BLACK+DECKER 12 Amp 16 in. Electric Chainsaw (CS1216)
Best for
Best lightweight
Amazon rating
Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score
Current price
$89.00
Updated May 16, 2026 · 1 min read
Sources behind this verdict
4 reviewers weighted by source trust
The consensus
What reviewers found
Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.
Across the reviewers we read, the Black+Decker CS1216 reads as the lightweight, plug-and-go option in this group. Verified-purchase Home Depot reviewers consistently describe it as lightweight, powerful enough for small-to-medium homeowner jobs, and easy to use. thesawguy.com calls it a favorite electric for small to moderately sized cutting tasks.
What reviewers liked
- Verified-purchase Home Depot reviewers consistently flag it as light and easy to handle
- thesawguy.com describes it as one of their favorite electrics for small-to-medium jobs
- Solid 4.4 Amazon average across 638 reviews
- 16-inch bar is generous for a 12-amp saw at this price
Where it falls short
- 12-amp motor will bog on larger hardwood, a recurring theme across r/firewood threads for this class
- No r/Chainsaw discussion of this exact model in the supplied signals, thinner specialist-community data than competitors
- No high-trust independent expert lab review in the supplied signals
- Like all corded saws, mobility is limited by extension-cord reach and gauge
Across the reviewers we read, the Black+Decker CS1216 reads as the lightweight, plug-and-go option in this group. Verified-purchase Home Depot reviewers consistently describe it as lightweight, powerful enough for small-to-medium homeowner jobs, and easy to use. thesawguy.com calls it a favorite electric for small to moderately sized cutting tasks. Walmart verified-purchase reviewers describe it as easy to assemble and capable, with a note to handle it carefully.
The limits are the limits of the spec. With a 12-amp motor and the same 16-inch bar as the Craftsman, it is best at limbing, pruning, and bucking smaller rounds rather than serious firewood work. The supplied data has no r/Chainsaw threads for this specific model, so the synthesis here leans on retailer verified reviews and a single expert blog rather than specialist-community consensus, which is why it sits at the bottom of our ranking despite a positive sentiment.
- Highlight 1
- POWERFUL 12 AMP MOTOR – Provides enough power to cut through branches and logs.
- Highlight 2
- LOW-KICKBACK BAR AND CHAIN – For fast, smooth operation from any cutting orientation.
- Highlight 3
- TOOL-FREE CHAIN TENSIONING – Make quick and easy chain adjustments without needing any extra tools.
- Highlight 4
- AUTOMATIC OILING SYSTEM – Supplies the bar and chain with continuous lubrication.
- Highlight 5
- CLEAR WINDOW – Easily view the oil level.
- Highlight 6
- CORDED – Corded design offers unlimited runtime for even the biggest jobs.
- Highlight 7
- INCLUDES – (1) chainsaw, (1) scabbard.
“"12A Electric Chainsaw (CS1216)". ESSENTIAL details.” · YouTube
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