Being a hobbyist who likes to take on little metal projects right at home, going to your nearby workshop to weld metals every now and then can be quite time-consuming – and very bothersome.
I am sure the welder at the nearby workshop looks quite fancy, and you might think if spending that much on a machine is actually worth it. But what if you were to find one that fits right within your budget?
That is because, if you are looking for the best welder for home use that wouldn’t empty your pocket, then you have come to the right place!
We have picked the right products for you after thorough research, so you can easily make a choice among the seven welders right here!
| Image | Title | Editor's Rank | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 Top | Forney Easy Weld 261, 140 FC-i Welder | Editor's Choice | See Price |
 Top | Hobart 500559 Handler 140 Welder | Best MIG Welder | See Price |
 Top | PRIMEWELD TIG225X 225 Amp IGBT AC DC Tig/Stick Welder | Comes With a Pulse Function | See Price |
 Top | Forney Easy Weld 140 MP Welder | Best Multi-Process Welder | See Price |
 Top | Hobart 500570 Stickmate 160i | Dependable, Reliable and Rugged | See Price |
 Top | MILLER ELECTRIC MIG Welder | Great Dual Voltage Welder | See Price |
Table of Contents
Best Welders for Home Use
If you are confused regarding which welder you should purchase, then we can assure you that once you go through our top seven picks, you won’t be puzzled anymore. It contains all the details that will help you choose the ideal one.
1. Forney Easy Weld 261, 140 FC-i Welder, 120V, Green
The best home MIG welder would surely offer a lightweight body along with portability because without these features, you won’t be able to maintain it and use it for your hobbyist projects. This product comes with those features, which makes it ideal for several DIY projects.
Despite being lightweight, the product does not lack when it comes to power or sturdiness. The case has been constructed using metal entirely, which allows it to handle about 2-10 pound rolls of wire without any hassle whatsoever.
Other than that, the product provides praiseworthy power as well. For instance, you will be getting up to 140AMP output, which will allow its users to weld mild steel as long as it is an ¼-inch plate.
There are aspects of this item that makes it ideal for home use. It uses a 0.30 flux core wire, which has wire feed speed control and infinite voltage. Using these features, you can dial in the ideal weld, which makes it great for beginners.
Along with that, the welder includes a lot of parts that make it all the more convenient for its users. You will be getting 8 foot MIG gun and ground clamp with it; alongside which, it includes an integrated handle and an adapter.
The handle of the product also contains a torch wrap, which makes it even more convenient for use. On the other hand, the weight of the item is about 19 pounds so that you won’t face any trouble with it at all.
However, at the highest voltage setting, the machine might malfunction and so you will need to opt for lower settings. Moreover, the motor gets broken pretty easily as well, so you will have to be careful with it.
Pros
- Provides portability along with a lightweight body
- Handles about 2-10 pound rolls of wire
- 140AMP output allows welding of mild steel
- Has wire feed speed control and infinite voltage
- Includes MIG gun, ground clamp, handle and adapter
Cons
- Might malfunction at highest voltage setting
- Motor gets broken pretty easily
2. Hobart 500559 Handler 140 MIG Welder 115V
Welders are quite expensive, and if you are going to spend a considerable amount of money on one, then you should make sure that it would be worth the investment. Well, here’s one that provides excellent value for money with its remarkable features.
No matter which welding thickness you choose, this product will not provide you with any trouble. That is because it comes with a 5-position voltage control selector, which will add a stable and smooth arc for all welding thicknesses.
You will be able to weld various materials on this machine. For instance, the weld-able materials on this equipment are – steel, aluminium and stainless steel. It can also weld 24-gauge up to ¼ when it comes to mild steel.
If you are a beginner, who has never used a welder before, then we bear good news for you. This one has been designed to be easy to use, making it convenient for both professionals and DIYers.
Moreover, the product operates at about 115V standard household current, which makes it pretty powerful as well. On the other hand, you will be getting a wire feed speed range of 40-700 IPM, which makes it versatile as well.
Along with that, you will be getting a 10ft HR MIG gun and cable with a clamp; furthermore, a power cord, regulator, and quickly select drive roll are also included. For further convenience, you will also get a material thickness gauge.
However, the wire feed may sometimes fail to align with the feed gun, making the process very inconvenient for you. On the other hand, it may not weld aluminum well, which can be disappointing too.
Pros
- Comes with a 5-position voltage control selector
- Welds steel, aluminum, and stainless steel
- Easy to use for beginners
- Operates at 115V standard household current
- Includes power cord, MIG gun, quick select drive roll, etc
Cons
- Feed may fail to align with the feed gun
- May not weld aluminum well
3. PRIMEWELD TIG225X 225 Amp IGBT AC DC Tig/Stick Welder
One of the significant facilities of a welder is that it needs to provide sufficient accuracy and stability. While not many of those can provide these aspects, here’s one that can, which makes it the best tig welder for home use. Find out more about it in our comprehensive review.
