Top 11 Best Welder For Home Use In 2024: Review And Buying Guide

Are you in the market to land the best welder for home use? If yes, then you have come to the right place. The thing is not every welding machine is worth your money. So, with that in mind, we have taken it upon ourselves to point you to some welders whose performances match their price points. If you are a beginner, you are going to need a welder with a simple learning curve, adjustable voltage settings, solid construction, and gets the job done satisfactorily.

However, the best welder for home use is the Hobart 500559 Handler 140 MIG Welder. This welder is compact, lightweight, uses flux-cored and MIG welding processes, features adjustable 5 volts settings, can run seamlessly on a power generator, easy to set up, and can handle abuse at your work site.

So, that is the best welder you should be aiming to have in your home. Nevertheless, there are other top-rated welders you need to check out in this post. Continue reading for more information!

If you are in hurry, here’s a table with the top four picks at a glance:

Do You Need A Welder In Your Home? 

A good question, I would say. Truth is there are ways you can fix an exhaust pipe without a welding machine. You can even improvise in a handful of projects without a welder. So, why is having a welding machine any important?

Anyway, take a look at this the question before reacting;

Without welding, can two metals held together (maybe with a clamp) stay that way for long? That’s the question you need to ask yourself. So, for me, having your own welder is a wise decision. You never know when something can become damaged or need urgent fixing.

There are a host of tiny repairs you can do yourself if you have a welder at home. And fixing them by yourself will save you money and time. Ordinarily, if you are going to hire a professional, it is going to cost you a bit more. Don’t also forget that the person you are bringing to your home needs to transport himself and the machine down to your location.

So, when you consider the cost of hiring a professional for some tiny repairs, you figure out that having a personal welding machine in your home would have been better.

Furthermore, let’s forget about hiring a professional for repairs and the cost that comes with it. Another thing that should motivate you to get a welder at home is the loads of DIY projects you can kick-start when you have a capable welding machine.

Also, these DIY projects, once completed, would transform the look of your property, and you can even start selling them if you want to. Sounds great, right?

Making Use Of A Welder Without Experience: Is It Possible?

Hey friend! There’s no need to worry if you don’t have experience in welding. All you need is to get a welding machine with a simple learning curve and go through some tutorials on welding to get started.

By the way, you are only going to be welding and engaging in repairs that are less complicated or advanced. You aren’t planning to build a mining or mineral processing unit, are you? These are complex projects that would require a great deal of experience.

If you are only interested in fixing damaged metals, structures, or embark on DIY welding projects, then you can execute such projects successfully, even without experience. Additionally, keep in mind that the kind of welder you are using would also determine the outcome of your welds and that some machines are just too complicated for a beginner without much experience.

What DIY Projects Can I Embark On With A Welder?

You can’t run short on ideas when you have a welder by your side, particularly a welder that can handle a wide range of materials perfectly well.

Anyway, let me activate the creativity in you.

Some of the DIY projects you can embark on includes fabricated shed antler trap for hunting, landscape sculpture to beautify your home, firewood rack, firepit, TV tray tables, and so on.

What You Need To Know About Welding Various Materials

Well, I have to be honest with you; welding can be a bit tricky at times, particularly when one doesn’t have sound knowledge about the process. However, the best way to learn is to read and ask questions. Trust me; I have come across people asking, “Can I weld cast aluminum?” The question might look unreasonable, but such a question, including the answer, can help you avoid mistakes.

Anyway, the answer to the question is yes. You can weld cast aluminum. However, you can’t just pick up cast aluminum and start welding. You need to prepare the metal by cleaning properly (there’s a process for this) to ensure there is no contaminant or impurity before you start to weld.

You also need to understand the various welding process, what filer you should use, and get yourself acquainted with the properties of the metals you intend to weld.

Top 11 Best Welder For Home Use To Buy

So, you are here in search of the best welder suitable for home use, right? If yes, then look no further! I have handpicked 11 top-rated welders you can use at home, whether you are a beginner, intermediate or professional. These products were chosen based on personal experiences, comments from real buyers, and careful examination of features each welder possesses.

1. Hobart 500559 Handler 140 MIG Welder

Our ‘first pick’ is the 500559 Handler from Hobart, a company that prides itself on delivering quality welding machines for professional, intermediate, and amateur welders. The Hobart 500559 Handler is a compact welder that can run smoothly on the 115V current in your home.

Again, you can use this machine for flux-cored and MIG welding processes. It can weld thinner and thicker materials, with the welds looking professional and neat. You can MIG weld aluminum, stainless steel, and mild steel. The flux-corded function also makes it possible to weld a range of thicker materials.

