Best chainsaws for cutting firewood come down to three things: a bar that is longer than about half the diameter of your biggest log, enough engine or motor to push that bar through green hardwood, and vibration damping you can live with for a full weekend of bucking. The Stihl MS 170 wins our roundup because it balances all three better than anything else we evaluated, and it is the saw we would hand to someone who plans to cut wood often.
We spent weeks reading owner reports, comparing published specifications and working through the firewood workflow from log diameter to chain maintenance. A note on method: this is a spec-driven roundup built on manufacturer data and thousands of owner reviews, not a lab test bench, and we say so up front. Every rating, review count, weight and displacement figure below comes straight from the product data, and where owners disagree we tell you what they disagree about.
Firewood cutting is really three jobs wearing one name. Bucking is cutting felled trunks into rounds on the ground. Limbing is stripping branches off downed trees. Felling is dropping a standing tree. Most people buying a saw for firewood only ever need the first two, which is why a mid-size 16 to 20 inch saw is the right answer far more often than an arborist-grade machine.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Best Chainsaws for Cutting Firewood in 2026
SEESII 40V 18in Cordless
- 18 inch bar
- 2200W brushless motor
- Two 5.0Ah batteries
- 8.6 lb bare weight
The Stihl MS 170 is the pick for most households that cut wood often. The Husqvarna 455 Rancher is the one to buy when your logs are wide. The SEESII 40V 18 inch is the one to buy if you want zero fuel mixing and barely any noise.
Best Chainsaws for Cutting Firewood in October
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Stihl MS 170 12 inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20 inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Stihl MS 162 16 inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 PROYAMA 68cc 24 inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 NEO-TEC 62cc 20 inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc 20 inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
| SEESII 40V 18 inch cordless |
|
Check Latest Price |
 EGO Power+ CS1611 16 inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Supstable S16 Pro 16 inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 DongCheng 40V 16 inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
Engine displacement matters more than headline horsepower, because torque at low RPM is what pushes a chain through a round. Bar length decides the largest log you can clear in a single pass without burying the nose, and weight decides whether you can still feel your hands on a third cord.
1. Stihl MS 170: The Best Chainsaw for Cutting Firewood Overall
Stihl MS 170 Chainsaw Displacement in cm3: 30 cm³, 1200 W, 30 cm Guide
30 cm guide bar
1.6 hp output
4.6 kg
Anti-vibration system
Pros
- Highest average rating in this group at 4.7 stars
- Anti-vibration system smooths the cut
- Zoom compensator steadies the output
- Lightest saw here at 4.6 kg
Cons
- 12 inch bar limits it to smaller rounds
- 1.6 hp is modest next to 55 to 68 cc saws
- Not ideal for wide rounds
An r/stihl thread titled for firewood saws drew owners calling the small Stihls little rippers that keep working long after bigger saws are tiring, and the MS 170 is the saw those posts keep coming back to. At 4.7 stars across 1670 reviews it also carries the highest average rating of any pick here.
Its advantage is not raw cutting force. It is the anti-vibration system with damped oscillations plus the zoom compensator, which together take the sting out of a long afternoon on hardwood. If your hands and elbows are what usually end your wood-cutting day, that matters more than cubic centimeters.
At 4.6 kg it is the lightest saw in the roundup by a wide margin, and the chain lubrication system takes care of bar oil for you. Owners report that the damped oscillations smooth out the cut enough to keep working when heavier saws have started making their hands ache.
Why the MS 170 takes the top spot
For a buyer whose hands and joints are what stop them cutting wood, the lowest weight here plus the strongest vibration damping is a combination nothing else in this list matches. A saw you can still comfortably use on a third cord is worth more than a more powerful one you put down after one.
Where a bigger saw is still the answer
The 30 cm guide bar is sized for logs up to roughly a foot through, which covers pruning, brush and modest rounds. It will not clear the wide rounds most firewood buyers actually have to deal with, and 1.6 hp does not compete with the 55 to 68 cc gas saws here. Measure your biggest log before you settle on it.
