Tile saws are tools used to cut tiles, pavers, and similar materials into different shapes and sizes. These tools have a specific purpose: cutting tiles. Because of their popularity and usefulness, it is not surprising that many companies have waded into this industry. As a result, there are a lot of tile saws on the market. However, this means that there are a lot of low-quality tile saws too. To help you choose the right tile saw, we have compiled a list of the 10 best tile saws on the market. We have also compiled a buying guide that will show you the important factors to consider before buying a tile saw.
Read on to find out more.
Features to consider in Good Tile Saws
In this section, we will take a brief look at the important factors to consider before you buy a tile saw. These factors include:
- Power
- Installation and Maintenance
- Price
- Type of Tile Saw
- Blade
- Portability and Storage
The above factors need to be carefully considered before you choose a tile saw. Power refers to the specifications of the tile saw’s motor. Installation and maintenance need to be considered as it involves how easy it is to set up the tile saw, the stress of maintenance, and related factors.
There are different types of saws from the wet tile saw to the handheld tiles and subdivisions. More information about these and the other important factors for consideration are considered in the main buyer’s guide.
The fact is that there is no actual brand without flaws. The best brand of tile saw is largely dependent on the requirements of the project. Each tile saw is designed to carry out some specific projects. In the review below, we highlight some of the best tile saws. These tile saws are from different brands.
Some are very expensive, while others are cheaper. The more expensive a tile saw is, the more features it likely has. However, even if you are on a budget, you can find the right fit for you from among the tile saws reviewed below.
Now, let us consider the 10 best Tile Saws.
Top 10 Best Tile Saws 2023
1. Dewalt D24000S
Editor’s Rating:
Design
The excellent design of this tile saw makes it the best friend of every handyman. It measures 10 inches and features a lightweight folding stand that allows you to easily set up on the job. It also comes with rugged construction. The arm and the frame are made of a rigid aluminum frame that lends it strength and ensures durability.
It is light to carry compared to many other tile saws. It weighs a mere 69 pounds and the manufacturer, outfits the tile saw with a dedicated carrying case. All of these physical attributes make this tile saw a nifty and impressive specimen.
Performance
The ability to cut tiles on this tile saw is unparalleled. It has a stainless steel railing system that drastically reduces any inaccuracies in cutting tiles. The device is precise, and during testing, we were awed by the ease and speed at which it carries out its job. It is a wet tile saw; thus, it comes with a pair of water nozzles that allows you to direct the water spray to the exact location you need it.
The diamond-studded DeWalt Blade on the tile saw also ensures that no matter how thick or strong the tile to be cut is, the tile saw cuts through it like hot knife through butter.
One feature that we enjoyed using, and that shows the amount of care and dedication put into creating this masterpiece is the stand. If you have ever used tile saws, you’ll realize how much easier having a stand makes your job. It provides a stable platform, something that might not be readily available on a work site.
Technical details include a ripping capacity of 24”, an 18” diagonal cutting capacity and a miter that facilitates angular cuts of 22.5 degrees and 45 degrees.
Overall, you will be hard-pressed to find a tile saw more effective than the DeWalt D24000S.
Pros
- It comes with a stand for stability
- Sturdy and durable build
- Precise cutting ability
- Portable and easy to store
Cons
- It is pricey
- It is noisy
2. SKIL 3540-02
Editor’s Rating:
Design
The SKIL 3540-02 is a tile saw that comes with a user-friendly design and provides excellent value for money. It weighs 17 pounds, which makes it very easy to carry around. It comes with a cutting cart and a water containment tray. These 2 parts are removable.
Before testing this tile saw, we observed that setting it up is very easy. If you are a DIYer, you will find the ease of setting up, use, and the ease of cleaning very appealing. A design feature we want to point out is the water reservoir. Unlike other tile saws, for example, the DeWalt D24000S above, the tile saw uses a splash mechanism and not a pump and nozzle. This means that as the blade spins, it passes through the water spray. This ensures that every inch of the blade is cooled.
The tile saw comes with an aluminum tabletop which is super-durable and resistant to corrosion.
