12 Best MIG Welder Reviews 2021 – A Definitive Guide

Miller Electric Millermatic 211
Miller Electric Millermatic 211
9/10
  • Premium Choice
  • The dual-voltage system makes it versatile
  • Highly portable and lightweight
  • Reduce setup time due to advanced auto-set feature
Hobart 500559 Handler 140
Hobart 500559 Handler 140
8.8/10
  • Overall Best
  • 5 voltage control settings
  • Ideal for DIY welders
  • Fantastic arc performance
  • Advanced built-in safety features
Forney Easy Weld 140 MP
Forney Easy Weld 140 MP
8.5/10
  • Budget Welder
  • Comprehensive instruction manual
  • Good value for money
  • Comes with infinite voltage controller

Whether you’re a professional who deals with metal sheets daily or a DIY enthusiast wanting to add more to his welding projects, you’ve landed on the right page. This guide will help you choose the best MIG welder for the money.  

MIG welding has evolved a lot since the last time you bought a welder for yourself. At the same time, the huge product selection has made it difficult for everyone to choose the best MIG welder on the market.

While metal inert gas or MIG welders don’t offer those attractive welds like TIG welders, they can get the job done fast. MIG welders are known for their high efficiency in fusing any kind of metal together.

Learn more about the difference between MIG and TIG welding here.

So, let’s just not waste any more time and introduce you to the 12 best MIG welders available on the market in 2020.


A Quick Comparison

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
Miller Electric Millermatic 211Miller Electric Millermatic 211

Input: 115V

Duty Cycle: 40% @ 240V, 20% @ 120V

Weight: 21.2 lbs.

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Hobart 500559 Handler 140Hobart 500559 Handler 140

Input : 115 V

Duty Cycle: 20%

Weight: 57 lbs.

Check Price
Forney Easy Weld 140 MPForney Easy Weld 140 MP

Input: 120V

Duty Cycle: 60%

Weight: 25.8 lbs.

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GOPLUS 130 MIG WelderGOPLUS 130 MIG Welder

Input: 110V

Duty Cycle: 10%

Weight: 35 lbs.

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LOTOS MIG175 175LOTOS MIG175 175

Input: 220V

Duty Cycle: 20%

Weight: 85 lbs.

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Hobart 500553 Handler 210Hobart 500553 Handler 210

Input: 115-230V

Duty Cycle:  20-30%

Weight: 79 lbs.

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WELDPRO 155 AMP MIG/StickWELDPRO 155 AMP MIG/Stick

Input: 115V

Duty Cycle: 15%

Weight: 21.2 lbs.

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LINCOLN Electric K-2698-1 MIG WelderLINCOLN Electric K-2698-1 MIG Welder

Input: 115/160V

Duty Cycle: 30%

Weight: 71 lbs.

Check Price

Best MIG welder Reviews 2021

1. Miller Electric Millermatic 211

Miller Electric Millermatic 211 MIG Welder

One of the best MIG welder brands, Miller, is a Wisconsin-based business manufacturing the best MIG welders in the market since 1929.

The ultra-portable, Millermatic 211 is one of the lightest MIG welders on our list. It is recommended by professionals as well as amateur welders for its light-weight structure, sturdy design and robust performance.

Coming on the front panel of the MIG welder, you get the control panel of the welder to start the work. The advanced Auto-set feature allows you to select the diameter (0.35”, 0.30”, and 0.24”) as well as the welding process type (MIG stainless steel, flux-cored, MIG steel C25, MIG aluminum, and MIG steel C100).

Once the parameters are set by the advanced Auto-set feature, you’re ready to work on your welding project.

In a nutshell, the auto-set feature lets you start your welding project within seconds.

Moreover, Millermatic 211 also feature wire drive systems, dual-voltage options and a blue LED light indicating it’s powered on – making one of the best MIG welders on the market.

You can use the Millermatic 211 on either 240V or 120V.

The embedded inverted technology makes this machine a lightweight and portable MIG welding option. Thus, if you are looking for a machine that offers quality welds and is lightweight to carry around, Millermatic 211 is the best MIG welder for the money.

The only downside is its whopping price. It tops the list of the most expensive yet best MIG welders to buy.

Who is it for?

The Millermatic 211 MIG welder is trusted by the best professional welders around the world. Typically, it can be used in a workshop environment. However, it is ideal for the high-level welding world, mostly performed outside the workshop.