2. Husqvarna 455 Rancher: Best for Big Logs and Heavy Firewood Volume
Husqvarna 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw, 20 inch, 55-cc 3.5-HP
20 inch bar
56 cc X-Torque engine
13.2 lb
2 year warranty
Pros
- Genuinely strong low-RPM torque from the 56 cc X-Torque engine
- Smart Start makes cold starts painless
- Air Injection keeps the filter clean between loads
- LowVib dampeners cut hand fatigue
Cons
- Weighs 13.2 lb which adds up over a full day
- A small share of reviews report early engine failure
- One owner needed an oil pump kit on a new saw
Owners on r/Chainsaw and Arborist Site keep naming the 455 Rancher as the sweet spot between a landowner saw and a pro saw, and after reading through hundreds of reviews I land in the same place. The 56 cc X-Torque engine is tuned for power at low RPM rather than headline peak, which is exactly what bucking green oak or ash rewards.
On paper it is a 20 inch bar on a 13.2 lb saw, and in practice that combination is the whole argument. Owners describe it as the most powerful saw they have owned and pair that with comments about cutting large limbs fast and smoothly.
The supporting hardware is where the money goes. Air Injection centrifugal air cleaning separates sawdust from the intake, Smart Start and a compression release take the arm-work out of cranking, and the 7-degree offset front handle keeps your wrists from rolling inward when the chain snags.
That last point matters more than spec sheets suggest. Most chain-related injuries during firewood work trace back to a bar that binds, and a geometry that keeps the front handle from twisting is a genuine safety feature rather than a comfort gimmick.
When the 455 Rancher earns its place
This is the saw for a household burning two to five cords a year, or a rural property owner cutting rounds from trees well over a foot through. A 20 inch bar halves a 16 to 18 inch log in one pass without you wrestling the nose into the dirt, and the X-Torque engine keeps revving when the chain is buried.
When it is more saw than you need
If your wood is mostly small branches and rounds under 10 inches, the 455 is more machine than the job. It also weighs enough that owners doing long sessions report fatigue, and the X-Torque engine is a two-stroke, so you are still mixing fuel. Budget buyers who want the reach more than the refinement should look at the NEO-TEC or PROYAMA below.
3. Stihl MS 162: Best Lightweight Saw for Small Firewood Work
Stihl MS 162 Chainsaw W/ 16″ Bar & Chain
16 inch bar and chain
1.2 kW output
13.3 lb
Compact entry Stihl
Pros
- 16 inch bar is easy to control on smaller rounds
- Stihl build at a lower entry point
- Compact shape suits tight yard work
- Simple to run for first time owners
Cons
- 1.2 kW output trails the bigger gas saws
- 14 percent of reviews are 1 star
- Not for large or seasoned hardwood
The MS 162 sits in the awkward middle of the Stihl range, and that shows in the reviews: owners who like it call it easy to handle and well built, critics point to the power ceiling. At 4.2 stars across 379 reviews it is the most polarized of the three Stihls we looked at.
What it does offer is a familiar name, a 16 inch bar, and 13.3 lb of saw. That combination suits someone cutting a few hundred board feet of softwood a year rather than stacking a season of hardwood.
Where it is genuinely pleasant is handling. The bar is short enough to pivot in tight spaces and light enough that one-handed repositioning on a round is realistic, which cuts the number of awkward angles where kickback starts.
Reasons to pick the MS 162
If you want the Stihl name and dealer network but only cut softwood, saplings and brush, this is the one. The 16 inch bar is the most common firewood bar there is, so parts and chain choices are easy to find.
Reasons to look elsewhere
That 14 percent share of 1-star reviews is the highest in the roundup, and reviews cite durability and support experiences alongside the power ceiling. Anyone cutting seasoned oak or processing multiple cords should spend up to the 455 Rancher or consider a battery saw with more headroom.
