Best Welder for Home Use

If you are into the welding industry, having a home welder will make you more productive. The same goes for DIY enthusiasts, as a personal welding machine will save you a lot of time and money. But with so much abundance of options in the market, choosing the perfect one can be tricky. So which is the best welder for home use?

The question may seem redundant, but if you choose correctly, home welders will help you get things fixed and situations under control while professional help arrives. However, you will also find this question relevant that which home welder to choose from the several types as your daily driver. To help you solve this problem, we have rounded up 14 of the best welder for home use from the different types available.

The article will help you identify your ideal home welder and includes a buyer’s guide that will shed some light on what to look for while buying a welder for home use. But first things first let us learn a few basic things about home welders.

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What is a welder for home use, and why do you need one?

As the question clearly states, home welder, these machines are compact versions of their bigger siblings. While commercial welders come with heavy-duty power and energy, welders for home use are perfect for miniature welding works or DIY home projects. These are some of the advantages of owning your DIY welder:

• Saves you money and time
• Prevents situations from getting worse
• Excellent for DIY home projects
• Easy to use
• Efficient and cost-saving
• Improves productivity

With so much on offer, it would be best to consider one for your home instead of hiring novice welders for your projects, which can be significantly more expensive.

Types of Welders

1. MIG Welders

If you are a beginner and want a welder that is easy to use and operate, a MIG welder is an ideal type for you. MIG welding is very easy to learn and requires fewer cleanups with zero slags. You can use MIG welders on different metals and varying thicknesses. These machines are ideal for home usage and perform very well in indoor conditions.

When you use a MIG welder, a wire electrode extends with a pulled trigger. This process lets electricity pass between the base metal and the wire, which melts the later by creating an arc. After thawing, the wire then becomes the filler metal and produces a robust weld.

Our reviewed products feature four of the best MIG welders that will ensure you have an efficient welding partner at your disposal.

2. TIG Welders

Where MIG welders are known for their simplicity, to operate a TIG welder requires more expertise. TIG welding is more complex and often used on thin metals, unlike MIG welding. The electrode used in TIG welders feature non-consumable tungsten and comes with a shielding gas nozzle. One of the main advantages of using a TIG welder is that it allows you to handle different filler rods with different thicknesses. You can even go without filler rods if you have clean edges on your surface.

As we mentioned earlier, TIG welders are not for beginners and require some expertise. However, on the performance front, TIG welders offer more control over your welding, provided you have balanced coordination between your foot and hands. Your foot controls the heat, while your hands control the electrode and the filler metal rod to get the weld.

Despite taking time to master, TIG welding is undoubtedly the best welding technique and produces the best-quality welds and strength. You can check out our review that features four of the best TIG welders available in the market.

3. Stick Welders

As the name suggests, stick welding feature hand-held electrode holder and is one of the most challenging welding techniques in this list. In this welding process, your base metal also stays connected with your welding machine. The process is simple, and you have to make your electrode come in contact with the metal base to let the electricity flow and create an arc.

Though stick welders come with hand-held electrodes, the result requires more cleanups. You will also have to deal with many splatters, which can make your work more tiresome. Additionally, during the learning phase, you may also have less attractive welds. Despite this problem, it is one of the most preferred welding techniques for outdoor and dirty surfaces, and you will love to have them around as you learn the artistry.

4. 3-in-1 Welders

As TIG, MIG, and stick welders all come with drawbacks and advantages, combining them into a single unit makes more sense. 3-in-1 welders are the perfect example of such machines and combine each welding technique’s strength to offer versatile performance. Though they cost more than other welders, having the functionality of all the methods justifies the price point.

Our article contains three of the best 3-in-1 welders that you can buy in the market, and are undoubtedly worth considering.

What to look for when buying a welder for home use – Buyer’s Guide

If you are looking for a welder for home use, but don’t know what to look for, this buyer’s guide will help you choose the right product. It would be best to keep in mind these crucial points while considering a welder for home use.

• Input Power

Welders that run on both 110V and 220V offer seamless performance as they are never dependent on the power outlets. If you are buying a welder for home use, a 110V welder is an ideal choice. However, for thicker materials, you will require extra power, and so having a welder that can run on both voltages will yield better results.

• Design

As you will be using these welders for home use, portability will decide your purchase. It would be best to opt for welders that have a compact footprint and are easy to store. Having in-built wheels is also a plus point, which will offer excellent maneuverability to your welding machine.

• Overload protection

Your welder will generate heat, and if that heat passes a certain point, it can damage the machine and your job site. Overload protection is an excellent feature to have in your welder.

