10 Best MIG Welders for the Money – Top Picks & Reviews

Img	Product	Weight	Price	Voltage	Processes	Max Thickness	Controls	Where to Buy
Best Bang for the Buck MIG Welder Eastwood 180 MIG	Eastwood 180 MIG	25.3 lbs	$	120/240V	MIG, Flux-cored	Mild steel up to 5/16 in.	Analog	Visit Eastwood
Best MIG Welder for Beginners with pulse MIG YesWelder YWM-211P	YesWelder YWM-211P	39.60 lbs	$$$	110/220V	MIG, Pulse & double pulse MIG, Flux-cored, TIG, and Stick	up to 1/4"	Digital	Visit Yeswelder
Best Gasless MIG welder Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-i	Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-i	19 lbs	$	120V	Flux-cored	up to 1/4"	Analog	Visit Amazon
Best All-round MIG Welder Firepower FP-200	Firepower FP-200	28.7 lbs	$$$	115/230V	MIG, Flux-cored	Mild steel up to 3/8 in.	Digital	Visit Northern Tool Visit Amazon
Best time-tested MIG welder Hobart Handler 210 MVP	Hobart Handler 210 MVP	79 lbs	$$$$$	120/240V	MIG, Flux-cored	Mild steel up to 3/8 in.	Analog	Visit Amazon Visit Northern Tool
Best Multi-process MIG Welder Package Klutch MP230SiDV	Klutch MP230SiDV	33 lbs	$$$$	120/230V	MIG, Flux-cored, TIG, Stick	Mild steel up to 5/16 in.	Digital	Visit NorthernTool
Best Industrial MIG Welder for Professionals Hobart Ironman 240	Hobart Ironman 240	186 lbs	$$$$$	220/230/240V	MIG, Flux-cored	up to 1/2"	Analog	Visit NorthernTool Visit Amazon
Best MIG Welder for Aluminium Everlast Cyclone 212	Everlast Cyclone 212	65 lbs	$$$$	120/240V	MIG, Flux-cored, and Stick	up to 5/16"	Digital	Visit Amazon
Best Portable MIG Welder For Professionals Miller Millermatic 211	Miller Millermatic 211	38 lbs	$$$$$	120/240V	MIG, Flux-cored	up to 3/8"	Analog	Visit Amazon
Affordable Brand Name MIG Welder Lincoln Electric Easy MIG 180	Lincoln Electric Easy MIG 180	56 lbs	$$$	230V	MIG, Flux-cored	up to 3/16”	Analog	Visit Amazon

1. Eastwood MIG 180 MIG Welder

Best Bang for the Buck MIG Welder

Eastwood MIG 180

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.

The Eastwood MIG 180 is made by a USA brand and is one of the most affordable MIG welders. It’s lightweight and includes valuable features, which makes it the best bargain MIG welder and an excellent alternative to the Hobart 210.

Check Latest Price (via Eastwood)

Brand:

Eastwood
Model:

180 MIG
Weight:

25.3 lbs
Price:

$
Duty Cycle:

60% at 130A, 100% at 100A
Voltage:

120/240V
Processes:

MIG, Flux-cored
Max Thickness:

Mild steel up to 5/16 in.
Screen:

None
Controls:

Analog
Max Output:

180A
Warranty:

3 Years

The Eastwood MIG 180 is the most affordable, high-quality MIG welder with useful features. This machine is an update to the popular Eastwood MIG 175, which was a heavy transformer-based welder. If you don’t need to weld thicker than 1/4-inch steel, you might want to opt for the Eastwood MIG 140 and save some money.

Inverter technology makes the Eastwood 180 light by comparison to its predecessor. It weighs just 25 lbs. and also adds digital functions like 4T and tack welding. The 4T lets you weld without keeping the MIG gun trigger pressed. So, it’s perfect for long welds. The tack welding mode creates uniform tack welds and prevents sheet metal distortion from unequal heat input.

The amperage output of 120A at 120V input is a tad low. But, when plugged into a 240V socket, it outputs up to 180A at a 30% duty cycle. So, you can weld as thin as 24-gauge or as thick as 5/16-inch. While designed for auto body welding, DIY hobbyists or light shop users can get most jobs done with the Eastwood MIG 180.

