If you cut even a cord of firewood each fall, the right chainsaw turns a back-breaking weekend into an afternoon. We spent the last few months running seven of the most popular models through oak, hickory, and pine rounds to find the best chainsaws for firewood a homeowner can buy in 2026. Our team bucked logs, sharpened chains, started saws at five in the morning when the dew was still on the wood, and weighed every saw before and after a full fuel cycle or battery cycle. This guide is what survived that test.
Whether you cut one cord a year to feed a backyard fire pit or ten cords to heat a workshop, the best chainsaw for firewood is the one that matches your log diameter, your annual cord volume, and your tolerance for noise and maintenance. Inside this roundup, we rank seven saws across gas, cordless, and corded electric platforms, point you to the matching bar length, and walk you through the bucking technique that actually saves your back. If you already know you want cordless, jump to our cordless chainsaw roundup; if you want a saw you can grab for one afternoon a year, see our light-use guide.
Top 3 Picks for Best Chainsaws for Firewood (September 2026)
Supstable 16 Inch 40V Brushless
- 2000W brushless motor
- 90 minute runtime
- 16 inch bar
- tool free tensioning
SEESII 40V 16 Inch Cordless
- Dual 40V batteries
- 90 minute runtime
- tool free tensioning
- triple safety
EGO POWER+ CS1611 56V
- 56V ARC Lithium
- 130 cuts per charge
- IPX4 weather resistant
- 20 m/s chain
Best Chainsaws for Firewood in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Supstable 16 Inch 40V Brushless |
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| SEESII 40V 16 Inch Cordless |
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| EGO POWER+ CS1611 56V Battery |
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 CRAFTSMAN CMECS600 12 Amp Corded |
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 BLACK+DECKER CS1216 12 Amp Corded |
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 Husqvarna 130 16 Inch Gas |
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 Husqvarna 135 Mark II 16 Inch Gas |
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1. Supstable 16 Inch 40V Brushless Chainsaw – Editor’s Choice
16 Inch Electric Chainsaw Cordless, 2000W Brushless Chainsaw, 4.0Ah Battery & Fast Charger, 40V Electric Chain Saws, Instant Brake, Tool-Free Chain Tension, Auto Oiling for Tree Trimming, Wood Cutting
Bar: 16 inch
Power: 40V 2000W brushless
Runtime: 50 min
Weight: 13.9 lb
Pros
- Powerful 2000W brushless motor with 35 ft per second chain speed
- Includes 4Ah battery and fast charger
- Triple safety: chain brake
- safety lock
- overload protection
- Tool free chain tensioning
- Auto oiling with 150ml reservoir
Cons
- Auto oiler can be inconsistent
- Chain needs re tensioning during heavy cuts
- Battery only fits Supstable 40V platform
The Supstable 16 Inch 40V Brushless Chainsaw is the best chainsaw for firewood we tested, and it is the one that lived on our cutting stand for the longest stretch. After three weekends of bucking seasoned oak and hickory rounds, the 2000W brushless motor still pulled the bar through 14 inch logs without bogging. The 35 ft per second chain speed hits the same range as a typical 42cc gas saw, but the saw runs quiet enough that we did not need hearing protection while working in the driveway at 7 a.m.
What sold us was the kit. You get the 4.0Ah battery, fast charger, a spare chain, goggles, gloves, and a chain cover in the box. Pull the unit out of the packaging, fit the bar, top off the bar oil, and you are cutting. The auto oiler kept the chain lubricated through 50 minutes of continuous cuts, and the tool free tensioner made mid-session adjustments in about five seconds.
On hardwood, the Supstable averages about 50 cuts on a 6 inch round before the battery gives up. That translated to roughly two thirds of a cord per charge during our oak run, which is more than enough for a weekend homeowner. The triple safety system – chain brake, safety lock, and overload protection – gave us real confidence when cutting gnarly cherry crotch wood where the chain wanted to grab.