Top Home Welders Reviewed

As we have classified our review into four different categories, here are the products that score high on performance under each category.

Best MIG Welders for Home Use

1. Hobart Handler 210 MVP MIG Welder for Home Use

When you opt for the MIG welding technique, considering this MIG welder by Hobart will be our top-most recommendation. We have tested this product on various scales and levels, and each time we evaluated the score, this MIG welder outshines most of its counterparts. Our tests included the movement of this welder to different work stations, and this product never disappointed us as it is very portable and easy to maneuver.

Whether you have a 230V or 115V outlet, this MIG welder will be happy to deliver power, which adds to the overall convenience. We had multi-voltage plugs across our working stations, and our unit never presented any hiccups during our tests.  It offers a generous operating parameter and can weld 24-gauges to 3/8in steel at one go.

Overall, it is an excellent MIG welder that will perform great for household repairs, auto body, or large-scale farm projects. Besides, it also allows you to have excellent control over the output parameters, which means less cleanup and better bead appearance.

Pros

• Multi-voltage plug support
• Seven output voltage settings
• Comes with dual-gauge regulator
• Includes 10-feet H100S4-10 gun
• Comes with 3-meter work cable with clamp
• Portable and convenient
• Excellent performance

2. SUNGOLDPOWER MIG Welder 140A Gas and Gasless Welding

Another impressive product that offers excellent MIG welding results is the SUNGOLDPOWER MIG welder. Our initial expressions about this unit turned from okay to outstanding, once we started working with the product. The main highlight of this MIG welder is the ability to perform both gas and gasless welding, enhancing your productivity.

As an inverter-based MIG welding machine, you get a step-less voltage adjustment and wire feed mask. This feature allows you to obtain excellent welding results and welding parameters. It also prevents gas wastage, extending your wire life for long, saving you time and money.

We tested this machine on various conditions, and it performed admirably. The design is ergonomic, and we didn’t face any issues regarding portability and maneuverability between work stations. Despite being a powerful welding machine, this welder produces low audio frequency, and you will never disturb your surroundings while working.

Overall, it is an excellent MIG welder that also comes with over-heat protection.

Pros

• Multifunction inverter technology
• Can work on both 110V and 220V
• Low noise pollution
• Easy step-less voltage adjustment
• Includes flux-cored wire
• Ideal for rusty metal and outdoor repairs
• Gas and gasless welding

3. Hobart Home Handler 190 MIG Welder 230V

Impressed by the Hobart 500553, we had to get our hands on the 500554, and with no surprise, the machine excels in every department. The design is ergonomic, and the controls are easy to use and have excellent feedback. It is portable and lightweight, and the presence of an ergonomic handle adds to the overall experience.

A power cord length of 6-feet and an input voltage of 230V makes this welder is an excellent unit for various works. It also features seven voltage selections and an enhanced magnetic that allows you to have excellent control over output parameters and easier welding. The arc performance is smooth, and we noticed fewer spatter while working with this welding machine.

The setup consumes less time, and you will be up and ready in no time. The presence of three different grooves also helps saving time, and you can use different sized solid wires and flux-cored wires with the welder. It also comes with an over-heat protection technology that protects your power transformer from thermal overload. This feature makes your welding machine more reliable and lasts for longer.

Overall, it is a must-try product for both beginners and avid welders.

Pros

• Comes with enhanced magnetic
• Offers excellent control over output parameters
• Produces fewer splatter
• Easy to setup
• Thermal overload protection technology
• Comes with three different grooves
• Portable and easy to carry

Cons

• Only 230V support

4. WeldPro 155 Amp Inverter MIG – Stick Arc Welder with Dual Voltage Welding Machine

If you are looking for a compact and portable MIG welder, the WeldPro MIG welder is worth considering. Despite having a small footprint, this unit does not fall short of features. The multifunctional product can run on either 220/230 or 110/115 volts, which gives you a lot of options regarding your outlet selections.

The design is ergonomic, and you will never have issues transporting it into different workstations. The dual-handlebars add to the overall convenience, and the compact size requires minimum space for usage and storage. It also features adjustable heat settings and wire-speed that offers excellent performance.

The welding performance of this unit is at par with most of its rivals, and you will never feel like you are using a cheaper machine. Overall, it is an excellent MIG welder that uses an advanced inverter technology with over current and automatic overheat protection.

