Ranking of the best manual and electric tile cutters in 2020

It is impossible to imagine finishing works associated with laying tiles and facing surfaces without the use of special tools. The tile cutter acts as an irreplaceable assistant to the tiler. A rich assortment of these devices is presented on the market, which causes serious difficulties when deciding how to choose the required model.

Purpose and scope

A tile cutter is a type of construction tool that, by cutting or sawing, changes the shape of ceramic material, stone blanks or glass up to 1.5 centimeters thick.

Application methods

• cutting the glaze surface of the tile fixed in the device body with a roller, followed by breaking off;
• cutting or sawing the entire workpiece;
• biting off the edges.

Used to overcome obstacles (pipes, corners, vents, switches), as well as perform operations:

• adjustment to the established size;
• cutting holes;
• straight or curly cuts;
• cutting under 45⁰;
• the formation of depressions.

Classification and types

By mobility they are divided into:

• portable - used by weight or not fixed to work surfaces;
• stationary - used in production with installation in special tabletops or by fastening to the floor.

Devices are:

• manual (mechanical);
• electric.

They differ from each other in the principle of operation, as well as in the presence of a motor.

Below we will consider the features characteristic of each type of device, the inherent advantages and disadvantages, and also highlight the popular models that are in demand among buyers of the Yandex Market Internet services and the E-catalog. The rating of quality products is based on applied methods, taking into account subjective opinion.

Manual (mechanical) devices

Tile cutters and pencils

The first variation of the tile cutter. Inexpensive models are simple, but require high precision and accuracy.

They are used as the simplest cutters of workpieces up to one centimeter thick, as well as for plucking the edges of the workpiece in the process of adjusting the material to difficult surfaces.

• noiselessness;
• no dust;
• ease of use in everyday life;
• compactness;
• low cost.

• very low productivity;
• a large proportion of marriage, the appearance of kinks, chips.

TOP 3 best tile cutters

3rd place: Biber 55521

One of the simplest tile cutters exclusively for domestic use.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Cutting component	carbide
Material	carbide
Weight	0.13 kg
Length	200 mm
Trademark	Biber (Germany)
Manufacturer country	China

Cost: 90 - 210 rubles (without delivery).

• the smallest size;
• low price;
• ease of use (storage);
• carbide cutting component;
• the presence of a special breaker.

• not suitable for work with a large volume;
• not suitable for porcelain stoneware.

2nd place: Matrix 87830

For manual cutting and chipping of glass or tiles with a robust carbide roller.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Cutting component	roller
Material	carbide grade VK-8, aluminum stop
Weight	0.245 kg
Length	200
Trademark	Matrix (Germany)
Manufacturer country	China

Price: 157-360 rubles.

• reliability;
• high efficiency;
• long service life;
• reliable grip of plastic handles;
• aluminum stop.

• not suitable for work with a large volume;
• calluses are rubbed.

Video review of the tool:

1st place: Vira 810002

Can be viewed as a benchmark for reliability and simplicity. The laconic model consists of a cutting head, a clamp, and two levers. Cutting is carried out according to the planned dimensions for the installed tiles. It is then broken off with mild steel scissors without damaging the surface of the cladding. An excellent small handcrafted option for curly cutting, as well as home use.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Cutting component	roller
Weight	0.2KG
Length	200
Trademark	VIRA (Russia)
Manufacturer country	China

Cost: 210 - 318 rubles.

• compactness;
• long service life;
• the convenience of plastic handles that fit tightly in the hand.

• not suitable for large volumes;
• you cannot process porcelain stoneware or a workpiece with an increased thickness;
• handles quickly rub the corns.

Mechanical tile cutters

During operation, the roller scratches the marked line along which the fault is made. Differs in simplicity and convenience. Structurally includes elements:

• base or bed;
• round guides with a carriage;
• roller on the carriage;
• presser foot transverse.

