MIG welding is the go-to technique for versatility, speed and affordability. Since the nineteenth century, MIG welding has been the most sought after and widely used form of welding (1). And today, it is as popular as ever.
We put the best MIG welders under the spotlight to see which are the top ones in each category to make your MIG welding choices easier.
- Complete kit
- 5-position voltage control
- Household friendly
- Increased power output
- 3-in-1 welder
- Increased welding cycle
- Easy to master
- Easy to transport
- Lightweight
- Professional quality
- Complete kit
- Slow start technology
- Metal tips
- Thermal overload protection
- Soft-key control panel
- Automatic controls
- Great value for money
- Dual-voltage
- No gas required
- Oxidation resistance
- Super-affordable
- Adjustable heat settings
- Gasless operation
- Comes with all the kit
Product Reviews
There are hundreds of MIG welders available to buy, so finding the ultimate 10 was a challenge. Here are our 10 most desirable MIG welders in each category.
Hobart 500559 Handler 140 MIG Welder
Best Overall MIG Welder
This Hobart MIG welder has a 5-position voltage control for a smooth arc transition, no matter what the material’s thickness. It means it can weld 24 gauge steel up to 0.25 inches thick. It is a multi-functioning welder that operates on a household voltage of 115, and it has a 20 percent duty cycle at 90 amps, which means for every 2 minutes welding, it must be rested for 8 minutes.
This increases to 25 percent when you up the amperage to 140. This MIG welder is suitable for welding steel, stainless steel, aluminum and other metals. It may not be the best for professional use or top the poll for home use, but this welder is pretty hard to beat as an all-rounder.
What We Like
Complete Kit
It comes with the cable and clamps, the dual-gauge regulator gas hose, 10 ft HR-100 MIG gun, 0.30-inch contact tips, and it even comes with a sample spool of flux-cored wire.
Great Reviews
With so many great reviews, it was hard to ignore this welder as the best overall. It is a great all-rounder and would suit smaller professional tasks and home repairs. So many people cannot be wrong.
Household Friendly
It operates on standard household voltages, so it makes it the ultimate garage or workshop repair tool. If you are working on your car or mending that broken metal gate bracket, this welder has you covered.
What We Don't Like
High Price Tag
While the price tag is not the steepest we have encountered, it is pretty high for a DIY/semi-professional welding kit.
Suited To Lighter Duties
This welder will not cope with heavy-duty tasks and is better suited to lighter, on the spot repairs or household maintenance.
Product Specs
Weight (pounds) | 57 |
Dimensions (inches) | 19 x 11 x 13 |
Voltage | 115 |
Max amps | 140 |
Duty cycle | 20 percent |
Accessories | Gas cables, flux-cored wire spool, 0.30-inch tips |
Price | $$$ |
Warranty | 5-year |
Our Ratings
Weldpro 200 Amp Inverter Multi Process Welder
Best Inverter MIG Welder
Inverter technology removes the need for transformers, making the welding unit lighter. You get increased control and power without the added weight. This welder is suitable for MIG, stick and TIG welding at a maximum output of 200 amps.
This unit is suitable for home or professional use. However, make sure you get a professional to install a 220 volt socket if you plan on using the maximum output on this welder. What makes this welder unique is the duty cycle at lower amperage. It has a 100 percent cycle at 110 amps and 30 percent at 200 amps.
What We Like
Increased Power Output
Unlike the Hobart, this welding kit can operate at 200 amps, meaning you can tackle more substantial tasks. This is thanks to the inverter technology that increases power output and control.
3-In-1 Welder
It is a versatile machine with TIG, MIG and stick welding capabilities when operated at 200 amps. It means that you can even braze different metals together using the MIG brazing techniques.
Increased Welding Cycle
At 200 amps, this welder has a 30 percent duty cycle, which is a 10 percent increase on the Hobart. At 110 amps, that cycle increases to 100 percent, meaning you can keep going without the fear that the unit will overheat.
