8 Best Homeowner Chainsaws: Top-Rated and Reviews (In Detail)

Choosing a chainsaw can be a very daunting task – especially considering there are so many options available on the market today. A great chainsaw must be able to perform the task at hand, yet, also be available at a price point that actually makes sense for your budget and needs.

PowerOfTool.com has compiled a list of possible chainsaw options that you may like to choose from and will work for the jobs or projects that you have in mind. These chainsaws range from fairly cheap to rather expensive, but we made sure to cover all of the pros and cons of each so you can feel rest assured that you’ve made a properly educated choice in your purchase.

Best Homeowner Chainsaw Reviews

Here are reviews of the top 8 homeowner chainsaws on the market today.

1. Black + Decker, 40v MAX Cordless Chainsaw

The Black and Decker 40V Max Cordless Chainsaw is available on the market, and even offers free delivery. Black and Decker’s 40V MAX system allows this chainsaw to run on lithium-ion batteries, rather than requiring gasoline or an electrical outlet, as some other options do.

The chainsaw also offers a tool-free chain tensioner system, which can allow for quick and simple adjustment of your chain.

Pros:

• Lightweight and compact
• Rechargeable battery system
• Low price, comes with free delivery
• Long-lasting battery life
• Easy chain adjustments
• Full wrap around handle

Cons:

• Battery life may not be ideal
• Somewhat small bar and chain
• Oil may leak

2. Greenworks 12-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw

The Greenworks 12-inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw offers the same 40V system as the Black and Decker 40V MAX, so we can assume that battery life will likely be comparable. The Greenworks 40V also offers the same 12-inch bar and chain, with a tool-free tensioning system to allow for easy tensioning on the fly.

It is compatible with a 3/8-inch chain that can be easily replaced when it becomes worn, and is known to give minimal kickback when cutting particularly challenging limbs or other forms of lumber.

Pros:

• Battery operated
• Lightweight
• Durable 12-inch steel bar and chain

Cons:

• Potentially short battery life
• Slow cutting speed
• May leave jagged edges on cuts

3. DEWALT 40V XR Brushless Chainsaw

The DeWalt 40V Brushless Chainsaw (DCCS690H1) comes equipped with a 16-inch bar and chain system, with a chain braking system that provides extra safety and protection against unwanted kickback. This chainsaw uses a patented Lubrilink automatic chain oiling system that provides continuous lubrication during even the toughest jobs.

It is built around a 40V lithium-ion battery that offers 6AH of battery life – again, giving it a bit of an advantage when compared to other chainsaws that only offer a 2AH or 4AH battery.

Pros:

• Excellent build quality, durable
• Solid battery life
• Great performance
• Chain brake for kickback protection

Cons:

• High price
• Oilers known to malfunction

4. WORX WG303.1 Powered Chain Saw, 16”

The WORX WG303.1 isn’t battery-powered, though it’s 14.5 amp motor claims to be more than enough to provide the cutting performance you need, with WORX saying that it performs similar to a gasoline chainsaw – which is quite a bold claim. It offers low kickback and even has a chain brake for added safety and performance. Its speed is rated at 12m/s, requiring 120V of 60Hz power.

Pros:

• Lower price
• Automatic oil lubrication
• Built-in oil reservoir
• Tank capacity is 200 milliliters
• Includes 3-year manufacturer’s warranty

Cons:

• Somewhat low quality
• Replacement parts unavailable after the warranty

5. Makita UC4051A 16-inch Electric Chainsaw

The Makita UC4051A is another chainsaw that requires a power outlet for operation. This 16-inch electric chainsaw claims to offer a tool-less blade and chain design, with only minimal adjustments needing to be made to keep the chain properly tensioned. It also offers easy maintenance, and rubberized handles and grips that are designed to provide unsurpassed comfort and stability.

Pros:

• Powerful chainsaw
• Larger blade
• Mid-range price point
• Rubberized grip handles for comfort
• Easy to maintain

Cons:

• Requires power outlet
• May be too heavy for some users

6. Remington RM4618 Outlaw 46cc 2-Cycle 18-Inch Gasoline Chainsaw

The Remington RM4618 Outlaw 46cc gasoline chainsaw is an excellent choice for those who are looking to get great performance out of a chainsaw without the need for rechargeable batteries or power outlets. This Remington chainsaw is equipped with a high output engine and an 18-inch bar and chain.

