The Best MIG Welders, Reviewed

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MIG welding offers simplicity for beginners and high productivity for pros. We take an in-depth look at the best equipment currently available.

MIG (metal inert gas) welding, also known as gas metal arc welding (GMAW), is generally accepted as the easiest type of welding to learn. Yet with the right equipment, MIG welding can handle not only a range of thicknesses but also offer the speed demanded by professionals. With gasless MIG, a feature of many welding machines, it’s also possible to weld outdoors.

MIG welding is extremely popular, and many different types of equipment are available, which can lead to understandable confusion, particularly in those buying their first MIG welder. Our comprehensive article explains the technical aspects, and we suggest the best MIG welders to solve a range of welding challenges and suit the needs of different users.

1. BEST OVERALL: Forney Easy Weld 261, 140 FC-i Welder, 120V
2. RUNNER-UP: Hobart Handler 140 MIG Welder
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Super Deal Pro Commercial MIG 130 AC Flux Core Wire
4. UPGRADE PICK: Hobart 500553 Handler 210 MVP Small MIG Welder
5. BEST FOR BEGINNERS: Lincoln Electric 120-Volt Flux-Cored Wire Feed Welder
6. BEST FOR PROS: Miller Electric MIG Welder, 120/240VAC, 1 Phase
7. BEST MULTIPROCESS: Weldpro 200 Amp Inverter Multi Process Welder
8. BEST FOR ALUMINUM: Yeswelder MIG-250 Pro Aluminum MIG Welder, 250Amp
9. BEST KIT: Lotos MIG175 175AMP MIG Welder With Free Spool Gun
10. ALSO CONSIDER: Vivohome MIG Welder 130 Flux Core Wire Automatic Feed

How We Chose the Best MIG Welders

As an engineer and amateur auto enthusiast, the author has hands-on experience with MIG welding. To support this knowledge, Bob Vila researchers investigated a wide variety of the latest products to make sure we had current technical information.

While amperage (A) and duty cycle are the headline elements when choosing a MIG welder, we didn’t look only at those that offered high performance. For example, we also chose more budget-friendly models that might be the best MIG welder for beginners or hobby users.

Long-term reliability is a key issue, so we focused mostly on MIG welders from well-known manufacturers with an established reputation. However, we are always conscious of costs, so we included more affordable models from lesser-known makers if they provided acceptable performance and good value.

Our Top Picks

After this discussion of the various features and technical aspects of MIG welding equipment, it’s time to look at some examples. The following represent various categories, each with a pick for the best MIG welder for various purposes as well as its cost and features.

Best Overall

Forney Easy Weld 261, 140 FC-i Welder, 120V

Trying to select a single best MIG welder is an almost impossible task. Users have different needs, and many different types are available. We chose the Forney Easy Weld 261 because it’s a great all-around welding tool. It’s uncomplicated and extremely light at just 19 pounds, and it offers the kind of performance that appeals to both home welders and professionals.

The Forney runs off ordinary power. It uses flux-core wire, so users only have to select the voltage (which varies widely) and choose the wire-feed speed. While the latter offers 10 steps, the manufacturer doesn’t provide the actual figures. For more experienced welders, even the top speed may be a little slow. Speed doesn’t impact weld strength, but it does affect productivity.

The welds made with the Forney may not be as neat as those made with a gas MIG, and it can’t tackle stainless steel or aluminum. Nevertheless, for those who regularly weld mild steel, indoors or out, the Forney Easy Weld 261 is competitive.

Product Specs

• Amps: 30A to 140A
• Duty cycle: 30 percent at 90A
• Gas or gasless: Gasless

Pros

• Very portable compared to similar options
• Welds up to ¼-inch steel
• Excellent value for the price

Cons

• Modest wire-feed speed
• No gas option

Get the Forney MIG welder at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Tractor Supply Co.

Runner-Up

Hobart Handler 140 MIG Welder

Hobart ranks among the world’s leading welding equipment brands, and the company’s Handler range is very popular. The Hobart Handler 140 is its entry-level MIG welder, yet it’s still capable of welding up to ¼-inch sheet metal. Unlike gasless models that can only weld mild steel, it also can weld stainless and aluminum.

The Hobart Handler 140 runs off a standard 110-volt (V) current. The voltage control has five settings rather than infinite variations. However, users note the smoothness of the power supply, which allows wide control of the welds. At 40 to 700 inches per minute (IPM), its wire feed accommodates welders of all skill levels.