What We Don't Like
Requires 220 Volts
If you want to use this unit at home, you will need to get a 240-volt socket installed, as it exceeds the voltage of standard domestic systems. This is a cost factor to keep in mind.
Fragile Electronics
Be aware that inverter technology is the new equivalent of transformers, but inverters lack robust qualities. It means your welder is susceptible to knocks and bangs associated with the rigors of life on the job site.
Big Investment
Similar to the Hobart model, this welding kit will set you back a lot of money. That said, it is a quality product that will tackle domestic and light to heavy tasks.
Product Specs
Weight (pounds) | 30.4 |
Dimensions (inches) | 17.22 x 8.66 x 14.96 |
Voltage | 115/220 |
Max amps | 200 |
Duty cycle | 30 percent/100 |
Accessories | TIG torch, MIG torch, gas hose, power adaptor, flow meter, 2 contact tips |
Price | $$$ |
Warranty | 2-year |
Our Ratings
Forney Easy Weld 261 140FC-i MIG Welder
Best Compact MIG Welder
If you want a welder that’s easy to transport and lightweight, this is the perfect choice. It could so easily have won the award for the best MIG welder for beginners. It comes with everything you would expect from a compact welder.
It is a gasless unit, relying on flux-core to get the job done. It has infinite voltage and wire feed control, making it ideal for novices, and it welds metal to a thickness of 0.25 inches. It has a 30 percent cycle at 90 amps, and it has an all-metal casing for added robustness.
What We Like
Easy To Master
Thanks to the infinite voltage and the wire feed control, even the greenest welders would feel confident using this machine.
Easy To Transport
This welder weighs just 19 pounds, so getting it to where you need it is easy. It makes this the perfect welder for DIY applications, metalwork repairs, maintenance and hobbyist activities.
Great Value for Money
When you compare this welder’s price to the two previous models, you realize what great value for money it is. You could buy two of these for the price of one Weldpro. It is another reason why it is a great welder for novices.
What We Don't Like
Build Quality Issues
There are always compromises when it comes to quality and performance versus the price. However, to save costs, the maker has reduced the quality of the components and the construction.
Slow Feed Rate
The wire feed rate is about 3 inches per second, which slows you down. Ideally, you should aim for 5 to 6 inches per second to achieve a decent weld rate.
Product Specs
Weight (pounds) | 19 |
Dimensions (inches) | 16.7 x 12 x 8.1 |
Voltage | 120 |
Max amps | 140 |
Duty cycle | 30 percent |
Accessories | MIG gun, ground clamps, power adaptor |
Price | $$ |
Warranty | 1-year |
Our Ratings
Miller Electric Millermatic 211 120/240V 1 Phase MIG Welder
Best MIG Welder for Professionals
This Millermatic is a firm favorite among the most experienced welders because it is reliable, lightweight and compact. It even has a unique slow-start function that ensures when the wire forms the arc, there are minimal splatters or deformed bead profiles that many other models lack. This is a feature rarely found on smaller MIG welders.
It is a high-quality welder with an extensive range of settings, a superior MIG gun and an impressive warranty. It also welds aluminum and mild steel to a thickness of 0.38 inches, and stainless steel to 0.35 inches.
The only downside is the price. This unit costs double the amount of the Weldpro. However, if you want a welder that will last you a lifetime, then what you pay now will seem irrelevant 10 or 20 years down the line.
What We Like
Professional Quality
For such a small unit, this welder offers the best in reliability, power and quality. It’s the reason so many professionals love using it. It is the MIG welder of choice.
Complete Kit
It costs a lot more than some, but you get a 10 ft MIG gun with 10 feet of cable, a built-in gas solenoid valve, a dual gauge regulator with a gas hose and a sample 0.030-inch spool.
Slow Start Technology
This is a feature typically reserved for larger, industrial welders. It means that as the arc first forms, you get minimal splatters. It makes for a neater weld finish.
