Cutting firewood is no longer a preserve for experienced lumberjack. As a matter of fact, anyone with the right tools can easily cut firewood into their desired sizes.
One of the most important items that you need to carry out the job is a chainsaw. These machines are mainly popular due to their set of powerful teeth that can cut into any wood, seamlessly.
There are different brands of chainsaws in the market today, which makes the entire process of choosing the most ideal unit, hectic. Fortunately, we are here to help!
After going through several options, we finally picked the best chainsaws for cutting firewood. Our top winner courtesy of its power, durability, ease of use and comfort is , closely followed by . You are, however, free to select any of the units reviewed below.
Well, let’s get started!
Reviews Of Top 7 Best Chainsaw For Cutting Firewood
In our field experiment, we tested various types of chainsaw where some are the best, and others are some kind of good chainsaw for cutting firewood. We also noticed that there are two types of chainsaws, which are very popular among people who involve in cutting firewood and wood logs. One is Gas-powered chainsaw; another is the cordless chainsaw, more specifically battery-powered chainsaw.
You know Gas-powered chainsaws are the most robust and powerful among other types of chainsaw. This type of chainsaws can perform the job smoothly without comprising power and efficiency. For that reason, we have picked these chainsaw for those looking for the best gas chainsaw for firewood.
On the other hand, Cordless chainsaws are convenient and easy to carry; also, they tend to be lightweight. For this reason, some people ask us to review the best cordless chainsaw for firewood.
Remington RM4618 Outlaw 46cc 2-Cycle 18-Inch Gas Powered Chainsaw
If you need to cut firewood, there are a few things that you should look for in the best chainsaw. You will want one with plenty of power and an 18-inch bar length. The Remington RM4618 Outlaw 46cc 2-Cycle 18-Inch Gas Powered Chainsaw is perfect for these purposes!
This Remington chainsaw has a powerful 46cc engine that will cut through any log with ease. It also comes with an 18-inch bar length which is perfect for cutting firewood. The Durable Die-Cast Chasis and pro-grade components make it durable enough to use daily if you need to.
This saw can be used by both professional arborists and amateurs alike. The Remington RM4618 Outlaw 46cc chainsaw comes with a 5 point anti-vibration system and cushion wrap handle to reduce fatigue while you are working in the woods all day long! This saw will last many years if maintained properly, so it is a sound investment.
The Remington RM4618 Outlaw 46cc chainsaw also comes with a QuickStart technology system that makes it easy for anyone to start the saw without having any prior skill in operating one!
The low kickback chain cuts through logs with ease and will not leave any big pieces of wood behind like other low-quality chainsaws can. One thing worth mention the automatic oiler system that will keep the chain well lubricated for a long time.
The Remington RM4618 Outlaw 46cc chainsaw is also lightweight and easy to handle, so you should have no problem lugging it around all day if necessary!
There are few drawbacks to this chainsaw one of them is, Unfortunately, after each use of this chainsaw, the engine gets “vapor locked” and requires cooling down for 5-10 minutes to resume operating.
Another thing I noticed during the testing period is that the chain needs to adjust or loosened frequently.
Though it has few flaws this chainsaw is fantastic for the price! If you need a gas-powered chainsaw without breaking the bank, the Remington RM4618 Outlaw 46cc chainsaw is one of the best.
SALEM MASTER 6220H 62CC 2-Cycle Gas Powered Chainsaw, 20-Inch Chainsaw
We can’t talk about the best chainsaw for firewood without mentioning this brand. Amazingly, you can get this chainsaw at an affordable price. This unit is very sturdy and versatile, as it can cut firewood, clear your farm, garden, or ranch for years without losing its full power and efficiency.
The quality of the chain and the hard bar are some of the features you will love at first sight.
Its ergonomic design makes it appealing to hands. Besides, the handle is slip-free and shock-absorbing, and this allows you to work for long without experiencing fatigue.
Its 18lb weight and 20in bar and chain length make it ideal for cutting both small branches and large tree trunks.
Two Thumbs Up For
- Comfortable weight.
- Very easy to start; it starts straight away just in one pull.
- It has a powerful engine.
- Shock-absorbing and slip-free handle.
- Emergency switch for safety.
What’s Not To Like
- It is a bit noisy
The best part is that the unit comes with a safety switch, which you can use the switch to stop the machine immediately in case of an emergency.
