A chainsaw is a pretty common household tool, and many homeowners are on the hunt to find the best chainsaw for cutting firewood. Having a good chainsaw makes yard chores easier and quicker.
Choosing that ideal chainsaw requires you to understand a number of factors, including your intended purpose and required chainsaw features, including ones that will increase your safety and comfort.
Here we’ve reviewed 10 of the best chainsaws on the market. Within this list, you should be able to identify the best option for you.
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Features to Take Into Account When Buying Chainsaw for Firewood
There are a variety of options from which to choose when selecting a chainsaw. You need to identify the power source you prefer, as well as the guide bar length and the weight you’d like.
Within this list, we’ve reviewed chainsaws from each of the power categories. We have also reviewed the chainsaws of all weights and guide bar lengths.
You’ll want to keep these factors in mind when deciding on your preferred chainsaw. You’ll be driven by the type of work you hope to accomplish with your chainsaw.
You’ll want a different chainsaw for pruning than you would for working with medium or large firewood.
Engine Power Type
There are three primary chainsaw power types, and all of these types were reviewed here.
They are gas, electric, and battery-powered. Each of these options has both pros and cons and excels at different tasks.
Power is measured differently in all three power source options. In gas-powered chainsaws, it is measured in cubic centimeters or cubic inches.
In electric chainsaws, it is measured in amps, and in battery-powered chainsaws, it is measured in volts. The best battery type you can find, and the most common, is the lithium-ion, but you may also find that some chainsaws offer the older battery type known as nickel-cadmium.
As an example, here is a quick guide for cutting firewood. If looking to cut light firewood under 10 inches, you want a gas chainsaw with at least 35 to 45 ccs of power.
For medium firewood, you want a gas chainsaw with at least 40 to 50 ccs of power. Both projects would also do fine with a large electric chainsaw.
There are pros and cons for all types of chainsaws. Gas chainsaws, for example, are known for power and heavy-duty use.
They also don’t require any kind of cord. That said, they can be polluting and noisy compared to other types of chainsaws.
On the other hand, electric chainsaws are very easy to get started, given that they don’t need to be pulled and are much quieter than gas alternatives. They also are easier to maintain.
With all of that said, they typically have less power than gas, and often have a limited bar length range, usually under 20 inches.
Battery-powered chainsaws are limited by the amount of time that the battery lasts. Also, with many battery-powered chainsaws, you have to purchase the batteries separately, and they can be costly.
That said, a battery-powered chainsaw can be brought anywhere, giving you much more versatility.
Guide Bar Length
The guide bar length of the chainsaw you choose will essentially dictate the chores you can accomplish using it.
If you want to cut light firewood, you want a guide bar length from 14 inches to 16 inches, but if you want to do some medium firewood cutting, you’ll need one a bit longer, say 16 inches to 18 inches.
If you are looking to do some basic trimming, you don’t want a guide bar length longer than 16 inches. If you are using the chainsaw for bucking, you want a guide bar length that is at least 18 inches.
Weight
You need to know your limitations when it comes to choosing the right chainsaw.
There are some very light options listed here, and then there are some heavier alternatives. Even 15 pounds is considered quite light for a chainsaw, yet it can feel incredibly heavy during a long cutting session.
Best Chainsaw for Firewood
Top 10 Roofing Nail Guns
1. Husqvarna 460 Rancher 2-cycle Gas Chainsaw for Firewood
This chainsaw from Husqvarna has features that increase your comfort while simultaneously keeping your operating costs low. It’s also great for reducing the wear and tear on your hands and arms.
Husqvarna has taken an interest in protecting the environment, so this chainsaw is exhaust-free, eliminating all emissions.
If you are looking for a lot of power without a lot of fuel consumption, this chainsaw is a great pick for you. It boasts an X-Torq engine with high torque.
Husqvarna has built a strong reputation for quality and features that make working easier on the body. With this chainsaw, you’ll find reliable anti-vibration dampeners. This saves you from heavy impact on your hands and arms.
Other key features include the combined start and stop switch, which makes it easier to get going so you can get right to work. In addition, this feature helps to prevent any flooding. Given that this chainsaw is battery-powered, you don’t have to worry about being tethered by a cord. You can bring it with you just about anywhere.
Despite being powered by a battery, you’re still likely to be pleased with its power and efficiency. Use the backpack battery for up to 10 hours before needing to recharge.
