7 Best Flux Core Welders

Img	Product	Weight	Voltage	Processes	Max Thickness	Screen	Max Output	Where to Buy
Best flux core welder for beginners Yeswelder 135AMP	Yeswelder 135AMP	14 lbs	110V	Flux-cored, Stick, Lift TIG	Up to 5/32 in.	Digital	135A	Visit Amazon
Best flux core welder for home use Forney 140 FC-i	Forney 140 FC-i	19 lbs	120V	Flux-cored	up to 1/4 in.	None	140A	Visit Amazon
Best MIG & flux core option Eastwood 140	Eastwood 140	24 lbs	120V	MIG, Flux-cored	up to 5/32 in.	None	140A	Visit Eastwood
Best flux core welder for the money Klutch MIG 140i	Klutch MIG 140i	24 lbs	120V	MIG, Flux-cored	up to 3/16 in.	None	140A	Visit Northern Tool
Best overall flux core welder Hobart Handler 100	Hobart Handler 100	44 lbs	115V	Flux-cored	up to 3/16 in.	None	100A	Visit Amazon Visit Northern Tool
Best portable flux core welder Lincoln Century FC-90	Lincoln Century FC-90	18 lbs	120V	Flux-cored	up to 1/4 in.	None	90A	Visit Amazon
Best cheap flux core welder Ironton 125	Ironton 125	38 lbs	115V	Flux-cored	up to 3/16 in.	None	125A	Visit Northern Tool

1. YesWelder 135AMP 110V Gasless MIG Welder

Best flux core welder for beginners

YesWelder 135AMP

4.5 Weld Guru rating

Weld Guru’s rating is determined by a variety of factors including features, performance, independant research and real user ratings. Scoring is not influenced by the manufacturer.

An excellent choice for beginners with automatic (“Synergic”) adjustability, and ideal to try other processes without breaking the bank.

Check Latest Price (via Amazon)

Brand:

YesWelder
Model:

Flux 135AMP
Weight:

14 lbs
Price:

$$
Voltage:

110V
Processes:

Flux-cored, Stick, Lift TIG
Max Thickness:

Up to 5/32 in.
Screen:

Digital
Controls:

Analog
Max Output:

135A

The Yeswelder 135 is the best flux core welder for beginners because it offers automatic (“Synergic”) adjustability making it easier to weld without any adjustments. It also supports manual mode, letting you adjust the output voltage in a range between -5V and 5V.

It’s inexpensive and makes a great first flux core welder purchase because it provides pretty much everything more expensive welders do, but with the slightly lower build quality. YesWelder is a brand that offers hobbyist-level inexpensive equipment. However, they typically provide more than what they cost.

The YesWelder 135 has DINSE plugs, for example. The only other welder on this list with these is the Eastwood 140, which costs more. It also supports DC lift TIG and stick welding processes, making it an excellent choice for beginners who wish to try multiple processes on a budget. Additionally, it has a digital display which is very rare at this price, allowing you to fine-tune your output settings perfectly.

With infinite adjustability, good build quality, the highest duty cycle of all welders in our review, automatic and manual settings, and 1-year warranty, the Yeswelder 135 is one of the best buys for beginners.

Pros

Multi-process welder - supports Flux-core, stick, and TIG
Much cheaper than many brands
Good build quality for the price
Digital display
Infinite adjustability for voltage and wire feeding speed
DINSE connectors for ground clamp, stick, and TIG leads
Extremely light and portable
Great duty cycle
Supports automatic and manual voltage adjustments
Very easy to use
8 feet leads
The Control panel has a transparent lid protection
1-Year warranty

Cons

It doesn’t support 8 in. wire spools, 4 in. only
TIG and stick welding equipment not included

2. Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-i Welder

Best flux core welder for home use

Forney 140 FC-i

4.0 Weld Guru rating

Weld Guru’s rating is determined by a variety of factors including features, performance, independant research and real user ratings. Scoring is not influenced by the manufacturer.

This is a well-rounded flux-core machine that doesn’t break the bank. It's a good choice for a home welder because it doesn’t have any high-end features (keeping the costs down) while providing the essentials.

Check Latest Price (via Amazon)

Brand:

Forney
Model:

Easy Weld 140 FC-i
Weight:

19 lbs
Price:

$$
Voltage:

120V
Processes:

Flux-cored
Max Thickness:

up to 1/4 in.
Screen:

None
Controls:

Analog
Max Output:

140A

The Forney FC-140 is a great flux-cored welder for the home. Fixing stuff here and there and doing any DIY project is simple thanks to its long leads, low weight, 140A output, and decent duty cycle. It’s easy to maneuver around your work, and the welder is capable of performing well.

