Are you looking for an electric tiller? Look no further! In this post, we will compare some of the best electric tillers on the market. We will also discuss the benefits of using an electric tiller over a gas-powered tiller.
So, whether you are a beginner gardener or an experienced one, read on to learn more about electric tillers and find the perfect one for you!
We spent hours researching to find the best electric tillers available online. Below is a quick overview of the ones we’ve found.
In case you’d like a more detailed on each product, please feel free to read our product review section along with our buying guide.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Best Overall Corded  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best Overall Cordless  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best Budget Friendly  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best Compact Corded  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best Compact Cordless  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Table of Contents
| Topic | Page |
| Quick Introduction to Electric Tillers | 2 |
| Electric Tiller Buying Guide – Kinds of Tiller – Manual – Gas – Electric – Features of an Electric Tiller – Power Output – Tine Specifications – Number of Blades – Layout / Position – Shape – Cutting Depth – Maintenance and Safety Tips | 3 – 5 |
| Best Electric Tillers Reviewed – Best Overall Corded Tiller – Sun Joe TJ604E – Best Overall Cordless Tiller – Greenworks 27062Best – Budget Friendly Tiller – WEN TC0714 – Best Compact Corded Tiller – Earthwise TC70025 – Best Compact Cordless Tiller – BLACK+DECKER LGC120 | 6 – 10 |
| Bonus Products | 11 |
| FAQ | 12 |
| Conclusion | 13 |
Quick Introduction to Electric Tillers
Electric tillers are gardening tools used to break up dirt that is hard and compacted into loose soil which makes it easier for plants to grow. Electric tillers have been around for decades and are very common among home garden owners because of the convenience and efficiency compared to manual tillers.
Tillers come in all shapes, sizes and prices which can be confusing for some people not familiar with the industry. So, we put together reviews of the best electric tillers and a buying guide which we recommend you check out especially if this is your first time buying an electric tiller.
So without further adieu, let’s get into the world of electric tillers, their different variants, features and the ones we recommend the most.
Electric Tiller Buying Guide
Kinds of Tiller
The best method to categorize tillers is through their power sources. Each one of these has their own history and modern day applications which we believe are important.
Manual Tiller
Also known as hand tillers, these are the oldest variant and by far the most common due to their low cost, low maintenance and ruggedness. These serve similar functions as gardening hoes or mattocks where the effectiveness of the cut you want depends on how strong you are. There are manual rotary tillers available that are crank operated or operate with momentum as you push the tiller through the dirt.
Gas Tiller
These are the most powerful variants and are very common for large gardens and small scale farms. The gas powered tiller has seen extensive use in the 20th century and is capable of clearing larger areas faster compared to electric or manual tillers. Gas tillers are significantly heavier, louder and oftentimes more expensive than electric models making them uncommon amongst homeowners. Gas tillers also give off harmful fumes and can be loud.
Electric Tiller
These are the newest variants to enter the market and are seeing rising popularity with homeowners as the technology gets cheaper. Electric tillers are the primary alternative to gas tillers and manual tillers for several reasons. In a backyard garden setting, they offer similar efficiency as a gas tiller without the harmful fumes, loud noise and high maintenance costs. Electric tillers are either corded or battery powered which are ideal for small to medium gardens.
Features of Electric Tillers
Power & Speed Output
The maximum speed of an electric tiller is measured in rpm or rotations per minute. Most models have speeds of 200 to 400 rpm. However, this depends on the amperage and battery capacity.
This leads us to power output. The general rule of thumb for corded models is that the more amperage or Amps, the stronger the motor. Meanwhile for battery powered models, the higher the amp hour or Ah, the more power the model is capable of giving out.
Tine Specifications
- Number of Blades
Depending on the model, an electric tiller can have anywhere from 4 to 8 tines with 2 blades per tine. The more blades the tiller has, the faster it will cut into the earth.
- Layout / Position
Most electric tillers have their tines set up parallel to each other with the blades in alternating positions. This layout helps in keeping the efficiency of the cuts, tilling the most amount of dirt as possible.
In tiller design, there are tillers that have their tines in front of the wheels, behind the wheels and some have no wheels at all. The most common one being the front tine design because it offers the most maneuverability. Rear tine designs have the blades located behind the wheel and prevent the tilled soil from being run over by the wheels. The tiller design with no wheels can be considered the lightest but can be unwieldy. This design lets the tines propel themselves forward when in operation but this requires some strength and practice to control.
- Shape
The shape of the tines on a tiller depend per brand with some following the more traditional cross shape with others following their own design. Examples of untraditional tine design include tines that look similar to circular saw blades that help the efficiency of tilling and serrated downward-facing tines that counter rotate making an almost blending motion when tilling.