Designed for cutting ceramic workpieces no more than 40 cm, up to one and a half centimeters thick. The carriage with a handle increases the smoothness of the movement along the guides through the use of bearings. The cutting roller is made of titanium superalloy. The holes are made with special devices, which represent an additional option for modern models.

Features:

• strict control of the condition of the guides and the bed is necessary to prevent improper breakage of the material;
• the permissible load on the bed is indicated by the manufacturer on the product body;
• the ease of replacement depends on the type of roller attachment; when using expanding type clamps, it often flies out of the groove, in the case of mechanical fixation, material damage when the roller slips out is minimized.

• work without dust, noise;
• admissibility of use in bad weather outdoors;
• low cost;
• absence of serious injuries in case of violation of safety measures;
• compactness with the possibility of quick transfer;
• independence from electricity or special requirements.

• the requirement for special training for high-quality cutting;
• the presence of restrictions on the size of the workpiece and types of material;
• additional processing of the cut area (if necessary).

When deciding which tile cutter is better to buy, attention is paid to:

• base (frame), characterized by massiveness with an anti-slip coating, as well as the presence of fasteners at the installation site;
• carriage with smooth running along the guides;
• free rotation of the roller;
• sufficiency of length for any size;
• the presence of a goniometer and fasteners of workpieces at different angles to the movement of the roller.

TOP 3 best portable mechanical tile cutters

3rd place: Vira 810004

 

For cutting ceramic materials up to 6 mm with a roller.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Cutting component	roller
Length, mm	400
Depth mm	6
Roller Ø, mm	15
Dimensions, mm	540x145x95
Diagonal, mm	280
Weight	1.6KG
Extension ruler	not
Circular cutter	not
Trademark	Vira (Russia)
Manufacturer country	China

Price: 1020 - 1300 rubles.

• durable body material;
• good value for money;
• availability of places for stationary fastening.

• The handle is very thin.

2nd place: RUBI Star-51

Power tool for cutting workpieces up to 510 mm with a thickness of up to 12 mm, such as floor and wall tiles, porcelain stoneware. The visibility of the markings and breaks is ensured by a parallel guide system. High reliability is achieved by reinforcing the plastic racks with additional stiffening ribs.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Cutting component	winning video
Length	510
Cutter Ø	6
Material thickness	12
Weight	3.7 kg
Diagonal	360
Trademark	RUBI (Spain)

Cost: 5720 - 7300 rubles.

• small weight and size values;
• ease of use;
• diagonal cut;
• excellent build;
• long service life.

1st place: MTX 87688

Monorail cutting mechanism for large tiles or for floor tiles. Low weight thanks to the aluminum alloy frame. The special coating of the rail guarantees good adhesion of the rail to the ball mechanism.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Cutting component	tungsten carbide roller
Length	600
Depth	16
Ø outer roller	22
Ø inner roller	10.5
Roller thickness	2
Dimensions	850x220x155
Weight	6.92 kg
Trademark	MTX (Russia)
Manufacturer country	China

Price: 3130 - 4000 rubles.

• long service life;
• the rail is surrounded by a carrier carriage on both sides, which is moved by a mechanism on ball bearings;
• adjustment of the clamping girth of the rail with a special bolt;
• the handle moves easily;
• no carriage slippage;
• good handle stability;
• budget models have an excellent price-quality ratio.

• specific video;
• deflection of the aluminum bed;
• difficulties with a diagonal cut;
• small roller play;
• inaccuracy of the ruler.

Tile cutter video review:

Electric tile cutters

TOP 3 best portable tile cutters

Used when executing one-time orders. In appearance, the electric tile cutter resembles a grinder or circular saw. It uses a diamond-coated disc.

• tool mobility;
• the ability to hold with one hand;
• installation of dust removal nozzles;
• ease of fitting the material when processing slopes;
• the depth and tilt adjustment is set by the guard or limiters.

• Inconvenience when facing large volumes.

3rd place: DeWALT DWC410

For cutting glass, artificial stone, ceramics, paving slabs, granite. During operation, the cutting element is cooled, which reduces dust formation. The spindle is locked by pressing the quick change button. Mandatory use of safety glasses.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Cutting component	diamond disc
Diameter	110
Power	1300 Wt
Rotation frequency	13000 rpm
Ø landing	20
Depth	34
Miter cut	Yes
Dimensions (LxWxH)	252x240x166
Weight	3.0 kg
Voltage	220 V
Cooling water	fed to the cutting area
Trademark	DeWalt (USA)
Manufacturer country	China

Cost: from 11,200 rubles.

• wet or dry cutting;
• fixation of switching on during long-term operation;
• saw regulation up to 45⁰;
• tilt and depth adjustment without additional tools;
• equipping with a special nozzle for directing water;
• easy access to brushes;
• soft grip pad for increased comfort.

• specific disk size;
• adjusting screws rust from moisture;
• plastic water supply does not always withstand pressure.

Video review of the tool:

2nd place: Bort BHK-110-S

For dry cutting of concrete, stone, tiles and similar materials. Used as a furrower. Due to the support on the surface, work without fatigue is possible. The complete set with an adapter ring allows the use of cutting elements of different diameters.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Cutting component	diamond disc
Diameter	110/115
Power	1200 watts
Rotation frequency	12000 rpm
Ø landing	20/22,2
Drank:
under 90⁰	35
under 45⁰	23
Dimensions	350х210х190
Weight	3.2 kg
Voltage	220 V
Trademark	Bort (Germany)
Manufacturer country	China

Price: 2100 - 3050 rubles.

• compact small model;
• comfortable to work with one hand;
• the place of cutting is well observed;
• any material is suitable.

• lack of a diamond disc in the package;
• gets very hot;
• clockwise rotation.

Device overview on video:

1st place: ELITECH PE 450

For laying tiles at home. Compact model that is easy to operate, easy to store or transport. The presence of support legs increases the stability of the product, and also prevents slipping during operation.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Cutting component	diamond disc
Diameter	115
Power	450 watts
Rotation frequency	2950 rpm
Ø landing	22.2
Drank:
under 45⁰	16
under 90⁰	23
Miter cut	Yes
Desktop	310x360-440
Weight	3.9 kg
Voltage	220 V
Motor location	bottom
Cooling water	pallet
Trademark	ELITECH (Russia)
Manufacturer country	China

Cost: 3655 - 4570 rubles.

• accurate angle setting is ensured by a parallel stop with a protractor;
• compactness of the case;
• working table tilt up to 45⁰;
• the presence of a pallet with water ensures the absence of dust;
• the switch automatically turns off the device when the voltage drops;
• plastic work table;
• workpieces can be of any length;
• placed on the table.

• makes a lot of noise;
• inconvenient drainage of dirt;
• a lot of plastic.

TOP-3 best models on batteries

3rd place: Makita CC301DWAE

For cutting solid workpieces. Can perform wet cutting as it is equipped with a wide mouth water container. Ergonomic design works fatigue-free. The blow-off function of the cutting line improves the cutting accuracy.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Cutting component	diamond disc
Diameter	85
Battery Type	Li-Ion
Battery capacity	2 A * h
Rotation frequency	1600 rpm
Ø landing	15
Drank:
under 90⁰	25.5
under 45⁰	16.5
Keyless tool change	not
Backlight presence	not
Water cooling	there is
Dimensions	313х170х125
Weight	1.9 kg
Number of batteries	2
Battery voltage	10.8V
Trademark	Makita (Japan)
Manufacturer country	China

At a price: 10729 - 15,600 rubles.

• reliable protective cover;
• anti-corrosion nickel-plated base;
• batteries have no self-discharge and no memory effect;
• comfortable rubberized handle.

• hand cut uneven;
• the water pressure is weak;
• slow drank.