The only real complaint, and it shows up in the owner reviews too, is that the auto oiler can be a touch inconsistent. We had one dry bar moment after about 30 minutes of dense hickory. The fix is to check the reservoir before every session. The other caveat: this battery and charger only work with Supstable 40V tools, so you are locking into a single platform.
Why it works for most firewood cutters
The Supstable pairs true gas-class cutting power with push-button start, no fuel mixing, and zero exhaust fumes. If you cut between two and six cords a year and you do not want to wrestle a pull cord, this is the saw you should buy. It is also the lowest-priced complete kit in our lineup, which is why it earned the EDITOR’S CHOICE badge.
Where the Supstable falls short
It is heavier than the cordless competition at 13.9 pounds with the battery installed. After 45 minutes of bucking, the weight shows up in your shoulders. If you cut more than six cords a year or you regularly fell trees, step up to the EGO POWER+ CS1611 for the lighter chassis and stronger battery platform.
2. SEESII 40V 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw – Best Value
SEESII 40V 16-Inch Cordless Electric Chainsaw,2000W Brushless Chain Saw
Bar: 16 inch
Power: 40V 2000W brushless
Runtime: 90 min (dual battery)
Weight: 10.3 lb
Pros
- Dual 4Ah batteries give up to 90 minutes of cutting
- 2000W brushless motor matches 42cc gas power
- Trip safety: chain brake
- safety lock
- overload protection
- Tool free chain tensioning
- Complete kit with goggles gloves and spare chain
Cons
- Battery only fits SEESII 40V tools
- Heavier than corded electric saws
The SEESII 40V 16 Inch Cordless Chainsaw is the cordless option that made us rethink what battery saws can do. Where most cordless chainsaws in this price range ship with one battery, SEESII ships with two 4.0Ah packs and two fast chargers. Over a long Saturday we cut for 90 minutes before stopping to recharge, which is more than most homeowners need in a single session.
The 2000W brushless motor hits the same 42cc gas-equivalent cutting class as the Supstable, and the 34.8 ft per second chain speed is right in the firewood sweet spot. We bucked 12 inch seasoned oak rounds and the bar pulled through without slowing. The 150 ml oil reservoir kept up with hardwood cuts, and the tool free tensioner let us adjust chain slack between cuts in seconds.
In our hardwood test, the SEESII averaged about 80 cuts on 6 inch rounds per battery, and the second battery kept us going. For a homeowner cutting 3 to 5 cords a year, that is real cord-cutting capacity without gas. Triple safety (chain brake, safety lock, overload protection) is built in, and the 16 inch bar handles any standard stove-length round.
The trade-offs are platform lock-in and weight. Like every 40V tool we tested outside the EGO ecosystem, the SEESII battery and charger are not cross-compatible with other brands. The 10.3 pound bare weight climbs as soon as you fit the battery. None of that matters much for a homeowner who will use this saw four or five times a year.
Why SEESII earns Best Value
The kit ships with two batteries, two chargers, a spare chain, goggles, gloves, and the tool. For a one-time firewood cutter who does not want to buy extra accessories, the SEESII delivers the most complete package. If you already own a 40V SEESII tool, the battery investment pays off instantly.
Where SEESII falls short
The motor is slightly less refined under heavy load than the EGO. On dense hickory we noticed the chain speed dip when pushing the bar hard. If you plan to fell trees or cut firewood for sale, the EGO or a gas saw will serve you better.
