By Gerald J. Smith. Last Updated: August 26, 2022

Best Mig Welders In 2022 [For The Money]

Contents

When it comes to the joining process, one of the most versatile and useful products that should have around is a welder. A good welder is an asset to our home, garage, or machine shop. If you are a professional who needs to rely on joining method daily, welding process plays a very significant role in their life. Moreover, if you are DIY lovers and want to add a professional touch to your DIY projects, nothing can beat MIG welder.

You will find the market flooded with different types of MIG welder. So, now it becomes very confusing for you to choose the right one. Don't worry, as I have listed here the best MIG welder for the money. Follow this brief guide to find the proper MIG welder for your task. Here, I discussed the whole overview, pros, and cons of each product.

I get paid if anyone buys through the links on this page as I am an affiliate of Amazon.com

In a hurry? Check the Best Mig Welders In 2022

Best Overall

Hobart 500559 Handler 140

  • Suitable to weld most types of metals
  • Five-settings voltage control
  • Runs on standard household current

Premium Choice

Miller Electric Millermatic 211

  • Portable and only weighs 49.9 pounds
  • Super lightweight
  • Provides smooth and stable arc

Great Value

Goplus MIG 130

  • Lightweight
  • Extremely affordable
  • It has 4 settings to control heat

Why Should You Choose MIG Welder?

If you ask me why MIG welder has become so popular in the small and medium-sized industry, it’s easy to see. The theory underlying MIG welding is long-pass eligible, highly efficient, and adequate to metals. MIG welding is easy to understand, and you can effortlessly plug the thing in, crank up the gas shield and start welding.

A MIG welder is a reliable option that enables you to work on a wide variety of projects. This welder is easy to use and idle for both experienced and beginner to operate. Remember that it will only give you an amazing experience when you buy the perfect one. Not all the MIG welder available in the market is highly rated or qualified.

Best MIG Welder For The Money

So, you are determined to buy a MIG welder, after giving it a lot of thought. But the first question that comes to your mind is, which one to buy.

Here are the reviews of the top MIG welder available in the market. Each of these boasts their uniqueness according to their own phrases. But at the end of the day, it’s up to you to select the proper product for yourself. I have researched about 5 hours with my team and made a final decision that which 10 MIG welders are the best choice. Well, have a look at these MIG welders and choose the one that meets your needs. Without further ado, let's dive in.

1. Hobart 500559 Handler 140

 Author comments: Best Overall

Whether you are a professional or beginner, nothing can beat Hobart 500559 Handler 140. It is a most talked about machine for it's easy to use, portability as well as power. If you give it a closer look, you will find that it is built with high-quality steel with an aluminum cast wire drive system.

This well-built and durable design welder has a 115-voltage capacity with an amperage output of 25-140. You will receive an excellent performance from this wire feed welder. It comes with 5 settings voltage control selectors to provide you an adjustable outcome that you want. It delivers a smooth, stable arc for all welding thickness.

This 65-pound weighs welder can weld 24-gauge up to ¼ inch mild steel. They also offer a quick-release roll level for better control. Hobart 500559 works on most metals, including magnesium, cast iron, and aluminum. So, it is a perfect choice for beginners or people who work on household repairs, auto body, or farm projects.

Pros

  • Welds 24 gauge up to 1/4-inch mild steel.
  • Suitable to weld most types of metals.
  • Smooth arc for any welding any thickness.
  • Five-settings voltage control.
  • Industrial cast aluminum wire drive system.
  • Quick-release rollover system.

Cons

  • Not idle for a large project.
  • Requires a 20 % duty cycle.

Why We Pick Hobart 500559 Handler 140?

It is a most talked about machine for it's easy to use, portability as well as power. If you give it a closer look, you will find that it is built with high-quality steel with an aluminum cast wire drive system.



2. Miller Electric Millermatic 211

Author comments: Premium Choice

When picking out the MIG welder that can offer you heavy duties, you should consider the amount of power. With the Miller Electric Millermatic 211, you will receive 17 amperages that can operate 240 voltage power. It can weld aluminum or steel output that ranges from 30 to 230A DC.

Moreover, Miller Electric Millermatic 211 comes with an advanced auto-set feature that automatically sets the machine to the right parameters. It delivers an angled cast-aluminum drive system with a quick-select drive roll.

The auto-set mode that it includes gives an advantage of quick settings. It also includes maximum safeguards for any protection. This is a very portable welder at 49.9 pounds. It is applicable for any maintenance, farm job, repair, auto shop, and so on. Not only that, using this tool, you will get a flat and stable arc. It is sufficient for welding 18 gauge, ⅜ inch aluminum materials and 24-gauge ⅜ inch mild steel. This machine can also weld 20-gauge ¼ inch stainless.

