Most fabrication jobs will require you to cut some pieces from large pieces of metal. A plasma cutter is a great option for thinner or non-ferrous metals like stainless steel and aluminum.
While it’s not practical to test every plasma cutter on the market, I’ve used a range of different ones, from top-end brands like Hypertherm down to cheap Chinese ones.
- The best plasma cutters output amperage power as advertised consistently, which you can easily measure with a clamp meter. This consistent power is what gives you that smooth cutting action.
- Cheap plasma cutters don’t reach full amperage, even if it is on the display, and struggle to maintain power output. This is why cheaper machines don’t cut as smoothly and take longer.
This doesn’t make cheap plasma cutters necessarily bad. It’s just something to be aware of. You can’t compare two machines based on amperage – you get what you pay for in terms of output quality.
From this experience, I’ve compiled a list of seven plasma cutters at different price points so you can find one that’ll suit your needs.
A Quick Look at the Best Plasma Cutters
- Best Plasma Cutter Overall: Hypertherm Powermax30 XP – Hypertherm is the gold standard of plasma cutters, and this model offers the best quality-to-price ratio for most people.
- Best Plasma Cutter for Home Use: Lotos LTP5000D – A respected favorite among homeowners that gets the job done for anything ⅜” and under.
- Best Plasma Cutter for the Money: Klutch PFC700 – If you’re after a mid-ranged cutter offering accurate amperage output and smooth cutting experience, the PFC700 is great value.
- Best Plasma Cutter Under $300: Yeswelder CUT-55DS PRO – If you need something cheap for occasional use, the CUT-55S PRO will get you by without breaking the bank.
- Best Plasma Cutter for 1/2 Steel: Eastwood Versa Cut 60 – If you plan on cutting thicker plates, you’ll need more power. The Versa Cut 60 offers excellent cutting capabilities, with smooth output at an affordable price.
- Best CNC Plasma Cutter: PRIMEWELD CUT60 – If you run a shop and need a cutter for your CNC setup, the CIT60 provides excellent cutting capabilities with CNC integration at an affordable price.
- Best Professional Plasma Cutter: Miller Electric Spectrum 875 – This cutter targets professional fabricators who need a heavy-duty cutter that outputs plenty of power smoothly to handle any job.
7 Best Plasma Cutters for 2023
1. Hypertherm Powermax30 XP
Best Plasma Cutter Overall
WeldGuru Rating: 4.5/5
The Hypertherm Powermax30 XP is a great all-around machine for anyone who needs a portable but powerful plasma cutter. This machine is versatile enough to use in a home shop and in a large-scale fabrication shop.
Pros
- Lightweight, making it easy to transport
- One knob control means adjusting the machine is straightforward and easy
- Dual voltage gives you lots of power and versatility
- FineCut technology makes cutting thin materials accurate and easy
- 30 amps of output can pierce ⅝” steel
- Delivers the rated output, making cuts on ½” thick steel easy
- The torch and ground clamp are good quality, giving years of service
Cons
- No digital display makes knowing the exact amperage impossible
- Multiple styles of consumables can be confusing
| Input Voltage/s | 120/240V |
| Cutting Current | 15 – 25 Amps 120V15 – 30 Amps 240V |
| Max Clean Cut Thickness | ½” Thick Steel |
| Max Severance Thickness | ⅝” Thick Steel |
| Duty Cycle | 35% at 240V 20% at 120V |
| Arc Start Type | Blowback |
| PilotArc? | No |
| Screen Type | None |
| Control Type | Dials |
| Built-in Air Compressor? | No |
| 2T/4T? | No |
| CNC Compatible? | No |
| Machine Weight | 21 lbs |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Price Range | $$$$ |
If you’re looking for the gold standard of plasma cutters, look no further than Hypertherm. While they have many models, the Hypertherm Powermax30 XP is the one I’ve used the most and stands out for its quality-to-price ratio, which will appeal to most people.
It’s a USA-made machine that continues to serve the fabrication community. There’s a reason that Hypertherm has become a trusted name, and the Powermax30 XP performs well regardless of your skill level. This lightweight machine has 30 amps of cutting current, which will sever ⅝” steel plates but produce nice cuts on ½” plates.