This unit competes with welders like Ironton and offers much better value. While it doesn’t have the same arc quality as Hobart, Lincoln, or Eastwood, it’s pretty good and makes solid welds.

It’s easy to use, and the infinite voltage and wire feeding adjustability allow you to fine-tune your welds. The body is built very well, and similarly to Lincoln’s FC-90, the Forney FC-140 offers a rugged exterior for better durability.

With the ability to weld up to 1/4 in. thick mild steel and a decent duty cycle, this Forney welder is a good choice for a home. It’s not as cheap as the Ironton model, and it doesn’t offer additional features like Eastwood 140, but it’s not as heavy as Hobart Handler 100 and welds well for its price.

Pros

Inexpensive
Good build quality with rugged corners
Lightweight and portable
Good ground clamp, much better than of many others on the list
Infinite adjustability for voltage and wire feeding speed
Long 8 ft. leads
1-Year warranty

Cons

No display
Duty cycle on the low end
Integrated leads
No additional functions

3. Eastwood 140 Amp MIG & Flux-Cored Welder

Best MIG & flux core option

Eastwood 140 Amp

4.5 Weld Guru rating

Weld Guru’s rating is determined by a variety of factors including features, performance, independant research and real user ratings. Scoring is not influenced by the manufacturer.

A well built welder, backed by a strong warranty. It's cheaper than high end brands and provides a full MIG welding experience, including a spool gun support.

Check Latest Price (via Eastwood)

Brand:

Eastwood
Model:

140 MIG
Weight:

24 lbs
Price:

$$$$
Voltage:

120V
Processes:

MIG, Flux-cored
Max Thickness:

up to 5/32 in.
Screen:

None
Controls:

Analog
Max Output:

140A

If you are looking for a MIG welder with gasless flux core welding support, the Eastwood MIG 140 provides the best of both worlds at an affordable price. While it’s more expensive than any other welder on the list, it has a high build and arc quality and includes many helpful features. It’s now one of my favorite machines.

Eastwood is a USA brand with a long history, and their welders are affordable without significant quality drops compared to high-end brands. The standard DINSE plugs let you change your ground clamp easily, while other inexpensive welders integrate it. Its cast aluminum wire feeding system is much more reliable than plastic-made drives of many other brands.

The Eastwood 140 includes full MIG welding experience with a gas solenoid valve. It also supports a spool gun, letting you weld aluminum. For example, Hobart Handler 140, which is more expensive, doesn’t support a spool gun. That’s why we chose this Eastwood model as the best MIG and flux core welder, on top of its excellent build quality and a 3-year warranty.

Additionally, it has 140A of power and welds up to 3/16 in. thick. This is sufficient for almost all hobbyist applications, and its low weight makes it easy to move around and transport. If you need extra power and dual-voltage capability, the Eastwood MIG 180 is a great choice and costs less than many competing models in its price range.

Pros

Great build quality
Smooth, stable arc
Supports full MIG and flux-cored welding processes
Cast aluminum wire drive system with brass to gun connection
Infinite voltage and wire speed adjustability
Latest IGBT inverter technology
Lightweight
Includes 2T/4T and tack weld modes
DINSE connectors for easy polarity change
8.5 feet leads length
Supports generator as a power source
Easy to use
Supports a spool gun for MIG welding aluminum
3-year warranty
Eastwood is a USA brand

Cons

No display
Duty cycle on the lower end

4. Klutch MIG 140i Flux-Core/MIG Welder

Best flux core welder for the money

Klutch MIG 140i

4.0 Weld Guru rating

Weld Guru’s rating is determined by a variety of factors including features, performance, independant research and real user ratings. Scoring is not influenced by the manufacturer.

It’s a good choice for a basic MIG/Flux-cored welder on a budget. It doesn’t have advanced functions, but it can weld up to 3/16 in. thickness.

Check Latest Price (via Northern Tool)

Brand:

Klutch
Model:

MIG 140i
Weight:

24 lbs
Price:

$$$$
Voltage:

120V
Processes:

MIG, Flux-cored
Max Thickness:

up to 3/16 in.
Screen:

None
Controls:

Analog
Max Output:

140A

This little MIG/flux-cored welder from Klutch (brand by Northern Tool) is the best flux-cored welder for the money. If you wish to squeeze out every bit of value on a very tight budget, this model is a good choice. However, it is not as good as the Eastwood model above, even if it provides the same 3-year warranty.

The Klutch MIG 140i is an inverter welder with a decent welding performance. It’s slightly cheaper than the Eastwood model and doesn’t include advanced functions like 2T/4T. The leads are integrated like with any other inexpensive welder. It’s a good choice if you are on a budget but need to MIG weld as well.

The build quality is not the greatest, but it gets the job done for hobbyists. If you need to weld in harsh conditions or transport the welder a lot in the truck bed, you should look for a more rugged unit.

It has an infinitely adjustable voltage and wire feed speed, allowing you to fine-tune your welds. The duty cycle is what you’d expect from an inexpensive welder, but the 140A of welding power is generous for a 120V input machine.

Pros

Affordable
Supports Flux-cored and MIG welding processes
Lightweight
Infinite adjustability for wire feeding speed and voltage
1-Year warranty
Northern Tool brand
Everything included

Cons

Short leads
Integrated ground clamp and MIG gun
Thin ground clamp
No display
Duty cycle on the low end

5. Hobart Handler 100 Flux Core Welder

Best overall flux core welder

Hobart Handler 100

4.0 Weld Guru rating

Weld Guru’s rating is determined by a variety of factors including features, performance, independant research and real user ratings. Scoring is not influenced by the manufacturer.

What it lacks in portability and functions, it makes up in an arc and build quality. If you are looking for the best flux-cored only machine, you should consider the Handler 100.

Check Latest Price (via Amazon) Check Latest Price (via Northern Tool)

Brand:

Hobart
Model:

Handler 100
Weight:

44 lbs
Price:

$$$
Voltage:

115V
Processes:

Flux-cored
Max Thickness:

up to 3/16 in.
Screen:

None
Controls:

Analog
Max Output:

100A

The best overall flux-cored only welder is the Hobart Handler 100 in terms of arc and build quality. However, the Eastwood MIG 140 is a much better welder, but it also includes MIG, which increases the price. So, let’s have a look at Handler 100 if you are not interested in MIG welding.

While this is a heavy transformer welder, it provides an excellent arc in this price range. The transformer core means that it will last a long time, but it is difficult to move around with its 44lbs. Additionally, it doesn’t support useful functions like 2T/4T or tack welding.

The machine has an excellent build quality, like all Hobart units. However, it has a plastic wire drive, which is understandable considering its price. The lengthy leads and a copper ground clamp are welcome and will make welding easier for rookies for who this machine is designed.

It can weld up to 3/16 in. mild steel, with a duty cycle of 20% at 80A. The duty cycle is acceptable for beginners, but if you need it higher, consider the YesWelder 135 or the Eastwood 140.

Pros

Inexpensive considering the warranty length and build quality
Stable, Hobart’s arc
Infinite wire feeding adjustments
Excellent build quality
Copper ground clamp for better conductivity
Transformer core improves durability
Long 8 ft. leads
3-Year warranty
Trusted USA brand

Cons

Heavy at 44 lbs
Integrated leads
Low duty cycle
No display
Uses old fixed-voltage adjustment range of only 4 values
No advanced functions

6. Lincoln Electric Century FC-90 Flux-Cored Welder

Best portable flux core welder

Lincoln Century FC-90

4.0 Weld Guru rating

Weld Guru’s rating is determined by a variety of factors including features, performance, independant research and real user ratings. Scoring is not influenced by the manufacturer.

This is a lightweight, compact flux-cored welder optimized for welding from gig to gig. It's easy to carry, and the rugged body handles rough surface terrain like concrete and bumpy transport conditions.

Check Latest Price (via Amazon)

Brand:

Lincoln
Model:

Century FC-90
Weight:

18 lbs
Price:

$$
Voltage:

120V
Processes:

Flux-cored
Max Thickness:

up to 1/4 in.
Screen:

None
Controls:

Analog
Max Output:

90A

If portability is your no. 1 priority, the Lincoln Electric Century FC-90 is a good choice. It closely competes with YesWelder 135 in this arena, but the FC-90 has a more compact design and a shoulder strap. It has the least welding power of all reviewed units on our list, but it’s also built very well, with rugged plastics and sturdy sheet metal.

The infinite voltage and wire feeding speed adjustability let you dial in the weld just right regardless of which wire you are using and the metal thickness. The arc quality is very high and on par with Eastwood and Hobart’s units mentioned before, making the FC-90 a great welder for welding on the go.

The short leads, flimsy ground clamp, and poor warranty are the most significant downsides of this Century welder. But its low price makes up for most of those shortcomings. This is a good unit for beginners, DIY work, artists, and small contractors.

Pros

Extra light and portable
Compact design with a shoulder strap
Very good build quality
Stable, smooth arc
Infinite voltage and wire feed speed adjustability
Century brand is owned by Lincoln Electric, one of the best welding brands

Cons

Short and integrated leads
Poor ground clamp
Low duty cycle
No display
No helpful functions
Only a 6-month warranty period

7. Ironton 125 Flux-Cored Welder

Best cheap flux core welder

Ironton 125

3.5 Weld Guru rating

Weld Guru’s rating is determined by a variety of factors including features, performance, independant research and real user ratings. Scoring is not influenced by the manufacturer.

This welder is a good option, If you are looking for the best flux core welder under 200 that’s not a total rip-off. It handles light welding up to 3/16 in. thickness.

Check Latest Price (via Northern Tool)

Brand:

Ironton
Model:

125
Weight:

38 lbs
Price:

$
Voltage:

115V
Processes:

Flux-cored
Max Thickness:

up to 3/16 in.
Screen:

None
Controls:

Analog
Max Output:

125A

The Ironton 125 is one of the cheapest flux-cored welders you can get. But it’s only slightly more affordable than YesWelder 135, and YesWelder is a much more capable unit. Still, if you want to save as much as possible and still get a decent welder, the Ironton 125 may be a good option.

It’s a transformer-based welder, but its longevity is questionable since the brand offers only a 1-year warranty. The build quality is adequate for the price. However, the ground clamp is as cheap as it gets, and the leads are short, but that’s expected for the least costly machine.

The two voltage preset settings are incomparable to the infinite adjustability the YesWelder and some other brands offer. You can weld with two output voltage options but forget about perfect welds. This machine will do fine for welding small DIY stuff, but you won’t be able to dial in the welds for every job.

Pros

Cheapest flux-cored welder
Decent build quality considering the low price
It has an overload LED indicator
1-Year warranty

Cons

Heavy at 38 lbs
Integrated leads
Short leads
Low duty cycle
Only two fixed voltage output options
It may be challenging to find spare parts
No display and no additional functions

Buyer’s Guide

Flux core welding machines open up a whole world of welding to beginners, amateurs and professionals alike.

Some can be multi-purpose machines like the Yeswelder 135 that can run Flux-cored, Stick and Lift TIG.

Others only offer wire feed welding but are still great workhorse welders.

What is Flux Core Welding?

Gas-shielded welding allows for clean welds without oxidation or impurities by keeping oxygen out of the welding process. With MIG welding, an inert gas is fed to the welding process by a hose and it flows around the metal electrode, forming an atmosphere that doesn’t let oxygen into the weld.

If you’re welding outside and there’s a breeze, it can blow the shielding gas away and leave your weld susceptible to oxidation and porosity. The way engineers have solved this problem is by creating a welding wire that has a hollow core and filled it with a flux mixture. This flux core wire works the same way the flux on an arc welding stick electrode works. When the metal gets hot and melts, the wire melts the flux core, which turns to gas and shields the weld.

So in some ways, flux core welding is actually better than MIG welding, because a breeze won’t ruin your weld the same way it will with a MIG machine. Of course, with too much wind, you just can’t weld, but flux core welders can give great results in breezes that won’t let a gas MIG machine produce good work.

Do You Need MIG or Can Flux Core Work?

One thing about flux core welders is that MIG machines can run flux core, but not every flux core welder can run as a true gas MIG machine.

This point can be confusing because many flux core machines that run only as wire feed welders are labeled using the word MIG in their model names, but aren’t actually a true MIG machine. This is an important detail to pay attention to if you want to try MIG welding later on.

How Thick is Your Metal?

The thickness of the metal you’ll most often weld is the single biggest factor in choosing your best flux core welding machine.

If you’re going to be welding nothing but metal that’s 1/4-inch thick or less, you only need 130-140 amps.

If you want to weld anything thicker, you’re going to need a machine like the Hobart Handler 210 that can weld up to 3/8-inch steel with over 200 amps of output. It can also be converted to a true gas MIG machine if needed.

Input Power Sources

A 120 volt powered welder can only deliver about 140 amps maximum. That’s only going to get you up to 1/4-inch steel. If you’re mostly going to be welding sheet metal or thin plate-like gate hinges, a 120-volt machine will serve you well.

If you will need to weld thick metal for trailer frames, pipe fencing or equipment repairs, you’ll need a lot more power.

You’ll have to move up to a 240-powered machine in that case, or buy a dual input welder that runs on either 120 or 240 volts to be able to generate enough current for thick metal.

Some welders like the Forney EasyWeld 140 MP can run on generators, provided there’s enough wattage to produce the current needed. Also, some flux core and MIG welders need so-called “clean” energy with a low distortion rate in the current output. Some welders are able to run on “dirty” power sources so that’s a feature that makes it easier to run on generators and might be desirable.

Wrapping it up

The Eastwood MIG 140 is your best bet if you are looking for top quality. While it does include MIG as well, increasing its price, this Eastwood model is one of the most feature-rich MIG/flux-cored welders under $500.

The Yeswelder 135 is the best choice for beginners. If you are entirely new to welding, this welder won’t burn a hole in your pocket because it’s one of the cheapest welders there is. But despite its low price, it’s a rather capable hobbyist-level welder with many features other welders don’t support.