1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best overall: Craftsman C410 Tiller
3. Best electric: Sun Joe TJ604E Tiller
4. Best budget: Earthwise TC70001 Tiller
5. Best for small gardens: Earthquake MC33 Tiller
6. Best gas cultivator: Southland SCV43
7. Buying advice
8. FAQs
Maximize your garden's potential this summer with the help of the best tiller. A reliable tiller will effectively prepare your soil for a season of thriving flowers, saving you strenuous effort and allowing you to fully indulge in the beauty of your garden.
The best tillers or rototillers help break up established roots and loosen the soil. Revitalize your garden with special rotating tines that effectively turn over the soil. Perfect for those who are new to gardening and need to prepare their soil for the first time.
Consider the needs of your plot when picking your tiller. If you’re lucky enough to have soft soil, a no-frills tiller should be sufficient and will save you money. However, if the soil is tougher and denser, you may want to invest in a high-powered option. Most tillers turn the soil at a depth of between six and eight inches which is enough for the average garden. A more important dimension to pay attention to, though is the pan width. The wider models allow you to cover more ground quickly.
If you're wanting to keep your garden looking at its best, you may want to check out our guides to the best electric weed eaters, plus the best gas lawn mowers. For now, let’s dig into our picks of the best tillers.
The quick list
The best tiller overall
Craftsman 4-cycle Gas Tiller is the best overall with 6-inch tines, adjustable tilling path, easy assembly, and a two-year warranty, though it's pricier.
The best electric tiller
The Sun Joe Electric Tiller is easy to assemble, efficient, and good for small-to-medium-sized gardens. It can till 16 inches wide by 8 inches deep.
The best tiller on a budget
The Earthwise TC70001 is a budget-friendly option for smaller gardens with moist soil, easy to assemble and operate, but struggles with hardened ground.
The best tiller for smaller gardens
The Earthquake MC33 Mini Cultivator is a powerful gas-powered tiller ideal for tilling, weeding, aerating, and fertilizing soil. It has a sturdy build and can cut deep trenches.
The best gas cultivator
The Southland SCV43 cultivator is a gas-powered tiller with a direct-gear drive and crankshaft engine that can till up to 5 inches deep and is suitable for small to medium-sized gardens.
The best tillers in 2023
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The best tiller overall
✅ You want something quiet: this tiller has a powerful 4-cycle engine that runs on pure gasoline.
✅ You want versatility: it offers great versatility with a tilling path that can be adjusted from 6 to 12 inches wide.
✅ You want something easy: it comes mostly put together, and assembly is easy and can be done by hand.
❌ You're on a budget: this tiller is expensive, so be aware that others may offer better value for money.
❌ You require depth: With 6-inch tines, other tillers offer greater depth for churning denser soil.
❌ You need something light: at 38lbs, it isn't the lightest tiller on the market.
🔎 Craftsman 29934 Gas Tiller is a powerful, easy-to-use cultivator with an adjustable tilling path and a 4-cycle engine. It's easy to assemble and has a simplified starting. It's a bit expensive but worth the investment if you need a reliable tiller for your garden. It also comes with a two-year warranty. ★★★★
The Craftsman C410 Gas Tiller is our pick for the best tiller overall. A 4-cycle engine and 6-inch tines can churn up denser soil and maintain existing flowerbeds and vegetable patches. You can adjust the tilling path from 6 to 12 inches wide, giving you a great deal of control and versatility. It's easy to assemble, use, clean, and store and has a two-year warranty. However, it is more expensive than some other tillers on the market.
First impressions & setup: This tiller is a solid, well-designed machine that comes mostly assembled out of the box. Putting the tiller together is thus pretty easy and does not require any tools, allowing you to get started quickly. It's also relatively lightweight for a gas-powered tiller, and the variable speed throttle and electric start cable make it easy to use.