Following are some pros and cons of the famous Miller Electric 211 Welder:

PROS

  • Highly portable and lightweight
  • The dual-voltage system makes it versatile
  • Reduce setup time due to advanced auto-set feature

CONS

  • Expensive as compared to other MIG welders on the list

Read the complete Miller Millermatic 211 review here.


2. Hobart 500559 Handler 140

Hobart 500559 Handler 140

The American welding company, Hobart takes pride in producing some of the best MIG welders and quality workshop-appropriate machines since 1917.

Often known as one of the best MIG welders for intermediate welders, Hobart Handler 140 is an easy-to-use machine at an affordable price. It the beginner crowd’s favorite.

This robust and high-performing welder can weld thin materials including aluminum, stainless steel, and steel. The best feature that comes with the welder is the infinite control – it allows the welder to make easy yet fine adjustments while playing with the wire feed speed.

Related: Best MIG Welder For Aluminum

Hobart Handler 140 also features flux-core welding that you can use to weld thick steel and stainless steel materials with a thickness of up to 0.25”.

The 20% duty cycle and power output of 140A make it perfect for household projects. The biggest advantage of Hobart Handler 140 is that it runs on a low input voltage of 115V. All a welder needs to find is a power plug and get going with any household project.

The welder comes with a chart demonstrating the uses of all 5 voltage settings. At the highest gauge setting, the welder can weld metals with thicknesses of up to 0.25”.

The total weight of the welder is 57 pounds- making it a highly portable and compact option for DIY welders to carry.

Last but not least, Hobart 500559 Handler 140 comes with an industrial warranty – guaranteeing free-of-charge replacement of any component (if it breaks down).

Who is it for?

DIY and hobby welders love the portability that comes with Hobart Handler 140. With this sturdy yet powerful machine, the hobby welder will get the joy of welding for years.

Following are some pros and cons of HOBART 500559 Handler 140 to help you better decide about this machine:

PROS

  • 5 voltage control settings
  • Ideal for DIY welders
  • Fantastic arc performance
  • Advanced built-in safety features

CONS

  • The power cord is no more than 5 ft. in length
  • Regular moving of the welder requires a wheeled cart for better portability

Read the complete Hobart Handler 140 review here.


3. Forney Easy Weld 140 MP

Forney 110v MIG Welder

The Forney Easy Weld is one of the best MIG welders for the money (best price for quality). Even though it’s smaller and gives less output current as compared to Hobart 140, but the quality welds it produces rivals brands like Miller Electric and Hobart.

It is an ideal welding machine for amateur welders who want a low-amperage machine for household or hobby welding projects. The welder machine comes with a comprehensive and guiding instruction manual to make the welding process easier for beginners and amateurs.

It is a 3-in-1, multi-process welder, that can work as a MIG welder, stick welder, and DC TIG welder. The easy strike start option allows the welder to start welding immediately.

Moreover, the three-position switch allows the operator to switch between the process easily and quickly.

Like Hobart handler 140, it has infinite voltage and wire feed speed functions to get a perfect weld.

Forney 110V Easy Weld 140 MP is an all-metal device – having a sturdy structure to handle 10 pounds of wire rolls. The product quality is backed by a 12-month warranty.

The additional accessories of Forney Easy Weld 140 MP comprise a handle with torch wrap, a 10” MIG gun, 0.30” contact tip, 15A adapter, 8” ground clamp, and an 8” electrode holder.

The welder is quite light-weight and ideal for projects carried outside the workshops.

While this welder is quite similar to Hobart Handler 140 in terms of consistency, penetration, and quality, it has a separate fan base of welders looking for an affordable and on-the-go welder.

Who is it for?

Forney Easy Weld 140 MVP is ideal for household projects. So, hobby and DIY welders can make the most out of this machine.

Following are some pros and cons of this DIY beast Forney Easy Weld 140 MVP:

PROS

  • Comprehensive instruction manual
  • Good value for money
  • Comes with infinite voltage controller
  • Light weight and portable

CONS

  • Short leads
  • Low-amperage welder

Read the complete Forney Easy Weld 140 MP Review here.


4. GOPLUS 130 MIG Welder

GOPLUS 130 MIG Welder

If we talk about the cheapest option on this list, GOPLUS 130 stays on top.