If you want to find out more about the Husqvarna 460 Rancher, you can read the full review by clicking here.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Homeowner
- Bar Length: 18-Inch
- Weight: 12.8 Pounds
- Power: 60.3cc
- Power Type: Gas Chainsaw
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
2. Greenworks 16-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw
This Greenworks chainsaw is marked by its longevity and durability. You’ll find that you can reliably use this cordless chainsaw nearly every day for a number of years.
You’ll enjoy more torque and less vibration than you’ll experience with gas-powered alternatives. Given the cordless design, you can bring it with you and work on projects in different places without being tethered.
This Greenworks tool is very quiet compared to its competitors. Its long battery life and easy recharge won’t slow you down or keep you from getting through important jobs. And you can do so comfortably, given the lower vibrations you can expect.
It boasts a number of safety features, along with being very lightweight. This means easier and safer use for both the new chainsaw user and the more experienced one. You’ll find a chain brake as well as a low-kickback chain. It is that chain break that helps prevent any accidental kickbacks.
The ability to adjust the chain without tools is another feature that will enable you to keep moving forward without a slow-down.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Longer Life
- Bar Length: 16-Inch
- Weight: 10.36 Pounds
- Voltage: 40-volts
- Power Type: Battery Powered
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What We Didn’t Like:
3. Ego 16 in. 56-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Chain Saw
This Ego Chainsaw is incredibly powerful. If you have larger projects that you need to work on, this might be a great option for you, especially given its long-lasting battery life.
That battery also charges quickly so you won’t be sidelined for too long. You can take a quick break while it charges and then quickly get back to work.
The battery is included, so you don’t have to make an additional purchase.
This chainsaw is fairly heavy, but still much easier to use than a gas alternative, and you can use it on a variety of jobs.
The weight is something to keep in mind if you can’t operate a heavy tool for long periods of time.
You’ll find that you can cut smoothly with this chainsaw, which has a 16-inch bar and chain and a brushless motor. It’s that motor that makes this chainsaw a valuable investment, as it will likely extend the lifetime of the tool.
The 56-volt battery is compatible with all EGO POWER+ products, so that could work to your advantage if you have others. The chain is also quite easy to change.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Effortlessly Smooth Cuts
- Bar Length: 16-Inch
- Weight: 18 Pounds
- Voltage: 56-volt
- Power Type: Battery Powered
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
4. DEWALT DCCS690X1 40V Chainsaw
This DEWALT chainsaw is a great option for anyone looking for very little maintenance and who wants to just get going.
Along with the low maintenance, you’ll experience very little noise during operation. You can basically be using this chainsaw right next to your neighbors without them being the wiser.
This makes it a great option for outdoor chores, including chopping firewood and clearing trees from your yard.
Despite the ease of use, you’ll find that this chainsaw offers you the same amount of power you’d expect from gas, but without the mess and smell associated with gas machines.
While the battery power is a nice feature, the battery life on this chainsaw could be improved for longer projects. You’ll likely get about four hours of battery power out of this. It works great during those four hours, with a high level of power, but if you have a big project, you likely need the power to last a bit longer.
This DEWALT chainsaw comes with a warranty to protect your purchase. You’ll get a three-year limited warranty along with two years of free service. Other key features include auto-oiling, a 16-inch Oregon bar and chain, and a chain brake for kick back protection.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Delivering Smooth Cuts
- Bar Length: 16-Inch
- Weight: 19.3 pounds
- Voltage: 40-volt
- Power Type: Battery Powered
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
5. WORX WG304.1 Chain Saw
This chainsaw is a great option for any homeowner who is shopping on a budget while simultaneously looking for an easy-to-use yet powerful tool.
The bar is 18 inches, so you aren’t stuck only working on tiny projects. That said, this chainsaw has some features for the non-professional homeowner as well.
The motor is 15 amps, so you’ll be working with a decent amount of power. Given the power, you’ll find some useful safety and comfort features that come standard.
You’ll find comfort grip handles that aren’t just made for comfort, but also help protect you from any slipping while you’re using the tool.
This chainsaw is pretty lightweight, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble manipulating it and you shouldn’t get too tired while using it.
You don’t need to do much prepping to get this chainsaw going. The auto-tension system maintains the right amount of tension while you’re using it. The oiler that is already built-in makes sure the bar and chain are always lubricated for use.