Tilling Depth & Width
The cutting depth of an electric tiller depends on the length of the individual blade and the angle at which the tines are located.On average, electric tillers can have cutting depths of 4 to 8 inches depending on the model.
Having a tiller with a wider cut allows you to till more land but it’s important to note how big of a plot of land you want tilled. If you have a smaller backyard garden, you probably don’t need the wider models but if you have a dedicated vegetable patch, then you should definitely consider it.
Maintenance & Safety Tips
Electric tillers are relatively easy to maintain as far as electric gardening tools go although there are some guidelines you should follow as these can be potentially hazardous. Here are a couple of tips you can follow.
- First and foremost, read and understand the users manual. You should definitely follow any specific maintenance instructions the manufacturer has for the model. This is also for you to find any features on your electric tiller that you may not know yet.
- Try as much as possible to remove stones, sticks and other foreign objects that might damage or obstruct the blades.
- Make sure to check the plot of earth that you want tilled before starting. Check for any buried pipes and wires that may get in the way and cause some serious issues.
- Electric tillers will be tossing around a lot of dirt when in operation. Make sure to wear eye protection to prevent any dirt from getting in your eye.
- Although you can till on moist ground, avoid tilling on newly wet soil. Tilling on wet soil can overwork the motor and wet soil will most likely remain compact when it dries. Plus the mud will get everywhere, possibly including any electronic component of the tiller.
- The tines on an electric tiller will be spinning very fast when in operation. It is essential that you keep any pets, kids and limbs away from the direction of the tines to avoid any accidents.
- Make sure to clean off the dirt on the tines after every use. Most models allow you to wash the blades after use but you should take care not to get the electronic components such as the battery or socket wet.
- Store the electric tiller in a dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight. If you own a battery powered model, you should keep the battery fully charged every 3 months when not in use.
Best Electric Tillers Reviewed
Overall Best Electric Garden Tiller
Sun Joe TJ604E
Specifications:
- 13.5 amp motor
- 370 RPM max cutting speed
- Cutting depth: 8 inches
- Cutting width: 16 inches
- No. of tines: 6 steel angled tines
- 27.1 lbs
Features:
- Adjustable wheel positions
- Folding handle bars for easy storage
- 2 year warranty
Overview:
Sun Joe offers users a reliable corded electric tiller great for backyard gardens and vegetable patches.
This electric tiller boasts a powerful 13.5 amp motor that turns its 6 steel tines at 370 RPM that’s sure to make short work of hard soil. Put on top of that a 16 inch cutting width and 8 inch cutting depth and you have a very capable tiller for homeowners looking to get serious about gardening.
It’s low maintenance and easy storage make it a very convenient choice for homeowners who need a gardening tool you can use and not worry about afterwards. Combined with its 2 year warranty and relatively affordable price tag make this electric tiller a good place to start looking.
Check out the Sun Joe TJ604E here:
Overall Best Cordless Tiller
Greenworks 27062
Specifications:
- Uses one 40V, 4.0Ah battery (included)
- Cutting depth: 5 inches
- Cutting width: 8.25-10 inches
- No. of tines: four adjustable 8 inch blades
- 21 lbs
Features:
- Charger included
- Safety off switch
- Folding handles
- 3 year warranty
Overview:
As far as battery powered tillers go, none come as close as the Greenworks 27062 in terms of performance and battery power.
This cordless electric tiller is powered by a long lasting and powerful 40V, 4.0Ah Li-ion battery. Its unique adjustable circular saw-like blades offer swift cuts into the ground at cutting widths of 8.25 to 10 inches and at a 5 inch cutting depth.
This tiller gives superior tilling performance without the hassle of a cord and the harmful fumes of a gas powered tiller while still remaining low maintenance and user friendly.
Greenworks is a brand well known for its electric gardening tools. This model is one of many that share the same battery type. So if you’re ever in the market for other gardening tools with similarly great performance, you know where to look.
Check out the Greenworks 27062 electric tiller here:
Best Budget Friendly Tiller
WEN TC0714
Specifications:
- 7 amp motor
- 380 RPM max cutting speed
- Cutting width: 14.2 inches
- Cutting depth: 8.7 inches
- No. of tines: 4 steel tines
- 24.1 lbs
Features:
- Overload protection
- Removable wheels
- 2 year warranty
Overview:
This next model comes from WEN and for the price, you get a reliable and capable electric tiller.
The WEN TC0714 features a 7 amp motor which spins its 4 steel tines at 380 RPM, properly loosening and turning dirt over in preparation for planting. Its 14.2 inch cutting width and 8.7 cutting depth allow for effective tilling over a decent amount of land.
It also features overload protection which is very helpful and automatically stops the motor during contact with hard rocks, concrete, and other immovable objects. This prevents potential damage to the tiller and the blades.
