GAS VS. ELECTRIC chainsaws

If you need to cut lots of firewood or a powerful chainsaw for a big home project, a gas chainsaw is the best solution. Otherwise prefer an electric chainsaw. Electric chainsaws are cheaper and easier to use and to maintain, as well as more energy efficient, safer, less polluting, less noisy and less smelly than gas saws.

Gas vs. Electric Chainsaw uses

Each type of chainsaws has its own set of advantages and drawbacks. Electric chainsaws generally vibrate less and are the only true safe type of chainsaws for indoor use. But you shouldn't use them outdoors, in wet weather conditions. And you can’t use a corded electric model more than 100-150 (40-50 meters) feet from an outlet….

On the other hand, cordless electric units are quieter and lighter and the best solution for light pruning and non-demanding tasks.

Gas chainsaws are – in general - more powerful; they cut faster and are the best for intense outdoor uses. But as already said they are heavier, noisy and high-maintenance... And you have to tune-up them frequently, and they require oil-gasoline mixing, and gasoline storage...

Gas vs. Corded and Cordless Electric Chainsaws

Corded electric chainsaws are in general more powerful than cordless units; they are the more direct competitor of gas chainsaws for more demanding jobs (say firewood cutting).

Cordless electric chainsaws are aimed to lighter jobs, and can compete with gas saws for small garden pruning and wood cleaning tasks.

See: Corded vs. Cordless Electric Chainsaws

Gas vs. Electric chainsaws safety

Safety is a top issue in what concerns chainsaws. Chainsaws are a common cause of severe injuries (and even deaths). Much of the safety begins with their owners. Some previous knowing on how to use a chainsaw is important, as well as proper clothing (snug-fitting clothing) and in some cases convenient work boots and gloves and some leg protection devices.

Keeping the chain properly sharpened, tensioned and oiled can also help to prevent kickback.

Anyway, though most new chainsaws come with standard and other safety features, gas chainsaws are less safe than good electric chainsaws. And the reason is very simple: gas chainsaws are heavier and more powerful…

Gas vs. Electric chainsaws prices

Prices vary a lot within each type of chainsaws, but you can find premium electric saws around or below $100 while the prices of most gas chainsaws are above $200 (see Electric Chainsaw Reviews at Amazon.com).

Gas vs. Electric chainsaw energy efficiency

Gas chainsaws are polluting and energy guzzling. Electric chainsaws are a more eco-friendly and energy-efficiency option. If you do need a gas chainsaw, in the USA or Canada look for a CARB (California Air Resources Board-certified) or a EPA 50-state compliant chainsaw. It’s a warranty of lower emissions and higher efficiency.

Gas and Electric chainsaws customer reviews, ratings and manufacturers

Husqvarna and Poulan have many of the best rated gas chainsaw models. See, for customer reviews on chainsaws of these and other top manufacturers (at Amazon.com): Gas Chainsaws Customer Reviews.