Sixteen-inch chainsaws are one of the biggest, baddest, toughest power tools in the game when it comes to homeownership and yard work. They can really make a difference in terms of clearing out unwanted wood.
Read on to learn more about these products and the best options on the market today.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for 16 Inch Chainsaw
- OUR TOP PICK: Makita UC4051A 16" Electric Chain Saw
- RUNNER-UP: Greenworks 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Remington RM4216 16-inch Gas Powered Chainsaw
Comparison Chart of the Best 16-Inch Chainsaws
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Are All 16-Inch Chainsaws the Same?
The short answer to this question is no, not all sixteen-inch chainsaws are the same. All sixteen-inch chainsaws have one quality in common: their bar, to which the chain is attached and around which the chain rotates, is sixteen inches in length.
This length is relatively long for a chainsaw designed for homeowner use when working in the yard, which means these saws are capable of tackling some pretty intense jobs. But there are many variations among individual saws, with some weighing less and being easier to carry and operate, and others having convenience features such as an automatic oiling system.
How to Choose a 16-Inch Chainsaw
How can you narrow down which sixteen-incher is right for you? Here is what to look for:
Weight
A saw with a big tough blade is not really going to do you much good if you are unable to carry it, right? Find yourself a saw that you will easily be able to hold and operate, and that will not break your back after even light use.
Durability
If you are investing in a sixteen-inch saw, we are willing to bet you have some serious cutting ahead of you. The last thing you want is a saw that is going to die on you, or not be able to stand up to the heavier cuts. Look for a model with a proven track record when it comes to durability.
Ease of Maneuvering
This quality is somewhat tied into weight, above, but it is about much more. A saw with a sixteen-inch bar is always going to be somewhat unwieldy, but some are far worse than others. You want a saw you can easily manipulate to make fine, precise cuts.
Review of the Best 16-Inch Chainsaws
Okay, since you are more familiar with what these tools do and what to look out for, let’s check out some actual products:
Best Overall:
Makita UC4051A 16” Electric Chain Saw
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are blown away by how strong this model is, particularly for a saw that is powered by electricity. They report that it is capable of cutting through hard woods, even pine that is up to fourteen inches thick!
Why it Stands Out to Us
We were impressed at how well this model is able to strike a good balance between two of the most essential qualities with a saw: strong enough to handle tough, hard woods, yet still lightweight enough to be carried fairly easily.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are frustrated with constantly struggling to start a gas motor, you need to invest in this Makita. It has all the bite of a gas saw with none of the irritation.
Bottom Line
The Makita UC4051A 16” Electric Chain Saw is a phenomenal product option and our top choice for best overall, thanks to its incredible strength and great balance between power and weight. The one thing to keep in mind is that the oil hole can easily become clogged with cutting dust, so make sure to pay close attention to ensure your chain does not start running dry.
Runner-up:
Greenworks 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are huge fans of how convenient it is to work with a cordless chainsaw. No more worrying about the cord getting tangled, or refilling the gas tank! Plus, the battery life with this Greenworks lasts just as long as a tank of gas will on a gas powered saw.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This product offers what is probably the best warranty system in the entire market today. Not only does it cover four years right off the bat, but it also provides options to extend your warranty for even longer.
Who Will Use This Most
Senior users love working with this saw. It is large enough and tough enough to get the job done, but because it does not have a gas tank, it is lighter and easier to carry than competitor brands.
Bottom Line
The Greenworks 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw is a great product option with a convenient power source and an amazing warranty included. Keep an eye on the chain, though – some users report it has a tendency to loosen up.
Best for the Money:
Remington RM4216 16-inch Gas Powered Chainsaw
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers appreciate that this product comes with its own included protective case. This quality is a rarity amongst chainsaws, and can really make a big difference when it comes to making sure the saw stays clean and operational when not in use.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We could not believe our eyes when we saw the price tag on this model. A sixteen-inch chainsaw for such a low, low price? Luckily, it was the real deal. You will not be able to find a better deal than this Remington!
Who Will Use This Most
Homeowners love using this saw. It is an excellent option for suburban use, with year round property maintenance and even cutting firewood.
Bottom Line
The Remington RM4216 16-inch Gas Powered Chainsaw is an all around excellent product option that will not destroy your budget even though it also includes a high quality protective case! Keep an eye out when storing this saw, though – it does have a tendency to leak oil if it is not drained before it is put away.
Best 16-Inch Homelite Chainsaw:
Homelite 16” 12 Amp Electric Chainsaw
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers love the many different varieties of woods they have been able to successfully use this product on. It is tough enough to chomp through oak, cedar, red oak, maple, and more!
Why it Stands Out to Us
We were extremely impressed with how tough and durable this model is. Not only can it easily cut through wood pieces that are over twenty-two inches in diameter, but it can also still perform at that level even after hours of intense, heavy labor.
Who Will Use This Most
Users report that this saw is best used around the home and for do it yourself type of landscaping projects, thanks to how easy it is to operate.
Bottom Line
The Homelite 16” 12 Amp Electric Chainsaw is a super impressive product option that can handle pretty much any type of wood you throw at it, and keep going for you even after being put through its paces. It is lacking one safety feature, though: an automatic chain brake, so make sure you stay on your toes when using it.
Best 16-Inch Husqvarna Chainsaw:
Husqvarna 16” 435e II Gas Chainsaw
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are thankful that this model is extremely easy to clean. It has a cylinder cover that snaps off and back on, so you can quickly clear out the internal air filter and always be able to check the spark plug system.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is another model that really blew us away when it came to warranty options. Factory warranty will cover two years of use with no questions asked, but if you want to bump that up to four years of use, all you have to do is purchase three tanks of Husqvarna mixer, which you would obviously want to use anyway.
Who Will Use This Most
This model is smaller and lighter than many other saws with a sixteen-inch bar, so it is a great choice for female users and others who may not want to haul around a super heavy power tool.
Bottom Line
The Husqvarna 16” 435e II Gas Chainsaw is a great product option that is easy to clean and comes with a phenomenal warranty. Just do not leave this saw on idle, as it will ultimately sputter out.
Benefits of Investing in a Quality Chainsaw
It can be tempting to choose a cheap model over one that is higher quality. Here is why you should avoid making that mistake:
Safety Features
Chainsaws are some of the most dangerous power tools you will ever work with, and sixteen inchers are some of the biggest chainsaws. Quality models will have safety features such as an automatic shutoff to make sure you keep all of your limbs.
Power Efficiency
Whether you are operating a gas powered, electric powered, or battery operated model, if you are working with a quality saw, you are guaranteed to get the most bang for your tank, watts, or voltage. Choose quality to save in the long run here.
Convenience Aspects
If you invest in a lower quality saw, you may spend time and energy struggling to get it to start, or oiling it up, or other annoying maintenance tasks. High quality saws have automated processes for many of these activities, making your life easier overall.
Conclusion
A sixteen-inch chainsaw can be a true pleasure to operate, and can make your life significantly easier. Make sure you critically assess your needs and select a model that will work best for you. We promise you will not be able to go wrong with any product from our list here.