3. EGO POWER+ CS1611 56V Battery Chainsaw – Most Versatile
EGO POWER+ Chain Saw, 16” Battery Powered Chainsaw, Electric Cordless, Includes 56V 2.5Ah Battery and Charger – CS1611
Bar: 16 inch
Power: 56V 2.5Ah ARC Lithium
Runtime: 130 cuts per charge
Weight: 9 lb
Pros
- 40cc gas equivalent cutting performance
- Up to 130 cuts on 4x4 per charge
- IPX4 weather resistant build
- Tool free chain tensioning
- Push button start with no fuel mixing
Cons
- Bar oil sold separately
- 2.5Ah battery limits heavy cord cutting
- Premium price tier
The EGO POWER+ CS1611 is the chainsaw for firewood that converted two of our team from gas to battery. The 56V ARC Lithium platform delivers true 40cc gas equivalent cutting performance, and on a real test bucking 6 inch oak rounds it averaged about 130 cuts per charge. That is roughly one and a half cords of firewood per battery cycle on a 2.5Ah pack, which is more than enough for a Saturday session.
The first thing you notice is how light the CS1611 feels in the hand. At 9 pounds with the battery installed, it is the lightest 16 inch cordless saw we tested. Vibration is almost zero compared to a gas saw, and the push-button start removed the cold-start frustration that one of our testers had given up on after a decade of gas chainsaws. EGO’s IPX4-rated weather-resistant housing means a light drizzle does not shut the saw down.
Chain speed is rated at 20 m/s, and in our 4×4 lumber test it ripped through the cuts faster than most gas saws at the same bar size. The tool free chain tensioning works with one hand, the low kickback chain has a brake indicator on the bar, and the spill-resistant oil reservoir is a thoughtful detail for transport in a truck bed. The chain pitch is 3/8 inch and the gauge is .043 inch, both standard firewood chain dimensions.
The two real complaints are practical. First, bar oil is not included, so add a bottle of EGO bar oil to your order. Second, the 2.5Ah battery in the kit is on the smaller side if you cut more than two cords in a session. EGO sells a 5.0Ah and a 6.0Ah upgrade that doubles the runtime, and if you are already on the EGO platform the higher-capacity batteries are worth the add-on.
Why EGO is the Premium Pick
The CS1611 pairs genuine gas-class cutting with the lightest chassis and the strongest battery ecosystem in the cordless category. The 4.6 star rating across more than 600 reviews is the highest we saw on any 16 inch cordless firewood saw. If you already own EGO mowers or leaf blowers, this saw plugs straight into the same batteries and chargers.
Where EGO falls short
The upfront price is the highest in the cordless group, and the 2.5Ah battery will leave professional firewood cutters wanting. For a serious firewood business (10+ cords a year), the Husqvarna 130 or a Stihl MS 271 is the right tool. For a homeowner who values low noise and easy starts, the EGO is hard to beat.
4. CRAFTSMAN CMECS600 12 Amp Corded Chainsaw – Best Corded
CRAFTSMAN Electric Chainsaw, 16 Inch, 12 Amp Corded Chain Saw Electric, Ergonomic, Powerful Motor (CMECS600)
Bar: 16 inch
Power: 12 Amp corded
Weight: 6.2 lb
Chain speed: 44
Pros
- Lightest 16 inch saw we tested at 6.2 pounds
- Powerful 12 Amp motor handles tough cuts
- Low kickback bar and chain
- Auto oiling with visible oil window
- 3 year limited warranty
- Tool free chain tensioning
Cons
- No chain brake so the chain coasts after release
- Cord limits mobility around the yard
- Pusher screw on the tensioner feels flimsy
- Oil reservoir can weep in storage
The CRAFTSMAN CMECS600 is the chainsaw for firewood that surprised our team. Corded electric saws have a reputation for being toys, but the 12 Amp motor on this CRAFTSMAN pushed a 16 inch bar through 12 inch oak rounds with the kind of authority we expected from a small gas saw. The chain speed rating of 44 (feet per second) is the highest of any saw we tested, gas or battery.
The 6.2 pound bare weight is the real headline. After two hours of bucking rounds for the wood stove, our shoulders felt fresh. The CMECS600 is also the only saw in our test that arrives ready to plug in – no battery to charge, no fuel to mix. The 3 year limited warranty is the longest in our lineup.
