CRAFTSMAN Electric Chainsaw, 16 Inch, 12 Amp Corded Chain Saw Electric, Ergonomic, Powerful Motor (CMECS600)
CRAFTSMAN
Best for
Best budget
Amazon rating
Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score
Based on 2 trusted sources
Current price
$89.00
Updated May 16, 2026 · 1 min read
Sources behind this verdict
10 reviewers weighted by source trust
The consensus
What reviewers found
Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.
Across the reviewers we read, the Craftsman CMECS600 is the default budget recommendation in this segment, regularly available at or near the $89 mark with a 16-inch bar and a 12-amp motor. r/Chainsaw threads tagged high-trust describe owners who've used the corded Craftsman for years and consider it fine for the price they paid. An r/firewood commenter, also tagged high-trust, calls the corded electric experience "quiet, don't have to work to start it, and cuts just fine" while noting it bogs in big logs and the cord/battery management adds friction.
What reviewers liked
- High-trust r/Chainsaw thread reports multi-year ownership at this price tier with no major issues
- 16-inch bar and 12-amp motor is a sensible spec for homeowner pruning and light bucking
- Amazon shows 4.4 stars across more than 2,500 reviews
- Frequently cited as the sub-$100 default by specialist-community commenters
Where it falls short
- r/homestead thread surfaces durability and starting complaints
- r/firewood commenters note it bogs down on big logs
- 12-amp motor is a meaningful step down from 15-amp competitors
- No high-trust independent expert lab test of this SKU in the supplied signals
Across the reviewers we read, the Craftsman CMECS600 is the default budget recommendation in this segment, regularly available at or near the $89 mark with a 16-inch bar and a 12-amp motor. r/Chainsaw threads tagged high-trust describe owners who've used the corded Craftsman for years and consider it fine for the price they paid. An r/firewood commenter, also tagged high-trust, calls the corded electric experience "quiet, don't have to work to start it, and cuts just fine" while noting it bogs in big logs and the cord/battery management adds friction. A r/BuyItForLife post even features an 80s-vintage Craftsman electric still working.
The disagreements are real. A r/homestead thread carries a "never buying Craftsman again" headline tied to hard starting and quality complaints, and that should temper expectations: this is a budget tool that has won people over for light yard work but has not built an enthusiast following. For a buyer who needs an occasional chainsaw for storm cleanup, limbing, and pruning under $100, it is the consensus value option.
- Powerful Motor
- 12-Amp motor of corded electric chainsaw helps with tough cuts
- Low Kickback
- This electric chainsaw features a 16-inch low kickback bar and chain
- Auto-Oiling
- Built-in oil window and no priming required
- Tool-Free Chain Tensioning
- Easy to adjust chain for ideal cutting performance
- Highlight 5
- 3 Year Limited Warranty, refer to "Warranty & Support" section below for full details
Bought a craftsman chorded 16 inch chainsaw. Really didn't have a problem with any of it. Learned some things. I had, what people who have a motorcycle ...
I've had a corded Craftsman for a number of years, does well for what it is and for the cost of the saw (I think I paid $65-70?). Keep the ...
Trust tier reflects our editorial assessment of the source, not the individual quote. Hover for the rationale. See how we tier sources →
“CRAFTSMAN 12 AMP” · 16 INCH ELECTRIC CHAINSAW REVIEW
If the consensus convinced you
Check current price on Amazon
Pricing and availability change frequently. Tap through to confirm before buying.