This powerful 225AMP welder comes with a pulse function. The benefit of this function is that it works great with thinner metals along with aluminum and stainless steel – making it quite a versatile welder.
Also, the pulse frequency and AC frequency of this item is about 200Hertz, which can proficiently do ¼-inch aluminum and 3/8-inch mild steel. On the other hand, the power of this product is about 110/220 volts.
What truly sets this product apart from the rest of its counterparts is that it provides control like no other. It has been designed to have HF start hand torch control along with accurate foot pedal welding heat control.
But that’s not all. The equipment comes with advanced inverter technology, which includes pulse width modulation and uses IGBT technology. This aspect makes the item very innovative and commendable.
You will also be getting all the accessories that you could possibly need with this item. For instance, it comes with a TIG torch along with a flex head and a Superflex hose. It also includes a CK DINSE connector.
But you will have to be very careful when using the product because, with too much current, the unit might blow up. On the other hand, the foot control is not up to the mark, which can be rather disappointing for the users.
Pros
- 225AMP welder comes with a pulse function
- Pulse and AC frequency of about 200Hertz
- Comes with a hand torch and a foot pedal
- Uses advanced inverter technology
- Comes with all the necessary accessories
Cons
- Might blow up under too much current
- Foot control is not up to the mark
4. Lincoln Electric K2278-1 Handy Core
B004HL01PW
Some welders provide power, some provide handiness, but they seldom provide both the facilities together. However, here’s one that comes with both the features, which makes it a fan-favorite. Find out more about its aspects, which will only amaze you.
First of all, this welder is so easy to use that even if you are using it for the first time, you won’t face any hassle whatsoever. It would provide an absolutely safe and hassle-free operation, which makes it ideal for beginners.
Not only does the product provide convenience during use, but it also does so during the installation process. With no prior experience, you can effortlessly set this up without professional help or before breaking a sweat.
For further convenience, the equipment has been designed to be lightweight as well as compact. These aspects make it portable and hence, you will be able to transport it easily from place to place without any trouble.
As for power, the machine operates using 115V and can be plugged into any 20AMP household outlet. This aspect makes it the best welder for home use. However, you will be able to use it on your work site as well.
But that’s not all. You will be able to use this product for welding 1/8 inch mild steel as well, and you will be able to do it right at home, without any hassle. All you need to do is follow the instructions properly, and you are good to go.
One of the major drawbacks of this product is that it overheats, which prevents it from it being used for prolonged periods. On the other hand, the product isn’t very durable, so you won’t be able to use it for long.
Pros
- Easy to use for beginners
- Effortless installation process for novice users
- Compact and lightweight for portability
- Operated using 115V in any 20AMP household outlet
- Welds about 1/8-inch mild steel
Cons
- Overheats when used for a long time
- Not long-lasting
5. Forney Easy Weld 140 MP, Multi-Process Welder
As complicated as welding already is, you wouldn’t want to get equipment that will make the process all the more stressful for you. That is why this one has been made while keeping user-friendliness in mind, and hence, it is absolutely easy to use.
They say an easy start will make the rest of the strikes easy, and this machine proves that to be true. It comes with a three-position switch, which will allow its users to change the process quickly as per requirement.
Have we mentioned that this welder is the most versatile one you can get your hands on? Well, the product will allow you to use it as a MIG, TIG, and stick welder – containing all the features you will need in a piece of equipment.
With wire feed speed controls and infinite voltage, you will be able to dial in the ideal weld. Moreover, you will be getting a full output current range of 10-140A, which will allow you to work with various processes.
On the other hand, the product has been built with an all-metal case, which will allow you to take on heavy-duty projects as well. For instance, it can handle 2-10 pound rolls of wire without any hassle whatsoever.
What makes this product even better is that it comes with all the necessary accessories and hence, you won’t need to buy anything separately. It comes with an MIG gun, integrated handle, electrode holder, ground clamp, etc.
However, this product spatters a little too much, which can be pretty inconvenient for its users. On the other hand, the welder may not work until you heat the metal being welded, which can be quite hassle-some as well.
Pros
- Comes with a three-position switch
- Allows MIG, TIG, and Stick welding
- Includes wire feed speed controls and infinite voltage
- Handles 2-10 pound rolls of wire
- Contains all the necessary tools in the package
Cons
- Spatters a little too much
- Metals need to be heated before welding
6. Hobart 500570 Stickmate 160i
If you are looking for the best home welder, then you will need one that comes with a lightweight body. And here’s one, just like that, which weighs about 20 pounds only. But it contains other remarkable features that make it commendable in other ways as well.