You might be thinking how GOPLUS 130 MIG can compete with welders worth 5 times expensive than this. Well, all the welders on this list are tested and carefully selected by our expert welders.

Though it might not be a good idea to compare it with Hobart or Miller welders, it is still a handsome choice for household welders.

It has a stainless-steel structure, powerful enough to perform flux core as well as MIG welding. GOPLUS 130 is a gasless welder with four adjustable speed features. With the variable temperature controls, you can pick the best combination of speed and temperature for your welding materials.

Its portable design, high-performance, and versatility allow welding materials such as mild steel and iron. Welders report that they get a perfect and professional welding finish while using the GOPLUS 130 MIG welder.

The two air vents located at the side of the welder allow air circulation- preventing overheating and potential damage to the welder’s body.

GOPLUS 130 MIG also features thermal overload protection to prevent any overheating issues.

Besides an industrial warranty, the welder also comes with a safety welding mask for easy welding.

Who is it for?

The GOPLUS 130 MIG welder is ideal for hobby and household welders, who love to do household welding projects.


Following are some ups and downs of this household beast Goplus 130 MIG welder:

PROS

  • Compact design
  • Smart features
  • Good value for money
  • Adjustable heat and speed settings

CONS

  • Not suitable for heavy duty work
  • Short warranty

Read the complete Goplus MIG 130 Review here.


5. LOTOS MIG175 175 AMP Welder

LOTOS MIG175 175 AMP Welder

LOTOS MIG175 AMP is one of the best MIG welders to buy if you want more welding options and moderate quality welds. The solid case, advanced and durable transformer technology, and quality welds make it stand out.

It works on dual-frequency automatically and the wire-feed motor function allows the welder to choose between various voltages.

This welding machine is suitable for welding stainless steel, aluminum, and mild steel. LOTUS MIG175 MP is an easy-to-use machine and can be set up in 10 minutes.

Our experts conclude it as the easiest welder to assemble on this list.

LOTUS MIG175 MP also comes with an aluminum spool gun.

The high-speed spool gun is ideal for aluminum welding. Most of the welders use it for welding up to 3/16” aluminum plate.

The transformer technology embeds in the welder is durable, reliable, and can handle standardized 4” or 5” wire spools.

It is a multi-purpose welder, used for welding aluminum mild steels and stainless steel.

With a 30-day refund offer, this welder machine comes with a ground clamp cable, aluminum spool gun, contact tips (0.9mm), welding wire, welding mask, MIG torch, Argon regulator, and Gas Hose.

Who is it for?

If you are a professional welder and want a diverse yet average-performing welder machine for doing welding work at home, this is the best option for you. DIY welders benefit greatly by investing in a welder such as the LOTOS MIG 175.

Following are some ups and downs of LOTUS MIG 175 to help you better decide about this welding machine:

PROS

  • Affordable machine
  • Spool gun is included
  • Multi-purpose welder machine
  • Best for passionate DIYers

CONS

  • MIG gun is not very functional
  • Not for workshop welding tasks

Read the complete LOTOS MIG175 welder review here.


6. Hobart Handler 210 MVP

Hobart 500553 Handler 210

The best MIG welder you can find online, voted by professional and amateur welders is the Hobart Handler 210 MVP.

With high-quality components and above-average amperage, it is one of the best MIG welders for the money. While it is not the most affordable on our list, it offers reliability and durability while performing the best at any workshop.

Hobart Handler 210 MVP is equipped with a built-in dual-gauge regulator with a gas hose and solenoid value. The large range of wire speeds and amperage settings make it suitable for every serious hobbyist and professional welder out there.

The biggest advantage of this welder machine is that it is versatile and can be set up in any environment – be it a home or an industrial workshop. One does have to have the skills to set it up. It is ideal for professional welders as well as those learning just the basics.

One downside of this welder machine is its heavyweight. It does not score a 10 on portability as it is quite heavier than 210-amp welder machines.

Unlike most MIG machines in this price range, it gives you near-to-zero splatter issues and incredibly smooth arc.

Who is it for?

While this machine can be used for professionals at a workshop, it is good for beginners wanting a top-notch welder for their fabrication shop.

