STIHL MS 250
#19 in GasFull review
A light, well proven firewood saw for homeowners who cut in cold winters.
STIHL $429.99$429.99
The STIHL MS 250 is the better chainsaw overall, rated 2.9 to 2.8. The STIHL MS 250 leads on power and weight. The STIHL MS 212 C-BE wins on value. The STIHL MS 212 C-BE costs $50 less ($379.99 vs $429.99).
STIHL MS 212 C-BE
#20 in GasFull review
A comfortable 18 in homeowner saw for buyers who value easy starting and tool free chain tension over raw power.
STIHL $379.99$379.99
Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the STIHL MS 250 for power (45.4 cc engine vs 38.6 cc engine) and weight (10.1 lb (powerhead) vs 10.8 lb (powerhead)).
- Choose the STIHL MS 212 C-BE for value ($21.11 per inch of bar ($379.99, 18 in bar) vs $23.89 per inch of bar ($429.99, 18 in bar)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every gas chainsaw; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | STIHL MS 250 | STIHL MS 212 C-BE |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 2.9/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Value 30% | 36 $23.89 per inch of bar ($429.99, 18 in bar) | 47 $21.11 per inch of bar ($379.99, 18 in bar) |
| Power 25% | 42 45.4 cc engine | 14 38.6 cc engine |
| Weight 15% | 84 10.1 lb (powerhead) | 74 10.8 lb (powerhead) |
| Bar 10% | 75 18 in bar | 75 18 in bar |
| Warranty 20% | 0 1-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| STIHL MS 250 | STIHL MS 212 C-BE | |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting | ||
| Bar length | 18 in | 18 in |
| Chain pitch | .325 in (RM3) | - |
| Tool-free chain tension | No | Yes |
| Power | ||
| Engine or battery | 45.4 cc, 3 hp | 38.6 cc, 2.4 hp |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 10.1 lb (powerhead) | 10.8 lb (powerhead) |
| Anti-vibration | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |