Best MIG Welders Under $1000 In 2021 – Our Top Picks

Finding the best MIG welders under $1000 is quite a daunting task. Nevertheless, we’ve found the best MIG welding options under 1000 for you.

All the MIG welders featured below exhibit the best MIG welding performance – with Hobart Handler 210 MVP staying on top of others.

However, for any reason, if this machine doesn’t suit your working style requirements, we have 7 more options for you to consider.

Here is a complete list of 8 best MIG welders under $1000.

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
Hobart Handler 210 MVPHobart Handler 210 MVP
  • Dual voltage settings
  • Comes with MVP plug
  • Built-in gas solenoid
  • 30% duty cycle
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Forney Easy Weld 140 Fc-iForney Easy Weld 140 Fc-i
  • Supports flux core and gasless welding
  • Wire speed control
  • Infinite voltage
  • Can weld up to 1/4″
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Lotos MIG 175 WelderLotos MIG 175 Welder
  • Comes with complete welding kit
  • Can weld up to 1/4″
  • Features arc system
  • Thermal overload protection
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Hobart Handler 190 MIG WelderHobart Handler 190 MIG Welder
  • Best for DIY projects
  • 7-position voltage control
  • Infinite wire speed control
  • Thermal overload protection
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Lincoln Electric k2697-1 Easy MIG 140Lincoln Electric k2697-1 Easy MIG 140
  • Adjustable drive system
  • Arc is smooth
  • Quite operation and extra torque
  • Can perform heavy-duty welding tasks
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Best MIG Welders Under $1000

1. Hobart Handler 210 MVP

Input Power: 115/230 V

Duty Cycle: 20% (90 amps)

Weight: 79 lbs.

Amperage: 24-140 Amps, 25-210 Amps

Hobart handler 210 MVP

Power Settings: 7-locus voltage settings for 230V and 4-locus voltage settings for 115V.

Hobart Handler 210 MVP is a premium welding machine that works on dual voltage and offers different voltage/power settings. It is the only MIG welder by Hobart to run on a power of 210 amperes. The high amperage makes it suitable for professional welders.

The machine is easy to use and supports both MIG welding and flux-core welding rocess.

One can weld 3/8 inch. (24-gauge) in a single pass. It is designed to provide the utmost versatility to beginners. You do not require additional gear to connect the receptacles. Just plug into the power outlet and Hobart Handler 210 will adjust accordingly.

You can use the Spool Runner 100 gun to work on aluminum welding projects. Hobart 210 MVP is a robust machine that provides top-notch arc performance and requires only 2-10 minutes to set up.

It also comes with a setup chart and instruction manual for beginners to set up the machine in 5-10 minutes and start making the perfect welds.

The voltage and wire feed speed control allow you to achieve maximum performance with less clean-up and splatter. However, it is a heavy welder and you would need a wheeled cart to move it around.

In a nutshell, Hobart Handler 210 MVP might be the best MIG welder under 1000.

Who is it for?

Hobart Handler 210 MVP is great for beginners and intermediate welders who want to start with the welding work right away.

PROS

  • 4 and 7-voltage selections for 115V and 230V
  • The welder is equipped with wire feed speed control and a wire feeder
  • Offers quick-release tension lever and adjustable tension in the drive system
  • Provides improved penetration through steel with minimum splatter and clean-up time

CONS

  • Heavy weight
  • Cables might be shorter for you

2. Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-I

Input Power: 120 V

Duty Cycle: 35%

Weight: 57 lbs.

Amperage: 30-140 Amps

Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-I

Power Settings: Separate voltage settings for the transformer.

Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-I offers top-notch welds for home-based welding projects. This machine is globally recognized and praised for its usability and power.

Forney has upgraded some features from the previous model to offer versatility to the users.

One of the improvements is an integrated feed system. It raises the machine off for a stable weld. Moreover, the inclusion of torch wrap was to keep the welder organized. The beginners won’t be lost in an array of features as it is well-suited for automobile and general home-based welding projects.

It is a reliable welder with an aluminum wire-feeding system that ensures a long lifespan. All the parts of the aluminum cast wire feeding system are replaceable. Moreover, the improved despoiler and dual-geared drive roll account for perfect welding arcs.

Forney Easy Weld 140 comes with a disconnect gun (euro style) to help you remove the torch within a few seconds.

The power input of 115V means it is designed for household projects.

It is capable to perform flux-core and MIG welding. There are 4 voltage settings on the front panel and the highest voltage setting lets you weld steel of thickness up to ¼” inch.

The machine isn’t exactly around $1000 and can also be added in the under $500 category. However, the flux-core capability, its welding quality and strength rivals MIG welders by Hobart, LOTOS, and Lincoln Electric that are double its price.

Who is it for?

Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-I is ideal for welders wanting to carry out DIY welding projects, automobile, maintenance, repair, and metal fabrication tasks at home. moreover, it is quite suitable for hobbyists as well.

PROS

  • The drive roll system, made of cast aluminum offers durability
  • Simple switching between flux-core and MIG welding mode
  • Provides gas-shielded MIG welding and gasless Flux-core welding
  • Most of the parts are replaceable

CONS

  • Not well-suited for industrial work
  • Functional damage will occur if you exceed the maximum level of thickness

Related: Best MIG Welder Under $500


3. LOTOS MIG 175 Welder

Input Power: 220 V

Duty Cycle: 60%

Weight: 85 lbs.

Amperage: 30-175 Amps

LOTOS MIG 175 Welder

Power Settings: Infinite voltage control and automatic circuit for wire feeder motor protection.

Lotos MIG 175 is equipped with a functional wire feeder motor. The capability to roll feed is best for massive industrial work.

This MIG machine offers flux-core welding and can weld aluminum, stainless steel, and steel perfectly.

It comes with an instruction manual and one can set it up in less than 10 minutes.

Moreover, the duty range and output amperage, which is 175 is quite high and enough to carry out heavy-duty welding tasks.

The transformer technology of the LOTO 175 MIG welder is quite impressive. One can operate the machine efficiently and safely in a wall outlet giving 220V.

As it can weld aluminum, the machine comes with a spool gun. The spool gun will allow you to weld aluminum with thickness up to 3/8”.

One of its unique features is the DC arc welding system. It makes the work easier and the welder, more durable.

Who is it for?

Use the interchangeable plugs that come with the power cable of the welder to switch to domestic power as well as 230V.

PROS

  • The argon regulator and aluminum gas supply are oil-free, dry, and clean
  • The steel gas supple is dry and clean; 75% argon and 25% carbon dioxide
  • Infinite voltage selector and wire feeder motor helps in adjustments
  • Comes with advanced transformer technology

CONS

  • Not well-suited for production lines
  • The motor drive is quite loud
  • Thin cables

Read the complete LOTOS MIG 175 review here.


4. Hobart Handler 190 MIG Welder

Input Power: 230 V

Duty Cycle: 30%

Weight: 89 lbs.

Amperage: 25-190 Amps

Hobart Handler 190 MIG welder 230V

Power Settings: 7 voltage settings and control switch to determine wire feed speed.

even with an impressive amperage, the Hobart Handler 10 isn’t recommended to be used for indsutrial welding.

But that doesn’t stop you from carrying out any heavy-duty welding task at your workshop. The impressive amperage of 190 Amps help you weld aluminum, steel, and mild steel up to 24 gauge or 5/16 inches.

A power input of 230V is required to operate this welder.

The welder also supports generator power and can be operated off a power generator at remote locations. The enhanced wire feed speed control selector and 7-position voltage control settings account for improved mechanism and stable arc. These 2 features allow you to control output parameters while reducing splatter and post-clean-up.

The manufacturer boasts of a 30% duty cycle at 130 amperes. It means that you get to enjoy 7 minutes of resting time and 3 minutes of proper welding.

The front panel offers a minimalistic design, easy for beginners to use. The knob allows you to toggle through 7 voltage settings while a control switch allows you to adjust wire feed speed.

The lead connectivity button is associated with the voltage settings for exceptional arc performance.

The dual groove system helps you to switch from different sizes of wires efficiently.

Nonetheless, the Hobart Handler 190 can be a decent choice under $100.

Who is it for?

It makes a great machine for an entry-level welder. It can handle small industrial projects, household repairs, heavy maintenance, metal fabrication. Hence, it is suitable for novice welders as well as experts.

PROS

  • Short-circuit protection system to prevent current overload
  • The self-resetting system prevents thermal overload
  • Motor protection feature prevents wire feed overload
  • Quick access to polarity changeover
  • Comes with Spool Runner 100 spool gun to achieve maximum feeding efficiency

CONS

  • Can only operate on power generators with a minimum wattage of 7000

5. Lincoln Electric k2697-1 Easy MIG 140 Welder

Input Power: 115 V

Duty Cycle: 20%

Weight: 62 lbs.

Amperage: 30-140 Amps

Lincoln Electric k2697-1 Easy MIG 140 Welder

Power Settings: 5-position voltage control; up to 10 wire feed speed settings

Lincoln Electric k2697-1 is equipped with handheld gear. It means that it is quite portable and easy to carry around despite its heavy weight. The electronic welding technology allows the individual to perform the task automatically. It is capable of welding aluminum; however, you will have to invest in a spool gun and Argon tube.

The automatic technology makes it a robust welder. The gear has auto-set options. The user can switch between the options for clean welds. Other than that, it provides exceptionally clean performance as compared to other welders.