Here are some pros and cons of Hobart Handler 210 MIG:

PROS

  • Large range of wire speed
  • High-quality components
  • Consistent and smooth arc
  • Good amperage range

CONS

  • No spool gun for aluminum welding
  • Heavyweight

Related: Hobart Handler 210 MVP Complete Review


7. WELDPRO 155 AMP MIG/Stick Welder

WELDPRO 155 AMP MIG/Stick Welder

WELDPRO 155AMP Stick/MIG welder is ideal for serious hobbyists wanting an affordable yet durable welding machine. To start with its features, it is one of the most compact MIG welders on our list. It is a dual-voltage MIG welder that can do both 110V and 220V.

The lightweight and compact size make it extremely diverse and portable. Moreover, the dual-voltage functionality makes it a true workhorse.

One key feature of WELDPRO 155AMP MIG is that it comes assembled, as pictured on the screen. One does not need to assemble it or set it up.

Moreover, the T2 and T4 switch allows automatic and manual wire feeding- depending on the type of weld you are carrying out. For instance, if the welder requires to weld at narrow spots, he can set the machine to automatic to make the job easier.

In the MMA mode, the welder can be used as a scratch arc TIG welder. Its torch can weld up to 0.25” of mild steel in the stick as well as MIG welding.

It has adjustable speed and heat settings and does not acquire tapped controllers (as used in cheap welder machines).

While this machine is not as diverse as LOTOS MIG 175 wilder or as powerful as Hobert and Miller, it is great for beginners, learning the basics of welding.

Who is it for?

WELDPRO 155 AMP MIG machine is best for beginners and hobbyists looking to invest in a reliable yet affordable welder machine.

Here is a list of some pros and cons of WELDPRO 155 AMP MIG to help you make the final purchase decision:

PROS

  • High portability
  • Multi MIG settings
  • Best value for money
  • Comes with a lot of accessories

CONS

  • Some complaints about poor wire feeding
  • There is only 2-pund wire spools on this machine

8. LINCOLN Electric K-2698-1 MIG Welder

LINCOLN Electric K-2698-1 MIG Welder

When it comes to investing in a welder for portability, ease of usage and reliability, nothing can beat LINCOLN Electric K-2698-1 MIG welder.

If you are a beginner welder looking to turn welding into a serious hobby, this is the best welder machine to take home with you. Professional welders rate it’s performance as ‘above-average as compared to other primary MIG welders.

The Mexican welder manufacturing company, LINCOLN has given an easy-to-use welder for beginners with a 30% duty cycle. This welder allows you to run the beads statically on any type of specimen material be it aluminum, stainless steel, or mild steel.

LINCOLN Electric k-2698-1 is a multi-purpose welder, used for gas-shielded welding as well as flux-core welding. You can set the machine up easily for any welding task. Its long-range wire feed speed control offers 50 to 500 IMP.

It comes with an advanced function of an adjustable drive system. The main purpose of this feature is to lessen wire tangles and crushes.

With the aluminum body and brass-to-brass spool gun connection, you can align the wires easily.

While it is mostly used by beginners, it is designed for tough commercial welding jobs as well. Besides house projects, it can be used at fabrication and automobile welding shops.

Who is it for?

LINCOLN Electric K-2698-1 is a top choice for house projects. Due to its easy usage, this welder is best for beginners. However, it can endure tough commercial welding jobs as well.

Following are some pros and cons of this beast MIG machine by Lincoln Electric:

PROS

  • Spool gun included
  • Diamond core technology
  • Toughest PC board protection
  • Value for money

CONS

  • Not ideal for welding at workshops
  • Not compatible with generator

9. EVERLAST Welder 140e MIG

EVERLAST Welder 140e MIG

Like LINCOLN, Everlast has been manufacturing welder machines for over a decade now. The company has its origin from California and was found in the year 2004. Everlast welder machines have the best duty cycles and are efficient than most of the models on our list.

EVERLAST 140e MIG is a uniquely-designed welder machine equipped with IGBT inverter designs. It has a good advantage over transformer technology-based welders as the inverter design sends high current output. The efficient duty cycle is proof of its efficiency in welding.

This welding machine gives step-less control of speed as well as voltage to the operator. This way, it becomes a 2-in-1 multi-purpose welder machine that can shift from MIG welding to stick welding immediately and vice versa.

The adjustable burn back control sets the length of the wire after every strike. The wire feed speed control can feed 0.030” and 0.023” wire diameter.

Wire spools 4” and 8” diameter can be used in this welder. By keeping all the above-mentioned features, we can say for sure that it is a workhorse.