What We Don't Like
Quite Expensive
This is not your run of the mill compact MIG welder. This unit is famous for its quality and performance. All of this excellence costs money. So, if you want the best, be prepared to delve deep.
Chinese Made, USA Assembled
It may not mean much to some, but if you like supporting US businesses, this could be a deal-breaker. This welder is assembled in the USA, but the components are manufactured in China to save costs.
Requires 240 Volts
Make sure you get a specialist in to install a socket powerful enough to take this unit’s voltage. It will need an upgrade in electrics, and this is an added expense.
Product Specs
Weight (pounds) | 49.9 |
Dimensions (inches) | 16.7 x 12 x 8.1 |
Voltage | 240 |
Max amps | 230 |
Duty cycle | 40 percent at 150 Amps |
Accessories | MIG gun, ground clamps, regulator, sample spool |
Price | $$$$ |
Warranty | 3-year |
Our Ratings
LOTOS MIG175 MIG Welder
Best MIG Welder for Aluminum
This complete welding kit comes with a dedicated aluminum spool gun, which removes the need to purchase one separately. This welder is effective when working with stainless steel, mild steel and aluminum.
Unlike the Weldpro, which relies on inverter technology, this LOTOS model uses transformers. It means it is harder wearing and less likely to malfunction. It makes this the ideal tool for small businesses that need the reliability of a tried and tested welder that won’t break the bank.
It’s one of the reasons why it handles 4-inch and 8-inch industrial standard spools.
What We Like
175-Amp Weld Output
This kit can weld stainless steel, mild steel and aluminum with the dedicated aluminum spool gun supplied with the kit.
Fully Kitted
This welder comes with the MIG torch, the aluminum spool gun, the cables, regulators and even the face mask. It is the complete set to get you started straight out of the box.
Transformer Technology
Transformers have been around for ages, so they have a track record of reliability and durability, unlike the newer inverter technology. Use what works and stick with it.
Industrial But Compact
You have to go a long way to find a better industrial size welder with such heavy-duty ambitions. It handles 4-inch and 8-inch industrial standard spools for more arduous and larger welding projects.
What We Don't Like
Requires 220 Volts
Domestic power supplies operate on 110 volts. So, while this unit may still work when plugged into 110-volt sockets, it will struggle to operate fully, hampering the weld capabilities. Get a dedicated 220V socket installed.
20 Percent Cycle at 175 Amps
For every 2 minutes of welding work, you will need to rest the torch for 8 minutes to cool down, which seriously hampers your work rate.
Product Specs
Weight (pounds) | 85 |
Dimensions (inches) | 18 x 12.5 x 10.5 |
Voltage | 240 |
Max amps | 175 |
Duty cycle | 20 percent at 175 Amps, 30 percent at 135 Amps |
Accessories | MIG gun, Aluminum spool gun, contact tips, face mask, ground clamps, regulator, sample spool |
Price | $$$ |
Warranty | 1-year |
Our Ratings
Lincoln Electric K2278-1 Handy Core Power Welder
Best MIG Welder for Beginners
If you are looking for a MIG welder to learn the ropes, this Lincoln Electric might be the best option. It lacks the finesse and capabilities of the Miller Electric Millermatic 211, but it is significantly cheaper.
You get a MIG gun, a cable assembly, a floor clamp, and input cables, all attached at the factory to save you the effort and time. It only produces a maximum of 88 amps, so it isn’t the most powerful welder on the market, but this isn’t as important when you are learning the ropes. What is crucial is you understand how the welder operates and how it handles.
It is a gasless welder, utilizing a flux-cored wire electrode, so while it may splatter more, it doesn’t come with the complications of gas shielding.
What We Like
Gasless Welder
As time progresses, getting to grips with a gas-shielded welder is crucial because this is the most common type of welder kit. However, for learning how a welder operates and what it can do, this gasless model is invaluable.
Easy To Set Up
Another reason why this is the ideal learning welder is that it is easy to set up. It enables you to graduate to more complicated machines with experience.