Husqvarna 24 Inch 460 Rancher Gas Chainsaw
Does your job involve splitting massive logs? This beast with a 24 inches bar and chain length will handle all the giant tree trunks. The good news is we include this chainsaw in our milling lumber chainsaw section too, for its monstrous performance.
Despite its massive bar and chain length, it only weighs 22.6 lb. This is a weight you can handle, can you?
Interestingly, the unit doesn’t consume much fuel. Its x-torq engine reduces emission and fuel consumption by 60% and 20%, respectively.
It also features an air cleaning system, which protects the filter from large dust particles and debris.
Two Thumbs Up For
- It can cut massive logs.
- Reduced fuel consumption.
- 2-cycle fuel included in the packaging.
What’s Not To Like
- The weight makes it very uncomfortable to use.
- Not effective for indoor cutting.
We can definitely rank this firewood cutting chainsaw as one of the best Husqvarna chainsaws for firewood.
Husqvarna 20 Inch 455 Rancher Gas Chains
If you have been looking for a gas-powered chainsaw that consumes less fuel but delivers great results, then look no further than Husqvarna 20 Inch 455 Rancher Gas Chains
For starters, the unit comes with a 2.6-ounce bottle of premixed fuel included in the package.
While in operation, you don’t need to stop in order to lubricate your unit. The saw features an automatic oiling system that lubricates the chain.
But that’s not all….
The unit also comes with a tensioner, which enables you to adjust the chain to the level that you want.
The machine only weighs 12.8 pounds, and its moderate bar and chain length ( 20in) makes it very comfortable to use.
Two Thumbs Up For
- Low fuel consumption
- Easy to handle
- Ergonomic design
- High power and very efficient
What’s Not To Like
- A time consumers have complained about the oil leaks.
- Bar and chain oil is not included in the package.
If you are confused between Husqvarna 460 and 455 Rancher then check their comparison review from here.
Jonsered CS2245, 18 in. 45cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw
This is one of the most comfortable chainsaws in the market. But why do we say so?
Well, it has a tensioner, which helps adjust the chain to your desired length. Moreover, it is relatively lightweight, which makes it easy to carry around.
Two Thumbs Up For
- Vibration damping system.
- Inertia-activated brake.
- Easy to maintain.
- Increase fuel efficiency.
What’s Not To Like
- The recoil isn’t strongly fitted.
This chainsaw has the capacity to reduce harmful exhaust emission by up to 75%, and it is able to increase fuel efficiency by up to 20%. The unit also uses centrifugal force to disperse sawdust and air particles before they reach the filter.
Greenworks PRO 18-Inch 80V Cordless Chainsaw, 2.0 AH Battery and Charger Included GCS80420
Well, for those who don’t like handling fuel, this may be your best option. The good thing with the battery-powered units is that they offer almost all the benefits that come with gas-powered machines. Moreover, there is no cleaning of air filter, changing spark plugs, mixing fuels, or maintaining a carburetor engine.
The unit features a chain brake and the low kickback chain that will protect you from possible injuries.
It also has a longer run time and delivers up to 30% more torque for the greatest cutting performance. This leads to less wear and tear, hence increasing the lifetime of the product.
Two Thumbs Up For
- Easy to carry.
- Speedy motor.
- Very easy to use
- Longer run time.
What’s Not To Like
- You have to break when the battery runs down.
- Very light and can’t manage large tree trunks and branches.
- Less powerful compared to the gas-powered ones.
The best part is that the machine weighs 2.05 lb only, and this makes it very comfortable to hold while being used.
Oregon Cordless 16-inch Self-Sharpening Chainsaw with 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger
The problem with a battery-powered chainsaw is the possibility of power going down when you are at the peak of your work. Fortunately, with this unit, you can cut up to 400 ( 2 to 3 inches in diameter) branches in a single charge. This is like working the whole day without a stop.
Once you start the unit, you don’t need to turn it off in between your cutting sessions. The unit will stop running automatically when not in use.
It features a built-in-Tec oil system that ensures that the chain stays oiled. With your battery fully charged, you can work all day long without breaking to oil the chain.
As if that is not enough, the unit’s premium cell technology ensures constant power supply. Once charged, it can hold power (when stored) for months, and its batteries can run for a long time (when in use) in a single charge.
Two Thumbs Up For
- It stops when you stop cutting.
- Easy to sharpen the teeth
- Low vibration as compared to the gas-powered ones.
- Long-lasting battery.
- Lightweight and comfortable to use.
What’s Not To Like
- It is not as powerful as the gas-powered saw.