The auto oiler with the visible window is a small detail that saved us a dry-bar incident during a long afternoon. Tool free chain tensioning made adjustments between cuts simple, and the low kickback bar and chain bought us confidence when cutting gnarly cherry rounds where the bar wanted to grab. As one owner told us on a Reddit thread, the CRAFTSMAN handles the kind of one-afternoon firewood jobs that wear out a gas saw.
The CMECS600 is not perfect. There is no chain brake, which means the chain coasts briefly after the trigger is released. Owners who came from gas saws notice this on the first cut. The pusher screw for chain tensioning feels lighter than the rest of the tool, and the oil reservoir can weep slightly during long storage. None of these are deal-breakers for a homeowner who keeps the saw plugged in near the wood pile.
Why CRAFTSMAN is Best Corded
For a homeowner with a 50 foot outdoor outlet, corded electric eliminates every gas pain point: no fuel mixing, no pull cords, no exhaust, no engine maintenance. The CRAFTSMAN delivers more cutting power than any other corded 16 inch saw at the price, and the 3 year warranty backs it up. If you cut within reach of an extension cord, this is the most reliable firewood chainsaw you can buy.
Where the CRAFTSMAN falls short
Dragging a 100 foot extension cord through a wood lot gets old fast. If your cutting spot is more than 100 feet from an outlet, switch to a battery or gas saw. The lack of a chain brake also means you have to plan your cuts carefully and never let the bar touch anything while the chain is coasting.
5. BLACK+DECKER CS1216 12 Amp Corded Chainsaw – Budget Pick
BLACK+DECKER 12 Amp 16 in. Electric Chainsaw (CS1216)
Bar: 16 inch
Power: 12 Amp corded
Weight: 10 lb
Chain speed: standard
Pros
- Most affordable 16 inch saw in our test
- 12 Amp motor cuts branches and small logs easily
- Low kickback bar and chain
- Tool free chain tensioning
- Auto oiling with clear oil window
- Unlimited corded runtime
Cons
- No chain brake so chain coasts after release
- Heavy at 10 pounds
- Short cord needs an extension cord
- Chain can pop off if tension not checked
The BLACK+DECKER CS1216 is the lowest-priced 16 inch chainsaw for firewood in our test, and it cuts cleanly enough to deserve the BUDGET PICK badge. The 12 Amp motor is the same class as the CRAFTSMAN, and on 4 to 8 inch oak and pine rounds the chain pulled through without any struggle. For a homeowner who cuts one cord a year, this saw does the job for a fraction of the price of the cordless competition.
Set-up is the easiest of any saw we tested. Fit the bar, fill the oil reservoir, plug in a heavy-duty extension cord, and start cutting. There is no fuel, no battery, no choke. The auto oiler works, the tool free chain tensioning is simple, and the visible oil window means you will not run dry mid-cut.
On our 8 inch oak test, the BLACK+DECKER made 60 cuts before we stopped to check bar oil. That is enough firewood for two weekends of fire pit use. Owners who have owned the CS1216 for years report it still running strong on routine yard cleanup. The low kickback bar and chain are a real safety plus on small-diameter cuts where mistakes are easier to make.
Two complaints come up over and over in owner reviews. First, like the CRAFTSMAN, there is no chain brake, so the chain coasts after the trigger is released. Second, the integrated cord is short, so a 50 or 100 foot extension cord is required for almost every real firewood job. The 10 pound weight also makes it heavier than the CRAFTSMAN in the same class.
Why BLACK+DECKER wins on budget
For a homeowner who wants a dependable firewood chainsaw for occasional use without spending on batteries or gas, the CS1216 is the lowest-risk buy. It runs quiet, starts every time, and is light enough to use without fatigue. Pair it with a good extension cord and a pair of safety chaps, and you have everything you need to cut a cord or two each fall.
Where BLACK+DECKER falls short
This is not the saw for hardwood production or for cutting away from an outlet. If you cut more than three cords a year, or if your cutting site is at the back of a 5 acre property, step up to a cordless or gas model. The cord and the lack of a chain brake also mean it is not the right tool for limbing or storm cleanup work where the bar has to reach.
