Electricity's tough to find out in the middle of the woods, but when cutting projects are within reach of an outlet, an electric chain saw such as the Makita UC4000 is a good choice. With no gas to worry about, using the saw is as simple as plugging it in, depressing the lock button and pulling the trigger.

The high-efficiency 13-amp motor drives the 16-inch cutting bar with a solid amount of power, and includes a large fan that keeps the motor cool. The fact that it runs on AC power doesn't mean the Makita UC4000 electric chain saw skimps when it comes to safety precautions. Just like its gas-powered cousins, the saw features a SafetyMatic chain brake, which stops the chain in a fraction of a second in case of kickback.

The unit's small size, light weight (only 9 pounds) and simple design, including an inline motor, make for a balanced, easy-to-maneuver machine. The Makita UC4000 electric chain saw comes with a 1-year warranty.