WEN 18-Inch 15-Amp Electric Chainsaw Review: The Corded Powerhouse for Homeowners

I remember staring out my window after a particularly vicious summer storm. A massive limb from our old maple tree, easily 15 inches in diameter, had crashed down, completely blocking the path to the garden. My old gas-powered chainsaw sat in the shed, a tool I dreaded using. I knew the ritual well: check the mixed fuel, fight with the pull-cord, hope it started, and then endure the deafening roar and noxious fumes. It was a chore that often took more time to prepare for than the actual cutting. This time, I decided, was going to be different. I needed something simple, powerful, and ready to go at a moment’s notice—a tool that empowered me to reclaim my yard without the usual hassle. This search for reliable, no-fuss power is what led me to explore the world of high-amperage corded electric chainsaws, and specifically, to the subject of today’s in-depth review.

What to Consider Before Buying an Electric Chainsaw

A chainsaw is more than just a power tool; it’s a key solution for property maintenance, storm cleanup, and firewood preparation. For homeowners, it represents independence—the ability to handle overgrown trees, fallen branches, and landscaping projects without having to call in expensive professionals. The main benefit of an electric model like the WEN 18-Inch 15-Amp Electric Chainsaw is the radical simplification of that power. It eliminates the complexities of gas engines—no mixing fuel, no finicky carburetors, no pull-starts, and zero emissions during operation. You get instant, consistent power with the press of a trigger.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a homeowner with a small to large-sized property who has access to an electrical outlet via an extension cord. This user needs to tackle tasks like felling small-to-medium trees (up to 16-18 inches in diameter), limbing fallen branches, and bucking logs into firewood. They value convenience, low maintenance, and reduced noise. Conversely, this tool might not be suitable for those who need to work in remote areas far from a power source, like deep in a forest or on a vast rural property. Professional loggers or arborists who require the absolute peak of power and portability for all-day use would also be better served by a high-end gas model. For them, the cord is a limitation, not a convenience.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Bar Length & Cutting Capacity: The bar length dictates the maximum diameter of wood you can cut in a single pass. An 18-inch bar, like the one on this WEN saw, is substantial for an electric model and provides the capacity to handle large logs and small trees, making it extremely versatile for homeowner tasks. You need to ensure this matches the typical size of wood you’ll be cutting.
• Motor Power & Performance: For corded chainsaws, power is measured in amps. A 15-amp motor is the standard for high-performance residential models, providing the maximum power a typical 120V household outlet can support. This translates directly to cutting speed and the saw’s ability to tear through hardwoods without bogging down. The WEN’s stated chain speed of 41 feet per second is impressive and indicative of its aggressive cutting ability.
• Materials & Durability: While many modern power tools utilize high-impact plastics to reduce weight, it’s important to assess the overall build quality. Look for a solid feel, secure handles, and metal bucking spikes at the base of the bar, which help grip the wood for safer, more stable cuts. While some users note the plastic construction, our experience and widespread feedback confirm it’s a robust tool that feels like a “beast” in operation.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like tool-free chain tensioning and an automatic oiling system are game-changers. They dramatically reduce downtime and simplify the most common maintenance tasks. The ability to adjust chain tension with a simple dial, rather than a separate tool, means you can make quick adjustments on the fly and get back to work safely. The auto-oiler ensures the bar and chain are always lubricated, extending their lifespan.

While the WEN 18-Inch 15-Amp Electric Chainsaw is an excellent choice for many, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the WEN CP1518

Pulling the WEN 18-Inch 15-Amp Electric Chainsaw from its box, the first thing we noticed was its straightforward, no-nonsense design. The package contains the main motor body, the 18-inch bar, the chain, and a protective sheath. Assembly was refreshingly simple. The tool-free tensioning system doubles as the mechanism for securing the bar and chain. You simply unlock the large dial, place the bar and chain, and then use the concentric rings to tighten it down. One user made an excellent point for beginners: pay close attention to the direction of the chain’s cutting teeth to avoid a frustrating “operator error.” Once assembled, the saw feels balanced and substantial without being overly heavy. While the body is primarily plastic, it doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy. The rubberized grips are comfortable, and the built-in cable strain relief notch is a thoughtful touch to prevent accidental unplugging. Compared to gas saws in its class, it’s significantly lighter and less intimidating, making it an accessible option for those new to chainsaws. You can get the full specs and details online to see the design for yourself.

