How to Choose an Electric Chainsaw for Better Cutting

From storm cleanup to cutting firewood or handling overgrown trees, an electric chainsaw is a practical tool for everyday use, but choosing the right one can quickly feel overwhelming. Without clear guidance, it’s easy to overspend or pick the wrong model.
This blog keeps things simple and helps you make a confident choice.

1. Motor Power & Brushless Motor Technology

Motor power is measured in watts. As a general guide:

• 1000W to 1600W suits light to moderate garden work and occasional pruning.
• 1600W to 2000W handles medium garden trees and firewood splitting.
• 500W to 600W brushless cordless motors cover branch trimming and general tidying.

A standard motor uses carbon brushes to transfer electrical current, creating friction and heat over time. 

A brushless motor removes those brushes entirely, delivering:

• Less heat build-up during use.
• A longer motor lifespan.
• More efficient use of battery energy.
• Quieter, smoother operation.

Motor Type	Best For	Lifespan	Efficiency
Standard brushed	Occasional corded use	Moderate	Standard
Brushless	Regular cordless use	Longer	Higher

Helpful tip: For regular seasonal use, a brushless motor is worth the extra cost. For occasional use a couple of times a year, a standard motor at a lower price point is perfectly adequate.

2. Chain Speed and Cutting Performance

Chain speed measures how fast the cutting chain moves around the guide bar, directly affecting how cleanly and efficiently your saw cuts through wood.

Chain Speed	Performance Level	Best For
5 to 7 m/s	Light to moderate	Softwood, branches, light pruning.
10 to 13 m/s	Strong to high	Hardwood, thick logs, garden trees.
13 m/s and above	Professional grade	Intensive felling and heavy work.

A faster chain speed delivers:

• Less physical effort to push through wood.
• Cleaner cuts with less splintering.
• Better performance against dense or hardwood timber.

Helpful tip: A lower chain speed model is lighter, easier to handle, and safer for less experienced users tackling everyday garden tasks. Higher chain speed is not always necessary.

3. Bar Size and Blade Material

The guide bar is the metal arm the chain runs around. Its length determines how thick a piece of wood you can cut in a single pass.

Bar Length	Suitable For
6 to 8 inch (15 to 20 cm)	Small branches, pruning, garden tidying.
12 to 14 inch (30 to 35 cm)	Medium branches, smaller garden trees.
16 inch (40 cm)	Medium garden trees, firewood logs, light felling.
18 inch and above	Larger trees, intensive felling work.

Blade Material Considerations:

• Aluminium guide bars balance durability and weight well, resist corrosion, and suit regular garden use.
• Reinforced steel bars appear on professional models, offering greater rigidity for demanding work.
• Chain quality matters as much as bar material; a sharp, well-maintained chain always outperforms a worn one.

Helpful tip: Your guide bar should be slightly longer than the diameter of wood you most commonly cut. A bar that is far longer than needed adds unnecessary weight and reduces control.

4. Pole Chainsaw vs Handheld Chainsaw

Both types serve genuinely different purposes.

• A handheld chainsaw is the standard two-handed design used at body level for felling, log splitting, and ground-level cutting. 
• A pole chainsaw extends your reach from 1.5 m up to around 2.5 m, allowing overhead branch trimming without a ladder.

Feature	Handheld Chainsaw	Pole Chainsaw
Reach	Ground level only	Up to 2.5 m overhead.
Best use	Log cutting, tree felling	High branch trimming.
Control	Two-handed, stable	Requires steady, sustained grip.
Weight distribution	Balanced in both hands	Top-heavy, more arm fatigue.
Safety for beginners	Moderate	Higher for overhead tasks.
Portability	Standard	More awkward to transport.

Choose handheld if you need to:

• Cut and split logs for a wood burner or fire pit.
• Small to medium garden trees.
• Handle heavier or denser timber at ground level.

Choose pole if you need to:

• Trim overhanging branches without a ladder.
• Reach into the canopy of taller garden trees.
• Work safely overhead without climbing.

5. Double Brake and Hand Guard Safety Features

Safety is non-negotiable with chainsaws. Understanding the key built-in systems before you buy is essential.

1. Double Brake System: Uses both electric and mechanical braking. If the saw is released unexpectedly or kickback occurs, the chain stops almost instantly.
2. Hand Guard: A fixed guard between your front hand and the chain prevents direct contact if your hand slips forward. On better-built models, it also triggers the brake automatically under forward force.
3. Safety Lock: Requires deliberate two-step activation before the saw starts, preventing accidental triggering.

Safety Feature	What It Does	Importance
Double brake	Stops chain instantly on release or kickback.	Essential
Hand guard	Protects front hand from chain contact.	Essential
Safety lock	Prevents accidental start.	Highly recommended
Low-kickback chain	Reduces chain jump during use.	Recommended

Minimum safety features to require before purchasing:

1. Double brake system.
2. Front hand guard.
3. Safety lock or dual-button start.
4. Low-kickback chain design.
5. CE or equivalent safety certification.
6. 6. Auto chain lubrication and oil tank capacity.

A chainsaw chain running at high speed against the guide bar generates significant friction. Without lubrication, the chain wears quickly and the bar can be permanently damaged.

