With the arrival of the colder months, anyone who uses a fireplace, wood stove, or wood-burning stove must make sure they have an adequate supply of fuel.
Between cutting logs, reducing branches, and stacking wood, having a chainsaw suited to the job can make a big difference.
But which one should you choose? Is a petrol or electric chainsaw better? How much engine capacity do you need? And how long should the bar be?
The answer depends mainly on the work you need to do.
In this guide, we will help you evaluate the most important features for choosing a chainsaw for cutting firewood, so you avoid buying a machine that is not suited to your needs.
1. Before choosing a chainsaw, consider the work to be done
Not everyone prepares wood in the same way.
Some people only need to cut a few logs for the fireplace occasionally, while others have to process larger quantities of wood every year to heat their home.
For this reason, before buying a chainsaw, it is useful to answer four questions:
- How often will you use it? For occasional work or frequent cutting sessions?
- How big are the logs? Will you mainly be working with small diameters or more challenging wood?
- Where will you work? In the garden, in the countryside, or in an area with an available electrical outlet?
- How important is ease of handling? Weight, balance, and ease of control are important factors, especially during prolonged work.
The goal is not to choose the most powerful chainsaw overall, but to find the one with the features best suited to your needs.
Would you like to compare the available models?
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2. Petrol or electric chainsaw: which is better?
One of the first choices is the type of power supply.
Both options can be useful for preparing firewood, but they have different features.
Petrol chainsaws: outdoor autonomy and versatility
Petrol chainsaws use an internal combustion engine and do not require a connection to the electrical grid.
They are available in various engine capacities and power ratings, from compact models to machines designed for more demanding work.
When to consider them:
- If you work in the countryside or away from electrical outlets.
- If you need to move around the work area frequently.
- If you regularly prepare wood and are looking for a machine with performance suited to the type of cutting.
However, you must also consider engine maintenance, refuelling, and the use of fuel as specified by the manufacturer.
Electric chainsaws: a solution for certain household tasks
Corded electric chainsaws can be interesting for those who work near an electrical outlet and need to perform cuts compatible with the machine's features.
They do not require the preparation of a fuel mixture and are generally easier to start than petrol models.
When to consider them:
- If you prepare wood in an outdoor area near your home.
- If you have a suitable electrical outlet nearby.
- If you need to perform occasional or small-scale cutting work, according to the machine's specifications.
You need to pay attention to cable management, the conditions of the work area, and the protection of the electrical supply.
What about battery chainsaws?
Battery chainsaws eliminate the cable constraint and do not require fuel.
However, autonomy and performance depend on the model, the battery, and the work to be done.
It is important to distinguish between chainsaws designed for cutting wood and mini electric chainsaws intended mainly for pruning and cutting small branches.
3. How much engine capacity do you need for cutting firewood?
When talking about petrol chainsaws, one of the most considered specifications is engine capacity, expressed in cubic centimetres (cc).
Engine capacity helps identify the engine class, but it should not be evaluated on its own: actual power, bar length, weight, and the manufacturer's usage instructions also matter.
To help you choose, we can distinguish three indicative ranges.
Chainsaws up to around 35 cc
These are generally more compact models, suited for light work and small cuts, as specified by the manufacturer.
They can be interesting for those looking for ease of handling who do not need to tackle particularly demanding tasks.
Chainsaws from around 35 to 50 cc
This range includes several models suited to intermediate cutting needs.
For those who regularly prepare firewood, it can be a good starting point for comparing performance, weight, and bar length.
Chainsaws over 50 cc
Chainsaws with higher engine capacity may be suitable for more demanding work, depending on the machine's features and the operator's experience.
However, a larger engine capacity may come with greater weight and require more control.
Bricohome's advice: do not choose a chainsaw based on cc alone. Always compare engine capacity, power, bar, and overall weight.
4. 30, 35, 40 or 45 cm bar: which one should you choose?
Bar length is another fundamental feature.
The Bricohome catalogue includes chainsaws with bars of various sizes, including 30, 35, 40, and 45 cm.
A longer bar can be useful for certain tasks, but this does not automatically mean the chainsaw is more effective.
The bar must be correctly matched to the engine's power, and its use must comply with the manufacturer's approved configurations.
In general:
- 30–35 cm bars: found on various compact models and machines intended for small cutting tasks.
- 40 cm bars: common on mid-range chainsaws, suited for different firewood preparation needs.
- 45 cm bars: also found on models with higher power ratings, intended for work compatible with the machine's specifications.
The choice always depends on the diameter of the logs, the type of wood, and your experience.
5. Which chainsaws should you consider for preparing wood?
After clarifying the type of work and the main features, we can compare some models in the Bricohome catalogue.
STIGA SE 1835 — 1800 W electric chainsaw
The STIGA SE 1835 is an electric chainsaw with an 1800 W motor and a 35 cm bar.
It can be a solution worth considering for those looking for an electric machine who have a work area with a suitable power supply.
It is important to check that the intended type of cutting is compatible with the manufacturer's instructions.
STIGA CS 545 — 42.4 cc petrol chainsaw
The STIGA CS 545 features a 42.4 cc petrol engine and a 40 cm bar.
It is one of the mid-range engine capacity models that can be considered for firewood preparation work compatible with the machine's features.
STIGA CS 750 — 46.5 cc petrol chainsaw
The STIGA CS 750 features a 46.5 cc engine, a declared power of 2 kW, and a 45 cm bar.
It is a model to compare when looking for superior performance compared to more compact chainsaws.
STIGA CS 755 — 52 cc petrol chainsaw
The STIGA CS 755 is equipped with a 52 cc engine, a declared power of 2.3 kW, and a 45 cm bar.
It can be interesting for those who need to consider a higher-capacity chainsaw, taking into account weight, frequency of use, and the operator's skills.
Compare the features and prices of the available models:
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6. Outlet chainsaws: how to save on your purchase
If you need to buy a new chainsaw, the price is certainly an important factor.
However, choosing only the cheapest model may not be the best solution: a machine must first and foremost be suited to the work you need to do.
Once you have identified the necessary features, it is worth checking the Outlet products as well.
At Bricohome, you can find a selection of STIGA chainsaws at a reduced price, with offers that vary depending on the available models.
To choose correctly:
- Identify the type of chainsaw best suited to your work.
- Compare power, engine capacity, bar, and weight.
- Check the Outlet offers and the condition of the products.
- Check availability and the updated price before purchasing.
7. Before cutting wood: maintenance and safety
Even a chainsaw used only occasionally requires careful checks.
Before starting work, it is important to check:
- Chain: must be correctly sharpened and tensioned.
- Bar: must be in good condition and compatible with the machine.
- Lubrication: check the oil level and the correct operation of the system.
- Safety devices: check the chain brake and the other systems provided by the manufacturer.
- Personal protective equipment: use appropriate protection for your head, eyes, hearing, hands, legs, and feet.
- Work area: must be stable, clear, and organized to prevent uncontrolled movements of the logs.
Chainsaws involve significant risks, including bar kickback. Use them only with the appropriate skills and training, always following the manufacturer's manual.
Never use petrol chainsaws in enclosed spaces due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
8. Preparing wood for winter: also pay attention to seasoning
Once cut, the wood must be stored correctly.
For efficient combustion, it is important that it has reached a suitable moisture level, generally no higher than 20%.
Freshly cut wood can contain a lot of water and may require a long seasoning period, which varies depending on the wood species, size, and environmental conditions.
To store it correctly:
- Stack it in a well-ventilated place.
- Keep it raised off the ground.
- Protect it from precipitation without blocking air circulation.
- Check the moisture level before using it.
Preparing wood in autumn does not necessarily mean you can burn it that same winter. If it is not already sufficiently seasoned, you will need to wait.
9. Frequently asked questions about firewood chainsaws
What is the best chainsaw for cutting wood?
There is no single best model. The choice depends on the diameter of the logs, frequency of use, type of wood, and the operator's experience.
Is a petrol or electric chainsaw better for cutting wood?
Petrol chainsaws allow you to work without a connection to the electrical grid. Electric ones can be practical for compatible work near an outlet. The choice depends on the environment and type of use.
How many cc should a chainsaw have for cutting wood?
For various firewood preparation tasks, mid-range engine capacity models can be considered, but there is no single value that is suitable for everyone. You must also consider power, bar, and manufacturer specifications.
Is a 40 cm bar sufficient?
It can be suitable for different cutting needs, but the bar length must be evaluated together with the chainsaw's performance and the size of the logs.
Can I use a pruning chainsaw to cut wood?
It depends on the machine and the manufacturer's instructions. In particular, chainsaws with a top handle are intended for specialized arboriculture uses and are not the standard choice for preparing wood on the ground.
When is it best to prepare wood for winter?
It is preferable to get organized in advance, especially when the wood still needs seasoning. The preparation period also depends on the availability of already-dried wood.
Conclusions: choose the chainsaw based on the work, not just the price
Preparing wood for winter requires time, organization, and appropriate equipment.
Whether you need to make a few occasional cuts or prepare a larger supply, the choice of chainsaw must be based on your actual needs.
At Bricohome Ferramenta, you will find petrol and electric chainsaws, as well as models on offer, to compare based on the type of work.
If you have doubts about your choice, you can contact our team for support in finding the most suitable model.