Everlast welder comes with a 25% duty cycle, the best percentile with a rated maximum output of 140 amperes.

Altogether, it gives a customizable experience to each operator.

Who is it for?

Everlast welder is perfect for novice welders, who are looking to develop their welding skills.

Following are some ups and downs of this DIY MIG welding machine:

PROS

  • Low power consumption due to inverter-based design
  • Durable and high-quality IGBT components
  • Easy to use and setup is easy
  • Light weight and portable

CONS

  • Measurements in metrics
  • Incompatible with miller tips

10. ESAB EMP215IC 120/230-Volt Welder

ESAB EMP215IC 120/230-Volt Welder

ESAB EMP215IC 120/230-Volt MIG machine is easily made it to our best MIG welders review list. It is a synergic machine with a TIG torch and multiple functionalities.

There are plenty of options to choose from. The welder comes with a digital display to keep track of all the options you have chosen. The smart computer with the internal circuitry of the welder adapts and learns your welding style- allowing the welder to perform at peak with unique welding techniques.

Although it is a smart welder, it is quite expensive with many faults reported. The most common fault that people have witnessed is the fault in the internal smart computer. The computer can stop working and as a result, the whole machine functioning properly.

While the machine is highly advanced, the smart internal computer can encounter bugs that may ruin your welding experience.

Only the most experienced and pro welders should go for ESAB EMP2151C MIG.

Who is it for?

This welder machine is not for tyros or beginners as it requires a level of experience and skill to handle the heavy-duty welds. Any serious hobbyist having experience in welding can invest in it, given he is not concerned by the cost.

Following are some pros and cons of this heavy-duty MIG machine by Esab Rebel:

PROS

  • Multi-process machine
  • Digital screen
  • Durable case
  • Pre-defined synergic settings

CONS

  • Expensive
  • Some complaints about manufacturer’s customer service

11. LINCOLN Electric K2185-1 Handy MIG Welder

LINCOLN Electric K2185-1 Handy

LINCOLN Electric k2185-1 is a popular choice among welders who want a multi-purpose MIG/flux-core welder. It is perfect for small welding jobs, done by hobby welders.

Lincoln k2185-1 can weld aluminum, mild steel, stainless steel, and steel up to 1/8 inch.

It is specifically designed for flux-core and MIG welding- perfect for home repair projects.

Due to its reduced price, you won’t be enjoying the smart features such as infinite wire feed speed control or voltage settings.

It has a low power output- making it ideal for small home welding jobs. There are 4 voltage options to choose from. The highest voltage settings allow you to weld on thick materials.

While this welder is compatible with the home power outlet, it won’t work with workshop or remote work power outlets.

Its light-weight and comfortable handle at the top makes it easy for the operators to pick it up.

The LINCOLN Electric K2185-1 also comes with a 1-year warranty as well.

Who is it for?

It is a user-friendly welder machine, suitable for tyros and novice welders interested in completing home projects.

Following are some key features and cons of this value MIG welding machine:

PROS

  • Quite Affordable
  • Highly portable (comes with a comfortable handle)
  • Solid mechanisms
  • Lightweight

CONS

  • Not suitable for heavy-duty welding work
  • Limited control functionalities

12. HOBART Ironman 220V MIG Welder

HOBART Ironman 220V MIG Welder

HOBART 220V MIG is a professional and world-famous welder with minimum splatter issues and fantastic arc quality. It is one of the few welders that make post-weld clean-up easier for the operator.

While it is specifically designed for flux-core and MIG welding, it breaks the struggle one must make between arc quality, voltage control, value, and dry cycle. Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional welder, this is the best MIG welder to invest in.

Hobart 220 MIG’sIts usability is unmatched and second to none. It welds aluminum, mild steel, and stainless steel of up to 0.5” comfortably in a single phase.

The 12 different gauge settings allow you to control the material thickness. On the other hand, you have perfect control of wire feed speed. The fantastic arc quality of the welder minimizes the splatter issues while giving precise welds to the welder.

It is a powerhouse because its output current ranges from 20A to 250A. As the device needs 230V to start, it is more suitable for industrial environments. It won’t be great if you are considering completing a home welding project with this device.

Who is it for?

Even though HOBART Ironman 220v is made for professional as well as novice welders, it is more suited for industrial environments. Unless you have a workshop or an industrial environment, you can’t make the most out of this welder machine.

