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Best MIG Welders
Whether you’re a weekend tinkerer or a full-fledged production guru, MIG (inert metal gas) welding is the fastest and most effective metal fusion method. It also happens to be the easiest to learn, making it the ideal option for beginners.
With the right equipment, MIG can handle metals of varying thicknesses and offer the speed ideal for professional work.
These machines were once reserved for professional workshops, but with the advancement of technology, they’re available to everyone. And with features like digital displays, multi-material welding, and portable designs, there’s a MIG welder for almost any need.
But with so many great options on the market, choosing the right one for your needs can be challenging. To make it easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of the best MIG welders on the market, taking features, ease of use, and price into account.
Without further ado, here are the best MIG Welders of 2023. We pull the latest customer sentiment data from all eCommerce sites in the United States as well as support from our community of metallurgists on what brands and models of MIG welders performed best in a professional environment:
| | 👑 BEST OVERALL | 🛠️ BEST FOR BEGINNER | 🛋️ FOR BUDGET |
|---|---|---|---|
| | YESWELDER Digital MIG-205DS | Forney Easy Weld 261 | Lincoln Electric FC90 |
| |  |  |  |
| FUNCTION 🕒 | Gas/Gasless MIG/ARC/LIFT TIG | Gasless MIG using flux core wire | Gasless MIG using flux core wire |
| VOLTAGE📏 | 110/220V | 120V | 120V |
| WEIGHT ⚖️ | 36.1 lbs | 19 lbs | 15.82 lbs |
| PROS 👍 | Can perform TIG and stick welding | Very portable compared to similar units | Lightweight machine perfect for mobile welders |
| CONS 👎 | It is a bit pricier than some other models. | No gas option | No welding wire is provided with the welder |
| PRICE 💵 | $359.99 | $239.99 | $175.36 |
1. YESWELDER Digital MIG-205DS
The YESWELDER MIG-205DS is one of the most powerful and versatile TIG welders on the market today. With an IGBT inverter, dual LCD screens, and automatic voltage switching, this welder is ideal for both home and commercial projects.
Very few systems are perfectly designed for beginners, and the 205DS is one of them.
The machine utilizes inverter technology for high power and is capable of performing TIG and stick welding. The unit runs on 110V and comes with an inverter that helps you run it on 220v. The duty cycle is remarkable and allows users to complete tasks quickly.
The beauty of the MIG-205DS is in how it makes it easy to adjust parameters. The unit has a dual digital display that allows you to adjust settings and parameters to suit your welding thickness needs. Moreover, you can switch to TIG or stick welding with just a click.
You’ll love the synergic control that lets you easily set the amperage range or material thickness, then the system will automatically change the voltage range and the wire feeding speed.
Key Features
- Synergic MIG controls
- Dual voltage
- Full metal wire feeder
- Safety protection function for over-current
What We Liked
- Automatic voltage switching
- Can perform TIG and stick welding
- Competitively priced
What Could Be Improved
- Some users found accessories missing from the box
- It cannot weld aluminum
- [IGBT INVERTER TECHNOLOGY] Full 30-205Amp(max) with digital display, reliable quality and stable performance.
- [SYNERGIC CONTROL] Automatic change of the voltage & wire feeding speed by adjusting the amperage or choosing different thicknesses
- [4 IN 1 MIG WELDER] The MIG-205DS is capable of true lift TIG welding as well as stick welding (need to purchase extra tig lift torch, not included inside product), 4 Functions in 1 of Gas MIG /Gasless MIG / Lift TIG / Stick.
- [ALUMINUM MIG WELDING] Spool gun compatible. The LBT150 Spool Gun reduces the distance that the wire needs to travel. Visibility for the moving wire (need to purchase separately).
- [SAFETY FIRST] Automatic protection function for over-current, over-voltage and over-heating.
2. Forney Easy Weld 261
Choosing the best MIG welder in a sea of options can be difficult.
We choose the Forney Easy Weld 261 because it’s an excellent all-around tool. It’s easy to use and extremely lightweight, at only 19 pounds. Additionally, it offers the kind of performance that appeals to both DIYers and professionals.
The Forney Weld 261 uses flux-core wire, so users can select the voltage (which varies widely) and choose the right wire feed speed. Although this machine is not MIG capable, it gets you 140 amps of wire-feed flux core welding out of the box.
It’s also worth noting that the Forney Easy will weld the thinnest sheet of metal you can expect to work with, at 32 gauge thickness. The 140 amps power range can weld a ¼ inch of plate steel and can mount both 4-inch and 8-inch wire spools.
Furthermore, the power level control on this machine is infinitely adjustable within a range of 10 – 40 amps. The speed adjustment for the power feed is also adjustable.