Pros

• Compact and portable design
• Easy to use and operate
• Runs on either 220 or 110 volts
• Comes with adjustable heat settings
• Features an advanced inverter design
• Automatic overheat protection
• No need to hold the trigger the whole time for longer welds
• Electromagnetic noise-free and produces fewer spatter

Best Stick/Arc Home Welders

1. YESWELDER ARC Welder 205Amp Digital Inverter Home Stick MMA Welder

With automatic compensation for overcurrent protection, temperature control, overload protection, and voltage fluctuation, this stick welder from YESWELDER is undoubtedly a workhorse at your disposal. It will make your job convenient, and with an ergonomic design transporting this welder to your workstation will never be a problem.

Whether you are using this welding machine for personal or professional use, this unit will make a reliable welding partner for all your welding jobs. Our tests included extended usage of the product, and we got excellent results every time. The unit delivered flawless weld and required fewer cleanups and produced less spatter.

Additionally, the welder also features support for both 110 and 220V, making it convenient and easy to work with most power outlets. Its compact and lightweight design also helps get desired results, and you will always have a satisfactory welding session.

With features such as temperature control, step-less amperage control, and fan dormancy, this stick welder is undoubtedly worth to have by your side.

Pros

• Comes with 6-feet power cord
• Delivers high-quality welds with less spatter
• Can be used with different types of generators
• Requires fewer cleanups
• Compact and portable
• Automatic compensation for overload protection and voltage fluctuation
• Comes with a step-less amperage control system

2. DEKOPRO MMA Welder, 160A ARC Welder Machine

If you are looking for a robust stick welder that packs an ergonomic design in a compact form, this ARC welder machine by DEKOPRO will tick all the boxes. With advanced IGBT inverter technology, this powerful welder can weld different materials such as stainless steel, mild steel, weld steel, and cast iron with ease. It also features a unique control mode that improves reliability and ensures a smooth performance of the welding machine.

We loved the compact and portable design, which offers freedom of movement and handling. Due to a small footprint, it also displays less worry for storage and transportation. Whether you are using it at your garage or outdoors, you will always have a reliable welding partner.

With features such as a high-efficiency fan, easy controls, and high-intensity body, this welding machine is undoubtedly a suitable daily driver for all welding jobs.

Pros

• Compact and portable
• Noise-less fan motor with instant cooling function
• Excellent body heat dissipation
• Automatic adjustment for stable current output
• Advanced inverter technology
• Robust and durable construction
• Comes with a high-efficiency fan

3. PrimeWeld Arc/Stick Welder Dual-Voltage Multipurpose Welder, Stick Welder Machine for Home or Jobsite Use

Our next product will boost your productivity and offer excellent results for all your welding jobs. This powerful and versatile stick welder comes with TIG functions and offers full 160 amps on 240V and 120 amp output on 120V. We loved its performance, and you can rely on it for multipurpose welding jobs.

It provides high-quality welds with less spatter and cleanups. It also comes with dual-voltage input capability, and you can also use a generator with either a 220V or 110V outlet. Additionally, the presence of inverter technology adds to the overall reliability factor, and we were satisfied with the performance of this welding machine.

Despite having excellent performance, this stick welder sports an extremely compact and lightweight design. This design language adds to its portability, and you can carry it around your home or job site without breaking a sweat. Additionally, the ergonomic handle feels comfortable and offers excellent grip while transporting it between workstations.

Overall, it is a must-have stick welder that will provide you more penetration than other typical welders.

Pros                                                                                                

• Ergonomic and robust design
• Digital display with easy controls
• Dual-voltage input capability
• Can be used with a generator
• Multiple outlet support
• Compact and lightweight

Best TIG welders

1. PRIMEWELD TIG225X TIG/Stick welder with Pulse CK17 Flex Torch and Cable

If you want a lot of control over your welding jobs, opting for a TIG welder is an excellent option. Our next product will offer seamless performance and reliability to help you in the cause, which will help you produce high-quality welds on different conditions. It works great with stainless steel, aluminum, and other thinner metals.

The controls offer various functionalities and are easy to use; however, you will need some time mastering the setup. The hand torch and foot control offer precise welding results, and you will have desired results every time. Overall, it is the top-most TIG welder recommendation from our side.

Pros

• Comes with advanced pulse function for different metals
• Easy to use control system with digital display
• Comes with overheat control function
• Advanced inverter technology with pulse width modulation
• Easy to use hand torch control and foot pedal
• Robust and reliable design

Cons

• Not ideal for beginners

2. AMICO POWER TIG Torch/Stick/Arc Welder

If you are looking for a 2-in-1 welder that offers the functionality of both TIG and stick welder, then this welder from AMICO POWER will undoubtedly excite you. This welder provides seamless performance and supports dual-voltage of 115V and 230V, making it versatile and highly efficient. Our review unit passed through every obstacle course, and the results that it produced scored high among our review panel.