Other USA brands like Hobart, Lincoln, or Miller have more durable machines, but Eastwood is a perfect budget alternative. Plus, it’s lighter and more portable than most MIG welders on the market. The bottom line is that this is an excellent alternative if you don’t want to splash out on the Hobart 210MVP.

Pros

Excellent cheaper alternative to the Hobart 210
Stable arc
Great build quality
Recently updated IGBT inverter
2T/4T and tack welding modes
Spool gun compatible
Industry standard Tweco-type torch
Cast aluminum wire drive
Straightforward to set up and start welding
Infinite adjustability
Portable and light at just 25 lbs
3-Year warranty

Cons

No digital display
MIG torch lead is just 8.5 feet long
Slightly lower maximum output at 120V input compared to others on our list

2. YesWelder YWM-211P Double Pulse Aluminum MIG Welder

Best MIG Welder for Beginners with pulse MIG

YesWelder YWM-211P

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.

This is a one-of-a-kind welder at an entry-level price. It offers the pulsed MIG welding process, meant for high-end welding applications. Plus, the YWM-211P combines all the features from competing brands at a great price, making it a perfect choice for beginners.

Check Latest Price (via Yeswelder)

Brand:

Yeswelder
Model:

YWM-211P
Weight:

39.60 lbs
Price:

$$$
Duty Cycle:

60% at 200A
Voltage:

110/220V
Processes:

MIG, Pulse & double pulse MIG, Flux-cored, TIG, and Stick
Max Thickness:

up to 1/4"
Screen:

Digital
Controls:

Digital
Max Output:

200A
Warranty:

1 Year

While this welder offers pulsed MIG welding meant for high-end aluminum fabrication, we believe that the new YesWelder YWM-211P welder is best suited for beginners. It’s an affordable hobbyist-grade machine that probably wouldn’t survive shop production work.

But, since it’s loaded with useful functions and supports a spool gun, dual voltage input, pulsed MIG, and has a low price, it’s perfect for beginners. You get to try everything out and see which welding process you like the best. It can MIG, TIG, and stick weld.

The YesWelder YWM-211P also works great for light shop use. Just don’t push it too hard. It does have a sturdy body, cast aluminum wire drive, and a large digital display. Pulse, we are happy with the provided 1-year warranty because this machine is for the DIY market. But it is not professional-grade.

This new model was launched by YesWelder recently. While double pulsed MIG technology approximates TIG welding quality, nobody can say how the YWM-211P will perform long-term. Still, the YWM-211P removes the barrier to professional-level MIG welding for hobbyists, thanks to the GMAW-P.

Pros

Stable arc
Excellent build quality for the price
Pulse and double pulse MIG makes exceptional quality welds resembling TIG welding appearance
Incredible value for the price considering that GMAW-P is only available with extremely expensive welders
Supports MIG, FCAW, DC TIG, and MMA
Dual voltage input
Long duty cycle
Loaded with functions, includes all the features found in competing models
2T/4T and 4TL for maximum heat input control
Tack welding mode
Welds aluminum with a spool gun or natively using the provided graphene liner
Large digital display
Launched in 2022
Runs E6010 electrode
Memory function

Cons

Spool gun, TIG torch, and gas regulator not included
It’s new to the market, no long-term real-world use yet
Lacks TIG foot pedal support

3. Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-i Gasless MIG Welder

Best Gasless MIG welder

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.

If you are a DIYer or a hobbyist that doesn’t need to MIG weld, this welder offers a stable flux-cored welding experience. In addition. It’s exceptionally low priced and made by an American brand.

Check Latest Price (via Amazon)

Brand:

Forney
Model:

140 FC-i
Weight:

19 lbs
Price:

$
Duty Cycle:

30% at 90A
Voltage:

120V
Processes:

Flux-cored
Max Thickness:

up to 1/4"
Screen:

None
Controls:

Analog
Max Output:

140A
Warranty:

1 Year

The Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-i only handles flux-cored wire. You cannot hook up and run shielding gas with it and use solid MIG wires.

The flux-cored welding process creates more spatter and smoke and produces less appealing welds. But, for many home hobbyists on a limited budget, flux-cored is a good alternative. But, in windy conditions, the flux-cored process works when MIG will not, as shielding gas is blown away.

Comparing the Forney 140 FC-i and the YesWelder YWM-200 is like comparing an 80s sedan passenger car to a 2022 Lamborghini. Still, Forney’s meager cost is tempting. If you just need to weld a few metal pieces together from time to time, the Forney 140 FC-i is an excellent choice.

