5 Best Electric Chainsaws

Every time we think of chainsaws, there comes to our minds one single scene: a two-stroke engine buzzing around, as it reaches its full speed. It’s not that we lack imagination; it’s just that our collective unconscious has long cherished this image.

Other scenarios are uncommon to visualize, yet more uncommon it is to go so far as to imagine that same machine tied to the wall with an extension cord. This may seem odd and quite aesthetically unpleasant, but electric chainsaws have righteously proved their adequacy and efficiency, becoming the one and only resort for homeowners to manage their tasks, respond to their needs, and satisfy them.

It’s strong enough to carry out whatever seemingly hard task, but not less flexible for small and adaptable to lighter projects as well. They, electric chainsaws, now are the indispensable counterpart of gas, freeing people of high costs and exhausting maintenance requirements, ultimately becoming their best choice.

Interested in getting the best electric chainsaw available today? Here are the top choices in this category:

The Best Electric Chainsaw – Our picks

#1 – Makita 16” UC4051A Electric Chainsaw

Not an expert, nor even a yard working enthusiast has never heard of or has never considered purchasing the renowned tools of the biggest power tools manufacturer company, Makita. It’s entirely credible to mention one of their popular products – the UC4051A, our pick for the title of the overall best electric chainsaw.

The following is a brief, all including review of Makita’s UC4051A, which – similarly to the Remington reviewed below – should be plugged into an electrical outlet to work.

With its consumer-focused tactics, the Makita Company essentially puts much importance on mainly two things: producing high-quality machines and satisfying the customer. Indeed, Makita provides you with a one-year warranty and 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If your chainsaw is harmed during these 30 days, or you’re just unsatisfied with it, the company would either mend it or change it altogether – freely and without you paying any additional cost.

There are other features that testify to how attentive the company is to every single detail that may serve its clients and further make easy their work. Among these features is the rubberized grip handles, which are meant to allow using the saw with much ease. However basic this luxurious feature may seem, some chainsaws, unfortunately, lack it.

The unit is also made with a build-in current limiter thanks to which the motor is shielded against burnouts. Its function is to cool down the power when the saw is overcharged, overheated, or starts losing its power and becoming slower. Thanks to this feature, Makita’s electric chainsaw is long-lasting in comparison to other chainsaws with even cost.

That said, this model is not entirely free of any shortcoming. In fact, although it did great job by changing the sprocket metal, it kept the chains plastic. These plastic-made chain tensioners are not rigid, not durable, and are prone to easy breakdown. Some people were even unsatisfied with, if not disappointed with the quality of the plastic used. Yet, it remains acknowledged for the machine’s overall durability and high efficiency.

What we like about it

All in all, what’s important to remember is the fact that this fine piece of machinery comes with a one year warranty, the machine’s unquestionable and recognized durability and the fact that it has a metal sprocket. All of that makes the tool worth the money, as you won’t waste your budget on a shortly-lived device, which is why it’s topping our best electric chainsaw list.

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#2 – Remington 12” Corded Electric Chainsaw

This chainsaw is one of the best electric chainsaws in the budget sphere. It’s the least costly among the listed products, and is appropriate for anyone who doesn’t want to invest much money for the sake of a single tool, especially if you don’t use it frequently, but rather occasionally. There are some remarkable defects that you may find it hard to overlook. When using it, you’ll undoubtedly notice it was fabricated with much consideration over the money it would cost.  Although some underlying flaws, however, it remains an excellent choice to make to carry out your small limb trimming project.

It’s equipped with a 12-inch bar and powered by an 8-AMP motor. Surprisingly irregular and innovative as it is, the Remington chainsaw has a push-button oiling system. According to the manufacturers, it was initially made to further facilitate the oiling process, without you having to oil it each and every time. The sprocket’s rotation manipulates the oiler.

Unfortunately, there were some reproaches that the oil doesn’t stop leaking the moment you turn off the chainsaw, which may result in a loss of a significantly important amount of oil. Another disadvantage to mention concerning this feature is that you can’t entirely control and regulate the amount of oil to be used while working.

Because the chainsaw also lacks a to prevent any recoil, you may feel endangered and not safe enough. Fortunately, not an incident has yet been reported. The chainsaw’s manufacturer asserts that it’s very rare, if not impossible, to encounter an accident of kickbacks.

The biggest problem resides in the fact that the basic, principal components are made entirely from plastic. Having both plastic sprocket and plastic chain tensioning housing weakens the saws, rendering it easily damaged, breakable, and less durable. This may result in serious troubles. After a significant period of usage, you risk having the Remington chainsaw’s plastic loose and torn into pieces. 

