The 13 Best Tillers of 2023

Best Overall

Greenworks 40V 10-Inch Cordless Tiller and Cultivator

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This cordless electric tiller from Greenworks is our best overall pick, because it is simple to use, is quick to charge, has an adjustable width, and is easy to maintain. It is equipped with a 40-volt battery, which allows it to run for up to 40 minutes on a single charge. The runtime can be extended even longer if you have additional batteries. It only takes two hours for the batteries to completely charge. The four front tines can till as deep as five inches, and the tilling width is adjustable between 8.25 inches and 10 inches. 

Thanks to a push-button start, it’s a cinch to get this front-tine tiller going. For added safety, it has a cut-off switch to prevent accidental startups. At 21 pounds, the Greenworks cordless electric cultivator is fairly lightweight, and the two rear wheels support a good portion of its weight.

Requiring no gas or oil, this battery-powered unit is practically maintenance-free. It’s also quieter, and it has a lot less vibration than gas-powered models. We read some reports of missing parts, so be sure to inspect your tiller thoroughly upon arrival. The manufacturer offers three year-warranties on both the tool and batteries. 

Price at time of publish: $270

_{Type: Front Tine | Tilling Width: 8.25 to 10 inches | Tilling Depth: 5 inches | Power Source: Cordless electric | Weight: 21 pounds}

Best Budget

Earthwise TC70001 11-Inch 8.5-Amp Electric Tiller

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This corded electric tiller from Earthwise is an affordably priced option that’s ideal for small to medium-sized gardens. The four front tines can till up to 11 inches wide and 8 inches deep. Powered by an 8.5-amp motor, this rototiller will run as long as you need it to once it’s plugged into an outlet. The single-lever switch is easy to operate, ensuring that the engine starts right up every time.  

At just 27 pounds, this unit is lightweight and easy to maneuver. It also has an ergonomic, V-shaped handle that provides a comfortable grip and better maneuverability. Another convenient feature is a cord-retention hook for uninterrupted tilling power. Best of all, the Earthwise electric tiller delivers a powerful performance without gas or fumes.

Note that this unit can only be operated at one speed. Although it’s powerful, you can’t increase the pace when the conditions call for it. We have read a small number of reports that say the tiller stopped working very quickly. Be sure to take advantage of the two-year warranty if you encounter any problems or defects.

Price at time of publish: $140

_{Type: Front Tine | Tilling Width: 11 inches | Tilling Depth: 8 inches | Power Source: Corded electric | Weight: 27 pounds}

Best Compact

Mantis 4-Cycle Tiller Cultivator

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This mini tiller from Mantis has a slim profile that will take up minimal space in a garage or shed. At just 24 pounds, this tool is extremely lightweight and easy to transport. It features ergonomically flared handles for comfortable operation. The handles fold down for easy carrying and storage. It has powerful, four-blade steel tines and the tilling depth is adjustable from 3 to 10 inches. With a 9–inch tilling width, this compact machine can get into tight spots that a larger tiller can’t reach. 

The Mantis Tiller Cultivator has a four-cycle engine and requires both gas and oil for operation. Like any model in this category, you will need to keep an eye on the fluid levels. It has a recoil start, which is a bit trickier to operate than a push-button start. We have read some reports of the tiller breaking or bending after several uses. The good news is that this product is backed by a two-year warranty to protect your investment.

Price at time of publish: $399

_{Type: Front Tine | Tilling Width: 9 inches | Tilling Depth: 10 inches | Power Source: Cordless gas | Weight: 24 pounds}

Best Cultivator

GardenTrax Mini Tiller Cultivator

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The Garden Trax cultivator is a versatile machine that’s able to weed, mix, and aerate soil at the same time. Its tilling width can be adjusted from 6 to 12 inches, allowing you to work in areas of various sizes. The gas-powered, two-cycle engine delivers enough power for deep tilling (up to 6 inches). Just keep in mind that this front-tine cultivator isn’t intended to break up hard ground. It does a great job of prepping the soil before planting, however. 

At 33 pounds, the Garden Trax is one of the heaviest tillers in our roundup. Luckily, the two adjustable wheels absorb most of the weight and make it easy to maneuver. Note that this tiller is equipped with a manual recoil, rather than a push-button start, which may take longer to get going.

Price at time of publish: $200

_{Type: Front Tine | Tilling Width: 6 to 12 inches | Tilling Depth: 6 inches | Power Source: Cordless gas | Weight: 33 pounds}

Best for Large Gardens

Champion Power Equipment 100379 22 in. Front Tine Tiller

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With an adjustable tilling depth of up to 8 inches, the Champion 100379 is ideal for preparing large flower beds and vegetable gardens. The tilling width is adjustable between 16 to 22 inches, allowing you to weed between wide rows. This versatile electric tiller has a slim profile and flip-down wheels, so it’s easy to store when not in use. The compact design and stored wheels make it easy to transport across driveways and sidewalks. A 212cc engine powers four heavy-duty steel tines with dual rotation, which can break up hard ground and turn it into viable soil. 

