Best MIG Welder for Money + Detailed Reviews [2021]

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Best MIG Welder for Money: Lotos MIG175

LOTOS MIG175 175A MIG Welder with Aluminum Spool Gun - Advanced Auto MIG Synergistic Setting, Voltage Fine Tuning, Gas MIG Welding & Gasless Flux Core MIG Welding - Brown, 240V

The one MIG welder that stands out above the 35 models we researched and is the Lotos MIG175.

With its deep penetration, wide range of included accessories, and the ability to weld aluminum, there’s not a lot the MIG175 cannot do.

Here’s a quick look at the MIG175’s key specifications—

  • ¼-inch Welding Capacity
  • 220V/240V Input Voltage
  • 20% Duty Cycle @ 175A
  • Works on Aluminum

It’s no surprise that the Lotos MIG175 trumps numerous other models. First, it has a quarter-inch penetration capability that makes welding sheets and plates possible with a single sweep of the welding gun.

It draws power from a 220V or 240V receptacle, so you know you’re getting power.

When it comes time to weld aluminum, simply plug in the spool gun and install the appropriate consumable (both included), and you’re ready to roll. On aluminum, this machine can weld up to 3/16 of an inch.

The box contains all of the equipment and hardware you need to start, including a gas regulator, spool gun, cleaning equipment, and a welding face shield.

Pros

  • Quick 10-minute setup
  • Deep penetrating power, including on aluminum
  • Easy to carry and transport
  • Decent duty cycle

Cons

  • Could deliver higher output for heavier-duty welding

All in all, the Lotos MIG175 is an excellent beginner-level MIG welder that users might find some use for in professional settings, due to its quarter-inch welding powers and aluminum compatibility.

Our expert reviewed articles are fact based, unbiased, and rigorously researched to help you make right buying decisions.

 
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If you’re a weekend hobbyist whose looking for an inexpensive welder or a professional metalworker in search of a beefy model, we’ve got the list for you.

We scoured the marketplace and found the best MIG welder for the money.

After researching over 30 different MIG welder models, we’re sure that there’s a little bit of something on this list for everyone. Without further ado, let’s get right to it.

Top MIG Welders for Money Compared

Here’s a comparison between Top MIG Welders for Money:

Product Image
Product Name
Features
Price
LOTOS MIG175 175A MIG Welder with Aluminum Spool Gun - Advanced Auto MIG Synergistic Setting, Voltage Fine Tuning, Gas MIG Welding & Gasless Flux Core MIG Welding - Brown, 240VBest MIG Welder for Money – Lotos MIG175
  • Max Welding Thickness: 1/4 in.
  • Input Power: 220V/240V
  • Duty Cycle: 20% @ 175A
  • USP: Works on Aluminum


Hobart 500536 Ironman 230 MIG Welder With Wheel Kit & Cylinder RackBest Premium - Hobart Ironman 230
  • Max Welding Thickness: 1/2 in.
  • Input Power: 230V
  • Duty Cycle: 60% 175A
  • USP: 12-tap Voltage Control


Forney Easy Weld 261, 140 FC-i Welder, 120V, GreenBest Budget - Forney Easy Weld 140FC-i
  • Max Welding Thickness: 1/4 in.
  • Input Power: 120V
  • Duty Cycle: 30% @ 90A
  • USP: Multi-process Unit


Hobart 500559 Handler 140 MIG Welder 115VHobart Handler MIG 140
  • Max Welding Thickness: 1/4 in.
  • Input Power: 115V
  • Duty Cycle: 20% @ 90A
  • USP: Wire Feed Tracking


Hobart 500553 Handler 210 MVP MIG Welder - Empower Your Welding with Precision and Power SmallHobart Handler 210 MVP
  • Max Welding Thickness: 3/8 in.
  • Input Power: 115V/230V
  • Duty Cycle: 30% @ 150A
  • USP: Infinite Control Parameters


Forney Compact Portable Multi Process Easy Combo Weld 140 MP Welder in MIG/DC TIG and Stick Welding for Residential Use, GreenForney Easy Weld 140 MP
  • Max Welding Thickness: 1/4 in.
  • Input Power: 110V
  • Duty Cycle: 30% @ 90A
  • USP: Multi-process Unit


Lincoln Electric PRO-MIG 180 Welder 230-Volt MIG Flux-Cored Wire Feed Model K2481-1Lincoln PRO-MIG 180
  • Max Welding Thickness: 3/16 in.
  • Input Power: 208V/230V
  • Duty Cycle: 30% @ 130A
  • USP: Diamond Core Technology


Everlast Cyclone 212 Stick 230 Amp welder dual voltage 110v/220v spool gun readyEverlast PowerMIG 200
  • Max Welding Thickness: 5/16 in.
  • Input Power: 110V/220V
  • Duty Cycle: 35% @ 200A
  • USP: Multi-Process Welder


