Whether it’s breaking ground for a brand-new garden, doing the annual springtime soil turning or uprooting mid-season weeds, a tiller can make short work of your garden chores. And since they don’t have finicky small engines to deal with, electric tillers add another layer of convenience and ease of use for many home gardeners.

Electric tillers can be either corded or battery-powered, and they’re typically best suited to gardens under 1,500 square feet. Most have 4 or 6 tines, and can produce a path of tilled soil up to 18 inches wide. An electric tiller can usually tear up short grass, weeds and clay soil with little trouble.

In this post, we’re looking at 11 of the best electric tillers on the market that are suited for home gardeners in a variety of settings. We’ll also cover some key points to keep in mind while you’re shopping and answer a few common questions.

Let’s get started!

1. Sun Joe TJ604E Electric Garden Tiller

**Best Overall Electric Tiller

• Power source: Corded electric
• Power output: 13.5 amps
• Tine RPM: 370
• Weight: 27.1 pounds
• Number of tines: 6
• Tilling depth: 8 inches
• Tilling width: 16 inches
• Warranty: 2-year limited warranty

The TJ604E tiller from Sun Joe comes in as our top pick for the best electric tiller. Its main draws are a powerful 13.5-amp motor that rips through hard clay, stony soil and small roots like a champ. It’s also lightweight and has a streamlined design, making it easy to transport and maneuver around the garden.

This tiller has six tines that spin at 370 RPM, letting you tear up hard clay or short grass with no problems. While you won’t be able to dislodge larger stones, ground riddled with small stones (up to about river rock size) shouldn’t pose a problem.

Sun Joe put 5.5-inch wheels on this tiller, and you can set them to one of three height adjustments. This is perfect for adjusting your tilling depth to the task at hand. For heavy-duty jobs, take the first pass with the wheels set at the highest setting, then go lower for subsequent passes.

To fire your tiller up, just plug it in, depress the power switch located on the right handlebar and get to work. As an extra safety precaution, the power switch also functions as a kill switch- so you have to hold it down while you’re working to keep the motor engaged. While we appreciate the safety-conscious design, the switch placement may be slightly uncomfortable for some people.

Overall, this tiller delivers outstanding power and performance, especially given its small size and light weight. For residential yards and small garden plots, this tiller should get the job done well and quickly.

2. Mantis 3558 Electric Tiller/Cultivator

**Best Electric Tiller Runner-Up

• Power source: Corded electric
• Power output: 58V, 2Ah
• Tine RPM: 260 (on low speed) and 310 (on high speed)
• Weight: 25.6 pounds
• Number of tines: 4
• Tilling depth: 8 inches
• Tilling width: 12 inches
• Warranty: 2-year limited warranty

For a small machine, the Mantis 3558 packs a surprising amount of power for a variety of garden tasks.

One feature that’s really nice about this tiller is the dual speed setting. When you’re working near delicate plants, use the low tine-rotation setting to avoid throwing soil or damaging your plants. For breaking new ground or working in difficult soil, switch to the high-speed setting to tear into the ground more aggressively.

A foam cushion on the handlebar keeps your hands and arms more comfortable, and the safety lever is a large size that’s easy to keep a grip on while you’re working. The handlebar also folds down and over the motor housing, making it easy to store your tiller away or put in your vehicle for transport.

Two rear wheels make it easy to push your tiller along, and they have three points of adjustment that let you set your desired working depth.

One thing to be aware of: Weeds, tall grass or other debris tends to get wrapped around the tines pretty easily. So it might be a good idea to remove as many obstructions as possible before tilling, otherwise, you may have to stop and clear obstructions a few times.

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3. WEN TC0714 Electric Tiller

**Best Budget Electric Tiller

• Power source: Corded electric
• Power output: 7 amps
• Tine RPM: 380
• Weight: 20.61 pounds
• Number of tines: 4
• Tilling depth: 8.7 inches
• Tilling width: 14.2 inches
• Warranty: 2-year limited warranty

When your ground needs some work down but you don’t want to spend a ton of cash, the WEN TC0714 is an excellent tiller that delivers surprising performance.

The motor generates 7 amps of power that spin four sturdy tines at 380 RPM. Even though 7 amps isn’t the most powerful motor out there, this tiller is still quite capable of easily shredding up grass/small weeds and producing a fine soil texture even from clay or stony soil.

