Stihl MS 180 C-BE

The 14-inch Stihl MS 180 C-BE is chosen in reviews as one of the top gas chainsaws for homeowner use. Reviewers praise this Stihl chainsaw for easy starting and fast, smooth cuts. It combines convenience with safety, with automatic chain oiling and tool-free chain adjustment plus an anti-vibration handle. The bar tapers at the end to help prevent kickback, and a kickback sensor triggers the inertia chain brake automatically if kickback does start. If you want to spend less for a gas chainsaw, reviews recommend the Poulan Pro PP3516AVX (*Est. $140).

We found the most objective comparison tests of the Stihl MS 180 C-BE gas chainsaw at ConsumerReports.org, where editors compare it with 24 other chainsaws, ranking all the models based on specific ratings for cutting speed, safety factors, ease of use and ease of maintenance. Comparison tests at The Wall Street Journal are less formal, but the review is more detailed – and especially interesting because it's written from the point of view of a woman who's never used a chainsaw before.