Best Tool for Tilling Soil: 10 Electric, Gas and Hand Tillers Compared

Breaking up compacted soil, preparing garden beds, and mixing in compost can take considerable effort without the right equipment. Whether you’re working with a small raised bed or preparing a larger vegetable garden, choosing the right tilling tool can make soil preparation faster and more manageable.

For medium-sized gardens, the LawnMaster TE1318M 18 in offers an 18-inch tilling width and a maximum depth of 9 inches. If you’re working in a confined space, the BARAYSTUS Hand Tiller provides a manual alternative without electricity or fuel. For larger areas where access to power outlets is limited, the BILT HARD Gas 46cc 16 in offers gas-powered operation.

This guide examines 10 tillers and cultivators, comparing their working widths, tilling depths, power sources, and available specifications. We also highlight details missing from product listings to make comparisons easier. Before choosing, consider your garden’s size, soil conditions, and available storage space. A compact tool may struggle with extensive ground preparation, while an oversized tiller can be difficult to maneuver between narrow planting beds.

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On this page

1. Compare Soil Tillers by Type, Width, Depth and Power
2. Detailed Reviews: Best Tool for Tilling Soil
3. Match the Tiller Size to Your Bed
4. Do Not Till Soil When It Is Too Wet or Too Dry
5. How to Choose the Best Tool for Tilling Soil
6. Which Tool for Tilling Soil Should You Choose?
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Final Verdict

Compare Soil Tillers by Type, Width, Depth and Power

Detailed Reviews: Best Tool for Tilling Soil

1. LawnMaster 13.5 Amp 18 in Electric Tiller TE1318M (Best overall tiller)

• 18 inWidth
• 9 inDepth
• 13.5 AMotor
• 380 RPMBlade speed

Best for: medium to large home gardens where you want a wide pass and an outlet is in reach

Why it ranks #1: It has the widest listed cut and the deepest listed depth of the corded models, with overload protection on top.

LawnMaster lists the TE1318M with a 13.5 amp motor and six rust-resistant steel blades that turn at 380 RPM. The maximum cutting width is 18 in and the depth is 9 in, which is the deepest figure listed for any electric model in this guide. The listing says it is made for medium to large sized gardens.

It has mechanical overload protection, so the tiller shuts off on its own if a foreign object blocks it. The handles fold for storage and there are three transit wheel positions. It runs on a cord, so you need an outlet or extension cord within reach of the bed.

Skip it if your garden is far from an outlet; the BILT HARD Gas 46cc 16 in runs on gas.

2. Sun Joe Corded Electric Garden Tiller and Cultivator TJ604E (Best compact corded tiller)

• 16 inWidth
• 8 inDepth
• 13.5 AMotor
• 6Steel tines

Best for: small to medium yards that need a tiller you can fold away

Why it ranks #2: It is a little narrower and shallower than the LawnMaster TE1318M 18 in but folds down for small storage spaces.

The Sun Joe TJ604E has a 13.5 amp motor that the listing says tills up to 16 in wide and 8 in deep. It has six rust-proof, angled steel tines and a three position wheel adjustment for depth and control in different soils.

The handle folds for storage and transport, and Sun Joe calls it a small garden tiller for gardeners with limited space. It is corded and has no gas or oil to maintain, so it gives continuous power as long as you stay in reach of an outlet.

Skip it if you want the widest pass; the LawnMaster TE1318M 18 in cuts 18 in.

3. BILT HARD 18 Inch Electric Tiller Cultivator, Corded 15 Amp (Best for higher motor amps)

• 18 inWidth
• 15 AMotor
• 380 RPMBlade speed
• 25 lbWeight

Best for: small to medium gardens where you want a wide, light corded tiller

Why it ranks #3: It lists the highest amp rating of the electric models and a light weight, but it does not list a tilling depth.

BILT HARD lists a 120V, 15 amp motor with six rust-resistant front tines that turn at 380 RPM. Four of the tines are angled to break up soil. The tiller is 18 in wide and weighs 25 lb.

The 6 in wheels flip down and have four adjustable positions, so you can set the tilling depth for different soils. The tool folds with four quick knobs and an H handle for storage. The listing names small to medium gardens, lawns, courtyards, orchards and flower beds. It does not give a maximum depth in inches.

Skip it if you need a listed maximum depth; the LawnMaster TE1318M 18 in gives 9 in.

4. SEYVUM Cordless Tiller for Gardening, 20V 2 x 4.0Ah (Best cordless tiller)

• 9 inWidth
• 7 inDepth
• 2 x 4.0AhBatteries
• Up to 50 minRuntime

Best for: small raised beds and tight paths where a cord or engine gets in the way

Why it ranks #4: It is the only cordless tiller here, but its 9 in width is half that of the corded models.

SEYVUM sells this cordless tiller with two 4.0Ah lithium batteries. The listing says the pair give up to 50 minutes of continuous use. The tilling width is 9 in and the depth is 7 in, and the narrow frame is meant for tight paths and small raised beds.

It uses a brushless motor and four sets of 12 tooth steel blades. One note on the listing: the feature text says 20,000 RPM, while the product title says 360 RPM. Check the manual before you rely on either figure.

Skip it if you have a larger bed; the LawnMaster TE1318M 18 in covers 18 in per pass.

5. BILT HARD 46cc 4-Cycle 1.9HP Gas Powered Tiller Cultivator 16 in (Best gas tiller)

• 46ccEngine
• 16 inWidth
• 7.84 inMax depth
• 250 RPMBlade speed

Best for: larger plots and places with no outlet nearby

Why it ranks #5: It is the only gas model here, so it frees you from a cord and from battery runtime.

This BILT HARD tiller has a 46cc four-stroke engine rated at a maximum of 1,400W. The listing gives a blade speed of 250 RPM and a maximum tilling depth of 7.84 in, and says actual depth varies with soil conditions.

Gas and engine oil are kept separate, so you do not mix oil into the fuel. The wheels have two positions, one for working and one for transport. BILT HARD says to follow the manual for checking oil, refueling and starting. A gas engine needs fuel and routine upkeep that the electric models do not.

Skip it if you want low upkeep; a corded model like the Sun Joe TJ604E 16 in has no gas or oil.

6. BARAYSTUS Hand Tiller Cultivator, Steel Garden Claw with Wide Foot Plate (Best manual twist tiller)

• 7.5 inHead width
• 4.7 inHead depth
• 3.7 lbWeight
• 34.2 inHandle

Best for: raised beds, flower beds and planter boxes

Why it ranks #6: It is the lightest tool here and needs no cord or fuel, but it only covers a small area.

BARAYSTUS makes this manual twist tiller from carbon steel with a rust-resistant paint coating. The head is 4.7 in deep and 7.5 in wide, and the whole tool weighs 3.7 lb. A wide foot plate with an anti-slip texture lets you step on it to push the tines in.

The handle is 34.2 in long with a plastic grip sleeve. The listing says it needs no complicated assembly and suits balcony planting boxes, flower beds and small vegetable gardens where you mix in fertilizer.

Skip it if you have a big plot; the LawnMaster TE1318M 18 in covers far more ground.

7. Colwelt Cultivators for Gardening 61 in Rotary Cultivator Tool (Best stand-up rotary hand tool)

• 61 inHandle
• 3Tine wheels
• 6Aluminum tines
• AluminumHead

Best for: loosening compacted soil and prepping seedbeds without bending over

Why it ranks #7: It lets you work standing up, but the listing gives no width or depth.

Colwelt sells this rotary cultivator with a 61 in handle, so you can work standing. You roll it back and forth while pressing down. It has three detachable rotary wheels that you can use as one, two or all three, which suits narrow gaps beside plants or wider passes.

The head is reinforced aluminum and the six tines are aluminum too. The listing says it breaks up compacted soil, makes seedbeds and can be used for lawn reseeding. It does not list a working width or depth.

Skip it if you need a listed width and depth; the BARAYSTUS Hand Tiller lists head size.