Goplus 110V MIG 130 Welder Flux Core Welding Machine, No Gas Welding Machine with Electrode Holder Face Shield (Orange)Best 110V MIG Welder for Money - Goplus MIG 130
  • Max Welding Thickness: 1/4 in.
  • Input Power: 110V
  • Duty Cycle: 10% @ 105A
  • USP: Uses Flex Cored Wire


YESWELDER Digital MIG-205DS MIG Welder,200Amp 110/220V Dual Voltage, Gas Gasless MIG Welding Machine MIG/Lift TIG/ARC 3 in 1 Multiprocess Aluminum MIG Welder, Spool Gun CompatibleBest 220V MIG Welder for Money -YESWELDER MIG-205DS
  • Max Welding Thickness: 3/4 in.
  • Input Power: 110V/220V
  • Duty Cycle: 60% @ 200A
  • USP: 4-in-1 Multi-Function


Reviews of the Top MIG Welders for Money

We didn’t look at 35 MIG welders to show just to talk about the best overall. If you’re looking for something cheaper, more powerful, or more versatile, take a look at the other valuable MIG welders down below.

Best Premium - Hobart Ironman 230

best overall rating Hobart 500536 Ironman 230 MIG Welder With Wheel Kit & Cylinder Rack

Key Specifications

  • ½-inch Welding Capacity
  • 230V Input Voltage
  • 60% Duty Cycle @ 175A
  • 12-tap Voltage Settings

The Hobart Ironman 230 is a powerful MIG welder that would suit hardcore DIY-ers and professional metalworkers best.

It can penetrate and join plates up to a half-inch in thickness, which is far greater than most home welding projects call for.

At 175A output, this unit has a fantastic 60% duty cycle to enhance productivity in your shop.

The Ironman 230 also has a voltage dial with 12 tap settings. This gives users the freedom to work as quickly or as slowly as they need while preventing spatter.

This brief video is packed with all of the info you need to know about the Ironman 230: 

 

Pros

  • Great construction
  • Quick and easy setup
  • Voltage flexibility
  • Can weld aluminum (hardware sold separately).

Cons

  • Could be a little lighter

Based on its performance ratings, the Ironman 230 is clearly a hard-hitting MIG welder for medium and large-sized projects. Whether you need this much power in a MIG welder is entirely up to you.

Best Budget - Forney Easy Weld 140FC-i

best overall rating Forney Easy Weld 261, 140 FC-i Welder, 120V, Green

Key Specifications

  • ¼-inch Welding Capacity
  • 120V Input Voltage
  • 30% Duty Cycle @ 90A
  • Multi-Process unit

One of the most inexpensive MIG welders from a name brand is the Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-i. Don’t’ let its inexpensive price tag fool you; this unit doesn’t just MIG weld, but it can also convert into a TIG and stick welder.

A 3-in-1 machine takes up less cart space while also offering the benefits of multiple tools.

The 140 FC-i can penetrate quarter-inch mild steel with each pass of the welding gun. We suggest first-time welders invest in flux-cored wire to get this machine going since it doesn’t come with a gas regulator.

Forney’s YouTube channel has an interesting video that showcases the 140 FC-I’s welding abilities:

 

Pros

  • Easy to set up welding wire
  • Flexible wire speed settings
  • Compact size, durable construction
  • MIG, TIG, and stick welds

Cons

  • Duty cycle could be more efficient

At such an inexpensive cost, the Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-i is the best starter MIG welder for homeowners, and also serves as a great tool for welding at your clients’ homes.

Hobart Handler MIG 140

best overall rating Hobart 500559 Handler 140 MIG Welder 115V

Key Specifications

  • ¼-inch Welding Capacity
  • 115V Input Voltage
  • 20% Duty Cycle @ 90A
  • Wire Feed Tracking

The Hobart Handler 140 is a top-selling MIG welder for several reasons, including its decent power output and user-friendliness.

The Handler 140 can weld up to quarter-inch mild steel while drawing power from a standard 115V wall outlet.

The Handler 140 comes with an infinite wire speed dial to let you feed as much or as little welding wire as you’re comfortable using. It also helps in controlling spatter, producing better, cleaner beads with experience.

Hobart’s YouTube page has a very descriptive video on how to set up the Handler 140:

 

Pros

  • Thermal protection safety feature
  • Flexible welding speed
  • Easy to set up and operate
  • Great for first-time buyers

Cons

  • Duty cycle could be better

Upon arrival at your front door, the Hobart Handler 140 is nearly ready to roll. It’s a super-user-friendly MIG welder for light-duty projects, and its 115V compatibility makes it usable anywhere at any time.