Following are some pros and cons of this multipurpose MIG welding machine:

PROS

  • Widest range of power output
  • Overload protection
  • Weld thick materials
  • No need to assemble or set it up

CONS

  • Heavyweight
  • Incompatible with house power outlets

MIG Welders Buyers Guide

You’d be surprised with a wide range of things experts and DIYers can build with metal inert gas welders. From a workbench, tool rack, stool for your garage, to any custom project, a MIG welder can help you do a lot in your workshop.

With a lot of brands, models, and best MIG welder deals on the market, it can be difficult to find an ideal choice for yourself. Therefore, we have reviewed only the best MIG welders carefully selected and tested for you by our experts.

The key difference between a cheap and expensive MIG welder is its ease of use. The usage depends on you – whether you’re a welding professional or a DIY enthusiast.

If you’re worried about all those technical terms like duty cycle, amps, volts that we used above while reviewing these best MIG welders on the market, we’ve got you covered.

Following is your detailed buyer’s guide to buying the ideal MIG welder for your work.

Quality

Unfortunately, the quality and prices of the MIG welders are continuously going down over the past few years. With different brands competing to produce a cheaper yet better MIG welding machine, they tend to lack quality and functionalities.

You wouldn’t want to buy a MIG welding machine every few years, would you? A MIG welder is supposed to help you for a lifetime – give or take.

So, what are the best MIG welders to buy in 2021?

Well, the best MIG welder brands are expensive and more forgiving. They have better quality wire feed units, electronics, and most of all accessories that come with MIG welding machines i.e. torch, gas regulator, safety equipment, and more.

The cost cut off from the cheaper MIG welders is done by compromising the quality standards and features. 

In this case, it is not recommended to purchase a MIG welder that is cheaper yet claims to provide high-end welding quality and features.

If you’re a professional welder and come across welding every day, we recommend choosing the most premium MIG welders.

For DIY projects, choose something in between the most premium MIG welders and cheaper ones.

Estimating the MIG Welder’s AMPs

You’ve read this term amps quite a few times on this page only. Do more amps give you better weld quality? What are the minimum and maximum amps limit you should consider?

Well, the number of amps depends on what you are going to weld. Though manufacturers claim varies, here is what our experts have estimated what these MIG welders can.

With butt weld, a 90-amp MIG welder can handle 2.0m steel thickness. Similarly, 110 amp can weld 2.5mm thick steel, 130 amp can weld 3mm thick steel, 150 amp can weld 4mm thick steel, and 180 amp can handle steel thickness of up to 5mm.

Moreover, if you consider the root gap and V, a 90-amp MIG welder can handle 3.0mm thick steel and a 180-amp MIG welder can handle maximum steel thickness of 7.5mm.

Maximum & Minimum Amps That You Need

If you’re working on a hardcore project, let’s say a modern car with a considerably thin chassis, a 130-amp MIG welder will do the job just fine. On the other hand, if you want to weld a range rover or any other heavy-duty vehicle, you will need at least 150 amps.

Similarly, if you’re a DIY enthusiast mostly working on your welding projects, you can get a MIG welder with a minimum of 30 amps. A 30 amps MIG welder can easily weld a 1.00mm sheet. It can also work on thinner sheets up to 0.8mm if you’re being careful and have the technique.

Input Power

The input power is the voltage your MIG welder will consume. It may seem unimportant but note that not every power outlet is compatible with heavy-duty MIG welders.

Moreover, some cheaper and premium welders run at 220 volts. For higher input power, you might need a special power outlet. If you’re a DIYer, a 110 to 140 volts welder will do the job as standard power outlets are about the same range.

Duty Cycle

The duty cycle of MIG welders depends on the model type and manufacturer. It is the time duration that you can weld before your MIG welder overheats.

The duty cycle is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing your MIG welder. It determines the speed and efficiency of your welding machine.

Reading this review, you might have come across phrases “This duty cycle of this MIG welder is 40% at 110 amps” or “this MIG welder has a duty cycle of 20% when operating at 100 amps”.

If you’ve no idea what this means, let me translate it for you.

Let’s say a MIG welder has a 60% duty cycle when it is operated at 100 amps for 10 minutes. It is recommended to estimate the efficiency of welders by taking 10 minutes time intervals.