At 20 percent, its duty cycle isn’t particularly impressive, and its 5-foot power cord is rather short. Its dual-process capability also means that although the price of the Hobart Handler 140 is competitive for its type, it costs significantly more than the Forney Easy Weld.

Product Specs

• Amps: 25A to 140A
• Duty cycle: 20 percent at 90A
• Gas or gasless: Both

Pros

• Good versatility for work at home or on the jobsite
• Renowned quality and durability for long-term use
• Wide wire-feed range

Cons

• Modest duty cycle
• Short power cord

Get the Hobart Handler 140 MIG welder at Tractor Supply Co. or Northern Tool + Equipment.

Best Bang For The Buck

Super Deal Pro Commercial MIG 130 AC Flux Core Wire

There’s a lot to like about the Super Deal Pro MIG welder. This gasless machine plugs into a 110V-household supply, is relatively portable at 38 pounds, and can weld up to 3/16-inch steel. A roll of flux-core wire and a basic mask come with the welder.

This is a low-cost MIG welder, so expect some limitations. With only four voltage settings marked “Max” “Min,” or “½,” determining the correct output requires trial and error. The wire feed has 10 positions but no speed indication. The body of the machine is PVC, so although it works outside, it isn’t built for tough environments.

The Super Deal Pro is not a difficult MIG welder to use, but its instructions may be inadequate for beginners. It probably best suits those with some experience who want a budget tool for “quick-and-dirty” repair jobs.

Product Specs

• Amps: 50A to 120A
• Duty cycle: 10 percent at 105A; 35 percent at 60A
• Gas or gasless: Gasless

Pros

• Low cost compared to similar options
• Includes mask, brush, chipping hammer, and wire
• Can be used outdoors; suitable for work at home or on the jobsite

Cons

• Mask is poor quality
• Plastic body

Get the Super Deal MIG welder on Amazon.

Upgrade Pick

Hobart 500553 Handler 210 MVP Small MIG Welder

As noted previously, Hobart welding equipment has a reputation for quality products, and the Handler 210 adds flexibility. It can run off 110V or 220V current, and it can be used with gas or without. These features, along with its ability to weld ⅜-inch steel and 3/16-inch aluminum, make it a good choice for both workshop and jobsite use.

A seven-step voltage dial and 40- to 770-IPM wire-feed speed provide good control. The Hobart Handler 210 provides stable power with reduced spatter, resulting in smoother welds.

At 79 pounds, the Hobart Handler 210 is quite heavy. It’s one of the more expensive models we considered, but for serious welders, the capabilities and durability may make it worth the investment.

Product Specs

• Amps: 25A to 210A
• Duty cycle: 30 percent at 150A
• Gas or gasless: Both

Pros

• Dual-voltage capability allows for excellent user-friendliness
• Strong, smooth welds every time
• Quality construction for long-term use

Cons

• Heavy
• Substantial investment

Get the Hobart Handler 210 MIG welder at Amazon, Northern Tool + Equipment, or Tractor Supply Co.

Best For Beginners

Lincoln Electric 120-Volt Flux-Cored Wire Feed Welder

Lincoln Electric is another highly regarded welding equipment brand, and its MIG welders are recognized for their construction quality and durability. With consistent performance, simple setup, and flux-core ease of use, the Lincoln Electric Wire Feed Welder is one of the best MIG welders for beginners.

This model plugs into a standard 110V household outlet. While the 88A current is modest, it’s sufficient for ⅛-inch steel. A cold-start safety feature means that electricity doesn’t flow through the welding wire until the trigger is pressed, dramatically reducing the chance of accidental shocks.

At 45 pounds, the welder is quite portable, and it comes with a roll of flux-core wire and a mask. However, the mask is a handheld item, which frequent users may want to upgrade.

Product Specs

• Amps: 35A to 88A
• Duty cycle: 20 percent at 70A
• Gas or gasless: Gasless

Pros

• Easy to use compared to similar products
• Cold contact for safety and comfort while in use
• Mask included for protection

Cons

• Modest performance
• Mild steel only

Get the Lincoln Electric MIG Welder on Amazon.

Best For Pros

Miller Electric MIG Welder, 120/240VAC, 1 Phase

A number of very good MIG welder manufacturers are around, but none have a better reputation for build quality than Miller Electric. The Miller Electric MIG Welder has a number of user-friendly features that make it a popular choice for professionals.

