Best Electric Chainsaw for Safer and Quieter Cutting in 2024

Best Electric Chainsaws: A Buying Guide

While compiling this review, I thought about what my neighbor, who seems to have little landscaping experience, might want to know about electric chainsaws. Sure, I could recommend powerhouse brands like DeWalt or Black + Decker and I’d probably never hear a complaint from him. But everyone who works with tools enough knows the feeling of finding the one that performs excellently in all the ways you need it to. So, instead of saying, “Yeah, Mike, the DeWalt electric chainsaw is a safe bet,” I might ask some more questions (or I’d just text him a link to this buying guide if I’m feeling anti-social).

Things To Consider Before Buying an Electric Chainsaw

Here are a few things to consider before making your purchase.

Size

The size of a chainsaw is determined by how long the bar is or the length of the piece that supports the chain. Long bars on chainsaws are perfect for people who will be cutting a lot of large trees or huge bulky branches. Shorter bars are perfect for small branches and trees or home DIY projects. If a shorter bar seems more ideal for you, check out the best small chainsaws. 

Power source

You can find electric chainsaws in both corded as well as cordless options. You need to consider mobility when deciding the kind of power source you’ll need. I could easily move around with a cordless one without worrying about the distance and the risk of cutting the cord itself, but when I needed a bit more power, the corded option proved better. We’ll dig into cordless vs. corded in more depth later.

Safety features

While it’s true you shoulder consider safety when working with any tool, it’s especially true when it comes to chainsaws. Electric chainsaws are powerful tools that should always be operated with extreme care and protection. Some electric chainsaws have the option of a chain brake that is located on its handle that stops the rotation of the chain if there’s an emergency (a personal must-have). You can also look for chainsaws with a safety switch.

Power

You will see a chainsaw’s power in amps or amperes mentioned in the specifications. The intended use of your chainsaw will determine the power that you should get. If you’ll be using your electric chainsaw for heavy-duty tasks like cutting dense trees, 15 amps or more would be appropriate. For lighter use, you can get away with 8-10 amp models.

Gas vs. Electric Chainsaws

There are some significant differences between the operation and characteristics of a gas chainsaw and an electrical chainsaw even though they both are used for the same purpose. You’ll need to consider the good and bad of both kinds before you make a final decision. 

We’ve highlighted some distinguishing features of both kinds of chainsaws for you to better understand the difference and get the most suitable one for yourself.

Electric chainsaws

• There’s little to no noise production, even when they’re running at full capacity
• Require little to no maintenance 
• You don’t need to buy gasoline for it every time you use it
• Less mess
• Offers lower power behind the chain
• Intended for smaller, low-to-medium-duty jobs
• Found them easier to handle due to their lightweight
• Safer than gas chainsaws

Gas-powered chainsaws

• Very loud 
• Emit harmful fumes and smoke when running
• Need specific kinds of gas and oil mixtures to operate
• Suitable for heavy-duty cutting jobs
• No need for power as long as you have a gasoline supply
• Require a lot of maintenance to keep the machine healthy
• Extremely powerful cutting

Are Electric Chainsaws Safer Than Gas Chainsaws?

To a serious chainsaw operator, this might be a mute question. For DIYers or homeowners, the question of safety can be extremely relevant. 

Electric chainsaws are typically lightweight and generally less risky to operate than gas-powered chainsaws. You can easily carry them and control them, which is great if using a chainsaw is not your full-time job.

Electric chainsaws also don’t emit harmful toxins into the air. Not only can the fumes generated by gas-powered chainsaws be highly toxic to humans, but they also pollute the overall environment. You also don’t need special workers or professionals to operate an electric chainsaw. Their easy start and stop system allows for simple operation.

You also don’t have to worry about fuel usage or fuel mixing. This is safer and healthier for the environment as well. Moreover, electric chainsaws do not make an annoyingly loud noise when you run them. If you work with electric chainsaws,  you can worry less about respiratory or hearing damage.

So, it’s probably safe to say that electric chainsaws are safer than gas-powered chainsaws. However, all kinds of chainsaws can be dangerous if the operator is inexperienced or unable to handle the machine. Thus, it’s necessary that you wear protective gear and stand in the right posture before you begin working. 

Tips for Using Electric Chainsaws Efficiently

Here are some useful tips for using electrical chainsaws:

• Wear heavy, snug-fit clothing, so you don’t have to worry about your outfit as you work and there’s a lower chance of loose clothes getting stuck in the chainsaw by accident.
• Use the electric chainsaw only for the purposes it’s intended for.
• Make sure you have stable footing and an upright posture for better control over the machine; don’t slouch.
• Avoid cutting anything above the reach of your head or shoulders, as it is easier to lose control in that position.
• Read all the instructions for the chainsaw before you operate it.
• Always stay alert – if you experience vibration or kickback, release the throttle and wait for it to stop completely before you restart it.
• Cut one log/bush/branch at a time.
• Check for hard nails or metals in the object you’re cutting.
• Don’t try to overreach and stretch your arms in a position where you lose control.
• Operate the chainsaw with both hands; the best position I’ve found is elbow locked, arms straight, left hand in the front, and right hand on the rear handle, in a slightly bent position.

Conclusion

Electric chainsaws can save you a lot of time, energy, money, and a whole lot of headaches. They are safer and easier to use compared to gas-powered chainsaws and have very deservingly gained popularity thanks to these characteristics.