Best Electric Tillers

Discover the Top Electric Tillers on the Market

Updated November 26, 2019

Whether you’re a seasoned home gardener or just a beginner, it’s important to have the right tools. One of the most important pieces of equipment you’ll need is an electric tiller. These help you break up and loosen the soil in preparation for planting. They also come in handy when doing your own landscaping or preparing your flowerbed for new plants.

However, it’s important you work with a model that fits your needs. Purchase something too powerful and you may be in over your head when trying to operate it. On the other hand, if you’re planning an extensive gardening project, you want something that can handle the workload. To help you make the right purchase, we’re giving you our top picks. Keep reading for a breakdown of the key features for three high-quality models so you can make an informed decision. Let’s get started.

This review comes to you from our Outdoor Tools expert David
Published January 7th, 2019

Expert BioExpert Bio

David built a lawn and landscaping company from scratch, and now leads one of the largest privately held construction companies in his home state. David’s knowledge of everything around lawn, garden, and landscaping is unparalleled. His particular expertise lies in the comprehensive strategy of home, lawn, garden, and nature integration to create sustainable ecosystems for the long-term.

Electric Tillers

Here is the help you need for finding the best electric tiller for your garden.

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Earthwise

TC70001 11-Inch 8.5-Amp Corded Electric Tiller/Cultivator

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This top-selling electric tiller by Earthwise makes garden preparation, landscaping, and weeding extremely easy.

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It has an 11-inch cutting width and 8-inch cutting depth. It’s adjustable, four-blade tines are made of durable steel, which means you’ll get years of top-notch service. It also has 6-inch flip-down transport wheels for added mobility and convenience. In addition, it has a soft, ergonomic grip which makes this tiller very easy to maneuver. It also won’t wear you out if you’re using it all day. The strong 8.5-amp motor can handle any type of backyard tilling and landscaping job. All the controls are at your fingertips, including a push-button starter. If you’re looking for a well-rounded tiller that combines user-friendliness with versatility, this is the model for you.

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The Earthwise TC70001 11-inch 8.5-amp Corded Electric Tiller has a very slim, portable design. It stores easily and takes up little space in your garage or tool shed. However, don’t let its size fool you. This tiller is extremely powerful. It does a great job preparing soil, even when the ground is packed tight after a long summer. You won’t have to worry about stalling or jamming due to rocks. They don’t stand a chance against this compact machine. Right out of the box, assembly is very easy. It’s lightweight and a cinch to operate. In addition, it requires little to no maintenance. This is a great electric tiller for the serious gardener wanting years of reliability. This is why it’s our top pick.

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Sun Joe

TJ603E 16-Inch 12-Amp Electric Tiller and Cultivator

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The Sun Joe TJ603E 16-Inch 12-Amp Electric Tiller and Cultivator is equipped with a 12-amp motor and 6 durable steel angled tines.

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It can cultivate soil up to 16-inches wide and 8-inches deep. The handle can be folded for easy transport and convenient storage. The motor operates at 340 RPM, which means it can easily cut through soil and is great for aerating and preparing the ground for planting. Push-button startup and simple controls make for straightforward operation. This tiller comes with a 2-year limited warranty.

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Although smaller and more affordable, this tiller doesn’t lay down on the job. Its motor can adequately turn and mix hard, densely-packed soil without an issue. Even clay soil isn’t a problem. It’s lightweight but very sturdy. There are only three pieces, so assembly is simple. Making sure the cord doesn’t get caught in the tines is a little frustrating. In addition, it’s not a variable speed motor, so one speed is all you get. The primary issue with this tiller is that the handles aren’t adjustable. This can make it hard to operate after a while. It’s also relatively short, which makes it somewhat difficult for taller people. However, if you need a simple tiller that does a great job turning soil, this model is very reliable. You may not get some of the bells and whistles you’ll get with other models, but the price won’t hurt your pocketbook.

Contender

Troy-Bilt

TB154E 6 Amp Electric Garden Cultivator

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This simple yet reliable tiller comes equipped with a 6.5-amp electric motor and 4 8-inch tines with a total of 8 blades. It has a 6 to 9-inch tilling width and can loosen soil up to 5 inches deep.

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This tiller is perfect for smaller areas and allows for a great deal of maneuverability in areas between plants and trees. It has a lightweight, ergonomic design which makes operation easy and comfortable. The transport wheels are built for easy movement in grass and soil and its heavy-duty gearbox means you’ll enjoy long-term durability. This tiller is great for aerating and working in small gardens and flowerbeds. Its performance is backed by a 2-year limited warranty.