One feature we really like is the motor overload protection feature. If you should happen to run into a buried brick/large stone, thick tree root or any other solid obstruction, the tines automatically stop turning, sparing your motor from overexertion and your tines from snapping off. Especially at such a low price point, this is a great feature that we really appreciate.

The 5 5/8-inch wheels make your tiller easy to push out to the worksite. When you’re ready to work, remove the wheels use the tiller as a handheld unit.

Also, WEN has a great reputation for producing quality products and tools, along with excellent customer service. So even if any issues do crop up, you should be able to get them resolved in good time.

At just under 21 pounds, this tiller is super-lightweight, making it easy to handle and transport. However, without a lot of weight to push it down into the ground, this tiller does tend to buck and jump across the soil. So be prepared to get an arm/upper body workout while you get your garden in shape.

4. Greenworks Pro TL80L210 Cultivator

**Best Cordless Electric Tiller

• Power source: Battery
• Power output: 80 volts
• Tine RPM: 1,700
• Weight: 29.2 pounds
• Number of tines: 4
• Tilling depth: 5 inches
• Tilling width: Adjustable between 8.25 inches and 10 inches
• Warranty: 4-year limited warranty on tool, 2-year limited warranty on battery

Powered by an 80V 2Ah battery, the Greenworks Pro TL80L210 tiller offers outstanding power for seasonal garden tilling/cultivating without the need for an extension cord.

A total of 40 individual tine teeth tear into the ground at 1,700 RPM, easily churning up soil in established garden and landscape beds. The closely-packed teeth also produce a fine soil texture, ready for planting.

Expect to get up to 40 minutes of runtime per battery charge. When your battery has run out of life, the included rapid charger should get you back to work in about 30 minutes.

For larger jobs like tiling up the entire garden in spring or fall, leave all four tine discs attached to cover the most ground in the shortest time. When you want to till in tighter spaces, remove the outer discs for a narrower tilling path.

One other thing that we appreciate about this tiller is the long warranty period offered by Greenworks. Your tiller is warrantied against defects in construction for 4 years, so you have some extra peace of mind for quite a while.

The only downside to point out is that this tiller is at the top of the price scale. If you’d like to check out another Greenworks cordless tiller that’s a little easier on the budget, you can check them out here.

5. LawnMaster TE1318W1 Electric Tiller

**Best Wide Tilling Path

• Power source: Corded electric
• Power output: 13.5 amps
• Tine RPM: 390
• Weight: 24 pounds
• Number of tines: 6
• Tilling depth: 9 inches
• Tilling width: 18 inches
• Warranty: 2-year limited warranty

Electric tillers are often thought of as light-duty pieces of equipment compared to their gas-powered counterparts, and that’s true for the most part. But the LawnMaster TE1318W1 gives gas engines a run for their money.

With 13.5 amps of power running through the motor, six tines rotate at 390 PRM, tearing up the ground and any small roots or grass patches that might stand in your way.

Besides the impressive power, this tiller also rivals the gas models with its large 18-inch tilling width. This is about as wide as you’ll find on an electric tiller, so if you’re looking to cover a large area in the least time possible, that’s a big point in this tiller’s favor.

Also, the maximum tilling depth is 9 inches, which is a bit more generous than the standard 8 inches that you commonly see on electric tillers. If you’d prefer to till a bit more shallowly, the wheels offer an adjustable height setting that helps you maintain an even depth.

In between tilling sessions, the fully collapsing handle lets your fold your tiller up almost flat for easy storage.

Given the power that this tiller packs, an adjustable throttle would be a welcome addition. Since there is only one speed to choose from (fast!), be prepared to hold on to your tiller while starting it up.

6. Greenworks 27072 Corded Tiller

**Best Electric Tiller for Small Spaces

• Power source: Corded electric
• Power output: 8 amps
• Tine RPM: 150
• Weight: 29.3 pounds
• Number of tines: 4
• Tilling depth: 5 inches
• Tilling width: Adjustable between 8.25 inches and 10 inches
• Warranty: 4-year limited warranty on tool, 2-year limited warranty on battery

Not every garden task calls for a large, bulky tiller to get the job done. In cases like this, the Greenworks 27072 offers an effective power output in a compact frame. This tiller is perfect for raised beds, small urban gardens, turning in compost/soil amendments and other small jobs.

Instead of the usual elongated tine shape, Greenworks went with a smaller version that packs 10 teeth onto each disc. This design allows your tiller to aggressively bite into the soil and produce a light, fluffy texture.

Your tilling width is already fairly narrow at 10 inches. The outer tines are removable, letting your further narrow your tilling path down to 8.25 inches, so you can easily fit in between individual plants or garden rows.

As for handlebar construction, the safety lever is integrated into the full-length handle, making it easy to keep a firm grip. Foam padding on the handlebar makes for a non-slip surface and reduces the shock of bumps or bounces while your work.

While this tiller does a great job for its intended purpose of light-duty tasks, it’s not suitable for breaking new ground or for large gardens.

7. Scotts Outdoor Power Tools TC70135S Electric Tiller

• Power source: Corded electric
• Power output: 13.5 amps
• Tine RPM: 360
• Weight: 30 pounds
• Number of tines: 6
• Tilling depth: 8 inches
• Tilling width: Adjustable between 11 inches and 16 inches
• Warranty: 3-year limited warranty

You’ve got plenty of power to work with in the Scotts Outdoor Power Tools TC70135S. A powerful motor spins the tines at 360 RPM, which is more than enough to stand up to clay, small stones and roots.

Six tines produce a generous 16-inch tilling path, but if you’d like the ability to fit into smaller spaces (perhaps for weed removal between garden rows), remove the outer two tines to work with an 11-inch tilling width.

When you’re on the way from your storage area to your worksite, your tiller is easy to push along thanks to two rear wheels. Once you’re at the garden, just flip the wheels up and out of the way to get right to work.

To use your tiller, you can push it as you walk forward or pull it backward. The backward motion creates more traction that lets the tines dig deeply into the soil, so it’s perfect for dealing with compacted, stony soil, roots or grass/weeds. The forward motion is for lighter tilling jobs, like mixing in compost or mid-season weed removal.

This tiller has a comfortable safety lever that’s ergonomic and easy to help while you’re working. Also, the full-length handlebar has a generous layer of foam padding to soften any jolts that might happen.

One thing to be aware of: While the power this tiller produces is truly impressive, be prepared to use some upper body strength to maintain control while you’re working.

NOTE: Scotts Outdoor Power Tools also offers this tiller in a smaller 4-tine version that has a 10.5-amp motor and an 11-inch tilling path.

8. Earthwise TC70040 Cordless Electric Tiller/Cultivator

• Power source: Battery
• Power output: 40 volts
• Tine RPM: 130
• Weight: 24 pounds
• Number of tines: 4
• Tilling depth: 8 inches
• Tilling width: 11 inches
• Warranty: 2-year limited warranty

You just can’t beat the convenience of a cordless tool, especially if your garden is far away from a power source. And with a 40V quick-charge battery included, you’ll have plenty of power to till up any type of soil.

On challenging ground, like compacted clay or stony soil, expect to get somewhere between 15 and 30 minutes per charge. For lighter jobs like mixing up loose soil or working in compost, your battery should last up to about 45 minutes. If you’ve got a large area to cover, purchasing a second battery might be a good idea.

The full-length handlebar has an ergonomic design with a nice layer of foam padding that helps absorb shock. We also like that Earthwise designed the safety lever with an easy-grip shape that’s comfortable to hold while you’re at work.

The two rear wheels flip down to make pushing your tiller from place to place a breeze. But at 24 pounds, this tiller is lightweight and easy to move around even if you don’t use the wheels.

For small to medium gardens, you shouldn’t have any trouble working already-broken soil, even if it has heavy clay or small stones. But with a tine rotation of 130 RPM, you may struggle to break new ground.

9. RYOBI RYAC701 Corded Cultivator

• Power source: Corded electric
• Power output: 13.5 amps
• Tine RPM: Not stated
• Weight: 30.9 pounds
• Number of tines: 6
• Tilling depth: 8 inches
• Tilling width: Adjustable between 11 inches and 16 inches
• Warranty: 3-year limited warranty

The RYAC701 from Ryobi is a beast of a tiller in a small package. At 16 inches wide and 13.5 amps of power, you should be able to make short work of your garden and landscaping tasks.

If you’ve got a tighter space to work in, remove the two outer tines to transform your tiller into an 11-inch cultivator. This could come in very handy for tiling between garden rows/plants in the mid-season or working in raised beds.