Features & performance: With a 4-cycle engine and 6-inch tines, this tiller can churn up denser soil and maintain existing flowerbeds and vegetable patches. You can adjust the tilling path from 6 to 12 inches wide, giving you a great deal of control and versatility when tilling your garden or raised beds. It also runs cleaner and quieter than 2-cycle gas tillers, but is slightly more expensive.
Maintenance & safety: Maintaining and cleaning this tiller is a breeze, plus it comes with a warranty that lasts for two years. Keep it well-cleaned and maintained, and it should stay in working order well past the warranty's expiration date.
Read our full Craftsman C410 Gas Tiller review
The best electric tiller
✅ You want easy assembly: this tiller can be up and running within 10 minutes.
✅ You want efficiency: six-angled tines can till up to 16 x 8".
✅ You hate maintenance: the tiller doesn't require fuel and oil mixing and has a 2-year warranty.
❌ You don't want a cord: you will need a long extension cord to use it.
❌ You have deep beds: the tiller is better suited for shadow beds of flowers and vegetables.
❌ You want something powerful: the tiller's 13.5-amp motor may not be enough for tougher soil.
🔎 Sun Joe Electric Tiller is an easy-to-assemble, efficient, and maintenance-free option for small-to-medium-sized gardens. While it's corded and better suited for shallow beds of flowers and vegetables, it cuts up to 8 inches deep and 16 inches wide, eliminating the need for multiple passes. Safety precautions include purchasing a long extension cord and avoiding tangles. ★★★★
The Sun Joe TJ604E Electric Tiller is ideal for preparing soil quickly and efficiently before planting. It's easy to assemble, requires no maintenance, and has a two-year warranty. While it is corded, it's a good choice for those who want the benefits of an electric tiller without having to worry so much about maintenance. The tiller can cut up to 8 inches deep and 16 inches wide, and its six-angled tines ensure you don't have to retill the same patch of soil multiple times.
First impressions & setup: This tiller is an excellent option for those who don't mind a corded machine. It's easy to assemble, with just a few knobs and bolts to attach, and can be up and running within 10 minutes. Once set up, this tiller weighs around 27 lbs and features a 13.5-amp motor and rear wheels, making it easy to maneuver just like an electric lawnmower.
Features & Performance: The tiller's six angled tines can till 16 inches wide by 8 inches deep, eliminating the need for multiple passes. It's perfect for small-to-medium-sized gardens, cutting wide and deep into the soil and allowing you to prepare your garden in one pass without going over the same area multiple times. However, this tiller is better suited for shallow beds of flowers and vegetables, while a gas tiller is better for more compacted dirt.
Safety & Maintenance: The tiller is basically maintenance-free and comes with a two-year warranty. However, be sure to purchase a long extension cord and watch out for getting it tangled in the tines. You won't have to worry about mixing fuel and oil, though, as you would with a gas model.
Read our full Sun Joe TJ604E Tiller review
The best tiller on a budget
✅ You want easy assembly: this tiller is simple to assemble and operate.
✅ You're on a budget: the product is affordable and has a 2-year warranty.
✅ You have a smaller garden: the tiller would be ideal for smaller spaces with moist soil.
❌ You don't want a cord: the product requires a long extension cord, not provided.
❌ You have a large yard: the tiller isn't suitable for extensive gardens.
❌ You want something powerful: the tiller lacks power and struggles with hardened ground.
🔎 Earthwise TC70001 is an affordable, easy-to-assemble electric tiller ideal for smaller gardens with moist soil. While it may struggle with hardened ground, it can till up to 8 inches deep and 11 inches wide. It's easy to push and comes with a two-year limited warranty. Maintenance is straightforward, and a cord retainer helps keep the cord away from the tines for added safety. ★★★★
For those on a budget, the Earthwise TC70001 is an excellent option. Though lacking slightly in power, it's easy to assemble and operate and can till up to 8 inches deep and 11 inches wide on moist soil. It struggles with hardened ground and requires a long extension cord, but it is ideal for personal use and comes with a two-year limited warranty and affordable replacement parts. An excellent choice for beginners seeking a simple and inexpensive tiller, it may not be suitable for more extensive gardens or specific jobs.