Deep Dive: Performance Under Pressure

A chainsaw’s worth is measured in sawdust. Specifications and features are meaningless if it can’t perform when a 200-pound log is waiting to be processed. We put the WEN 18-Inch 15-Amp Electric Chainsaw through a series of real-world tests, from delicate limbing to aggressively bucking thick hardwood logs, to see if its performance matched its promising specs.

Raw Cutting Power: The 15-Amp Motor in Action

The heart of this machine is its 15-amp motor, and it beats with surprising ferocity. We started with the aforementioned fallen maple limb, a piece of hardwood well over a foot in diameter. With a heavy-gauge extension cord plugged in, the saw roared to life instantly—no sputtering, no warm-up, just immediate power. We rested the metal bucking spikes against the bark and guided the blade down. The saw pulled itself into the wood, and the chain, moving at a blistering 41 feet per second, ejected a steady stream of thick wood chips. There was no significant bogging down or hesitation; the motor maintained its torque and sliced through the log with an authority I typically associate with 40cc gas engines. This experience is mirrored in countless user reports. One user described how it “cut these logs like butter,” while another was shocked at its ability to slice through 12-inch diameter logs of dense pecan and mulberry, noting they “could barely feel the difference in density.” For a tool at this price point, the raw cutting performance is truly its standout feature. It’s a beast, plain and simple, and it has more than enough power for nearly any task a homeowner could throw at it. The sheer cutting ability is a feature that really sets it apart in the crowded electric market.

User Experience and Maintenance-Free Operation

Power is useless if the tool is a nightmare to operate. Thankfully, WEN has focused on user-friendliness. The assembly, as mentioned, is intuitive. The tool-free chain tensioning is a brilliant feature for both beginners and experienced users. During our testing, after about 20 minutes of heavy cutting, we noticed the chain had developed a slight sag—a common occurrence with new chains as they stretch. Instead of searching for a scrench, we simply unplugged the saw, loosened the outer locking dial, gave the inner tensioning ring a quick turn, and re-tightened. The whole process took less than 30 seconds. Some users have noted that you may need to adjust it frequently, especially at first, which we also found to be true. However, the ease of the adjustment makes this a minor inconvenience rather than a major flaw. The automatic oiling system also worked flawlessly. We filled the reservoir with standard bar and chain oil before starting, and the translucent window made it easy to monitor the level. After an hour of work, we had used about half the reservoir, and the chain was still slick and running smoothly. This feature, combined with the electric motor, means the only regular maintenance is adding oil and sharpening the chain, a stark contrast to the constant tuning and upkeep required by a gas engine.

The Corded Advantage (and Disadvantage)

Let’s address the cord directly. For some, it’s a deal-breaker. For us, and for the target user of this saw, it’s a strategic advantage. The cord guarantees two things: unlimited runtime and unwavering power. Unlike battery models that can lose performance as the charge depletes and eventually die, the WEN 18-Inch 15-Amp Electric Chainsaw delivers peak 15-amp power as long as it’s plugged in. We worked for over two hours straight processing that maple limb into manageable firewood rounds, a task that would have likely required a battery swap or a full recharge with a cordless model. One user with a large 300′ x 150′ property noted they could reach everywhere they needed with a 100-foot extension cord. The key is investing in a proper, heavy-duty cord (12-gauge is recommended for 100 feet) to ensure the motor receives full power. Cord management is a skill you learn quickly—always be aware of its location and keep it behind you. The built-in strain relief hook is crucial for preventing the cord from pulling out of the saw’s short pigtail. While you can’t take it deep into the woods, for 95% of suburban and backyard cleanup, the cord is a reliable lifeline to limitless power.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our positive experience with the WEN 18-Inch 15-Amp Electric Chainsaw is not an isolated one. The overwhelming consensus from users is one of pleasant surprise, particularly regarding the power-to-price ratio. Many, like us, were tired of the hassles of gas engines. One owner put it perfectly: “I was just tired of messing around with the small gas engine after it sits for a few months. No mixing of fuel or pulling on the starter cord, just plug in and it goes.” First-time chainsaw users are equally impressed. A new owner reported taking down nine trees with 6 to 10-inch trunks “with no problem,” praising how easy and safe it felt to use.