- To use it well, you will require an extra battery.
To ensure safety, there is an overload protection feature that shuts off the motor automatically when the chainsaw is pushed so hard.
Sun Joe iON100V-18CS-CT 18-Inch 100-Volt Brushless Lithium-ion Cordless Handheld ChainSaw, Tool Only
This battery-powered chainsaw can cut logs of up to 17.5 inches. It also has an ergonomic design, which makes it comfortable on the hand.
The automatic oiling system keeps the bar and the chain fully lubricated. This comes in handy, especially if you have huge logs to cut.
When it comes to safety, the unit comes with an inbuilt safety switch, which helps prevent accidental starts.
Two Thumbs Up For
What’s Not To Like
Two Thumbs Up For
- Can cut logs of up to 17.5 tree trunks or branches.
- Safety switch and protective handbrakes.
- Medium bar and chain length.
What’s Not To Like
- Some of its core tools, battery and charger, are sold separately.
- Not as powerful as the gas-powered units.
If you still reading we have other chainsaw reviews, such as gas pole chainsaw. This type of chainsaw will help you to cut more firewood efficiently. Have a look at our top picks. They are worth reading.
FAQ
What is the best bar and chain length for cutting firewood?
Generally, the best bar and chain length to cut firewood is between ‘16’ to ‘20’. This is the most ideal length as it can allow you to cut both small branches and large tree trunks. However, for more convenience when dealing with smaller woods, a ‘16’ is the ideal length. This is even more appropriate when splitting firewood indoors. The length enables you to turn around the narrow fireplace comfortably.
What is the best bar and chain length to cut down a tree?
To comfortably cut down a tree, your bar and a chain length should be at least 2” longer than the tree diameter. Which will be necessary to prevent kickback. Most of the tree diameters we usually deal with in our homes range between 10” to 18”. A chainsaw bar of 18” and above will be very appropriate in most of our homes. However, a too-long one will also limit you in a way. 18” to 20” is a good length.
How to choose the best chainsaw for cutting the firewood
Finding the ideal chainsaw is not as easy as most people think. Therefore, to get the most out of your money, you need to do background research on the available options and check whether they can meet your needs. Some of the key considerations include:
How Efficient Your Saw?
If you are going to cut large woods, then you need a more powerful saw. Notably, most gas-powered saws feature heavy-duty engines, which makes them ideal for more engaging tasks. However, if you want to cut small chunks of wood, then an electric powered engine will be sufficient for the job.
Is that Lightweight?
A lightweight machine is very comfortable to hold, but it is not the ideal option for cutting thick branches. A heavy saw can be very uncomfortable, as you may easily get fatigued before you finish work. Therefore, a moderately heavy unit is appropriate for cutting both thick and small branches.
Durability
No one wants to buy a machine that can only last for a month. The ideal saw should be sturdy, and all components should be made from strong materials. Above, the parts should be removable to make it easier for you to make a replacement after a breakdown.
Ease of use
You don’t need to strain when cutting your firewood. The operation should be bearable even to beginners.
Check The Handle
For the sake of vibration, you need a rubber handle. Those that have got shock absorbers are the best options. The hard handle will make you get worn out quickly.
Safety Comes First
The chainsaw brands with safety switches, safety chain brakes, low kickbacks, and shock absorbers will make you secure.
Length of the bar
If you intend to use your saw frequently, then a 12 inch or a 14-inch saw is the most ideal for you. However, if you want to use your saw once in a while, go for a 16-inch bar. For more active users, an 18-inch bar should serve you well, while a 20-inch bar can is best suited for professionals.
Final Words
One thing you must have noticed in the reviews is that the battery-powered chainsaws are not as powerful as gas-powered ones. But if you don’t go well with fuel, our best battery powered chainsaw in this review is Oregon Cordless 16-inch Self-Sharpening Chainsaw with 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger.
However, the best buy in this review should be the one that meets our buying guide. That is the brand that has proved to be safe, durable, easy to use, comfortable weight, and easy to handle.
Therefore our best overall is SALEM MASTER 6220H 62CC 2-Cycle Gas Powered Chainsaw, 20-Inch Chainsaw, Handheld Cordless Petrol Gasoline Chain Saw for Farm, Garden, and Ranch. This is mainly because it is has a comfortable weight; it is easy to start; it comes with a powerful engine, shock-absorbing, and slip-free handle, and an emergency switch for safety.
With all these features at your disposal, what else are you looking for? Get one today!