Performance
The SKIL 3540-02 provides impressive performance. It has an adjustable rip fence and miter gauge that allows you to cut tiles with accuracy. During testing, the adjustable rip fence allowed us to carry out bevel cuts from 0 degrees to 45 degrees. When parallel, the cutting blade provides a cutting depth of 1□(3″/8).
It has a ripping capacity of up to 18”. We observed that the 7” blade of the SKIL-3 is diamond tipped which ensures smooth and fast cutting. The blade can cut tiles up to 12” x 12” with ease.
If you are looking for a relatively inexpensive tile saw for carrying out small projects, this tile saw offers the best value for money.
Pros
- Comes at a great price
- It is easy to use
- Durable build
- Precise tile cuts
- Great for small projects and DIYers
Cons
- Cannot cut past 12 x 12 tiles
- Not meant for large projects
3. DEWALT D24000
Editor’s Rating:
Design
The tile saw is designed almost identically to the DeWalt D2400. It comes with an integrated rail system, an impressive edge guide, and measurement guide. The water trays on this tile saw are located at the rear. On the sides of the tile saw, there are grooved channels to transport water and debris.
One of the most impressive design features for us is the rubber flaps on the top of the tile saw. These rubber flaps ensure that the sprays that arise from working on the saw are suppressed. Say goodbye to any saw showers and water sprays!
Performance
We observe that this tile saw provides the same superior performance that the heavy-duty DeWalt D24000S does. It might not have the sheer power of its bigger cousin, but the 1.5-HP motor cuts whatever you feed it with ease.
The integrated rail system on the D24000 allows the user to execute diagonal cuts swiftly and with extreme precision. It comes with a measurement guide that allows you to seamlessly make linings and assists you fasten the fence accurately.
You can cut to a depth of up to 3□(1″/8). It also has a ripping capacity of 24”. To make your work safer and easier, the rubber table top ensures that the tile does not slip away during cutting. The edge guide allows 22.5 degrees and 45 degrees miter cuts.
It is easy to clean the tile saw after use. The cutting cart is removable and can be cleaned independently.
One feature that distinguishes it from the DeWalt D24000S is its lack of a stand.
Pros
- Powerful, efficient performance
- Durable build
- It comes with a pair of water trays
- It is easy to clean
Cons
- It doesn’t have a stand
- It is heavy
4. Chicago Electric 2.5 Horsepower
Editor’s Rating:
Design
The size of the Chicago Industrial Tile Saw is quite generous and allows you to place large tiles without any hassles. It features a stainless steel frame that is both durable and resistant to corrosion. The tile saw comes with a linear bar system so you can rest assured that there are no hiccups when cutting through the tile.
As it is a wet tile saw, it has water pumps and nozzles to wet the blade. The water also catches any errant dust particles from the cut material. The water tray is removable and easy to clean. A design feature we liked is the cast alloy cutting head that reduces vibrations that result from cutting.
Performance
The performance of this tile saw is impressive. It comes with a 2.5 HP motor. This delivers more power than your average tile saw. Therefore, there is enough juice to cut through pavers and thick tiles. It comes fitted with a 10” diamond-coated blade. The blade gives users a cutting depth of 3 ½”. Furthermore, if you require a quick change during operation, the blade is removable by key.
It has a precision bar system that ensures smooth and precise cutting. Furthermore the maximum cutting capacity of 24” and the diagonal cut capability of 18” ensure it cuts tough materials with ease.
Water management is handled by a 3-gallon per minute pump. Therefore while in operation, there is no danger of the blade overheating as the water is continuously sprayed to cool it down.
If you are looking for a tile saw to cut through tiles, pavers, and even bricks, then the Chicago Industrial Tile Saw is the beast you need.
Pros
- It is a very powerful tile saw, and the 2.5 HP motor delivers enough power
- Water management system is sufficient
- It has a durable build
- Accurate and precise cuts
- The cutting head reduces vibrations
Cons
- It is large and heavy
- It is meant solely for professional use
- Control knobs feel cheap
5. SKIL 3550-02
Editor’s Rating:
Design
The SKIL 3550-02 comes with many design features common to the best tile saws. However, it has a feature that elevates it above other similar tile saws. The water containment system on the tile saw is very impressive. The importance of water to cool down a working blade cannot be denied.