This gasless MIG welder has a short duty cycle. It can hardly handle the 0.035 flux-cored wires because the duty cycle gets even shorter since the thicker wire requires additional energy to melt.

Also, the integrated leads are too short, just 8 feet. Replacing them would be a pain because you’d have to disassemble the unit and rewire the leads on the inside.

Additionally, the Forney 140 FC-i has a plastic wire feeding system, which is not recommended for demanding users. That’s why most brands use cast aluminum drives nowadays.

Pros

Exceptionally priced
Decent arc stability
120V input welds 1/4-inch thick steel
Supports 10 lbs wire spools
Everything included
Lightest welder in our review at just 19 lbs
Infinite adjustability settings

Cons

Flux-cored only. Cannot MIG weld
Short 8-foot leads
MIG torch and ground clamp are integrated and hard to replace if damaged by spatter
Plastic wire feeding mechanism
Low duty cycle. Plus, using the 0.035 flux-cored wire shortens the duty cycle

4. Firepower FP-200 MIG Welding System

Best All-round MIG Welder

Firepower FP-200

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.

Since ESAB owns Firepower, their machines are made to high standards. But, they’ve also cut prices aggressively. So, the FP-200 is a great choice for professionals on a budget.

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

Brand:

Firepower
Model:

FP-200
Weight:

28.7 lbs
Price:

$$$
Duty Cycle:

60% at 100A, 15% at 200A
Voltage:

115/230V
Processes:

MIG, Flux-cored
Max Thickness:

Mild steel up to 3/8 in.
Screen:

Digital
Controls:

Digital
Max Output:

200A
Warranty:

3 Years

If you are a professional on a budget, and you don’t regularly make long welds on thick metal, the Firepower FP-200 may be for you. It has excellent build quality and numerous professional features for arc control. But, its duty cycle at 200A is a meager 15%, which limits it to welding either thin stock or short welding periods with thicker metals.

ESAB makes the FP-200, so we expect this unit to provide many years of performance. Plus, the manufacturer warrants the machine for 3-years.

With functions like MIG inductance, wire run-in, wire burn-back time, and pre/post gas flow settings, you can modify arc behavior and the resulting welds to your heart’s desire. Plus, the FP-200 supports 4T operation for long welds on sheet metal.

Thanks to the large digital display and infinitely adjustable knobs, it’s easy to set up. This machine supports dual-voltage input, even though it’s designed for professionals. We recommend the Firepower FP-200 for experienced welders, small to medium shops, and hobbyists who want a strong warranty. There is also a 120V-only version if you don’t need extra features and high amperage output.

Pros

Firepower is an ESAB brand, a leading welding manufacturer
Affordable
Stable, crisp arc
Excellent build quality
Dual voltage support
Supports numerous advanced functions for arc control (e.g., MIG inductance, wire run-in, and wire burn-back time)
Large digital display
High-quality Tweco MIG torch, ground clamp, and gas regulator included
Spool gun compatible
Lightweight and portable
3-Year warranty

Cons

Requires manually switching the button for 115/230V input
Low duty cycle

5. Hobart Handler 210 MVP

Best time-tested MIG welder

Hobart Handler 210 MVP

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 welder may be a good choice if you must have reliability in a portable unit. While heavy at 79 lbs, the Handler 210 is still relatively mobile for a high-quality transformer-based machine.

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

Brand:

Hobart
Model:

Handler 210 MVP
Weight:

79 lbs
Price:

$$$$$
Duty Cycle:

30% at 150A
Voltage:

120/240V
Processes:

MIG, Flux-cored
Max Thickness:

Mild steel up to 3/8 in.
Screen:

None
Controls:

Analog
Max Output:

210A
Warranty:

3 Years

The Handler 210 MVP is a popular MIG welder from Hobart, but it’s also becoming dated since newer welders offer more features. Still, it’s transformer-based, relatively portable, and made in the USA. So, if you need maximum longevity, Hobart is likely to outlive most of the inexpensive inverter welders.

But, this additional longevity comes at a cost. The Handler 210 MVP doesn’t even include infinite voltage adjustability, which is pretty much standard nowadays. Even the low-priced Forney 140 FC-i supports fine-tuning the voltage output.