Affordable
It costs a fraction of some on the list, so while it may not be as refined, it is an entry-level model that allows you to learn without breaking the bank.
What We Don't Like
Lacks Real Power
If you want a welder for substantial repairs and heavy-duty tasks, look elsewhere. Where this kit excels is it gives you an entry-level into welding that other models don’t afford. You can graduate to more powerful welders as you grow.
Prone To Overheating
This model is prone to overheating, even when you subject it to lighter garage-style duties. It takes about 10 to 20 minutes to cool before you can reuse it.
Product Specs
Weight (pounds) | 45 |
Dimensions (inches) | 8.82 x 17.99 x 12.8 |
Voltage | 110 |
Max amps | 88 |
Duty cycle | 20 percent at 70 Amps |
Accessories | MIG gun, ground clamps, input power cables |
Price | $$ |
Warranty | 1-year |
Our Ratings
Super Deal PRO MIG 130 AC Flux Core Welder
Best MIG Welder for Home Use
There are so many candidates for the best welder for home use that it was difficult to single out one option. However, this has to be the best candidate because it only has uses around the home or in the garage workshop.
This is in part due to the price and the accessories supplied with the welder. It is a 130-amp welder with a gasless flux-core wire, which is another reason why it is safer to use around the home and garden. It has a soft-key control panel with adjustable wire feed speeds and temperature settings.
It even comes with a welding helmet and thermal overload protection.
What We Like
Excellent Value for Money
For all those little jobs around the home and garage, this welder is pretty hard to beat. It has all the kit to get you started and enough power to tackle lighter tasks and spot repair jobs.
Metal Tips
Metal tips reduce the instances of slag forming. Over time, you will get some residue settling on the tip, but because you get a spare, you can always swap it and carry on welding.
No Gas Required
Gas has to be stored safely in the garage and is another safety consideration when using a welder. This is a gasless flux-cored wire welder, so there is no need to worry about keeping gas canisters safe. Plug it in, and you are ready to weld.
What We Don't Like
Only Fit for Lighter Duties
This model has limitations. You would only ever perform light tasks and small repairs with this welder kit. It won’t be powerful enough to tackle major projects. For that, you’d need a larger capacity welder, and probably a gas-shielded one.
Build Quality Issues
Something has to give to get a welder this cheap, and that’s the quality of the materials used. It isn’t going to last the distance like a Millermatic 211. You will probably have to replace this in a couple of years.
Product Specs
Weight (pounds) | 38 |
Dimensions (inches) | 12.25 x 15 x 20.50 |
Voltage | 110 |
Max amps | 130 |
Duty cycle | 10 percent at 105 Amps and 35 percent at 60 Amps |
Accessories | MIG gun, ground cord, spool wire, chipping hammer, 2 tips, wire brush, face mask |
Price | $ |
Warranty | 1-year |
Our Ratings
YESWELDER Digital MIG-205DS
Best Dual Voltage MIG Welder
Having a dual-voltage welder is the best of both worlds, giving you the ability to switch between domestic 110 volts for home repairs and lighter tasks and then take the welder to the job site for more arduous tasks.
This YESWELDER unit has precisely that; dual-voltage capability to handle 110 volts or 220 volts. The duty cycle on this at 125 amps is an impressive 60 percent, which means that for every 6 minutes spent welding, the unit only has to rest for 4 minutes to cool down.
It has an automatic compensation feature for fluctuations in voltage and automatic temperature control for added convenience. The other bonus is the price. This welder costs a fraction of other, more expensive models.
What We Like
Automatic Controls
If you like an easy life, the automatic temperature controls on this welder will get your juices flowing. It even detects when there are voltage, current and overload fluctuations, making it ultra-safe.
Great Value for Money
Okay, so we aren’t talking about the same robust quality and reliability of the Millermatic 211, but this is a lot of welding kit for the price tag. As far as entry-level welders go, this is hard to beat for value.
