Electric Auger, How to Choose Your Model?

Many could save themselves hours of work and unnecessary effort with the electric auger, yet this tool remains little known to the general public, much like the electric branch cutter.

Most people struggle to decide which model to choose. We give them a little help through this buying guide and this comparison of the best electric augers on the market.

What is an Electric Auger and What is it Used For?

The electric auger is a kind of drill with a giant bottle opener at the end, where there is a handle powered by electricity.

The electric auger allows you to dig holes of considerable depth in the ground without spending all day and hurting your arms and shoulders.

In this case, it is indispensable for many tasks such as planting posts, stakes, fences, plants, or even a vegetable garden.

Our Top 6

Fartools 175305

The Fartools electric auger is equipped with a handle suitable for both right- and left-handed users. Admittedly, it is much more comfortable for right-handers, but its orientation does not hinder left-handers if needed.

With its 1200 W power, it allows digging holes up to 56 cm deep and 12 cm wide. If you are a fan of planting and gardening, this is the model for you. It will also be useful for planting stakes or posts all around your property.

Since the product already comes with the drill bit, you can start working as soon as you receive it. The various sizes offered from 8 to 20 cm allow it to meet all needs.

With this auger, you won’t have to remove the soil from each hole, as it takes care of that for you. All you have to do is remove the pile on the surface.

Moreover, with its weight of 13.06 kg, both men and women can easily handle and carry it. The machine automatically stops working in case of a problem. You will keep it for a good long time.

The downside is its power cord, which is somewhat short at 0.4 m. You will need to use an extension cord.

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WORX 40V Cordless Auger WG865E.9

The WORX 40V Cordless Auger WG865E.9 is a high-performance cordless auger designed to dig holes for posts, tree planting, and outdoor landscaping without the hassle of a cord. It operates on a 40V PowerShare battery (not included), with an efficient brushless motor that delivers up to 80 Nm of torque and about 220 rpm, offering power equivalent to a light gas engine to drill even compacted soils.

This tool features an ergonomic non-slip handle, a kickback prevention system for safety, and a 2-speed + reverse function that makes it easy to remove the auger if it gets stuck. Weighing about 12.2 kg without the battery, it allows comfortable digging for various outdoor tasks, with quick tool-free bit changes.

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Einhell Professional Cordless Auger GP-EA 18/150 Li BL

The Einhell Professional GP‑EA 18/150 Li BL Solo is an 18 V cordless auger designed to dig holes for posts, plantings, or garden landscaping with total freedom of movement. It features a high-performance brushless motor offering high torque to easily penetrate light to medium soils, with a drilling depth of up to approximately 150 mm depending on the bit used. Operating on the Power X‑Change platform, it is compatible with the 18 V batteries from the Einhell range (battery not included).

Designed for greater comfort, it has an ergonomic handle with non-slip protection, a anti-kickback system for increased safety, and three different bore bits included (for example Ø 80 mm, Ø 100 mm, and Ø 150 mm). Its lightweight makes prolonged work easier without excessive fatigue, making it a practical solution for occasional or regular gardening tasks.

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HOUBYU Large Electric Auger with 3 Nozzles

The HOUBYU Large Electric Auger is a powerful corded auger designed for heavy digging tasks, such as installing posts, stakes, or deep plantings. It is equipped with a robust electric motor with high power, efficiently driving 3 nozzles/drill bits of different diameters (for example Ø 100 mm, Ø 150 mm, and Ø 200 mm) to accommodate various hole sizes. This setup allows for quick digging in loose and moderately compact soils without manual effort.

Built for durability, it features a solid metal structure, an ergonomic non-slip handle, and a safety switch for extended use. Its heavier and more stable design helps you carry out various large-scale tasks on challenging terrain. It offers a good balance between power and control, making it a suitable solution for demanding outdoor projects and users looking to optimize their efficiency on site or in the garden.

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JAOGAUS KU89

The JAOGAUS KU89 is a cordless electric auger designed for planting, stake setting, and outdoor landscaping tasks. It features a high-performance motor capable of reaching approximately 0 to 300 rpm, with a progressive speed adjustment to adapt to different soil types. Its robust metal head ensures a good hold of the bit, while the ergonomic rotating handle improves control during digging.