First impressions & setup: The electric tiller is small and easy to assemble, weighing only 30 lbs. No special tools are required for setup, and assembly takes only about five minutes, making it one of the quickest tillers to get started with. However, it's worth noting that a long extension cord is required to power the cultivator, which is not included and increases the cost.
Features & Performance: While the tiller lacks power and is unsuitable for breaking up hardened soil, it is ideal for smaller gardens with moist soil. The 8.5-amp motor and rear wheels make it easy to push, and the tines can till up to eight inches deep and 11 inches wide, making it perfect for personal use.
Safety & Maintenance: The cord retainer in the middle of the tiller's shaft helps keep the cord away from the rotating tines, reducing the risk of accidents. The tiller also has a two-year limited warranty.
Read our full Earthwise TC70001 tiller review
The best tiller for smaller gardens
✅ You want power: this tiller has a two-cycle Viper engine.
✅ You want something gas powered: you won't need to worry about being tethered to extension cords.
✅ You need something sturdy: the tiller has a sturdy build for heavy users.
❌ You hate noise: this tiller is noisier than electric models.
❌ You don't want a recoil system: starting the engine requires pulling a cord.
❌ You need something light: the tiller is one of the heavier on the market.
🔎 Earthquake MC33 Mini Cultivator has a sturdy build and a powerful two-cycle Viper engine, perfect for tilling, weeding, aerating, and fertilizing soil. It's gas-powered, so no extension cord is needed, but it's noisier than electric models. Assembly is easy, but the recoil starting system can be challenging. Ideal for smaller gardens. ★★★★
The Earthquake MC33 Mini Cultivator has a sturdy build and a powerful two-cycle Viper engine, meaning it can easily cut trenches up to six inches deep and ten inches wide. This makes it ideal for tilling, weeding, aerating, and fertilizing soil. It's gas-powered, so you don't need an extension cord but do note that it is noisier than electric models. While it is one of the heavier tillers on the market, its powerful engine makes it easy to push through the soil.
First impressions & setup: Although this tiller is an older model, it has a sturdy build and a powerful two-cycle Viper engine, which makes it easy to push through the soil. It is relatively easy to assemble, with clear instructions in the user manual. At 33 pounds, it's also one of the heavier tillers on the market, but this weight is offset by its powerful engine.
Features & Performance: This tiller is a valuable tool for those with smaller gardens. It can cut trenches up to six inches deep and ten inches wide, allowing you to till your soil, weed your garden, aerate the soil, and add fertilizer. It is gas-powered, so you don't need an extension cord to use it, but it is also noisier than electric models. Note that the recoil starting system requires you to pull a cord to start it, which can be challenging.
Read our full Earthquake MC33 review
The best gas cultivator
✅ You want power: this tiller has a direct-gear drive and crankshaft engine.
✅ You want easy maneuverability: the cultivator is equipped with rear wheels.
✅ You need easy storage: the front carry handle makes for easier transport and storage.
❌ You don't want to assemble: you will need to set aside some time for assembly.
❌ You have deep soil: it may not go deep enough for larger gardens.
❌ You don't want a gas tiller: the model requires you to mix gas and oil.
🔎 Southland SCV43 cultivator is a gas-powered tiller with a powerful engine and maneuverable rear wheels. Assembly takes around 30 minutes, and it can till up to 5 inches deep. It is heavier than most tillers but can still be easily transported and stored. ★★★★
The Southland SCV43 cultivator is a gas-powered tiller that can easily handle the task of tilling ground with its powerful direct-gear drive and crankshaft engine. Though it may not go as deep as some other tillers, it still offers a lot of value for creating and maintaining small to medium-sized gardens.
Its gas engine provides plenty of power to get the job done, and the cultivator comes equipped with rear wheels, which make it more maneuverable than some other models. And, despite being heavier than many other tillers, the Southland SCV43 can still be easily transported and stored.
First impressions & setup: We will note that the Southland SCV43 requires some assembly out of the box, as while most of the unit comes pre-assembled, you'll still need to attach the handlebars and shaft to the drive module and cut the tines to the tine shaft. Thankfully this isn't too complicated and can be done by hand with the provided instructions. All in all, expect to spend around 30 minutes on assembly.
Features & Performance: This cultivator is a gas-powered tiller that weighs 41 pounds, making it one of the heavier options on the market. However, its direct-gear crankshaft engine is very powerful and makes it easy to use. To start the machine, all you need to do is pull the starting cord, and the tines will start turning right away.
This cultivator has 7-inch rear wheels, which provide extra maneuverability, so you can easily push it through your garden. This garden tiller can turn dirt up to 5 inches deep, which is enough to help water reach the roots of your plants and make adding fertilizer easier. However, if you have a larger garden, you may want to consider a tiller that can go up to 8 inches deep.
Safety & Maintenance: Remember that because this tiller has a two-cycle gas engine, you must mix gas and oil to fuel it. While this is less clean and convenient than four-cycle options, it does make two-cycle tillers more affordable. The front carrying handle makes it easier to transport, and the folding handle can be collapsed for easy storage, so you won't have to worry about it taking up too much space when you're not using it.
Read our full Southland SCV43 cultivator review
How to choose the best tiller for you
So how do you choose the right tiller for you? Consider what you want to achieve and opt for the tiller to handle the task. Some tillers are designed to help you remove pesky weeds and aerate the soil, while others are better for working in compost and fertilizers. If you’re working on a new plot that has never been tilled, look for a powerful machine with robust tines. This may not be necessary if your soil has been turned before and you want to refresh it before summer planting. Whatever your needs, there’s a tiller out there for you.
The tiller has stood the test of time and has been used in agriculture for centuries. They’re a proven way of breaking up compact earth and transforming it into loose, aerated soil, making planting a breeze. They can add extra goodness to the soil, like organic compost, and even remove weeds. Bear in mind, though, that tilling the soil does have its downsides, as it can result in soil erosion and increase the need for pesticides. You’ll have to consider whether the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.
Tillers are best suited for preparing large areas of land. They’re also a good choice when preparing a plot for the first time, particularly if it’s been unloved and the soil is compacted and lacking nutrients.
You can find smaller models, often called cultivators. These are ideal for more delicate jobs like weeding between seedlings or adding compost to an empty bed. However, they may struggle to cope with breaking up stubborn roots and dense soil, so in this scenario, you’d be better off with a more powerful tiller.
We’ve included a range of different tillers and cultivators in our round-up to determine what suits your needs. We’ve scouted out models in all shapes and sizes, including ones designed for different tasks. You’ll find models you can put together and ones that come fully assembled easily.
Best tillers FAQ
Tiller vs cultivator: Which should you buy?
Not sure whether to buy a tiller or a cultivator? First, you’ll want to consider what task you want it to do for you. Typically, a tiller can make light work of hard, compacted soils and is a great choice for a new plot where the ground has not been turned before. A tiller tends to have a deeper reach than your average cultivator.
By contrast, a cultivator is ideal for aerating the top layer of your soil in an established garden. Using a cultivator is a great way to refresh your soil each spring. However, they struggle with denser soils, so they are best avoided in this scenario. Our round-up includes tillers, tiller and cultivator combos, and cultivators, so we’ve got you covered whatever your needs.
What is the difference between a tiller and a cultivator?
So what’s the difference between a tiller and a cultivator? While they may look similar, there are important differences.