The 46cc 2-cycle engine claims to provide excellent power with minimal vibration, and it’s premium 18-inch bar offers low kick back that can cut through hard wood with ease.

Pros:

• Lower price
• Build quality
• Performance and power
• Comfort while in use
• Automatic lubrication system
• Easy to maintain and store

Cons:

• Gasoline required
• Oiler is discontinued and not replaceable
• Chain may need frequent sharpening

7. Tanaka TCS33EDTP/14 32cc 14-inch Chainsaw

The Tanaka TCS33EDTP/14 is designed around a 14-inch bar and chain with a top-handle design. The Tanaka TCS33EDTP/14 offers what is known as a “pure fire” engine that claims to be extremely effluence and provide a clean, powerful performance.

It has a half-throttle choke and a purge primer bulb that allows for easy start up and warm up, even in cold weather conditions.

Pros:

• Powerful chainsaw
• Efficient engine
• Easy chain adjustments
• Large bar with top handle design
• Comes with 7-year consumer warranty
• Automatic oiler

Cons:

• Small engine
• Higher end of price range
• Oil may leak

8. Husqvarna 440E 16-inch 40cc 2-stroke Chainsaw

The Husqvarna 440E 16-inch 40cc 2-stroke Chainsaw is built with a gasoline engine and offers a chain tensioning design that requires no tools and is equipped with a 16-inch bar and chain.

It has an easily accessible air filter that allows for quick cleaning or replacement without any unnecessary hassle. It’s forged 3-piece crankshaft offers extreme durability over the competition, allowing this engine to survive even the toughest applications or abuse.

Pros:

• Exceptional quality
• Long lasting engine
• Durably built
• Large bar
• Compliant with CARB specifications
• Lightweight, under 10 pounds

Cons:

• Price
• Issues with starting up

What is the Best Homeowner Chainsaw?

It is a bit difficult to determine a “best” product from this list, as each of these products offer a variety of great features that are quite excellent for certain situations. However, to narrow the list down to just two of these chainsaws, we would have to recommend either the Black + Decker 40V MAX, or the Remington 46cc chainsaw option.

If you are looking for a quality chainsaw that can run on a battery, the Black + Decker 40V is certainly a great option for you. Black + Decker is a brand known for providing quality tools at a reasonable price, and their 40V charging system is compatible with several of their products so that you can get a lot of use out of it.

So, for example, if you already own a 40V Black + Decker product, the batteries are likely to be interchangeable. This is a great way to save money as you can use the batteries you already have instead of adding on another purchase. Also, additional batteries can be purchased on Amazon for a pretty reasonable price if you don’t already have one to fit.

However, if you are specifically in the market for a gasoline chainsaw, The Remington 46cc chainsaw should perform well for you. Remington is a well-known brand backed by years of experience and expertise in the field of power tools and will give you the durability that you are looking for in a quality chainsaw.

The Remington 46cc chainsaw offers great performance at a great price. For just $162, you would be hard-pressed to find a better gasoline chainsaw in this price range. The Remington has many positive reviews on Amazon and other retail websites and is certainly a solid choice for a gasoline chainsaw.

5 Most Important Features of a Homeowner Chainsaw

There are numerous key factors that play a role in determining a great chainsaw. Though, some features are more important than others. For example, it’s crucial to find a chainsaw that can perform well and not stall when pushed to its limits.

There are 5 features that you can’t miss out on. So, here are the 5 most important features of a homeowner’s chainsaw.

Strong Engine/Motor

In the past, electric chainsaws were well known for “stalling” when put under extreme loads. Electric saws have certainly progressed in recent years, and this is a relatively small problem these days and is often times only an issue in low-end products.

However, it’s still an important factor to consider before purchasing a new electric chainsaw. This issue can also plague gasoline chainsaws as well, though, to a lesser extent. Be sure to read several product reviews before making your final selection, and search specifically for reviews that may mention stalling when a saw is placed under a heavy load to avoid this issue.