Pros

  • Portable and only weighs 49.9 pounds
  • Suitable for any maintenance or home improvement job
  • Idle for both professionals and DIYers.
  • Provides smooth and stable arc
  • Includes auto set mode for quick settings

Cons

  • It has no speed setting adjustment

Why We Pick Miller Electric Millermatic 211?

It’s suitable for all level of skills. It weighs only 49.9 pounds which is an idle weight for easy control. To get a smooth and stable weld, buying this machine will be a smart choice.


3. Goplus MIG 130

Author comments: Great Value

Goplus MIG 130 is best choices, especially for beginners and DIY lovers. It is one of the cheapest, yet versatile products available in the market. It is designed with compact size and durable stainless steel that boosts the durability and performances. You can name it a perfect welder with its four settings to adjust heating that controls the current flow platform.

The welder operates using two air-vents to prevent overheating during work. The tool doesn't compromise with any safety for your machine. It arranges torch with the On/Off system for safety control that will mind your eye. Moreover, it includes an automatic thermal for more protection.

A matter of satisfaction is that it comes with everything you need. Just buy it and start working with a welding gun, Flux cored wire, mash, brush, metal tip and ground cord that it includes. The Flux-Cored wire release itself from metal-inert gas while welding and prevent oxidation of the welded part. You can decide speed from 10 levels of wire feeding. This lightweight welder is perfect for welding thin steel and iron, which is eligible for general repairs and DIY projects.

Pros

  • It has 4 settings to control heat.
  • You can adjust the speed from 10 levels of wire feeding
  • Lightweight and very suitable for DIYers.
  • It comes with everything you need to start your job
  • It has an automatic thermal for more protection

Cons

  • Not idle for heavy work

Why We Pick Goplus MIG 130?

It is one of the cheapest, yet versatile products available in the market. It comes in a compact size and constructed with durable stainless steel. It has four settings to control heat and beginners find it easier.


4. Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Handy

Author comments: Good Choice

If you are a person who needs two different styles of welding for your work, Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Handy is welcoming you. You can shift between the flux-cored and MIG weld types very easily. Well built, compact, and lightweight, this machine is a perfect choice for those who want to use it at home. You can repair your broken accessories or impress everyone with DIY projects with these 115 voltages and 20 amperage welder. This wire welding is adequate for light gauge mild steel.

You can select heat settings from four voltage according to your work requirements. You can also adjust wire feed that is capable to weld 24-gauge ⅛ inch thick mild steel. Besides, you don't have to wait to start your work. Because it comes with all, you need in the box. Just add a cylinder of shielding gas or start working with flux-cored wire.

Pros

  • You can shift between the flux-cored and MIG weld types
  • Adjustable heat settings
  • You can shift between the flux-cored and MIG weld types
  • It comes with everything in the package to start tasks
  • It is capable to weld 24 gauge ⅛ inch thick mild steel

Cons

  • They are not proposed for welding aluminum
  • Can't handle heavy-duty projects
  • It doesn’t provide any shielding gas

Why We Pick Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Handy?

It is a welder that is idle for those who needs two types of welding process to complete a task. Lincoln Electric K2185-1 has both the flux-cored and MIG weld type’s operating system. So, you can easily shift and pick one of them, you can call it like two in one.


5. Hobart Handler 210 MVP

Author comments: Good Choice

It is a top pick of many professionals for its multi-voltage plug and extremely versatility. You can simply change the voltage by altering the plug. It allows you to choose a unit between 115 V and 230 V outlet. It's great for portability and easy to use. Connecting with 230 power outlets, you will get 7 settings for voltage. Plus, 115 power outlet arranges 4 different settings voltage.

Besides, the power range from 25 amperages to 210 amperage output can weld most types of metal, including stainless and mild steel. The machine will allow you to weld 24 gauge to ⅜ inch steel by its operating parameters. Those features make it idle for the beginner who needs average power. Plus for professionals who need extra power for work.

This powerful machine includes a dual-groove and drives roll for quick changes. You can use it with both 4" and 8" wire spools. Since you’re working at high voltages, there is fear of blowing up and getting destroyed. Don't worry, the overloaded thermal system ensures the protection of the machine. This extends the durability and protects from over duties.

Pros

  • Overloaded thermal system
  • You can use it with both 4" and 8" wire spools
  • It provides a very powerful amperage
  • Multi-voltage and extremely versatile
  • 7 settings for voltage

Cons

  • It is heavier than most other MIG welders
  • Limited duty cycle

Why We Pick Hobart Handler 210?

By researching with my team, we had compared the products and agreed that the Hobart Handler 210 MVP model is the best one. It comes with all the features that a beginner and professional both crave for, even at a reasonable price.