Dual-Voltage
Domestic or commercial? It’s your choice, but with this unit, you can have both because it handles dual-voltage. It means once the domestic chores are done, you can take it to the job site. It also saves you buying 2 welders to cater to the different voltages.
What We Don't Like
Build Quality Issues
No welder this cheap is going to rival the others for quality and durability. You will probably end up replacing this welder after a few years because it has stopped working.
TIG Torch Is Optional
This unit is sold as a stick welder, but you can buy a TIG torch to turn it into a TIG welder. However, this is an added cost to consider. It may not seem that important given the price, but it is a cost nevertheless.
Product Specs
Weight (pounds) | 11 |
Dimensions (inches) | 14.9 x 12.4 x 7.4 |
Voltage | 110/220 |
Max amps | 205 |
Duty cycle | 60 percent at 125 Amps |
Accessories | Stick welder, ground clamp, power adaptor, power cord |
Price | $ |
Warranty | 1-year |
Our Ratings
VIVOHOME Portable Flux Core No Gas MIG 130 Welder
Best Gasless MIG Welder
Gasless welders are becoming more popular, especially with the home DIY community, because they require no argon gas to shield the weld and protect it from oxygen. Flux-core welders have an insulated wire that shields the weld without the use of gas.
Gas can be expensive to buy, so having a gasless welder saves on that cost. They also perform the same tasks with almost the same results. Gasless welders are indeed a bit messier because you have reduced control and more splatter, but you can always brush the slag off and clean up after you’ve finished.
What We Like
No Gas Required
Gasless welders are ideal home welding kits because you don’t have the added worry of storing gas canisters, especially if you have young children who like to explore. Gasless welders simply plugin and you are ready to go.
Oxidation Resistance
The flux-core wire automatically releases inert gas as part of the welding process to protect the weld from oxidation and prolong the integrity of the joint.
Super-Affordable
This home welding kit is such a great price that it is an ideal addition to your garage or workshop. It costs a fraction of some models on this list, and while it may lack the qualities of the high-end welders, it certainly meets the needs of most home projects.
What We Don't Like
Lighter Tasks Only
It is a welder that caters to home use better than the job site. It is set up to run on domestic supplies, and the gasless element means there are no canisters of argon to store away safely.
Build Quality Issues
We are starting to sound like a stuck record when it comes to these cheaper models. While they appear excellent value, you get what you pay for, so don’t expect the very best quality components and build standards.
Product Specs
Weight (pounds) | 36.2 |
Dimensions (inches) | 19.8 x 14.7 x 12.6 |
Voltage | 110 |
Max amps | 130 |
Duty cycle | 60 percent at 50 Amps |
Accessories | MIG welder, ground clamp, power adaptor, power cord, 2 tips |
Price | $ |
Warranty | 1-year |
Our Ratings
Goplus MIG 130 Welder
Best Budget MIG Welder
If you are looking for a budget model, this Goplus could be the answer. It costs a fraction of the higher-end models, but for home-based DIY projects, this is an ideal tool.
It is a flux-core welder, meaning it requires no gas, thanks to the core protection that produces inert gas as part of the welding process. It has 4 adjustable heat settings, 2 air vents to keep it from overheating, and a torch with a full on/off safety control. It means that you can position the torch before it is live and an arc starts to form.
It has a welding torch, welding wire, a ground cord, a wire brush and metal tips. It comes with everything you need to get started.
What We Like
Amazing Price
This welding kit is one of the cheapest available, meaning that if you are new to welding or are looking for a solution to home DIY projects, this could be the best choice. It won’t cost the earth, and it will get you welding straight out of the box.
Gasless Operation
Not having to pay for gas is a real bonus, especially if you are watching the pennies. This model needs no gas, so while it won’t produce neat results like a gas-shielded welder, it should still get the job done.
Comes With All the Kit
Even though this set is super-cheap, it still comes with a list of accessories that puts others to shame. Goplus has done everything to ensure that you have everything you need to get started when you unbox this welder.
