If you require a quick answer, the best electric chainsaw is the Oregon CS1400, which is powered by a 2,400 watt motor and has a chain speed of 14.7 m/s for effortless cutting. However, if you require a more affordable electric chainsaw that still provides plenty of performance, the Einhell GH-EC 2040 is the best budget alternative.
To rate the electric chainsaws within this article, we based our recommendations upon testing multiple chainsaws (as shown in the “How We Rated” section), plenty of research and a number of factors. Some of the factors that we considered included the motor, build quality, power cable length, chain speed, cutting capacity, additional features, ease of operation, supplied accessories, warranty and value for money.
Table of Contents
Electric Chainsaw Comparison
| Electric Chainsaw | Chain Speed | Cutting Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon CS1400 | 14.7 m/s | 40 cm |
| Einhell GH-EC 2040 | 13.5 m/s | 37.5 cm |
| Makita UC3541A | 14.5 m/s | 35 cm |
| Mcculloch CSE2040S | 13.5 m/s | 40 cm |
| BLACK+DECKER CS2040 | 12.5 m/s | 40 cm |
| Ryobi RCS2340 | 16.0 m/s | 40 cm |
It’s important to note that with any chainsaw you buy, it’s highly recommended that you purchase chainsaw oil because this helps to lubricate any cutting components. Depending upon the amount of cutting you intend on doing, you may also require a chainsaw sharpener to keep the blades sharp for optimum cutting performance.
Below is a list of the best electric chainsaws that are lightweight, easy to use and provide great cutting performance.
The Best Electric Chainsaw
1. Oregon CS1400 Electric Chainsaw
The Oregon CS1400 is by far the most powerful electric chainsaw within this article and it’s powered by a 2,400 watt motor. In terms of its performance, it provides a chain speed of 14.7 m/s and the extra torque from the 2,400 watt motor makes for superior cutting with the 40 cm bar.
As well as offering excellent cutting performance, the CS1400 also features plenty of intuitive features. Some of these features include the integrated chain tightening system, oil level window, front hand guard and so much more.
Other features of the Oregon CS1400 include:
- 40 cm low kickback guide bar and chain
- High power 2,400 watt motor
- Chain speed of 14.7 m/s
- Tool-free chain tensioning
- Integrated chain braking system
- Automatic chain lubrication with transparent oil reservoir
- Backed by a three year warranty
- 6 metre power cable
- Relatively quiet operation
To conclude, the Oregon CS1400 is a highly rated electric chainsaw that provides maximum power and is packed full of functionality. It’s also backed by a long three year warranty for complete peace of mind.
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2. Einhell GH-EC 2040 Chainsaw
By far one of the cheapest electric chainsaws that’s actually worth buying is the Einhell GH-EC 2040. Although it comes with a budget price tag, it’s built to a high standard and features an Oregon rail and chain for effortless cutting. In terms of its performance, it’s powered by a 2,000 watt electric motor that provides a chain speed of 13.5 m/s.
Other features of the Einhell GH-EC 2040 include:
- Easy tool-free chain tensioning and changing
- Mechanical chain brake for kickback protection
- Handles been designed with usability in mind
- 2,000 watt motor that features robust metal gearing
- 406mm blade length
- cutting length of 375mm
- Weighs just 5.0 KG
To conclude, the Einhell GH-EC 2040 is the best budget electric chainsaw that’s built by a reputable brand and provides excellent cutting performance. The only slight drawback is that it requires a minor assembly out of the box but it’s very easy to do whilst following the provided instructions.
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3. Makita UC3541A Electric Chainsaw
The Makita brand offer a number of electric chainsaws but the UC3541A model is their most popular machine due to its affordable price tag and lightweight design. As its the brand’s budget option, it only uses a 1,800 watt motor but this smaller motor still provides a chain speed of 14.5 m/s with a cutting capacity of 35 cm.
