tested on different types of wood, including hardwood, softwood, and logs of different diameters. Both corded and cordless models were evaluated for performance, with both light and heavy-duty cutting tasks.
• Factors Considered: Cutting power, battery life (for cordless models), chain speed, weight, design, safety features, ease of assembly, noise level, vibration control, and overall value

Our team is comprised of tree service professionals and forestry experts. A local tree services company also helped to give us input on each saw based on their experience. After four weeks of testing, it became very obvious to us which of the chainsaws could saw down the competition.

Meet The Experts

We consulted highly experienced outdoor power tool experts and arborists to determine the best electric chainsaws at the best price. Meet them:

• Michael Harrison is a professional arborist with over 20 years of experience in tree care. He specializes in the safe use of power tools for tree removal and trimming, providing expert recommendations for the best electric chainsaws for both homeowners and professionals. Mike is the owner of a tree services company based in Austin, Texas.
• James Walker is a forestry expert based in Oregon. His extensive experience in using and maintaining chainsaws gave us valuable insights into the performance of the electric models, especially for heavy-duty tasks.