If you need nice cuts on ⅝” plates and have the extra budget, I would go with the Powermax 45 as an upgraded choice. Also, if you don’t own a compressor, you can opt for the more expensive Hypertherm Powermax 30 AIR model with a built-in compressor.
The dial on the control panel has color-coded areas telling you the required input power and amperage. This feature makes it easy to know the machine’s capabilities at each voltage and amperage. Unlike less expensive machines I’ve tested, the Powermax 30XP delivers a full 30 amps of power. When you set the knob to 30 amps, you consistently get the full 30 amps of cutting power, giving you one of the smoothest cutting experiences.
My only issue with this machine is that three different sets of consumables are available. Each consumable has a specific voltage and purpose; mixing some components up would be easy.
Overall, I strongly believe the Powermax30 XP is a professional-grade plasma cutter with an approachable price point.
2. Lotos LTP5000D Plasma Cutter
Best Plasma Cutter For Home Use
WeldGuru Rating: 4/5
The LTP5000D delivers decent power in a small, affordable package that any homeowner can add to their garage shop. If you need a plasma cutter for the occasional project and don’t want to spend a lot of money, the LTP5000D is a good choice.
Pros
- Dual voltage means this machine is both powerful and versatile
- The digital display shows amperage
- 50 amps of cutting current will sever ¾” thick plates
- Pilot arc allows for no-touch arc starting
- A built-in pressure gauge on the control panel makes keeping track of the pressure easy
- High duty cycle means you can make longer cuts
- Affordable for the homeowner who needs a good plasma cutter
- Portable enough to take almost anywhere
Cons
- Uses proprietary consumables, which means you can’t use third-party consumables
- The ground cable is short, which makes working on larger projects difficult
- Doesn’t deliver exactly 50 amp output and struggles to cut ½” plates
- The torch and ground clamp are low quality, so they won’t put up with much abuse
| Input Voltage/s | 120/240V |
| Cutting Current | 10-50 Amps @ 240 V10-35 Amps @ 120 V |
| Max Clean Cut Thickness | ½” @ 240V5/16” @ 120V |
| Max Severance Thickness | ¾” |
| Duty Cycle | 60% at 120/240 V |
| Arc Start Type | PilotArc |
| PilotArc? | Yes |
| Screen Type | Digital Display |
| Control Type | Dials |
| Built-in Air Compressor? | No |
| 2T/4T? | No |
| CNC Compatible? | No |
| Machine Weight | 27 lbs |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Price Range | $ |
The Lotos LTP5000D is one of the most popular home plasma cutters on the market, and rightly so. For the price, it provides excellent value. It’s dual voltage and rated to deliver 50 amps of cutting current, enough to sever ¾” thick steel. If you need more power, consider the LPT5500D, an upgraded version of the LPT5000D.
The LTP5000D has a pilot arc, which allows you to start the arc without touching the base metal. This is an attractive feature found on higher-end machines; seeing this on an affordable machine like the LTP5000D is a bonus (full LTP500D review here).
The included torch has no third-party alternatives, so you’ll buy your consumables through Lotos. Also, the torch and ground clamp aren’t high quality, so they can’t take much abuse before breaking. This isn’t a big deal for homeowners, but you might want to look toward the higher-end machines for a shop environment.
The build quality isn’t up to the standards of Hypertherm or Miller, but it’s decent for machines at this price point. Also, these cheaper machines often don’t deliver the rated output, and the LTP5000D is no expectation. It claims a 50 amp output but doesn’t cut ½” plates as well as the Hypertherm Powermax30 XP, which delivers a full 30 amps of output.
3. Klutch PFC700 Plasma Cutter
Best Plasma Cutter for the Money
WeldGuru Rating: 4.5/5
The Klutch PFC700 can be at home in the garage or in a busy fabrication shop. Considering the build quality and features you get with this machine, the PFC 700 offers the best bang for your buck.