4. PROYAMA 68cc: Best for Maximum Power on a Budget
PROYAMA 68CC Gas Powered Chainsaw, 24 Inch 20 Inch Top Handle Chain Saw
68 cc 2-cycle engine
4.5 HP claimed
20 inch and 24 inch bars
14.5 lb
Pros
- Largest engine displacement here at 68 cc
- Package includes both a 20 inch and 24 inch bar
- Magnesium alloy chain brake and housing
- Anti-vibration handles reduce hand fatigue
Cons
- Lowest average rating here at 3.9 stars
- 18 percent of reviews are 1 star
- Only a one year manufacturer warranty
Nothing else in this roundup puts more displacement in your hands for the money. A 68 cc two-cycle engine with 4.5 HP claimed output and two bars in the box is a lot of iron, and buyers chasing the biggest cut per stroke start here.
The magnesium alloy chain brake and housing are the detail that stands out. That is a heavier-duty material than the plastic components common at this tier, and it is the part that protects you when a chain binds.
Owners describe the cutting as powerful and the anti-vibration handles as effective at taking the edge off a long session. The dual-bar package also means you can run 20 inch for bucking and switch to 24 inch when a big round shows up.
Who it suits
A buyer who cuts big logs on a limited budget, or who wants a spare bar in the box for occasional storm cleanup, gets more saw here than anywhere else. Owners comparing it against name-brand gas saws on raw cutting speed tend to be pleasantly surprised.
Who should skip it
Reliability reports are the reason this sits fourth. Eighteen percent 1-star feedback, with complaints about starting and durability, plus a single year warranty, means this is a saw you buy with eyes open. Owners who value a long service life and a warranty behind it should look at the 455 Rancher.
5. NEO-TEC 62cc: Best 20 Inch Starter Saw for Medium Rounds
NEO-TEC 62cc 20 Inch Gas Powered Chainsaw 2-Cycle Petrol 3.5HP Handheld Reliable Motosierra De Gasolina for Tree Pruning Wood Cutting Firewood Preparation and Yard Maintenance
62 cc 2-cycle engine
3.5 HP up to 8500 RPM
20 inch bar
17.1 lb
Pros
- Full 20 inch bar from a 62 cc engine
- Chain brake and trigger lockout included
- Wrap-around handle for two-handed control
- Precision carburetor tuned for fuel efficiency
Cons
- 17.1 lb is heavy for a budget saw
- 11 percent of reviews are 1 star
- Quality control is inconsistent
The NEO-TEC is the most reviewed of the budget 62 cc gas saws here, and at 4.2 stars over 931 reviews it is a fair read on the category. A full 20 inch bar, a wrap-around handle, a chain brake and a trigger lockout for very little money is a real package.
Up to 8500 RPM and a precision carburetor tuned for optimized combustion are the specs that suggest this is a working saw rather than a display piece, and reviewers generally agree that it starts in one or two pulls.
The wrap-around handle is worth calling out because it is the feature that keeps both hands on the saw during a bind. Combined with the chain brake and trigger lockout, it covers the three things that actually cause chainsaw injuries.
Where it earns the money
Medium logs, medium volume, one person doing the work. A 20 inch bar handles rounds up to roughly 16 inches across, which is where most residential firewood sits, and the extra reach over a 16 inch saw reduces the number of times you have to stop and reposition mid-round.
Where it falls short
Seventeen pounds is genuinely heavy for a saw in this class, and the weight is the first thing reviewers mention as a surprise. If long sessions are part of your plan, a lighter option such as the MS 170 or a cordless saw will be kinder on your hands.
6. SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc: Best for First-Time Owners Learning on a Budget
SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc Gas Chainsaw 20 Inch Gas Powered Chainsaws 2-Cycle Petrol
62 cc full crank engine
20 inch bar
8500 RPM chain speed
14 lb
Pros
- Owners report fast cuts through large hardwood and knotty walnut
- 20 inch bar with a low-kickback chain
- Fuel mixer and sharpening tool included
- Quick-stop chain brake and safety switch
Cons
- Chain needed tensioning straight out of the box
- Some owners repaired the chain brake repeatedly
- Needs premixed 50:1 fuel and careful cleaning
Of everything in this roundup, the SUPMIXTOOLS gets the most enthusiastic hardwood reports from owners who expected less. Multiple reviews describe it cutting very large hardwood and knotty walnut quickly, and several compare it favourably to name-brand gas saws on raw performance.
