Husqvarna 240 e-series
Husqvarna 240 e-series

Best gas chainsaw for homeowners

$240
Estimated Price

For a big home project or lots of firewood, you need a powerful chainsaw that's not fatiguing to use. In this price class, reviewers recommend the 38.2 cc gas-powered Husqvarna 240 e-series. It combines easy startup and good safety features with automatic chain oiling, tool-free chain adjustment and an anti-vibration handle, which helps minimize hand fatigue. The Husqvarna 240 e-series is covered by a two-year warranty. Homeowners looking to spend less might want to consider the Poulan Pro PP3616AVX (*Est. $150). As a budget-friendly runner-up, reviews say it offers good power and desirable safety features for a saw at that price.

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Husqvarna 316E
Husqvarna 316E

Best electric chainsaw

$270
Estimated Price

Electric chainsaws are cleaner and quieter than gas models and require less maintenance -- but you'll have to do your cutting within 100 feet of an outlet. For regular use cutting firewood, reviews recommend the Husqvarna 316E. Its in-line design makes it the quietest corded electric chainsaw we saw tested, and users say it cuts quickly for an electric model. Safety features include an automatic chain brake and anti-vibration handle. The warranty is for two years. Shoppers on tighter budgets are advised to look at the runner-up Craftsman 34118 electric chainsaw, which receives overwhelmingly positive reviews but lacks an anti-vibration handle, so it might be more tiring to use.

Craftsman 34118
Craftsman 34118

Best budget electric chainsaw

$100
Estimated Price

If the convenience of an electric chainsaw best fits your needs but you're working within a tighter budget, experts and owners recommend the Craftsman 34118. This model costs less than most electric chainsaws and features tool-free tension adjustment, an inertia-activated chain brake and automatic chain oiling. Be advised that there's no anti-vibration handle, though, so the chainsaw could become more tiring to use on bigger, more time-consuming jobs. User reviews for this Craftsman chainsaw are overwhelmingly positive. Note that the Craftsman 34118 is made by Poulan for Craftsman and is nearly identical to the Poulan Pro 400E (*Est. $90), which lacks the Craftsman's tool-free chain tensioning. The Craftsman chainsaw has a one-year warranty.

Black & Decker CCS818
Black & Decker CCS818

Best cordless electric chainsaw

$90
Estimated Price

Like all cordless chainsaws, the Black & Decker CCS818 sacrifices power (compared to corded models) in the name of flexibility and quieter operation. This saw's 6.2-pound weight and 8-inch cutting bar make it easy to maneuver while pruning and cutting small branches, but limit its capability. It's better suited to trimming tree branches than for heavier duties like cutting firewood. The Black & Decker CCS818 carries a two-year warranty. If you plan to do more than light pruning, a corded electric saw like the Craftsman 34118 (*Est. $100) or a gas chainsaw like the Poulan Pro PP3616AVX (*Est. $150) offer much more power and capability at similar ballpark pricing.

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