Best Rated Tile Cutter: Tile Cutter Types & Uses
16/03/2026
When it comes to professional tiling, precision cutting is just as important as the tiling tools and tile adhesives used. In some cases, it may be the most crucial step to ensure a clean cut that looks great and minimises the risk of breakages. Whether you’re working on a small splashback or a large porcelain floor, the right tile cutter can make all the difference. In this article, we break down the most popular types of tile cutters and which tiling projects they’re best used for.
What Is A Tile Cutter?
A tile cutter is a specialised tool designed to cut tiles to specific shapes or sizes, including straight and curved edges, holes, and precision cuts around fixtures. Without a tile cutter, installing any type of tile neatly and accurately would be extremely difficult.
Most tiling tools work in one of two ways:
Score and snap: This involves a cutting wheel that scores along the tile’s surface. Pressure is then gently applied to snap the tile, cleanly along the scored line.
Diamond blade cutting: These tile cutters use a rotating diamond blade that grinds through the tile for a smooth, fast, and precise cut.
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Why Are There Different Types of Tile Cutters?
Tiles vary widely in material, thickness, hardness, and size, so no single tile-cutting tool can handle every situation. Tile cutters come in many models and sizes, each designed for different locations and tile requirements. For example, a small tile cutter like the Mini Montolit 24 Tile Cutter is better suited for tight locations, whereas the Bihui Dry Electric Tile Cutter has more power to cut large-format tiles with ease.
Tile Cutters & Their Uses
From ceramic tile cutters and porcelain tile cutters to leading brands like Rubi tile cutters and Sigma tile cutters, there is an extensive range to shop from. But which tile cutter do you need, and which tiling projects are they best suited to?
Manual Tile Cutters
Manual tile cutters are the most commonly used tool for domestic and everyday tiling jobs. They tend to use a scoring wheel to mark the tile surface before snapping the tile for a clean cut. They don’t require electricity or water, making them easy to use, effective, and portable. This also means that they’re an ideal choice for both professional and DIY tiling projects.
Best used for:
As manual tile cutters are great for everyday tiling jobs, they’re useful for projects that require straight cuts, such as kitchen splashbacks, bathrooms and floors.
Best suited to cut:
Ceramics
Popular brands: Montolit Tile Cutters, Rubi Tile Cutters, Sigma Tile Cutters, Battipav Tile Cutters, Raimondi Tile Cutters, and Bihui Tile Cutters.
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Wet Saw Tile Cutters
Wet tile cutters, also known as wet saws, use a diamond blade to cut through tougher tile materials. Due to the heat generated when cutting tiles, wet saws use water to cool the blades, helping ensure precision cuts, reduced chipping, and long-term durability. The water also helps reduce dust, making clean-up much easier and better suited for larger projects.
There’s also a wide range of models and accessories to make cutting tiles easier. For example, the Rubi Roller Side Extension Table supports heavy or large tiles. Whereas the Raimondi Pikus 150 Advanced Bridge Wet Saw offers a stronger motor, which helps with cutting thicker tiles.
Best used for:
Wet saws are great for performing complex cuts such as L-shapes, mitres and angled cuts. They help tilers produce seamless tile walls or floors as the wet saw creates a snug, flush finish.
Best suited to cut:
Natural stone (marble, granite, slate)
Thick porcelain tiles
Large-format tiles
Popular brands: Battipav, Raimondi, Rubi, Montolit, iQ, DeWalt, Bihui, Flex, Vitrex, and Briccolina.
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Electric Tile Cutters
Electric tile cutters are similar to wet saws in the sense that there are a variety of formats, including table saws like the iQ 252 10” Dry Cut Rail Saw and handheld electric tile cutters like the Rubi TC180 Circular Hand Saw. The obvious difference is that electric tile cutters run off electricity, either mains or battery power. Electric tile cutters are incredibly strong and precise, using a diamond blade to cut through the toughest materials.
Best used for:
Due to their speed, power, and accuracy, electric tile cutters are a popular choice for large-scale projects that require numerous straight or complex cuts. They also benefit projects with dense tiles, such as natural stone, by minimising the risk of chipping.
Best suited to cut:
Ceramic
Porcelain
Natural stone
Granite
Large-format tiles
Popular brands: Rubi, Vitrex, Flex, MontoLit, Siri, iQ Power Tools, Bihui, and Sigma
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Small Tile Cutters
Small tile cutters are ideal for small, domestic, or intricate projects. They’re often lightweight and compact, making them easy to store, handle, and move from job to job. Most small tile cutters are either electric or manual, such as the Battipav Leggera 49 Manual Tile Cutter, to delivering precise cuts for tight spaces and smaller, delicate tiles such as mosaics.
Best used for:
If you’re tiling in a confined space or tackling awkward corners, a small tile cutter is the best option. They are commonly used for detailing or cutting smaller tiles, but they are also great for quick and effective on-site adjustments when needed.
Best suited for cutting:
Mosaic tiles
Small-format tiles
Delicate materials
Popular brands: Sigma, Rubi, Montolit, and Battipav
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Porcelain Tile Cutter
Porcelain tiles are much denser and tougher than standard ceramic tiles. This means that a ceramic tile cutter might not be powerful enough, or that it might increase the risk of chipping. For a clean and precise cut on a porcelain tile, you need a specialised porcelain tile cutter. Accurately cutting a porcelain tile involves a scoring wheel and powerful diamond blades. Luckily, many tile cutters can accommodate porcelain cutting blades.
Best used for:
Wherever you’re installing porcelain tiles. From kitchen splashbacks and bathroom walls to en-suites and conservatory floors, porcelain tile cutters help ensure a professional cut.
Best suited for cutting:
Porcelain tiles
Popular brands: Rubi TX MAX, Montolit Masterpuima, Sigma NEX, and Battipav Profi EVO.
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Ceramic Tile Cutters
If you’re looking to cut ceramic tiles, there are some great ceramic tile cutters available. These are designed specifically for ceramic material, which tends to be softer and less dense than denser materials like porcelain. The score-and-snap technique is best suited for ceramic tiles and is commonly used for wall tiles, kitchen splashbacks, and decorative tiling jobs.
Popular brands of ceramic tile cutters include the Montolit Mini, Sigma 2G, and Rubi TS.
Tile Bevelling Machines
Although not technically tile cutters, tile bevelling machines are very helpful tools to create a mitre or bullnose edge. They can also create smooth angles on tile edges as an alternative to tile trim. Instead of using tile trim, tilers can use this specialist tool with a diamond blade to bevel the exposed edges so two tiles meet at a clean, seamless 45° angle. They are becoming increasingly useful as modern tiling with minimal trim is preferred.
Best used for:
Tile bevelling machines are commonly used for edging external tile corners and mitred edges. They’re often required for high-end tile installations and dense, large-format tiles for a smooth and accurate finish.
Popular brands: Sigma, Montolit, Battipav, and Raimondi.
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Which Tile Cutter Do I Need?
When it comes to choosing the right tile cutter for your project, it’s important to consider the following factors:
Tile material & thickness – A compatible tile cutter will minimise chips or cracks.
Tile size – Large-format tiles may require cutting tables or bridge-style wet saws.
Type of cut – Select a tile cutter that can perform the cut you need: straight, mitre or curved.
Project size – Invest in a tile cutter that fits in the space you’re working & the power you require.
Personal preference – Choose a tile cutter you are comfortable & confident with.
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Whether you’re cutting ceramic wall tiles, porcelain flooring, or decorative mosaics, there’s a tile cutter perfectly suited for every task and project. If you’re unsure which tile cutter is right for you, or have any questions about tile installation, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly and knowledgeable team.