Are Einhell Chainsaws Any Good? A Comprehensive Review

When shopping for a chainsaw, well-known brands like Stihl, Husqvarna, and Echo often dominate the conversation. But for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts, premium brands may feel like overkill in both price and power. This is where Einhell chainsaws step in as a budget-friendly, practical alternative. Many buyers wonder: Are Einhell chainsaws any good, or are they just another cheap tool?

The short answer is: Einhell chainsaws are good for light to medium-duty tasks, making them a smart choice for homeowners who want affordability, ease of use, and reliability without investing in a heavy-duty professional saw. Let’s break down the facts.

Who is Einhell? A Quick Brand Overview

Einhell is a German power tool company that has been around since the 1960s. They specialize in affordable, practical tools for home and garden use, including battery-powered chainsaws, corded electric chainsaws, and entry-level gas saws. Unlike Stihl or Husqvarna, Einhell isn’t focused on the professional logging industry but rather on casual users, DIYers, and homeowners.

Key selling point: Their Power X-Change battery system, which allows you to use the same battery across dozens of Einhell tools, from chainsaws to drills and lawnmowers. This versatility is a big advantage for homeowners already invested in the Einhell ecosystem.

Their lineup includes corded electric models like the GH-EC 1835 (15-amp, 14-inch bar), battery-powered options like the GE-LC 18 Li (18V, 10-inch bar), and petrol saws like the GC-PC 1235 I (37.2cc, 14-inch bar), priced between $100 and $300. However, they’re not built for heavy-duty logging, positioning Einhell as a competitor to brands like Black+Decker or Ryobi rather than Stihl or Husqvarna.

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Are Einhell Chainsaws Any Good?

Yes, Einhell chainsaws are good for everyday cutting jobs like trimming branches, cutting firewood, and occasional tree work. They are not designed to take down massive oaks but they excel in convenience, affordability, and practicality.

Here’s a breakdown of why they’re considered a solid option:

1. Affordability

Einhell chainsaws are often priced 30–50% cheaper than big-name brands. This makes them an excellent option for people who don’t need professional-grade performance but still want a dependable tool.

2. Lightweight & Easy to Handle

Most Einhell models are compact and lightweight, making them easier for beginners to control compared to heavy gas-powered saws. This also helps reduce fatigue during longer jobs.

3. Battery Convenience

Their cordless models are powered by Power X-Change batteries, which offer decent runtime for light tasks. Being cordless also means less noise, zero fumes, and no fuel mixing—all major safety and convenience benefits.

4. Safety Features

Einhell chainsaws come with built-in safety features like chain brakes, low-kickback chains, and hand guards, giving beginners peace of mind.

5. Good for Occasional Use

If you only cut firewood on weekends or clear storm debris occasionally, Einhell chainsaws are more than enough. They are not overengineered, which keeps costs low but still ensures functionality.

Performance: Do Einhell Chainsaws Deliver the Power You Need?

Einhell chainsaws provide solid performance for light to medium tasks, but they’re not powerhouses, per 2025 reviews. The GH-EC 1835 corded electric saw, with its 15-amp motor, cuts through branches up to 10-12 inches in softwoods like pine but struggles with denser hardwoods like oak, taking longer cuts. Battery models like the GE-LC 18 Li (18V) offer portability for pruning, delivering up to 30-40 cuts per 3Ah battery charge on small limbs (4-6 inches), but runtime drops in thicker wood.

Petrol options like the GC-PC 1235 I (37.2cc) provide more torque for firewood cutting (up to 12-inch logs), with users noting its “brutal performance” for the price. Overall, Einhell chainsaws excel for occasional home use but may bog down in demanding jobs, scoring 4/5 in efficiency for entry-level users.

Quality and Features: What Sets Einhell Chainsaws Apart?

Einhell chainsaws emphasize user-friendly features at an affordable price point, per 2025 DIYGarden.co.uk reviews. Most models include Oregon bars and chains for reliable cutting, automatic oilers to reduce friction, and vibration-dampening handles for comfort during extended use. The Power X-Change battery system in cordless models like the FORTEXXA 18/30 allows quick swaps across Einhell tools, with brushless motors in higher-end versions for longer life and efficiency.

Safety features like chain brakes and low-kickback chains (ANSI B175.1-compliant) help mitigate risks, though some users note the plastic construction feels less premium than Stihl’s metal builds. Einhell’s GC-PC 1235 I petrol saw includes a QuickStart system for easy ignition, but lacks advanced anti-vibration tech found in pricier brands. For budget buyers, Einhell’s features provide good value, but they’re not as refined as competitors like Makita or DeWalt.

Reliability: Can You Count on Einhell Chainsaws?