2nd place: RYOBI LTS180M

For cutting ceramics, stone and granite up to 2.2 cm thick. The capacity of the container is ½ liter of coolant. The cleanliness and accuracy of the cut is guaranteed by high revs. The functionality provides for simple control from the handle of the device. The length is not limited.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Cutting component	diamond disc
Diameter	102
Battery Type	Li-Ion
Rotation frequency	5000 rpm
Ø landing	16
Drank:
under 90⁰	22
under 45⁰	16
Carriage vertical travel	not
Miter cut	there is
Water cooling	feeding into the working area
Motor location	top
Weight	2.6KG
Battery voltage	18 in
Performance with 1.5 A * h	cut 6 m tiles 9 mm
Capacity with 2.0 A * h	cut 8 m
Capacity with 2.5 A * h	cut 11 m
Capacity with 4.0 A * h	cut 20 m
Capacity from 5.0 A * h	cut 25 m
Trademark	Ryobi (Japan)
Manufacturer country	China

Cost: 4900 - 5950 rubles.

• easy adjustment with large buttons on a steel sole;
• easy disc replacement is ensured by the spindle lock;
• reduction of si vibration by increasing comfort due to the elastic coating of the case;
• built-in key holder;
• modern design.

• complete set without a charger, as well as a battery;
• low battery power.

Video review:

1st place: Makita CC301DZ

The model is equipped with a coolant container with a wide mouth. The lightweight construction works tirelessly. The tool is easily guided over the surface using a special sole. The risk of injury is reduced by using a protective cover.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Cutting component	diamond disc
Diameter	85
Battery capacity	2 A * h
Battery Type	Li-Ion
Rotation frequency	1600 rpm
Ø landing	15
Drank:
under 90⁰	25.5
under 45⁰	16.5
Backlight presence	not
Keyless tool change	not
Water cooling	there is
Electronic speed control	not
Motor type	brushed
Weight	1.9 kg
Battery voltage	10.8V
Dimensions	313х170х125 mm
Trademark	Makita (Japan)
Manufacturer country	China

Cost: 5750 - 8400 rubles.

• reliable protective cover;
• water cooled;
• ease of use;
• protection against accidental start;
• comfortable rubberized handle.

• the water supply hole is clogged with dust and dirt;
• charger and battery are not included.

Stationary models

In appearance they resemble machines with motors and diamond discs. In the course of work, any tiles are completely cut. Both tilt and angle adjustments.

The use of water cooling is required to prevent splitting damage.

Then it is necessary to equip the unit with an additional container for water, which is also used for:

• processing of the cutting strip in order to prevent cracking when overheating;
• dedusting to prevent the ingress of abrasive particles into the atmosphere that can fill the space of the room with a thick fog.

An increase in the power of the motors used affects the increase in the quality values ​​of the hardness of the material being processed.

Disc feed is:

• Lower. The sawing mechanism is located under the working plane, and the sawing element is recessed inside the container with an exit to the surface of three to five centimeters. The cutting angle of the side is set by an automatic lift;
• Upper. The marked workpiece is laid out on the work plane, the hole of which is aligned with the marks. During the process, feeding is carried out from above, and sawing is carried out from the end.

Features:

• when fed from above, water injection is performed by a pump;
• when feeding from below, the liquid enters through the container, the smaller it is, the more often it is required to add or change water;
• you can set the laser marker in the direction of the disc;
• figured cutting is performed exclusively by test models presented by the best manufacturers. Complex curves are usually plucked out with pliers, followed by grinding with a diamond disc.

• a small percentage of marriage;
• the type and size of the material does not affect the cutting, natural stone or porcelain stoneware can be processed;
• the cut does not require additional processing;
• small labor costs;
• availability of cutting under 45⁰;
• minimum dependence on the human factor;
• the possibility of increasing the depth of the slot depending on the disc;
• simplicity and convenience.

• large weight and size values;
• high price;
• high power consumption.

