10 Best Garden Tillers in 2022 (Master Gardener-Reviewed)
Keeping these things in mind, we’ve handpicked our favorite garden tillers available online. Our top pick is Earthwise's Corded Electric Tiller. It features a powerful engine to help you aerate tough soil and get rid of stubborn weeds. To know more about other products on our list, keep reading! And if you're struggling to choose the right tiller, scroll down to our buying guide reviewed by a master gardener and homestead blogger for some useful tips.
Quick List - Top Garden Tillers
Gardening and wildcrafting food for her family, Amy grows in a variety of gardens including hydroponic, raised beds, containers, and in the ground. As a master gardener, she has successfully gardened across the country.
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How Is a Tiller Different From a Cultivator?
Tillers tend to be higher powered and go a bit deeper than cultivators. Plus, they can handle a larger variety of situations. For example, on top of just preparing new land for planting, you can use a tiller to get rid of weeds, break up and remove roots, and level land.
How to Choose Garden Tillers
To further aid you with your selection process, we've created this buying guide with various tips about what exactly to look for when purchasing a tiller. Read on for more detail!
Decide Between Electric, Gas-Powered, and Manual Tillers
Tillers can be divided into three different types: electric, gas-powered, or manual. Choosing what type depends on the size of your garden and the condition of your soil.
For Heavy Duty Tilling Power, Look for Gas-Powered
However, they are heavy and can be pretty noisy during the operation. They do tend to be more expensive and require more maintenance than other power sources as well. You'll need to purchase lubricating oils and anti-freeze to ensure that the engine retains its spark.
Electric Tillers are Great for Medium to Large-Sized Gardens
The corded model won't run out of steam and is usually stronger than the battery-powered one. But take note of the length of the cord and make sure that the power outlet is close to the device and can be accessed at all times. Or else, use an extension cord.
On the other hand, the battery-powered option is usually lightweight, compact, and easy to handle. Compared to the corded counterpart, it offers more freedom, but do keep in mind that the run time is limited.
You'll also have to make sure that the battery is fully charged before you start to avoid interruptions while you're using the tiller. To extend the run time, you can purchase extra batteries. But read the product's description carefully to see what type of battery it uses.
Manual Tillers are Economical and Work for Small Gardens
If you don’t need a whole lot of power and your garden is on the small side, a manual tiller would be sufficient enough. Its strength is largely dependent on the person using it. So it can be quite arduous if you try to use a manual tiller to cut through hard, rocky ground. Instead, use it for soft ground and flowerbeds.
Another plus point about a manual tiller is that it's small, easy to maintain, and only requires occasional elbow grease. Also, it's quiet and has a compact design that's convenient to store when not in use.
Know the Position and the Rotating Direction of the Tines
Front-tine tillers are smaller, cheaper, and easier to maneuver than rear-tine models. With these machines, the tines are located in front of the wheels and the engine is positioned right above the tines. They allow you to get into tight corners and are the perfect option for small to medium-sized gardens with moderately compacted soil.
If you have a large-sized garden and usually work on hard clay soil, invest in a rear-tine tiller. Its tines are positioned in the rear and the engine is mounted in the front. Usually, rear-tine models are heavy and won't be able to fit in tight corners. However, they are powerful and allow you to break up hard, deep soil more effectively. They're often used by professional landscapers.
Another thing to keep in mind is the direction of the tines. Foward-rotating tines move in the same direction as the wheels and are sufficient enough for moderately-compacted soil.
On the other hand, a tiller with counter-rotating tines makes it much easier to go back and cover any missed ground without having to turn off your machine and reset it. They might require more horsepower to finish the job but work well on hard surfaces.
Some products feature dual-rotating tines, providing the tiller with some extra cutting power that will help you till heavily-compacted soil.
Check the Motor Power of the Tiller
A crucial point to keep in mind if you choose an electric or a gas-powered tiller is the motor power. As a rule of thumb, the higher the motor power, the better the performance.
When it comes to an electric tiller, the power rating is often given in amperes (for corded units) or volts (cordless models). Small corded units feature motors of around five to six amperes, while larger models use motors with a power rating of over eight amperes.
If you're working on compact soil or trying to clear away weeds, we suggest choosing a motor power of at least eight amperes.
We don't recommend battery-powered tillers for heavy-duty gardening tasks. But if you intend to use a battery-powered tiller to cut through roots or somewhat tough soil, go for a model using at least a 40-volt motor.
On the other hand, the power rating of gas-powered tillers is measured in cubic centimeters (CC). Usually, an engine with a power rating of 40 cubic centimeters and above is powerful enough to break virgin soil for land preparation.
Consider Depth and Width of the Tilling Area
When checking to see how much ground your tiller can cover at once, don’t forget to look at both the width and depth.
Generally speaking, tillers with a wider tilling area take less time per square foot tillage and allow you to cover more ground more quickly.
However, the larger the tilling width, the harder it is to control the tiller. It's recommended that you choose a model with a width of around 16 to 18 inches as it helps you till a large area of ground in one single pass while still being easy to maneuver.
Meanwhile, a small tilling width ranging four to 12 inches is intended for small gardens. It gives you more precise control and helps you get into tight spaces.
When it comes to depth, look for a depth of around 10 inches, which will ensure that you’re digging up any remaining roots.
Some tillers allow you to adjust your tilling area, so if you think you’ll be using the machine in a wide range of situations, you may want to look for one of these.