This is a great option for any homeowner, especially one who hopes to find the best chainsaw for firewood. You should be prepared to stay tethered, as this chainsaw is not cordless. You’ll need to make use of an extension cord for most projects.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Any Homeowner
- Bar Length: 18-Inch
- Weight: 11.3 Pounds
- Voltage: 120-volt
- Power Type: Corded-electric
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6. BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 Cordless Chainsaw
With this chainsaw from Black + Decker, you will likely be sacrificing a longer bar for a more lightweight tool. That said, you’ll find a lot of power in this smaller, easier to handle version.
This chainsaw will have enough power for you to get through several smaller jobs. However, if you are trying to work with larger-diameter logs, you should expect the battery to drain more quickly.
Overall, the battery really only lasts approximately one-half hour to 45 minutes of continuous use. The saw does have a meter, which is pretty helpful. It lets you know how much battery life is left so you can plan accordingly.
For example, if going out for a longer project, just plan on bringing a couple of fully charged batteries out with you. When one dies, replace it with another so you don’t have to take too long of a break.
Given how lightweight this cordless product is, and the fact that it’s ideal for smaller projects, it could easily be considered the best professional chainsaw for cutting firewood.
It won’t be able to handle huge jobs, especially on a limited battery, but it can certainly work through your woodpile.
In addition, the chain is easy to both replace and adjust.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Fast, Smooth Operation
- Bar Length: 12-Inch
- Weight: 10.4 Pounds
- Voltage: 40-volt
- Power Type: Battery-powered
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
7. Makita XCU02Z – Cordless 12″ Chain Saw
This chainsaw has some interesting comfort features for easier, more pleasant cutting.
You’ll likely enjoy the low noise level, which is only 89dB(A), and there are zero emissions from this tool.
In terms of safety, this chainsaw reacts incredibly quickly. The moment you take your hand off the trigger, the chain will stop completely.
There is quite literally zero reaction time, and anyone who uses a chainsaw with any regularity knows that even a half-second can make a huge difference when it comes to injury.
You get the best of both worlds with this chainsaw in that it packs some good power, but is also incredibly lightweight. Add in the great battery life, and you’ll likely get tired before the chainsaw does. You can work on a variety of projects, big and small.
In terms of batteries, they are very easy to charge. That said, they are pretty expensive and do not come with your purchase. This is something to keep in mind, as it means making an additional purchase just to use this chainsaw. This Makita chainsaw uses two 18V LXT lithium-Ion batteries.
Maintenance is pretty straightforward. You can adjust the chain without using any tools.
This is a great chainsaw for any homeowner or DIYer given the safety features, battery life, and power that it packs.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Variety of Projects
- Bar Length: 12-Inch
- Weight: 8.8 Pounds
- Voltage: 36-volt
- Power Type: Battery-powered
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
8. Poulan Pro 20 in. 50cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw
Unlike many of the other products reviewed here, this Poulan Pro chainsaw is gas-powered.
In addition, it is quite large at 20 inches, allowing you to work on larger projects more easily. Despite its larger size, this chainsaw is not terribly heavy.
This Poulan Pro chainsaw offers quite a bit of power for both large and small projects, but still keeps emissions and fuel consumption in mind.
In addition, it can be handled easily by homeowners or other non-professional users.
The pull starting system is quite easy to use and get going, so you’ll find that you can get it started pretty effortlessly.
Given the lack of effort, you need to get it going, the starter mechanism endures far less wear and tear. This means your investment is likely to last longer.
The purge bulb is what makes this chainsaw easier to get started, and that bulb is protected so it doesn’t run much of a risk of getting damaged.
Another key feature that helps with fast starting is the choke/stop control. With this feature, you are less likely to flood the engine.
In addition, you will probably be able to reliably start the chainsaw quickly.
This purchase comes with a two-year limited warranty. That said, Poulan Pro doesn’t have the best reputation for customer service, so you may have to go through a little bit of trouble to get your product replaced or repaired if needed.
All-in-all, the warranty is still a great asset for this chainsaw.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Easy start & Operate
- Bar Length: 20-Inch
- Weight: 17 Pounds
- Power: 50cc
- Power Type: Gas-powered
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
9. Worx 16-Inch 14.5 Amp Electric Chainsaw
This Worx chainsaw is a great option for smaller, easier jobs and would likely be a great starter chainsaw for the casual user.
You don’t need to be experienced with chainsaw use to power through jobs with this tool.
The auto-tensioning system can easily be used by beginners, as it maintains proper tension for you while working and secures the bar and chain. This prevents over-tightening, which extends the lifetime of the chain.
It is lightweight and quite easy to use for a beginner, with many standard safety features. You’ll find a built-in chain brake along with protection against kickback in the event of improper contact.
