The best electric tiller prepares the soil for gardening season, reducing the time and effort it takes to turn over the ground. It's a great garden tool for effortlessly preparing soil, aerating, and mixing. It makes maintaining vegetable gardens and flower beds much easier and more convenient, rather than turning the soil over with a fork.
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 it moves through it. This in turn has many benefits for your plants, flowers, and crops.
Best electric tiller at a glance:
• Editor’s Choice: VonHaus Electric Tiller 1050W – View on VonHaus.com
• Best electric tiller for compact gardens: The Handy THET Electric Compact Tiller – View on Amazon UK
• Best cordless electric tiller: Hyundai 1050W 360mm Electric Garden Tiller – View on Hyundai
In comparison to petrol-powered tillers, electric garden tillers offer benefits such as quiet operation, lower maintenance, ease of use with push-button start, and lightweight design for manoeuvrability in small spaces.
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
Editor's Choice
VonHauswww.vonhaus.com
This electric tiller would be a suitable choice for anyone with an average to small-sized garden. It will ensure that all the soil has been wonderfully tilled in time for you to plant out your seasonal vegetables.
Designed with efficiency and mobility in mind, this tiller has a small motor but packs a punch. The tiller will quickly work through large surface areas with a cutting width of 32cm, a maximum tilling depth of 220mm, and four durable steel blades.
We love that there is an overload protection system and electric brake button for safe operation. This has a single handle for stability and boasts a 10-metre power cable.
Pros
- Lightweight at 8.2 kilograms and easy to manoeuvre
- Overload protection system and electric brake button
Cons
- No back wheels for extra stability
| Wattage: | 1050w |
| Cutting width: | 22cm |
| Cable length: | 10m |
| Working width: | 32cm |
| Size (L x D x H): | 33 x 25 x 142cm |
| Weight: | 10.4kg |
Best electric tiller for compact gardens
The Handy Store/AmazonThis is a fantastic affordable option if you are looking for something compact for smaller-sized gardens. Ideal for prepping small to medium-sized flower beds and vegetable patches, it works to a maximum depth of 20cm and a width of 30cm.
We love the nifty thermal protection feature, where the machine detects when the engine is under too much pressure or is overheating and switches itself off automatically.
The Handy THET Electric Compact Tiller comes with a 10-metre power cable and is very lightweight at just 8.5 kilograms, so can be manoeuvred around easily.
Pros
- Overheating feature will protect the motor for longevity
- 800W motor delivers enough power for most small and medium-sized gardens
Cons
- Be aware - the motor turns on very suddenly
| Wattage: | 800w |
| Cutting width: | 30cm |
| Cable length: | 10m |
| Working width: | 20cm |
| Size (L x D x H): | 50.6 x 37 x 31.2 cm |
| Weight: | 9.54kg |
Best electric tiller brand
HyundaiPerfect for vegetable gardens and allotments, this high-end electric tiller from Hyundai boasts advanced brushless motor technology which promises a longer runtime and increased power for some seriously efficient tilling action.
This uses four angled teeth to break up compacted soil easily. The four rotating blades are made from robust steel, and it covers a width of 36cm to make the job fast and almost effortless.
When it comes to putting it away, the handles fold in to allow you to store it compactly away in your shed or garage.
Pros
- Simple to use and store with a fold-down handle
- Powerful tiller from a quality brand
Cons
- Some reviews mention it can bounce around a little on more stubborn areas
| Voltage: | 1050W |
| Cutting width: | 36cm |
| Cable length: | 10m |
| Working width: | 22cm |
| Size (L x D x H): | 138.5 x 36.5 x 24 cm |
| Weight: | 8kg |
Best electric tiller for wide working width
Hyundai/AmazonThe Hyundai HYT1500E 1500W 450mm Corded Tiller is lightweight, portable, and powerful with six angled teeth to easily break up compacted soil. Whether you have an allotment, vegetable garden, or small holding, this electric tiller comes recommended as a top piece of kit for turning over soil for cultivating.
This tiller is notable for its wide working width - thanks to its generously proportioned head, this can turn 45cm of soil on every push and can reach a depth of 22cm. The downside is that this machine weighs in at 11 kilograms, but the rear wheels help with manoeuvrability.
This boasts fingertip controls for ease of use and an extra-long 10-metre power cable so you're less likely to need to drag out an extension lead. One reviewer shared that digging their veg plot manually used to take two hours, but this tool did it in 10 minutes.
Pros
- Six angled teeth to efficiently break up compacted soil
- Long 10-metre power cable for extended reach
Cons
- Not at all compact for storage
| Power: | 1,500W |
| Working depth: | 450mm |
| Cable length: | 12m |
| Working width: | 220mm |
| Size (L x D x H): | Not specified |
| Weight: | 11kg |
Best budget cordless garden tiller
Amazon/EinhellIf you are looking for a cordless machine, then the Einhell GE-CR 30 Li-Solo cordless tiller is the perfect helper for easing up the soil so you can prime your yard for gardening season, without worrying about chewing through cables.