This machine has 5-voltage settings, which are super easy to adjust. These settings also make it possible to weld a range of materials. Plus, even if you are a beginner or amateur, you will not have problems choosing the right settings for the material you wish to weld. You will find a door chart on this welder whose function is to enable you to pick the correct settings for the material you want to weld.

Another thing you will like about this welding machine is that it is a breeze to set up. Additionally, it boasts solid construction and can handle your various household welding projects conveniently, such as yard arts, farm projects, automobiles, and even routine household repairs.

This welder will run seamlessly on a portable generator, and you can also plug it into your standard wall outlet. Its maximum output power is rated 140A. And as a consequence, the duty cycle of this machine (20% at 90A), is enough for you to get a wide range of household welding projects out of the way.

You will also find that this welder weighs 57 pounds, which might not be that easy to transport. However, you can also get a special wheel cart to make it much easier to move around. The wheel cart will also provide some space for you to mount the gas cylinder.

2. Goplus MIG 130 Welder Flux Core Welding Machine

Our “second choice” is the Goplus MIG 130 Welder, a very portable and versatile welding machine. The Goplus is a wise choice for professional or home settings. It weighs only 35 pounds, so it is light enough for you to transport from one place to another without getting super exhausted.

Having small dimensions makes it easier to stay in a smaller garage or transport in vans and trucks. It won’t take up too much space wherever you have it stored or placed while on transit.

This welding machine does not only look cute but useful for welding thinner materials, such as car bodywork and a range of light welding projects. It also features 4-heating settings to enable you to weld materials of varying thickness levels.

The body of the Goplus MIG 130 comes built with heavy-duty steel material, and it has a sturdy plastic handle. So, you have a machine that can withstand job site abuse and still deliver the expected quality. The plastic handle at the top of the welder makes it possible to carry it with one hand without your hands developing bruises.

The package comes with some extras, which you will require to meet your household or professional welding needs. These include welding brush, welding wire, welding mask, and welding gun. So, there will be no need to spend some extra money to get these highly needed accessories, unless you want an upgrade.

3. Everlast PowerArc 140STi Welder

The Everlast PowerArc 140STi is another portable and lightweight welding machine, rated as one of the best welders for the money. The machine has the capacity to DC TIG weld and Stick weld. It also features dual voltage design, such as 240V and 120V.

This welder weighs 25 pounds, making it convenient for users looking for a lighter machine that they can move around without spending some extra money to get a new wheel cart. On top of that, the Everlast PowerArc comes with a 5year warranty. And this goes to show the incredible amount of trust the manufacturers have for this product.

However, one of the drawbacks you will notice on this machine is when you make use of the TIG weld function. There is no foot pedal control operation, so you have to check how accurate your gauges are manually and occasionally. Doing so will ensure you don’t overuse your argon gas.

Nevertheless, this machine produces enough power that can match any light welding project thrown at it. It is also a breeze to set up and use. Another thing you will like about this welder is that you can use it wherever there is electricity. In other words, it works smoothly on power generators, making it a wise choice for welding projects, even in remote areas.

Furthermore, the Everlast PowerArc 140STi does have a stable and impressive duty cycle. And as a consequence, there is no need to bother about overstressing your welding machine but instead focus more on getting the job done satisfactorily.

4. CMT Pitbull Ultra-Portable AMP Electric Arc Welder

The primary thing to focus on when getting a welder is not just the portability or cuteness. A welder can be super cute and portable and not deliver the expected result. However, this CMT Pitbull Ultra-Portable Electric Arc Welder outclasses many welders at this price point.

Firstly, you can run this machine on your regular home outlet (20amps, 110V). Nevertheless, you should consider using a 30amp, 115V outlet so that this welder won’t cause your circuit breaker to trip from time to time ( you could experience it with the 20amps, 110V outlet).

This machine is also not only versatile and decent for home uses. It comes built to last longer, with the body constructed with 100% metal. Therefore, it can take a beating at your work site without packing up. And considering the output, you can use this machine for light welding projects lying around your house and get decent results.

A decent starter welder for the price, the Pitbull Ultra-Portable Electric Arc Welder, boasts a duty cycle that is conducive for beginners to intermediate level welding processes. Excitingly, it can weld mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. But keep in mind that you have to use rods that match the thickness of the material you intend to weld for better results.

Further, Pitbull Ultra-Portable Electric Arc Welder is one of the go-to machines if you are looking to complete some light welding projects quickly. However, if you are interested in working on advanced or industrial-grade projects, you might be better off with other alternatives. This welder can only handle simple and straightforward welding processes.