On the features front, this 2-in-1 welding machine comes with automatic compensation for overload protection and voltage fluctuation. It also features over and under-voltage protection, making it extremely reliable if you have voltage fluctuation issues on your job site.

The controls on this unit have easy access and respond precisely to offer excellent performance. Other features such as automatic temperature control and step-less amperage control make it a welding champion. Overall, it is a must-have welding tool for any welding enthusiasts and professionals.

Pros

• Comes with advanced inverter technology
• Excellent arc stability and performance
• Ideal for both thin and thick workpiece
• Comes with over current protection
• Easy to use controls
• Digital display for an accurate reading
• Can be used with different types of generators
• Ergonomic and portable

3. PrimeWeld Pilot Arc 50A Plasma Cutter, 200A TIG/Stick Welder

Having a multipurpose welding machine at your disposal means more productivity for you, as you get access to a welder that comes with 2-in-1 capabilities. Our next product from PrimeWeld is the perfect example of this ability, enhancing your performance and efficiency.

This welder combines plasma cutting and welding to offer various welding functions in a single versatile and convenient welding unit. It includes a 200A TIG welder, 50A plasma cutter, and 200A stick welder, which makes you more productive. The welder can cut all types of metals and is equally efficient in producing high-quality welds on them.

Despite having so many features, the unit is extremely portable, and you will have no issues regarding the transportation of the welding machine between your workstations. Overall, a highly efficient welding partner that comes with a 3-year warranty and excellent customer support.

Pros

• Comes with plasma cutting and welding functions
• Cuts almost any metal
• Portable and lightweight design
• Multipurpose welding machine with 2-in-1 capabilities
• Provides a variety of cutting and welding functions
• Comes with a 50Aplasma cutter
• Ergonomic design with a comfortable carry handle

4. AHP AlphaTIG AC DC TIG/Stick Welder with PULSE

Though it is a model from the 2018 era, this excellent TIG and stick welder can outshine many of its newer counterparts. We had this doubt as well, but as we started using this welder as our daily driver, the better parts of this welder impressed us with its excellent performance and efficiency. The welder comes with advanced inverter technology with pulse width modulation that makes it an ideal partner for all your welding jobs.

The accessories and attachments have premium construction, and you can expect years of usage out of them. Additionally, the welder controls are easy to use and have a protective cover to prevent dirt and water from entering the control area. We also liked the foot pedal that offers precise control over the welding operation and control.

Pros

• Excellent control panel with digital display
• Comes with a protective cover
• Produces high-quality welds
• Comes with advanced inverter technology
• Easy to use controls
• Ergonomic and compact design

Cons

• A bit expensive

Best 3 in 1 welders to use at home

1. Eastwood MP250I Welder 120/240V MIG TIG Arc/Stick Welder

Having a 3-in-1 welder by your side can take your productivity and efficiency to a whole new level. As 3-in-1 welders offer MIG, TIG, and Stick welding functionality in a single unit, you get a versatile welding partner for all your welding jobs. Apart from being a versatile welder, it also offers the convenience of working with different types of metals without changing your welding unit.

We loved the ergonomic design, and the presence of wheels makes it extremely portable. The materials used in the construction is of high-quality and robust. Our unit fared well on our tests, and we never experienced any issues regarding transportation between different workstations.

You also get separate knobs for controlling inductance, voltage, and wire-speed with two easy-to-read digital displays that provide valuable information. Overall, it is an excellent welder that offers multiple functions.

Pros

• Operates on either 240V or 120V
• Easy to maneuver with in-built wheels
• Easy to use control system
• Ergonomic and portable design
• Supports flux-core welding
• Comes with a 10-feet long power cord
• Includes three torches

2. 2020 WeldPro 200 Amp Inverter Multi-Process MIG/TIG/Arc Stick 3 in 1 welder

WeldPro is known to produce quality welders, and so we have included a second WeldPro welder in this list. However, this time we have got a 3-in-1 welder that will undoubtedly help you with all your welding jobs. This welding machine delivers all-round performance and improves your productivity. The welds that we got were impressive and required fewer cleanups.

When you have a 3-in-1 welding machine at your disposal, your work area expands, and you can perform welding jobs on different metals. With features such as dual digital display, overload protection, and adjustable inductance settings, this welder is a champion and will handle any chore with ease.

Whether you are working on decorations, car modifications, or factory maintenance, this 3-in-1 welder will never disappoint you.

Pros

• Easy to carry design
• Ergonomic handle offers a comfortable grip
• Can perform TIG welding with ease
• Dual digital display offers excellent meter reading
• Comes with overload protection
• Compact and lightweight

3. AMICO POWER TIG Torch/Stick/Arc Welder

If you are looking for a value for money product but don’t want to compromise on performance, this welding machine by AMICO POWER is a worthy consideration. The welds were excellent, and our unit passed through all the tests with ease. We tried this welder on various conditions, and it scored high on all of them.

This welder features advanced inverter technology and excellent arc stability on the feature front, which is perfect for working with thin workpieces. It also features over-voltage protection, overload protection, and voltage fluctuation, which keeps you and your welding machine safe.

The controls are easy to use, and you will never face an issue regarding them. If you are a professional and work for hours and in different job sites, the compact form factor of this welding machine will undoubtedly help you. Overall, it is an excellent welding partner that offers superior performance at a lower price.

Pros

• Comes with automatic temperature control
• Supports all types of generators
• Dual voltage input
• Features advanced inverter technology
• Ergonomic design with a comfortable handle
• Easy to use control system
• Multifunction welding machine

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which is the best welder for beginners?

As we mentioned earlier, MIG welding is easy to learn welding technique and user-friendly for beginners. MIG welders produce no slag and require fewer cleanups, which is undoubtedly helpful if you learn the welding art. Our review contains four of the best MIG welders in the market, and we were impressed by all of them during our review tests. However, if we had to pick one, Hobart – 500553 Handler 210 MVP will be our top-most recommendation as it comes with several features that enhance your productivity.

2. Which is the best multifunction welder?

If you are looking for versatility and all-round performance, opting for a TIG welder will be an excellent choice. TIG welders allow you to have more control and works on all types of metals, including magnesium and aluminum. However, TIG welding requires some expertise as you have to maintain a perfect hand and foot coordination to get desired results.

If we had to pick one from the list, the PRIMEWELD TIG225X 225 Amp IGBT AC DC TIG/Stick welder with Pulse CK17 Flex Torch and Cable would be our top recommendation. This welder will offer seamless performance and is an excellent welding machine.

3. Which welder should I buy for all-round performance?

Welding requires skills and expertise, even if you are a beginner. You can buy a MIG welder if you want something simple to operate, and that delivers satisfactory results, but if you’re going to go pro, opting for a TIG welder is a better option. However, when you need a welder that delivers all-round performance, a 3-in-1 welding machine that features TIG, MIG, and Stick welding functionality will undoubtedly prove its worth.

Our review contains three of the best 3-in-1 welders that will offer seamless performance on all conditions. The Eastwood MP250I Welder 120/240V MIG TIG Arc/Stick Welder will be our top pick from the lot.

4. Which welder should I buy a stick welder or a MIG welder?

MIG welding is one of the most straightforward welding techniques that you can learn and offers excellent performance, whereas stick welding requires expertise and is hard to master. However, both these techniques provide exceptional results as you master them, and both perform well for their different environments and conditions.

MIG welders excel when working with thin metals and can weld metals up to 24 gauges, whereas stick welders outshine MIG welders in outdoor and dirty conditions. You can check the above-listed products for more information.

5. Can I use a welder on a regular power outlet?

Yes, you can use a welding machine on a regular power outlet. Most of the products on this list support and run on 120V, and you will have no issues using your welder at home or with any typical power outlet. If you have a 220V welder, you will have to install a dedicated plug to handle your welder’s additional power requirement. Our list contains products that also run on generators and feature advanced inverter technology and overload protection.

You can check our product list for more information.

6. Is a 110V welder suitable for welding?

If you are looking for a welder for home use and basic welding projects, opting for a 110V welder is an excellent choice. These welders are easy to use and will provide impressive results for light to medium metals. Our list contains several 110V welders, but our best unit would be the SUNGOLDPOWER MIG Welder 140A Gas and Gasless Welding, as it can run on both 110V and 220V and offers more versatility. It can also perform gas and gasless welding, which is the hallmark of this welding unit.

7. Which is the best value for money welder?

Whether you are a professional or beginner, everyone wants to save money but never compromise on performance. Our list contains welders that range across different price brackets, but our value for money champion would be AMICO POWER ATIG1852018 TIG-185/180 Amp HF TIG Torch/Stick/Arc Welder for its unbeatable price tag. Despite having an aggressive price tag, this welder will deliver seamless performance for years.

It comes with many excellent features such as automatic temperature control and advanced inverter technology and undoubtedly worth considering.