Top Of The Line Electric Chainsaws Review Guide For 2021-2022

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Top Of The Line Electric Chainsaws Review Guide For 2021-2022 – In this review guide, I’ll show you how to find the best electric chainsaw that’ll get your yard projects done—fast— just as well as a gas-guzzling machine.

Electric chainsaws are an invaluable tool for clearing your yard after a storm, cutting branches for firewood or tree trimming. In keeping with the move away from gas to electric, I’ve put together a list of the top electric chainsaws.

Electric chainsaws used to be underpowered but no longer. They are now serious competitors to gas chainsaws. There’s something for everybody too. To find out even more keep reading my Top Of The Line Electric Chainsaws Review Guide For 2021-2022.

Makita UC3551A Electric Chain Saw

The Makita UC3551A comes with everything you need for lightweight backyard work and it is one of the best small chainsaws on the electric market.

It is not the most powerful tool on this list, but has enough speed to breeze through most basic tasks.

It is really simple to use. Just add a bit of oil, adjust the chain tension so it is almost snug and away you go. There are no complicated components and the entire set up is tool free.

The Makita UC3551A has a couple of safety features that are especially good for people who don’t use a chainsaw regularly.

The chain brake and anti kickback brake mean that if you slip, or the saw bounces off wood, the chain will stop moving before any damage is done.

With high performance, low maintenance and easy usability, this is perfect for those who need a chainsaw for infrequent light jobs.

Key Benefits:

• Amps: 14.5A
• Blade length: 14”
• Chain brake: Yes
• Weight: 15 lbs.

Product Details:

• “Tool-less” blade and chain adjustments for convenient operation and easy maintenance
• Large trigger switch with soft start for smooth start-ups
• Rubberized soft grip handle provides increased comfort on the job
• Built-in current limiter helps protect motor from burnout by reducing power to motor when saw is overloaded
• Large oil reservoir with view window allows operator to check bar oil level
• Power Source Type: Corded-Electric

Husqvarna 967256101 Corded Electric Chainsaw

Like the Makita model, the Husqvarna 967256101 is a cinch to use. Take it out of the box, plug it in, pour in some lubricating oil and you’re ready to saw.

The Husqvarna has a patented in-built auto-tension chain system which Husqvarna claim stays at the optimum tension for hundreds of uses.

This is a fantastic feature, especially for users who don’t have too much experience with a chainsaw and can’t confidently judge chain tension by sight.

It has a low kickback bar for safety, as well as a built-in chain brake, so you can stop the chain immediately.

This lightweight, high quality chainsaw is the best electric chainsaw for any kind of light work around the house.

If you’re hesitant about buying a chainsaw because you have never used one before, this is also one of the most user-friendly models on the market.

Key Benefits:

• Amps: 14.5A
• Blade length: 16”
• Chain brake: Yes
• Weight: 12 lbs.

Product Details:

• Corded electric chainsaw operates quietly and powerfully, making it perfect for indoor use and craftspeople
• Air injection cleaning system extends the operating time between filter Cleanings and the life of your saw
• Anti-vibration dampeners absorb movement for easier operation
• Instant starting lets you get working faster
• Ergonomic 90-degree front handle maximizes user comfort

BLACK+DECKER CS Corded Chainsaw

The BLACK+DECKER CS is the best corded chainsaw on this list in terms of power, and can take on a more diverse range of tasks than the previous two models due to its longer blade.

You’ll see that it has the same basic features, such as a tool-free chain tightening system, but goes one step further with the oiling process.

The automatic oiling system takes away one more worry, and the clear window on the oil reservoir lets you know when you’re running low.

With more power and more features for a very low price, the BLACK+DECKER CS offers excellent value for money.

This model’s forte is its ability to take on bigger jobs than most of the other chainsaws on this list, with an 18” blade and a more powerful motor.

Key Benefits:

• Amps: 15A
• Blade length: 18”
• Chain brake: Yes
• Weight: 12 lbs

Product Details:

• Powerful 12 Amp motor
• 16 inch Low kickback bar and chain
• Tool free chain tensioning
• Automatic oiling system
• Clear window for ease of viewing oil level

WORX WG304.2 Electric Chainsaw

The Worx WG304.2 Corded Electric Chainsaw is an inexpensive corded chainsaw with an impressive 15 amp motor and 18″ chain.

Though it’s not as powerful as some high end gas-powered chainsaws, it cuts through logs better than many comparable corded models and most battery models.

This chainsaw is also self-lubricating, with a 6.8 fluid ounces oil tank, for smoother and more efficient operation.

The chain spins at 39 feet per second and is fitted with a chain brake for safety. It shuts down the chain almost immediately when needed to prevent accidents.

The WG304.2 is designed to prevent kickback. The chain is also fitted with an auto-tension system to prevent over tightening. This prolongs the chainsaw’s life.

The full-wrap handle is ergonomically designed and provides a great grip. Together with this corded chainsaw’s low weight (14 lbs), this makes the WG304.2 easy to handle.

If you are looking for a relatively powerful and well-designed but inexpensive corded chainsaw, the Worx WG304.2 Corded Electric Chainsaw is a great choice.

Key Benefits:

• Amps: 15A
• Blade length: 18”
• Chain brake: Yes
• Weight: 14 lbs

Product Details:

• [A BIGGER SAW] With an 18” bar you can fell larger trees, and with a powerful motor you can get more done, faster
• [A TIGHTER CHAIN] The clever auto-tension system won’t let you over-tighten, which increases the life of the bar and the chain
• [A SMOOTHER CHAIN] The auto-lubrication system keeps the chain well-oiled and running efficiently around the bar, for better cuts with less wasted energy
• [STOPS QUICKLY] The chain brake shuts down the chain almost instantly to prevent accidental cutting. That’s peace of mind when you’re operating a chainsaw
• [DO IT YOURSELF. DO IT BETTER. DO IT WITH WORX.] WORX tools are engineered with cutting-edge technology, and above modern efficiency standards, so you can build a cost-effective tool collection that’s been designed to last
• [FULL-WRAP HANDLE] Grab it from any angle to gain leverage for both vertical and horizontal cutting
• [GOOD GRIP] The rubberized, over-mold handle gives you the perfect balance of comfort and control. And its ergonomic design makes working as comfortable as it can be
• [REDUCES KICKBACKS] The metal spike bumper sticks into the wood, giving you even more leverage, and preventing kickbacks at the same time
• [INCLUDES] 15 Amp Chainsaw, Lubrication Oil, Blade Protection Cover, Chain Bar

Sun Joe SWJ701E Electric Chain Saw

The Sun Joe Saw Joe is another 18” corded electric chainsaw that comes in at a feather light 9.7 pounds. It stands out for its handling, combining a lightweight, ergonomic design, making it comfortable and accurate to use.

It features the same safety features as most other products in this category, but the Saw Joe goes one further.

In addition to the handguard and kickback brake function, you’ll find a switch that disables the chainsaw to avoid accidentally starting it.

The automatic brake takes care of stopping the chain as soon as you release the trigger.

The bar and chain are self-lubricating in a similar way to most other corded models listed here, which leaves less room for mistakes.

However, one disadvantage I would like to point out is that the chain tension adjustment is not a tool-free system. Aside from being quite tricky to find, you have to use a screw, which I think is quite unnecessary.

All points considered, despite having a few pesky little drawbacks, the Sun Joe Saw Joe is a quality piece of kit that will eat up any small jobs you throw at it.

Key Benefits:

• Amps: 14A
• Blade length: 18”
• Chain brake: Yes
• Weight: 9.7 lbs

Product Details:

• Best use: limbs, firewood and logs
• Powerful 14-amp motor tackles tough cutting jobs
• 18-inch self-lubricating Oregon bar and chain
• Hand guard with kickback brake function
• Lightweight design with ergonomic handle maximizes user comfort

Oregon CS1500 Self-Sharpening Chainsaw Amazon’s Choice

The most attractive feature of the Oregon CS1500 Self-Sharpening Chainsaw is the proprietary PowerSharp® Integrated Sharpening System.

