Best MIG Welder – Hobart Handler 190
Top Pick
The Hobart Handler 190 tops our list as the best MIG welder of all time (so far, anyway). Not only does it have proper welding penetration for light and medium-range jobs, but’s affordable price tag is too attractive to pass up.
Here’s what the Handler 190’s key specifications look like—
Key Specifications
- 5/16-inch Welding Capacity
- 230V Input Voltage
- 30% Duty Cycle @ 130A
- Built-in Spool Gun Circuitry
The Handler 190 plugs into a dedicated 230V receptacle and welds up to 5/16 of an inch with every pass of the MIG gun. This much penetration makes it a suitable candidate for all types of work, including auto fabrication and touch-ups around the barn.
The Handler 190 doesn’t seem like much, but as soon as you open the case, you’ll see that its drive system is specially built to feed aluminum wire for more delicate welding jobs.
This video will tell you all everything you need to know about the Handler 190’s build.
Pros
- Excellent value
- Flexibility
- Long cords and hoses
- Works on aluminum
Cons
- Spool gun not included
As a Hobart machine, we had high expectations during our trial phase, and we’re glad to report that the Handler 190 is a great machine in nearly all capacities.
Our reviews are unbiased, fact-based, and comprehensively researched to help you make the right buying decisions.
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Finding the best MIG welder is no mean feat, especially if you don’t know where to start.
If this is why you’re here, then your worries are over.
In this guide, not only will we show you the best MIG welder out of over 50 models we researched, but we’ll also break down the best for each popular category.
The list has great options for beginner, home, and professional use.
After more than three of searching, researching, and testing, we’re sure you’ll like what we have.
Comparison Table of Top MIG Welders in Market
| Product Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best MIG Welder – Hobart Handler 190 |
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 | Best Premium - Hobart Ironman 230 MVP |
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 | Best Budget - HITBOX MIG 200 |
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 | Best MIG Welder Under 500 - Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Handy MIG Welder |
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 | Best MIG Welder Under 1000 - Forney 324 |
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 | Best MIG Welder for the Money - LOTOS MIG175 |
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 | Best MIG Welder for Home Use - Hobart - 500553 Handler 210 MVP MIG Welder |
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 | Best 220V MIG Welder - YESWELDER Digital MIG-205DS MIG Welder |
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 | Best 110V MIG Welder - Goplus MIG 130 Welder |
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Reviews of the Top MIG Welders
By trying out over 50 MIG welders available online, we discovered several more MIG welders that pros and novice users alike will appreciate.
Best Premium - Hobart Ironman 230 MVP
Key Specifications
- ½-inch Welding Thickness
- 230V Input Voltage
- 60% Duty Cycle @ 175A
- 12-tap Voltage Control
The Hobart Ironman 230 is made for the hardcore DIY-er who needs maximum welding power. The Ironman 230 can weld up to a half-inch of mild steel at its max power output. At mid-range output, this machine maintains an awesome 60% duty cycle for enhanced work efficiency.
With wire speed and voltage settings independent of each other, you’re free to experiment with the knobs to produce the best results for your welding task. Plus, because the machine sits atop four durables casters, you don’t need to have a cart to move it around.
This video of the Ironman 230 will show you why we love it so much.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Simple setup and operation
- Flexible output
- Can weld aluminum (spool gun sold not included)
Cons
- Could be less heavy
If you’re looking for the heaviest-duty-est MIG welder, we highly recommend considering the Hobart Ironman 230. The name of the model practically speaks for itself.
Best Budget - HITBOX MIG 200
Key Specifications
- 5/16-inch Welding Capacity
- 220V Input Voltage
- 30% Duty Cycle @ 200A
- Multi-Function
Don’t say no to non-brand MIG welders just yet. The HITBOX MIG 200 is an incredibly cheap welding machine that handles light-duty welding jobs with ease. At its peak, this machine can weld up to 5/16 of an inch of steel or iron in a single sweep of the MIG gun.
If you need to weld thinner pieces of sheet metal or outdoor objects, the MIG 200 has your back. This machine functions as a MIG, TIG, and stick welder. You’ll need to purchase a TIG gun and stick consumables separately.
The voltage and speed settings are synergic, though you can adjust the voltage and amp ratings separately.
Pros
- User-friendly
- Great welding power
- Can use flux-cored wire
- Hardly any spatter
Cons
- Could come with adjustable wire speed knob
The HITBOX 200 is a near-picturesque image of a heavy-duty MIG welder at a budget-friendly cost. Novice or veteran, you’ll enjoy using this beast.
