Last updated on November 24th, 2021
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Whether you’re looking for your next Vitrex dry tile cutter for those accurate straight cuts every time or interested in an electric tile cutter for tackling those awkward cuts, we look at some of the best models to see how they compare.
There are two main types of tile cutters, the most popular are dry tile cutters which have a scoring wheel and breaker, manual tile cutters are significantly quieter and provide cleaner, easier working than electric models. You can pick these up for around £30-£40 for smaller ceramic tiles but for larger more demanding tiles you will need to budget for around £70+. With a professional manual dry cutter there not many types of tiles, you can’t cut but expect to pay over £200 for the very best models.
Electric models can be a little bulkier and a little messier, they use a diamond blade and have a water pan to keep the blade cool and dust down. They are great for beginners and fairly affordable, where they really excel is when cutting awkward angles and small cuts not possible with the manual models, don’t forget the nibblers and tile file to really finish the job off!
Some professionals prefer to have both and probably use a manual tile cutter for 90% of the cutting and the electric tile cutter for the odds and sods.
There are many brands on the market which means there is plenty of choices to choose from. Below we have a detailed buyers guide which is well worth a read which goes other everything you need to think about when choosing a tile cutter.
Before we get into our detailed reviews, we would like to bring your attention to our favourite model, the Vitrex 630 mm Pro Flat Bed Manual Tile Cutter. It’s a great choice for most types of tiles and is large enough for most tiles too, it is perfect for doing straight cuts up to 630mm, diagonal cuts up to 445mm and will cut tiles up to a maximum thickness of 13mm. Best of it’s affordable and a great choice for both professionals and home DIY type people who want to get their hands dirty and save some cash.
BEST MANUAL PICK
The top 10 best dry and wet tile cutters that we recommend are listed below
- Vitrex 102380 630 mm Pro Flat Bed Manual Tile Cutter – Best Manual Tile Cutter
- Vitrex 10343000V Power Pro 650 Tile Saw – Best Electric Tile Cutter
- Vitrex 103402 Diamond Blade Tile Cutting Saw – Best Budget Electric Model
- Vitrex 103450 Versatile Power Pro 900 Wet Tile Saw – Trade Pick
- Plasplugs Compact Plus XL DWW200 Electric Tile Cutter
- Einhell TH-TC 618 600w Tile Cutter
- Bellota Manufacturer PRO 65 Manual Ceramic Tile Cutter
- Bosch PTC 470 Tile Cutter
- Rubi Star-63 – Tile Cutter
- Vitrex 102360TC 50cm Heavy-Duty Tile Cutter
BEST ELECTRIC PICK
BEST BUDGET ELECTRIC PICK
Something I would never be without when using my tile cutter is a good sturdy workbench, check our my review on some of the best workbenches
Top 10 Tile Cutter Reviews
Below are our top five electric tile cutters, followed by our top five manual tile cutters.
The Top 5 Electric Tile Cutters
1. Vitrex 10343000V Power Pro 650 Tile Saw
BEST PICK
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The Vitrex 10343000V Power Pro 650 Tile Saw is one of the most powerful models in the Vitrex range of electric tile cutters. This machine integrates a 650W direct drive motor that rotates its blade at 3000 rpm for fast cutting of tiles of up to 30mm thickness. Its diamond blade measures 180mm in diameter (22mm bore) with a continuous rim for extra clean cuts. Thanks to the tilting table design, this tool is also able to make fixed mitre cuts at 22.5 degrees and 45 degrees, allowing you to create perfect corners. There’s even a quick release splash guard that allows plunge cuts to be made which is really handy for some cutting angles.
- Perfect for home use and professionals cutting more demanding tiles up to 30mm.
- Powered by a 650W motor that allows it to cut tiles up to 30mm thick.
- Features no-mess water recirculation system that ensures no splashing around the machine keeping the area clean and tidy.
- Table tilts of 22.5 degrees and 45 degrees for doing mitre cuts.
- Has double side extension to allow cutting of larger format tiles.
What makes this tile cutter stand out from the crowd is that it has a double table extension which allows you to cut larger tiles and offers more support for more accurate cuts, something that cheaper models may struggle to accomplish.