Whenever your blade appears to develop problems cutting effectively through logs, you pull a small lever and the chain is sharpened in just 3 seconds.

The Oregon CS1500 not only boasts a powerful 15 amp motor and an 18″ blade, but it is also inexpensive when compared with comparable products.

The combination of a powerful engine and a sharp chain enables this corded chainsaw to cut through hardwood logs with a diameter of up to 16″.

But don’t worry about the Oregon CS1500 being too powerful. This chainsaw is also fitted with a chain brake for safety.

Although this is a powerful corded chainsaw, it starts instantly. During operation, the chain is automatically lubricated by the Lubri-Tec System. This ensures a smooth-running chain and prolongs the cutting time.

Gardeners who want a powerful corded chainsaw that is easy to use, relatively quiet and safe will be happy if they choose the Oregon CS1500 Self-Sharpening Chainsaw.

Key Benefits:

• Amps: 15A
• Blade length: 18”
• Chain brake: Yes
• Weight: 12.6 lbs

Product Details:

• One of the first corded electric chainsaws on the market with a chain that can sharpen itself – perfect for DIYers and homeowners
• Built-in PowerSharp self-sharpening system minimizes downtime by allowing you to sharpen your chain on the saw in 3 to 5 seconds
• Long-lasting 18-inch (45 cm) guide bar with built-in Lubri-Tec automatic oiling system, for longer lasting bar and chain
• Tool-less tensioning system included; simply turn the convenient red knob to tension the chain
• No assembly required; chainsaw comes pre-assembled

CRAFTSMAN CMECS614 Corded Chainsaw

The CRAFTSMAN CMECS614 Corded Chainsaw is the baby chainsaw in this review. However, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t pack a punch.

The 8 amp motor is surprisingly powerful for its size and enables you to make tough cuts. But the biggest advantage of this corded chainsaw is its weight.

Weighing only 7.1 lbs, it is less than half the weight of many other chainsaws. This makes it easier to lift when pruning high branches from trees or when you have many trees to fell.

The auto-oiling system ensures your chain always runs smoothly. A built-in oil window enables you to keep an eye on the oil level and so you can replenish it when necessary.

The CRAFTSMAN CMECS614 Corded Chainsaw is the most affordable chainsaw in this review. It is half the price of comparable machines.

However, this corded chainsaw is not as powerful as the other products featured here. Its blade length is also shorter than average.

If you’re mainly cutting down smaller trees, or you want to use this chainsaw for a small yard, the CRAFTSMAN CMECS614 Corded Chainsaw is a great value choice.

But if you’re planning to cut down a large quantity of broader trees, you should choose one of the other corded chainsaws featured here.

Key Benefits:

• Amps: 8A
• Blade length: 14”
• Chain brake: Yes
• Weight: 7.1 lbs

Product Details:

• POWERFUL MOTOR: 8 Amp motor of electric chainsaw helps with tough cuts
• COMPACT DESIGN: 14-inch compact design of the corded electric saw is made for cutting in small spaces
• AUTO-OILING: Built-in oil window and no priming required
• BOLT LOCK CHAIN TENSIONING: Securely clamps the bar and chain for ideal cutting performance
• VERSATRACK COMPATIBLE: Use the integrated hook to hang this tool directly on the VERSATRACK Wall Organization System (sold separately)
• Full Lifetime Warranty, refer to “Warranty & Support” section below for full details

Top Of The Line Electric Chainsaws Buying Guide For 2021-2022

How to Choose the Best Electric Chainsaw

Advantages to Using an Electric Chainsaw:

If you’re looking to buy a corded electric chainsaw, chances are you already know why.
When most people think of chainsaws, they imagine a heavy, loud, roar-ripping machine that puffs out clouds of blue smoke. But today, there are actually more user-friendly options that are better for both the operator and environment that run on electricity.