Other features of the Makita UC3541A include:
- 1,800 watt electric motor
- 35 cm bar length
- Chain speed of 14.5 m/s
- Tool-less blade adjustments
- Automatic chain oil pump
- Metal spike bumper
- 10 metre power cable
- Supplied with a cover and instructions
For tackling small to medium logs and other household applications, the Makita UC3541A is a great option to consider. It’s easy to use, lightweight, affordable and is backed by the reputable Makita brand for complete peace of mind.
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4. Mcculloch CSE2040S Corded Chainsaw
The Mcculloch CSE2040S is another great option to consider because it features a 2,000 watt motor and plenty of intuitive features. It’s also been designed with usability in mind and features a soft start and an ergonomic grip. In terms of its cutting performance, the motor provides a chain speed of 13.5 m/s with a cutting capacity of 40 cm.
Other features of the Mcculloch CSE2040S include:
- 2,000 watt electric motor
- Chain speed of 13.5 m/s
- Weighs 5.5 KG
- Tool-less chain tensioning
- Oil level window
- 3/8 inch chain pitch
Overall, the Mcculloch CSE2040S is an excellent all-round option that really does tick all the boxes. It offers excellent value, cuts great, has a lightweight design and is safe to use with a visible chain break indicator and cable clip.
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5. BLACK+DECKER CS2040 Chainsaw
BLACK+DECKER are well-known for their power tools and the CS2040 model is their flagship electric chainsaw. It uses a 2,000 watt motor to provide excellent cutting performance through a 40 cm sword length and chain speed of 16 m/s.
As with many of the alternatives, this electric chainsaw also features an SDS system that allows for free blade tensioning that’s easy to adjust to best suit your requirements.
Other features of the BLACK+DECKER CS2040 include:
- 2,000 watt electric motor
- 12.5 m/s chain speed
- 4 metre long power cable
- Low kick-back chain
- Integrated auto oiling system
- Tool-less chain tensioning
- Anti-vibration system
Overall, the BLACK+DECKER CS2040 is an affordable yet high quality electric chainsaw that won’t disappoint. It ticks all the boxes in terms of performance and it offers relatively good value for the money when compared to similar performing chainsaws.
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6. Ryobi RCS2340 Electric Chainsaw
The Ryobi RCS2340 is another high performing electric chainsaw that features a 40 cm bar for cutting through thick wood. In terms of its power delivery, it uses a 2,300 watt motor that produces an impressive chain speed of 16 m/s.
In order to handle all the instant power, there is an integrated rapid response mechanical chain brake system that provide smoother control of the chainsaw. This is a great feature to have considering the speed of the chain.
Other features of the Ryobi RCS2340 include:
- High performance 2,300 watt motor
- 16 m/s chain speed
- 40 cm sword length
- Automatic chain and bar lubrication
- Debris deflector
- Tool-less chain tension system
- Anti-vibration system to reduce fatigue
- Weighs 5.7 KG
Overall, the Ryobi RCS2340 is a very powerful chainsaw that cuts through a range of thick wood with ease. It’s also one of the best options within its price range that also requires minimal maintenance.
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How We Rated
As well as our experience of using a range of electric chainsaws, we also based our recommendations upon hours of research and a number of factors. Some of the factors that we considered included the motor, build quality, power cable length, chain speed, cutting capacity, additional features, ease of operation, supplied accessories, warranty and value.
Conclusion
If you don’t intend to chop large logs, an electric chainsaw is by far the better option when compared to a petrol chainsaw. Although the power cable of an electric chainsaw may restrict your movement, a suitable extension lead will allow you to move freely. However, depending upon your budget, you may wish to purchase a cordless chainsaw instead because it provides similar performance but it has the benefit of not being restricted by a power cable.
All of our recommended electric chainsaws above are suitable for all budgets and are capable of cutting through small to medium logs with ease. To avoid disappointment, we strongly advise that you purchase a bottle of chainsaw oil alongside your machine because you’ll need to keep all of the cutting components lubricated for the best cutting performance.