The designers additionally integrated a no-mess water cooling system that minimises splashing around the tool, whilst eliminating the need for frequent reservoir fill-ups. Your work area will remain dry throughout and the diamond blade will last longer too.
The table and frame are made from steel to ensure maximum durability and it has rubber foot pads for better stability.
- Setting the fence is a bit tedious since as you have to manually align both the front and back mechanisms. It could have been better if you could just set one end of the fence with the other one moving perfectly parallel to the cutting blade.
Our recommendation
This machine comes with an industrial standard motor so you can rely on its power to cut any decent-sized to larger tiles thanks to the side table extension. It’s an easy-to-use tool, simply attach the supplied 180mm blade, fill the water reservoir, plug it in and that’s it, you are good to go.
The water container is easy to fill to the correct level and a breeze to wash out.
It does have a few niggling issues but the good thing is, they can be figured around. All in all, the Vitrex 10343000V Power Pro 650 Tile Saw is probably one of the best electric models if not the best electric tile cutter. Most electric models will cut through around 20-25mm thick tiles but this model can actually cut through tiles up to 30mm making it a better choice, especially for a professional who will cut through many types of tiles of varying thickness depending on the job.
Overall an excellent choice for anyone looking for a good electric tile cutter. It’s a little more expensive than some models so if you looking for a slightly more affordable model, our next pick below, also by Vitrex, maybe a better choice if your tiles are no thicker than 25mm.
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2. Vitrex 103402 Diamond Blade Tile Cutting Saw
BEST BUDGET PICK
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The VITREX 103402 Diamond Blade Tile Cutting Saw is a popular consumer tile cutter we think is perfect for the home DIY’er enthusiast. The reason is that it is a simple cutter with a relatively powerful motor and the price is also reasonable, in fact, it’s one of the best-priced tile cutters we have reviewed.
Equipped with a 450w motor, the Vitrex 103402 tile cutter can gracefully cut through up to 25mm thick tiles using the small 100mm x16mm wheel blade on a strong plastic cutting surface.
- Ideal for beginners, a good affordable model with plenty of power.
- Comes with a 100mm x 16mm diamond blade with a continuous rim for an extra clean cut.
- Features a built-in water cooling system with a large reservoir and integral drainage which helps in cooling down the blade during strenuous cutting.
- Integrated with a ruler and quick release rip guide for perfectly straight cuts.
- Includes a variable height transparent wheel guard which allows you to see your work clearly.
- Long 5 meter cable.
For best accuracy, avoid forcing the tiles through. Taking it slow and steady not only achieves the best precision but also helps in prolonging the life of the little blade.
At 4kg, this machine is one of the lightweight tile cutters and that is encouraging when you have to change your workstation or perhaps going to work somewhere else. As much as this an advantage, the Vitrex 103402 cutter is susceptible to being accidentally moved so consider clamping it down to a workbench if you can.
This model also integrates a transparent wheel guard with a variable height adjustment so you to see the cutting action which overall just gives a better experience and makes life a little easier.
There is obviously a built-in cooling system with a large reservoir, something worth noting is to be careful not to overfill the reservoir as it may lead to excessive spraying of water.
On the other hand, it helps on cooling the blade when cutting through tiles. This model also includes a quick-release rip guide to help ensure straight cuts.
- Adjusting the fence is a bit tedious considering that both ends must be positioned and clamped for precision cutting.
Our recommendation
The VITREX 103402 Tile Cutter happens to be one of the cheapest electric tile cutters on our list and of course, the lower price implies that corners had to be cut and the tile cutter suffers from a few shortcomings. Nothing too bad but just things you should be aware of, and nothing more than we have mentioned already.
It chews through tiles with a power of 480w, cutting up to 25mm thick tiles. We recommend going slow with this machine if you want accurate cuts plus the small blade to last longer.
The ruler and rip guide are good features for accurate cutting and the low weight makes it perfect for transportation. We recommend you clamp it down steady to a workbench or table if possible though.
Despite a few shortcomings, the VITREX 103402 Cutting Saw gets the job done and offers great value for money for anyone looking for a more affordable model.
It’s perhaps the most affordable electric tile cutter you can get while still getting decent performance as well as value.
We would recommend this model for anyone looking at doing their own tiling and just want a tile cutter to get a few jobs done around the house or even at work.
Overall the professional model is the better of the two, being more powerful and slightly better in terms of performance and quality, however, this model does get the job done even though it is not quite as powerful making it ideal for more domestic use.
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3. Plasplugs Compact Plus XL DWW200 Electric Tile Cutter
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The Plasplugs Compact Plus XL DWW200 Electric Tile Cutter is a relatively large machine with an amazingly powerful 350W motor that runs a 110mm diameter blade with a speed of 4600rpm, an aligned fence that works incredibly well and locks up perfectly using two thumbscrews.
There is a mitre board on one side which can be set to 22.5 degrees and 45 degrees for bevelling tile edges which is handy.
- A great affordable domestic tile cutter.
- Cuts tiles up to 20mm, all sizes and various types; ceramic, quarry, slate, porcelain, stone, marble.
- Cuts both straight and shaped cuts of 22-45 degree mitres.
- Integrated with No Mess water recirculation system which ensures a clean workstation.
- Includes a carry handle for lifting and/or transporting the machine easily.
- Cable storage included for storing the cable when the machine is not in use.
The model is a pretty compact machine equipped with a carry handle to help in lifting and transporting the machine if needed. It is worth noting at just over 3kg, it is not too heavy either.
Perhaps the outstanding advantage with this machine is that it can be used with either left or right-handed operators making it perfect for most people.
There is a lockable cutting guide that helps you achieve precise cutting. The machine cuts all sorts of tiles including ceramic, porcelain, quarry, stone, marble, and slate. And it does both straight cuts and shaped cuts of 22-45 degree mitres.
Also integrated into this machine is a no-mess water re-circulation system and a motor height adjustable splash guard. You are less likely to experience any water spraying from this machine. The machine is corded and PLASPLUGS did their best to include cable storage for taking up the cable when the machine is not operating. This is a great idea as most models do not think about this issue during transportation and storage.
- Tile guide can be a bit awkward to use.
Our recommendation
This is one of the most powerful tile cutters to come across with an impressive 750w motor. We love the versatility of the Plasplugs Compact Plus XL DWW200 Electric Tile Cutter from functionality to usage.
It is capable of cutting various tiles, all sizes and the good thing is that it doesn’t matter what hand you are using to operate.
The mess-free water circulation is also a plus and it does recirculate most of the water. On another note, the tile residue collects in the water reservoir so be sure to clean after use as you will find it hardens if not cleaned.
It does vibrate when running, however, it is a strong tile cutter for domestic use and not a major issue.
Overall this is one of the best tile cutters we have seen at a price most people would find acceptable, even for odd jobs.
This model is certainly worth considering and is a great choice that will not disappoint which is why it was originally our ‘Best Pick’ a couple of years back for its high quality, performance and affordability.
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4. Einhell TH-TC 618 600w Tile Cutter
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Made in Germany, the Einhell TH-TC 618 600w Tile Cutter is a fairly good model for anyone looking for an electric model.
This model is powerful and can handle almost any tile that you want to cut (as thick as 35mm), which is actually slightly more than our recommended electric pick. The cutting table size is a bit small though so you must provide external support when dealing with larger tiles which is why we do prefer the Vitrex 10343000V Power Pro 650 Tile Saw.
- Equipped with a powerful 600w motor which cuts at speeds of up to 2050rpm.
- Includes a cooling system for cooling the blade during strenuous cutting operations.
- Comes with a cutting guide for increased accuracy when cutting.
- Can tilt to 45 degrees for easier cutting of hard tiles.
- 2-year warranty for full peace of mind.
The machine has a 600w motor which cuts even up to speeds of 2950rpm. Its cutting depth is also generous, being capable of handling tiles up to 35mm thick.
This innovative tile cutter machine also features a water cooling system that helps in cooling down the blade during gruelling tile cutting operations. There is a parallel stop and cut guide that ensures precise cutting. For further cutting precision and convenience for the extra tough cutting operations, the workbench can be tilted at 45 degrees to ease the workload.
Just like all other Einhell tools, this model comes with a 2-year warranty along with full after-sale service.
- The parallel guide rail for ensuring a straight cut have tight nuts that require effort to fasten. As much as the rail needs to be exactly parallel to the blade, the process can get a little tedious.
Our recommendation
The 600w motor plus the 35mm cutting thickness ensures you’ll find it easy to cut standard-sized tiles with utmost accuracy. Even those harder tiles can be handled by putting the workbench at a 45-degree angle. The water cooling system is a great feature plus the cut guide that enhances precision cutting.
Yes, the parallel guide rail is a bit troublesome and the blade guard bracket could be described as somewhat flimsy, something we don’t expect of a machine of German pedigree.
Overall, this is a powerful machine for a great price but with a few drawbacks. The 2-year warranty is also a plus. Not a bad machine but there are better options, however, it is still worth considering.
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5. Vitrex 103450 Versatile Power Pro 900 Wet Tile Saw
BEST PROFESSIONAL PICK
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The Vitrex Power Pro 900 Wet Tile Saw produces a consistent cutting speed to make those extra smooth cuts in a wide range of materials and it is powered by a 900w quiet induction motor.
The bench has a large water reservoir featuring a submersible pump that sprays water to the active cutting blade. This is essential in cooling down the blade that usually gets hot due to the friction generated when cutting tiles.
- Excellent design, no bending down work at a comfortable raised level.
- Powerful 900w quiet induction motor which produces a consistent cutting speed for extra smooth cuts.
- Large water reservoir with a submersible pump that delivers water to active cutting wheel for necessary cooling.
- Comes with a fully adjustable mitre guide which allows for diagonal cuts up to 45 degrees.
- Includes a locking mitre guide and sliding ruler for perfectly straight cuts.
- Features adjustable wheels and strong folding legs for easy repositioning and transportation. It also includes built-in handles for convenient carriage.
- Cuts wall and floor tiles up to 35mm thick and 30mm thick at 45 degrees, 455mm diagonal cut and 610mm straight cut.
- Weight – 42kg
The Versatile Power Pro 900 bench includes a relatively large 200mm continuous rim diamond blade that is capable of cutting to depths up to 35mm. The bench is somewhat oversized, making it perfect for supporting wide tiles. It also includes a sliding ruler and a fully adjustable locking mitre guide which is ideal for making straight or diagonal cuts up to 45 degrees. The bridge can also tilt up to 45 degrees.
Any portable machine usually offers some form of convenience. The Vitrex 103450 in this case has adjustable wheels and strong folding legs which allow easy repositioning and transportation when necessary. Along these lines, there are built-in handles for easy lifting of the machine.
- This machine might have the necessary repositioning and transportation features but even so, it is quite heavy at around 42kg.
Our recommendation
The Vitrex 103450 Power Pro 900 Wet Tile Saw is quite versatile and capable of cutting porcelain, granite, ceramic, marble tiles and natural stone. It really is a good, decent machine.
The 900w motor is super powerful and the capability of cutting up to 35mm thickness ensures large tiles can their fair cut. The oversized bench makes cutting those larger tiles much easier to work with.
At 45kg, the Vitrex 103450 is a heavy beast even though it has built-in handles, adjustable wheels and sturdy folding legs for convenient re-positioning and transportation.
This machine is perfect for handling tough jobs the cheaper models cannot handle thanks to the powerful 900w motor. This also makes it perfect for professional and trade use as it has the power and build quality to tackle daily use.
However, you have to spend quite a bit for one of these extraordinary babies, however, if you are a professional tiler looking for the best tile cutter, this certainly will fit the bill.
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The Top 5 Manual Tile Cutters
1. Vitrex 630mm Professional Tile Cutter
BEST MANUAL PICK
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The Vitrex 102380 Tile Cutter earns a place in one of the best manual tile cutters currently available at an affordable price. One of the things we like about this model is the solid construction which guarantees unmatched durability.
Setting the machine up is easy and cutting through the tiles requires little effort. It works pretty fine out of the box and it is easy to make adjustments if you need to.
- Perfect for professional and home DIY use- simple score and snap operation.
- It is compact and lightweight weighing 8.4 kilograms, thus easy to transport.
- Features a rigid steel construction for maximum durability.
- Includes adjustable cutting guide for cutting various tile sizes.
- The maximum straight cut of 630mm, maximum diagonal cut of 445mm and cuts through tiles to a maximum thickness of 13mm.
- Tungsten Carbide cutting wheel to ensure straight neat cuts.
The cutting wheel on this unit is made from Tungsten Carbide, known for its strength and durability. It delivers a maximum straight cut of 630mm, maximum diagonal cut of 445mm and cuts through tiles to a maximum thickness of 13mm.
At 8.4kg, the Vitrex 102380 tile cutter is also relatively easy to reposition or transport to any location.
This unit features an adjustable cutting guide which makes it great for cutting tiles of all sizes. The manufacturer says it is possible to set the wheel for more accurate cuts but some users found it impossible to see from the sides and that minimises the accuracy of the cuts.
On the better side, the machine cuts so easily and it doesn’t even require much pressure after the score.
- No problems to report.
Our recommendation
Using the simple score and snap operation, the Vitrex 630mm Pro Tile Cutter delivers clean cuts with a very little amount of pressure.
The model is sturdily built yet it is still compact and lightweight for easy transportation. The cutting wheel is incredibly strong and durable thanks to the Tungsten Carbide material used on the wheel.
There are a few issues with seeing the cutting wheel while preparing the tile for cutting but we still feel this model is worth the money and once you have used it a few times it’s not really a problem.
We would highly recommend the Vitrex 102380 tile cutter for cutting wall, floor and ceramic tiles of various sizes and would recommend this model for professional and trade use.
However, this would also be a great choice for home DIY tasks if within your budget as it is one of the more expensive options, although still cheaper than many other models.
Overall it is an excellent tile cutter which would be more than suitable for most people.
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2. Bellota PRO 65 Manual Ceramic Tile Cutter
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The Bellota PRO 65 Manual Ceramic Tile Cutter is a top choice when it comes to precision cutting and saving time. This machine is advertised to cut tiles of up to 72cm, be it medium or hard material. An excellent feature of this tool is its ability to cut without having to remove the scoring lever, making it perfect for both right and left-handed users which some will find very useful.
- Has a compact design that makes it easy to carry to the job.
- Suitable for both right-handed and left-handed people.
- Unique aluminium base plus smooth steel surface for easy tile laying and cleaning.
- Performs straight cuts up to 72cm, both medium and hard materials.
- Comes with a suitcase for transportation.
Its exclusive aluminium base provides a stable platform for laying the tile and the smooth steel surface is a doddle to clean using soap and water. This tile cutter provides accurate high cutting power even without marking the ceramic. Its alloy scoring wheel is extremely durable and will cut several hundreds of square feet without showing signs of degradation.
We noticed that this tool is very compact which makes it really easy to carry between job sites. Furthermore, it comes with a suitcase so you just place the tile cutter in there and carry it by the suitcase handle.
- It’s quite an expensive model when compared to other manual tile cutters.
Our recommendation
This a well-designed tool with more than enough capability of cutting hard ceramic up to 75cm in length. The tool is compact yet very stable due to its sturdy aluminium base.
Whether you are right or left-handed, you can comfortably use this tool as it has been designed to work without removing the scoring lever. No marking is needed on the material either. You can use this for tiling a bathroom including floors, walls, and ceiling.
The supplied case comes in handy during transporting the tool between jobs. Overall, the Bellota Manufacturer PRO 65 Manual Ceramic Tile Cutter is a good cutter but if only you are willing to splash out the money for it and need such as capable tile cutter. The quality and performance are excellent, we would go as far as saying its the best manual model on our list, however, it is expensive and most users would not get enough use out of it and one of the cheaper models would be more than suitable.
Overall though, a great model for professionals to consider.
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3. Bosch PTC 470 Tile Cutter
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The Bosch PTC 470 Tile Cutter uses a titanium coated cutting wheel to deliver quick and accurate cutting up to 470mm. Most importantly, this machine offers exact scoring and cutting in one pass thus minimising the need for re-scoring which is a common problem with cheaper models. The titanium coating plays a vital role in prolonging the life of the blade whilst ensuring maximum precision and clean cuts. As such, you can enjoy repeating clean cuts with little effort and without wasting tiles.
- Features a durable, titanium coated cutting wheel that cuts and breaks in just one movement.
- Integrates a steel clamping rail for secure fixing of the tile for accurate scoring and breaking.
- Includes a sturdy 45-degree angle guide for accurate diagonal cuts.
- Comes with carrying handles for easy and safe transportation.
- Includes angle stop and guide ruler that ensures accurate cuts down to the exact millimetre.
Whether you are preparing tiles for a new kitchen floor or doing some bathroom renovation, this machine cuts tiles down to the precise millimetre thanks to the 0-45 degree angle stop and a guide ruler with millimetre scaling.
The PTC 470 is easy to operate thanks to a combination of useful features that enhance fast and easy work. There is a steel clamping rail that allows secure positioning of the tile, a titanium-coated wheel for precise scoring, a set of integrated breaking brackets to evenly apply a small amount of pressure and a support handle for the perfect grip of the machine.
It is arguably difficult to prevent chipping and even cracking of the tile especially when cutting tiles on a hard surface. So, the Bosch PTC 470 comes with two anti-chip support pads on either side of the machine. These pads act as a cushion at the point where pressure is applied and the tile is cut thus ensuring chip-free, smooth tiles.
There are two carrying handles along with a press on stud strap that prevents it from coming apart during transportation.
The PTC 470 tile cutter comes with a 2-year warranty which can be increased to 3 years by registering on the MyBosch website within the first 28 days of purchase.
- No problems to report, perhaps a little expensive.
Our recommendation
The Bosch PTC 470 Tile Cutter is packed with a range of useful features not seen on cheaper models that make for easy swift operation.
The titanium-coating on the blade is great for promoting durability of the blade while the steel clamping rail ensures secure positioning of the tile.
Whilst it is expensive for a manual tile cutter, we think it offers greater value for money when compared to cheaper tile cutters on the market.
This manual tile cutter is a brilliant option for both home DIY projects as well as professionals and tradesmen.
If there was a runner-up manual tile cutter we could recommend after the Vitrex 102380 Tile Cutter, it would have to be this Bosch PTC 470 Tile Cutter. Bosch has simply done an absolutely brilliant job on designing this tile cutter and it really is very impressive with some nice modern touches.
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4. Rubi Star-63 Manual Tile Cutter
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The Rubi Star 63 Tile Cutter is a lightweight model designed for cutting enamelled stoneware and ceramic tiles. This has a decent cutting depth of 12mm and cuts materials of up to 61cm in length making it suitable for long tiles. Equipped with a mobile separator, the machine is capable of making diagonal cuts, with the maximum angled tile cut of 45 x 45cm.
- Perfect for cutting stoneware and ceramic tiles.
- Maximum cutting depth of 12mm.
- Maximum size tile for straight cut 61cm, maximum size tile for diagonal cut 45x45cm
- The base has a shock absorption effect for reduced vibration.
- It comes with a mobile separator for diagonal cuts.
- Includes chromed steel guides with anti-corrosion treatment for maximum durability.
- The dual guide system provides visibility of the cutting line.
- Includes folding side arms to offer support of large format pieces.
- Supplied with a carry case for easy transportation.
The base of this cutter has been brilliantly designed to absorb shock whilst providing proper support for the material. Included with the model is a 6mm scoring wheel that is made from tough tungsten carbide to ensure it will withstand the riggers of daily cutting. It is worth noting you get an extra 10mm scoring wheel so you can interchange depending on the need.
A double guide system ensures excellent visibility of the scoring and cutting line. This machine’s guide supports are made from POM material and then reinforced to provide superior robustness in times of increased demands. In addition, this manual tile cutter has closed sliders that offer greater bending strength and provides you with an improved and smoother sliding action when scoring.
The Star-63 Tile Cutter comes with a case for easy transport and storage. The model is also available in two other versions; Star-51 and Star-42, with these two managing shorter cutting lengths as well as being cheaper options. All the models have folding side arms to increase the support area in large format material.
- No problems to report.
Our recommendation
The Rubi Star 63 Tile Cutter will cut ceramic tiles with a maximum thickness of 12mm. We like the lightweight design of this tool since it makes it a breeze to carry and there’s even a carry case which is something most models do not come with. It comes with two scoring wheels; 6mm and 10mm, making it versatile in cutting for different materials which we like.