When you buy a corded chainsaw that plugs into an electrical outlet, here are the top benefits you’ll enjoy:

• Quiet Operation — Electric chainsaws are powered by a motor, not an engine, and they only make noise when you pull the trigger. Therefore, corded chainsaws are much quieter than gas chainsaws, which is better for your ears and your neighbors.
• No Fuel Emissions — Without the use of gasoline, corded electric chainsaws don’t produce emissions. That’s good news for the environment and your personal health.
• Less Maintenance — Since electric chainsaws don’t have an engine, there are fewer parts that need to be maintained. That makes these tools a better option for busy homeowners.
• More Affordable — Aside from their lower price, corded chainsaws are also cheaper to own over the long-term. With less maintenance and no fuel to buy, these machines are easy on your wallet.
• Infinite Cutting Time — As long as your chainsaw is plugged into a power outlet, you can cut forever. There is no stopping to refuel like there is in a gas chainsaw or having to recharge batteries when using a cordless chainsaw. You can work all day long without any hesitations.
• Lighter Weight — These chainsaws don’t have a gas tank, heavy engine components, or large batteries attached, making them the lightest type of chainsaw you can buy.

The Best Corded Chainsaw Features:

When you’re shopping for an electric chainsaw, there are certain features you want to look for when comparing products. That way, you can find a tool that best matches your needs.

Here are those features to consider:

Blade/Bar Length:

A common question is: What size chainsaw should I buy? The blade length determines the width of wood you can saw through. A 12 inch blade is best for felling small trees, limbing and pruning.

Mid-sized 14 inch blades will cover the aforementioned tasks as well as light firewood cutting. 16 inch and 18 inch blades are best for felling medium trees, cutting medium firewood and trimming.

Of course, the longer the blade, the more things you can cut. However, as the blade gets longer, the price creeps up as well as weight.

Mobility:

Cordless chainsaws always win here. Chainsaws plugged into the mains will need an extension cable to reach a maximum distance of around 100 feet from a power source.

They don’t just give you extra range though. Battery powered chainsaws are much easier to control for intricate cutting work and for sawing at a height.

Finally, corded electric chainsaws have the disadvantage of a live wire, which can be a tripping hazard as well as an electric hazard if cut mid use.

Cost:

On average, a electric chainsaw is going to come in at a lower price than a gas or cordless one.

What’s more, after a few years, the batteries for cordless models will eventually die and will have to be replaced, so if cost is a major object for you, and you can live with the restrictions a cord brings, go for the corded version.

To decide whether you think the extra cost is worth paying, you need to think about the situations you need your chainsaw for. As an example, if you know you are only going to take on garden work that is within 100 feet from an outlet, a corded chainsaw will absolutely fit the bill.

If your work includes getting out and about in the forest, it’s a no-brainer — go for the cordless chainsaw.

Safety Features:

Safety first, all chainsaws come with a hand guard as standard, but you should also wear eye protection, gloves and chaps over your pants for added protection.

Included on most chainsaws are chain brakes, which stop the chain. Some, like the Sun Joe Saw Joe, also feature an engine shut off switch that kills the engine.

An anti kickback system stops the chain if it kicks back as a result of clipping the tip of the blade on a piece of wood.

If you have never used a chainsaw, watch this instructional video.

How to Use a Chainsaw | This Old House

Oiling Method:

No matter if you buy an electric, battery powered, or gasoline chainsaw, the same thing remains true: you need to keep the bar and chain well lubricated or those parts will burn up.

There are three methods for bar and chain oiling, and each chainsaw model comes with one type.

Fuel:

Simply having to add gas makes chainsaws dirtier both on the surface of your tool and in the air. Furthermore, electricity is cheaper than gas in the long run, not to mention more convenient and better for the environment.

A further drawback for gas models is that gas and oil often mix, clogging up the machinery and severely affecting performance.

Noise:

Electric models are much quieter than gas. They have a higher pitched whirring sound as opposed to the low-pitched rumble of a gas model.

When it comes to corded chainsaws, I recommend that you buy one with an Automatic (Adjustable Flow) Oiler if it’s available or at the very least an Automatic (Fixed Flow) version. The reason being is that the third type, a Manual Oiler, adds an extra layer of complexity to your saw—something most people who choose electric chainsaws don’t want.