The maximum depth you can till is 8 inches. But if you’ve got a job that calls for turning the soil more shallowly, use one of the three depth adjustments on the rear wheels to get a consistent working depth.

For a little extra comfort while you’re working, the handlebar has a padded, shock-absorbing surface and an easy-grip safety lever. The full-length handlebar is also a nice touch for a bit of extra control.

One downside to point out is that while this tiller does a great job of slicing through and working the ground, it can leave deep furrows or spray dirt out from the sides. So you may need to rake your garden after tilling to get a smooth surface.

10. Earthwise TC70125 Corded Electric Tiller

• Power source: Corded electric
• Power output: 12.5 amps
• Tine RPM: 370
• Weight: 30 pounds
• Number of tines: 4
• Tilling depth: 8 inches
• Tilling width: 16 inches
• Warranty: 2-year limited warranty

If you’ve got a small garden or several raised beds to get in shape for gardening season, the TC70125 from Earthwise is an effective and economical choice.

Four tines are powered with 12.5 amps of electricity, more than enough to work soil in established gardens or raised beds. And if you’re looking to create a new small garden bed in your yard, this tiller can tear up short grass/weeds and turn up small stones.

At just shy of 30 pounds in weight and packing a pretty strong motor, be prepared to use your arm and upper body muscles to keep this tiller under control, especially when you first fire it up. While you can use this tiller in a forward motion, going a few paces forward and then pulling the tiller backward will increase the torque and result in a deeper till and better control.

The full-length handlebar is a nice addition for better handling. And Earthwise also encased the handlebar in a cushioned foam layer, so fewer of the inevitable shocks travel to your hands/arms.

We also like the ergonomic way that Earthwise integrated the safety lever with the handle. Instead of an awkward hand position to keep the safety lever engaged, it fits into your natural grip.

11. Sun Joe 24V-X2-TLR14 Cordless Garden Tiller/Cultivator

• Power source: Battery
• Power output: 48 volts
• Tine RPM: 180
• Weight: 24 pounds
• Number of tines: 4
• Tilling depth: 7 inches
• Tilling width: 14 inches
• Warranty: 2-year warranty

Running on the combined power of two 24V batteries, the Sun Joe 24V-X2-TLR14 has more than enough power to transform your garden’s soil into a rich, loose planting texture.

When the batteries have run out of power, insert them into the dual-port rapid charger. It typically only takes less than 1 hour to get both batteries back up to a full charge, so you can get back to work quickly.

Sun Joe built this tiller with a 500-watt brushless motor, which carries less risk of overheating and has a longer lifespan than standard motors. The motor powers four sturdy tines that easily slice through and churn up garden soil, fine roots and small stones.

Another nice feature is the smooth-gliding wheel design that makes getting around with your tiller a breeze. Also, you can set the wheels to three different height settings, allowing your to adjust your tilling depth up to 7 inches deep.

One thing to keep in mind: While this tiller does a great job of turning previously-broken soil, it lacks the power needed for tougher jobs like breaking ground for a new garden.

Best Electric Tillers: Buying Guide

Now that you’ve seen some electric tiller options in detail, here’s what to consider when deciding which one is the right choice for your garden and landscape needs:

Power Output

Power output for an electric tiller is typically measured in two ways:

• Amps for corded models
• Volts for battery models

Most corded tillers offer between 7 and 13.5 amps of power, while some of the smallest cultivators may have 2.5 amps.

With 7 amps of power, you should have no trouble preparing raised beds and small in-ground gardens for spring planting and fall clean-up, as long as you remove excessive plant debris and other obstructions. These smaller tillers are also great for mid-season weed removal or mixing in compost or other soil amendments.

With 10 to 13.5 amps, your should be able to till up new ground for a lawn seeding and establishing a new garden, as well as the regular garden tasks like spring/fall prep.

For cordless tillers, 20 to 40 volts is the most common power level. At 20 volts, you’ll have enough power to accomplish the types of smaller jobs listed above, and 40 volts is comparable to the larger 10-13.5 amp capability.

Speed Capability

The tiller’s speed is how fast the tines turn.

You’ll need about 300 RPM at minimum to break new ground or tear through difficult soil.

For turning already-broken soil, mid-summer weed removal or adding soil amendments, 130 RPM (or higher) should work just fine.