Designed for practicality, it offers a 2-speed selector, a non-slip auxiliary handle, and a design suited for sandy, clayey, or loose soils. Its efficient rotation system allows for quickly digging regular holes while reducing effort, making it ideal for occasional or regular gardening work.

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BU-KO Buko 52 CC 2-stroke Gasoline Auger

The BU-KO 52 CC 2-stroke is a powerful 3 HP gas auger designed for intensive tasks such as fence installation, planting, or light foundations. It features a 52 cm³ engine reaching approximately 9000 rpm, with a tank capacity of about 1.2 L and a manual recoil starter for quick startup. Supplied with three drill bits of 100, 150, and 200 mm as well as an extension of about 600 mm, it allows adapting the diameter and depth according to the job site.

Designed for comfort, it includes ergonomic double anti-vibration handles, a robust construction, and throttle control on the handle for better digging control. Its thermal power makes it suitable for compact to moderately hard soils, while offering good autonomy for intensive outdoor work.

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How to use an electric auger?

Using an electric auger is not complicated. Just follow the recommendations in the attached manual, and if you don’t have one, these few tips will help you.

Make a pilot hole

If your auger does not automatically bring the soil up as it penetrates the ground, you will have to do it yourself. Do not wait until you reach the maximum depth to clear the excess soil generated.

When you reach 5 cm deeper in the drilling, stop the machine, remove it from the hole, and empty it.

Brands often provide accessories with their products such as a shovel for this purpose. Among the set, you may also find a tamper or a spade.

If your electric auger is clogged, it may no longer perform as well as it did initially. Therefore, remember to clean it after each use. Remove clods of soil, grass, and other dirt stuck to the drill bit.

Stop regularly after completing 5 to 8 holes to allow the machine time to recover.

Operating the electric auger with two people in the pilot hole

Handling an electric auger with two people is within everyone’s reach. You just need to stand on each side of the handle and each hold one end. When you start the equipment, the force causes the drill bit to rotate while you remain still on the surface.

Do not shake the auger in all directions at the risk of enlarging the hole or causing serious danger. Try to keep it as straight as possible until the end. If possible, avoid any contact with rocks or hard objects in the ground. This could deform the drill bit if a strong impact occurs.

Starting the drilling

Before starting to dig with the electric auger in hand, several checks are necessary for safe use. Indeed, if the tip of your drill bit is dull, you will have a hard time even starting. Make sure the tip is well sharpened.

Likewise, wear appropriate safety gear, that is gloves, protective glasses, and earplugs if necessary.

Apply a little oil on the drill bit so that the bearings work optimally. For this, use a cloth. You will see that your drill bit will not rust anytime soon. After positioning your device correctly, plug it in and turn it on.

Equipment performance table

Drill Bit Diameter	Average Depth	Ideal Soil Type
80 mm	60 cm	Installation of light fence posts
100 mm	60 to 80 cm	Planting young shrubs
150 mm	80 cm	Sealing gate posts
200 mm	80 cm	Light foundations for garden sheds

The different types of augers

There are three types of augers depending on the power source: manual, electric, and gas-powered augers.

The first, as its name indicates, has no motor. It is suitable for light work and a small number of drilling tasks that do not require much effort. This category has the advantage of being usable anywhere.

The electric version, on the other hand, is essential if you are drilling many deep holes. For example, if you need to dig about ten holes, equip yourself with an electric model.

You cannot do without it when installing a fence on your plot of about a hundred square meters, for example. Likewise, the electric auger will be a valuable help in a large planting project.

The gas-powered auger, somewhat like similar gardening tools, runs on fuel. This type is more powerful than the electric model and much more comfortable if you do not have access to electricity in the great outdoors.

It also requires more maintenance than the others and produces a disturbing noise for the more sensitive. There are two-stroke and four-stroke engines (the cream of the crop).

This is because the fuel used to power it is pure. Nothing else is added. In return, this category requires careful maintenance. You must regularly clean the spark plugs, filters, and store the equipment safely during winter.