This tile saw has a water management system that ensures that the blade is always watered during operation. It has guards that hold the water near the blade and that douse it with water frequently. Therefore your work is not only safer, but there is better accuracy. An added advantage of this is that you do not have a lot of cleaning to do after an operation.
Performance
It comes with the excellent performance that SKIL is known for. The tile saw has an integrated rail system as well as a miter gauge feature. This makes it easy to make a perfect 45 degree and 22.5 degrees cuts.
Furthermore, the tile saw has a ripping capacity of 18”.
With a 7 amp motor and 7” blade, we experienced smooth and accurate performance on from this tile saw.
Pros
- It is easy to use and maintain
- It has a sturdy design
- The water containment system is very impressive
- Powerful performance
Cons
- Splash guard gets dirty quickly and requires near-constant cleaning
- The water tray is not detachable.
6. MK-370EXP
Editor’s Rating:
Design
This tile saw comes in a portable size and weight. It has a hinged blade guard that allows you to change the blade depending on the job on hand. It is a small version of most of the heavy-duty tile saws on this list. It comes at 33 pounds which allows to you move it from one location to the other. Support is provided by a rigid zinc-plated steel frame. The frame confers stability and durability.
The design makes it easy to clean and maintain. Why? The water tray and the carting cut that handle water and debris respectively are detachable. Therefore, after use, all you need to do is remove them and clean.
Performance
The performance, as stated earlier, is quite impressive. Despite the relatively small size, it has a 1.25 HP motor that delivers ample power for your projects. It features a cutting table made of Aluminum die-cast that can cut up to depths of 2”.
Pros
- Slide extension facilitates support for large tiles
- It is easy to use
- Durable build
- It has a safety lock
- Portable design
Cons
- Noise levels are high
7. QEP 22650Q
Editor’s Rating:
Design
The tile saw is made of durable steel material. This makes it durable. The rubber feet add stability to the tile saw. This also, in its own way, improves the precision during operations. It comes at 15.7 pounds, which is lighter than most of the tile saws on this list. The portability makes it easy to assemble, disassemble, and move from one point to the other. There is an 8” table extension provided. Therefore, if you have to cut larger tiles, you can do it with ease.
The water reservoir is external and can be removed when full and when it’s time to clean.
Performance
The ¾ 120 V motor provides adequate power to help the 7” blade cut through stone, porcelain, ceramic and other materials. Like the best tile saws, it has an integrated rail cart system to help achieve accurate cuts. There is a miter gauge for cuts at 22.5 degrees and 45 degrees.
The water system ensures the blade is kept cool and it comes with a fender to reduce splashing.
Pros
- It is affordable
- The construction is durable
- It has rubber pads to add stability
Cons
- The blade is susceptible to rust
8. Lackmond Beast Wet Tile Saw
Editor’s Rating:
Design
The tile saw comes with a design that makes it a great fit for professional use. It comes with a durable and sturdy build. Therefore, if you plan on using this tile saw in a professional setting, you can rest assured that knocks and bruises won’t easily damage it. It comes with its stand. If you have ever had to work on an uneven surface, you will appreciate the ease and accuracy the presence of a dedicated stand confers.
It has a water tray that features a divider. This ensures that the particle and slurry from the job don’t enter the pump and cause damage. It features a detachable extension table. This makes it possible to cut larger tiles without any issues.
Performance
The heavy-duty rail system ensures that all cuts made are precise. If the job requires a very high degree of accuracy, then this is a good fit. The blades are specially fitted to cut through very hard materials. They are made from BP series porcelain tile. If this doesn’t do the job, there is a Lackmond 10” diamond cutting blade you can switch it with.
The tile saw allows you to perform cuts at 22.5 degrees, 45 degrees, and 90 degrees. Furthermore, if you need to make V-Cap or other unique cuts, the Lackmond Beast has a plunge cut facility for that. At a 90 degree angle, the blade has a cutting depth of up to 3□(3″/8).