5. AHP AlphaTIG 200X AC DC TIG/Stick Welder

The AHP AlphaTIG 200X is a 200amp machine you can trust to get your advanced welding projects out of the way. The welder runs smoothly under AC and DC electricity. What this implies is that you can use it in remote areas without electricity, provided you have a suitable power generator.

This machine can handle TIG and Stick welding, giving you professional results in both welding processes. Plus, whether you are a beginner or professional welder, you won’t find this machine challenging to use. Why? Firstly, it features a top-quality metal foot pedal to give you precise control over the welding process to achieve your desired outcome.

However, one of the features most people will consider as a drawback is the weight. The machine weighs 69 pounds, so it is quite heavy and would be a bit challenging to move freely from one location to another. The best solution would be to invest in a new wheel cart. With that, you can take the machine to any place you want.

This machine supports 110V and 220V. Another thing you will like about it is that it features a 14 feet long torch, while the stick holder, coupled with the ground clamp, is 9 feet in length. On top of that, this welder does feature an advanced inverter technology to ensure precision welding and meet the needs of varied welding processes.

The AHP AlphaTIG 200X welder has different switches and buttons for control during Stick or TIG welding processes. This feature alone makes it convenient to use, and also a wise choice for users who have a ton of welding tasks to complete quickly.

The most exciting thing about the switches and buttons on this machine is that they are well-labeled, and that eliminates any confusion one may have regarding their respective functions.

6. Lotos LTPDC2000D Non-Touch Pilot Arc TIG/Stick Welder

Lotos LTPDC2000D is a 3-in-1 welder designed for home and commercial uses. This multipurpose welder combines three different functions. It can serve as a 200 amperes DC TIG welder, 200 amperes stick welder and 50-ampere pilot Arc torch.

Excitingly, this welder can cut metals that are ½ inch thick, thanks to its 10 – 50 amperes plasma cutter. This machine can cut through rough, rusty, and painted surfaces with ease.

The pilot arc torch technology is one of the highlighted features of this combo welder. This innovation is to ensure you don’t touch the tip of the metal while cutting. It also makes use of compressed air that is non-hazardous to cut through alloy steel, stainless steel, mild steel, aluminum, and copper materials. Furthermore, the machine’s maximum severance and clean-cut thickness are ¾ and ½ inches, respectively.

Setting up this welder is a breeze. Plus, it is also user-friendly and a wise choice for beginner DIY hobbyist or individuals looking to kick-start a career in welding. It is one of the few well-built welding machines that can handle heavy and light projects. Thus, it is a wise choice for DIYers and small businesses.

Another exciting thing about this combo welding machine is that it uses dual voltages, such as the 110V and 220V, but you would need a pigtail.

7. Forney Easy Weld 261 140 FC-i MIG Welder

The Forney Easy Weld 261 140 FC-i MIG Welder represents its name in every sense. It is super easy to set up and weighs 19 pounds, an indication that you can move it from one spot to another without feeling exhausted already. This rugged welder also features all-metal cases. So, it can take a beating or withstand the rough condition in any job site.

But mind you, this portable and sturdy welding machine is gasless and features flux core welding option. Nevertheless, it can weld up to 10 pounds of roll wire at a go without developing any issue. Additionally, the machine features 8 inches MIG gun and ground clamp. You will also find that the infinite voltage, including the wire feed speed control, makes this welder a joy to use.

This machine is compatible with the 0.30 to the 0.35-inch flux core wire. It also features a duty cycle of 90 amperes at 30 percent, which is decent enough for a welder at such a price point.

It is difficult to find a low budget semi-professional grade welding machine that delivers an incredible high amp output. But this Forney Easy Weld 261 MIG Welder is entirely different.

The machine delivers 140 amperes of output, a powerful upgrade for such a budget-friendly welding machine. Thus, the machine can handle up to ¼ inch mild steel materials.

Inside this Forney FC-i MIG Welder is an inverter, instead of the regular transformer in most welders at this price point. And that explains the reason for its increased output. Plus, you can power this welder up with a 20amp to 15amp adapter.

8. Pro-Series MMIG125 Fluxcore Welder

If you are looking for a highly rated welder that can handle all the types of carbon steel, this Pro-Series MMIG125 Flux core machine is a wise choice. But keep in mind that it is an AC unit. It doesn’t have a DC output. However, it still goes on to deliver the expected quality when used for small and medium-sized welding projects.

Also, keep in mind that this machine cannot weld cast iron. It doesn’t have the power to weld such, or you might not get a good enough weld. But then, it can handle aluminum, mild steel, and stainless steel perfectly well. Again, this welder does not work on gas.