8. Fiskars Ergo Garden Cultivator, Hand Tool for Digging, Aerating and Weeding (Best short hand cultivator)

• Cast aluminumHead
• ErgonomicHandle
• Hang holeStorage
• LifetimeWarranty

Best for: garden beds and pots where you need to loosen, aerate and weed by hand

Why it ranks #8: It is a small hand tool for spot work, with a lifetime warranty in the listing.

Fiskars makes this hand cultivator with a cast aluminum head and tines that the listing calls rust resistant. The tines are meant for digging in tough soil, aerating and removing weeds. The handle is ergonomic, and a hang hole lets you store it on a hook.

The package includes one cultivator and a lifetime warranty. The listing does not give size or weight, so check the product page for dimensions.

Skip it if you have a large bed; the LawnMaster TE1318M 18 in or BILT HARD Gas 46cc 16 in cover more ground.

9. Edward Tools Hoe and Cultivator Hand Tiller, Carbon Steel Blade (Best hoe and cultivator combo)

• Carbon steelHead
• Solid oakHandle
• RubberGrip
• Rust proofCoating

Best for: loosening soil and weeding in flower and vegetable gardens

Why it ranks #9: It combines a hoe blade and a cultivator head in one tool, but the listing is short on specs.

Edward Tools lists a carbon steel blade and head, a solid oak handle and an ergonomic rubber grip. The tool has a hoe on one side and a cultivator on the other, so you can loosen soil, weed and dig with one tool.

The listing describes it as a hand tiller for flower and vegetable gardens. It does not give a length, weight or working width.

Skip it if you want a stand-up rotary tool; the Colwelt 61 in Rotary Cultivator has a 61 in handle.

10. Metlead 4-in-1 Soil Cultivator for 3/8 in Hex Drive Drill (Best drill attachment)

• 3/8 inHex drive
• 4-in-1Functions
• Manganese steelMaterial
• Not includedDrill

Best for: raised beds, plant boxes and pots if you already own a drill

Why it ranks #10: It adds tilling to a drill you already own, but it covers only small spots.

Metlead makes this auger attachment as a 4-in-1 cultivator, tiller, digger and bulb planter. It fits most standard 3/8 in hex drive drills, and the drill is not included. The listing says to start at low speed and adjust as needed.

It is made from hardened manganese steel. Metlead lists use in home gardens, raised beds, plant boxes and flower pots, where it loosens soil, mixes compost and plants bulbs. The listing gives no width or depth.

Skip it if you do not own a drill; a manual tool like the BARAYSTUS Hand Tiller needs no power.

Match the Tiller Size to Your Bed

The most common mistake is buying the wrong size. A 9 in tool like the SEYVUM Cordless 20V is slow on a large plot, and an 18 in tiller like the LawnMaster TE1318M 18 in is hard to turn in a small raised bed.

As a rule of thumb, choose a hand tool for beds under about 50 sq ft, a corded or cordless tiller for medium beds, and a gas model like the BILT HARD Gas 46cc 16 in for large plots. Measure your bed first, then compare the width and depth in the table.

Remember the cord too. A corded tiller like the Sun Joe TJ604E 16 in needs an outlet or a heavy-duty outdoor extension cord that reaches every corner of the bed.

Do Not Till Soil When It Is Too Wet or Too Dry

Even the best tool for tilling soil gives poor results at the wrong moisture. Wet soil forms hard clods, and bone dry soil turns to dust and can be hard to cut.

Grab a handful and squeeze it. If it crumbles when you poke it, it is ready. If it stays in a sticky ball, wait a few days. Tilling too often or too deep can also break soil structure, so most beds only need loosening once or twice a year.

Clear rocks, roots and hoses first. A stone can jam a tiller like the LawnMaster TE1318M 18 in, which has overload protection, and can bend the tines on tools without it. Wear sturdy shoes, eye protection and gloves, and keep the cord behind you when using a corded model like the BILT HARD 18 in Electric 15 A.

How to Choose the Best Tool for Tilling Soil

Power source

Corded electric tillers like the LawnMaster TE1318M 18 in, Sun Joe TJ604E 16 in and BILT HARD 18 in Electric 15 A run without fuel but need an outlet. The cordless SEYVUM Cordless 20V runs on batteries. The gas BILT HARD Gas 46cc 16 in runs anywhere but needs fuel and upkeep.

