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Ego Power+ CS1800 Review

One of the best options if you're looking for bar length, battery life, and tool-free chain tensioning
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Ego Power+ CS1800 Review (The Ego Power+ CS1800 has one of the most easily adjustable and changeable chains that we've seen.)
The Ego Power+ CS1800 has one of the most easily adjustable and changeable chains that we've seen.
Price:  $399 List
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Manufacturer:   Ego
By Ross Patton and Chris McNamara  ⋅  Apr 2, 2024
80
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#2 of 13
  • Saw Performance - 35% 8.5
  • Ease of Use - 30% 8.0
  • Battery - 25% 8.0
  • Noise - 5% 6.6
  • Weight - 5% 6.2

Our Verdict

Earning one of our top spots, the Ego Power+ CS1800 is the value pick in our best chainsaw review. It didn't perform as well as the EGO Power+ CS2005, but it is much lighter, less expensive, and maybe all the saw you need. If battery life is important, this saw is the way to go. The battery outlasts most of the competition and is relatively quick to charge, especially considering the size, voltage, and amp hour rating. We also love that this model's tool-free chain tensioning system is essentially self-explanatory and has bright LED lights. It has metal bucking spikes to help you pry the extra-long 18-inch bar and chain through those bigger cuts.
REASONS TO BUY
Top-notch cutting performance
Long-lasting battery
Easy chain tensioning system
Affordable
REASONS TO AVOID
So-so wind-up time
Editor's Note: We updated this review on April 2, 2024, with new comparisons to the latest Ego saw, the CS2005.

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Bottom Line If you want an easy-to-use cordless electric chainsaw with a long-lasting battery and a long bar this is the oneA battery-powered model with exceptional cutting performance and boost modeIf you want a saw with a battery that charges in a matter of minutes, then this is the oneA decent battery-powered chainsaw that falls about in the middle of the pack for overall performanceIf you're in the market for a 20 volt model, this saw does the trick for quick and small jobs
Rating Categories Ego Power+ CS1800 Husqvarna Power Axe... Greenworks Pro 80V Ego Power+ CS1613 Worx WG322
Saw Performance (35%)
8.5
9.0
8.5
6.5
5.5
Ease of Use (30%)
8.0
8.0
6.0
8.0
7.0
Battery (25%)
8.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
4.0
Noise (5%)
6.6
7.6
6.9
6.3
7.9
Weight (5%)
6.2
6.3
6.0
6.4
9.4
Specs Ego Power+ CS1800 Husqvarna Power Axe... Greenworks Pro 80V Ego Power+ CS1613 Worx WG322
Model Number CS1800 350i GCS80420 CS1613 WG322
Bar Length 18 inches 18 inches 18 inches 16 inches 10 inches
Measured Average Cutting Time 5.876 seconds 7.07 seconds 5.32 seconds 7.21 seconds 38.382 seconds
Measured Battery Charge Time 1.5 hr 2.75 hr .5 hr .8 hr 3 hr
Measured Weight 14 lbs, 11 oz 14 lbs, 6 oz 15 lbs, 2 oz 14 lbs, 3 oz 6 lbs, 10 oz
Measured Battery Weight 4 lbs, 13 oz 4 lbs, 2 oz 3 lbs, 8 oz 4 lbs, 12 oz 1 lbs, 10 oz
Measured Body Dimesions 16x9x8 inches 18.5 x 8 x 6 inches 14x9x7.5 inches 17 x 8 x 6.5 inches 13x8x7.5 inches
Included Battery Size 5 Ah 7.7Ah 2 Ah 4Ah 2 Ah
Nominal Voltage 56V 36V 80V 56V 20V
Measured Runtime 60 minutes 51 minutes 27 minutes 25 minutes 22 minutes
Measured Run Time Eco Mode n/a 67 mins n/a n/a n/a
Measured Wind Up Time 1.25 seconds .25 seconds 1.15 seconds .5 seconds 2 seconds
Measured Decibel Reading at 48in 88.8 dBa 82.1 dBa 86.8 dBa 90.6 dBa 80.0 dBa
Control Type Side safety w/ chain brake Electronic button, palm safety, and chain brake Electronic button, side safety, and brake side safety w/ chain brake Thumb safety
Chain Replacement and Tensioning Type Tool Free Tool free Tool free Tool free Tool free
Metal Bucking Spikes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Oil Conservation 8 9 6 8 8
Bar & Chain Tank Location and Type Side, Screen Side Top Side, Screen Top

Our Analysis and Test Results

When it comes to cordless chainsaws, it is hard to beat the Ego Power+ CS1800. This high-performing wood-eating machine has one of the longest bars of any cordless electric chainsaw in the industry, meaning that you can tackle jobs that were once thought to be impossible with a battery-operated saw. The designers of the CS1800 thought to include some clever features such as metal bucking spikes, a debris screen on the oil tank, and an LED light for those tasks that require a little more illumination. Not only does this tool have a great look and feel to it, but it's also very easy to use. If you don't want to mess with tools to change, tighten, or loosen a chain, this Ego is a great choice.

Performance Comparison


ego power+ cs1800 - the 18-inch ego power+ cs1800 was a top performer.
The 18-inch Ego Power+ CS1800 was a top performer.
Credit: Chris McNamara

Saw Performance


We tested how well each saw made cuts side-by-side with the other saws in our review. The Ego Power+ CS1800 sliced most of the competition to pieces during this portion of the assessment, which accounts for 35% of the total score.