The above statement means that welder can weld for 6 minutes at 100 amps, and then it will take around 4 minutes break. Sounds good?

Similarly, a MIG welder with 30% efficiency can work for 3 minutes and need a rest of 7 minutes.

In any case, the duty cycle of a MIG welder is the key factor to decide among the best MIG welders to buy in 2021.

Gas Vs. Gasless

As the name suggests, Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welder, you might be wondering the difference between a gas and gasless MIG welders.

Well, a gas MIG welder requires extra gas shielding while a gasless MIG welder uses a flux-cored wire. A gasless welder creates a gas shield with some vapor-forming compounds that prevent oxidation.

Let’s forget the technical terms and science behind this and see what a gas MIG welder and gasless MIG welder can do.

With a gasless welder, you don’t have to clean the surface before welding. It can weld through painted, rusted, or galvanized metal surfaces easily. Moreover, it is portable and easier to carry than a gas MIG welder.

If you have an outdoor workshop, it is better to choose a gasless MIG welder. It can weld easily irrespective of the weather conditions and atmosphere. On the other hand, a gas MIG welder is better suited for indoor welding.

Gasless MIG welders offer enormous strength and penetration for most welding materials. Depending on the techniques used, some can weld even the thinnest metals.

If we talk about the welding position, a gas MIG welder is the better choice as a gas MIG welder can easily handle out of position welding. For example, if you want to weld a vertically upward surface, a gas MIG welder will better serve this purpose.

Gas MIG welders produce less welding fumes as compared to gasless MIG welders. However, with some safety measures and protection, experts can handle gasless MIG welder’s excessive fumes.

Can My Welder Use Flux Core Wiring?

As discussed earlier, MIG welders use a gas cylinder to get the job done. However, the gas cylinder makes the welder heavier and it also becomes difficult to weld outside.

This is where flux core wiring shines.

Fortunately, some of the welders we reviewed above can also use flux core welding. All you need is a flux core wire that has similar elements as that of shielding gas produced when the heat is released from the welder. It will also make the welder lighter and easy to carry around.

MIG Welder Chassis

The Chassis is the case or body of the MIG welder. MIG welders can be heavy and you need to make sure if they have wheels with the chassis. Some MIG welders also come with a gas bottle attached to the rear of the chassis so you need to make sure they are easy to move.

The main things to consider are if the MIG welder has wheels and a gas bottle shelf.

Some 150 amps or below MIG welders don’t come with a bottle shelf but you can easily make a DIY shelf at home. Fortunately, you have a MIG welder now – what can’t be done?

Weight

Weight is another small factor to consider while deciding between the above MIG welders list. On average, the MIG welders listed above range from 50-100 pounds.

However, any welder above 50 pounds often comes with wheels to carry around. If not, you can simply purchase a wheeled cart to effortlessly move the welder around.    

Overheating Measures

Modern MIG welders often have cooling systems and on-demand fans that do not let them reach high temperatures.

Moreover, some MIG welders also come with thermal overload protection. This ensures that your welder once reached a temperature, automatically shuts down.

In any case, it is recommended to always use welding helmets and welding suits to prevent any mishaps.   

What Metals Can I Weld with a Metal Inert Gas Welder?

As discussed earlier the steel thickness that MIG welders can weld, the only disadvantage of these welders is that only thin metals can be welded.

Most of the MIG welders on this list can handle half-inch steel at most. MIG welders are often used to weld cars, motorcycles, other types of vehicles, and DIY projects.

The main reason why people prefer metal inert gas welds is its high efficiency, speed, and cost. 

Pro-Tip

Welding steel with MIG welders is as easy as it gets. However, if you want to weld steel, the welder wire may get jammed in the torch. It is recommended to purchase a spool gun (often sold separately) to prevent these wire jams.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Final Verdict

In a nutshell, a metal inert gas welder is an easy to use and simple solution to your welding needs whether you’ve been welding all your life or it’s your first time purchasing a welding machine.

It will take you a couple of minutes to set up the welder and start your work. Almost all our welders on this list come with a manual guide to get you started. So, if you’re worried about how many volts, amps, or wire speed you will need to fuse two metals, worry no more.

Make sure to conduct adequate research before making the final decision. Perhaps joining a few welding forums is a good idea.

In case of further questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a reply and one of our welding experts will get back to you ASAP.

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