It’s removable wheels allow for easy transportation and storage in between uses. It’s low maintenance and cost make this a great choice for gardeners on a budget or people new to the craft and are looking for an inexpensive first tiller.
So if ever you need a quality budget friendly electric tiller, remember WEN.
Check out the WEN TC0714 electric tiller here:
Best Compact Corded Tiller
Earthwise TC70025 electric garden tiller
Specifications:
- 2.5 amp motor
- 280 RPM max cutting speed
- Cutting width: 7.5 inches
- Cutting depth: 6 inches
- No. of tines: 4 steel tines
- 8.8 lbs
Features:
- Ergonomic and lightweight design
- Adjustable pole length
- Cord retention hook
- 2 year warranty
Overview:
The Earthwise TC70025 is a great compact corded electric tool for light tilling tasks such as preparing soil for flower beds and small vegetable patches.
This electric tiller is powered by a 2.5 amp motor capable of spinning its 4 steel tines at 280 RPM. This takes the difficulty out of tiling your yard in preparation for planting. It’s also great for getting rid of unwanted weeds that might spring out in your garden.
Its compact size makes it great for smaller gardens, especially for flower beds. It has a soft ergonomic grip making it very maneuverable and comfortable enough for anyone to use. It’s also low maintenance, quiet and very easy to store
This tiller is great for the casual gardener tending to their flowerbeds or backyard gardens. Earthwise puts a user eco-friendly and user friendly tilling machine in the palm of your hands.
Check out the Earthwise TC70025 electric tiller here:
Best Compact Cordless
BLACK+DECKER LGC120
Specifications:
- Uses one 20V, 1.5 Ah battery (included)
- Cutting depth: 4 inches
- Cutting width: 7 inches
- No. of tines: 2 steel tines
- 8.1 lbs
Features:
- Counter rotating tines
- Upright design
- Adjustable handle
- Telescopic tube
- Soft grip handle
- Charger included
- 2 year warranty
Overview:
Black+Decker is an industry recognized brand that makes power tools accessible for a wide range of users and this compact electric tiller is no exception.
Great for homeowners, this tiller uses a 20V, 1.5 Ah battery capable of tilling or cultivating 350 sq. feet of planted beds between charges, while ensuring long lasting battery life. It features unique counter rotating serrated tines that prevent weeds getting tangled and maximizes tilling depth. Its soft-grip, adjustable forward handle and a telescopic tube keep you comfortable and in an upright position while you work. At just above 8 lbs, it is very comfortable and manageable for the average homeowner to use.
The battery included is a little underwhelming at just 1.5 Ah but there are 2.0 Ah, 3.0 Ah and 4.0 Ah batteries available but sold separately. Speaking of batteries, Black+Decker has a wide range of cordless products that all use the 20V MAX series of batteries that you should definitely consider checking out.
Check out the BLACK+DECKER LGC120 electric tiller here:
Bonus Products
Here are some products that didn’t quite make it on to our list but we thought you might want to check out.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
 |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
 |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
 |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between a cultivator and tiller?
A: Although they serve somewhat similar purposes and are often confused with one another, tillers and cultivators are in fact different tools.
A cultivator would be ideal if you needed to:
- Mix potting and regular soil together
- Add fertilizer, manure or compost into the soil
A tiller would be ideal if you need to:
- Break up hard ground
- Have rocky soil that needs to be loosened
- Installing a new garden plot
In general, a cultivator is primarily used for mixing already loosened soil together while a tiller is used to break up hard pieces of ground.
Q: Why should I choose a gas tiller over an electric tiller?
A: There are several clear advantages and disadvantages to either one.
Gas powered tillers have the clear advantage when it comes to raw power but are also heavier, higher maintenance, more expensive, release harmful fumes and are loud. This makes them less appealing for suburban settings and properties with kids nearby.
Electric tillers, on the other hand, are more popular with homeowners because they are quieter, low maintenance, cheaper, user and environmentally friendly. However, they do have the short end of the stick when it comes to power and run time especially when it comes to battery powered tillers.
Q: Should I choose a corded or cordless tiller?
A: This depends on several factors such as the size of your property, accessibility to a socket, budget and how large of an area you want tilled.
Corded tillers are generally the more affordable and powerful option of the two. They do require you to buy an extension cord if you truly want to maximize them. The cord can tend to get in the way sometimes and can become a hazard if you aren’t careful.
Cordless tillers on the other hand, have no need for an extension cord but are limited by the battery life and power output. Although more powerful batteries are often available, these can be expensive investments. It can turn into a unique advantage though if you have tools from the same company. This would allow you to swap out batteries when you need to and bring several with you for longer jobs.
Conclusion:
When buying an electric tiller, it’s important to take into account all the features and specifications before making your decision. We hope that this article has taught you a thing or two about electric tillers, how they work and which one might be best for you.
Happy gardening!
