A garden tiller breaks up compacted soil and mixes in amendments before planting. Electric tillers and cultivators are lighter than gas models and suit small to mid-size beds, with tilling width and depth the main differences between them.
The six tools below include corded electric tillers, a small cultivator and a cordless 80V tiller. Figures come from each product’s Amazon listing and are the makers’ own. We have not used these tools ourselves.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Tilling width | Wide paths suit larger beds; narrow ones suit rows |
| Depth | Deeper tilling helps prepare new beds |
| Power source | Corded needs a cord and outlet; cordless needs batteries |
| Tines | Count, material and whether they detach |
Specs at a Glance
| Tool | Power | Width and depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun Joe TJ604E | 13.5-amp corded | 16 in; 8 in | 6 steel tines; folding handle; 3 wheel positions |
| Sun Joe TJ605E | 15-amp, up to 400 RPM | 15.7 in; 7.7 in | 6 tines; foldable handle; 4-position wheels |
| LawnMaster TE1216M | 12-amp corded | 16 in; 9 in | 6 steel blades; 3 wheel positions |
| LawnMaster TE1318M | 13.5-amp corded | 18 in; 9 in | 380 RPM; overload protection; detachable tines |
| Greenworks TL80L00 | 80V cordless | 10 in; 5 in | 4 tines; tool only; up to 40 minutes per the maker |
| Earthwise TC70025 | 2.5-amp corded | 7.5 in; 6 in | 4 steel tines; lightweight |
The 6 Best Garden Tillers
1. Sun Joe TJ604E Corded Electric Tiller
A 13.5-amp tiller that the maker says tills up to 16 inches wide and 8 inches deep with six steel-angled tines. It has a folding handle and a 3-position wheel adjustment. The listed product dimensions look unusual, so check the maker’s specs.
Suits: small to mid-size beds. Strengths: deep tilling figure, folds for storage. Weaknesses: corded. Skip it if your bed is far from an outlet.
View Sun Joe Corded Electric Garden Tiller and Cultivator with Steel Tines TJ604E on Amazon
2. Sun Joe TJ605E Electric Tiller
A 15-amp tiller listed at up to 400 RPM with six tines, a 15.7 inch width, 7.7 inch depth and four-position wheels. The power field says only electric, while the bullets describe it as corded.
Suits: compact soil. Strengths: strongest motor of the Sun Joe pair. Weaknesses: slightly narrower and shallower than the TJ604E. Skip it if you want a cordless tool.
View Sun Joe Electric Garden Tiller and Cultivator with Steel Tines TJ605E on Amazon
3. LawnMaster TE1216M Electric Tiller
A 12-amp corded tiller with a 16 inch maximum width, a 9 inch depth, six steel blades, a two-stage gearbox and three wheel positions. The part number field shows TE1016M, which conflicts with the title.
Suits: a mid-size garden. Strengths: 9 inch depth. Weaknesses: corded, part number conflict. Skip it if you need a wider path.
View LawnMaster TE1216M Electric Tiller 12-Amp 16-Inch on Amazon
4. LawnMaster TE1318M Electric Tiller
A 13.5-amp corded tiller with an 18 inch maximum width and 9 inch depth at 380 RPM. Detachable tines let you switch between six tines (18 inch) and four (12.6 inch), and it has mechanical overload protection and foldable handles.
Suits: larger gardens and narrower rows. Strengths: widest path, switchable width. Weaknesses: corded. Skip it if you only have a tiny bed.
View LawnMaster 13.5 Amp 18 inch Electric Tiller TE1318M on Amazon
5. Greenworks Pro 80V 10 Inch Cordless Tiller (TL80L00)
A cordless 80V tool with four forward-rotating removable tines, a 10 inch width and 5 inch depth. The maker cites up to 40 minutes at full speed per charge. Battery and charger are not included.
Suits: 80V Greenworks owners. Strengths: no cord. Weaknesses: shallow depth, bare tool. Skip it if you need deep tilling.
View Greenworks Pro 80V 10 inch Cordless Tiller Cultivator Tool Only TL80L00 on Amazon
6. Earthwise TC70025 7.5-Inch Corded Tiller/Cultivator
A small 2.5-amp cultivator with four steel tines that works up to 7.5 inches wide and 6 inches deep. The maker describes it for small to mid-size gardens and flower beds, and it carries a 2-year limited warranty.
Suits: flower beds and tight spots. Strengths: light and easy to store. Weaknesses: small motor and narrow path. Skip it if you need to turn new ground.
View Earthwise TC70025 7.5 inch 2.5-Amp Corded Electric Tiller Cultivator on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Clear stones and roots from the bed first.
- Keep the cord behind you while working.
- Clean soil from tines after use.
- Follow the maker’s manual for storage and charging.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a small cultivator for hard, new ground.
- Buying a tool-only cordless model without the battery.
- Working soil that is very wet.
- Skipping a check of cord length against the bed.
Garden Tiller FAQ
Tiller or cultivator?
Tillers here are larger and aimed at breaking ground. Cultivators like the Earthwise suit loosening soil in small beds.
Corded or cordless?
Corded models list higher amp figures. Cordless adds freedom from outlets but needs batteries, and the Greenworks lists a short runtime.
The Short Version
For deep tilling, the Sun Joe TJ604E. For a stronger motor, the TJ605E. For 9 inch depth, the LawnMaster TE1216M. For the widest path, the TE1318M. For cordless, the Greenworks. For small beds, the Earthwise.
