Last updated on April 14th, 2020
No one particular MIG welding machine is perfect for every job so it’s hard to pick a definite winner. Yet, over the years (this guide was first published in 2014) we’ve seen that some machines and manufacturers stand the test of time.
There are a few key things to pay attention to when choosing a MIG welder and once you get those right, you’ll be well on your way. We aim to answer those questions for you in this guide.
| Best Beginner 110V MIG Welder | Most Popular MIG Welder | Best 220V MIG Welder | Best Dual Voltage MIG Welder | Great Value MIG Welder |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Top Rated Forney Easy Weld 261 | #1 Bestseller Hobart Handler 140 | 230V Hobart Handler 190 | 115V/230V Hobart Handler 210 MVP | Great Value Lincoln Electric K2185-1 |
| $229.00 | $499.99 | $661.98 | $829.99 | $349.99 |
| Welds 24 ga - 1/4 inch steel | Welds 24 ga - 1/4 inch steel | Welds 24 ga - 5/16 inch steel | Welds 24 ga - 3/8 inch steel | Welds 24 ga - 1/8 inch steel |
How to pick the right Welding machine for your needs? Let’s look at some of the machines more suitable for home use as well as some of the more serious equipment. Use the comparison tables below along with the expert MIG welder reviews and you’re ahead of 95% of people picking their first welder.
In this Guide:
- Best 110V MIG Welders
- 220V MIG Welders
- Most suitable welding machine for beginners
- Best welding machine under $300.
Today, MIG is the most common industrial welding method. MIG is preferred for its versatility, speed and the relative ease of adapting the process to robotic automation.
Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding or Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) is a type of welding method in which an electrical arc forms between a consumable wire electrode and the workpiece metal or metals. The metal arc heats the metals, causing them to melt and join together.
Originally developed in the forties for welding aluminum and alternative non-ferrous materials, GMAW was soon applied to steels because it provided faster welding time compared to alternative welding processes.
Best 110V MIG Welders
If you have no plans of ever getting 230V run into your garage then get one of the 110V machines, they’re cheaper and consume less power. They won’t allow you to weld as thick of a metal as the 200V ones but they are more than enough for most DIY welding jobs.
The upside of 110V machines is that they are very portable and can be run from most 110V household outlets. They usually only reach their max rated power if used on a dedicated 20 amp line, so on average they run at a reduced power level.
110V welding machines are suitable for most simple welding jobs that are needed around the house or farm and they’re a great choice as your first welding machine.
| Welder | Welder Model | Price | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Rated Forney Easy Weld 261 *Welds 24 ga – 1/4 inch steel *Great entry level MIG welder | $229.00 | 4.7 | Read all 303 reviews |
| #1 Bestseller Hobart 500559 Handler 140 Wire Welder *Welds 24 gauge to 1/4 inch mild steel *25 – 140 amps | $499.99 | 4.5 | Read all 365 customer reviews |
| Great Value Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Handy MIG Welder *Made in USA *Best for 24 gauge to 1/8 inch mild steel | $349.99 | 4.4 | Read all 135 reviews |
 | Popular Choice Lotos MIG140 140 Amp MIG Wire Welder Flux Core Welder and Aluminum Gas Shielded Welding with 2T/4T Switch, 110V | $368.14 | 4.3 | Read all 87 customer reviews |
 | LONGEVITY Migweld 140 – 140 Amp Mig Welder Capable Of Flux-Core And Aluminum Gas Shielded Welding 110v | $349.99 | 3.0 | Read all 72 reviews |
Best welding machine for beginners
Hobart Handler 140
Probably the most suitable MIG welding machine for a beginner.
Of course, there is no one welding machine that is suitable for all jobs but if I was to start welding all over again and was looking for a first welding machine for myself or any beginner, I would go with the Hobart Handler 140 MIG Wire Welder.
It’s a 115V MIG welder. Welds mild steel 24 gauge to 1/4 inch. You can also weld aluminum.
The welder comes with everything you need to start welding (flux core wire included) so just plug in, select appropriate voltage and wire feeder speed and you’re good to go. It is MIG ready as it comes, no additional equipment required.
Handler 140 is Hobart’s most popular wire feed welder, it is extremely versatile and suitable for the welder that wants to work on:
- auto body,
- household repairs, or
- even some heavier farm projects that require extra welding power.
A 5-position tapped voltage control selector gives you the ability to fine-tune your arc offering a smooth stable arc on all thicknesses. Built with an industrial cast aluminum drive system and a heavy duty work clamp the Handler 140 delivers a wire welding package with industrial performance.
Most importantly Hobart is a quality welding machine that you can trust to last (designed and built in Ohio, USA).