Despite being lightweight, when it comes to ruggedness, this product does not disappoint. In fact, it has been constructed to be dependable and reliable, and hence, you can pull off heavy-duty tasks with it as well.
Along with being effortless to store and carry, this machine is convenient in other ways as well. For instance, it comes with hot start technology, which ensures quick and easy starts at all times.
On the other hand, the equipment allows an output power of up to 160AMP, which makes it quite powerful for a light machine. This aspect allows it to weld up to 5/32-inch mild steel right at home.
Other than that, it comes with an input power of 120V/240V. Therefore, you will be getting a connection between both the voltages. This aspect of the tool makes it rather versatile.
The package comes with all the parts and accessories that you need, and hence, you won’t have to buy anything separately. You will be getting a 3m electrode cable and a work cable and power cord with adapters.
The item is quite costly, and given its performance and features, it isn’t worth it. On the other hand, using it with standard wall outlets can be a little risky so that we wouldn’t recommend that.
Pros
- Lightweight but made for heavy-duty tasks
- Comes with hot start technology
- Output power of 160AMP with 5/32-inch mild steel welding
- 120/240V of input power
- Contains all the necessary accessories
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Using it with standard wall outlets is a little risky
7. Miller Electric 120/240VAC, 1 Phase
Are you looking for the best MIG welder for home use that will be ideal for beginners? In that case, here’s an item you wouldn’t want to miss out on. It comes with remarkable features, which will never fail to amaze you. Find out more in our comprehensive review.
One of the aspects that make this equipment more versatile than its counterparts is that it can be used to weld three materials – aluminum, mild steel, and stainless steel up to 3/8-inch, 3/8-inch, and ¼-inch.
With this device, you will be getting a frequency of about 60hertz along with an input power rating of 17AMPs and an input voltage of 240V. These aspects make the tool absolutely ideal for home use.
The product comes with various other features that make it amazing and safe for its users. For instance, it offers thermal overload protection, which will prevent it from overheating, along with a fan-on-demand phase.
On the other hand, the equipment is designed to be handheld and portable, which will allow you to transport it from one workplace to another. Moreover, you will be able to use it for various applications.
For instance, you can use the welder for maintenance, repair, farm, and ranch jobs, cycle shops, hobby welding, etc. Furthermore, the package also contains all the accessories that you will need for your projects.
However, the product is very expensive, and its features and facilities don’t live up to the mark accordingly. On the other hand, the side door becomes loose and cannot be closed properly at times.
Pros
- Can be used to weld aluminum, mild steel, and stainless steel
- Frequency of 60Hertz and input voltage of 240V
- Comes with thermal overload protection and fan-on demand phase
- Handheld and portable design can be used in multiple workplaces
- Used for maintenance, repair, farm and ranch jobs, cycle shops, etc
Cons
- Too expensive for the features and facilities
- Side door becomes quite loose and cannot be closed properly
What to Look for Before Buying?
If you are just getting into the welding business right at home, then we would suggest you take it slow – because finding the ideal tool for that can be rather complicated.
There are tons of factors that you need to keep in mind, as settling down for just an average welder is not an option. Hence, you should consider all the essential aspects before you start looking at the available ones in the market.
And if you have no prior experience with such tools, then there’s no need to be concerned because we are here for you. We have made a list of all the facilities you need to consider and provided details regarding why you need to consider them.
Types of Power Ratings
There are two types of power rating when it comes to welders. And in this section, we will be talking about both of them elaborately.
- Input Power
Input power rating is often represented using voltage and defines the amount of household power it can connect to. When looking for a tool for home use, you will find that most of them come with a power rating of 120V.
However, some can connect to both 120V and 240V power, making them ideal for both home and professional use. Although, ones that connect to both are more expensive than their single power outlet counterparts.
- Output Power
The output power mainly defines the amount of power the machine can generate – hence, this aspect greatly determines the type of projects that it will be able to execute.
Welders that are built for home use will usually generate power within the range of 140-160AMP. This amount of power is enough to pull off most projects without any hassle.
However, if you want one suitable for worksite use as well, then you will need one with a slightly higher power rating. In those cases, you can opt for 200AMPs or so.
Construction
When we are talking about a metal welding tool, we will surely take its construction into account. No matter whether or not you prefer lightweight equipment, you need a sturdy one so that it can operate efficiently and last longer.
First of all, you need to make sure that the construction of the tool can withstand the power of it. If the machine is powerful, then you will need an equally heavy-duty casing, which will be able to support it.
Conversely, you need to make sure that it has been designed to withstand prolonged periods of work. For instance, it needs to be built properly so that the parts don’t fall apart after usage.
Type of Work
The type of work that you will be doing and the types of metal you will be welding will greatly determine the tool that you will be getting. That is because different welders are built for different types of work.
Therefore, you first need to determine whether you will be building furniture, fences, or roll cages in race cars with it. The type of projects you will work on will greatly determine the tool’s power, size, weight, etc.
On the other hand, you should also focus on the types of metal you will be working on. For instance, some are great for welding steel and aluminum, whereas others are built for working with thinner and softer metals.
Welding Processes
There are mainly four welding processes that you need to consider; although MIG, TIG, and Stick welding processes are the most popular ones and are more used than the FCAW process.
If you are a beginner, then we would suggest you go for MIG welding, as that is easier than the other processes. However, if you prefer any other process over it, then you can go for that as well.
Although, in that case, we would recommend you to take professional help, as you wouldn’t want to mess up during your first time. So you should choose the type of welding process with more care.
Size and Weight
One other essential aspect that you should not overlook under any cost is the size and weight of the tool. That is because this factor determines the comfort you will have while working with the tool.
For the most comfortable experience, we would recommend something compact and lightweight. Compact ones will also be easy to store, and you won’t face much hassle while working with them.
On the other hand, lightweight welders can be carried easily which can be used in multiple worksites. However, these ones are not exactly powerful and should be preferred for home use only.
Ease of Use
Whether or not you are a beginner when it comes to welding, you should always go for a welder that would be easy to use. That is because the process of welding is complicated in itself, and you wouldn’t want to burden yourself with more puzzlement.
You should make this aspect your priority when looking for a welder. Although most welders will promise to be easy to use, we would suggest you to look at the reviews of your chosen one to make sure.
Conversely, you should also make sure whether or not the machine comes with sufficient instructions because, without that, anyone will struggle with the equipment. You should also look for features that will make the use easier.
Ease of Installation
Another aspect where you wouldn’t want extra help is the tool’s installation. Without prior experience, you would be recommended to ask a professional for help, but when you can find tools that are easy to install, why bother?
Therefore, when you are about to purchase a welder, you should make sure that it comes with all the accessories and parts required for the setting up of the tool – so that you don’t need to purchase anything extra.
On the other hand, you should also make sure that it comes with all the instructions for setting up. If you have the tools and directions at hand, then you won’t struggle while installing it.
Versatility
This is one factor that totally depends on your preference and work requirements. If you want, you can go for a versatile tool, but if that’s not a requirement, then we would advocate against it.
That is because tools that can weld different types of metals and are suitable for various types of projects are usually expensive, and so if you don’t need that kind of versatility, then you should not splurge extra.
But if you work on various projects and need to weld different metals from time to time, it becomes necessary to get a versatile welder. You will easily find ones that weld at least 3-4 types of metals.
Price
The price range of welders varies widely, which is why it is easier to make a budget for it. Whether you want something reasonable or expensive, you will find a great one within your budget without any trouble.
Conversely, the price of the equipment depends on the welding process as well. TIG welders and MIG welders are quite expensive. But you can find TIG welders under 1000 and MIG welders under 500 as well.
If you want something branded and top-notch, then you might need to spend about 1000-2000 dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it illegal to weld at one’s home?
Although it is legal to weld in most home garages, we would still recommend you to check the law concerning the welding business in your area before you get to it. Moreover, you should not do heavy-duty welding at your place anyway, as it might be dangerous.
2. Can welders be plugged at a regular outlet?
That depends on the capacity of the welder itself. For instance, if the welder is of low voltage, then it can be easily plugged into a regular household outlet because that’s what they are made for. However, with a high voltage welder, you cannot use a regular outlet.
3. What tools do I need to start MIG welding?
If you buy a welder for MIG welding, then you will find most of the necessary accessories with them already. But other than that, you will need metal inert gas, flux-cored arc, welding wire, carbide scribe, magnet square, and welding pliers.
4. Is MIG welding strong?
MIG welding is mostly preferred because it is strong, and it can also be stronger than other types of welding, depending on the product. However, if you want to weld at home, then we would suggest to go for light projects, as the home isn’t the ideal place for such heavy-duty tasks.
5. Which is easier – MIG or stick welding?
If you are a beginner, then we will recommend you to go for MIG welding, because that is far easier than its stick counterpart, and it also requires less clean-up. However, the set-up process of the former is quite complicated, which might require professional help.
6. How much do welders cost?
When it comes to welders, the price range is too broad. For instance, you can find welders that cost about 1000-2000 dollars, conversely, you can also find ones within the 300-500 range. Hence, it depends on the type of welder you are looking for and also its brand.
Final Words
There are tons in the market that will claim to be the best welder for home use, but we would suggest choosing the one that will entertain all your requirements.
Only that machine will feel like the right purchase to you.