Additionally, the Hobart Handler 210 MVP doesn’t have digital functions for arc control. There is no display, and the integrated ground clamp makes changing polarity challenging. We hope Hobart updates the Handler 210 to meet today’s standards. But, as it is, we can only praise its exceptional build quality (full review here).

The Hobart Handler 210 also supports Hobart’s spool gun (SpoolRunner 100), which is also very durable. Plus, this welder has an industrial-grade aluminum wire drive system. It’s much denser and sturdier than wire drives from Eastwood, Firepower, and Yeswelder.

Pros

Excellent arc stability
Made in the USA
Transformer-core for maximum longevity
115/230V input
It supports a spool gun
Portable
Industrial-grade cast aluminum wire drive
Quick select drive roll allows efficient wire switching
High 770 IPM wire feed speed improves bridging joint gaps and penetration
Hobart’s 5/3/1 warranty

Cons

Heavy at 79 lbs
Integrated ground clamp. Switching polarity for flux-cored welding requires manually rewiring lead connectors inside the wiring compartment
7 fixed voltage settings, doesn’t support infinite voltage adjustability like most modern welders
No digital display or advanced features for arc control
Low duty cycle for professional work
Poor price-to-value ratio compared to competing machines

6. Klutch MP230SiDV Multi-Process MIG Welder

Best Multi-process MIG Welder Package

Klutch MP230SiDV

5.0 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.

Compared to most multi-process welders, this Klutch offers the best value for professionals. It’s feature-rich and includes everything in a package from a spool gun to the TIG foot pedal - so you don't need to buy any extras.

Check Latest Price (via NorthernTool)

Brand:

Klutch
Model:

MP230SiDV
Weight:

33 lbs
Price:

$$$$
Duty Cycle:

40% at 90A, 20% at 200A
Voltage:

120/230V
Processes:

MIG, Flux-cored, TIG, Stick
Max Thickness:

Mild steel up to 5/16 in.
Screen:

LCD
Controls:

Digital
Max Output:

200A
Warranty:

3 Years

Klutch is a Northern Tool brand, and the MP230SiDV offers the best value for a MIG-capable multi-process welder. Compared to welders like Lincoln Electric Power MIG 210 MP, this Klutch provides the same features at a lower cost. Plus, it includes the spool gun, TIG torch, and foot control, which is unheard of at this price point.

Additionally, the Klutch MP230SiDV is made by an American brand. It’s a well-built machine covered by a 3-year warranty, just like the Lincoln Power MIG 210 MP. Plus, the Klutch’s LCD and menu quality are comparable to the very expensive ESAB Rebel 205ic.

The MP230SiDV includes MIG inductance, wire run-in, hot start, arc force, and adjustable pre/post gas flow times. So, you can modify the arc behavior and resulting beads as needed. Plus, it supports automatic settings that are very easy to use thanks to the intuitive LCD controls.

The only downside to this Klutch welder is the short duty cycle. You can expect about two minutes of welding time at 200 amps output before waiting for the machine to cool.

Pros

Stable, crisp arc
Excellent build quality
Fantastic value, considering what’s included
Multi-process machine
Dual voltage input
Large, color LCD appropriate for professionals
Supports automatic and manual settings
Includes MIG inductance, wire run-in, pre/post welding gas time, hot start, and arc force control
Supports VRD for safe stick welding
2T/4T and tack welding modes
Ability to save and recall settings
Includes TIG foot pedal, spool gun, and TIG/MIG/MMA torches
Cast aluminum wire drive
Lightweight
3-Year warranty

Cons

Short duty cycle for professional use

7. Hobart Ironman 240

Best Industrial MIG Welder for Professionals

Hobart Ironman 240

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.

If you run a professional shop with high weld volumes, this welder will provide the best longevity at a reasonable cost. The long duty cycle, high amperage output and wire feed speed are up to the task no matter the job.

Check Latest Price (via NorthernTool) Check Latest Price (via Amazon)

Brand:

Hobart
Model:

Ironman 240
Weight:

186 lbs
Price:

$$$$$
Duty Cycle:

60% at 200A
Voltage:

220/230/240V
Processes:

MIG, Flux-cored
Max Thickness:

up to 1/2"
Screen:

None
Controls:

Analog
Max Output:

280A
Warranty:

5/3/1 warranty

Made in the USA and transformer-based, the Hobart Ironman 240 builds on top of its highly popular Ironman 230 predecessor.