Pros
- It can easily handle large tiles
- Durable and solid construction
- Powerful motor
- Comes with its stand
Cons
- It is heavy
9. Porter Cable PCE980
Editor’s Rating:
Design
The Porter Cable PCE980 is made of stainless steel. This material bodes well for the durability of the tile saw. It is both strong and resistant to rust. This is important since the tile saw will be exposed to lots of water. And as rudimentary students of science know, water plus air and metal can lead to rust. Aside from the material of construction, it comes lightweight. Weighing just 30 pounds, it is easy to carry around for small jobs.
It comes with a sliding table and a stationary table to ensure the tile is held firmly. This improves the precision of cutting. A miter square comes with the tile saw and helps the user make accurate cuts.
Performance
The PCE980 comes with a 6.5-amp motor. This means that while it is not exactly a powerhouse, it delivers sufficient power to take care of simple and small tasks. It comes with a 7” blade that is designed to cut through materials. During testing, we discovered that although the blade does a good enough job most of the time, it is prone to cutting more than intended and even cause chipping on the tiles. Changing the blade to a superior one from a third-party seller solved this problem.
The miter square is accurate and delivers cuts with precision. The tile saw has a cutting depth of up to 1 ¼ inches. This is disappointing as most pavers and other tiles are often thicker than this.
It is clear that this tile saw has its own share of flaws. However, it redeems itself through the impressive water management. The design of the tile saw sees the sliding table with grooved channels that ensures water and any debris from your work, flows directly in the basin underneath. The blade comes with a guard that prevents water from splashing around.
Pros
- Excellent water management
- Portable design and durable build
- Great for DIYers
Cons
- Slow cutting process
- Difficult to clean
- Not powerful enough for serious jobs
10. DEWALT DWC860W
Editor’s Rating:
Design
This is a handheld tile saw unlike the rest of tile saws on our list. As a result, it is made to be lightweight and portable. It is best for home use as it is a handy tool you can whip out for quick jobs.
Performance
For the price and the size, it performs admirably. The tile saw has a blade that easily cuts through different materials, as long as they are not very thick.
During testing, we found the10.8 amp motor provides sufficient power for simple jobs. It has a dedicated water management system to keep the blade cool. The diamond blade cuts swiftly, and the results we got were accurate and had a very smooth cut edge.
Pros
- It is lightweight
- Relatively cheap
- Durable construction
Cons
- Not recommended for industrial use
Guide to Buying the Best Tile Saws
If you are a DIYer or a handyman, and your project or job requires cutting tiles, tile saws can make your job so much easier and faster to do. There are many tile saws on the market, and it is important that when buying a tile saw, you choose the right one. The products listed above are some of the very best tile saws you can buy on the market. Choosing any of them is sure to make your work more enjoyable. If you do not have the inclination to choose any of those above, you need to read this buying guide.
In this section, you will see the important factors you need to consider no matter the tile saw you choose to buy. Therefore, read on to know the important factors to consider when buying a tile saw.
Power
Power is a very important criterion that will determine if you will enjoy the use of a tile saw. The aim of buying a tile saw is to reduce the stress and effort from cutting tiles, right? Well, the motor of a tile saw provides all of the power it uses to carry out its function.
If the tile saw’s motor doesn’t have sufficient power, it will require more effort to cut some materials (if they cut at all). To determine the amount of power that your tile saw has, you should check the horsepower rating of the motor. If a motor has a horsepower of 2 HP, it is more powerful than that with a rating of 1 HP. Therefore, the higher the rating, the more powerful it is. If you will be handling a job that involves tough or very thick materials, choosing a tile saw with a high horsepower rating will help you do the job faster and easier.
From our general testing, the best tile saws have motors that have a horsepower rating of 1.5 or more.
If your motor has a high horsepower, the chances are higher that even tough materials like pavers and porcelain are sliced through like hot knife through butter.
The important specifications to check are :
- Horsepower
- AMP
- Revolutions per minute (RPM)
Installation and Maintenance
While the ability of the tile saw to cut through different materials with ease is important, it is also vital to consider the convenience of using the tile saw. Your whole experience can be made more stressful if you do not take note of this factor.
With regards to this, you need to consider the ease of setting up the tile saw. Some tile saws are very easy to set up; in a few minutes, they are good to go. This makes your work more enjoyable and faster. However, if it takes time before setting up or if it is hard to assemble, you might lose enthusiasm for the project or job even before you have started.
Aside from the ease of installation, you need to take note of the ease of maintenance. Some tile saws are very easy to set up, deliver wonderful performance, but require almost constant cleaning and maintenance. If you have a busy schedule or you have other important stuff to attend to, having to always clean and maintain can be a hassle.
Furthermore, there are some other features you ought to consider with regards to convenience. Features such as rubber feet, rubber tabletops, and the ability to extend the table to accommodate large tile pieces are a sweet addition to any tile saw and make your work easier.
Price
Just as with everything you buy with your hard-earned money, you need to consider the price of the tile saw before going for it. You need to think about how much of an investment it is going to be and if it is worth it.
If you need a tile saw to do simple jobs around the home, you do not need expensive and sophisticated tile saws. There are questions you should ask yourself before committing to buying an expensive tile saw. Ask yourself: What is the main purpose of buying this tile saw? Is it just for a one-off project, or will I still use it later? Can I handle this tile saw?
If you have counted the cost, it will be easier for you to purchase a tile saw that would fit your specific needs at a reasonable price.
Type of Tile Saw
There are different types of saws available on the market. You need to know what these types of tile saws are so that you can make an educated decision. Here are the most important and common types of tile saws:
Wet Tile Saw
This saw is widely regarded as the best type of tile saw. The blades of a tile saw are inserted into water. This makes them so precise and accurate with their cutting. The water serves as a lubricant. Furthermore, the use of water reduces any chances of overheating as the water acts as a coolant to reduce the heat the blade suffers.
If you are allergic to dust and fine particles, a wet tile saw is also the right type of tile saw for you. Why? Well, the water traps the dust and prevents it from blowing about.
Handheld Tile Saws
If your project is a small one, or if it is a medium project, the handheld tile saws are a great option. These saws are great for cutting through small tiles, stones, for countertops, and similar projects.
It goes without saying that they are usually super-portable and lightweight. However, this portability makes them error-prone. Since they are not weighted, a person operating them can move in an erratic manner and cause them to cut in an unwanted manner. Furthermore, they produce more dust and particles than the fine cutting of wet tile saws.
They are sub-divided into dry handheld tile saws, wet hand tile saws, and wet/dry hand tile saws.
There are also some other equipment, that while not technically saws, are referred to as such by folks.
- Tile Nippers
- Tile Grinders
- Masonry Saw
Blade
Aside from the motor, one factor that strongly affects how effective your tile saw is the blade. The blade you choose depends on what you are planning to cut with it. Therefore, if you are going to be cutting tough or thick materials, you need to identify the specific factors like the cutting depth and the size of the blade.
Blades come in different sizes, and this affects the depth of cutting and the ripping capability of the tile saw. From the reviews above, one factor that remained constant for the best tile saw was the presence of an integrated rail system. What does this do?
The rail system is a system that holds the blade firmly in position. This offers a number of advantages. The blade is more precise, and cutting is more accurate.
Some tile saws come with interchangeable blades. This feature can be very useful when you consider the different dimensions which might work on daily.
Portability and Storage
Having a tile saw that can be carried around from one place to another is a factor to consider. This might not be very important to you if all your work is done at a spot, but for most contractors, portability is a main consideration. Since work on a busy site involves moving from place to place, it is important to have a tile saw you can pack up and take somewhere else.
On Amazon, most of the bestsellers are tile saws that can be moved from one place to another with relative ease. If you have projects around the home, having a portable tile saw can be a major bonus.
Some tile saws, like some of those in our review above, come with their own stand. This feature is great. Why? This is because, on a site, contractors might not be able to find a stable surface to cut materials. This affects the accuracy and quality of the work. However, with a stand, you can cut wherever you want without any loss of precision.
Conclusion
There are so many brands out there with each one claiming to have the best tile saw for you. Our list of the best tile saws is unbiased and highlights the best ones you can buy right now. If you do not want any of those on our list, you can use our buying guide to discover the factors to consider when buying the best tile saw for you.