Consider the Size of a Tiller
If your priority is a compact design that doesn't take up too much space, look for a product featuring a foldable handle. It'll save you some storage space!
10 Best Garden Tillers Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Earthwise Corded Electric Tiller｜TC70001 | | A Powerful Tiller for Small to Medium Gardens | |
2 | Earthwise Corded Electric Tiller ｜TC70016 | | Medium-Sized, With an Ergonomic Handle | |
3 | Sun Joe Electric Garden Tiller｜TJ604E | | High-Powered and Compactly Designed | |
4 | Earthwise Cordless Electric Tiller ｜TC70040 | | A Battery-Powered Tiller That Works Well on Hard Soil | |
5 | Black+Decker 20V Max Tiller｜LGC120AM | | A Small-Sized, Two Counter-Oscillating Tines Tiller | |
6 | Earthquake Mini Tiller Cultivator｜MC33 | | Gas-Powered and Works for Shallow Tilling | |
7 | Earthwise Corded Electric Tiller ｜TC70025 | | A Compact Tiller for Light Work | |
8 | Greenworks Corded Tiller｜27072 | | Has a Foldable Handle, So You Can Store It Easily | |
9 | Earthquake Versa Front Tine Tiller ｜20015 | | The Balanced Design Prevents Tipping on Hills | |
10 | Yard Butler Twist Tiller ｜ITNT-4 | | A Manual Tiller for Small-Scale Projects |
A Powerful Tiller for Small to Medium Gardens
Some reviewers noted that this product bucked pretty strongly, so it might require a heavy grip to handle easily. Nonetheless, the majority of reviewers were satisfied with the performance of this tiller, saying it was fast, cut through almost anything in its way, and was comfortable in the hands.
Medium-Sized, With an Ergonomic Handle
A few buyers were disappointed that the product broke after a few uses. But others noted that this product wasn't designed for heavy-duty usage, so you should refrain from using it for an extended period of time. Some further mentioned that the tines got clogged up easily and suggested cleaning them after each use.
Still, the majority of buyers were surprised at how strong this electric tiller was, further adding that and it was able to cut through hardened clay fairly easily and chewed through roots.
High-Powered and Compactly Designed
Some reviewers shared that the tines might get clogged with roots or mud if the soil was damp. A few others wished the trigger was larger to make it a bit easier to use. Nonetheless, most people, including those with a small build, found it was easy to handle. They further shared that the tiller was powerful enough for hard and rocky soils.
A Battery-Powered Tiller That Works Well on Hard Soil
Some buyers commented that the battery stopped charging after a few months. But they contacted the manufacturer and were sent a replacement.
On the other hand, various reviewers shared that this product was much more powerful than their expectations; it worked well on dry, hard soil, and was also able to cut through roots. Plus, the compact design made it easy to control and steer.
A Small-Sized, Two Counter-Oscillating Tines Tiller
According to many reviewers, the battery lasted for a good amount of time. However, some buyers commented that one battery wasn't enough to cover a big garden and further added that they had to buy a spare one.
On another note, many buyers commented that this little gadget worked excellently as a weeder, and was able to churn up soil for plants to grow.
Gas-Powered and Works for Shallow Tilling
Plus, the overhand grip allows you to take full control of this model and prevent it from bouncing. So you can easily weed out unwanted plants without accidentally cutting your plants.
A few buyers noted that this tiller wasn't powerful enough for hard clay dirt. But most people still thought that it did a great job in tilling their small garden. It's also lightweight, quick to put together, and started easily.
A Compact Tiller for Light Work
Many reviewers mentioned that although this tiller didn't have the strongest motor, it did a good job breaking up smaller roots and medium-hard soil. However, they did have to pause to untangle the blades occasionally. Most buyers highly recommended this product for light work.
Has a Foldable Handle, So You Can Store It Easily
A few buyers mentioned that this model tended to jump up during use. The instruction was confusing as well, so reviewers actually relied on the online video to assemble the tiller.
Regardless, this tiller received many compliments from buyers as it worked like a champ in breaking up compacted soil and weeding around plants. It was also able to cut through a hard and rocky area.
The Balanced Design Prevents Tipping on Hills
A few users noted that the product came with a few missing parts. If that's the case, just contact the manufacturer directly so that they can send you the replacement. Some others found the instructions quite confusing and mentioned that it took them a while to assemble the tiller.
Nonetheless, various reviewers wrote that this product was powerful enough to cut through roots, but it did have a hard time breaking hardened ground. Many buyers also appreciated that it came with engine oil, so you will just need gas to get started!
A Manual Tiller for Small-Scale Projects
While this manual tiller won't help you aerate large gardens, it's perfect for spot-tilling or breaking up smaller areas. It’s made from a tough powder-coated stainless steel and is designed with an ergonomic T-shaped handle that reduces the effort required to twist.
Some reviewers complained that this tiller had a tough time breaking up compacted soil and only worked well for soft ground. Still, the majority of reviewers praised that this item was durable and easy to handle, especially for those with a small build.
It was able to loosen up the soil, dig up stubborn weeds, and get into tight spaces easily. When breaking new ground, reviewers recommended tilling only a couple of inches deep at first before going for the full depth of the tiller.
Keep Your Garden Beautiful With These Products
There are many other useful gears that can help you keep your garden in top shape. Check out our articles to know what they are!
Buying Guide Reviewed by Master Gardener and Homestead Blogger Amy Jeanroy
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.