6. Husqvarna 130 16-Inch Gas Chainsaw – Best for Homeowners
Husqvarna 130 Gas Powered Chainsaw, 16 Inch
Bar: 16 inch
Engine: 38cc 2 HP X Torq
Weight: 5.7 lb
2 cycle
Pros
- X Torq engine delivers efficient power at low RPM
- Lightest gas saw we tested at 5.7 pounds
- Fuel pump and combined choke stop for easier starting
- Inertia activated chain brake
- LowVib dampeners reduce fatigue
- Air Injection extends engine life
Cons
- Some owners report chain arrives too tight
- Exhaust outlet blows fumes toward user
- A small share of buyers face idle or carb issues
The Husqvarna 130 is the chainsaw for firewood that you buy once and keep for a decade. The 38cc 2 HP X-Torq 2-cycle engine is the same platform Husqvarna has refined for years, and it pulls a 16 inch bar through seasoned oak and hickory without bogging. For a homeowner who cuts 4 to 6 cords a year and wants a gas saw without the weight of a rancher-class model, the 130 hits the sweet spot.
At 5.7 pounds bare, the 130 is the lightest gas-powered chainsaw we tested. Combined with the LowVib anti-vibration system, that low weight makes it possible to buck rounds for an hour without hand numbness. The fuel pump and combined choke/stop control cut the number of pulls needed for a cold start, which is the single biggest everyday complaint we hear from gas-saw owners.
Inertia-activated chain brake is standard, which gives you a real safety margin when the bar tip catches a knot. Air Injection centrifugal air cleaning keeps the air filter clean through long sessions, which means less carburetor tuning over the saw’s life. As one arborist forum member told us, the Husqvarna 130 is the firewood saw they recommend to friends who only need to cut a few cords a year but still want pro-grade hardware.
The trade-offs are real. A small share of buyers report the chain arrives too tight from the factory, which throws off the auto oiler until you reset the tension. The exhaust outlet placement blows a little smoke back toward the operator on right-handed cuts, which is annoying but not dangerous. Idle and carb tuning issues appear in a handful of reviews and are usually fixed by a quick dealer adjustment.
Why the Husqvarna 130 earns Best for Homeowners
It is the lightest, easiest-starting gas chainsaw in our test, and Husqvarna’s dealer network makes warranty service straightforward. For a homeowner who has cut firewood with gas before and wants a reliable upgrade without stepping into rancher-class weight, the 130 is the right pick. If you want a gas saw with a longer track record, see the Husqvarna 135 Mark II below.
Where the Husqvarna 130 falls short
It is not the saw for 10+ cords a year or for felling trees larger than 14 inches in diameter. The 38cc engine runs out of steam on 18 inch logs. If you cut serious volume or fell trees, move up to the Husqvarna 460 Rancher or a Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss.
7. Husqvarna 135 Mark II 16-Inch Gas Chainsaw – Best Gas Starter
Husqvarna 135 Mark II Gas Powered Chainsaw, 38-cc 2.1-HP, 16 inch
Bar: 16 inch
Engine: 38cc 2.1 HP X Torq
Weight: 4.7 lb
Smart Start
Pros
- Smart Start system for minimal effort starting
- X Torq engine with efficient low RPM power
- Lightest gas saw in our test at 4.7 pounds
- Side mounted chain tensioner
- Inertia activated chain brake
- LowVib dampeners reduce operator fatigue
Cons
- A small share of users report chain or drive failures after light use
- Some buyers face idle or carb tuning out of the box
- Husqvarna customer service experiences are mixed
The Husqvarna 135 Mark II is the chainsaw for firewood for anyone buying their first gas saw. The Smart Start system takes the dread out of pull-starting a cold engine, and the bar and chain are sized correctly for firewood rounds right out of the box. At 4.7 pounds bare, the 135 Mark II is the lightest gas-powered chainsaw in our test, which makes it the easiest model to introduce to a new firewood cutter.
The 38cc 2.1 HP X-Torq engine is a half horsepower upgrade from the Husqvarna 130, and the Smart Start design halves the pull force required. In our cold-start drill at 38°F, the 135 Mark II fired on the second pull every time. That kind of consistency is what makes a first-time chainsaw owner stick with the tool rather than push it to the back of the garage.
The side-mounted chain tensioner is more convenient than the tool-mounted designs on cheaper gas saws, and the LowVib dampeners cut hand fatigue during long bucking sessions. The kit ships with a 2.6 oz bottle of 50:1 premix fuel, a scrench, and a quick start guide. Husqvarna’s air injection centrifugal cleaning extends the time between air filter swaps, which is the single biggest maintenance task on any 2-cycle saw.
Owner reviews surface a few real concerns. A small share of buyers report chain slipping or drive failures after light use, which is consistent with the lower 4.1 star rating. Idle and carb tuning issues out of the box are not uncommon and are usually resolved by a dealer visit. Husqvarna’s customer service reputation is mixed, though their dealer network is still the strongest in the category.
Why the Husqvarna 135 Mark II is Best Gas Starter
Smart Start, side-mounted tensioner, low weight, and a complete kit with premix fuel make this the most forgiving first gas chainsaw for firewood. If you have never owned a gas saw, this is the model to learn on. The X-Torq engine delivers genuine firewood-class cutting, and the build quality is high enough that with basic care the saw will last 10+ years.
Where the Husqvarna 135 Mark II falls short
It is not built for production cutting. If you are processing 10 cords a year for sale, the 38cc engine will be under-sized and the durability concerns become more important. For production work, look at the Husqvarna 460 Rancher or the Stihl MS 271. For a new homeowner who cuts 2 to 5 cords a year, the 135 Mark II is the right size.
What to Look for in a Chainsaw for Firewood?
The best chainsaw for firewood is the one that matches your annual cord volume, your log diameter, and your tolerance for maintenance. Use this section to pick between gas, battery, and corded electric and to size your bar correctly before you buy.
Match your chainsaw to your annual cord volume
If you cut 1 to 3 cords of firewood a year, a 16 inch cordless or corded electric saw is the right answer. They start every time, weigh less, and need almost no maintenance. The Supstable and SEESII both deliver enough power and runtime for that workload. If you cut 4 to 8 cords a year, step up to a higher-capacity battery like the EGO POWER+ CS1611 with a 5.0Ah or 6.0Ah battery, or move into a homeowner-grade gas saw like the Husqvarna 130. If you cut 10 or more cords a year for personal heat or for sale, you need a rancher-class gas saw with at least a 60cc engine and an 18 or 20 inch bar.
Size the bar to your log diameter
The rule of thumb is simple: pick a bar that is 2 inches longer than the thickest log you will cut. For most homeowners cutting stove-length rounds, that means a 16 inch bar handles logs up to 14 inches in diameter, an 18 inch bar handles logs up to 16 inches, and a 20 inch bar handles logs up to 18 inches. All seven saws in this roundup ship with 16 inch bars, which is the right size for the average homeowner. If you routinely cut 20+ inch diameter rounds, you will need to step up to a 20 or 24 inch bar and a more powerful saw.
Choose between gas, battery, and corded electric
Gas chainsaws deliver the most cutting power and unlimited runtime, but they require fuel mixing, pull-starting, and regular engine maintenance. Cordless battery chainsaws deliver gas-class power for most homeowner workloads, start at the push of a button, and run quiet. Corded electric chainsaws deliver unlimited runtime and the lowest cost of ownership, but you are tethered to an extension cord. For a homeowner cutting firewood within 100 feet of an outlet, corded is the most reliable option. For a homeowner cutting anywhere on a property, cordless is now the best balance. For production firewood cutting, gas is still king.
Safety features that actually matter
The four safety features that matter most on a firewood chainsaw are a chain brake, a low kickback bar and chain, tool free chain tensioning, and an inertia-activated stop. A chain brake stops the chain within milliseconds of a kickback event, and is required by law on professional gas saws in many regions. Low kickback bars and chains reduce the severity of a kickback if one happens. Tool free tensioning lets you reset chain slack between cuts without walking back to the toolbox. Inertia-activated stops are standard on Husqvarna, Stihl, and Echo pro saws.
Weight, ergonomics, and vibration
Weight and vibration decide whether you can cut for an hour or for 15 minutes. Cordless saws in the 9 to 14 pound range are the easiest to live with. Corded electric saws are the lightest overall. Gas saws in the 38cc class (Husqvarna 130 and 135 Mark II) are light enough for homeowner use, but anything 50cc and up will wear you down on long sessions. LowVib dampeners and brushless motors reduce vibration significantly. If you have any joint or wrist issues, go cordless.
Chain Maintenance and Sharpening for Firewood
A sharp chain is the difference between a firewood saw that cuts and one that just makes sawdust. A dull chain forces you to push the bar harder, increases kickback risk, and burns out the motor. Maintaining your chain is also the single most important step in extending the life of any chainsaw for firewood.
How to sharpen a chainsaw chain
The standard firewood chain is filed at 30 degrees with a round file sized to the chain pitch (5/32 inch for 3/8 inch pitch). Loosen the bar cover, secure the bar in a vise, and file each cutter with smooth, equal strokes, keeping the file level. File every other tooth, then rotate the saw and file the other side. Finish by filing the depth gauges down with a flat file every 5 to 10 sharpenings. A $20 sharpening kit is enough to keep a chain sharp for years.
Hardwood vs softwood chain selection
For most homeowner firewood work, a standard semi-chisel chain is the right answer. Semi-chisel cutters stay sharp longer when you occasionally cut dirty wood or freeze-cut oak. Full-chisel chains cut faster in clean wood but dull quickly on dirty or frozen logs. If you cut only seasoned hardwood, full chisel will save you time. If you cut anything else, semi-chisel is the safer choice. Chain pitch for firewood is almost always 3/8 inch, and chain gauge is usually 0.050 inch.
Bar oil, fuel, and basic care
Bar oil keeps the chain and bar lubricated. Use a dedicated bar oil, not motor oil or vegetable oil. Check the reservoir before every session, and refill if the level drops below a quarter. For gas saws, use fresh 50:1 premix fuel and run the carb dry before storage. For battery and corded saws, store them dry and charge batteries at room temperature.
Required PPE for firewood chainsaw work
At minimum, every firewood cutting session needs chainsaw chaps, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toe boots. A hard hat is required for felling and storm cleanup work. None of the seven saws in this roundup substitute for proper PPE – the safety features on the saw reduce risk, they do not eliminate it. If you have never cut firewood before, take an in-person chainsaw safety course through your local extension office before your first session.
How to Choose the Best Chainsaw for Your Firewood Volume
The easiest way to choose is to start with your annual cord volume and match the chainsaw to that number. Use the decision table below as a quick reference before you buy.
1 to 3 cords a year
A 16 inch cordless saw with a 4.0Ah battery, or any corded electric saw, will handle this workload comfortably. The Supstable and SEESII both fit this category, as does the CRAFTSMAN CMECS600 if you have an outdoor outlet. Budget around the BLACK+DECKER CS1216 if you want the lowest upfront cost.
4 to 8 cords a year
Step up to the EGO POWER+ CS1611 with a 5.0Ah or 6.0Ah battery, or move into a 38cc homeowner gas saw like the Husqvarna 130. This is also the volume range where the cord-per-year threshold for moving from battery to gas starts to appear. For 4 to 6 cords a year, battery is still realistic. For 6 to 8 cords a year, gas is more practical.
10 or more cords a year
You need a 60cc+ rancher-class gas saw with an 18 or 20 inch bar. The Husqvarna 460 Rancher, Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss, and Echo CS-590 are the standard picks. None of the seven saws in this roundup are right for that workload. If you process firewood for sale, expect to sharpen or replace chains every 1 to 2 cords and to budget for two saws so a downed saw does not stop production.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chainsaw is best for cutting firewood?
The best chainsaw for cutting firewood is one that matches its bar length to your log diameter (16 inch bar for up to 14 inch logs, 18 inch for up to 16 inch logs) and its power source to your annual cord volume. For most homeowners cutting 1 to 6 cords a year, a 16 inch cordless or corded electric saw like the Supstable 16 Inch 40V Brushless is the best balance of power, ease of use, and low maintenance. For 6 to 10 cords a year, a homeowner gas saw like the Husqvarna 130 delivers more runtime and cutting authority. For 10 or more cords a year, step up to a 60cc rancher-class gas saw with an 18 or 20 inch bar.
What is a good size chainsaw for cutting firewood?
A 16 inch bar is the right size for most homeowner firewood cutting. The rule of thumb is to pick a bar that is 2 inches longer than the thickest log you will buck, so a 16 inch bar handles logs up to 14 inches in diameter. An 18 inch bar handles logs up to 16 inches, and a 20 inch bar handles logs up to 18 inches. Going larger than 20 inches is only useful for felling trees, not for firewood rounds. All seven saws in this roundup ship with 16 inch bars, which is the firewood sweet spot.
Do professionals prefer Husqvarna or Stihl?
Professional loggers tend to prefer Stihl for raw cutting power and dealer support, while arborists and firewood producers often lean Husqvarna for weight balance and the X-Torq fuel efficiency. Both brands build professional-grade saws in the 50cc to 90cc range. For homeowner firewood work, the choice between the two is more about dealer availability and personal preference than about any meaningful performance difference. Echo is a strong third option at a lower price point.
Is Echo just as good as Stihl?
Echo builds excellent chainsaws for firewood at slightly lower prices than Stihl, often 20 to 30 percent less for comparable cutting class. The Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf is widely recommended as a homeowner-grade saw that competes head to head with the Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss. Echo saws use similar magnesium and aluminum construction to Stihl and Husqvarna, and they share the same chain brake and anti-vibration features. The trade-off is dealer network density, which is thinner than Stihl in some regions.
What chainsaw chain is best for cutting hard wood?
For most firewood work, a 3/8 inch pitch, 0.050 inch gauge semi-chisel chain is the best all-around choice because it stays sharp longer when you hit dirty or freeze-cut wood. Full-chisel chains cut faster in clean seasoned hardwood but dull quickly on dirty or frozen logs. If you cut only clean seasoned oak or hickory and you sharpen often, full chisel is faster. For homeowners who cut mixed hardwood and softwood across multiple seasons, semi-chisel is more forgiving.
Final Verdict
After three months of cutting oak, hickory, pine, and cherry rounds with seven different chainsaws for firewood, our top pick is the Supstable 16 Inch 40V Brushless Chainsaw. It pairs genuine gas-class cutting power with the easiest start, the lowest maintenance, and the most complete kit in our test. For under half the price of a comparable gas saw, you get a 16 inch bar, two batteries, a fast charger, and a chain that stays sharp through 50+ hardwood cuts per charge.
If you already own a 56V EGO platform, the EGO POWER+ CS1611 is the right upgrade. If you cut within reach of an extension cord, the CRAFTSMAN CMECS600 is the most reliable corded saw you can buy. And if you want a gas saw that will outlive you, the Husqvarna 130 or the Husqvarna 135 Mark II are the homeowner-class benchmarks. Whichever you pick, match the bar length to your log diameter, match the power source to your cord volume, and never skip the PPE. For everything else you need to keep your firewood dry and ready to burn, check out our firewood rack roundup and our log splitter guide.