TOP 3 best electric stone and tile cutting machines

3rd place: Helmut FS230H

The professional tool for cutting large pieces of workpieces. The popularity of models is determined by the compactness during transportation or storage, which is provided by folding supports.Strong base significantly reduces vibration. The service life is increased due to the built-in cooling system. Safety during operation is ensured by closing the disc with a protective cover.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Cutting component	diamond disc
Diameter	230
Power	1200 watts
Cutting length	920
Rotation frequency	2950 rpm
Ø landing	25.4
Drank:
under 90⁰	45
under 45⁰	40
Miter cut	Yes
Carriage vertical travel	Yes
Water cooling	injection into the cutting area
Desktop	960x400
Weight	55 kg
Motor placement	top
Voltage	220 V
Trademark	Helmut (Germany)
Manufacturer country	China

Average price: 26,900 rubles.

• convenience at work;
• the possibility of folding the supports;
• powerful engine;
• comfortable handles for transportation;
• tilt of the saw unit up to 45⁰.

• not identified.

Machine overview video:

 

2nd place: Wester PLR900

For large cutting volumes of tiles and stone. The cooling fins of the powerful motor improve heat transfer, which increases the continuous service life.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Cutting component	diamond disc
Diameter	200 mm
Power	800 watts
Cutting length	900
Rotation frequency	3000 rpm
Ø landing	25.4
Drank:
under 90⁰	36
under 45⁰	29
Miter cut	Yes
Water cooling	injection into the cutting area
Desktop	790x394
Weight	32 kg
Motor placement	top
Voltage	220 V
Trademark	Wester (Russia)
Manufacturer country	China

Average price: 15,600 rubles.

• the accuracy of the cut at the desired angle is ensured by the inclination of the drive and the tire, together with the equipment with a graduated scale, a protractor, and a ruler;
• metal rollers ensure the movement of the disk and drive along the bus for the reliability of the entire unit;
• uninterrupted fluid supply is carried out by a built-in pump;
• the rigid frame guide of the reinforced hose does not allow it to enter the cutting zone;
• additional stability is provided due to the installed pads on the supports, which protect the floor from scratches;
• protection of control buttons from dust and moisture is guaranteed by the use of silicone pads;
• refraction of the power supply cable is excluded by the installed wire amplifier;
• the weight of the machine is reduced due to the use of aluminum with anti-corrosion properties;
• angle adjustment;
• wet cutting.

• not identified.

1st place: ELITECH PE 800 / 62R

For use in everyday life and construction. High performance is provided by the built-in cooling system. Handles all types of tiles, porcelain stoneware and is also suitable for cutting bricks. The residual current device increases the safety of the machine.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Cutting component	diamond disc
Diameter	200
Power	800 watts
Length	620
Rotation frequency	2950 rpm
Ø landing	25.4 mm
Drank:
under 90⁰	36
under 45⁰	30
Miter cut	Yes
Carriage vertical travel	Yes
Water cooling	injection into the cutting area
Desktop	700x400
Weight	41 kg
Motor placement	top
Voltage	220 V
Trademark	Eliteh (Russia)
Manufacturer country	China

Cost: 12,300 - 20,100 rubles.

• high performance;
• rolling bearings on a high-precision guide;
• installation on the floor or on a table;
• equipping with a residual current device;
• convenience during storage or transportation due to folding legs;
• the guide can be tilted up to 45⁰ with the possibility of quick fixing;
• rubber coating of the working table to avoid slipping of the tiles during cutting;
• good value for money.

• splashing water during operation;
• loud noise;
• clogging the surface of the desktop with fragments of tiles.

Machine overview video:

Thus, the nature of the work influences the choice of a suitable device for processing facing materials. In the case of professional masonry, it is advisable to purchase high-performance models - the costs will quickly pay off. With the periodic execution of construction orders, a small electrical device will do fine.A manual budget option will do just fine with home renovations.

The answer to the question of which company is better to buy a tile cutter also depends on the purpose of use. However, it should be remembered that it is better to buy goods from well-known manufacturers, and do not pay attention to the products of unknown companies. The selection criteria should be based on a thorough analysis of the technical characteristics and capabilities of a particular device, and not just how much the model you like costs.