For the first portion of this metric, we bought 4"x4" Douglas Fir from the lumber yard and stacked them into a diamond shape on a sawbuck to be sure that we had a uniform 8"x8" “fake log” for each saw. The Ego Power+ CS1800 was one of the fastest models with an average cut time of 5.876 seconds. It also has a just ok windup time — the time it takes to get the chain from stop to full speed. Between these two attributes, this machine can get tasks done very quickly.


We also wanted to see how each saw did in the real world, so we took them out to a few local trail restoration projects to volunteer some time in the woods.

ego power+ cs1800 - we love the way this model performs in the forest.
We love the way this model performs in the forest.

Once we used the CS1800 in a real-world testing situation, we were thrilled about this model. The 18-inch bar helps to cut through massive logs that many other cordless electric chainsaws simply are not capable of reaching across.

ego power+ cs1800 - that extra few inches of bar length can make a big difference when...
That extra few inches of bar length can make a big difference when it counts.

Ease of Use


Operating a chainsaw can already be a daunting and dangerous task, so the last thing you want is for the machine itself to be complicated to operate. For this reason, we dedicated 30% of the total score to this metric.


When it comes to tool-free tensioning systems, the Ego Power+ CS1800 has one of the most straightforward designs that we've seen. There are clear diagrams on the side of the saw that just about anyone can understand. You simply turn the dial one way to tighten the chain, then the other to lock it in place. We were able to remove the bar in seconds. Some other top chainsaws require prying out a tool and loosening two nuts, which takes much longer.

The Ego Power+ CS1800 features a tool-free chain tensioning system, allowing for quick and easy bar removal and installation.
Credit: Chris McNamara

ego power+ cs1800 - the ego power+ cs1800 has one of the most easily adjustable and...
The Ego Power+ CS1800 has one of the most easily adjustable and changeable chains that we've seen.

Another innovative feature added to the Ego Power+ CS1800 is the LED lights that light up the cutting area. This is great for people who love to work early in the morning or into the dusk, but it is also an added safety measure in case you ever need to cut a downed tree out of the way of a back road or something similar in the dead of night.

Showing the light on the Ego 18-inch chainsaw.
Credit: Chris McNamara

ego power+ cs1800 - the led light and metal bucking spikes on the cs1800 add to its...
The LED light and metal bucking spikes on the CS1800 add to its overall ease of use.
Credit: Ross Patton

We weren't overly thrilled by the location of the battery for this model, as it does take two hands to install or remove. In contrast, in a few other models, you can use one hand to take it out or snap it back in on the workbench, but it's definitely not something that we consider to be a deal-breaker. As we mention below, there are some benefits to how the batteries attach.

The battery on this saw is a bit awkward to install and remove, but...
The battery on this saw is a bit awkward to install and remove, but once in place it's well balanced.
The battery slot for this model is in a bit of an awkward place, but...
The battery slot for this model is in a bit of an awkward place, but you get used to it.

Battery


To test battery life, we divided the metric into two halves. First, we ran each chainsaw without a load at full throttle, stopped the timer to add bar and chain oil every fifteen minutes then started it all up again until the machines were completely out of juice.


This is one place where the CS1800 really shines — thanks to the 56V 5Ah battery coupled with Ego's innovations in the world of electric technology, this model lasted a full 60 minutes during our assessment.


For the second half of the test, we took the completely dead batteries and charged them up while carefully watching with a stopwatch. The Power+ 1800 had one of the fastest times during our time trials for this comparison at 1.5 hours.


ego power+ cs1800 - with a battery this big, it's no wonder the cs1800 lasts so long.
With a battery this big, it's no wonder the CS1800 lasts so long.

This saw is compatible with at least 3 sizes of Ego batteries. This is ideal if you want to have a variety of different battery sizes for a variety of different tools. Other saws we tested are only compatible with one battery size. In addition, Ego has one of the broadest selection of cordless electric tools. The battery that comes with this saw will work with at least 10 other tools, including a pole saw, snowblower and even a portable generator. Most other top-rated cordless electric chainsaws have far fewer tools with which their batteries are compatible.

Noise


The remaining 10% of our total score is dedicated to the noise levels produced by each cordless electric chainsaw. We used a sound pressure level meter from 48" away to measure the levels you would be subjected to in order to gain some numeric values. Then, we had a panel of judges decide if there were any annoying or bothersome noises coming from each model. At 88.8 decibels, the CS1800 scored about in the middle of the pack for this metric.


Weight


The CS1800 isn't the lightest saw we've tested, but it's far from the heaviest. If you're aiming to prune small branches or tackle lighter DIY projects, a lighter way would be ideal, but the weight of this model is perfectly fine for cutting firewood or felling medium-sized trees.


Should You Buy The Ego Power+ CS1800?


The Ego Power+ CS1800 is the right model for the person who wants a powerful saw that is very easy to operate at a good price. If you don't want to mess with tools when it comes time to tension the chain, this model's system is a no-brainer to master. The battery lasts longer than most of the competition while still recharging relatively quickly. To top it off, it is substantially more affordable than the priciest models, you can buy relatively cheap replacement batteries, and there are hundreds of other Ego tools that the batteries work with.

What Other Chainsaw Should You Consider?


If you just care about performance and don't mind a little more weight and money, the EGO Power+ CS2005 is the top saw. The Husqvarna Power Axe 350i performed a little better and has the advantage of a “boost mode” that draws extra juice from the battery and produces faster cuts than the 1800. It is also a little lighter. However, the 350i is more expensive and there are not nearly as many other tools that the Husky batteries work with compared to the Ego. If you like the idea of a quick-charge battery, the Greenworks Pro 80V is the way to go. Many people are looking for a compact saw to make backyard maintenance and smaller jobs easier than a hand saw. If this is you, check out the Worx WG322.

Ross Patton and Chris McNamara
 

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