However, this exact defect may be seen positively and serve as an advantage, as it keeps the chainsaw lightweight. Weighing only 6 pounds, the Remington chainsaw is easy to store, hold and use, adapting it to a wide variety of tasks.

Although its heavy dependence on plastic may be discouraging, the fact that the company offers its customer a two-year warranty guarantee, and its good quality may be encouraging enough.

What we like about it

To wrap it up, the Remington chainsaw is easy to use thanks to its lightweight, and achieves accurately its task, courtesy of all the features it packs. Also, it doesn’t cost much and is convenient for those who use chainsaws once in a while. Simply put, if you’re on a budget and looking for the best electric chainsaw without breaking the bank, the Remington 12” Corded model is the way to go.

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#3 – Oregon Cordless Chainsaw Kit

The most noticeable and liked feature characterizing the Oregon Cordless is its scream quality. It’s constituted of excellent metal materials of which its principal components, namely the housing unit and the sprocket are fabricated. Being metal made, this chainsaw is tough, rigid, durable, and immune to breakdowns. What else could you ask for in the best electric chainsaw, amirite?

The Oregon cordless contains only one 40-volt battery responsible for its powering. The battery is made by the Oregon Company in-house. Its running time is generally around 20 minutes, in contrast to Makita and Greenworks’ 10 minutes running time, which is perfectly sufficient to complete the work.

There is, however, a slight defect about the battery that may annoy many customers, being time-consuming. The battery, unfortunately, takes about 2 hours to fully charge. When engaging in tasks that require more than 20 minutes, you’d better purchase a backup battery. Many buyers have bitterly complained about it.

The Oregon chainsaw is especially appreciated for the efficacy of its oiler. Unlike the Remington, whose oiler wastes too much unnecessary oil, and the Greenworks that doesn’t provide sufficient oil, the Oregon chainsaw properly oils the bar with the accurate amount of oil, adding to the quality of the chainsaw’s performance, and leaving you satisfied.

One of the recurrent problems that encounter manufacturers when making cordless chainsaws is balancing the weight of the battery with that of the overall chainsaw, as cells are generally heavier. Fortunately, with the Oregon chainsaw, you don’t need to worry about this issue since it’s perfectly balanced and has a convenient weight at the center.

Another important feature characterizing the Oregon cordless chainsaw is its innovative self-sharpening system. It has an inside stone that would sharpen the chain within seconds. All you have to do is to click on the button. Some find it somehow intimidating. However, this feature renders the task much easier, as the sharpening process is usually made by hand, and that has for so long made working with chainsaws an overwhelming, energy-consuming task.

Though not as resistant as the Greenworks, being manufactured with high-grade materials makes the Oregon chainsaw more durable and long-lasting when compared to various other chainsaws.

What we like about it

Briefly, this chainsaw has significant praiseworthy features. In addition to making your job easier with a single move, its self-sharpening system helps you with lessening the tasks needed in maintaining the tool. It’s not heavy and is easy to use. Also, it’s also known for its flawless oiling system, acknowledged as one of the best power generating tool among electric chainsaws, and is amazingly and properly balanced. It’s easy to see why we include this unit as one of the best electric chainsaws, right?

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#4 – Makita Cordless 14” Chainsaw with 4 Batteries

Back to Makita with yet another great unit from the company and a solid candidate for the title of the best cordless chainsaw.

The Makita cordless 14-inch Chainsaw is powered with two 18-volt LI batteries which are made by Makita Company and can be properly used in other tools. They don’t take too much to charge, 30 minutes are sufficient enough to be fully charged from 0% to 100 %. Although the battery has an inherent flaw, being short-lived with average usage time ranging from 10 to 15 minutes, it isn’t considered a big issue. In fact, the company equips you with additional battery set.

It’s often reported that this chainsaw is not powerful enough, and doesn’t easily cut highly thick wood. This is considered as the chainsaw’s most significant flaw, as it requires much effort and strength.  It’s perfectly suitable for thinner wood, though, and ordinary homeowners may be satisfied with it.

What makes using this chainsaw even more tiresome is the fact that it’s unbalanced in terms of weight. In fact, all the weight is unevenly distributed- being centered on its back- leaving a feeling of uneasiness in the customers, who find themselves investing all of their energy to cut a thick piece of wood. Unfortunately, this chainsaw is way more tiring than other chainsaws and drains much of your energy in a short time.

Moreover, it’s advisable not to purchase its larger variant because of its inconvenient shape and price. You’d better check the Oregon cordless and the Greenworks’ products, which are better alternatives when it comes to larger chainsaws.

What we like about it

Summing up its pros, this chainsaw has the fastest batteries in comparison to other cordless chainsaws. Also, it’s protected and supervised by Makita Extreme Protection Technology, which enhances its quality and makes it one of the remarkably durable power tools. If you care about battery life, this is the best electric chainsaw for you.

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#5 – Greenworks Cordless Chainsaw

In comparison to all the electric chainsaws previously mentioned above, this chainsaw has the perfect weight balance. Accurately seated at the center of the chainsaw, the battery makes the machine remain still, perfectly fixed while you’re using it. The most praised feature of the Greenworks Cordless Chainsaw is this unwavering steadiness that makes the work less tiring and more energy and effort saving no matter how much time you spend.

It has a single 40-volt battery made by the Greenworks Company. The average time for the battery to charge is an hour, and it’s sufficient to work the machine for a considerable amount of time. According to some customers’ accounts, with only one charge the saw works for 40 minutes, meaning it’s unlikely to interrupt you and shut down in the middle of your work. This makes it rank as the best chainsaw so far, being more practical and efficient, allowing you a considerable long work time with only one single charge.

When it comes to performance, the Greenworks’ chainsaw is known for its high cutting performance, and many homeowners find it perfectly satisfactory. You can use them in cutting either entire trees or small branches. Unfortunately, there is a defect to be concerned about. In fact, it responds negatively to the binding. Though this may be common in other chainsaws, with the Greenworks is not considered normal as the chainsaw may cease to function at this moment. What you have to do; therefore, is to readjust it.

What we like about it

In summary, the Greenworks chainsaw has many advantages. First, it’s one of the rare perfectly balanced chainsaws when it comes to weight distribution. Second, its battery requires the least time to charge while endures a quite significant usage time. Third, it is suitable for any given landscaping task, and perform flawlessly. Finally, it’s not too expensive. If you need a model that won’t blow a hole in your wallet, this is one of the best electric chainsaws you can get today.

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Choosing the Best Electric Chainsaw – Buying Guide

Now that you’ve taken a look at our picks for the title of the best electric chainsaw, it’s time for you to choose the right model for your workplace by going through our buying guide.

Electric Chainsaws vs. Gas Chainsaws

The two main types of chainsaw are electricity and gas-powered chainsaws. Either one has its reputable advantages, as well as criticized disadvantages.

Power:  Gas chainsaws have two-cycle engines and a saw blade that measures 90 cm. This means that its very architecture is power consuming. Although it’s adaptable to any task, it’s not easy to use, especially by beginners. Its very design renders the job for them tiresome.

On the other hand, electric chainsaws spend on less power. They are also conceived of as the best choice for beginners to start with.

Manageability:  unlike their electric counterpart, gas chainsaws are made of heavy materials and constituted of large-size elements that harden its use, leaving the user with limited control over the machine. Conversely, electric chainsaws have small-sized and lighter components, allowing both beginners and experts a comfortable experience that they really enjoy.

Start-ups:  without a button,gas chainsaws are not easy to start and needs much effort as a pull start is required. The electric chainsaw, however, is much simpler. All you need to do is plugging in it in and pressing its button to turn it on.

Storage: with its heavy and large-sized components, as previously mentioned, you can’t always easily find an appropriate place into which to store.

There’s no right and wrong here, as the best electric chainsaw type for you will depend on your own needs and preferences.

Cordless vs. Corded

These two types basically refer to the main categories of chainsaws: electric, that is battery powered and gas-powered chainsaws. What may be considered as an advantage of cordless chainsaws is the fact that you don’t get annoyed by, or think about impending accidents because of the cord hanging along as you work. Using a cordless chainsaw can be exhaustive, especially for those who have just begun their experience with chainsaws and yard works, as it requires their full responsibility and effort to be carried.

With corded chainsaws and their cords swinging, however, you cannot forestall the happening of safety problems and accidents. You’ll need to be totally alert and mind each and every movement you make. Also, you won’t be able to move as freely as you want, considering the distance between you and the outlet. You can always resort to extension cords in case your project necessitates much freedom. In terms of price, the electric chainsaw costs less than its gas counterpart. Also, it’s easier, as switching it on depends only on one click.

Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Electric Chainsaw

When looking for the best electric chainsaw, there are certain features that you MUST keep in mind, including:

Maintenance

One of the overwhelming worries when it comes to purchasing such a big, essential, and costly tool is its maintenance. As it’s quite essential to safeguard your best electric chainsaw, here are some tips to help you out:

• Before starting to use your chainsaw, check the bar and oil level.
• Make sure to keep your chain well sharpened. To do so, you need to perform the necessary and right steps appropriately.
• Never get too lazy to clean the debris stuck on the saw. As soon as you finish working with the saw, make sure to clean it properly. Otherwise, the saw would be gradually weakened and less immune to damage.

Noise

An unpleasant truth about working with chainsaws, even the best electric chainsaw, is their high noise, which makes them nurture noise pollution. However, chainsaw manufacturers haven’t ceased to edit, develop, and enhance their tools’ designs in order to lessen their high pitch noise. Chainsaws made with this feature are the best choice for customers.

Easy Start

The last thing to worry about when using electric chainsaws is the start-up. Indeed, to turn on your machine, all you are required to do is to plug it into the wall socket. Once you press the button, you can start your work.

Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple and easy with other types of chainsaws, especially with gas-powered chainsaws, which necessitate a pull start to start working. Moreover, with petrol chainsaws, you always have to consider the amount of gas you fill it with, and check whether or not it’s sufficient.

Size

When you’re about to buy the best electric chainsaw, you’ll find a wide variety of chainsaws exposed to you, each with different size, meaning it’s designed especially for a specific task. Accordingly, they are categorized into small task chainsaws, mid tasks chainsaws, and professional chainsaws.

When it comes to their usage, light-duty chainsaws are made initially for, and commonly used in small cutting tasks. Mid-range chainsaws are fabricated to produce wood and help you in light logging tasks. Finally, professional chainsaws are to be used in larger and bigger projects such as cutting large trees or produce firewood at a specific time.

Automatic Oiling System

When we talk about automated oiling system, we refer to two basic types: fixed flow oiling system and adjustable flow oiling system. 

Automatic oiling system with fixed flow releases lubricant to the bar and chain it systematically as you use the machine, freeing you from thinking about re-oiling it throughout your work. Since it’s fixed, you can’t control the amount of oil to be released.

With the adjustable flow, you can always control the oil release, and adapt it to the need of the task.

Price

Electric chainsaws are way cheaper than gas chainsaws. More important than the price is whether or not the chainsaw you decide to buy is accurately suitable for the task or not. Make sure not to waste your savings on an inappropriate chainsaw.

Performance

The very nature of chainsaws, being either an electric chainsaw or gas-powered one, determines their performance.

Gas chainsaws work with gasoline. They have a 16 to 18-inch bar, and their fuel tank generally contains from to 0.33 up to 0.47 liters. Therefore, its performance is dependent on the engine as well as the engine and the power used to load it.  

We have already mentioned that electric chainsaws cost less and require little maintenance. Because they don’t necessitate much power, they are most likely to be used by beginners in projects like yard cutting.

Among electric chainsaws, we also have cordless, battery-powered chainsaws. They are cost little more, and are weighty. Being cordless chainsaws frees you from distance constraints and enables you to work even in a long distance.

Safety 

Any power tool can be dangerous and may cause you harm, and the best electric chainsaws are no exception. It’s highly essential that you educate yourself about the possible accidents your tool may lead to. Only then can you predict, and ultimately shield yourself against any harm. Electric chainsaws are generally conceived of as being safer than their gas-based equivalents since they’re less powerful.

However, this isn’t a rule. In fact, they can be equally dangerous. It’s true that in gas chainsaws are known for their chains’ higher speed, yet this doesn’t make electric chainsaws entirely harmless. Electric motors are well known for their high torque, which makes them not immune enough to sudden a recoil.

Slow chains are better alternatives if you’re genuinely concerned about your safety. You’d better have a chain brake. You can all the more equip yourself with gloves to lessen vibration, helmet, chaps, and have a full eye and ear protection.

To ensure your total safety, make sure to use the right gear along with your chainsaw, such as safety glasses, work pants, and chainsaw chaps.

Picking the Best Electric Chainsaw – Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict on the Best Electric Chainsaw

Although they weren’t appreciated at first, electric chainsaws have proved their efficiency to become a must-have in each and every home. Initially, they weren’t made to serve big projects, but to appropriately carry out yard work.

What you must place great importance on is to properly choose the best electric chainsaw that suits your task best, and satisfies your needs and goals. Also, mind your budget, and don’t forget to provide for extension cords.

Now that you know everything you need to know about the best electric chainsaws, it’s time for you to get your new tool and get going with your projects!

Last update on 2024-09-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API