Earthwise 16-Inch 12-Amp Corded Electric Chain Saw

Last updated: April 9, 2019

Earthwise 16-Inch 12-Amp Corded Electric Chain Saw

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We looked at the top Electric Chainsaws and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Electric Chainsaw you should buy.

Overall Take

In our analysis of 118 expert reviews, the Earthwise 16-Inch 12-Amp Corded Electric Chain Saw placed 9th when we looked at the top 9 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

Earthwise corded electric chain saw has a powerful 12 amp motor and reliable 16-Inch Oregon bar and chain. Perfect size for clearing brush, trimming trees or stockpiling firewood. Easy care with automatic oiling system and oil level window, takes bar and chain oil (not included). Easy chain tension adjustment-requires no tools. Includes bar and chain cover and a safety start button. No Gas. No fumes. Earthwwise is The Clean Air Choice.Tackle the tough jobs with the electric powered Earthwise Corded Chainsaw. The rubber over-molded handles provide a comfortable grip to this low kickback, 16-in. chainsaw. This is a low maintance and a high performance chainsaw.

Expert Reviews

Expert Summarized Score

7.9
12 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

8.5
191 user reviews

What experts liked

Plug-and-play chainsaw that is easy to handle. Great for those on a budget.
- BestReviews
This Earthwise machine delivers on the features you expect of a chainsaw, such as an oil level gauge in addition to an automatic chain oiling system. For convenience, the saw comes equipped with a tool-less chain tensioning system so you can quickly adjust chain tension without taking apart or manually adjusting the device. With its rubber-molded handle and lightweight body, the chainsaw can be used for prolonged periods of time without causing significant muscle fatigue.
- Top Ten Reviews
This Earthwise chainsaw is an eco-friendly lawn product. It is also powerful and durable.
- Best of Machinery
February 21, 2019 | Full review
Eco friendly, easy to start every time and easy to operate.
- The Z9
January 23, 2019 | Full review
This particular model is as simple as they can get. All you have to do upon its arrival is – read the manual, fill it with oil, and plug it in. Some assembly is required, but it’s not a big deal at all as it’s described well in the manual. Needless to say, you must read the instructions before use, even if you’re an experienced user, just to be safe and certain that everything is set up correctly. The other thing we liked is the price-to-quality ratio. Even though it’s quite an affordable unit, it does not lack quality.
- Tool Nerds
December 20, 2018 | Full review
The oil level window makes it easy to keep an eye on the oil levels. In order to get a longer life from any chain saw, you have to make sure that it stays lubricated. With an easy-to-see oil window, I know when I need to fill it up without having to guess. The Earthwise CS30016 16-Inch 12 amp Electric Chain Saw is very light. I have had to climb up in a few trees to take down dead branches. With a heavy gas powered chain saw, these kinds of climbs can be a real pain. With the Earthwise CS30016, it’s very easy to climb and cut.
- Power Tools Rater
This chainsaw has a tool-less chain tensioner. Easy to handle as it comes with an ergonomically-designed handle.
- Top Ten Review Pro
The bar is a 91 Double Guard which is lightweight and has a small radius nose to help prevent kickback. It has a nose sprocket to reduce friction, thereby improving chain movement and the cutting performance.
- Sawed Fish
Very affordable chainsaw that actually works. This chainsaw comes with good quality plastic cover for the bar and chain.
- Pro Garden Tips
October 18, 2017 | Full review
This new and improved bar from Oregon is perfect for small lightweight chainsaws as it has a smaller nose radius that reduces kickback energy. THe other great feature about this bar is the fact that you can flip the bar over if you are getting uneven wear from the chain very easily. Apart from the bar this saw has a great 12 amps of power to drive it, you have a corded chainsaw that is an excellent add-on to your yard and garden array of lawn care and land management tools.
- The Pro Cutter
Rubberized over-molded handles are easier to grip even when you have gloves on than in non-rubber models.
- Pick Best Chainsaw
This chainsaw is very affordable.
- ConsumerExpert.org

What experts didn't like

A few owners complain of a leakage.
- BestReviews
Electric chainsaws tend to be much quieter than their gas-powered counterparts, but the Earthwise CS30016 is noisier than many electric chainsaws in its class.
- Top Ten Reviews
Doesn’t come with a saw but it is easily available in stores.
- The Z9
January 23, 2019 | Full review
The automatic oiler may cause some issues. While we didn’t stumble upon any, more than a few users reported an issue with this particular system. Therefore, it may not be a common thing, but it’s definitely something you should think about before investing.
- Tool Nerds
December 20, 2018 | Full review
You have to adjust the chain before the first use of this chain saw. Every once in a while, the cord will pull loose and I have to reattach it.
- Power Tools Rater
A few users mentioned that they had some issues with the oiler in that it wasn’t releasing oil to the chain.
- Sawed Fish
Some users describe it as flimsy and not the best for big logs.
- Pro Garden Tips
October 18, 2017 | Full review
This saw doesn’t come with chain oil in the package.
- The Pro Cutter
The gravity activated oil dispenser tends to stop working.
- Pick Best Chainsaw
It’s not quite as powerful as some electric chainsaws.
- ConsumerExpert.org

Overview

Chainsaws can be both noisy and gas-consuming, but there’s an alternative on the market. Both battery-powered and electric chainsaws give you the tool you need to tackle big jobs without the issues that come with gas-powered chainsaws.

