Best MIG Welders


Getting your first welder is an investment and a great decision.

So, you want to make sure that you are getting the best for your money.

If you are a beginner or someone who has been in welding for years, you can help yourself with reading my MIG welder review, to get as much information as you can.

Therefore, you will easily find the item that meets your needs and help you complete all upcoming projects.

Before we move on to the reviews, let’s make a short distinguish between GMAW and FCAW welding.

Shielding gas for the arc is part of the GMAW welders, while FCAW welders are based on the use of a flux-cored wire.

Find more information about the top-notch product available on the market right now.

Highest Rated Best MIG Welders (by Customer Reviews)

 Hobart 500536 Ironman MIG Welder W/ Wheel Kit
Hobart 500536 Ironman MIG Welder W/ Wheel KitSee prices on Amazon.com
Hobart 500559 Handler Wire Welder
Hobart 500559 Handler Wire Welder See prices on Amazon.com
Forney 299 Flux Core Welder
Forney 299 Flux Core WelderSee prices on Amazon.com
Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Handy MIG Welder
Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Handy MIG WelderSee prices on Amazon.com
Goplus Flux Core Automatic Feed Welding Machine
Goplus Flux Core Automatic Feed Welding MachineSee prices on Amazon.com
Lotos Mig 175 Welder with Accessories
Lotos Mig 175 Welder with AccessoriesSee prices on Amazon.com
 Super Deal Black Commercial MIG Flux Core Welder
Super Deal Black Commercial MIG Flux Core WelderSee prices on Amazon.com
Pro Series MIG Flux Core Welder
Pro Series MIG Flux Core WelderSee prices on Amazon.com
 Lotos MIG Wire Flux Core Welder
Lotos MIG Wire Flux Core WelderSee prices on Amazon.com
Lincoln Electric Handheld MIG Welder
Lincoln Electric Handheld MIG WelderSee prices on Amazon.com
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1

Hobart 500536 Ironman MIG Welder W/ Wheel Kit

 Hobart 500536 Ironman MIG Welder W/ Wheel Kit
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Heavy-duty tasks require heavy-duty, powerful welders.

The Hobart welder, model 500536  is one of those tough welders, designed to help complete any tough tasks.

It is the best option for welders on the market and delivers 30-250 amps of power.

Next, it has a heavy-duty cabinet and various settings.

You can get outstanding results with this welder, and there is no spatter at all.

Conveniently, you won’t have to do the post-weld cleanup with this one.

It is definitely the welder that is worth your money.

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Pros

  • Suitable for heavy-duty tasks
  • Well-built
  • Durable
  • Multiple settings

Cons

  • Pricey
Michael's TakeMichael's Take

The Hobart welder, model 500536  is an outstanding with its performance, design and results.

It can help you complete a variety of projects.

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2

Hobart 500559 Handler Wire Welder

Hobart 500559 Handler Wire Welder
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The Hobart welder, model 500559 has a 10-foot Mit gun.

Moreover, it is equipped with a dual gauge regulator, 10-foot work cable, and clamps.

Therefore, it is one of those standard quality welders that can complete a variety of tasks.

The model 500559 has a 10-feet long power cord and a MIG that has a liner.

The compatible wires for this welder are .030 and they do have the best results.

If you plan to use this welder with a steel plate, be patient and thorough.

However, the interrupted stitching method has been shown as the best option, especially for use on thicker materials.

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Pros

  • Smooth and stable arc
  • Operates at standard household current
  • Durable
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Some tasks require more time with this small welder
Michael's TakeMichael's Take

The heavy-duty work claw on this welder ensures years and years of continuous use.

Hobart is known for its quality tools, and model 500559 isn’t an exception.

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3

Forney 299 Flux Core Welder

Forney 299 Flux Core Welder
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The beads produced by this welder are somewhat cold.

The welding with this one requires you to tack your joints, and go back and forth with tacking.

The best way to complete the tasks next is to fill in the missing spots and bevel the edges.

I suggest you not to rush with this one, and if you do rush, you can expect iffy penetration.

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Pros

  • Budget-friendly
  • 15-feet long amp cord
  • Great for beginners

Cons

  • You need to pre-heat thicker materials
Michael's TakeMichael's Take

This welder is an excellent choice for those who are just getting started with the welding.

It is easy to use and doesn’t cost too much.

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4

Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Handy MIG Welder

Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Handy MIG Welder
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The Lincoln Electric welder comes with simple controls.

However, before you start using it, you should check the manual to make sure you are using it the right way.

The welder is reliable and provides consistent operation.

Besides, it has an unusual hood that comes with it.