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The Troy-Bilt 6-Amp Electric Garden Cultivator is a great investment for someone who wants an effective machine for smaller gardening jobs. The lightweight design and responsive maneuverability make it perfect for flowerbeds and small vegetable gardens. Its motor has more than enough power to turn soil, even in dry, compact conditions. This is a great piece of equipment for spot tilling. Although not as powerful and big as other tillers, it can still tear and mix soil with great efficiency. You can use it throughout the day without having to worry about it overheating. It’s very easy to assemble and just as easy to take apart when it’s time to clean it. The only downside is it has a hard time handling rocks. This is definitely a model better suited for smaller jobs. However, the durability means you’ll get years of use without running into any issues.

What to Look for When Evaluating Electric Tillers

When looking for an electric tiller that fits your needs, you need to think about a few things. First, consider the size of your yard or project. Electric tillers are typically smaller and lighter than gas-powered models, but they still come in a variety of sizes and can pack a punch. If you only need something for flowerbeds and minor landscaping jobs, you won’t need a large tilling width or depth. However, if you’re tilling a large area for planting, you’ll need a stronger motor and larger dimensions.

Second, you’ll need to consider functionality. Some tillers can be difficult to operate, especially if you don’t have the strength to hold them steady for long periods of time. If this is the case, look into models that offer multiple speeds and adjustable handles. This should make operation much easier. You’ll also want to look for models that offer easy start and stop functionality on the handles.

Finally, it’s beneficial to think about your storage situation. If you have limited space, a tiller that’s designed to easily fold or break down will provide easier storage. You also might want to look for more compact designs that can easily fit in the corner of your garage or shed. In addition, if you plan on transporting your tiller on a regular basis, make sure you choose a model that’s lightweight and compact.

Shopping Guide for Electric Tillers

When shopping for the right electric tiller, you want to find a good balance between the cost and the features you need/desire. It helps to understand the different components and operating features. The last thing you want is to buy an electric tiller and find out it’s either too weak or too strong for your needs. Considering the tines and motor of a tiller is the best way to decide if it’s right for you.

There are a number of different types of tines, all with a different purpose. Bolo tines are better if you need to till deeper into the soil. If you’re dealing with lots of weeds, roots, or sticks, slashers tines will do the trick. For rocky soil, go with pick and chisel tines. This style is also best if you’re not sure about the type of soil you’re dealing with.

The strength of the motor on a tiller will determine how easily it can turn and mix soil. While electric tillers have weaker motors than gas-powered models, you still have options. If you need a tiller for general gardening, but want to make sure you have the power needed to mix soil thoroughly, look for an 8.5-amp motor. If you only need basic functionality in flowerbeds, a smaller motor will work.

Why an Electric Tiller

Electric tillers are great for breaking soil into smaller clumps and for saving space in your shed.

What Are the Benefits of an Electric Tiller?

Electric tillers come with a number of benefits over their gas-powered counterparts. One of the biggest advantages people notice is they’re quick and easier to use. What would take hours with a shovel can be done in minutes. Electric tillers are typically lighter than gas-powered models, meaning pretty much anyone can operate them. Now, you’ll still need to be able to hold them straight and guide them, but using a small model makes the process simple. Electric tillers are also easy to disassemble and clean. Plus, you don’t’ have to mess with oil changes, tune-ups, and purchasing gas.

Another huge benefit of electric tillers is they’re more environmentally friendly than gas models. In addition to cutting back on gasoline consumption, electric tillers don’t emit fumes or smoke. You can either use an extension cord or buy a model that offers a battery option. They’re also quieter than gas-powered tillers, which both you and your neighbors will appreciate.

By shopping around a little, you can easily find an electric tiller that suits your needs perfectly. There are a wide range of choices on the market, which means you don’t have to settle for a piece of equipment that’s too strong for your tilling requirements. Electric tillers can also be cleaned and stored very easily. If you’re a serious home gardener, a tiller makes a great addition to your outdoor supplies. Just make sure you consider the features discussed above when choosing a model.

Learn about other outdoor tools you might need with our reviews.

Best Electric Tillers

Discover the Top Electric Tillers on the Market

This review comes to you from our Outdoor Tools expert David

Electric Tillers

Bottom Line

About

Editor's insights

Earthwise

Bottom Line

About

Editor's insights

Sun Joe

Bottom Line

About

Editor's insights

Troy-Bilt

Bottom Line

About

Editor's insights

What to Look for When Evaluating Electric Tillers

Shopping Guide for Electric Tillers

Why an Electric Tiller

What Are the Benefits of an Electric Tiller?

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Best Electric Tillers

Discover the Top Electric Tillers on the Market

This review comes to you from our Outdoor Tools expert David

Electric Tillers

Bottom Line

About

Editor's insights

Earthwise

Bottom Line

About

Editor's insights

Sun Joe

Bottom Line

About

Editor's insights

Troy-Bilt

Bottom Line

About

Editor's insights

What to Look for When Evaluating Electric Tillers

Stay Connected

Shopping Guide for Electric Tillers

Why an Electric Tiller

What Are the Benefits of an Electric Tiller?

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