Key Features
- Lightweight and portable welder
- Adjustable power from 10 to 140 amps
- Easy to use
- Very affordable
What We Liked
- Welds up to ¼ inch steel
- Very portable compared to similar units
- Affordable
What Could Be Improved
- No gas option
- Modest wire feed speed
- EASY TO USE-140 FC-I MIG machine uses 0.30, flux core wire. It has infinite voltage and wire feed speed control so you can dial in the perfect weld! Perfect entry level welder
- POWERFUL- Up to 140 Amp output that allows you to weld mild steel up to 1/4 in plate
- PORTABLE WELDER- Lightweight 19 lbs. easily carried to any Do-It-Yourself, Maintenance, Repair, Metal Fabrication and Hobbyist project
- RUGGED- All metal case, Built to take the day to day. Big enough to handle 2 and 10 pound rolls of wire
- WELDER INCLUDES- 8' MIG gun, 8' ground clamp, Integrated handle with torch wrap and a 20A-15A adapter. Backed by a 12-month warranty
3. Lincoln Electric FC90
Lincoln Electric is a highly regarded welding equipment brand, and its welding machines are recognized for their build quality and durability.
The Lincoln Electric FC90 is a versatile machine with some high-end features under its belt. With consistent performance, a simple setup, and a flux core wire feed, the Lincoln FC90 is one of the best welders for beginners.
This model plugs into 110v outlets and is sufficient for 1/8-inch steel.
The inverter power source makes it more efficient and provides smoother welds than traditional welders. And at 15.85 pounds, this unit is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for mobile welders.
The Lincoln FC90 features an automatic thermal protector that shuts off the system until the machine cools to a normal operating temperature. While it lacks a digital display, it comes with easy-to-turn control knobs that allow you to adjust your welding parameters.
Key Features
- Lightweight and portable
- An automatic thermal protector that allows the machine to cool down
- Adjustable welding parameters
- Perfect for small weld jobs
What We Liked
- Simple setup
- Lightweight machine perfect for mobile welders
- Good for first-time welders
What Could Be Improved
- Some customers complained of poor customer service
- No welding wire is provided with the welder
- WELD ANYWHERE: Plug in the Century FC90 flux-cored wire feed welder anywhere 120V input power is available
- LIGHTWEIGHT & PORTABLE: Ideal for maintenance and mobile welders, thanks to its small and lightweight inverter design and shoulder strap for portability
- FC90 WELDER FEATURES: Automatic thermal protector shuts off output until machine cools to a normal operating temperature; Easy to turn control knobs allow you to fine tune welding parameters; Conveniently load your spool of wire on top of machine
- SMOOTH OPERATION: Inverter power source makes it more efficient to operate and provides smoother weld characteristics compared to traditional welders
- PERFECT FOR SMALL WELD JOBS: This machine is best for DIY projects, hobbyists, home repairs and more; Infinite welding voltage allows fine-tuning of weld characteristics; 30% duty cycle at 80 Amp; 30-90 Amp range
4. Hobart 500559 Handler 140
Hobart is one of the leading welding equipment brands and has a variety of Handler products.
The Hobart 500559 Handler 140 is an entry-level machine, yet it’s capable of welding up to ¼ inch sheet metal. Unlike many entry levels models that can only weld steel, the Hobart 500559 can weld aluminum and stainless steel.
The Hobart 500559 runs on the standard 110v current. The voltage control offers five settings, allowing for various welds. Plus, it can run on a 4,000 watts generator, allowing you to work outdoors without available 110/115/120 input.
The Hobart 500559 features a three-grove drive system, allowing you to use either a solid MIG wire or a flux core wire. Hobart offers a 5-year warranty on the product.
Key Features
- 140 amps max
- Weld up to ¼ inch steel
- Top-notch build quality
- 5 years warranty
What We Liked
- Good versatility for home projects and commercial use
- Wide wire feed range
- Everything you need is included in the box
- Exceptionally priced
What Could Be Improved
- Short power cord
- Modest duty cycle
- 5-position voltage control selector adds a smooth, stable arc at all welding thicknesses
- Welds 24 gauge up to 1/4 in mild steel; Weldable Materials: Steel, Stainless Steel and Aluminum
- Welding Processes: MIG(GMAW), Flux Cored(FCAW)
- Operates off 115V standard household current; Wire Feed Speed Range 40-700 IPM, 50-740 IPM at no load
- Welding Amperage Range: 25-140 A; 20% duty cycle @ 90 Amps, 19V
5. Hobart 500553 Handler 210
The Hobart 500553 Handler 210 can run off 110v or 210v current and can be used with or without gas. Additionally, it can weld 3/16-inch aluminum and 3/8-inch steel, making it a great choice for both workshop and job site use.