Designed with four cultivator blades with a width of 30cm and a working depth of up to 20cm - this tiller is perfect for small to medium-sized gardens.
This is sold as a "bare tool" and requires two high-performance 18V system batteries from Einhell's Power X-Change series. We recommend the Einhell Twincharger that can charge two Power-X-Change batteries from just one power socket.
Pros
- Cordless so you do not need to connect to the mains
- Double battery power for better performance
Cons
- Reviews have said that weeds and plants can sometimes get stuck in the blades
| Voltage: | 36 Volts |
| Cutting width: | 20cm |
| Cable length: | Cordless |
| Working width: | 30cm |
| Size (L x D x H): | 133 x 35 x 48 cm |
| Weight: | 8.2kg |
Best value garden tiller
Garden Gearwww.ebay.co.uk
Prepare soil for gardening with the budget-friendly Garden Gear Electric Garden Tiller. It's a cultivator and tiller with a decent 1,050 watt motor. The four sturdy tines can break through tough soil, making it suitable to plant vegetables, flowers, or to level an area of ground.
This garden power tool has a two-point safety power switch to prevent accidentally starting the machine. There's also overheat protection and a cable safety loop hook to keep wires away from the blades.
This gives you a maximum working width of 32cm and can break up earth to a depth of 22 centimetres. Garden Gear offers a two-year warranty with this tool for your peace of mind.
Pros
- Two textured, easy-grip handles for careful control
- Robust safety features including a two-point power switch
Cons
- Goes from zero to 100, so be prepared
| Wattage: | 1050W |
| Cutting width: | 32cm |
| Cable length: | 10m |
| Working width: | 25cm |
| Size: | Not specified |
| Weight: | 7.5kg |
Best electric tiller for portability
Amazon/eSkdeThe battery-powered eSkde Cordless Garden Tiller is lightweight at 3.75 kilograms and comes complete with an 18V Li-Ion battery and charger.
It features a multi-position soft-grip handle that has two handholds for you to be able to till your ground with real precision. With a cutting depth of 8cm, it's perfect for preparing soil for more shallow planting on vegetable patches and allotments.
This multi-purpose garden power tool can be used for hoeing the ground or for more intensive breaking up soil. It doesn't have the power to cultivate to any great depth, but it is ample for normal soil preparation and takes labour out of digging, forking, and hoeing.
Pros
- Great for general soil preparation for shallow plants
- Very lightweight at just 3.75 kilograms
Cons
- Battery lasts around 20 minutes and takes three to four hours to charge
| Wattage: | Not specified, 18V |
| Cutting width: | Not specified |
| Cable length: | N/A |
| Working width: | 200mm |
| Size: | H89 x W23 x D22cm |
| Weight: | 4.75kg |
Best compact electric tiller
Mac Allisterwww.diy.com
With four heavy-duty blades, the Mac Allister MTIP1400-2 1400W Corded Tiller is effective at cultivating soil to a 20cm working depth. It boasts a powerful 1,400-watt motor for effective tilling in a small to medium-sized garden.
This has steel gears, rust-resistant blades, a dual safety switch to prevent accidental start-up, two robust handles, and wheels for better manoeuvrability on all kinds of terrain.
Additionally, this tiller has a foldable handle for easy transportation and space-saving storage. Reviewers rate this as effective, even with heavy clay soil.
Pros
- Folds down for more compact for storage
- This tiller has rust-resistant blades for longevity
Cons
- This only has a six-metre power cable
| Wattage: | 1400W |
| Cutting width: | Not specified |
| Cable length: | 6 metres |
| Working width: | Not specified |
| Size: | Not specified |
| Weight: | 13kg |
Best electric tiller for easy storage
Amazon/DellondaTurn over hard soil and even weeds with ease with the Dellonda Electric Tiller. It's a lightweight and portable tiller, that boasts an impressive 1,500-watt motor and works to 400RPM.
This has a working width of 40cm and will effortlessly turn over soil to a working depth of 22cm. This features an adjustable wheel position so it can be folded for space-saving storage with a folded footprint of just 40 by 60 by 45cm.
This gives you 10 metres of power cable, a manageable weight of 11 kilograms, and boasts two rear wheels to keep the machine stable.
Pros
- Six durable steel blades that can tackle hard soil
- Powerful 1,500 watt motor capable of 400RPM
Cons
- Some reviewers suggest this is noisy to operate
| Power: | 1,500W / 230V |
| Working depth: | 220mm |
| Cable length: | 10m |
| Working width: | 40cm |
| Size: | H94 x W43cm |
| Weight: | 11kg |
How we chose the best electric tillers
All of these electric tillers have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered functionality, safety features, and price in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching electric tillers to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.
Best 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 loosened 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 strongest 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: petrol 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 was a Senior Health and Wellness Product Writer and has been a part of Bauer Media since 2020. She has left Bauer Media to study Ayurveda in India to expand her knowledge and skills in the health and wellness field, where she plans to continue making journalistic contributions.