Further, it is better to get a quality helmet than to use the included item.

Similarly to the hood, the hammer isn’t the best.

On the other hand, the welder itself is a great device that can help you to complete a variety of various tasks.

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Pros

  • Consistent performance
  • Operates at any household outlet
  • Adjustable wire feed speed control

Cons

  • Poor quality hood and hammer
Michael's TakeMichael's Take

Lincoln Electric is a quality, user-friendly welder.

It weighs only 25 pounds, which makes it easy to move around.

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5

Goplus Flux Core Automatic Feed Welding Machine

Goplus Flux Core Automatic Feed Welding Machine
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The GoPlus welder is lightweight and delivers a minimal amount of welding power.

On the other, the welder is capable of completing professional-grade projects.

The GoPlus welder has excellent results on thin-steel, such as car bodywork.

It allows you to complete more tasks in less time.

The welder has four different settings and useful accessories.

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Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Easy to use
  • Easy carrying handle
  • Ten levels of wire feeding speed

Cons

  • It requires a lot of surface prep
Michael's TakeMichael's Take

The welder has a convenient design with hidden storage space on the top of the device.

It is a safe choice for beginners in welding and more experienced workers.

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6

Lotos Mig 175 Welder with Accessories

Lotos Mig 175 Welder with Accessories
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This Lotos welder has a comfortable and adaptable torch.

It comes with a 4-prong end connection and has more than 8 feet of length.

Therefore, it works for a variety of applications.

The only downside of this welder is portability.

It has a 5-feet long gas hose and a short cable, so it can be challenging to move the welder around.

Also, the only position you can weld with is a standard welding position.

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Pros

  • Durable, aluminium wire feeder
  • High-speed MIG gun
  • Suitable for various use
  • Great welding mask

Cons

  • Not portable
Michael's TakeMichael's Take

With this Lotos welder, you can weld aluminum using a spool gun.

It is one of the most versatile welders you can find.

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7

Super Deal Black Commercial MIG Flux Core Welder

 Super Deal Black Commercial MIG Flux Core Welder
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The Super Deal MIG welder is a commercial-grade welder that provides a flux core experience with an automatic feed.

The welder works on a standard 110V outlet.

Next, it delivers 130 amps of AC power.

On the other side, the welder is better for lighter tasks at 10% for 105 amps.

Remember to keep the device in a well-ventilated area and pay attention to the heating.

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Pros

  • Affordable
  • Uses convenient flux
  • User-friendly welder
  • Easy to adjust the flow

 

Cons

  • Only suitable for light tasks
Michael's TakeMichael's Take

The Super Deal welder is a budget-friendly option for a variety of light welding tasks.

Additionally, the grip is comfortable so it provides less hand-fatigue.

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8

Pro Series MIG Flux Core Welder

Pro Series MIG Flux Core Welder
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The welder by Pro-Series can deliver up to 125 amps of welding power.

Further, the power is consistent.

The Pro-Series welder is a suitable choice for people who love to take part in DIY specialists who love to complete small jobs around the house or in its shop.

The welders come with ground cable and clamp, a welding gun, and a small spool of wire.

It can be enough for the beginning.

Additionally, you get thermal overload protection.

The welder works on metal up to 18 gauge and has two voltage settings.

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Pros

  • Suitable for all types of carbon steel
  • Lightweight
  • You get everything you need for a start
  • Great tool to have

Cons

  • Not suitable for cast iron
Michael's TakeMichael's Take

The Pro-Series welder is a reliable welder that can help you complete a variety of small tasks around the house.

The kit and the included accessory is everything a welder might need.

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9

Lotos MIG Wire Flux Core Welder

 Lotos MIG Wire Flux Core Welder
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This Lotos welder delivers 140 amp of power and can complete small and medium tasks in various work settings.

The welder has a 2T/4T switch and works on a standard household outlet of 110V.

The devices have a flux core, and you can weld with gas shielding as well.

Besides, it has the best performance on 1/4 inch thick metals.

If you use the flux core process, it is better to work with .030 wire.

For traditional MIG welding, you can get the best results with .025 wire.

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Pros

  • Simple setup
  • Thermal overload protection system included
  • Suitable for various tasks

Cons

  • Steel needs to be preheated
Michael's TakeMichael's Take

The Lotus welder is easily adjustable and provides excellent user-experience.

However, the spool gun isn’t included, and you need to purchase it separately.

>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<

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10

Lincoln Electric Handheld MIG Welder

Lincoln Electric Handheld MIG Welder
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The Lincoln Electric welder is suitable for professional welders.