The impact-absorbing base offers good support of the material being cut and its foldable arms will be useful when cutting large format pieces. The double guide system is also beneficial when it comes to accurate marking and cutting. If you are looking for a superb tile cutter at a very good price, you won’t go wrong with this one.
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5. Vitrex 102360TC 50cm Heavy-Duty Tile Cutter
PERFECT FOR HOME DIY PROJECTS
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The Vitrex 102360TC 50cm Heavy-Duty Tile Cutter is a top-quality tile cutter that has a solid construction but it doesn’t quite do tiles as large as our ‘Best Pick’ model does.
Most often people will buy cheap products and later complain about their poor performance and limitations. Well, the Vitrex 102360TC is not really a cheap tile cutter nor a pro tool, but it serves as a highly portable, fairly precise cutter that is handy for those DIY jobs where quick, accurate cuts are on-demand over and over.
With the simple score and snap operation, it is possible to get around 100 cuts within a few hours.
- A great choice for home use.
- It has rigid steel construction for increased durability.
- Includes integral angle cutting guide for accurate scoring.
- Easy to use with a simple score and snap operation.
- Comes with a heavy-duty flatbed cutter.
There is an integral angle cutting guide that helps in achieving accurate scoring thus reducing the chances of tile breakage, chipping or even cracking.
For straight cuts in the wall and floor tiles, this machine does the job incredibly well, delivering up to 500mm square and 12mm thickness. Diagonal cuts can also be done on tiles up to 360mm square. Make sure to double-check on the score before making the cut.
- Some users have reported it does struggle a bit for making diagonal cuts. Also, lining up the cutting wheel exactly on the line to get the exact cut where you want it is somehow tricky.
Our recommendation
The Vitrex 102360TC 50cm Heavy-Duty Tile Cutter is a great tool for reasonable domestic use.
We love the solid construction of this machine along with the ease of use. It makes both straight and diagonal cuts but you have to be keen on the score before making the cut.
We wouldn’t recommend using this on harder, porcelain floor tiles but it is pretty fine on smaller or thinner tiles. You might as well be good at using a smaller cutter for the job because it will be much easier to store compared to this unit.
Overall, the cutter is well manufactured and performs well, perfect for domestic use but professionals will need to look for another model, especially for thicker tiles.
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Tile Cutter Buyer’s Guide
You can get a wide variety of tile cutters with different blade length and strength. Other factors will determine the kind of tile cutter that is suitable for your particular job. Since they are essential tools, there are basic features provided by manufacturers but it is important to note they all do not have the same features such as the ability to do angled cuts and mitre cuts.
Below are some of the crucial aspects to consider before you invest in the best tile cutting tool:
Types of tile cutters to consider
There are many different types of tile cutters and we will boil them down to just three but we only focus on two closely in our review. They are the best of the three for most people:
- Wet tile cutters – These type of tile cutters are popular for their precise tile cutting and are perfect for awkward cuts. They act as a table saw, the main notable difference is that the cutter is placed on top of a water table. The purpose of the water is to facilitate a smooth cut by reducing friction and protecting the blade and keeping it cool as they generate a lot of heat. They are designed for easy use and most models can be handled by beginners. We recommend wet tile cutters for cutting smaller non-straight cuts such as right angles that the dry tile cutters cannot do. They can also be used for straight cuts but you often don’t quite get the same quality finish when compared to a good manual cutter but they will still do a fairly good job.
- Manual Tile Cutters – These cutters can be excellent if you choose a good robust model with a good blade, that being said, a good model will start at around £70, to over £300. These cutters can be quite challenging for beginners to operate since they need a steady hand to produce precise cuts and take a little practice. They are not like wet tile saws that have a cutting surface provided. Personally, we would recommend investing in a good manual model and taking the time to practice for a while as they do produce a nice clean cut and will do 90% of the work.
- Tile grinders – These type of tile cutters are perfect for cutting intricate angles or extra thick demanding materials. They are super-efficient at cutting angles or patterns into single tiles. They require a lot of experience in handling and can be dangerous if not used carefully. So they should not be used by inexperienced hands and are generally used by professionals and trade. We looked at some of the best angle grinder here that can be used for cutting tiles too.
What size is ideal for you?