This chainsaw is powered by electricity, another key feature for beginners, and the automatic oiler will ensure proper lubrication at all times. The no-kick tip is a great safety feature, but it will not allow you to cut or carve in tighter areas. For a beginner, this shouldn’t be too much of a factor, but a well-versed chainsaw user might find this frustrating.
This product does come with a three-year manufacturer’s warranty.
One potential drawback is that this chainsaw is not cordless, and working around a cord can be challenging at times.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Casual User
- Bar Length: 16-Inch
- Weight: 11 Pounds
- Voltage: 120-volts
- Power Type: Corded-electric
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
10. Sun Joe SWJ599E Electric Handheld Chainsaw
This chainsaw is a great option for smaller projects, as it is intended for pruning limbs and brush.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-handle chainsaw that will work for maintaining your yard, this might be a great choice for you.
This is an incredibly light chainsaw, making it particularly easy to manage and handle.
It is run entirely on electricity, so you don’t have to worry about oil, gas, or getting tune-ups.
The bar is 14 inches, so though it is light, you’ll still be able to get some decent-sized projects done with it. It also still packs some power with its 9-amp motor. This could easily be considered the best chainsaw for firewood cutting, given its size.
You don’t need to do much to maintain this chainsaw. The fact that the bar and chain are self- lubricating allows you to continuously cut without taking a lot of breaks. It also has an automatic oiler with a window that lets you gauge the oil level.
It is not just the weight of this chainsaw that makes it easy to handle. It also starts right away with just the push of a button, and the safety switch prevents any accidental starts. This is a high-quality product that comes with a two-year warranty.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Pruning Limbs & Brush
- Bar Length: 14-Inch
- Weight: 7.7 Pounds
- Voltage: 120-volts
- Power Type: Corded-electric
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
Chainsaw for Firewood Comparison Chart
| Name | Best For | Bar Length | Weight | Power/Voltage | Power Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna 460 Rancher for Firewood | Homeowner | 18-Inch | 12.8 Pounds | 60.3cc | Gas Chainsaw |
| Greenworks Cordless Chainsaw | Longer Life | 16-Inch | 10.36 Pounds | 40-volts | Battery Powered |
| Ego Chain Saw for Firewood | Effortlessly Smooth Cuts | 16-Inch | 18 Pounds | 56-volt | Battery Powered |
| DEWALT DCCS690X1 Chainsaw | Delivering Smooth Cuts | 16-Inch | 19.3 pounds | 40-volt | Battery Powered |
| WORX WG304.1 Chain Saw | Any Homeowner | 18-Inch | 11.3 Pounds | 120-volt | Corded-electric |
| BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 Chainsaw | Fast, Smooth Operation | 12-Inch | 10.4 Pounds | 40-volt | Battery-powered |
| Makita XCU02Z – Chain Saw | Variety of Projects | 12-Inch | 8.8 Pounds | 36-volt | Battery-powered |
| Poulan Pro Chainsaw for Firewood | Easy start & Operate | 20-Inch | 17 Pounds | 50cc | Gas-powered |
| Worx Chainsaw for Firewood | Casual User | 16-Inch | 11 Pounds | 120-volts | Corded-electric |
| Sun Joe SWJ599E Handheld Chainsaw | Pruning Limbs & Brush | 14-Inch | 7.7 Pounds | 120-volts | Corded-electric |
Frequently Asked Question and Answered
What is kickback?
This is one safety concept that is really important to understand. Kickback is essentially when the saw chain starts moving back towards you.
This can occur in a couple of different scenarios. It could happen when the tip of the guide bar hits another object.
It can also happen if the wood pinches the bar on either side of the guide bar.
What are the most important parts of a chainsaw?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified the required chainsaw parts.
They are the chain catcher, flywheel, clutch, decompression valve, handguard, anti-vibration handle system, chain brake, muffler, throttle, and throttle interlock.
Conclusion
There are several considerations to be made when choosing a Husqvarna460 Rancher. Here, we’ve highlighted 10 of the best options on the market.
That said, our top pick is the Husqvarna460 Rancher, which can be purchased here.
Not only does it come with the reliability you can expect from this manufacturer but the increased power you’ll experience while simultaneously limiting your fuel consumption can’t be beaten. And given the incredible battery power of up to 10 hours, you can work on larger jobs without having to take a break and you don’t have to be tethered to any cords.
Before purchasing, consider your use for the chainsaw in terms of project size, as well as the weight you’d prefer and the features that are most important to you.