The last thing you want is to be in the midst of an important job, only to have your saw stall out and be unable to cut through the specific type of wood you are working with. These issues are typically most prevalent when working with very soft woods (balsa, for example) or extremely hard woods (like hickory). So be on the lookout for any mention of the chainsaw’s use on these types of wood.

Battery Life/Gasoline Efficiency

Next, if you know you are going to be working for extended periods of time, you want to make sure you own a product that can stand the test of time and will last through the duration of your work.

If you are looking to purchase an electric saw, it is important to make sure that the saw has an ample battery life. If not, you may look into purchasing additional batteries – or a different saw altogether.

Many manufacturers will list the battery life of their product on their website, or on the packaging that it comes in. However, some manufacturers do not, so it is important to do proper research and ensure that the saw you are looking to purchase will last long enough to complete the job at hand.

Bar Size

Choosing the proper bar size is also an important feature of a new chainsaw. Often times, and rightly so in this case, bigger is better. Though, you must keep your specific job in mind even in this scenario. Because, as an example, if you only plan to cut small limbs with your saw, you will likely have no need for an 18-inch bar and will be overspending if purchasing one that size.

Though, if you are planning on cutting down full-sized trees or other forms of large lumber, you may very well need a larger bar. Just be sure to keep your job in mind when making a decision, as there is no need to spend all the extra cash on an 18-inch chainsaw if you feel confident that a 12-inch will perform just fine.

If you are not sure what types of jobs you will be doing, then it may be useful to figure that out before making your purchase.

You don’t want to spend too much on a big item if you end up never using it to its full capabilities. So, it is worth it to figure out what kind of jobs you will be doing with it so you can get the right size without over or under spending on an item that doesn’t work for you.

Durability

Durability is, without a doubt, one of the most important factors of any power tool – but especially when talking about chainsaws. Chainsaws take more abuse than just about any other form of power tool equipment, so you must factor in durability when making a purchasing decision.

Many brands of chainsaws are cheap for a reason. Manufacturers cut corners to provide a lesser quality product for a lesser price.

Now, if you’re simply needing a chainsaw to perform a small job or two around the house, you may be perfectly fine with a lower end chainsaw.

However, if you plan on cutting down limbs on a regular basis, or have several large trees to take care of, you may look into purchasing a more well-known brand or a higher quality chainsaw. The price may be a bit higher, but the quality of the item will be worth it instead of having to buy a new one when it breaks prematurely.

Price

Finally, for most of us, the price is going to be the ultimate determining factor in what chainsaw we purchase. As mentioned before, you want to make sure you are purchasing the chainsaw you need without spending unnecessary funds for a chainsaw that won’t provide any additional benefit to you.

For example, if you’re just needing a few limbs cut here and there, a 12-inch chainsaw will likely perform those tasks for you without any hassle or hesitation.

There is no real need to spend several hundred extra dollars on an 18-inch or even a 16-inch chainsaw in this scenario. So, stay within your budget and get a chainsaw that will get the jobs that you need done, without the extra features that will hike up the price.

Homeowners Chainsaw vs Professional Chainsaw

Most of the chainsaws you purchase on Amazon or at local retailers are designed for personal, and not professional use. In fact, in some cases, your warranty can be voided if you purchase a consumer chainsaw for professional use.

The key difference here is often times the build quality, or simply the overall construction of the product. Most consumer chainsaws are designed to be used around the house, typically several times per year, but are not made for heavy and frequent use in industrial jobs.

However, professional chainsaws are designed to take on some of the toughest jobs, day after day. These saws are typically far more expensive than a consumer quality saw but will usually perform exceptionally better.

Professional quality must last through heavy use, and though they are higher in cost, the price is worth it because professionals need a saw that won’t fail in the middle of a job.

It is necessary to mention that this list, in particular, is only designed to cover consumer chainsaws.

So, realize that if you are a professional that is looking for a chainsaw that will last for you day-in and day-out for several years, there are countless professional-grade options that may be available to you. They are just not on this list.

Conclusion

In summation, choosing a chainsaw that works best for you can prove to be quite difficult. Though, if you keep in mind the key factors and differences between brands and styles, the choice will be much easier.

There are several different types of chainsaws available on the market and other online retailers and hopefully, this list provided you with the information you need to make an educated purchase decision.