Corded vs Cordless

Electric tillers come in corded and cordless models. Both have their advantages, so which one is better?

“For most gardeners, I recommend corded electric tillers because they will give you unlimited run time and more power for a lower price,” says Ashley Christian, 5th-generation homesteader/gardener and founder of Homestead Sweet Home.

But cordless models have their benefits too, namely that there’s no extension cord to worry about. Randy Schulz, content editor at Home, Garden and Homestead shares, “I am a big fan of cordless electric equipment. Today, the new cordless electric tillers offer more power—and batteries that provide 40 minutes of run time. Plus, you can take your cordless electric tiller anywhere on your property.”

In summary:

• A corded electric tiller might be your best bet if maximum power and no limits to your work time are key factors for you and you have a readily-accessible power source.
• A cordless electric tiller might be ideal if you don’t mind working in shorter spurts or having a spare battery on-hand, and you want to skip the hassle of an extension cord altogether.

Tilling Capability

The number of tines and how far apart they’re spaced determines your tilling width, or how wide a path of loose soil your tiller can produce. Most electric tillers have 4 to 6 tines and a tilling width between 6 and 18 inches.

A wider tilling capability allows you to cover more ground in a shorter timeframe, while a narrower one is more ideal for raised beds and other small spaces, as well as loosening soil or removing weeds in between established plants.

The tilling depth measures how far down into the ground your tiller tines can reach and turn the soil. You’ll typically need at least 5 inches of loose soil for grass and most vegetable and annual flower plants to thrive. If you’re planning to plant shrubs or perennial flowers in your new garden, a tilled depth of at least 8 inches is a good idea.

What’s the Difference Between a Tiller and a Cultivator?

It can be confusing- sometimes a product might be referred to as a tiller/cultivator, or as one or the other. In fact, tillers and cultivators are two distinct pieces of equipment, and each is better suited to particular tasks:

• A cultivator is smaller and less powerful, and it’s ideal for mixing already-broken soil, working in very tight spaces and doing mid-season weed removal. Cultivators typically have between 2.5 and 5 amps or 20 volts of power and up to 150 tine RPM.
• A tiller packs a larger electric motor or gas engine, and it’s capable of breaking more challenging ground and working larger garden plots faster. Tillers usually have at least 7 amps or 40 volts of power and offer 180 tine RPM or higher.

This is just a quick overview of the question. We’ve dedicated an entire post detailing how a cultivator is different than a tiller, so stop by to learn more and how you can pick the one that’s right for you.

Tips for Using an Electric Garden Tiller Safely

Tillers are powerful pieces of equipment, so it’s critical to be mindful of your own and others’ safety while you’re working.

Lindsey Hyland, gardening expert and founder of Urban Organic Yield, shares her top tiller safety tips:

• Always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using the tiller.
• Wear sturdy shoes and long pants to protect your legs from injury.
• Make sure the tiller is turned off and unplugged before changing blades or making any repairs.
• Be aware of your surroundings when using the tiller, and avoid rocks, roots, and other obstacles.
• Keep children and pets away from the tiller while it is in use.
• Never operate the tiller if drugs, alcohol, or fatigue impair you.
• Store the tiller in a safe place when not in use.
• If the tiller starts to vibrate abnormally, stop using it and have it checked by a qualified technician.
• Always wear safety goggles when using the tiller.

If you’re breaking new ground for a garden or lawn, check out Call811.com for information about buried power or utility lines before starting your project.

Extension Cord Usage

If your tiller is a corded model, make sure to use a correctly-sized extension cord to avoid damaging your tiller or starting an electrical fire. Here are a few basic recommendations according to AskTheBuilder.com:

• If your tiller is under 10 amps, a 16 gauge cord up to 100 feet in length should be fine.
• If your tiller is between 10 and 15 amps and you want to use a 50-foot cord, choose 14 gauge.
• If your tiller is between 10 and 15 amps and you want to use a 100-foot cord, choose 12 gauge.

Final Thoughts

We hope these electric tiller reviews have helped you get some ideas of what you need for working in your garden. With a little help from one of these top electric garden tillers, you can get your outdoor space in planting-ready shape quickly and easily. No gas engines needed!

We’d love to hear from you! Do have any unanswered questions about electric tillers? Are there any models or brands you’d add to the list? We all learn best when we learn together, so share your thoughts in the comments!