It can be set to work for both flux core welding or standard MIG welding.

It has 50-500 IPM wire feed speed control.

Moreover, the welder offers brass-to-brass gun connection and provides a better conductivity experience.

The welder is strong and powerful, but lightweight for the welder of its size.

The 10-pound spools provide the best welding experience.

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Pros

  • Delivers consistent power
  • Handheld portable welder
  • Compact

Cons

  • Pricey
Michael's TakeMichael's Take

The welder is versatile and suitable for light and heavy-duty tasks.

It is on the higher-end side, but it provides excellent value for the money.

>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<

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Best MIG Welders Buying Guide

Let’s learn more about MIG welding and go through the list of things that can help you find the best welder for you.

Benefits of MIG Welding

MIG welding is a better choice for beginners.

The process is simple and easy to learn, and there are plenty of educational courses for future MIG welding.

Some of the advantages of MIG welding include the ability to weld at a higher speed than in the other welding disciplines.

Next, you have better control when welding thinner metals.

MIG welding allows you to have cleaner welds, and there is a lower level of slag to clean after the process.

Lastly, you can use the same tools for GMAW and FCAW welding.

If you weld regularly, a MIG welder is a suitable choice for you.

However, keep in mind that MIG welders are not suitable for cast iron, copper, or brass.

Which MIG Welder is Right for Me

The first thing to consider when buying a MIG welder is the duty cycle.

It refers to the amount of time you can weld for 10 minutes.

Next, the time is expressed as a percentage of the 10 minutes.

Therefore, if, for example, the duty cycle is 20%, it means that you can weld for two minutes.

Next, your welder needs eight minutes to cool down, to prevent overheating.

Often, MIG welders have a 60% duty cycle.

Thus, you can weld for six minutes and your device needs to rest for four minutes.

Also, you can understand the duty cycle through a given amperage rating.

For example, if the MIG welder is rated at 150 amps, it is his maximum output.

Therefore, the duty cycle is different.

Also, if the welder is 60% rated for 100 amps, it means that you can use 67% of its maximum power, for six minutes.

When the six minutes pass, the welder needs to cool down.

Strength Classification

The duty cycle of the welder determines the street classification.

For example, light welders have a 20% duty cycle at rated 230 amps output.

You can use them for the DIY process, light tasks, and home welding.

Heavy-duty industrial welders have a 40% or 60$ duty cycle.

They are usually rated at 300 amps or more.

Power Source

The majority of MIG welders work with 220/240 V household outlets.

If you are limited with the outlet options for your welder, you three options available to overcome that obstacle.

The first option is installing a new circuit or upgrading one of the existing ones.

Therefore, it will support voltage requirements.

The next option is to use some of the best welding extension cords for the appropriate outlet to the welder.

The majority of extension cords are 25 to 75 feet long.

The last option is to buy a welder that has a multi-volt plug technology, so it can work on 110 V outlet.

Things to Consider when Buying a MIG Welder

Nowadays MIG welders have a convenient design, that simplifies the welding process.

A MIG welder with a solid-state contactor circuit is one of the most useful investments in the welding disciplines.

It ensures that the wire you use will stay cold until the moment when you press the trigger.

Therefore, it is a safe and simpler position of your torch that allows you to effortlessly start welding.

Thermal Protection

When buying a welder, you should check for a thermal overload protection system.

It is a useful feature because you might not be as punctual in leaving the welder as you should.

The timer doesn’t make any sense, because the welder activates the feature when it reaches a specific temperature.

Therefore, it won’t burn out the equipment.

Therefore, the welder will rest on its own when it reaches a high temperature.

After the welder cools down, it can be used again.

Automatic Setting

One of the most amazing features is the automatic setting.

It truly simplifies the welding discipline.

With the automatic setting, you need to set the wire diameter and the thickness of the material, and the welder will automatically adjust its operation.

It can save you a lot of time for guessing and setting the welder when you are a beginner.

Price

The price of the MIG welders is based on their quality, and technical specifications, such as duty cycle, amperage, and several different features.

You can get entry-level welders for less than $200, and some portable welders can cost around $100.

However, mid-price welders come with a $300 price tag. These welders are great for DIY and home projects.

On the other hand, professional welders need to have powerful and reliable welding equipment.

It can cost you more than $500 for a new MIG Welder.


Conclusion

Reading multiple reviews of MIG welders can help you to get a bigger picture of each device.

Therefore, you can compare welders for more than its price, compare features, and results in different settings.

When you know what kind of projects you will work on, you can decide what kind of welder you need.

Besides, the flux core welders that comes at an affordable price are an excellent choice.


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