The best electric tiller to get your soil ready for gardening season

Undoubtedly, preparing the soil for gardening season is one of the tasks that requires the most time and effort. That is where electric tillers come in. An alternative to manual soil cultivator tools, an electric tiller works in much the same way as a plough, turning over and breaking up the soil as they move through it. This in turn has many benefits for your plants, flowers, and crops.

Black Friday deals on electric tillers

We interrupt the regularly scheduled content to let you know that although Black Friday is over, there's still time to grab some last chance Black Friday deals on electric tillers. These are the retailers that still have deals available or keep scrolling to continue reading our buyer’s guide.

Shop Black Friday electric tillers deals on: Amazon UK | FFX | B&Q | Robert Dyas

Save £25: Webb 19cm 20V Cordless Tiller WAS £119.99, NOW £94.99
Save £10: VonHaus Electric Tiller WAS £109.99, NOW £99.99
Save £25: Webb 19cm 20V Cordless Tiller with Battery & Charger WAS £119.99, NOW £94.99

To make your life easier we have rounded up the best electric tillers on the market in the UK right now. Whether you are looking for a cordless or corded machine, something super powerful or a tiller that won't break the bank - we have covered them all.

Without further ado, let's take a look at the best electric tillers so you can prime your plot ready for gardening season.

Best electric tiller at a glance

• Editor’s Choice: VonHaus Electric Tiller 1050W – Buy now on VonHaus.com
• Best for compact gardens: The Handy THET Electric Compact Tiller – Buy now on Amazon
• Best cordless garden tiller: Einhell Cordless Tiller – Buy now on Amazon
• Best lightweight garden tiller: Hyundai 1050W 360mm Electric Garden Tiller – Buy now on Amazon

Best electric tiller 2023

Electric tiller FAQs

What is an electric tiller used for?

Electric tillers are used in small to medium-sized gardens to break down hard ground and compact soil. They get the earth nicely loosen up so that it's ready for planting. The tines on an electric tiller work at a rapid rate and get deep into the ground, so it'll save you from hours of manual labour with a garden fork.

Using an electric tiller will help to improve the health of your soil, which will ultimately improve the health of what you grow in it. Turning the ground over brings up all the fresh, moisture-filled soil to the top so it'll help add moisture to the plants growing in it.

What to consider when buying an electric tiller

Front vs rear tine tiller

There are two main types of electric tiller, a front tine tiller and a rear tine tiller. Front tine tillers are the more compact and lightweight option. Not only are they easier to store and carry, but they’re designed to get in all the tight spots, making them a great choice for smaller gardens. Rear tine tillers will be able to get into soil deeper than front tine tillers. They can make their way through tougher, more compacted earth with ease, so they’re seen as being the strong out of the two. They also tend to have more tines so they’re wider so they will take up more room when being stored and tend to be more expensive.

Corded vs cordless electric tillers

A corded electric tiller is a good option if you require maximum power and no limits on how long you can use the tiller. The main factor to consider is that you will need to be plugged into the mains to make your cord reach the power source. If you have a large garden, this would be ideal.

On the other hand, a cordless electric tiller is a suitable choice if you don't mind working with a shorter time frame or using a spare battery on hand to finish the job. If you want to skip the hassle of an extension cable, this would be a good pick. If you have a smaller garden or can get the job done quickly, we would recommend a cordless tiller.

How long do electric tillers last?

Usually, cordless tillers can run for about 30 to 45 minutes per charge. However, certain factors can affect this, such as if you are working with hard, compacted soil, the battery will drain more quickly. If you're doing small jobs like mixing in compost or weed removal, it should last its maximum amount.

Can you use an electric tiller to remove grass?

Yes, an electric tiller will have no trouble uprooting grass plants and roots, but you may still have to pick up or rake up leftover grass manually.

It is best to mow the grass first with the mower deck set at the lowest height setting as this draws as much grass as possible, helping prevent your tiller from getting jammed.

Can you use an electric tiller on wet ground?

You will want to use an electric tiller when the ground you want to loosen is moist, but you should avoid it when the ground is wet. This can cause soil compaction to occur, not to mention, put strain on your tiller. The ideal time to use your tiller is a couple of days after heavy rainfall because of this.

What is better: gas or an electric tiller?

Electric models are usually smaller and are ideal for working in smaller gardens. They are also more lightweight, easier to store, and often more affordable. Petrol tillers are more powerful and suitable for bigger spaces or challenging soil types. One thing to note is that they are on the pricier side and take up a fair amount of space. If you want to buy a petrol tiller, we would recommend the T-Mech 52cc Garden Tiller.

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Ellen Kinsey is a senior health and wellness product writer for Modern Gardens, specialising in sustainable living and health. She lives and breathes all things natural health, cooking and nature.