7 Best Beginner Chainsaws for Cutting Firewood

A winter storm brings down a heavy oak limb across the pasture fence, and suddenly your to-do list has a new, urgent item at the top. Or perhaps you’re just tired of paying high prices for firewood and want to start processing the deadfall on your own property. A reliable chainsaw isn’t a luxury on a hobby farm; it’s a fundamental tool for property management, self-sufficiency, and keeping the home fires burning.

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Choosing Your First Firewood Chainsaw

The first major decision you’ll face is the power source: gas or battery. A gas-powered saw offers maximum power and runtime, making it the traditional choice for felling trees and bucking large logs far from the barn. However, this power comes with the trade-offs of engine maintenance, fuel mixing, loud noise, and exhaust fumes.

Battery-powered chainsaws, on the other hand, have made incredible strides. They are quiet, produce no emissions, and start with the push of a button, making them perfect for quick jobs like limbing fallen branches or cutting a few rounds for the woodstove near the house. Their limitation is runtime and, in some cases, the raw power needed for dense hardwoods. Your choice hinges on your primary use: will you be working for hours deep in the woodlot, or for 20-minute bursts clearing trails and processing smaller wood?

Key Features: Bar Length, Power, and Safety

When looking at specifications, three things matter most for a beginner: the guide bar length, the power source’s output, and the built-in safety features. The guide bar length, measured in inches, determines the maximum diameter of wood you can cut in a single pass. For most firewood duty on a hobby farm—processing logs up to 12-14 inches in diameter—a 14-inch to 18-inch bar is the sweet spot. Anything longer becomes unwieldy and is generally unnecessary for beginner tasks.

Power is measured differently for gas and battery models. For gas saws, look at engine displacement in cubic centimeters (cc); a 30cc to 45cc engine is plenty for a beginner firewood saw. For cordless models, voltage (V) and battery amp-hours (Ah) are key indicators of performance and runtime. A 40V or 60V system will provide significantly more cutting power than a 20V model, which is better suited for light limbing.

Never compromise on safety. Modern chainsaws come with critical safety features, but two are non-negotiable. The chain brake is designed to stop the chain instantly in the event of kickback—a dangerous event where the saw is thrown back at the operator. Also, look for saws with good anti-vibration technology, as this will dramatically reduce fatigue during longer work sessions, helping you maintain control and focus.

Stihl MS 170: The Reliable Gas-Powered Starter

If you’re looking for a lightweight, no-frills gas saw that simply works, the Stihl MS 170 is a legend for a reason. It’s built for homeowners and landowners who need to clear storm damage, limb trees, and cut a few cords of firewood each year. With its 30.1cc engine and a recommended 16-inch bar, it has just enough power to handle most common tasks without being intimidating or overly heavy.

What sets the MS 170 apart is its reputation for reliability and the extensive dealer network for parts and service—a huge advantage for anyone who isn’t a small-engine mechanic. It’s not the most powerful saw on this list, and it lacks some of the convenience features of more expensive models. But for the core job of turning logs into firewood, it’s a dependable tool that has proven itself on countless properties for decades.

If you prioritize proven gas-powered reliability and want a saw that will start every season with minimal fuss, the Stihl MS 170 is your workhorse.

Husqvarna 120 Mark II: An Excellent All-Rounder

The Husqvarna 120 Mark II is another fantastic entry-level gas saw that competes directly with the Stihl MS 170. It offers a slightly more powerful 38.2cc engine, giving it an edge when you’re working through slightly larger or tougher wood. This saw is a great all-rounder, well-suited for the hobby farmer who does a little bit of everything—from clearing brush to bucking logs up to 16 inches in diameter.

Husqvarna packs in some user-friendly features, like its X-Torq® engine for lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions, and the LowVib® anti-vibration system that makes for more comfortable operation. It’s an easy-to-start and easy-to-handle machine that strikes a great balance between power, weight, and usability. It’s a perfect step up for someone who anticipates a steady diet of firewood cutting but doesn’t need a professional-grade saw.

For the hobby farmer wanting a bit more power than a basic model without sacrificing ease of use, the 120 Mark II is a versatile and capable choice.

EGO Power+ CS1604: Top Cordless Convenience

For those who want to ditch the gas can and pull cord, the EGO Power+ 56V platform is a top contender. The CS1604, with its 16-inch bar and high-efficiency brushless motor, delivers impressive cutting performance that rivals many small gas saws. The real advantage here is convenience: it’s quiet enough to work early in the morning without disturbing neighbors, produces no fumes, and starts instantly.

This saw is ideal for processing firewood near your outbuildings, clearing fallen limbs after a storm, or performing quick maintenance tasks around the property. The included 5.0 Ah battery provides a respectable number of cuts on a single charge, easily handling a small pile of logs. While it may not be the tool for a full day of felling in the back forty, its grab-and-go nature means you’re more likely to use it for tasks you might otherwise put off.