However, you may feel differently about which oiling method to choose. So, here’s how each one works:

• Manual Oiler – Oils the bar and chain at the push of a button. You control the amount of oil that’s delivered and how often it happens.
• Automatic Oiler (Fixed Flow) – Self-lubricating system that delivers a fixed amount of oil to the bar and chain at a steady rate. No user input required.
• Automatic Oiler (Adjustable Flow) – Self-lubricating system that delivers a steady flow of oil to the bar and chain, but you can increase or decrease the amount at any time. This is the best type of oiler you can get.
• Chain Brake
• One of the dangers of operating a chainsaw is something called “kickback”.

Kickback is a quick rotational thrust of the chainsaw bar back toward the operator that can cause serious cuts to the head or neck regions. It happens when the tip of the chain nicks a hard object or the chain gets pinched between the wood.

While the cause of most chainsaw injuries is due to improper use of the tool or poor judgment by the operator, chain brakes offer an added level of protection against accidents.

A chain brake is a mechanism that stops the chain from spinning when a sudden kickback occurs. There are two types of chain brakes: Manual and Inertia-Activated.

Here’s how each type of chain brake works:

• Manual Chain Brake – A wide bar that’s located in front of the top handlebar. It stops the spinning chain when it’s pressed forward.
• Intertia-Activated Chain Brake – An internal mechanism that senses fast upward force on the bar. No physical contact required to stop the chain from spinning.
• Clearly, an Intertia-Activated Chain Brake is the better option of the two; however, both types of chain brakes are efficient for safety. If you’re comparing two different corded electric chainsaws with a similar price, and one has an Inertia-Activated Chain Brake, I’d suggest you pick that one.

Bucking Spikes:

If you’re buying a larger electric chainsaw to cut up logs, Bucking Spikes are a good feature to look for.

Bucking Spikes are metal or plastic spikes that sit at the base of the chainsaw blade and are used to help you support the tool while cutting. This makes it easier for you to perform deeper cuts since you can pivot the bar down in a straight line.

Bucking Spikes also help prevent kickback since the saw body is dug in tight to the wood.

Tool-Less Chain Tensioner:

All chainsaw chains have to be adjusted from time to time. And if you’re doing heavy-duty work, they may even need to be retightened throughout the workload.

To make things easier for you, chainsaw manufacturers have developed two systems for tightening the tension of the chain: a Scrench and a Tool-Less Tensioner.

Since most people choose corded electric chainsaws because of their ease of use and maintenance-free design, I’d recommended that you choose one that includes a Tool-Less Tensioner. That way, you can quickly adjust the chain’s tension on the fly without the use of any tools.

But, here’s how each chain tensioning method works:

• Scrench – A screwdriver/wrench combination tool that’s used to turn a bolt on the saw to loosen or tighten the chain. Many chainsaws have a compartment to store it in next to the handle.
• Tool-Less Chain Tensioner – A knob that can easily be turned to loosen or tighten the chain. No tools required.

FAQs About Electric Chainsaws:

Q: What tension should my chain be?
A: The chain should be tight enough to follow the guide, but not so tight that it cannot be slightly raised. If you can expose around three to five teeth at the mid point of the blade, your chain is tense enough.

Q: How do I avoid kickback?
A: Kickback is one of the most dangerous things that can happen when using a chainsaw. To avoid it, ensure that you don’t use the end furthest away from you to cut.

Q: When should I sharpen my chainsaw?
A: A good indicator of when your chainsaw needs to be sharpened is when you start applying pressure on jobs you normally wouldn’t need pressure. A sharp chainsaw will pull itself through wood, you shouldn’t have to push hard at all. One other indicator is the shavings are fine, like dust. Shavings should be coarse.

Conclusion:

I hope you have found this review guide on some good electric chainsaws useful.

Electric chainsaws, are a more practical alternative to traditional gas powered chainsaws, that can take on almost the same amount of tasks.

I would strongly recommend going the electric route if you need a chainsaw for infrequent use, as they are much easier to maintain.

Even for frequent use, you won’t be disappointed by the electric chainsaws in this Top Of The Line Electric Chainsaws Review Guide For 2021-2022.