There are tons of professional and eyes-popping features that this welder has that will impress you. Firstly, it features replaceable tips and longer ground wire (just a little under 9 feet). It has 2 volts settings, giving you the flexibility you need to weld a host of materials.

Heat overload can cause most welders to malfunction. Some might even pack up or become damaged entirely after a couple of welds. Of course, welders are power-intensive and generate tons of heat when in use.

However, the company, Pro-Series, has taken the right steps to safeguard their MMIG125 Flux core Welder from such issues. Excitingly, the MMIG125 welder comes with overload protection, a feature that makes it safe to use.

This welder does support input power of 120V by 80 amperes, making it ideal for home welding and other tiny DIY welding projects. It is also a wise choice for amateur welders, thanks to its low input power demands. And this has reduced the hassle that stems from power settings. This machine supports the 0.30 to 0.35 wire sizes.

9. Lotos MIG140 140 MIG Wire Welder

The Lotos MIG140 Welder is a commercial grade welding machine with a massive welding capability. This welder can conveniently handle stainless steel, aluminum, mild steel, and a host of other metals. It boasts a high-end aluminum wire feeder, which is also responsible for its incredible stability and welding experience.

The digital display on the Lotos MIG140 does a great job. It makes it easier to adjust welding voltage and wire speed, with some degree of precision. Additionally, you can connect this welder to your 110V outlet. So, there is no need for you to splash the cash on a particular outlet when this machine lands in your home or workshop.

The welds this machine delivers are also decent for a 110V welder that has flux wire. The innovative ground cable quick connector makes this welder a joy to use. It makes it super easy to make the switch from the positive to negative polarity.

This Lotos M140 also features a thermal overload protection system that helps to protect the machine against damage caused by overheating.

Additionally, this welder has a 1-year warranty and 30-day money-back guarantee for customers who feel the machine is not the best option for them. For a user who already has tons of welding projects lying around before this machine arrives, the 30-day money-back window is enough to ascertain, at least to an extent, if the machine is worth the value for the money.

Included in the package are various accessories you will need for better welding experience and welds. You will find the ground clamp cable, MIG torch, gas hose, contact tips, argon regulator, welding wire, and mask. But keep in mind that you will be better off with a high-end hands-free shield or a helmet.

10. Sungoldpower MIG 150A Welder Flux Core 

This Sungoldpower welder is a flux wire welder that doesn’t make use of gas. But it does deliver enough power to let you weld a range of materials. It can weld mild steel, iron, and other metals. Another thing you will like about this machine, as a beginner, is that the learning curve is simple.

This welder is useful for heavy and light-duty welding projects. But for industrial-grade welding tasks, it is advisable not to make use of it. Also, it boasts a power setting welding current, which ranges from 80 amperes to 150 amperes. The current is also super easy to adjust, allowing you to weld diverse materials and achieve impressive results.

Another highlighted feature this machine has is the 10-feed speed control levels. In addendum, there is a torch full on and off safety control feature, an indication that the torch is safe to use. In other words, it has no electricity leakages and comes built according to the United States safety standards set for such features.

This machine features automatic thermal protection, which keeps it safe from damages caused by overheating. It also features a stainless steel body that makes it a wise choice for outdoor use. However, keep in mind that this cute gasless welder weighs 43 pounds. So, when it comes to weight and ease of transportation, it is not the most favorable on this list.

The package comes with some extras, so there is going to be no need for you to spend some extra money after splashing the cash on this machine. For instance, it comes with a welding mask, 1 pound welding wire, replacement contact tips, wire brush/hammer, user manual, and earth clamp.

11. Lincoln Electric K2278-1 Handy Core

The Lincoln Electric K2278-1 Handy Core welder is a lovely little machine built to meet the needs of starters. It is one of the budget-friendly beginner welding machines, designed to make completing house welding projects a breeze.

This machine features a metal and plastic interior, coupled with an aluminum exterior. Its build quality shows that it is designed to give you many more years of enjoyment and the opportunity to execute tons of welding projects.

Furthermore, keep in mind that this Lincoln Electric K2278-1 Handy Core welder doesn’t take gas. It is a flux core wire welder. The welder also runs seamlessly on the 115V, 20amperes outlet. Plus, you can even use an extension cord to extend power to wherever you are working.

However, you should consider using a 12gauge extension cord for this welder. The cable should also not exceed 25 inches long. Remember that the longer an extension cord, the higher the voltage drop.

This machine can weld a 1/8 steel plate with no issue. It features a welding output ranging from 35amp to 80amp (from lowest to highest). Thus, for light bodywork, smaller metal art tasks, light farm repair, or to fix car exhaust, you will find the Lincoln Electric K2278-1 Handy Core welder useful.