A full crank 62 cc two-stroke at 8500 RPM is real capability, and pairing it with a 20 inch bar and a low-kickback chain is a sensible, safety-aware default for someone learning the craft.
It also ships with a fuel mixer, a sharpening tool and an installation toolkit, which removes the small early frictions that trip up new owners. Starting is another repeated positive, with owners reporting one or a few pulls after break-in.
Good first firewood saw
If you have never owned a chainsaw and your wood is mostly rounds in the 10 to 16 inch range, this is a fair place to start. The low-kickback chain and quick-stop brake are the right things to have while your technique is still developing.
The maintenance reality
Reviews are unusually specific about upkeep. The supplied chain reportedly needed tensioning before the first cut, some owners replaced the throttle button, and the strongest advice is to run premixed 50:1 fuel and clean the saw after each session. None of that is unusual for a two-stroke, but it is real work.
7. SEESII 40V 18 Inch: Best Cordless Chainsaw for Firewood
SEESII 40V Electric Chainsaw Cordless 18-Inch with 2 x 5.0Ah Batteries
2200W brushless motor
18 inch bar
8.6 lb with batteries
Two 5.0Ah batteries included
Pros
- 8.6 lb total weight keeps long sessions comfortable
- Zero fuel mixing and instant button start
- Two 5.0Ah batteries and two chargers in the box
- Tool-less chain tensioning takes seconds
Cons
- Chain needs re-tensioning and oiling regularly
- Bear down hard and the chain can bind
- Not a match for a gas saw on large seasoned hardwood
This is the saw that changes the answer for people who hate two-strokes. At 8.6 lb including both batteries it is less than half the weight of most of the gas saws here, and at 4.5 stars across more than 16000 reviews it is the most proven cordless option in the roundup.
Owners on r/firewood make the same point over and over: battery saws win on small and occasional work because there is no fuel mixing, no choke and no cold start, and they are obviously a bit slower than gas in bulk. That is the honest trade.
The 2200W brushless motor drives the chain at 30 ft per second, and the two 5000mAh batteries are rated for up to 200 cuts on 4 inch softwood per charge. An 80 ml automatic lubrication tank and a tool-less tensioning knob handle the two chores that normally follow you around.
Where cordless genuinely wins
An 18 inch bar on a saw this light is a real bucking capability, not a toy. For a couple of cords of softwood, a weekend of brush work, or anyone with a bad back or grip issues, the weight saving is the feature that matters. The included goggles are a small but thoughtful touch.
Where the gas saws still win
Large seasoned hardwood, and long sessions where you would rather not be swapping packs. Owners report that pushing down hard can bind or even break the chain, which means a lighter, more deliberate technique. The emergency brake and enlarged hand guard are there for exactly that reason.
8. EGO Power+ CS1611: Best for Quiet Cutting and Joint Comfort
EGO POWER+ Chain Saw, 16” Battery Powered Chainsaw, Electric Cordless, Includes 56V 2.5Ah Battery and Charger – CS1611
40cc gas equivalent
16 inch bar
9 lb
130 cuts on a 4x4 per charge
Pros
- Near-zero vibration means far less wrist and shoulder soreness
- Quiet instant start with no fuel mixing
- Cuts fast for a battery saw at 20 m/s
- Tool-free tensioning and IPX4 weather resistance
Cons
- Included 2.5Ah battery is the smaller capacity
- Bar and chain oil must be bought separately
- 16 inch bar limits it to small rounds
If the phrase hand fatigue makes you wince, this is the pick. At 4.6 stars across 626 reviews, the CS1611 sits right at the top of this roundup, and the reason is not horsepower. It is that owners converting away from gas report almost no vibration at all.
That matters more with age or with a joint injury already in your history. A gas saw transmits a lot of energy through the handles, and this one simply does not. The 56V 2.5Ah battery is rated for up to 130 cuts on a 4×4, and the 16 inch bar spins the chain at 20 m per second.
Build details are good for outdoor work: IPX4 weather resistance, a low-kickback chain with a brake indicator, and an automatic oiling system with a spill-free reservoir so the bar oil does not leak across your truck bed.