The auto-wiring technology can be switched on or off, depending on your preference. However, switching it on can deploy powerful arc performance and perfect welds. The preset settings on the front panel allow you to configure the settings manually.

The adjustable drive roll system helps to reduce tangled wires while you use the welder.

While the 5-position voltage selector smoothens the power output, the aluminum reduces noise pollution. An easy switch, also known as a brass-to-brass spool gun connector allows the user to switch between MIG weldingand flux-core welding. The 2-gauge regulator is another feature that makes it one of the best investments for your welding career.

Overall, Lincoln Electric k2697 is a handy MIG welder under $1000.

Who is it for?

It is a top choice for many beginner-level users. Best for MIG welding.

PROS

  • The auto-wiring technology offers a seamless wire feeding process
  • Thermal overload protection to avoid heat damage to the components
  • Extended lifespan
  • Can perform heavy-duty household welding tasks without a break

CONS

  • Separate gears are expensive to buy
  • Duty cycle is 20%

6. Weldpro 200 Multi-Process Welder

Input Power: 220/110 V

Duty Cycle: 30%

Weight: 30 lbs.

Amperage: 40-200 Amps

Weldpro 200 Multi-Process Welder

Power Settings: IGBT Inverter technology to control voltage

Weldpro 200 Multi-Process Welder easily made it to our list for the best MIG welder under 1000. This multi-process machine can perform lift TIG welding, MIG welding, stick welding, and flux-core welding.

Not that TIG welding mode is not suitable to weld aluminum. However, you can disconnect the torch, press the remote button, and attach a spool gun to weld aluminum.

The digital displays allow you to control wire feed speed and voltage simultaneously.

For MIG welding, you must use the dial to control voltage and wire feed speed. These features are basic. If you navigate through the menu, you would be able to adjust the voltage value by +/-20 V.

Overall, it is a beginner-friendly model and the design is quite intuitive. All you have to do is hit the button to switch from mode to mode. The digital displays on the front panel are quite bright and large. You can use the front panel buttons to set wire speed or amp setting.

In addition to that, the display will help you keep an eye on the VRD high temp readings. It works as a thermal overload protection unit and always protects the components from damage.

Who is it for?

Weldpro 200 is ideally suited for beginners, however, its performance is beyond an entry-level welder.

PROS

  • User can switch to 3 different welding processes
  • Digital displays on the front panel to keep track of voltage and wire feed speed
  • Equipped with IGBT Inverter technology
  • Portable design

CONS

  • The spool gun does not come with the welder
  • The welder does not have cooling fans/ automatic temperature control

7. GOPLUS 130 MIG Welder

Input Power: 115 V

Duty Cycle: 15%

Weight: 35 lbs.

Amperage: 30-130 Amps

GOPLUS 130 MIG Welder

Power Settings: 7-position voltage selector, MVP plug, dual gauge regulator, and a quick switch system

GOPLUS 130 MIG Welder is a great piece for lightweight welding projects. It allows the user to perform flux-core welding. Therefore, you won’t need to buy gas cylinders now and then.

The flux-core wire comes with shielding gas properties and releases the inert gasautomatically which protects the welded part from oxidation. It works great on thin metals; however, it can’t be used for heavy household welding projects.

GOPLUS 130 offers 4-position heat settings. If you ever want to weld steel deeper than usual, you can turn on the highest heat option and weld easily. The 10-position wire feed speed speaks for the welder’s versatility. However, you have to use the appropriate wire feed speed and turn on the right heat setting for the best results.

Like other welding machines, GOPLUS 130 MIG welder comes with a thermal protection system to prevent fire. If you are working for too long, it shuts down the machine automatically.

The welder comes with a 65” long gun cord, therefore, you can reach faraway location points easily. Lastly, the handle on top of the rugged metal case improved portability.

Who is it for?

Goplus 130 is basically designed for hobbyists to carry out lightweight welding projects. However, it can also be used by intermediate welders.

PROS

  • 4-position heat settings
  • Metal inert gas protects the welded part from oxidation
  • 10-position wire feed speed control for improved arc performance
  • Compact and portable design

CONS

  • It can not operate on a power generator
  • Not well-suited for heavy welding projects

Related: Goplus 130 MIG Welder Complete Review


Final Verdict

We recommend taking your time before making the final purchase decision – especially when you have a budget threshold.

In a nutshell, we found Hobart Handle 210 MVP the best MIG welding choice under $1000. After that, Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-i is also a handsome choice for beginners to intermediate welders.

However, if both these welders do not suit your working style or requirements, you can still go for our 3rd favorite, that is Lincoln Electric k2697-1 Easy MIG 140 Welder.

In case of further questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a reply. I’d get back to you ASAP.

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