The cold contractor safety feature is another incredible addition to this welder. It keeps the wire electrically could when the machine is not in use. But when you hit the MIG gun button and start welding, it starts getting hot.

You won’t find such a feature in most entry-level welding machines out there. In such welders, the wire would become electrically hot even before you hit the MIG gun button.

Things You Should Consider Before Buying A Welder For Home Use

So, are you thinking of splashing the cash on a new welder? If yes, then you have made a commendable decision. With a welder at home, you don’t need to wait for a professional or spend big bucks to get your welding repairs sorted. Another exciting thing about having a welding machine is that you can fabricate whatever you want.

However, not every welding machine you see on the market is worth buying. They may look cute, but that’s not the main aim of getting a welder. The primary purpose is to weld materials. So, if you are in the market to get a welder for home use, then you need to be careful about the welder you get.

Anyway, this best welder for home use review should answer some of your questions and help point you to the right welder that will meet your needs.

Let’s take a look at some of the things you need to consider before you choose any welding machine.

1. The price point

You need to first and foremost, consider your budget. What do you think is a reasonable price for a home welder, I mean considering your financial capacity? However, there is a common saying that you get what you pay for, and that extends to welders.

But the thing is most manufacturers are not greedy. They don’t blow the price of their machine out of proportion. So, keep in mind that you don’t have to spend over $1000 to get a good quality welder. One thing you need to know about buying high-end welders is that they may not only cost a fortune but have features you may not even use. And the higher the features a machine has, the higher the price would be.

So, the wise step you should take is to consider the features in any machine you intend to buy. Does it have the capacity or features you need for your welding project? If yes, then you can proceed with splashing the cash.

You should also compare the prices and features of welders to get the best deal. Just compare two or more and see which of them is not only budget-friendly but has the features you require.

2. Amount of current the machine can generate

The amount of current your welder of choice can deliver is a huge factor to consider before splashing the cash. This factor is also influenced by the metals you intend to weld.

If you plan to weld thicker metals, then you would need a powerful welder to get the desired result. So, the price point of a welder partly depends on the amount of current the machine can generate.

As I said, thicker materials or metals would need more or higher current to weld properly. A thinner metal would not require high current to weld properly. However, you would need a highly sensitive machine to weld thinner metals, one that will provide just the right amount of heat that will give perfect welds.

3. Ease of transporting

The weight could be a factor in choosing a welder. So, I would say, if you think you are comfortable spending some extra money to get yourself a wheeled cart, you can get yourself a heavy welder for your project.

But if you don’t fancy the idea of spending a little extra money to get the wheel cart, then you would be better off with a lightweight welder.

4. AC and DC 

For knowledge sake and to enable you to make an informed decision, let’s discuss the AC/DC type of welders. Firstly, you need to understand that AC welders (alternating current that changes direction while flowing) don’t offer a great deal of flexibility, making it challenging for users to have those custom cuts. However, DC welders (DC means current that flows in the same direction continually), gives you the flexibility you need to make those custom cuts.

The good thing is that we now have welders that combine both (AC and DC), creating a balance between affordability and flexibility. So, if you are someone who has just begun his or her welding journey, these types of machines would make a wise choice for you.

5. Understand the types of welding processes

You need to understand that there are different types of welding processes out there. The primary and widely used methods are TIG, MIG, flux core, and Stick welding processes. Now let’s explain a little more about each of these welding processes.

TIG welding machines can handle a vast array of metal. It can handle mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, copper, Chromoly, brass, and other exotic metals like titanium, magnesium, and others.

Stick welders, on the other hand, are useful in whatever environment they are used in. They are also commonly used for industrial projects and construction sites. For the records, Stick welders are capable of handling mild steel, stainless steel, and even cast iron.

The flux core welders are also ideal for beginners. You don’t even need to use it with clean joints. Once you can take off the oil, paint, or moisture from the weld site, you are good to go. Flux core welder can burn through mill scale, rust, and any imperfection.

The last but not the least is MIG welding. If you are looking to weld thinner metals and lack experience on how to get it done, these types of welders will be an excellent choice for you. The thing is you don’t need to know the nitty-gritty of welding to use MIG welders.

Conclusion

There are different types and brands of welding machines on the market. But the thing is, not every welder you see out there is a wise buy. They may be budget-friendly but lack the necessary features you need to get the results you crave.

By the way, who said you need to have a ton of experience to weld? For simple household repairs or DIY projects, you don’t need a ton of experience when you have a good quality welder. Hence, this best welder for home use review was made available to enable you to make an informed decision. So, go through the list of welders for home use and make your choice.

How Was The Article? Please Leave a Review: