Through the years welding has evolved and now the marketplace offers an array of instruments with a multitude of features and varying welding processes.
If you are a newbie to welding, all this can be quite confusing. There are numerous manufacturers, brands, and products available.
To help you make the correct choice, we asked our team of professional welders to search for, test, and review welders that are ideal for beginners.
After numerous trials, we came up with our list of best entry-level welders. Our favorite MIG Welder for beginners is the Hobart Handler because of the exceptional results it provides coupled with durability.
Our choice for Stick welding is the Amico Power Arc because we liked the lightweight portability and affordable price.
Instead, if you have chosen TIG welding as your preferred application, we liked the Sungoldpower TIG Welder for its lightweight and great LED feature that lets you know what is happening always with your machine.
| Welder | Duty Cycle | Voltage | Protection | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart Handler 500559 MIG 140 Welder 115V | 20% at 90A | 115V | Overheat | MIG gun, 10-foot work clamp cable, Thickness gauge, power cord |
| Amico 160amp Stick Arc 160D Dual Voltage Welder | 80% at 160A | Dual voltage | Overload, under-voltage, over-voltage, over-current | 7-foot power cord, Power adaptor, 10-foot cable x 300-A electrode assembly |
| Sungoldpower TIG Arc 200Amp inverter Welder | 60% at 180A | Dual voltage | Overload, under-voltage, over-voltage, over-current | TIG torch, Ceramic nozzle, 157-inch TIG cable, Etc. |
| Super Deal PRO MIG Flux Core 130 AC Welder | 35% at 60 A | 110V | On/off torch switch, Free mask | Mask and brush, 2.5m torch, Tips, Ground cord |
The Reviews
Best MIG Welder for beginners
1.) Hobart Handler 500559 MIG 140 Welder 115V
- 5-position voltage control selector adds a smooth, stable arc at all welding thicknesses
- Welds 24 gauge up to 1/4 in mild steel; Weldable Materials: Steel, Stainless Steel and Aluminum
- Welding Processes: MIG(GMAW), Flux Cored(FCAW)
- Operates off 115V standard household current; Wire Feed Speed Range 40-700 IPM, 50-740 IPM at no load
- Welding Amperage Range: 25-140 A; 20% duty cycle @ 90 Amps, 19V
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
One immediately notices that this MIG welder can run on a 4000W generator, meaning you aren’t tied to the electric power cord in your house or garage.
If you need to do repairs in some other part of your property or somewhere without electricity, with this Hobart Handler, there’s no problem.
This welder uses a three-groove drive meaning you can use either a flux core wire or two different sizes of solid MIG wires and will mount wire spools that are either 4-inch or 8-inch in size. The build is quality for durability.
Power ranges from 25 to 140Amps which allows you to weld steel that ranges from a 24-gauge sheet to one-quarter inch thick. The gas regulator is a Miller brand. Hobart offers a 3-year warranty.
One thing that could be improved is the need for a wrench for spool tension adjustment as opposed to a wing nut like most competitors. Some clients have lamented disconnected wires.
Pros:
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- Weighs 65 lbs.
- Ground clamp is industrial quality
- Miller regulator
- Great quality MIG torch
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Cons:
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- Wrench necessary for spool tension adjustment
- Minor quality problems
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Best Stick Welder for beginners:
2.) Amico 160amp Stick Arc 160D Dual Voltage Welder
- Automatic selection feature detects input voltage automatically, allowing you to easily switch between 100~250V/50~60Hz input power.
- Incorporates advanced IGBT inverter technology with superior arc characteristics and has excellent arc stability.
- ARC-160 has very powerful functions, making it easy to start and use.
- ARC-160 Stick Arc with Lift-TIG can achieve the perfect weld.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This Amico stick welder is perfect for welding both cast iron and steel and especially for thicker materials. Ideal for household or maintenance applications, it is also suitable for light industrial projects. The duty cycle is 60% while the output range runs from 5 to 160Amps.
This welder is lightweight at only 18 pounds, making it among the lightest of inverter welders available on the market and exceptionally portable.
The welder’s design is compact in size and well-organized. If you feel an arc welder may cost more, in the long run, this is a more cost-effective option.
The inverter welder is smaller, but it can weld as much as double as what an arc welder will do in the same amount of time and its stability is enviable. It also has a hot start function.
The Amico welder offers an outstanding duty cycle at 80% using the full 160 Amps. If you use less than 160 Amps your cooldown time will be even shorter. It also comes with a LED display aiding visibility during work and alerting when there is a problem.
This welder comes with its electric holder connected to a ten-foot cord, and a power adapter with its own plug. It can only power using DC.
Pros:
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- Dual voltage
- Easy to use
- Portable and lightweight
- Can be used on stainless steel
- Affordable
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Cons:
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- Quality of electrode holder could be improved
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Best TIG Welder for beginners:
3.) Sungoldpower TIG Arc 200Amp inverter Welder
- Advanced control module IGBT dual 110V and 220V, improves the performance of the welding machine. IGBT MMA welder adopting advanced full bridge IGBT inverter technology
- Anti-sticking preventing against over loading the unit easing removal of the electrode,thermostatic control,fan cooled carrying strap and handle.
- Hot start, arc force overload protection：over-voltage protection, under voltage protection, over current protection, over load protection
- Supplied complete with AC Plug，electrode holder and cable, earth clamp and cable, Complete package.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This TIG-200G inverter Welder comes with a complete setup. One of its most attractive features is the LED display that indicates everything the welder is doing while operating. The digital display gives Amp voltage and anything else you may need to know while working.
This versatile TIG welder can operate with various materials including brass, copper, nickel, and stainless steel, among others.
This particular welder is very affordable, and performs incredibly well, even better than its immediate competitors in the same price range.
It offers features generally found on welders that cost more such as protection features, an HF start, and a fan, among others.
While this is a good basic entry-level welder, it does lack the necessary power for heavy-duty projects but is a convincing option for lighter DIY projects. This dual voltage welder offers 60% at 180 Amps.
Pros:
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- Easy use
- Arc is start-easy
- Lightweight
- Dual voltage (110V/220V)
- Fan included prevents overheating
- Over-voltage protection
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Cons:
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- Not for heavy-duty projects
- Aluminum cannot be welded
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Best Budget Welder for Beginners:
4.) Super Deal PRO MIG Flux Core 130 AC Welder
- Lightweight, powerful and intuitive.
- Uses convenient Flux
- User-friendly interface
- Variable Feed Speed Control
- Compact and powerful
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Fairly lightweight at 36.8 lbs. and boasting a compact design, the Super deal welder offers great value for the money.
It can fit anywhere and is readily portable. It functions using regular household electric current which is an attractive feature.
This welder is great for newbies because it is ideal for small DIY projects. It is not for heavy-duty welding or thick materials but can easily weld 16-gauge sheets.
The Super deal kit comes with spool wire, a wire brush, 2 tips, electrodes, a 2.5 M torch, and more.
Safety is guaranteed thanks to a switch to turn the torch on or off and protection from overheating. It features a duty cycle of 35% at 60 Amps. It also features variable speed control and has a knob for adjusting the speed of the wire feed.
Pros:
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- Control panel is automatic
- 110V voltage
- Budget buy
- Easy to operate
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Cons:
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- MIG wire in the kit is low quality
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Considerations for Choosing an Entry-Level Welder
As a new welder, when selecting your welder there are a few factors that you will want to consider to make the best selection for your welding needs.
1.) Brand. Choosing a well-known brand and manufacturer is a guarantee for reliability and performance. There may be lesser-known brands that give a good performance, but customer service and repair may be more difficult to find.
With a well-known brand, welding parts, repairs, and customer service will be easier to obtain when needed. Also consider that welders use consumables, and a well-known brand will most likely give you better access to these.
2.) Features. Features can facilitate welding for beginners. A welder that permits input parameters like material type, thickness, etc. will assist you. When you insert the parameters, the welder will set the best output or arc for your welding needs.
Some welders will automatically adjust power. They adjust the power output in accordance with the input they get. Other welders will provide displays that indicate input and output values and tell you when you need to make adjustments.
Another aspect to consider is safety. Some welders will come with built-in safety mechanisms such as protection from overheating. Overheating can affect how quickly you complete your project.
If the welder overheats, it will require cooling down before proceeding. Protection from overheating will save you time and frustration.
3.) Material. The material or materials that you intend to weld will influence your selection. Welding machines have differing capabilities.
Some are indicated for welding thick, heavier materials while others will be for welding lighter metals. Consider what material you will be welding before selecting your welder.
4.) Portability. If you will be moving around, or welding in various locations, portability is important. You will want to consider an entry-level welder that permits you to carry it from job to job, or location to location with ease.
If you will be working in one place only, you can opt for a heavier welder that isn’t going to be moved around.
5.) Power. Power can make all the difference. It’s necessary to know the power rating of the welder you are considering. The welding process you intend to operate will influence a welder’s power rating.
Welders for smaller DIY projects may require a power input of 115V, while a heavy-duty project will most certainly need a welder that is more powerful with a power input rating that is considerably higher.
6.) Know power needs. A welder with a lower amperage value such as 135A or lower should work fine with household electrical current.
If you select a welder with higher amperage, you may need a 220V power outlet. In this case, check with your electrician or inquire about acquiring an adapter.
7.) Skill Level. You must consider your level of welding skill so that you can select a welder that will be easy for you to operate as well as comfortable during welding.
There are several welding processes, and each requires a different skill level. For this reason, your skill level should be appropriate for the welding process you wish to utilize. The process will determine the type of welder you need.
8.) Welding Processes. This should be your first consideration. You don’t want to spend a lot of money on a fantastic welder only to find out that it is not the correct type for the materials you intend to weld.
Some welding machines may use very complicated processes that are above your skillset as a beginner and relatively incomprehensible. Consider the most often used welding processes:
9.) MIG Flux Core Welding. This involves the use of a spool gun that will emit electrodes. As the electrodes leave the welding gun, they form an arc with the material. It generates sufficient heat to melt the arc and weld the material.
This is a process realized in open surroundings making it at risk for contamination from dust or particles. If the arc is contaminated it will weaken your weld. For this reason, MIG welding uses a protective coating that blocks air and contaminants from entering.
This is one of the easier welding methods to master because you only have to control the welding gun, and it permits you to weld various types of materials. It also produces a lovely finish and is used in sculpture.
10.) TIG Welding. Here the welder will need a tungsten electrode. It will heat the material and melt the metal into a molten weld or puddle. This process also is at risk for contamination, so it uses a protective type of bubble.
This welding process can also weld a variety of metals, but they will be thinner than the materials used in MIG welding.
It also provides a fantastic finish and is the ideal choice for delicate welding that requires precision. This process however is much more difficult to master and is not easy for beginners to employ.
11.) Stick Welding can produce very strong welds and is often employed for exceptionally thick materials. An electrode that is “consumable” heats to the point that it melts.
The material to weld is also heated until it melts, and electrode and material are welded together. This process produces the most durable welds and is used for the thickest metals like cast iron.
It is resistant to the elements and can be used in any climate. Finishes are not as refined, and Stick Welding cannot be used with thin metals. It is the most difficult type of welding process to excel at.
Conclusion
Welding is a dangerous art and should be done safely with the correct tools and equipment including PPE such as gloves, helmets, shoes, and apron.
Our best welder for beginners list provides you with welders that most certainly will offer you a gratifying and successful welding experience.
Whichever welder you do select in the end, keep in mind the considerations we listed above to find the best entry-level welder for your new activity.