Note that this tiller uses gasoline and oil, which will require regular refills. You’ll have to keep an eye on the levels, but it is equipped with a low-oil shut-off sensor. We have read some reports that the tiller stopped working in a short period of time. To ensure customer satisfaction, Champion backs this product with a two-year limited warranty and free lifetime technical support.

Price at time of publish: $799

_{Type: Front Tine | Tilling Width: 22 inches | Tilling Depth: 8 inches | Power Source: Cordless gas | Weight: 119.1 pounds}

Best for Small Gardens

Black+Decker 20V Max Cordless Garden Cultivator

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For existing gardens that only require a minimal amount of cultivating, the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Tiller is a great choice. This affordably priced tiller/cultivator is ideal for smaller areas, and it can till up to 325 square feet on a single charge. Powered by a 20-volt lithium-ion battery, this cordless model is convenient and portable. Counter-oscillating tines quickly eliminate weeds and prevent them from tangling. The soft-grip, telescoping handle makes it comfortable to hold for longer periods of time. 

At just over 8 pounds, this BLACK+DECKER tiller is lightweight and easy to maneuver.  We have read some complaints that the battery life is a bit shorter than expected and that it can take up to eight hours to fully recharge. Also note that with a maximum cultivating depth of four inches, this tool is limited for use on softer garden soil and shallower weeds, but we think for smaller gardens with the right soil, this budget-friendly tiller is a great choice.

Price at time of publish: $87

_{Type: Not listed | Tilling Width: 7 inches | Tilling Depth: 4 inches | Power Source: Cordless electric | Weight: 8.1 pounds}

Best Combo

Earthquake 12802 MC440 Mini Cultivator

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This tiller/cultivator combo can be used with an optional edging or dethatching kit, making it a great multipurpose option. Its four-cycle, gas-powered engine delivers plenty of power, allowing you to work through all types of pre-tilled earth. The four front tines can till up to 8 inches deep and 10 inches wide, and since they’re adjustable, you can easily switch between tilling and cultivating modes. This unit offers variable speed controls too, so you can increase the power to tackle tough terrain. 

Despite all its power, the Earthquake Mini Cultivator is relatively lightweight at 32 pounds and easy to maneuver. This unit features an air filter that helps to keep damaging debris out of the engine. However, we have read some complaints that the pull-cord start can be tricky to operate. It comes with a five-year warranty to ensure years of reliable use, though some customers report difficulties with customer service.

Price at time of publish: $269

_{Type: Front Tine | Tilling Width: 10 inches | Tilling Depth: 8 inches | Power Source: Cordless gas | Weight: 32 pounds}

Best Adjustable Depth

Sun Joe TJ602E 12-Inch 8-Amp Electric Garden Tiller/Cultivator

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This electric rototiller from Sun Joe allows you to adjust the digging depth up to 8 inches, which helps to break up rocky or compacted soil. It has four steel angled tines and a powerful 8-amp motor that cultivates up to 12 inches wide. Other convenient features include three-position, height-adjustable rear wheels and dual handles for easy maneuvering. When not in use, the frame collapses for compact storage in a garage or shed. 

Note that this rototiller is corded, which means it’s less portable than other models. It only operates in one speed mode, but at 300 rpm, it can slice through heavy soil quickly and easily. We read some reports of the motor and blades breaking within a short period of time. The good news is that this product is backed by a two-year warranty, and the manufacturer will send a replacement with no questions asked.

Price at time of publish: $116

_{Type: Rear Tine | Tilling Width: 12 inches | Tilling Depth: 8 inches | Power Source: Electric | Weight: 23.15 pounds}

Best Gas

Tazz 35310 2-in-1 Front Tine Tiller/Cultivator

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With a powerful yet fuel efficient 79cc Viper engine, this gas-powered model is designed for heavy-duty jobs. The tilling depth is adjustable up to 11 inches, and the forged steel tines can easily break up dense soil. By removing the outer tines and side shields, this unit quickly transforms from a tiller into a cultivator. The tilling width is also adjustable between 21 and 11 inches, giving you more coverage as your garden grows. At a whopping 85.8 pounds, this machine may sound extremely heavy, but it’s easy to maneuver, thanks to a low center of gravity and excellent stability. 

The steel handlebar has four height positions, so users can comfortably steer it without having to bend over. Keep in mind that this powerful tool consumes a good amount of gas and oil. You’ll need to monitor the levels on a regular basis. The Tazz 35310 is one of the most expensive options on our list, but it also offers superior power and a convenient, two-in-one design. We have read some reports of pieces breaking in a short period of time. However, this product is backed by a three-year warranty to protect your investment.

Price at time of publish: $325

_{Type: Front Tine | Tilling Width: 21 inches | Tilling Depth: 11 inches | Power Source: Gas | Weight: 85.8 pounds}