The new model (500559) has some useful upgrades over the previous model too:
Also, check out the great customer reviews it has.
As you can see Hobart Handler 140 does a great job for a 110V.
Product specs:
| Processes | MIG (GMAW), Flux Cored (FCAW) |
| Input | 115V / 60Hz / 1 phase |
| Current | 25 – 140 A |
| Duty Cycle | 90A @ 20% |
| Material Thickness | Welds 24 gauge up to 1/4 inch |
| Applications | Maintenance, Construction, Auto Body, Farm/Ranch, Rental, Home |
| Weight | 57 lbs (26 kg) |
| Warranty | Hobart’s 5/3/1 Industrial Warranty |
| About | Designed, assembled, serviced and supported in Troy, OH USA |
| Wire | .023 –.035 in. (0.6 – 0.9 mm) mild steel or stainless steel, .030 –.035 in. (0.8 – 0.9 mm) flux-cored, and .030 in. (0.8 mm) aluminum |
Best cheap MIG welder for under $300
Want to try out welding? What’s the best welder for the money when you’re just starting out?
Not everybody has an unlimited budget to spend on their first welder. I get it. Especially if you’re not sure if you’ll be using it often.
The one thing I suggest you is this… Stay away from the cheap no-name $100 welders that come from Asia.
For 300 bucks you can get a decent machine from a US manufacturer that is durable and doesn’t break down on the second use.
Lincoln Electric K2185-1
I got one for my father for Christmas a couple of years ago. He needed one for welding sheet metal like car panel replacement. I knew that a 220-volt unit would be an overkill.
I also looked at other 110V units but they were either unknown names or cost even more than this unit. I own a few Lincoln machines myself so I put my trust in them.
What surprised me was its ability to also weld thicker material and on just 110 volts. And as expected, it works really well with 18 gauge sheet metal. One thing I missed at first was an infinite dial for power output. It comes with 4 settings and I’ve learned to pick one that will work for the job at hand.
Before getting this machine I had always thought that these cheap portable 110V machines are a joke and for people who can’t afford a real welder. Now, after using it for some time, I realize that this Lincoln machine has plenty of power to be the only welder I need for my household and hobby projects.
Lincoln Electric K2185-1 wire feed welder plugs into a 115V, 20 amp outlet.
Four voltage settings and continuous wire feed speed adjustment allow you to weld mild steel from 24 gauge to 1/8″ thick.
Lincoln Handy is a super easy welder to get started with since it comes with practically everything you need to MIG weld: gun and cable assembly, work cable and clamp, gas nozzle, gas regulator and hose, a spool of solid wire, contact tips and hand shield with filter plate and lens. Just add a cylinder of shielding gas and start welding away.
This welder is for you if you don’t have more than $300 to spare but want a reliable welder from a known manufacturer to use in your household and on hobby projects. I think it’s the best cheap welder you can get.
Product specs:
| Processes | MIG (GMAW), Flux Cored (FCAW) |
| Input | 115V / 60Hz / 1 phase |
| Current | 35 – 88 A |
| Duty Cycle | 70A @ 20% |
| Material Thickness | Welds 24 gauge up to 1/8 inch mild steel |
| Applications | Maintenance, Construction, Auto Body, Farm/Ranch, Rental, Home |
| Weight | 46 lbs (21 kg) |
| Warranty | One year warranty on parts and labor.(90 days warranty on gun and cable) |
| About | Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Lincoln Electric has more than 40 manufacturing locations |
| Wire | .035 in |
Currently, the best price for this unit we’ve found is on Amazon:
Longevity MigWeld 140
The MIGWELD 140 comes with a Tweco torch, 1 lb mild steel welding wire roll, a welding mask, chipping hammer and steel brush, gas flow regulator gauge, and a 300A grounding cable. Can be setup easily in minutes – start welding steel right away.
There’s an optional spool gun available for aluminum welding if that’s what you need.
Product specs:
| Processes | MIG (GMAW), Flux Cored (FCAW) |
| Input | 110V / 50/60Hz / 1 phase |
| Current | 140 A |
| Duty Cycle | 90A @ 20% |
| Material Thickness | Welds 24 gauge up to 1/4 in. steel |
| Applications | Light Industrial, Fabrication, Farm, Motorsports, Maintenance, Repair Shops |
| Weight | 54 lbs (unit 40 lbs) |
| Warranty | One year Warranty, parts and labor. |
| About | |
| Wire | .025”-.030” (0.6-0.8mm) solid steel, .030”-.035” (0.8-0.9mm) Flux-Cored |
If you need more power from your welding machine then read on for the 220V and dual-voltage MIG welders.