What We Don't Like
Questionable Quality
Nothing this cheap is that good. The lack of quality shows in the components and the limitations of the welder. If you want a unit that will last as long as you, think again and buy something with a proven track record.
Not as Precise
Accept the fact that gasless welders are not as neat or precise as gas models. They are harder to control and splatter more, meaning extra work getting a smooth finish when you have finished welding.
Product Specs
Weight (pounds) | 35 |
Dimensions (inches) | 14 x 8 x 12 |
Voltage | 110 |
Max amps | 130 |
Duty cycle | 30 percent at 90 Amps |
Accessories | MIG welder, ground cord, welding wire, wire brush, metal tip |
Price | $ |
Warranty | 1-year |
Our Ratings
Product | Best | Weight | Dimensions | Voltage | Max amps | Duty cycle (%/Amp) | Warranty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hobart 500559 Handler 140 MIG Welder | Overall Pick | 57 lbs | 19 x 11 x 13″ | 115 | 140 | 20 | 1-year |
Weldpro Inverter Multi Process Welder | Inverter | 30 lbs | 17.22 x 8.66 x 14.96″ | 115/220 | 200 | 30/100 | 2-year |
Forney Easy Weld 261 140FC-i MIG Welder | Compact | 19 lbs | 16.7 x 12 x 8.1″ | 120 | 140 | 30 | 1-year |
Miller Electric Millermatic 1 Phase Welder | Professionals | 50 lbs | 16.7 x 12 x 8.1″ | 240 | 230 | 40/150 | 3-year |
LOTOS MIG175 MIG Welder | Aluminum | 85 lbs | 18 x 12.5 x 10.5″ | 240 | 175 | 20/175, 30/ 135 | 1-year |
Lincoln Electric Handy Core Power Welder | Beginners | 45 lbs | 8.82 x 17.99 x 12.8″ | 110 | 88 | 20/70 | 1-year |
Super Deal PRO MIG 130 AC Flux Core Welder | Home Use | 38 lbs | 12.25 x 15 x 20.50″ | 110 | 130 | 10/ 105. 35/60 | 1-year |
YESWELDER Digital MIG-205DS | Dual Voltage | 11 lbs | 14.9 x 12.4 x 7.4″ | 110/220 | 205 | 60/125 | 1-year |
VIVOHOME Portable Flux Core No Gas Welder | Gasless | 36.2 lbs | 19.8 x 14.7 x 12.6″ | 110 | 130 | 60% at 50 Amps | 1-year |
Goplus MIG 130 Welder | Budget Pick | 35 lbs | 14 x 8 x 12″ | 110 | 130 | 30% at 90 Amps | 1-year |
What Is a MIG Welder Best Used For?
MIG welding is used on a wide range of materials, from steel, stainless steel and aluminum. It is easy to master MIG welding, which is why it has been the welding technique of choice for generations.
If you need a speedy repair, MIG is your style. If you are working on a home welding project, MIG is your best method. MIG welds anything from copper, nickel, silicon bronze and carbon steel. It also welds thicknesses ranging from 26-gauge sheet metal to heavy industrial plates.
When you are making repairs and fabricating small structures, MIG welding is the fastest, most versatile and cheapest method. You don’t get the smooth finish of a TIG welder, but the extra splatters can be ground down, and if you are making repairs, it is suitable for the task.
Product Selection Criteria
There are many considerations when investing in a MIG welder. From budget to ease of use, they all play a role in your decision-making process, but what should you look for in the best MIG welder? Here’s a handy guide.
FAQs
The MIG Is Big
MIG welding remains the most popular form of welding both in the home and the workplace. It is simple to learn, relatively neat and convenient. Also, there are so many MIG welding machines available that the product list could run into the hundreds.
Decide what you want the MIG welder for and buy something that accommodates the task at hand. And remember, if you are getting a welder for home duties, think about the voltage, because you may come unstuck trying to run an overpowered welder on a domestic voltage.