This review has been updated 7 times since it was first published in November of 2018. One of the key ingredients to a successful outdoor cultivation project is the use of rich, and loose soil that drains well and allows a large variety of plant species to grow. Our selection of electric tillers delivers the power, torque, and versatility needed to break through and aerate hard or rocky terrain, creating a fertile environment for vegetation to thrive. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the review.

10. Black+Decker Cordless
The Black+Decker Cordless (appx. $98) is equipped with two counter-oscillating tines that prevent weeds from tangling around them, preventing problems when tilling garden beds with long grass. Its telescoping shaft and ergonomic grips make it an ideal option for extended use.
- Energy efficient
- Covers 325 square feet per charge
- Not good for hard and compacted soil

9. VonHaus Cultivator
The double-handled design on the VonHaus Cultivator (appx. $79) provides the maneuverability and stability needed to carefully access and isolate small areas of soil for your planting projects. A dedicated safety cutoff switch can immediately stop its motor to prevent blade damage.
- Attractive orange and black color
- Lightweight design
- Power cord is pretty short

8. Sun Joe TJ604E
The Sun Joe TJ604E (around $109) boasts a multipositional rear wheel height adjustment system that allows the machine to maneuver effortlessly over almost any type of garden terrain. A 13.5-amp motor gives it the strength to plow through dirt at up to 370 revolutions per minute.
- Good option for prepping seed beds
- Requires very little maintenance
- Tends to overheat

7. LawnMaster Deluxe
The LawnMaster Deluxe (about $150) offers an impressive 16-inch wide cutting path with an ability to dig down to 9 inches deep. A sturdy two-stage gearbox is further supported by an anti-block clutch engineered to ensure superior handling over the roughest of lawn surfaces.
- Blade is rust-resistant
- Built-in cord retainer
- Weeds get stuck easily between tines

6. Earthwise TC70016
Setting the versatile Earthwise TC70016 (appx. $130) apart from much of the competition are the convenient flip-down wheels and ergonomically-designed handlebar, both of which make it a breeze to store, maneuver, and transport. It’s a bit of a pain to keep clean, though.
- Relatively quiet operation
- Very affordable price
- Safety switch is finicky

5. Troy-Bilt Garden Cultivator
If your garden bed consists of particularly hard soil, enlist the help of the Troy-Bilt Garden Cultivator (around $199). The advanced 3-way tine system is designed to dig, tear, and turn the earth at the same time, making it an excellent option for aerating small gardens or flower beds.
- Powerful 6-amp motor
- Easy push-button starter
- The wheels are flimsy


4. SereneLife Handheld
Simplify your small-scale landscaping project with the SereneLife Handheld (appx. $119). Made from a combination of durable ABS plastic with metal alloy blades and an integrated debris protection shield, this tool can help to optimize most small home gardens, backyards, and walkways.
- Handle angle is adjustable
- Operating speed of 280 rpm
- Takes a while to charge fully

3. Powerworks 60V
The Powerworks 60V (around $389) is equipped with a high-efficiency brushless motor, 4-inch hardened steel tines, and 3 adjustable height settings, all of which work in tandem to ensure superior torque and an extended run time when having to break through soil at varying depths.
- Handle folds for convenient storage
- Easy to assemble
- Good for small to medium-sized yards

2. Greenworks G-Max
Perfect for large gardening projects, the Greenworks G-Max (around $236) accommodates a 40-volt rechargeable lithium-ion battery that delivers up to 120 minutes of fade-free operation. A 2-step power switch eliminates the annoyance of dealing with gas pull cords and accidental startups.
- 6-inch rear wheels for stability
- 10 inches of tilling width
- Comes with a 4-year warranty

1. Mantis Corded
Tackle the most stubborn areas of dirt using the Mantis Corded (appx. $349). A durable brass and worm gear transmission is contained within a lightweight aluminum housing, allowing it to efficiently dig through tough and compacted soil with minimal user fatigue.
- Curved tines can dig 10 inches deep
- Motor has 3 speed settings
- Compact width ideal for tight spaces

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