Best 220V MIG Welders
These welding machines are true workhorses. They’re for you if you’re a professional or want to weld like one.
110V MIG welding machines are typically very good for sheet metal and body work, however, they don’t have the power to produce good welds on heavier steel. These welding machines max out at 1/8″ steel and that’s when using flux core wire on a welder rated at 140A. Because of the low max output, 110V machines aren’t really suitable for any work with alum. A common issue with small MIG welders is that you can make a good looking bead on a thick steel but because the machine lacks penetration, the nice looking weld has no strength.
Most of the 220V MIG welders have been designed to run a spool gun for alum, and machines 200+ amps will run 3/16″ alum and more, depending on max power output.
Smaller 220V machines usually top out at 5/16″ or 3/8″ steel with flux core wire or gas. Larger MIG welders can weld in excess of 1/2″. These machines can also be turned down and used for welding thinner metal with no problems.
The only downside is that the 220-only machines require a 220V outlet, so they’re not as portable.
However, nowadays many MIG welding machines are dual voltage capable (110V/220V) meaning they have more power and can weld thicker metals but can also be used to plug into the 110V household current when needed.
| Welder | Welder Model | Duty Cycle | Price | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Rated Hobart Handler 500554 190 | 30% @ 130A | $668.99 | 4.9 | Read all 56 reviews |
 | #1 Best Seller LOTOS MIG175 175A Mig Welder with FREE Spool Gun, Mask, Aluminum Welding Wires, Solid wires, Argon Regulator | 20% @ 175A | $489.00 | 4.5 | Read all 127 reviews |
 | Miller Electric 211 | 40% @ 150A | $1,246.00 | 4.5 | Read all 29 customer reviews |
 | Super Heavy Duty Hobart 500536 Ironman 230 250 Amp MIG Welder With Wheel Kit & Cylinder Rack | 60% @ 175A | $1,539.99 | 4.8 | Read all 17 reviews |
#1 Millermatic 211
I would say that Millermatic 211 is the ultimate portable MIG welder. It’s super lightweight, weighing only 38 lbs and it’s a dual-voltage machine, so you can use it with both 110-120V and 220-240V input.
211 welds mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum (need a spool gun). It can weld steel up to 3/8 inch thick in a single pass.
It runs really quiet and one of the aspects that surprised me the most is how clean the welds are. There’s almost no spatter.
And it’s easy to set up, too. Very positively surprised.
Product specs:
| Title | Millermatic 211 |
|---|---|
| Processes | MIG (GMAW), Flux Cored (FCAW) |
| Input | 110/115/120V 220/230/240V |
| Current | 30 – 230 A |
| Duty Cycle | 150A @ 40% |
| Material Thickness | Welds material from 24-gauge to 3/8 inch in a single pass |
| Applications | DIY / Home Hobbyist Farm and Ranch Metal Art / Sculptures Racing / Customizing / Restoring |
| Weight | 38 lbs |
| Warranty | Welder is warranted for three years, parts and labor. Gun warranted for 90 days, parts and labor |
| Wire | Solid Steel 0.024 in 0.035 in Stainless 0.024 in 0.035 in Flux Cored 0.03 in 0.045 in Solid Steel 0.6 mm 0.9 mm Stainless 0.6 mm 0.9 mm Flux Cored 0.8 mm 1.2 mm |
#2 Hobart Handler 190
Great low-cost option for aluminum welding.
Handler 190 comes with the spool gun circuitry already built into the kit. Plus when you buy this package, you’ll also get the spool gun (10 ft, 150 Amp), so no extras other than a cylinder of Argon gas are needed to start welding aluminum.
It can weld steel from 24 gauge up to 5/16 inch thick and aluminum 16 gauge up to 3/16 inch thick.
If you want to weld 1/2″ or thicker material you want to look at a size bigger unit, like the Hobart 230.
Product specs:
| Title | Hobart Handler 190 |
|---|---|
| Processes | MIG (GMAW), Flux Cored (FCAW) |
| Input | 230V |
| Current | 25 – 190 A |
| Duty Cycle | 130A @ 30% |
| Material Thickness | Welds 24 gauge up to 5/16 inch steel |
| Applications | Maintenance, Construction, Auto Body, Farm/Ranch, Rental, Home |
| Weight | 68 lbs (31 kg) |
| Warranty | Hobart’s 5/3/1 Industrial Warranty |
| Wire | Solid Steel 0.024 in 0.035 in Stainless 0.024 in 0.035 in Flux Cored 0.03 in 0.045 in Aluminum 0.030 in 0.035 in |
#3 Hobart IronMan 230
True heavy duty machine with a duty cycle of 60% @ 175 amps.