Hobart Handler 210 MVP

best overall rating Hobart 500553 Handler 210 MVP MIG Welder - Empower Your Welding with Precision and Power Small

Key Specifications

  • 3/8-inch Welding Capacity
  • 115V/230V Input Voltage
  • 30% Duty Cycle @ 150A
  • Infinite Control Parameters

The Handler 210 MVP is a versatile, deep-penetrating MIG welder that will find purpose at home or at the job site.

It uses 115V or 230V power, and at peak performance, it can join mild steel as thick as 3/8 of an inch with a single sweep of the gun.

Everything you need to get started is available in the box. It has a 230V adapter that connects to the prewired 115V plug, as well as the consumables to help you begin welding immediately.

Setting the unit up can be cumbersome, but after that, it’s smooth welding beads from then on.

Here’s a video by Hobart explaining the Handler 210 in more detail:

 

Pros

  • 210A max output
  • 7-step voltage settings
  • Durable, portable design
  • Usable on aluminum (spool gun sold separately)

Cons

  • Power cord could be a little longer

If you need a welder for basic home repairs or one to take with you to various job sites, the Handler 210 MVP covers everything and more.

Forney Easy Weld 140 MP

best overall rating Forney Compact Portable Multi Process Easy Combo Weld 140 MP Welder in MIG/DC TIG and Stick Welding for Residential Use, Green

Key Specifications

  • ¼-inch Welding Capacity
  • 110V Input Voltage
  • 30% Duty Cycle @ 90A
  • Multi-Process Unit

The Forney Easy Weld 140 MP is one of the most budget-friendly MIG welders you’ll ever find, although its price does reflect its limited capabilities.

At 140A, it can weld quarter-inch mild steel sheets easily and efficiently, while drawing power from a standard 110V receptacle.

However, the 140 MP is no one-trick pony. It can also be TIG weld intricate beads onto thinner sheets of metal, as well as stick weld pieces of metal outdoors.

To use the TIG welding function, make sure to pick up the appropriate TIG gun with your purchase.

This video by Forney will tell you everything you need to know about the inexpensive-but-durable 140 MP:

 

Pros

  • 3-in-1 MIG, TIG, and stick
  • Easy-to-adjust settings
  • User-friendliness
  • Compatible with flux-cored welding wire

Cons

  • Could produce a cleaner weld with less spatter

For its price, the compact 140 MP by Forney is an excellent MIG welder for those looking to start on their welding journey. Its capabilities are somewhat limited, but for DIY jobs at home, this is a comfortable fit.

Lincoln PRO-MIG 180

best overall rating Lincoln Electric PRO-MIG 180 Welder 230-Volt MIG Flux-Cored Wire Feed Model K2481-1

Key Specifications

  • 3/16-inch Welding Capacity
  • 208V/230V Input Voltage
  • 30% Duty Cycle @ 130A
  • Diamond Core Technology

The Lincoln PRO-MIG 180 has the ability to weld up to 3/16-inch sheet metal and plates. Its advanced wire-feeding system is prewired to help operators weld a wide assortment of metals, including aluminum.

This kit does not include a spool gun, so make sure you pick one up at the checkout line.

The PRO-MIG 180 comes with Diamond Core Technology that produces a more forgiving arc. This will help novice welders get accustomed to MIG welding by creating tighter, cleaner beads, even when working out of position.

This Lincoln MIG welder draws power from either a 208V or 230V receptacle. Before choosing this model, make sure your home or place of business has a dedicated outlet for this welder.

Pros

  • Deep penetration
  • Ultra-durable case
  • Small footprint
  • Usable by both amateur and pro welders

Cons

  • Overall weight could be lighter

The PRO-MIG 180 is a long-lasting MIG welder made for light and medium welding jobs. There’s a lot a person can get done with this welder in their workshop.

Everlast PowerMIG 200

best overall rating Everlast Cyclone 212 Stick 230 Amp welder dual voltage 110v/220v spool gun ready

Key Specifications

The PowerMIG 200 is a dual-voltage machine that works on either 110V or 220V outlets, making it usable at home or in commercial workshops.

At its max power output, the PowerMIG 200 can weld up to 5/16 of an inch of mild steel sheets or plates while keeping a 35% duty cycle.

You might not need this much power, especially if you’re just doing touch-ups on lawnmowers, but it’s nice to know that your MIG welder can do much more.

The PowerMIG 180 is also a 3-in1 MIG welder that operates as a TIG and stick welder. With inverter technology, this device is safe to take with you to obscure locations while plugged into a portable generator.