Width and depth

Wider is faster. The LawnMaster TE1318M 18 in is listed at 18 in wide and 9 in deep, while the SEYVUM Cordless 20V is 9 in wide and 7 in deep. Hand tools like the BARAYSTUS Hand Tiller only reach the depth you can push.

Weight and storage

The BILT HARD 18 in Electric 15 A is listed at 25 lb and the BARAYSTUS Hand Tiller at 3.7 lb. Folding handles on the Sun Joe TJ604E 16 in help in small sheds.

Hand tool or machine

Hand tools like the Fiskars Ergo Cultivator and Edward Tools Hoe Cultivator are best for spot work, weeding and loosening a crust. Use a machine to break fresh ground.

Which Tool for Tilling Soil Should You Choose?

• If you want the best all-round tiller, choose the LawnMaster TE1318M 18 in, because it cuts 18 in wide and 9 in deep.
• If you want a compact corded tiller, choose the Sun Joe TJ604E 16 in, because it folds for storage.
• If you want a higher amp rating, choose the BILT HARD 18 in Electric 15 A, because it has a 15 amp motor.
• If you want no cord, choose the SEYVUM Cordless 20V, because it runs on two 4.0Ah batteries.
• If you have a larger plot, choose the BILT HARD Gas 46cc 16 in, because it has a gas engine.
• If you have a small raised bed, choose the BARAYSTUS Hand Tiller, because it weighs 3.7 lb.
• If you want to work standing up, choose the Colwelt 61 in Rotary Cultivator, because it has a 61 in handle.
• If you want a small hand tool for pots and beds, choose the Fiskars Ergo Cultivator, because it has cast aluminum tines.
• If you want a hoe and cultivator in one, choose the Edward Tools Hoe Cultivator, because it has both heads.
• If you already own a drill, choose the Metlead 4-in-1 Drill Cultivator, because it fits a 3/8 in hex drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best tool for tilling soil?

For most home gardens, the LawnMaster TE1318M 18 in is the best pick here. It lists an 18 in width and 9 in depth, plus overload protection. For a small raised bed, the BARAYSTUS Hand Tiller is a lighter choice with no cord or fuel.

Electric tiller vs gas tiller: which is better?

Electric tillers like the LawnMaster TE1318M 18 in and Sun Joe TJ604E 16 in have no fuel to mix and little upkeep, but need a cord. A gas model like the BILT HARD Gas 46cc 16 in works far from an outlet but needs fuel and oil. Choose electric for medium beds near the house and gas for larger plots.

Is a cordless tiller strong enough?

It suits small beds. The SEYVUM Cordless 20V lists a 9 in width, 7 in depth and up to 50 minutes of runtime on two batteries. For bigger areas, a corded or gas tiller covers more ground per pass.

Can I till soil by hand?

Yes, in small beds. Tools like the BARAYSTUS Hand Tiller, Colwelt 61 in Rotary Cultivator and Fiskars Ergo Cultivator loosen soil without power. They take more effort in hard or compacted ground, so water the soil a day before and work in small sections.

How deep should I till a garden bed?

Most beds only need loosening to about 6 to 8 in. The Sun Joe TJ604E 16 in lists 8 in and the BILT HARD Gas 46cc 16 in lists 7.84 in. Going deeper rarely helps and can bring up poor subsoil.

When is the best time to till?

Till in spring when soil is workable, or in fall to mix in compost. Squeeze a handful. If it crumbles, go ahead. If it forms a wet ball, wait.

Final Verdict

The LawnMaster TE1318M 18 in is the best tool for tilling soil in this guide. It lists an 18 in width, a 9 in depth, a 13.5 amp motor and overload protection, and it folds for storage. If you have a smaller bed, the BARAYSTUS Hand Tiller is a light manual alternative. Before you buy, measure your bed and check how far it is from an outlet.

See the LawnMaster TE1318M 18 in on Amazon