The beefy 210v rating (an upgrade from its predecessor, the Hobart Handler 140) makes this unit appropriate for automobile repair and construction welding. It also has an impressive duty cycle at 30%@150A, which means less time waiting and more time welding.
The Hobart Handler 210 features a dual gauge regulator and built-in gas solenoid that lets you easily adjust the gas flow. Besides MIG, you can also use it for flux-cored welding.
Key Features
- High duty cycle
- Beefy 210v current
- Dual voltage device
- Output control for precision welding
What We Liked
- Works on ¼-inch steel
- Quality construction for long-term use
- Dual voltage capability makes it more user friendly
What Could Be Improved
- Bulky at 79 pounds
- On the higher price bracket
- Versatile Performance: The Hobart 500553 Handler 210 MVP welder boasts 210 amps of welding power, catering to both light tasks and heavy-duty projects.
- Plug & Play Flexibility: Thanks to the Multi-Voltage Plug (MVP) technology, this welder seamlessly adapts to 115V or 230V power sources, ensuring easy setup in any welding environment.
- Perfect Aluminum Welds: With built-in spool gun circuitry, achieve smooth and accurate aluminum welds, elevating your welding projects to new heights.
- Rugged Durability: Built with an all-metal drive system and sturdy construction, the Handler 210 MVP withstands tough conditions, guaranteeing long-lasting reliability.
- User-Friendly Design: A simple interface and intuitive setup guide make using this welder a breeze, catering to both seasoned welders and beginners.
What Is MIG Welding?
MIG, or metal inert gas welding, is one of the several welding techniques that use electricity to melt and fuse pieces of metals. Simply put, MIG welding is a type of gas metal arc welding (GMAW) that joins two base materials together using a wire electrode.
During the welding process, the wire electrode is passed through a welding gun and into the weld pool, joining the two metals together. Shielding gas is also fed through the welding gun to protect the weld pool from contamination.
4 Different Types of Welding Processes
If you’re considering starting a career as a welder, it’s important to identify the area in which you’d love to specialize. Currently, there are over 20 welding processes, from oxyfuel to complex procedures involving laser beams. However, these varieties are typically broken down into these 4 welding processes.
1. MIG Welding
As mentioned, MIG welding is the easiest and most versatile choice for many DIY enthusiasts, particularly beginners. This welding technique uses a wire electrode to join metals together. There are two different types of MIG welding:
- Bare wire welding
- Flux core welding
Bare wire welding is the most popular option and is commonly used to fuse two pieces of metal together, perfect for indoor use. Flux core, on the other hand, is ideal for outdoor welding as it doesn’t require a flow meter or gas supply.
2. TIG Welding
TIG welding, also known as tungsten inert gas welding, is the most versatile welding type, but it’s also one of the most difficult welding techniques to learn. This welding process is commonly used to fuse thin and non-ferrous materials like lead, copper, aluminum, or nickel.
Unlike MIG welding, TIG welding uses a tungsten electrode to create the weld. TIG welding is the most preferred technique for precision and control. We have a study on the best TIG welders on the market that you should check out if you are interested in this type of welding.
3. Stick Welding
As the name implies, stick welding uses a stick electrode welding rod. This technique takes a more old-fashioned approach to welding and is harder to master than MIG welding.
In this technique, the user follows a manual process with a stick, using electricity to form an arc between the stick and the materials to be fused. Stick welding is commonly used in the construction of steel structures.
4. Plasma ARC Welding
Plasma welding is very similar to TIG welding, the only difference being that the electrode is recessed in plasma welding, and the ionizing gas is used to produce heat.
Plasma welding is considered a precision technique and is commonly used in applications where metal thickness is 0.015 of an inch.
Advantages of MIG Welding
MIG welding is super-fast compared to other welding techniques. That’s mainly because of the continuously fed electrode wire and the way it eliminates pauses during welding.
It’s also suitable for fusing a wide variety of metals and metal thicknesses too. The ability to vary weld penetration by adjusting the amount of current fed into the electrode makes achieving quality, smooth welds remarkably easy.
Last but not least, MIG welding requires minimal maintenance. The welding equipment is easy to clean and maintain. MIG doesn’t create extensive, messy slag and weld spatter.
Disadvantages of MIG Welding
As good and easy to learn MIG welding is, it’s not without drawbacks. For instance, MIG requires a higher investment in equipment than its stick counterparts.
There’s also the issue of usage. MIG welding can only be used on thin to medium-sized metals, typically between 0.6 to 14mm thick. And where portability is an issue, MIG welding isn’t the best option. These machines are less portable than other welding techniques that don’t require an external gas source.
MIG welding offers many benefits over other welding techniques, including versatility and speed. If you’re looking for a robust MIG welder for home projects or commercial use, this list will help you narrow down your choices to only the best in the industry.