Tillers have a much deeper reach than the average cultivator and can handle tough ground. At the beginning of the season, a tiller is a brilliant way to break up hard, compacted earth to create the right growing conditions for your plants to thrive. After your plants are past their best, you can use the tiller to dig the leftover growth deep into the ground so it can decompose and nourish the soil. A tiller is also handy for mixing compost into the soil to add extra nutrients.
At first glance, a cultivator may look similar, but they are typically smaller. This gives them an advantage if you want to turn the soil between narrow rows of seedlings. Cultivators don’t have the same reach as tillers, so they are best suited to preparing the top layers of your soil. A cultivator should be your go-to tool if you want to dig up weeds before they get established. Moreover, they make weeding fuss-free, giving you more time for tending to your favorite plants.
Tiller maintenance tips
The work tillers do dirty, so it’s no wonder they get strewn with rocks and debris. To maintain your tiller, it’s important to thoroughly hose off the tines and carefully inspect them to make sure all the debris is removed after each use.
You’ll know it’s time to sharpen the tines when they efficiently stop slicing through the dirt. Before you sharpen them, thoroughly clean the tines by scrubbing them with mild detergent. Grime and debris can scratch the tines if they aren’t properly cleaned before they’re sharpened. Once the tines are clean, use a mill file to sharpen each individually. If the tiller is small, you can turn it over and sharpen the tines attached to the machine. For bigger tillers, you’ll want to remove the tines and fasten them into a vice while you sharpen them.
Be sure to change the oil and air filter at least once a year, preferably at the beginning of the gardening season, so you know you are starting the season with clean fuel. Consult the owner’s manual for the appropriate grade and amount of oil. Also, use up all the gas in the tank at the end of each season or add a fuel stabilizer to whatever gas remains. Store the tiller indoors, in a garage or shed, to avoid the elements.
Rear tine vs front tine tillers
The key component of a garden tiller is the tine design. Tines are the metal prongs that work and loosen the soil. Their length and position determine how the machine operates, how far it can cut into the soil, and what kind of soil it works best in. In some cases, short tines are sufficient, but for other jobs, you need tines that dig deep. Here are some differences between tillers with rear tines and those with front tines:
Rear tines: Machines with their tines in the back typically do a better job of breaking up soil that has never been tilled and cutting deeply into dense, thickly packed dirt. They have large wheels with deep treads and adjustable depth regulators, so you can till to different depths.
Some rear tines are counter-rotating. Because they move counter-clockwise, they give you even more control to handle the toughest dirt. These tillers create the least vibration when cutting through clay and rocky dirt, and they are great for creating new garden beds where they didn’t exist before.
Mid-tines: Generally, tillers with tines in the middle are the easiest to control and move while the machine is operating. The rototiller’s engine is usually located above the tines, giving it better weight distribution.
They are less powerful than rear tines and more suited to light maintenance work than creating new seed beds.
Front tines: These tines sit before the wheels and rotate forward. Front tillers don’t cut as far into the soil and aren’t as effective at breaking up tough, clumpy dirt. Front-tine tillers generally cost less than rear tillers of comparable size and power.
They are much easier to maneuver over dirt already loose and don’t require much work.
Electric vs gas tillers
Another consideration is the way a tiller is powered. For many people, the convenience of an electric-powered tiller is obvious. They are simple to start - they will run indefinitely since your electricity is always available, and they are handy for smaller-sized gardens. However, the drawback is that you will need an extension cord if your garden is farther away from the house, and you’ll be out of luck without a power source.
Gas-powered tillers are potent machines that can muscle through tough soil. However, with many of these models, you must mix oil and gas to fuel the machine and occasionally stop to refuel, which is a chore not everyone likes. Gas-powered machines tend to be heavier and harder to push, which could be a problem for some consumers.
As with all tools, electric tillers are generally less expensive than gas-powered ones. If you prefer electric to gas, you will find good, affordable models but won’t get the same power gas tillers provide.