However, no product is perfect. Some of the most constructive feedback involves the chain tension. A common theme is that the chain can come loose, especially during the initial break-in period. As one user noted, “tightening the chain is easy, but you do end up having to adjust it pretty often.” Another less common but more serious critique involved a unit that broke shortly after purchase. That user initially had trouble with customer support but did note that WEN eventually replaced the unit after a few weeks, which speaks to the company ultimately standing by its two-year warranty.

How the WEN 18-Inch 15-Amp Electric Chainsaw Stacks Up

While the WEN is a fantastic tool, the right choice always depends on your specific needs. Here’s how it compares to three distinct alternatives.

1. NEO-TEC 12” Top Handle Gas Chainsaw

The NEO-TEC is a small, gas-powered top-handle saw designed for a completely different purpose: in-tree work and maximum portability. Its primary advantage is being a compact, cordless gas saw that an arborist can use while climbing. Compared to the WEN, it has a much smaller 12-inch bar and less raw power from its 25.4cc engine. A user might choose the NEO-TEC if their main job is pruning high branches and they need the freedom of a gas engine in a lightweight form factor. However, for ground-level felling and bucking, the WEN 18-Inch 15-Amp Electric Chainsaw offers far more power, a larger cutting capacity, and none of the noise, fumes, or maintenance headaches of a 2-stroke engine.

2. Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Chainsaw 4.0Ah

The Greenworks 40V is the WEN’s closest competitor in terms of function but differs in power source. It offers the ultimate freedom of a cordless, battery-powered design, allowing you to work anywhere without being tethered. Its 16-inch bar is slightly smaller but still very capable. The trade-off is runtime and cost. The Greenworks saw’s 4.0Ah battery will provide excellent power for a limited time, likely 30-45 minutes of intermittent cutting, before needing a lengthy recharge. A homeowner who values total mobility above all else and has smaller, quicker jobs would prefer the Greenworks. Someone who needs to work for extended periods and wants consistent, peak power for big cleanup jobs will find the WEN’s unlimited runtime more practical and its price far more attractive.

3. Greenworks 60V 10″ Cordless Pole Saw 2.0Ah

This Greenworks tool isn’t a direct alternative but rather a complementary one. It is a specialized pole saw designed exclusively for trimming high branches from the safety of the ground. With its 10-inch bar on an extendable shaft, it provides reach that a standard chainsaw like the WEN cannot. You would choose the pole saw for pruning fruit trees or removing hazardous dead branches high overhead. You would choose the WEN for everything else—processing the branches once they’re on the ground, felling the entire tree, or cutting firewood. They are two different tools for two very different stages of tree maintenance.

Our Final Verdict: Is the WEN 18-Inch 15-Amp Electric Chainsaw Right for You?

After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the WEN 18-Inch 15-Amp Electric Chainsaw offers an almost unbelievable amount of power and capability for its price. It successfully bridges the gap between underpowered electric models of the past and cumbersome gas saws, providing a perfect solution for the modern homeowner. It’s powerful enough to handle serious storm cleanup, quiet enough not to annoy the entire neighborhood, and simple enough that you’ll actually want to use it. Its main limitations are the physical tether of the power cord and a chain that likes frequent attention, but these are small trade-offs for the immense value it provides.

If you’re a homeowner with access to electricity and you need to tackle fallen trees, process a winter’s worth of firewood, or clear out stubborn brush, this chainsaw is one of the best investments you can make for your property. It replaces hassle with efficiency and roaring noise with productive power. For its intended purpose, the WEN CP1518 isn’t just good; it’s outstanding. You can check the latest price and secure one for your tool shed today.