6. LOTOS MIG175 175AMP

Author comments: Good Choice

Lotos is another name of the trust that proves themselves as durable and reliable. Pick one of the most versatile welders buying the LOTOS MIG175. It can handle 4" or 8" wire spools, and that can weld aluminum with the spool gun. It assures long operating life with overload protection.

For better performances, it is built with a durable and high-quality aluminum wire feeder. Using the 175 amperes motor that it includes, you can operate between 200 and 240 volts. It delivers almost a polished and productive weld on most metals.

With Lotos, you can customize both your voltage settings and wire speed. Fortunately, you are getting ten settings for each of them for accurate control in your assignment. However, this welder really shines in its dual welding features that allows performing both gas and flux welding. The good news for you is that you will find a spool gun already added with the packages. With it, you can easily weld stainless steel, mild steel, aluminum, and other materials.

Pros

  • You can operate between 200 and 240 volts
  • You are getting ten settings for controlling heat
  • Gas and flux welding process
  • It can handle 4" or 8" wire spools
  • It is qualified to weld aluminum with the spool gun

Cons

  • Not idle for large heavy-duty projects

Why We Pick LOTOS MIG175?

Lotos is another name of the trust that proves themselves as durable and reliable. It is one of the most versatile welders that provides ten settings for controlling heat and wire speed as well.


7. Forney 309 140

Author comments: Good Choice

It is regarded as a high-performing welder comes with features that you expect. You can call it an idle machine that is great for farms, automotive as well as decent repairs. It contributes 120 Volt with 140 maximum amp output for welding most types of metals. One area where this welder glows is that it comes with both regulator and Gas Hose.

The Forney 140 MIG is a new version of the Forney MIG welders which is entirely different than the previous one. This time it comes with several upgrades to impress you. Know that now this multi-step transformer machine has a higher duty cycle, quick torch, HD cast aluminum drive system. This upgraded version also provides geared idler and drive rolls, cable wrap and easy spool access. This machine is good enough to weld ¼ inch.

Pros

  • It provides 120 Volt with 140 maximum amp output
  • Includes a duty cycle and a quick torch
  • It is good enough to weld ¼ inch materials
  • Idle for farms, automotive as well as decent repairs

Cons

  • It can be more potent at this price
  • Not idle for heavy-duty

Why We Pick Forney 309 140?

The upgraded verion of Forney 309 140 comes with both regulator and Gas Hose. This also provides geared idler, drive rolls, cable wrap and easy spool access.


8. LONGEVITY Migweld 140

Author comments: Good Choice

If you want an extremely versatile, very portable and easy to use the product, put your hands to LONGEVITY Migweld 140. These 52 pounds weigh machine can handle materials with a thickness of up ⅜ inch with its 140 A maximum power output. Even though it can provide a maximum output of 180 amps, but you can also plug it in 230V household outlet easily. This packed with excellent power device can even weld aluminum with an additional spool gun.

LONGEVITY Migweld 140 is very easy to operate, and you can set it up easily in a few minutes. You can use it anywhere, just plug it in and start working. Those features make it perfect for shop, home, fabrication, and repair welding. It includes a cast aluminum body and hard drive that helps to align the wires. The machine offers a hassle-free process with a 30% duty cycle. Using it, you can take help of gas or flux-core gasless welding process to weld anywhere with or without gas.

Pros

  • It is extremely versatile
  • It is a very portable and lightweight machine
  • 30% duty cycle
  • Gas or flux-core gasless welding process
  • You can set it up easily
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Cons

  • It could be lighter
  • The regulator hose can be tough

Why We Pick LONGEVITY Migweld 140?

LONGEVITY Migweld 140 is one of the lightest welders available in market. So, it is very portable and easy to handle. You can set it up easily in a few minutes and can work instantly.


9. Everlast i-mig140e

Author comments: Good Choice

Get ready to experience an amazing performance with Everlast i-mig140e. It is the most challenging product now available in the market. Compared to other MIG welders, this welder is featured with less duty cycle at a maximum amperage. It operates in 140 amperages of power and comes with a 35% duty cycle.

Compared to others, it is also lighter in weight at 20 pounds and arranges a tiny footprint, though it doesn't reduce the maximum diameter wire roll size. You can take it with you wherever you want for its extreme portability.

Using this machine, you can weld aluminum, steel, or stainless steel efficiently. This aluminum machine is constructed to be used with both 4" and 8" Wire Spools. A standard drive rolls of this welder can feed .023"-.035" Wire diameter. This shiny tool is perfect for use in fabrication and repairs for light or heavy tasks.