Best MIG Welder Under $500
A high-quality MIG welder doesn’t have to cost a fortune, as you can plainly see from our previous reviews. If you’re looking for the best $500-range MIG welder, the Lincoln K2185-1 is for you.
Here are the K2185-1’s key specifications—
Key Specifications
- 1/8-inch Welding Capacity
- 115V Input Voltage
- 20% Duty Cycle @ 70A
- Thermal Protection
The K2185-1 can use either MIG or flux-cored wire, so you can worth with or without a tank of argon by your side.
In terms of performance, this Lincoln MIG welder delivers about the average output of welders in its price category—1/8-inch welding capacity through mild steel.
This unit plugs into a 115V outlet, making it a great tool to have at home for light touch-ups on metal frames.
Its duty cycle is somewhat lacking the efficiency we’re looking for, but for the most part, it shouldn’t cause homeowners any issues.
Check this research piece to explore more options under $500 MIG Welders
Pros
- Safe and user-friendly
- Good for home DIY jobs
- Plugs into any standard wall outlet
- Helpful voltage and feed “cheat sheet” to get started
Cons
- Voltage settings could be more flexible
For its price, the K2185-1 is a fantastic MIG welder that covers all of the bases. For an entry-level machine, not many MIG welders can do what it does.
Best MIG Welder Under $1,000
For those with larger budgets, we recommend taking a look at the Forney 190 MP. This incredibly versatile machine will come in handy in all sorts of situations.
You can find the 140 MP’s key specifications below—
Key Specifications
- 3/16-inch Welding Capacity
- 120V/230V Input Voltage
- 20% Duty Cycle @ 170A
- Multi-Purpose Welder
A glance at the 140 MP’s performance ratings instantly tells us that it’s a great light- to medium-duty welder.
It plugs into either a 120V or 230V outlet with varying max power output based on the power source.
Other great 120V MIG welder options.
The 140 MP can weld up to 3/16 of an inch of steel with a single sweep of the MIG gun. For those of you who fabricate auto parts, this should be more than enough to handle the job.
The 140 MP is a multi-purpose welder that can MIG, TIG, and stick weld on demand. It can even weld aluminum (spool gun not included) if you’re into that.
More options under $1,000 MIG Welders
This video of the 140 MP will explain in greater detail what it’s capable of.
Pros
- MIG, TIG, and stick welds
- Durable outer shell
- Adjustable voltage, current, and wire speed
- Long hose and cables
Cons
- Could be easier to move
Everything about this machine screams ready-for-duty, even its decent 20% duty cycle at mid-range output.
Best MIG Welder for the Money
The Lotos MIG175 offers the most bang for your money, thanks to its excellent penetration and aluminum welding powers.
Here’s a quick look at its key specifications—
Key Specifications
- ¼-inch Welding Capacity
- 220V/240V Input Voltage
- 20% Duty Cycle @ 175A
- Works on Aluminum
Unsurprisingly, the Lotos MIG175 offers a ton of value for your dollar. I
t delivers deep quarter-inch penetration through mild steel sheets and plates while drawing power from a 220V+ receptacle.
Sadly, it’s not a dual-voltage machine, so make sure your garage has a dedicated outlet for it.
Check other great value for money MIG Welders here.
If you need to weld aluminum, the MIG175 can do it easy.
Just install the included spool gun and consumable, and the machine is ready for action. The MIG175 can weld 3/16 of an inch of aluminum sheets without burning.
Pros
- Quick assembly and setup
- Great penetration, even on aluminum
- Portability
- Efficient duty cycle
Cons
- Could have higher output power
With all of the necessary hardware in the Lotos MIG175’s box, you can be proud of your investment.
Best MIG Welder for Home Use
When it comes to welding at home, there’s no better MIG welder than the Hobart Handler 210 MVP.
Here’s an overview of the Handler 210 MVP’s key specifications—
Key Specifications
- 3/8-inch Max Welding Thickness
- 115V/230V Input Voltage
- 30% Duty Cycle @ 150A
- Infinite Feed Control Dial
This MIG welder is great for at-home MIG welding, though you have the option of taking it to the field and welding up to 3/8 of steel at any time.
It runs off of either a 115V or 230V receptacle, allowing you to use it in any setting.
The great thing about this MIG welder is that a single purchase will provide you with all of the hardware you need to get started immediately.
It features a 230V plug adapted and a set of trial-sized consumables.