Pros

  • Incredibly output and welding capacity
  • Decent duty cycle
  • Dual voltage 110V and 220V
  • Can be plugged into a generator

Cons

  • Setup could be less complicated

The PowerMIG 200 is one of Everlast’s most prized MIG welders for several reasons. It’s clearly a powerful unit, but its portability and multi-functionality truly make it pop.

best overall rating

Best 110V MIG Welder for Money

Goplus 110V MIG 130 Welder Flux Core Welding Machine, No Gas Welding Machine with Electrode Holder Face Shield (Orange)

Which MIG welder do you choose if you plan on doing light-work welding at home? We suggest taking a look at our best overall 110V MIG welder: the Goplus MIG 130.

Below, you’ll find the Goplus’ key specifications—

  • ¼-inch Welding Capacity
  • 4-Step Voltage Settings
  • 10% Duty Cycle @ 105A
  • Uses Flux-Cored Wire

The Goplus MIG 130 is a fancy little MIG welder that not only delivers a punch (quarter-inch welding per sweep) but is cheap to boot.

It won’t deliver the same welding experience as 220V machines, but for simply DIY welding at home, this is more than enough.

It uses a 10-setting current knob to help users achieve the cleanest of welds. Without synergic wire feed adjustability, you’re free to choose the feed rate and voltage to your exact specifications.

When working with thin or thicker sheets, you have full control over how the end results look.

Pros

  • Incredibly user-friendly
  • Used for DIY jobs around the home and barn
  • Can use flux-cored wire
  • Portable design

Cons

  • Could have been constructed better

The Goplus 130 is a great entry-level 110V MIG welder, though it does offer quite a bit of power for medium-scale projects.

best overall rating

Best 220V MIG Welder for Money

YESWELDER Digital MIG-205DS MIG Welder,200Amp 110/220V Dual Voltage, Gas Gasless MIG Welding Machine MIG/Lift TIG/ARC 3 in 1 Multiprocess Aluminum MIG Welder, Spool Gun Compatible

If you’re looking for more power, a 220V MIG welder such as the YESWELDER MIG-205DS is your safest option.

You can find the MIG-205DS’ key specifications below—

  • ¾-inch Welding Capacity
  • Synergic/4-Step Voltage Settings
  • 60% Duty Cycle @ 200A
  • 4-in-1 Multi-Functional Welder

Although the YESWELDER name doesn’t have much weight to it, their MIG-205DS stands out as one of the best 220V-compatible MIG welders on the market. It’s a dual-voltage machine, so if you certainly can use it at home as well.

The MIG-205DS delivers high-powered penetration through mild steel sheets and plates up to ¾ of an inch in thickness.

Best of all, it keeps a 60% duty cycle at its max 200A output, resulting in enhanced productivity in the workshop.

This is a 4-in-1 model that MIG, TIG, stick, and flux-core welds. However, you’ll need to pick up a TIG gun and flux-cored wires before making use of this bonus feature.

Pros

  • Uses easily found consumables
  • Great arc stability
  • 110V and 220V compatible
  • Incredibly 4-in-1 versatility

Cons

  • YESWELDER isn’t too well-known

We suggest giving this company a shot if you have yet to place your loyalty in one of the more popular brands. With ¾-inch welding power and 4-in1 welding action, you won’t be disappointed.

FAQs

How thick can MIG weld?

The golden rule to determine how deep your MIG welder can weld is by multiplying every 0.001 inches of your material’s thickness by 1 amp. For a 200A machine, this means welding up to 0.2-inch thick sheets. However, this is a rough guide and should be taken with a grain of salt. A more conclusive way to determine how deep your MIG welder can penetrate is by checking with the manufacturer.

How much should I spend on a MIG welder?

That’s up to how big or small your budget is. As you can see from our list, we’ve mentioned both super-inexpensive models and some costlier ones. Their price tags generally reflect how deep their welds penetrate through mild steel, but with the influx of Chinese-made MIG welders entering the market, price is hardly a crucial factor.

What gas do I need for MIG welding?

MIG welders generally require a shielding gas to protect the quality of the bead by displacing contaminants within the area. The four types of MIG welding gas are helium, argon, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. For first-time welders, we recommend choosing a MIG welder model that uses flux-cored wire, or wire with built-in gas that shields the bead as you it produces the spark.

Which is the best MIG welder brand?

It’s pretty difficult to pinpoint the best brand of MIG welders, though the most notable manufacturers are Miller, Hobart, Everlast, Forney, and Eastwood. However, lesser-known brands like YESWELDER and Goplus are certainly giving these manufacturing behemoths a run for their money with their lineup of high-quality MIG welders.

Summary

In order to create this list, we had to examine over 30 different MIG welder models before ultimately deciding on which is the best MIG welder for your money.

This list contains a little bit of something for everybody, whether you’re in need of a DIY machine or a heavier-duty one.

We now open our comments sections to receive any questions and feedback you may have.

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About Kevin Stewart

Kevin is an expert metal worker with a passion for designing and making. He is passionate about his power tools. He contributes his ideas to various online platforms.

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