Features to check before buying your electric auger

With hundreds of electric augers from different brands on the market, consumers no longer know where to turn.

In this buying guide, you will find the features to look for during purchase to recognize the item you need when you come face to face with it.

Motor

The power of the motor and quality depend entirely on the nature of the soil to be treated. Also ask yourself how many holes you plan to make and how deep. Sandy or muddy soils, which are soft, yield more easily to low power.

On the other hand, on dry and hard ground, you will need more power under the hood. But be careful, a lot of power also means a lot of noise. Check this detail after confirming the performance of your machine.

The average power is 1700 W (from 800 to 3000 W). In horsepower, this corresponds to between 3 and 4.5 HP.

The motor’s lifespan depends on how frequently the electric auger is used.

It goes without saying that when investing in such a tool, you expect it to last you at least several years. And if you regularly use it for construction or gardening work, you have every interest in choosing a solid and quality motor.

Drill Bit

Since this part does most of the work, it deserves close attention. Favor manufacturing materials that are resistant not only to friction with the soil but also to the moisture present there.

Drill bits, depending on the depth of the opening and its diameter, are available in different sizes.

Farmers and construction professionals often have several to dig holes of different sizes. Thus, they replace it each time the need arises.

Drill bit diameter

The diameter of the drill bit determines the size of your hole. The largest ones allow you to create openings up to 20 cm in diameter or even 40 cm regardless of the type of soil.

The taller your drill bit, the deeper it will go into the ground. It is even possible to use extensions to increase the depth it reaches.

It is not only the diameter of the drill bit that matters when choosing an auger. The size in general affects the user’s comfort. If you are 1.70 m tall, for example, buy a model about one meter tall or a bit more.

Handle and grip

Two people can use the electric auger, but there are also models for a single person. In the first case, make sure the handle is wide enough for each party to hold it without crowding.

Know that once your auger reaches 2000 to 3000 W of power, you will need two people to keep it upright.

For grip, favor the so-called “wheelbarrow” models for your greatest comfort. Due to their shape, you can move them easily, despite possibly significant weight and size.

Weight

Weight also matters somewhat in the selection of an electric auger. You will often have to carry it to your plantings or construction site. This criterion mainly depends on the materials from which the tool was made, and its size.

On the other hand, since the auger brings up soil as it digs, it must be sturdy enough to support all its weight.

Most electric augers weigh about 25 kg, or even much less. Battery-powered augers, however, weigh much less: about 9 kg.

Battery type and power supply

The electric auger is often used in the garden or outdoors. It is difficult to have a power outlet nearby. Most users then equip themselves with often bulky extension cords. Those who cannot resort to battery models. The capacity of the latter depends on the power of the tool.

Generally, the 40 V E808T or E806C models are the most common on the market. In lithium-ion, they do not lose any charge when you are not using your machine.

Safety

While digging, you are not immune to hitting stones, concrete, or other hard surfaces that can damage the drill bit or stop it, and depending on the speed at which the auger operates, this can even knock down the person working on it.

To prevent such eventualities, manufacturers have installed a safety system on this tool. If it hits an obstacle below, for example, the motor instantly cuts off or automatically disengages. The drill bit thus stops turning.

Electric auger rental

For a single use, it is better to rent an electric auger rather than buy one that will remain in your garage the rest of the time. In the market, more and more people are making this type of machine available to the general public. As you might expect, the higher the power and horsepower, the more expensive the rental will be.

For a manual model that digs up to 20 cm into the ground, for example, budget around 8 euros per day.

If you are a professional and need an electric version, you could be charged 57 to 128 euros per day. With some luck, you can easily find gasoline-powered augers for a person capable of drilling up to 15 cm for 37 euros per day.

Used Electric Auger

Depending on your needs, you can also turn to used electric augers. Prices range from 120 to just under 200 euros for medium power models of 1200 W.

So with the price of a one-day rental, you get second-hand equipment that is still operational and cheap. This option is therefore more accommodating than the previous one.

FAQ: Electric Auger: The Guide to Successfully Drilling in Your Garden