Take a look at this Hobart-made video to see what makes the Handler 210 the real MVP.
Pros
- 210A max output
- 7-step voltage settings
- Durable case
- Works on aluminum (spool gun and wire not included)
Cons
- Power cable could be longer
If you’re looking for a machine to produce metal-based art at home or recreate auto parts in a commercial garage, the Hobart Handler 210 MVP will give you all the power you’d ever need.
Best 220V MIG Welder
One of the most pleasant surprises was learning that the not-so-well-known YESWELDER’s MIG-205DS outperformed many of its 220V MIG welder counterparts.
Here’s what the MIG-205DS’ key specifications are—
Key Specifications
- ¾-inch Welding Capacity
- Synergic/4-Step Voltage Settings
- 60% Duty Cycle @ 200A
- 4-in-1 Multi-Function
Though not very well known, we suggest giving the new guy a try. The MIG-205DS delivers might powerful output to weld through ¾-inch steel plates and sheets without the slightest inkling of trouble.
It’s a dual-voltage machine, though to get the most use out of it, you’ll need to plug it into a receptacle of at least 220V.
Of course, this makes it a great commercial-line MIG welder for heavier-duty projects, though you can switch to 110V for less demanding welding jobs.
Not only does it MIG weld, but it can TIG weld, stick weld, and use flux-cored wires for a gasless welding experience.
You’ll need to pick up the appropriate tools and supplies, though.
Other great MIG 220V Welder options.
Pros
- Uses common consumables
- Great arc stability
- Dual-voltage MIG welder
- MIG, TIG, stick, and flux-cored compatible
Cons
- Replacement parts are nearly impossible to find
If you need a pro-level MIG welder but don’t want to splurge, then the YESWELDER MIG-205DS is the best model for your metal workshop.
Best 110V MIG Welder
In the 110V MIG welder world, the one model we’d suggest giving your utmost attention to is the Goplus MIG130.
This is what the Goplus’ key specifications look like—
Key Specifications
- ¼-inch Welding Capacity
- 4-Position Adjustable Current
- 10% Duty Cycle @ 50A
- Flux-Cored
Quarter-inch welding on a 110V MIG welder was practically unheard of just a decade ago. Nowadays, not only is it common, but you can get an awesome MIG welder to do it at a competitive price.
The MIG-205DS is a single-voltage machine that, admittedly, may not be up to par for more demanding MIG-welding jobs (low duty cycle, limited adjustability).
However, anything piece of metal at home that needs welding, this machine is for you.
Other great MIG 110V Welder options.
Pros
- Great entry-level MIG welder
- Made for DIY jobs at home
- Flux-cored compatibility
- Incredibly lightweight and portable
Cons
- Construction could be more robust
For such a cheap MIG welder, the Goplus sure is a hard-hitting MIG machine; just not hard enough for professional welders.
FAQs
When comparing the two, there’s really no objective way to determine which is the better option. Indeed, MIG is more commonly used since it offers deeper penetration in general, but TIG is better-suited for thinner sheets and plates as it produces more eye-pleasing results. However, you can enjoy both MIG and TIG welding (as well as stick and flux-cored) by investing in a multi-purpose, 3-or-4-in-1 MIG welder.
Finding the most appropriate MIG welder that covers all of your needs isn’t so simple. The main thing to consider is the welding capacity rating (penetration). Make sure you know what the average thickness of your work material is before settling on a particular model. It’s a good idea to go overboard than slightly under.
Welding aluminum isn’t just about installing a spool gun and firing away. First, make sure that your MIG welder is actually capable of doing so. Next, invest in a spool gun if your MIG welder doesn’t come with it. Also, you’ll need to switch the ground and MIG gun poles around to reverse polarity. Finally, make sure you have the appropriate type of shielding gas (100% argon or 75/25 mix of argon and helium). Check best MIG Welders for aluminum.
From our list, you’ll see popular brands such as Hobart, Lincoln, and Forney. However, new entrants are leaving quite an impression, and man of their models perform just as well as name-brand welders in terms of capabilities and flexibility. On the other hand, well-known manufacturers offer the best after-sales service to their customers, so if you come across any issues, a CS rep will always be ready to assist.
Summary
And with that, we end our guide on the best MIG welder available today.
We’ve researched over 50 different models in a number of different categories to produce the most meaningful list for our readers.
If you’re not sure which MIG welder will suit you best, or if you have anything on your mind, you’re free to leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API