Pros

  • It can be used in both 4" and 8" Wire Spools
  • This welder can feed .023"-.035" Wire diameter
  • Up to 35% duty cycle
  • Portable and very lightweight
  • It provides stable and almost smooth weld

Cons

  • Affected by wind situation

Why We Pick Everlast i-mig140e?

It provides a smooth and solid arc, which is important for both professionals and DIYers. This shiny tool is perfect for use in fabrication and repairs for light or heavy tasks.


10. Hobart 500536 Ironman

Author comments: Good Choice

This product delivers all the expected features, that a hobbyist or professional dreams for. To make things more versatile, this machine added some outstanding features and delivers 30 to 250 amperage power for heavy-duty. With this high-quality tool, you will get up to 200 amperage welding gun that will provide very efficient and flawless weld without almost any spatters.

Many of the professional's first choice, this welder is totally redesigned and comes with a full-size MIG platform. Though there is no spool gun, you can buy an additional spool gun for more convenient. Using it, you can easily weld aluminum from 18 gauge to ½ -inch thick materials. It also comes with a fully adjustable twelve-tap voltage control system for a smooth arc. It is skilled to weld any 24 gauge up to 1/2-inch material in a single push.

Pros

  • It delivers 30 to 250 amperage power
  • This machine is highly idle for heavy-duty
  • It can weld aluminum from 18 gauge to ½ -inch thick materials
  • It offers an adjustable twelve-tap voltage control system
  • It delivers flawless and smooth welds

Cons

  • It has no flux welding
  • Expensive than other models

Why we pick Hobart 500536 Ironman?

With Hobart 500536, you will find twelve-tap voltage adjustable control system. It can weld thick materials easily in a push, which makes it idle for heavy jobs. And it is powerful with 30 to 250 amperage outlets.


Things to Consider Before Buying a MIG Welder

Do you want to purchase a MIG welder? But if you don't know what the features you should look for while buying a MIG welder, the chances are that you will end up buying the wrong product. To make sure that doesn't happen, here are the things you should consider before purchasing a MIG welder.

Power

Power is the most important thing to see in a MIG welder. Not every welder has enough power to weld your required materials. If you want to use it at home for norm maintenance, repairing your broken accessories or simple DIY project, a power output of 100 amps to 140 amps will be enough for you. However, it is recommended to go with 140 amps for standard use. On the other hand, more than 140 amps will give you the ability to weld thicker materials. So, it is idle for professionals who need to do heavy work.

Wire feed speed

Wire feed speed is the rate at which the wire of the welder is fed by the welding machine. If you don't want to experience an ugly end up the situation, you should know the speed of the welder before purchase. Remember that, a too low weld will give you a tough time. However, if you expect that fast speed welder will be good, you are wrong. A fast speed welder will result in a ton of spatter.

Fortunately, you will find some models on the market that gives the option to adjust the wire feed speed. So, choosing them will be a smart choice. Know that a welder with an automatic speed setting is better. This feature automatically adjusts the speed according to the power.

Wire size

As you read the reviews, welding wires come with a variety of sizes. Do you know that it can impact on weld quality? Yes, so that before purchase you should check the measurement of the wire. Light and thin sheets of metal prevent burning through. So, 0.23 and. 030 wires are suitable for them.

For welding the thicker material. 045 in wires are more suitable. You will find two common wire types. They are ER70S-3 and ER70S-6. The former can handle almost all types of welding. The latter is adequate for welding dirty and rusty metals.

Weight and Portability

As you read the reviews, welding wires come with a variety of sizes. Do you know that it can impact on weld quality? Yes, so that before purchase you should check the measurement of the wire. Light and thin sheets of metal prevent burning through. So, 0.23 and. 030 wires are suitable for them.

For welding the thicker material. 045 in wires are more suitable. You will find two common wire types. They are ER70S-3 and ER70S-6. The former can handle almost all types of welding. The latter is adequate for welding dirty and rusty metals.

Expert Tip

If you choose to weld aluminum rather than steel, add a spool gun that will reduce the wire jam. You may have to buy it separately, but it will make your task easy.

FAQ

1. How do you MIG weld aluminum?


Ans. Use some argon and gas mixtures as a shielding gas for MIG welding aluminum.


2. Do you push or pull MIG welding?


Ans. We need to push it to produce lower penetration and a wider, flatter weld because the arc force flows through the weld puddle.


3. Is gasless MIG welding strong?


Ans. Yes, a gasless MIG welder provides excellent stability and longitudinal strength.

Final Words

Congrats! Now that you’ve made this far, it says you’ve gone through this content. A specialized welding process is required to join two pieces together. Though there are varieties of welding processes, the process that is mostly exercised by both industries and daily fabrication is MIG welding. Now you know the best MIG welder for the money . So, get ready to receive an amazing experience with your new MIG welder.