Einhell chainsaws are generally reliable for casual use, with a 2-3 year warranty on most models, per Einhell.co.uk. Users on Amazon report the GH-EC 2040 electric saw lasting 3-5 years with occasional pruning, praising its “powerful and reliable” motor, but some mention chain jams after 100-200 hours if not maintained. Battery models like the GE-LC 36/35 Li receive positive feedback for their fast-charging Power X-Change batteries (1 hour for 4Ah), but runtime (20-30 minutes heavy use) limits them for big jobs.

Petrol saws like the GC-PC 1235 I earn mixed reviews, with some users noting “good value for money” for light work but durability issues like carburetor clogs after 50-100 hours if using ethanol fuel. Overall, Einhell scores 4/5 in reliability for home users but may not hold up for professional demands

Limitations of Einhell Chainsaws

While Einhell chainsaws are a solid choice for homeowners, they do have limitations worth noting:

• Not for heavy-duty logging – Large trees or hardwood felling is best left to Stihl or Husqvarna.
• Battery runtime is limited – For bigger jobs, you’ll need spare batteries or frequent recharges.
• Durability is mid-range – While decent, they won’t last as long as high-end pro-grade chainsaws under constant use.
• Chain speed lower than gas models – Cuts may be slightly slower, especially on thick logs.

Verdict: They’re great for light cutting tasks, but not meant for professional logging or daily use.

Einhell Chainsaws vs. Premium Brands

Feature	Einhell Chainsaws	Premium Brands (Stihl, Husqvarna)
Price	Budget-friendly	Expensive
Durability	Good for casual use	Professional-grade durability
Power	Light to medium	Medium to heavy-duty
Weight	Lightweight	Heavier models available
Target Audience	Homeowners, DIYers	Professionals, serious cutters

If you’re a casual user, Einhell makes sense. But if you’re cutting daily or dealing with massive trees, investing in a premium brand is a better long-term decision.

Top Einhell Chainsaw Models

Based on 2025 reviews from Pickbest.co.uk, DIYGarden.co.uk, and Amazon:

• Einhell GH-EC 1835 Corded Electric (14-inch bar, $100-$150): Compact and powerful for pruning, with automatic oiler and Oregon chain, ideal for beginners.
• Einhell GE-LC 18 Li Cordless Battery (10-inch bar, $150-$200): Portable for light tasks, part of Power X-Change system, cuts 6-8 inch branches.
• Einhell GC-PC 1235 I Petrol (14-inch bar, $200-$250): Good value for medium firewood cutting, with QuickStart, but mixed durability reviews.
• Einhell FORTEXXA 18/30 Battery (12-inch bar, $200-$300): Brushless motor for longer life, cuts 8-10 inch limbs.

These models suit budget users for home maintenance.

Conclusion | Are Einhell Chainsaws Worth It?

Einhell chainsaws are good for the right audience. They are perfect for homeowners who want an affordable, lightweight, and safe tool for yard work, pruning, and firewood. While they don’t compete with professional-grade saws in raw power or durability, they offer excellent value for the price.

If you want a budget-friendly chainsaw for light to moderate use, Einhell is definitely worth considering. If you’re a professional logger or need a tool for daily, heavy-duty work, you should look at higher-end brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Einhell chainsaws reliable?

Yes. Einhell chainsaws are reliable for light to medium-duty tasks such as pruning, cutting firewood, and storm cleanup. They may not match the durability of pro-grade saws but are dependable for occasional home use.

How long does an Einhell battery last?

Most Einhell Power X-Change batteries last between 30–45 minutes of cutting time, depending on wood thickness. For longer projects, having an extra battery is recommended.

Is Einhell a good brand compared to Stihl or Husqvarna?

Einhell is not designed to compete with professional logging brands like Stihl or Husqvarna. Instead, it focuses on providing budget-friendly, easy-to-use chainsaws for homeowners and DIY users.

Can Einhell chainsaws cut large trees?

No. Einhell chainsaws are best for small to medium trees and branches. Cutting very large hardwoods should be left to more powerful gas chainsaws.

Do Einhell chainsaws come with safety features?

Yes. Einhell chainsaws include chain brakes, hand guards, and low-kickback chains, making them safer for beginners and casual users.

Are Einhell chainsaws good value for money?

Absolutely. They are affordable, lightweight, and practical, making them a great investment for anyone who doesn’t need a professional-grade chainsaw.

Are Cheap Chinese Chainsaws Any Good?

You may be surprised to learn that there are a number of decent quality chainsaws made in China. In fact, many major manufacturers source some or all of their components from Chinese suppliers. However, the vast majority of these products are designed for the domestic market and are not intended for sale in Western countries.