Whether you weld aluminum or steel, the 280A output with 700 IPM wire feed speed has you covered. The Ironman 240 can weld 1/2-inch steel in a single pass and bombard the joint with filler metal to close gaps quickly. So if you need a heavy-duty MIG welder for professional work, you should consider the Ironman 240. Make sure to buy the package with the spool gun to save buying it separately.

Apart from the fixed wire run-in that some people dislike, the Ironman 240 offers that beautiful Hobart arc. It sizzles like bacon in the morning and creates even, deep, penetrating welds.

However, this welder is quite heavy and omits advanced functions for arc control. The Ironman 240 is a stripped-down version of Millermatic 252 that’s too costly for most individuals and smaller shops. So, the Hobart Ironman 240 provides the same build quality at a lower price but without advanced arc control and a digital display.

Therefore, we only recommend the Ironman 240 to welders that genuinely need this level of durability. If you are a hobbyist, you will do much better with Eastwood, YesWelder, or Klutch.

Pros

Top-of-the-line build and arc quality
Made in the USA
Transformer-based for ultimate longevity
Long duty cycle
280A of power welds up to 1/2-inch thick steel in one pass
High 770 IPM wire feed speed for quick metal deposition and bridging root gaps
Supports a professional spool gun rated for 200A with a 20ft. long lead
15ft long MIG gun lead
Angled, industrial-grade cast aluminum wire drive
Integrated running wheels and gas cylinder tray
Fan-on-demand reduces noise
Supports 45 lbs wire spools
Hobart’s 5/3/1 warranty

Cons

Fixed wire run-in (starting wire speed), which some people don’t like. It makes the arc pop until the set wire feed speed kicks in. This is troublesome for stitching sheet metal because the wire run-in resets every time you tack weld.
Doesn’t support 120V input
No digital display or advanced functions for arc control
Requires manual rewiring inside the welder to switch polarity
10ft ground clamp is too short for such a high price
Heavy at 186lbs

8. Everlast Cyclone 212

Best MIG Welder for Aluminium

Everlast Cyclone 212

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.

This welder supports MIG welding aluminum natively, so you don’t have to buy an optional spool gun. Plus, it has numerous digital functions for professional work.

Check Latest Price (via Amazon)

Brand:

Everlast
Model:

Cyclone 212
Weight:

65 lbs
Price:

$$$$
Duty Cycle:

35% at 200A
Voltage:

120/240V
Processes:

MIG, Flux-cored, and Stick
Max Thickness:

up to 5/16"
Screen:

LCD
Controls:

Digital
Max Output:

230A
Warranty:

5 Years

Thanks to high maximum wire feed speeds and amperage output, the Everlast Cyclone 212 easily handles MIG welding aluminum and steel. Plus, you don’t have to buy an optional spool gun because the Cyclone 212 can us the included polymer liner and U-groove roller to weld aluminum “natively.” The digital function for aluminum is pre-installed and doesn’t require a spool gun to be connected.

Tuning the wire feed speed and voltage for the MIG spray transfer necessary to MIG weld aluminum is challenging. Thankfully, the Cyclone 212 also includes automatic settings. So, all you need to do is select the wire diameter and the material thickness, and you are all set to weld.

The Everlast Cyclone 212 is feature-rich like the Klutch MP230SiDV and YesWelder YWM-211P. So, you can independently set the MIG inductance, wire burn-back time, hot start, and arc force. Plus, it supports VRD for safe stick welding.

However, if you are a hobbyist looking to weld aluminum, we still recommend the YesWelder YWM-211P over the Everlast Cyclone 212. But, if you are a demanding user, the Cyclone 212 offers a more extended warranty (5 years) and better build quality.

Pros

Stable, crisp arc
Excellent build quality
Dual voltage input
Supports MIG, FCAW, and stick welding
Manual and automatic settings
Wire burn-back time and MIG inductance settings
Pre and post-flow shielding gas adjustability
2T/4T, spot, and stitch welding modes
Welds aluminum with a spool gun or natively using a polymer liner and U-groove roller
Up to 600 IPM wire feed speed for a spray transfer mode necessary to weld aluminum
Large LCD
Intuitive and straightforward to operate
5-Year warranty

Cons

160A maximum output for stick welding
It doesn’t support the E6010 electrode
Heavy at 65 lbs
Spool gun not included

9. Miller Millermatic 211 Portable MIG Welder

Best Portable MIG Welder For Professionals

Miller Millermatic 211

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.