Best reasons to own one
Older operators, anyone with shoulder or wrist problems, and households cutting on weekday evenings where a noisy gas saw is a neighbour problem all land here. A 9 lb saw with a button start gets used, and a saw that gets used is worth more than a better one that sits in the shed.
Best reasons to wait
The 2.5Ah pack is the smaller capacity, so budget on owning a larger battery if you plan to cut more than a cord in a sitting. The 16 inch bar rules out wide rounds, and bar and chain oil is not included. Serious firewood volume still points to a 20 inch gas saw.
9. Supstable S16 Pro: Best Complete Starter Kit
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
2000W brushless motor
16 inch bar
Up to 50 minutes runtime
Two year warranty
Pros
- 35 ft per second chain speed from a 2000W motor
- 150 ml automatic oil reservoir reduces chain wear
- Battery
- charger
- spare chain
- oil
- gloves and goggles all included
- Tool-free side tensioning knob
Cons
- 40V battery and charger do not fit 20V tools
- 7 percent of reviews are 1 star
- Modest share of early failure reports
The Supstable is the box that arrives ready to work. Battery, fast charger, a spare chain, a bottle of chain oil, gloves, goggles, a screwdriver and a bar cover, all with a two year manufacturer warranty behind it. Owners frequently compare it to a 42 cc gas saw in terms of how it performs.
At 4.4 stars across 4968 reviews it has enough owner history to trust, and the 150 ml oil reservoir is a genuine improvement over the tiny tanks common in this class, which is where most chain wear actually starts.
The chain brake, safety lock and overload protection form a three-part safety package, and the tool-free side tensioning knob means you can correct chain stretch between cuts without hunting for a wrench.
Strong reasons to choose it
For a first cord of firewood, buying everything in one box removes the most common beginner mistake, which is showing up with a saw and no oil, no spare chain and no eye protection. A 16 inch bar suits rounds under about 12 inches, which covers a lot of residential wood.
Reasons to check your tool ecosystem first
These 40V packs do not work with 20V tools, so if you already own a 20V platform the battery is dead weight to you. Seven percent 1-star feedback also points to some early failures, which is worth weighing against a saw that carries a longer warranty.
10. DongCheng 40V: Best for Battery Platform Flexibility
DongCheng 40V 16-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw with 2×4.0Ah Batteries – Gas-Like Power for Tree Felling, Storm Cleanup & Firewood, Tool-Free Tensioning, Auto Oiler, Chain Brake
Dual 20V 4.0Ah batteries
16 inch brushless bar
14 m/s chain speed
Up to 120 cuts per charge
Pros
- Two 4.0Ah batteries rated for 120 cuts of 4x4 lumber
- Batteries cross-compatible with the wider DongCheng 20V and 40V lineup
- Inertia-activated brake stops in under 0.1 seconds
- External tool-free tensioning knob
Cons
- 550W rating trails the 2000W to 2200W cordless rivals
- Both batteries should be fully charged before first use
- 6 percent of reviews are 1 star
The DongCheng is the pick if you want one battery family for the whole shed. Both packs are standard 20V 4.0Ah, so they also work across the wider DongCheng 20V and 40V tool lineup, which cuts the number of chargers you own.
At 4.4 stars over 522 reviews the satisfaction level is high, and the safety hardware is better than the price suggests. An inertia-activated chain brake that stops in under 0.1 seconds is quicker than some gas saws in this roundup.
Owners value the twin-battery package, the push-button start that removes fuel mixing entirely, and the automatic oiler. Rated at up to 120 cuts through 4×4 lumber per charge, that is a realistic working afternoon on softwood.
Where it fits well
Storm cleanup, firewood from a few small trees, and property work where the 16 inch bar is genuinely enough. The lock-out trigger switch and auto-oiler keep the routine maintenance light, which is the main reason people buy cordless in the first place.
Where it is not enough
The 550W rating is well below the 2000W and 2200W cordless saws here, and reviews suggest you should charge both packs fully before the first cut to get even power delivery. For wide rounds or heavy seasoned hardwood, go up to a 20 inch gas saw.
What Size Chainsaw Do You Need for Firewood?
Measure the diameter of the biggest log you realistically expect to cut, then pick a bar that is at least half that measurement. Anything shorter and you will be burying the bar in the round, which is both slow and the main cause of kickback when bucking on the ground.
Here is the reference most firewood buyers actually need:
12 inch bar: rounds up to about 6 inches through. Pruning, brush and small sticks.
16 inch bar: rounds up to about 12 inches. The most common residential firewood size, and enough for most softwood.
18 inch bar: rounds up to about 14 inches. A good step up for mixed hardwood and larger properties.
20 inch bar: rounds up to about 16 inches. The sweet spot for most households burning wood, and the size of our top pick.
24 inch bar: rounds up to about 20 inches. Storm damage, big timber and heavy annual volume. Pair it with real displacement, not a small powerhead.
So if you are deciding between a 16 and an 18 inch saw, measure first. If your largest log is 12 inches or under, the 16 inch bar is enough and you save weight and money. Above that, the extra four inches of reach on an 18 inch bar means fewer awkward cuts and less time buried in the round.
Gas vs Battery vs Corded Electric for Firewood
Gas wins on sustained volume. A full gas tank gives you an hour or more of cutting with no pause, and a 62 cc two-stroke will happily chew green oak that stalls a battery motor. That is why nearly every serious firewood cutter in the r/Chainsaw threads we read still runs a gas saw.
Battery wins on everything except the cut itself. No fuel mixing, no choke, no cold start in January, almost no vibration, and a weight that changes how long you are willing to work. Owners consistently report that a battery saw is enough for small and occasional jobs and obviously a bit slower than gas in bulk.
Do the cord math before you decide. If a single charge covers your weekend, a cordless saw is the right call. If you are processing a full season of hardwood, you will spend the day swapping and charging, and a gas saw is the honest answer. Corded electric chainsaws are not represented here because they occupy a niche between the two, with extension cord handling and limited power.
Husqvarna vs Stihl vs Echo for Firewood Work
Husqvarna owns the mid-size firewood conversation. Across r/Chainsaw, Arborist Site and Boom and Bucket threads, owners repeatedly name the 450S, 455 and 460 Rancher and the 445 as standard recommendations, and the 455 is the model in this roundup. The pattern in those threads is consistent: Ranchers for firewood, XP models for felling and milling, and low-vibration machines for anyone cutting a lot of hardwood.
Stihl owns vibration control and the small end of the market. The same forums favour the MS 251, MS 261 and MS 291 Wood Bosses for being easy on the arms over cord after cord of hardwood, and the MS 170 in this roundup is the compact expression of that reputation. Professionals tend to end up in Stihl or Husqvarna for the same reason: parts availability and service.
Echo is the value answer that forum owners defend hardest. The CS-590 Timber Wolf is repeatedly named the best overall value pick for its translucent fuel tank, heavy-duty air filtration and pro-grade muscle at a non-pro tier. No Echo saw is in our lineup, so treat that as the outside option if your local dealer is closer than a Husqvarna or Stihl dealer.
For what loggers prefer, the honest answer is that professional loggers rarely use firewood saws. They run full-size, top-handle-capable professional machines because the work is felling and processing at volume, not bucking a season’s supply. If your plan ever includes milling, move up a class immediately, because a firewood saw and a saw that runs a chainsaw mill are not the same purchase.
Sharpening, Bar Oil and Other Upkeep
A dull chain wastes more than horsepower. Owners across forum threads report dulling chains after every tank of fuel when cutting hardwood or unseasoned wood, and the usual cause is not the chain but a bar that needs to be turned and cleaned at the same time. A blunt chain forces you to push, which loads the motor and dulls the chain faster.
Check chain tension every time you fuel up. New chains stretch within the first tank, and a loose chain derails against the bar and blunts the cutters unevenly. The tool-less tensioning knobs on the cordless saws here make this a two-second job, and side-mounted or external tensioners on the gas saws make it a ten-second one.
On oil, use a proper bar and chain oil rather than gear lube, and keep the reservoir topped up. Bar oil consumption is the ongoing cost most buyers forget, and a cord of firewood in hardwood uses a meaningful amount of it. Add a chain and a file to your budget on day one, because both are consumables and neither is included with most saws.