Auto chain lubrication distributes oil continuously along the bar and chain during operation, removing the need to stop and apply oil manually.

Benefits of auto lubrication:

• Consistent coverage throughout the cutting session.
• Reduced chain and bar wear over time.
• Smoother cutting performance.
• Lower risk of damage from running dry.

Pay attention to oil tank capacity when comparing models. A larger tank means fewer interruptions during longer sessions. A transparent tank window lets you check levels at a glance without stopping.

Helpful tip: Top up the oil tank whenever it reaches around one quarter full. Running the chain dry, even briefly, can cause permanent damage to both the chain and the bar.

7. Tool-Free Chain Tensioning and Ease of Use

With regular use, a chainsaw chain gradually stretches and becomes loose. A loose chain is dangerous, as it can jump off the bar mid-cut.

Tool-free chain tensioning lets you adjust tension by hand in seconds, without a spanner or specialist tools. This makes it:

• Quick and straightforward to maintain regularly.
• More accessible for first-time chainsaw owners.
• Less likely to be skipped due to inconvenience.

Models without this feature require a spanner and more mechanical confidence, which can discourage consistent upkeep.

Helpful tip: Before every use, gently pull the chain away from the bar. It should lift only a few millimetres and snap back cleanly. If it droops or feels slack, tighten it before cutting.

8. Battery Voltage and Power Input

For cordless models, voltage determines power output and amp hour (Ah) rating determines how long each charge lasts.

Battery Spec	What It Means	Practical Impact
18V	Standard cordless output	Light to moderate garden work.
36V (dual 18V)	Higher power output	Denser wood, longer sessions.
2.0Ah	Shorter run time	Light pruning tasks.
4.0Ah	Longer run time	Extended sessions without recharging.
Two batteries included	Swap mid-job	No downtime waiting for recharge.

What to Check on Battery Specifications:

• Voltage rating relative to your workload.
• Amp hour capacity and expected run time.
• Whether a second battery is included or sold separately.
• Compatibility with other cordless tools you already own.
• Charging time between full depletions.

For corded models, standard 230V mains input means consistent power throughout every job with no battery management needed.

Helpful tip: Always charge both batteries fully before a long garden session. A spare charge and ready eliminates any downtime mid-job.

9. Size, Weight and Build Quality

A chainsaw that feels awkward or too heavy becomes a safety risk as fatigue sets in. Always consider physical dimensions and weight before committing to a purchase.

Chainsaw Type	Typical Weight	Best Suited To
Lightweight cordless	2 to 4 kg	Overhead work, pruning, extended handheld use.
Mid-range corded	4 to 7 kg	Regular garden use, log cutting.
Heavy-duty corded	8 to 13 kg	Two-handed ground-level work, felling.

Key Factors to Assess Before Buying:

• Overall weight and comfort over a full session.
• Balance and weight distribution between both hands.
• Handle grip security, particularly in wet conditions.
• Body material and build quality for outdoor durability.
• Compact dimensions if storage space is limited.

Helpful tip: First-time buyers should lean towards the lighter end of the range. A saw you can handle confidently is always safer than one that is more powerful but difficult to control after ten minutes.

10. Blade Cover, CE Certification and Final Checklist

Blade Cover: A chainsaw stored without a blade cover is a hazard. A protective chain case guards both the chain teeth and anyone who might brush against the saw in a shed or garage.

CE Certification: CE marking confirms a product meets established safety, health, and environmental standards. Always verify this before buying.

Check	What to Look For
Blade cover included	Protects chain in storage.
CE or safety marking	Confirms safety compliance.
Chain adjustment tool included	Needed for ongoing maintenance.
Replacement chains available	Ensures long-term usability.
Warranty length	Indicates manufacturer confidence.
Customer reviews	Real-world performance feedback.

Questions to Ask Before Purchasing:

• Does the model include a blade cover?
• Is it CE certified or does it carry equivalent safety markings?
• Does it come with a chain tensioning or adjustment tool?
• Are replacement chains and bars readily available?
• What does the warranty cover and for how long?

The right electric chainsaw comes down to matching power, bar length, and features to the type of work you actually do. Prioritising safety systems and ease of maintenance ensures better control and long-term reliability. A well-balanced choice not only improves cutting performance but also makes every task safer and more efficient.

If you are narrowing down your choices, reviewing a few models together makes it easier to spot the right balance of power and features. Aosom provides a selection of electric chainsaws designed for different levels of use.

FAQs

1. Can an electric chainsaw cut thick logs?

Yes, it can handle thick logs depending on the motor power and bar length, with most mid-range models cutting up to around 10–12 inches effectively. Slower, steady cutting helps maintain control and prevents strain on the motor. For very dense hardwood, working in stages often gives better results.

2. Do electric chainsaws require regular maintenance?

They need basic upkeep such as keeping the chain sharp, checking the oil level, and cleaning the bar after use. Compared to petrol models, maintenance is simpler but still important for performance. Regular care helps extend the lifespan and ensures safer operation.

3. How do you store an electric chainsaw properly?

Keep it in a dry, clean space with the chain cover fitted and the battery removed if it’s cordless. Wipe off any sawdust and excess oil before storing to prevent build-up or rust. Storing it properly keeps the tool ready and safe for the next use.