Professional Guide

Best Cordless Circular Saw for Kitchen Fitting: 2025 Expert Review

DR Joinery

Expert Joiner & Kitchen Specialist

Published 16 December 2025

Fitting a custom kitchen is one of the most demanding tasks in domestic joinery. Unlike structural carpentry, where strength is the priority, kitchen installation requires absolute precision. You are scribing end panels to uneven Victorian walls, cutting costly solid oak worktops, and trimming delicate plinths. One slip can ruin hundreds of pounds worth of material.

Working in York, I often find myself in tight galley kitchens or older terrace properties where power sockets are scarce or inconveniently placed. A reliable cordless circular saw is no longer a luxury; it is an essential piece of kit for the modern joiner. However, not all cordless saws can handle the density of a 40mm hardwood stave worktop without stalling.

In this review, I look at three options ranging from a budget-friendly starter tool to a robust quality saw capable of multi-material cutting. I assess them based on accuracy, power, and their ability to produce the clean, chip-free cuts required for high-end kitchen installations.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "High RPM & Wattage Claims"

The Theory

"Budget manufacturers often claim massive RPM (6000+) and wattage equivalent to mains power."

The Reality

On site, torque matters more than free-spinning speed. High RPM is useless if the motor bogs down the moment it touches a solid oak worktop. Quality motors maintain speed under load.

The Spec: "Included Blades"

The Theory

"The saw comes 'ready to cut' with a stock blade."

The Reality

Stock blades are often coarse (24 tooth) and suitable for ripping studwork, not fine joinery. For kitchen end panels and laminates, you must upgrade to a fine-tooth blade (40T+) to avoid chipping the melamine face.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

Bellanny 18V Cordless Circular Saw, 3000W 6700RPM Electric Circular Saw

Budget Pick

Bellanny

This is an entry-level option suited for DIYers tackling light trimming tasks. Whilst it boasts high specs on paper, it is best reserved for cutting plinths, kickboards, and thinner backing panels rather than heavy worktops.

Price£49.99 (at time of writing)

Max Cut Depth40mm

Battery2 x 2.0Ah included

The Good

Very affordable price point including two batteries
Lightweight for overhead work or awkward angles
Sufficient for cutting MDF filler panels and plinths

The Bad

40mm depth is the absolute limit for standard worktops (leaves no margin for error)
Nylon body feels less robust than trade-standard tools
Included batteries (2.0Ah) will drain quickly under heavy load

Installer Tip:

Because the depth of cut maxes out at 40mm, double-check your worktop thickness. If fitting a standard 38mm or 40mm top, ensure the blade is fully lowered. For cleaner cuts on melamine, put masking tape over the cut line before sawing.

Priced at £49.99 at the time of writing

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Evolution Power Tools R165CCS-Li Circular Saw Cordless 18v Lithium Ion EXT

Quality Pick

Evolution Power Tools

Evolution has built a solid reputation in the UK trade for reliable tools. This saw stands out because of its multi-material blade and deeper 55mm cut capacity, making it the only one here I would trust with a solid oak worktop or cutting through reused timbers that might hide old nails.

Price£144.00 (at time of writing)

Blade TypeMulti-Material TCT

Max Cut Depth55mm (adjustable)

FeaturesLED Light, Dust Port, Bevel Tilt

The Good

55mm depth of cut easily handles standard kitchen worktops
Multi-material blade saves changing blades if you hit a hidden screw
LED light and dust blower improve visibility on scribed lines

The Bad

Heavier than the budget options
Significantly more expensive investment

Installer Tip:

Connect a vacuum to the dust extraction port when cutting inside a finished home. MDF dust is fine and pervasive; this saw's extraction is decent and will save you a lot of cleanup time in the customer's new kitchen.

Priced at £144.00 at the time of writing

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Ryobi R18CSP-0 18V ONE+ Cordless 150mm Circular Saw (Bare Tool)

Problem-solving Pick

RYOBI

Ryobi's strength lies in the ONE+ system. If you already own Ryobi drills (common for many keen DIYers and handymen), this body-only unit is a smart addition. Ideally sized for manoeuvring inside cabinet carcasses to cut access holes for pipes or modify shelving.

Price£95.99 (at time of writing)

Blade Size150mm

Bevel Capacity0-56 degrees

RPM4,700

The Good

Part of the massive ONE+ battery system
Impressive 56-degree bevel for complex joinery angles
Compact size sits nicely in the hand for prolonged use

The Bad

Sold as a 'bare tool' - batteries not included
150mm blade is slightly smaller than the standard 165mm

Installer Tip:

This saw is fantastic for 'scribing'—cutting the filler panel to match a wonky wall. Use a compass to mark the wall's profile onto your filler, then use this Ryobi to carefully cut slightly back from the line (back-cutting) to ensure a tight fit against the plaster.

Priced at £95.99 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a cordless circular saw to cut kitchen worktops?

Yes, but power is key. For solid oak or beech worktops (40mm thick), you need a saw with high torque (like the Evolution model) and a fresh, sharp blade. A budget saw may struggle and burn the wood. Always use a minimum 4.0Ah battery to ensure you can complete a long cut without losing power.

What happens if I hit a nail whilst cutting reused timber?

If you are renovating a period property in York, you often encounter hidden nails in old floorboards or studwork. Standard blades will chip or shatter. A multi-material blade (TCT), like the one found on the Evolution saw, is designed to cut through embedded nails without destroying the blade teeth.

How do I prevent chipping whilst cutting laminate kitchen doors?

To get a clean finish on melamine or high-gloss doors: 1) Cut with the 'good' face down so the blade teeth cut into the surface rather than exiting it. 2) Apply masking tape along the cut line. 3) Use a fine-tooth blade (minimum 40 teeth). A distinct advantage of professional joinery is knowing how to dress these cuts afterwards if needed.

Why does the depth of cut matter for kitchen fitting?

Standard UK kitchen worktops are typically 38mm or 40mm thick. A saw with a 40mm max depth is cutting it very fine (literally). I recommend a saw with at least 50mm capacity to clear the material comfortably and allow for straight-edge guides, which eat up a few millimetres of depth.

Do I need professional installation for a custom kitchen?

While flat-pack assembly is achievable for many, a custom installation involves complex scribe work, levelling on uneven floors, and seamless worktop joints. Our team at DR Joinery ensures that expensive materials aren't wasted and that the finish lasts for years. We handle the tricky nuances of York's older properties daily.

Is a cordless saw powerful enough for all day use?

Modern brushless motors are very efficient. However, for continuous heavy ripping, you will need multiple high-capacity batteries. For a standard kitchen fit (mostly cross-cutting and trimming panels), a cordless saw is typically sufficient and far safer than trailing extension leads across a small kitchen.

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