For gas saws, the air filter is the cheapest performance insurance there is. Cleaning it and keeping a spare in the toolbox prevents the hard-starting and flooding complaints that show up in almost every chainsaw review section, and they get worse in cold weather when a two-stroke is least happy.
Kickback, Chain Brakes and Safe Bucking
Kickback is the upper nose of the bar striking the wood, which forces the saw back toward your shoulders. The most common cause when bucking firewood is the moving chain contacting the top of the log, usually because the nose of the bar is at or above the height of the cut.
Keep the nose below the top of the log, watch the top of the bar as the cut closes, and never cut with the bar tip against wood. Use a stable stance with knees bent, hold the saw with both hands in the top and front handles, and let the chain do the work rather than forcing it.
A chain brake is a mechanical interlock that stops the chain when the inertia switch detects the kickback motion, and it is the reason to buy a saw with a brake. Among the saws here, the 455 Rancher uses an inertia-activated brake, the NEO-TEC has a chain brake with a trigger lockout, the SUPMIXTOOLS uses a quick-stop brake, and the DongCheng stops in under 0.1 seconds. Wear eye and ear protection, wear chaps when one is affordable, and expect the first few sessions to be the ones where you should be deliberate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good size chainsaw for cutting firewood?
Most households need a 16 to 20 inch bar with a 40 to 68 cc engine. Measure the diameter of your largest log and choose a bar at least half that length. A 16 inch bar handles rounds up to about 12 inches, while a 20 inch bar clears rounds up to about 16 inches in a single pass.
What chainsaw is best for cutting firewood?
The Stihl MS 170 is our pick for most people who cut wood often, pairing the lowest weight in the roundup with an anti-vibration system and zoom compensator that take the sting out of long sessions. If your logs are wide, the Husqvarna 455 Rancher with its 20 inch bar and 56 cc X-Torque engine is the better tool. If you want no fuel mixing, a cordless saw such as the SEESII 40V 18 inch handles small and medium rounds well.
Do I need a 16 or 18 inch chainsaw?
Measure first. A 16 inch bar is enough for rounds up to about 12 inches, which covers most residential softwood. If your logs run wider than that, the extra reach of an 18 inch bar means fewer buried cuts and less repositioning. Bigger is only better up to the point where the saw becomes too heavy to use all day.
Do professionals prefer Husqvarna or Stihl?
Both, and the split is usually about the specific model rather than the badge. Husqvarna Ranchers dominate mid-size firewood discussions, while Stihl models are favoured for low vibration over long sessions on hardwood. Professionals pick whichever brand has a dealer and parts support near them.
Is Echo or Stihl a better chainsaw?
Stihl is the stronger all-rounder, with lighter vibration and a strong reputation for durability. Echo is frequently recommended as the better value, and the CS-590 Timber Wolf is repeatedly named a top value pick in owner forums for its translucent fuel tank and heavy-duty air filtration. Pick the brand your local dealer services best.
What causes a chainsaw to kick back?
Kickback happens when the upper nose of the guide bar strikes wood and pushes the saw back toward your shoulders. When bucking firewood the usual trigger is the moving chain touching the top of the log because the bar nose is at or above the height of the cut. Keep the nose below the log top, use both hands, and let the chain cut rather than forcing it.
The Best Chainsaw for Your Firewood
For most households, the best chainsaws for cutting firewood come down to the Stihl MS 170. At 4.7 stars across 1670 reviews it is the highest rated saw in this roundup, and the combination of the lowest weight here with serious vibration damping means you can still be cutting on the third cord instead of the first.
Cutting wider rounds? The Husqvarna 455 Rancher is the answer, with a 20 inch bar and a 56 cc X-Torque engine that keeps pulling when the chain is buried. Small and occasional work, or a hard dislike of two-strokes? The SEESII 40V 18 inch cordless saw handles that without fuel mixing or noise. Buy the bar that matches your biggest log, keep the chain sharp, and buy the oil and a spare chain on day one. That last habit is worth more than any feature on this list.