A manual tile cutter handles the majority of professional tiling work. But when you need to cut large format tiles over 95cm, cut diagonal angles for herringbone patterns, or make L-shaped cuts around sockets and pipes, a wet saw is the only tool for the job.
I use mine on roughly 30% of domestic jobs and on every commercial project. Here are the best options available in the UK right now, ranked by intended use.
Best Overall: Raimondi RTC Battipav Basic 1200
Price: ~£850–£1,100
Max tile length: 120cm
Best for: Professional trade use, large format tiles, regular commercial work
The Raimondi is the professional benchmark in the UK trade. The stainless steel table doesn't rust, the fence system is accurate to within a millimetre, and the blade motor is powerful enough to cut 20mm porcelain slabs without bogging down.
The 120cm capacity handles the current generation of large format tiles (600×1200mm, 800×1600mm) without compromise. The water cooling system is well-designed — water reaches the blade consistently across the full cut length, which matters for blade life and cut quality on 10mm+ porcelain.
What I use it for: Any large format job, all commercial tiling, any tile over 10mm thick.
Verdict: If you're a professional tiler doing this work daily, this is the saw to own. The price is significant but the build quality and reliability justify it over years of use.
Best Mid-Range: Sigma SM3 / SM4
Price: ~£400–£550 (SM3), ~£600–£750 (SM4)
Max tile length: 90cm (SM3), 120cm (SM4)
Best for: Professional trade use, occasional large format, value-focused buyers
Sigma make both excellent manual cutters and solid wet saws. The SM series has been a trade staple for years. The SM3 handles up to 90cm — adequate for 600×600mm and most 600×900mm tiles. The SM4 extends this to 120cm.
Build quality is good but not at the Raimondi level — the table and fence are slightly less rigid, and the water system requires more regular attention to prevent scale build-up. These are manageable trade-offs at the price point.
Who it's for: The professional tiler who needs a wet saw on larger jobs but can't justify the Raimondi outlay. Also a good choice as a second saw.
Best Compact / Site Saw: Battipav Super Pro 900
Price: ~£550–£700
Max tile length: 90cm
Best for: Tilers who need to work inside the property (less mess), smaller bathrooms
The Super Pro 900 is more compact than the Raimondi and designed for use inside the property rather than on a driveway or garage. The enclosed water system reduces spray, and the folding stand means it fits in a standard van without taking up permanent space.
It doesn't match the Raimondi for precision on large format, but for most domestic work (cutting around sockets, L-shapes in shower trays, diagonal cuts for herringbone patterns), it's more than capable.
Verdict: The best balance of portability and capability for domestic trade tilers.
Best Budget: Draper 83607 750W Tile Saw
Price: ~£150–£200
Max tile length: ~40cm
Best for: DIYers, occasional cuts, small tiles only
At the budget end, the Draper is the best of a limited field. The table is small (maximum tile size around 400×400mm), the motor isn't powerful enough for 10mm porcelain, and the fence system is basic. But for a DIYer doing occasional cuts on standard 7–8mm ceramic tiles, it gets the job done.
Important: Do not try to cut thick porcelain or large format tiles with budget saws. The undersized motor and inadequate water cooling will cause rough cuts, blade overheating, and potentially tile breakage.
Verdict: Acceptable for light DIY work on standard ceramic tiles only.
What to Look For in a Wet Saw
Motor Power
For professional use on porcelain: minimum 1.2kW (1,200W). Budget saws at 750W will work on ceramic but struggle on 10mm+ porcelain.
Table Size and Capacity
Maximum tile length is the headline figure but check the table width too — a 600mm-wide table limits what you can do with square tiles. Professional saws have tables at least 600mm wide.
Water System
Look for a recirculating system (collects and reuses water) rather than a run-off system (water runs straight onto the ground). Recirculating systems keep the workspace cleaner and use less water, which matters when you're working inside a property.
Blade Quality
A professional tile saw is only as good as its blade. Use a diamond blade rated for porcelain (not a general-purpose tile blade). Turbo-segment blades cut faster; continuous rim blades give a finer edge. For a professional finish, continuous rim blades on porcelain.
Tip: A quality replacement blade (£25–£60) is a better investment than a cheap blade on an expensive saw.
FAQ
Do I need a wet saw if I have a manual cutter? A manual cutter handles straight cuts on standard tiles. For anything over 95cm, any cut over 12mm thick, diagonal cuts, or L-shaped cuts, you need a wet saw. If you're tiling professionally, you'll eventually need one.
Can I cut outside using a wet saw? Yes — most professional saws are designed to work outside. Run an extension cable and set up near a drain. Ensure the site is safe (water + electricity requires an RCD adaptor).
How often should I replace the blade? A quality diamond blade on a professional saw should last 500–1,000 running metres. Signs it needs replacing: slower cutting, more pressure needed, rough cut edges, excessive vibration.
Can I cut marble or natural stone with a wet saw? Yes, but use a blade rated for natural stone. Porcelain blades are too aggressive for softer stones like marble and travertine.
Manual vs. Wet Saw: Which Do You Need?
| Situation | Manual Cutter | Wet Saw | |---|---|---| | Standard ceramic tiles | ✓ | Not needed | | Porcelain up to 12mm | ✓ (Sigma 4BU/4DN) | Either | | Tiles over 95cm length | ✗ | ✓ | | L-shapes and notches | ✗ | ✓ | | Diagonal cuts | ✗ | ✓ | | 12mm+ thick porcelain | ✗ | ✓ |
For most domestic bathrooms: a Sigma 4BU 70cm manual cutter handles the majority of cuts. For large format floors and any commercial work: you need both.
Browse all tile cutting equipment in our shop.