This Miller Electric MIG Welder offers gas or flux core using 110V or 220V current. Setup is quick: The user chooses gas or gasless, wire diameter, and metal thickness, and it’s ready to go. It also has Smooth-Start technology, which forms a protective shield just before the welding begins, helping to create very smooth results. A number of high-end MIG welders (but none in this price range) offer this feature. Maximum weld thickness is ⅜ inch. Despite robust construction, the machine weighs just 38 pounds.

The Miller Electric MIG Welder is undeniably expensive for a compact MIG welder, but many professionals may consider it a price worth paying.

Product Specs

• Amps: 30A to 230A
• Duty cycle: 40 percent at 150A
• Gas or gasless: Both

Pros

• Rapid, semiauto setup for quick and easy use
• Especially smooth welds compared to similar products
• Good duty cycle

Cons

• Expensive
• Ground clamp could be better

Get the Miller Electric MIG welder on Amazon.

Best Multiprocess

Weldpro 200 Amp Inverter Multi Process Welder

MIG welders are all-around machines, but TIG welding is better for high-precision work and visible welds. Stick is a gasless form, not unlike flux core, and it’s particularly good for heavy-duty steel and iron welding, especially outdoors. This versatile Weldpro combines these three welding processes in one portable machine. The MIG option offers both gas and flux core. A TIG torch is included, which costs extra with some rivals.

It can run on 110V, but it produces full power at 220V, which can be provided by a generator or a dedicated socket. It weighs a fraction over 30 pounds, so it’s quite easy to move. In MIG mode, its maximum thickness is ¼ inch, with a variable wire feed between 78 and 550 IPM.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Weldpro 200 is not a budget machine; however, it’s competitively priced for a welder with extensive capabilities.

Product Specs

• Amps: 40A to 200A
• Duty cycle: 30 percent at 200A
• Gas or gasless: Both

Pros

• Outstanding versatility and durability
• Good portability; can be used at home or on the jobsite
• Welds indoors or outdoors

Cons

• Full power requires generator or 220V socket
• Substantial investment

Get the Weldpro MIG welder on Amazon.

Best For Aluminium

Yeswelder MIG-250 Pro Aluminum MIG Welder, 250Amp

Welding aluminum is challenging because although the metal is comparatively soft, it absorbs heat quickly, which means it’s difficult to keep hot. The powerful Yeswelder MIG-250 Pro provides an effective solution.

It offers both gas and flux-core modes, and it can weld an impressive ½ inch of mild steel. While the manufacturer doesn’t supply an exact figure for welding aluminum, it’s likely around ⅜ inch. Moreover, the 60 percent duty cycle at full power is outstanding. However, this model requires a 220V supply, though it uses inverter technology to keep energy consumption as low as possible.

The Yeswelder MIG-250 Pro also offers TIG and stick capability, though the TIG torch is extra. Its wire-feed speed is between 79 and 590 IPM. It weighs 34 pounds.

Product Specs

• Amps: 30A to 250A
• Duty cycle: 60 percent at 250A
• Gas or gasless: Both

Pros

• MIG, TIG, and stick capability
• Excellent duty cycle
• Competitive price compared to similar options

Cons

• 220V only
• TIG torch is extra

Get the Yeswelder MIG welder on Amazon.

Best Kit

Lotos MIG175 175AMP MIG Welder With Free Spool Gun

The Lotos MIG175 offers competitive performance at an excellent value. It can produce neat welds up to ¼ inch in steel or stainless and 3/16 inch in aluminum. The latter is possible thanks to a dedicated spool gun. Often an extra, the spool gun is included in the kit, as are a gas regulator, mask, chipping hammer, wire brush, and a roll of MIG wire.

The Lotos MIG175 is easy to set up and use, and it might challenge for the title of best MIG welder for amateurs were it not for its 220V-supply requirement. At 85 pounds, it’s also heavy. It has sufficient capabilities for some professionals, offers proven durability, and is a good value. However, the 20 percent duty cycle might be a bit limiting.

Product Specs

• Amps: 30A to 175A
• Duty cycle: 20 percent at 175A
• Gas or gasless: Gas

Pros

• Kit includes mask for safety
• Spool gun included
• Competitive price compared to similar options

Cons

• Requires 220V
• Modest duty cycle

Get the Lotos MIG welder on Amazon or at The Home Depot.

Also Consider

Vivohome MIG Welder 130 Flux Core Wire Automatic Feed