Best Electric Chainsaws

Buying guide for Best electric chainsaws

The best electric chainsaws offer definite advantages over their gas-powered counterparts. They're light, quiet, better for the environment, and easy to start. Arguably, they offer a greater choice of size and power than gas-powered chainsaws, too.

However, this wide range of options can present problems. It's tough to know how to choose the best electric chainsaw for your own needs. Learning a few key details can help you choose the electric chainsaw that will power through the job at hand.

The Stihl company is known for its gas-powered chainsaws. Andreas Stihl was the first to patent the electric chainsaw in1926.

Corded vs. cordless

Perhaps the most important decision when choosing an electric chainsaw is whether to go for a corded or cordless model.

Corded electric chainsaw pros

• Lightweight (as little as five or six pounds)
• No gas or oil to carry around
• No harmful emissions
• Can be very cheap
• Easy to start: plug in and pull the trigger
• Quiet enough to be used where noise could be a problem
• Low-maintenance
• Top models rival the cutting power of small/medium gas models

Corded electric chainsaw cons

Although some electric corded models are made of plastic, others are made of steel. High-end steel models may be more robust, but there’s a weight penalty. At eleven pounds and upward, there can be little to choose between corded, cordless, and gas.

Speaking of cords, we must also point out that they can get tangled, which is both frustrating and dangerous when you’re using a chainsaw. Because there’s a 15-amp maximum for home electrical sockets, you’re somewhat limited. Furthermore, it’s a pain to deal with an extension cord, and you cannot carry your electric corded model more than 100 feet away from the source because of current drop. (Resistance in the cable soaks up power.)

Cordless electric chainsaw pros

• No gas, oil, or cord to lug around
• Easy to start: connect battery, pull trigger
• Quiet
• Low-maintenance
• No harmful emissions

Cordless electric chainsaw cons

Cordless electric chainsaws tend to weigh more than their corded counterparts due to the addition of the battery. The average tool weighs 10 to 15 pounds, in fact. If you get one, you’ll be paying this weight penalty, and you’ll also probably be paying a bit more for the chainsaw itself. Cordless electrics are not as cheap as many corded models.

Furthermore, a cordless model is generally less powerful than its corded equivalent. Even if you opt for one of the most powerful (and priciest) cordless models, its run time is typically limited to 60 minutes or less. Recharge times can be long, although the best cordless electric chainsaws can recharge in as little as 30 minutes. An extra set of batteries could be helpful in this situation, but batteries are expensive.

Electric chainsaw sizes

Chainsaws are generally rated by their bar size (the metal plate the chain runs around). The question is, which size should you buy? We spoke to Luke, BestReviews’ expert landscaping and gardening consultant, for his thoughts on the matter.

The size of the chainsaw you need depends on the types of tasks you wish to complete. Luke advised us that any electric chainsaw with a bar under 12 inches would only be suitable for trimming bushes and very small tree limbs. If you’re looking to cut limbs that are several inches in diameter or firewood that won’t need splitting after you cut it, a 14-inch electric chainsaw would be a good bet.

If you want a chainsaw for “general purposes,” a 16-inch model could be suitable. This length is a practical minimum for actual tree felling. Anything larger than 18 inches, Luke said, is almost certainly gas-powered. And truth be told, most homeowners would never need an electric chainsaw with a bar larger than 18 inches.

When looking at a chainsaw, we want to know if it requires manual oiling or is an automatic-oiling model. Keeping a chain well-oiled is essential to a chainsaw’s longevity, and models with an auto-oil function are the most convenient to maintain.

In our search for the best electric chainsaws, we compare corded and cordless models. While neither option requires fuel to operate, each comes with selling points and limitations.

We find out whether an electric chainsaw’s motor is brushless. A brushless motor offers outstanding longevity and is’t overly noisy, which appeals to consumers.

Occasional tightening of the chainsaw chain is required. In our search for the best electric chainsaws, check for a tool-less tensioner that makes tightening the chain a snap.

Anyone shopping for a battery-powered electric chainsaw wants to know about battery performance. Does it take long to charge? How long is the battery life? We ask these questions as we browse available options.

A chainsaw chain should be durable and capable of tackling various cutting tasks. We assess chain quality in our research.

We find out if the electric chainsaws on our research list have a current limiter. This function protects the motor from burnout—a nice feature to have when performing heavy-duty jobs.

We research the power offered by each electric chainsaw on our research list, noting that battery-operated models typically aren’t as powerful as corded options.

Blade size is measured in inches, and it’s one of our top considerations when assessing chainsaws.

The weight of an electric chainsaw matters to consumers, especially those with limited strength or hand issues. We check the weight of each model so our readers can make informed purchasing decisions.

Electric chainsaw features

With instant starting and no gas or oil to mix, an electric chainsaw is already quite a straightforward tool. But manufacturers of top-quality models offer additional features that can make your life even easier.

Automatic oiling system

While the maintenance demands of an electric chainsaw are few, it still requires regular oiling. On some models, this is achieved manually by pressing a button. However, an automatic oiling system is far superior and makes for a longer chain life.

Tool-less chain tensioner

The chain will also need to be tightened from time to time. Tool-less adjustment is faster and more convenient than completing the task by hand.

Current limiter

Some electric chainsaws come with current limiters that prevent you from burning out your motor if there’s a risk of overload.

Brushless motor

This type of motor is very quiet and durable.

Electric chainsaw prices

With the enormous variety of electric chainsaws available, it's difficult to put machines into accurate price ranges. The following is a rough guide based on the latest research, but it will likely change. This is particularly true for cordless chainsaw prices, as battery technology continues to improve and costs continue to drop.

• $50 - $70 will buy you a cheap, corded electric chainsaw that can handle modest trimming tasks and occasional limbs a couple of inches in diameter.
• $90 - $120 will get you a good, entry-level, corded all-rounder — a machine that's perfectly adequate for the average small to medium garden.
• $120 - $200 will cover the cost of some premium cordless products and a wide range of very good corded machines.
• $250+ will fetch you a top-rated corded chainsaw or one of the most powerful cordless versions. These tools will cope with the needs of just about every homeowner. This price range also covers the realm of high-quality gas chainsaws, so if you've got a lot of regular work to do, we recommend that you think critically about whether a gas chainsaw would be a better option for you.

Cheap electric chainsaws often come with inferior blades. Performance can be drastically improved with a better one.

Electric chainsaw safety

• Always make sure the chain brake is on when you start your chainsaw.
• Always wear gloves and a face shield when you use your chainsaw.
• If you’re using a corded model, be aware of where the cord is at all times. Stop the machine immediately if the cord snags or tangles. You don't want to trip over it or cut it.
• Make sure that the chain is properly tensioned.
• Never work with a worn or damaged chain.
• If your extension cord grows hot, it's not the proper amp rating, and you run the risk of burning out the motor. Consult an expert for the correct fit.

For many homeowners, an electric chainsaw is the best solution. They're less intimidating than gas models because they're quieter, lighter, and easier to use. They may lack the power of high-end gas models, but unless you're cutting trees or logs regularly, they offer the most sensible and economical solution in most cases. What's more, with such a vast array of electric chainsaws available, there should be one out there that's perfect for you.