In regards to size, there are two things to consider, the amount of work to be done and the robustness of the tile cutter. For thicker and denser materials you require a cutter that has been built to undertake this work, this is where taking note of the maximum thickness of the tile the cutter can cut through comes in. Heavy-duty tile cutters are usually very bulky so that they can support and hold firm what is being cut. Cutters with smaller builds will be unable to cut thicker or larger tiles. Generally the more expensive the tile cutter the better the performance. Don’t forget tile cutters also have maximum straight lengths they can cut and maximum lengths at 90 degrees so compare this against the size of the tiles you plan on using.
Electric or manual tile cutter?
The battle between manual and electric tile cutters is unending. This is attributed to the fact that they have notable advantages. Electric machines tend to be bulkier and more expensive. The bigger they get the more money you will spend. If you have a lot of tiles to get through, dry tile cutters are the way to go. Motorised tile cutters require water to cool the blade down and reduce friction. They can give precise cuts but often they are not quite as good as a good manual model. Electric tile cutters can also cut those awkward cuts as well which most manual cutters cannot do.
Manual cutters take up less space, are generally lighter and usually cost considerably less than the motorised versions but can cost a lot more for some of the best models. They are limited in the precision and length of the cut. Since they are mostly hand-operated you may lack in overall neatness of the cut if it’s your first time using one but practice makes perfect. That being said, a professional produce excellent cuts with a decent model. The plus side is there is no motor to power and no water to worry about.
Materials that make the tile cutter
Different materials have different densities which affect the blades that can go through them. There are materials with a finer more compact grain like granite or some grades of glass. You want to select motorised cutters for such compacted forms of materials and sometimes only a good angle grinder will do the job. There are also materials that need special blades just to cut through them. Depending on the material you are working with, choose a cutter that can house compatible blades and have enough power to cut through. Most normal ceramic tiles (which are the most popular) can be cut through with most types of tile cutters so this is not an issue for most people and not something these need to think about.
Blades
With blades, there are a few things to look for. Each tile cutter needs blades made of a strong but supple material that can handle stress. Most blades overheat during cutting procedures. According to the amount of work you want to engage in, buy a cutter with resilient blades. There are blades for wet cutters and handheld saws that have different requirements to operate.
The blade capacity is another thing to look at. It looks at the ability of the blade to cut through varied thickness and materials. How wide and how deep is the cut? That is the question to ask yourself when looking to buy a tile cutter.
If you want tiles with different cuts for an easy fit. Look for tile cutters that have the ability to adjust the blade position. This way you can control quick successive cuts.
The other thing to think about when it comes to blade power. If you are using a motorised tile cutter. You have to look at the speed and the impact the cutter enforces. Some materials need blades that are heavy and move at higher speeds for precise cuts. The faster the blade the more friction is generated to cut through thicker materials. As you would expect, in general, more expensive electric tile cutters cut much better than cheaper hobby type alternatives.
Is the tile cutter safe?
Like all power tools, they can be dangerous if not handled correctly or if assembled wrongly especially electric tile cutters, manual models are relatively safe. You need to check to ensure that your blades are securely fixed. Accidental cuts are not uncommon so steer your hands clear from the blades while working.
What is the cost?
How much are you willing to spend? That is the question you need to think about. As we mentioned before, the heavier the cutter the more expensive it will usually be. The types of blades and cooling mechanisms used also affect the price of the tile cutter.
The good news is you can now buy electric tile cutters for around £50 to £100 that will handle most domestic and professional tile cutting jobs and a good manual model will set you back around £70 for a good beginner model, the large professional models will cost between £200 and £300.
One last point to think about, if you are not a professional is that you may breaks more tiles with a cheaper tile cutter. We see this time and time again where people break more tiles than it would have cost to invest a little more in a better tile cutter which would have helped avoid broken tiles as there just a lot better made and more reliable.
Our Final Conclusion
Our review guide puts into consideration the factors that you look for when choosing the best tile cutter, keeping in mind that all tile cutters have their own positives and negatives. We hope now you know what to look for in the best tile cutting tool and perhaps how to find the best tile cutter that suits your needs.
Our list of tile cutters highlights some of the best tile cutters suited for various situations and we trust that you have learned a lot from the products we have chosen to review after hours of researching and talking to professionals.
BEST MANUAL PICK
BEST ELECTRIC PICK
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