Traditionally, electric chainsaws have lacked the cutting power of their gas counterparts, but improvements in design have narrowed the gap considerably. You still may not be able to take down larger trees with it, but it will do typical yard-related jobs easily. You will get more power from a corded than a battery-powered chainsaw, though, so take an honest look at the types of jobs you’ll be doing before you start shopping.

Why go with an electric chainsaw? There are many benefits. One is simply that you won’t have to worry about all the things that typically come with these tools. With a gas-powered chainsaw, you have to make sure you have enough fuel on hand before you start working. You’ll also deal with pollutants like exhaust, which is bad for the environment along with whatever it’s doing to your lungs. Additionally, electric chainsaws are generally much quieter than their gas-powered counterparts.

In addition to still falling behind when it comes to power, electric-powered chainsaws bring the annoyance of the cord. It limits your reach, which can be tough for an item that’s popular for use far away from power sources. You’ll also have to work around the cord, which can become a tripping hazard, in addition to snagging on objects. Battery-powered chainsaws remove the cord from the equation, but they’re limited by battery life, often fading in power as the battery depletes.

Some of today’s electric chainsaws also build in features that cut down on maintenance. A self-sharpening system will keep every cut as efficient as possible. Some newer electric chainsaws also have automatic chain tightening and lubrication, saving you the inconvenience of having to take care of those things manually.

If you buy a chainsaw, it’s also important to consider safety. Eye protection rated as safe for use with chainsaws is a must since debris is one of the biggest risks you’ll face. You should also wear gloves and work boots, as well as clothes that fit tightly enough to prevent getting in the way while you’re working.

Buying Advice

  • Effective cutting depends in large part on the power put out by the motor. The Worx 18-Inch 4 15.0 Amp Chain Saw has a 15-Amp motor, while the Makita Electric Chain Saw and Worx Electric Chainsaw put out 14.5 Amps each.
  • Another feature that helps with cutting power is the bar. The Worx 18-Inch 4 15.0 Amp Chain Saw has an 18-inch bar that, when combined with its 15-Amp motor, can tackle both small and midsized logs with ease.
  • You’ll find the chain plays a role in how powerful a chainsaw is. The Worx Electric Chainsaw has a chain that moves at 12 miles per second to help you speed through those large jobs.
  • Kickback is another common problem among chainsaws of all types. The Makita Electric Chain Saw cuts down on that as much as possible.
  • The Ryobi 14 Inch 40-Volt Brushless Chainsaw is battery-powered, which eliminates the need to deal with a cord. However, it doesn’t have the power of a corded model, plus you’ll find its battery life is poor, which will force you to keep your work sessions short.
  • You’ll probably put your chainsaw through some tough working conditions, so it’s important to choose a chainsaw with a build that’s up to the job. The Makita Electric Chain Saw is made from polycarbonate to provide durability without adding weight.
  • If you’re concerned about warranty, consider the Worx 18-Inch 4 15.0 Amp Chain Saw, which has a three-year warranty. The Makita Electric Chain Saw comes with a one-year warranty.
  • Assembly can take time, so it may be a relief when you unbox the Worx 18-Inch 4 15.0 Amp Chain Saw and find it’s fully assembled.
  • When you’re working with a chainsaw for a while, every pound matters. A lightweight design will help you reduce the risk of fatigue. Battery-powered chainsaws usually excel in this area, and the Ryobi 14 Inch 40-Volt Brushless Chainsaw is no different. It weighs only 8.4 pounds. But newer corded chainsaws hold their own in this area. The Worx Electric Chainsaw and Worx 18-Inch 4 15.0 Amp Chain Saw are only 11 pounds each, with the Makita Electric Chain Saw weighing slightly more, at 12.3 pounds.
  • Another factor that can help when you’re working for a while is a comfortable hand grip. The Makita Electric Chain Saw features rubberized coating to keep your hands comfortable while you work. The handle is ergonomic, as well. The Worx Electric Chainsaw also features an ergonomic design. With the Ryobi 14 Inch 40-Volt Brushless Chainsaw, you get a wraparound handle design to keep you comfortable and in control.
  • A chainsaw can quickly become unsafe if it isn’t built with balance in mind. The Makita Electric Chain Saw distributes the weight throughout the tool to provide stability while you’re working.
  • Even if you have plenty of extra time to sharpen your chain between uses, you may forget to do so. The self-sharpening system in the Worx 18-Inch 4 15.0 Amp Chain Saw will take care of it for you.
  • The Worx 18-Inch 4 15.0 Amp Chain Saw and Worx Electric Chainsaw both have auto-tension and chain-tightening systems to keep your chain lasting as long as possible. You’ll also get an automatic oiling system to keep both your bar and chain lubricated with the Worx 18-Inch 4 15.0 Amp Chain Saw, Worx Electric Chainsaw and Ryobi 14 Inch 40-Volt Brushless Chainsaw.
  • Safety is always a top concern with a chainsaw. The Makita Electric Chain Saw is built with a hand protector that keeps flying debris at bay. It’s also double-insulted for safety. The Worx 18-Inch 4 15.0 Amp Chain Saw keeps you safe through the use of a built-in chain brake and a kickback bar that’s placed lower than usual.