The arc of the new IronMan 230 is optimized to deliver a flawless weld, making spatter and post-weld cleanup almost non-existent.
Does not come with a spool gun for aluminum. If you want to weld aluminum just add the optional Hobart DP-3545-20 spool gun and you’re ready to weld aluminum from 18 gauge to 1/2 inch.
Product specs:
| Title | Hobart IronMan 230 |
|---|---|
| Metals | Steel Stainless Steel Aluminum |
| Material Thickness | Welds 24 gauge up to 1/2 inch steel |
| Processes | MIG (GMAW) |
| Input | 230V |
| Current | 30 – 250 A |
| Duty Cycle | 175A @ 60% |
| Applications | Maintenance, Construction, Auto Body, Farm/Ranch, Rental, Home |
| Weight | 185 lbs (84 kg) |
| Warranty | Hobart’s 5/3/1 Industrial Warranty |
#4 Lotos MIG175
Product specs:
| Title | Lotos MIG 175 |
|---|---|
| Metals | Steel 18 gauge – 1/4″ Stainless Steel 18 gauge – 1/4″ Aluminum 1/8″ Plate or Thicker |
| Material Thickness | Welds 18 gauge up to 1/4 inch steel |
| Processes | MIG (GMAW), Flux Cored (FCAW) |
| Input | 200 – 240V |
| Current | 175 A |
| Duty Cycle | 175A @ 20% 135A @ 30% |
| Applications | Maintenance, Construction, Auto Body, Farm/Ranch, Rental, Home |
| Weight | 85 lbs (39 kg) |
| Warranty | 1-year warranty |
Not sure if MIG welder is the right choice for you?
Check out this video that explains the differences in types of welding (MIG, TIG, STICK) and gives recommendations on which welder to go with when you’re starting out.
Latest updates to this guide:
April 14th, 2020 – revamp for 2020
April 10th, 2019 – major updates to tables and product info
December 8th, 2018 – more updates
January 14th, 2018 – updated for 2018, new best mig welder
January 3rd, 2017 – updated for 2017
November 2016 – added a few MIG welder reviews
August 24th, 2016 – added 110V & 220V comparison tables and Hobart Handler 140 review
August 5th, 2016 – updated for 2016
Feb 8th, 2015 – updated pricing and review counts (Mike)
Sept 3rd, 2014 – added new Millermatic model
hey Kevin. dual voltage and gas no problem under 1100 dollars. what do you think. simple. I like the hobart 210 but no arc. I have 220 in my garage. so. the Forney 190 looks good versatile. So the AMP tig and stick 700.00 cheap and no gas. simple. 2018 AHP AlphaTIG 200X 200 Amp IGBT AC DC Tig/Stick Welder with PULSE 110v 220v 3 YEARS WARRANTY looks pretty damn good. thanks for your efforts and expert opinion. Curt
Spent a year trying to get tractor supply and Hobart to stand behind the 3year warranty with no luck. Stick with Miller or Lincoln. I’m going to post on every social media site for the next year until you lose enough customers to justify my loss x10
That is what I love about the Attorney General Consumer Fraud Division. They make them pay, they make them repair of replace. Love filing a claim.
Thanks for the heads up I’ll stay away?
I’m doing some research now into welding units. Hobart appears very high on the list of best sellers. For me personally, i hold the customer service level as high as the product performance itself.
Thanks for your comment Donald, It has made me look a lot closer into Hobart as a result.
Good to know, I was about to buy a Hobart welder. I will now reconsider.
best article i m also a welder from last 3 years and have my own website regarding welding hope we can help each other
I myself am a professional welder and I love reading blogs about welding and the related works done. Thanks for this post. It helped me a lot to choose the right one for my own use.
lol, I guess Lincoln doesn’t make anything, huh? The Lincoln 210MP is an amazing piece and can do aluminum with a spool gun.
I am a professional welder. I have 220 in my garage.
Thanks for sharing such a good review. This is helpful for every welder.
I’m a welder by trade, A.W.S certified in stick (2g-4g) but where I work I primarily use mig. My boss has a millermatic 211 at the shop, its top notch for sure. However, I bought the Hobart handler 140 for personal use. Other than duty cycle, its pretty astonishing how close they are in performance. Lincoln mig machines use plastic drive rollers, real p.o.s. If you can’t afford true blue, go orange with the handler.
I was raised in gas stations from age 12.and FORNEY is the name i remember.the new 190 is my choice.and now I’m 72.
Such a good enough review I took lots of information about welder Thanx for you valuable content