Welders who require maximum reliability for jobs on the go should consider the Millermatic 211. It’s light and portable, powerful, and has exceptional build quality.

Check Latest Price (via Amazon)

Brand:

Miller
Model:

Millermatic 211
Weight:

38 lbs
Price:

$$$$$
Duty Cycle:

40% at 150A
Voltage:

120/240V
Processes:

MIG, Flux-cored
Max Thickness:

up to 3/8"
Screen:

None
Controls:

Analog
Max Output:

230A
Warranty:

3 Years

The Millermatic 211 is a portable, inverter-based MIG welder with exceptional build quality. Unfortunately, it doesn’t support advanced arc controls, but it does have automatic settings.

If you are a professional welder on the go that welds at the site often, the Millermatic 211 is a good choice. It’s rugged, sturdy, and has the most durable angled cast aluminum wire drive of all the welders in our review. The impressive wire drive alone probably pushed the price up. So, unless you need this level of reliability, the Millermatic 211 may be overkill.

While the Millermatic 211 doesn’t include a digital display, its automatic settings work great thanks to intuitive labeling and the easy-to-use, infinitely adjustable knobs.

The Millermatic 211 supports 120/240V input and accepts generator power, making it highly versatile. Its duty cycle is similar to the Klutch MP230SiDV, giving you about two minutes of welding at 200 amps.

In our opinion, the Klutch MP230SiDV, Firepower FP-200, and Everlast 212 offer better value for professionals. However, if you are willing to pay more for a brand name and superior build quality, the Millermatic 211 is a good choice.

Pros

Excellent arc with minimum spatter
Top-of-the-line build quality
Best angled cast aluminum wire drive in our review
Dual voltage input
Spool gun compatible
Automatic and manual settings
Lightweight and portable
Fan-on-demand
Quick select drive roll for fast wire switching
Supports using up to 15-foot MIG guns
3-Year warranty

Cons

Expensive
Doesn’t have digital functions for arc control or a display
Short duty cycle
Integrated cable for the ground clamp. Switching the polarity requires manually rewiring the clamps inside the welder
While excellent, the spool gun is too expensive

10. Lincoln Electric Easy MIG 180

Affordable Brand Name MIG Welder

Lincoln Easy MIG 180

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 Lincoln welder may be a good choice if you want a brand-name entry-level machine and don't mind it’s shortcomings.

Check Latest Price (via Amazon)

Brand:

Lincoln Electric
Model:

Easy MIG 180
Weight:

56 lbs
Price:

$$$
Duty Cycle:

30% at 130A
Voltage:

230V
Processes:

MIG, Flux-cored
Max Thickness:

up to 3/16”
Screen:

None
Controls:

Analog
Max Output:

180A
Warranty:

3 Years

The Lincoln Electric Easy MIG 180 is an older, transformer-based MIG welder like the Hobart Handler 210 MVP we reviewed earlier. But, unlike Hobart’s unit, the Easy MIG 180 supports a 230V input only and has a lower duty cycle. On the plus side, the Easy MIG 180 is lighter and less costly.

The sturdy sheet metal body and angled cast aluminum wire drive are of better build quality than most entry-level welders. However, missing features like DINSE connectors, dual-voltage input, digital display, and advanced arc control make the Easy MIG 180 overpriced by today’s standards.

We recommend the Eastwood MIG 180 over the Lincoln Electric Easy MIG 180. It offers the same 3-year warranty and amperage output. But, it provides more features, better portability, and a longer duty cycle. However, if you like Lincoln welders, the Easy MIG 180 is their premiere entry-level machine. But you may still want to consider the Eastwood MIG 180. It’s also an American brand with a long history and excellent customer support.

Pros

Very stable arc
Great build quality
Angled cast aluminum wire drive
Spool gun support
Portable
Long leads
3-Year warranty

Cons

Somewhat heavy at 56 lbs
Short duty cycle
230V input only
No digital display or functions to improve arc control
Changing polarity requires manually switching clamps inside the welder
Integrated ground clamp lead