If your firewood needs are moderate and you value quiet, emission-free operation with zero maintenance hassles, the EGO CS1604 is the best cordless saw you can get.

DEWALT DCCS620P1: For the 20V MAX* System User

If your workshop is already full of yellow-and-black tools running on the DEWALT 20V MAX* battery system, this chainsaw is a no-brainer. The DCCS620P1 is a compact and remarkably lightweight saw with a 12-inch bar. It’s not designed to be your primary firewood processor for heating a home all winter, but it excels at specific farm tasks.

Think of this as the perfect "utility" saw. It’s ideal for limbing downed trees, clearing shooting lanes, cutting fence posts, or pruning larger orchard branches. Its small size and light weight make it incredibly easy to handle and maneuver. You can throw it on the ATV or in the tractor bucket for any quick cutting job that pops up, using the same batteries that power your drills and impact drivers.

If you are already invested in the DEWALT 20V platform and need a light-duty saw for quick clean-up and maintenance jobs, this is the most convenient option available.

Echo CS-400: More Power for Processing Hardwoods

The Echo CS-400 sits a step above the entry-level gas saws in terms of power and durability. With a 40.2cc professional-grade 2-stroke engine and an 18-inch bar, this saw is built for landowners who regularly process tougher wood like oak, hickory, or maple. If your woodlot is filled with hardwoods, the extra power of the CS-400 will make a noticeable difference, cutting more smoothly and quickly with less bogging down.

Despite its increased power, the CS-400 remains relatively easy to start and handle, making it accessible for a determined beginner. It features a professional-style chain tensioner for easier adjustments and is known for its robust construction. This is the saw for someone who is serious about processing their own firewood and wants a tool that won’t hold them back as their skills and needs grow.

If you plan to cut several cords of dense hardwood each year and want a saw with room to grow, the Echo CS-400 offers the best blend of power and value.

Ryobi 40V HP Brushless: Best Value Cordless Saw

For the budget-conscious hobby farmer who wants to go cordless, the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless chainsaw line offers tremendous value. These saws deliver solid performance that can handle most typical firewood tasks, from limbing to bucking logs up to 14-16 inches in diameter. The brushless motor technology provides good power and runtime, and the saws are part of Ryobi’s extensive 40V platform of outdoor power equipment.

This saw is perfect for someone who processes a couple of cords of wood a year and already has or is interested in other Ryobi 40V tools like a string trimmer or leaf blower. While it may not have the premium feel or cutting speed of the EGO, it gets the job done reliably at a much more accessible price point. It’s a practical, powerful-enough tool for the weekend firewood warrior.

If you’re looking for the best bang-for-your-buck in a cordless chainsaw and want a battery that can power other yard tools, the Ryobi 40V HP is an unbeatable value.

Poulan Pro PR4218: A Capable Budget Gas Option

When the budget is the primary concern, the Poulan Pro PR4218 is a frequent choice found at big-box stores. It packs a 42cc engine and an 18-inch bar, offering plenty of power on paper for a very low price. This saw can certainly handle felling small trees and processing significant amounts of firewood, making it a tempting option for those just starting out.

However, the lower price comes with tradeoffs in build quality, vibration control, and long-term durability compared to brands like Stihl, Husqvarna, or Echo. It requires a bit more user diligence to keep it running well. This saw is best for someone who is mechanically inclined, comfortable with small engine maintenance, and needs a powerful saw for occasional heavy use without a large upfront investment.

If you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind some extra maintenance, the Poulan Pro PR4218 provides a lot of cutting power for the money, but be prepared for a less refined experience.

Essential Chainsaw Safety and Maintenance Tips

Owning a chainsaw carries a serious responsibility. Before you make your first cut, you must invest in proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This is not optional.

• Chainsaw Chaps or Pants: These are made with layers of material like Kevlar that are designed to clog the sprocket and stop the chain on contact.
• Helmet System: A good helmet will include integrated hearing protection and a face shield to protect you from flying debris.
• Gloves and Boots: Sturdy work gloves improve your grip, and steel-toed boots protect your feet from falling logs and accidental contact.

Basic maintenance is key to both safety and performance. Before each use, perform a quick check of your saw. Ensure the chain tension is correct—it should be snug against the bar but still pull away slightly. A loose chain can fly off, and a tight chain causes premature wear. Also, check your bar and chain oil levels, as running without proper lubrication will quickly destroy both components.

Finally, a sharp chain makes all the difference. A dull chain is more dangerous because it requires more force to cut, leading to fatigue and increasing the risk of kickback. Learning to sharpen your own chain with a simple file guide is an essential skill that will save you time, money, and make your work safer and more efficient.

Choosing your first chainsaw is about honestly assessing your property’s needs and your own comfort level with the tool. Whether you opt for the proven power of gas or the quiet convenience of battery, the right saw is the one that helps you work safely and efficiently. The satisfaction of looking at a well-stacked woodpile, ready for winter, is one of the great rewards of the self-sufficient life.