Pros
- Dual voltage gives you more versatility
- 45 amp output will sever ⅞” plates
- Rated output is accurate, so you’ll get a full 45 amps
- Pilot arc makes starting the arc easier
- Simple control panel allows for easy operation
- Long ground clamp and torch cable make it easier to work on larger projects
- Power Factor Correction increases the cutting performance
Cons
- Heavier than other plasma cutters, making it not as portable
- Torch is a Klutch brand torch, so there may not be any third-party consumables available
| Input Voltage/s | 120/240V |
| Cutting Current | 45A @ 240V |
| Max Clean Cut Thickness | 11/16” @ 240V¼” @ 120V |
| Max Severance Thickness | ⅞” |
| Duty Cycle | 50% @ 45A (240V) 35% @ 23A (120V) |
| Arc Start Type | Blowback |
| PilotArc? | Yes |
| Screen Type | Digital |
| Control Type | Dials |
| Built-in Air Compressor? | No |
| 2T/4T? | No |
| CNC Compatible? | No |
| Machine Weight | 30 lbs |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Price Range | $$$ |
When you’re looking for a plasma cutter, you want your dollars to go as far as possible while still giving you a good quality product. To this end, the Klutch PFC700 is an excellent value for the money.
Klutch is a brand of welding machines owned by Northern Tool, a family-owned company operated out of the USA. Northern Tools produces machines far superior to the off-brand Chinese machines on Amazon. Their products are mid-range and offer great value to the consumer.
The PFC700 is dual voltage and delivers 45 amps of output current, enough to cleanly cut 11/16” thick steel and sever up to ⅞” thick. As with most machines in this price range, you can trust that the PFC700 gives you the full-rated amperage, making cuts cleaner and easier.
You also get Power Factor Correction, which increases the cutting performance. The machine also has a pilot arc, making arc starting on dirty or rusty material easier.
The only downsides are that this machine is a bit heavier than others on the list, and you may have trouble finding third-party consumables for the torch.
Aside from these small issues, the PFC700 offers great performance and features for the money.
4. Yeswelder CUT-55DS PRO
Best Plasma Cutter Under $300
WeldGuru Rating: 4/5
$300 is a tight budget. As long as you’re not planning on abusing the machine, I think the Yeswelder CUT-55DS PRO is a great option to consider.
Pros
- Dual voltage gives maximum versatility
- High duty cycle means you can make longer cuts
- Pilot arc makes arc starting easier
- Simple control panel makes setup and operation easy
- Includes a water trap for the airline to increase the lifespan of machine and consumables
Cons
- The user manual isn’t very detailed, making setup and troubleshooting harder
- Build quality lower than name-brand cutters, so this machine won’t take a lot of abuse
- Actual cutting amperage won’t equal the rated output, making this machine less powerful than advertised
| Input Voltage/s | 120/240V |
| Cutting Current | 20 Amp @110V 20-40 Amp @ 220V |
| Max Clean Cut Thickness | 13/64” @ 120V 25/64” @ 240V |
| Max Severance Thickness | 25/64” @ 120V 25/32” @ 240V |
| Duty Cycle | 60% @ 25A 100% 20A (120V)60% @ 55A 100% 42A (220V) |
| Arc Start Type | Blow Back |
| PilotArc? | Yes |
| Screen Type | Digital |
| Control Type | Dials |
| Built-in Air Compressor? | No |
| 2T/4T? | Yes |
| CNC Compatible? | No |
| Machine Weight | 13.38 lbs |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Price Range | $ |
If you only have $300 to spend on a plasma cutter, the Yeswelder CUT-55DS PRO is a good option. For a low-cost machine, the CUT-55DS PRO has the features and power you expect on more expensive plasma cutters. The pilot arc makes arc starting easier and allows you to cut materials such as screens, expanded metal, or rusty material.
The air filter and water trap are nice features of the CUT-55DS PRO. They protect the internal components of the machine as well as the torch consumables.
This dual voltage machine has 55 amps of output, which claims to cut 25/64” plates cleanly and sever up to 25/32” plates. Compared to more expensive machines on this list, the CUT-55DS PRO has good capability at a much lower cost.
This machine’s downside is that the build quality is what you’d expect from an off-shore and off-brand plasma cutter. Don’t expect this to stand up to the rigors of a busy fab shop, but the CUT-55DS PRO will do a fine job for home garage use.
In my opinion, for less than $300, you can’t go wrong with this machine for light-duty home use.
5. Eastwood Versa Cut 60
Best Plasma Cutter for 1/2 Steel
WeldGuru Rating: 4/5
The Versa Cut 60 is a good machine with a lot of power. If you have 240 volts with a 50 amp breaker available, this is a great choice.
Pros
- Dual voltage gives good versatility
- Delivers a full 60 amp output that’ll cut ⅞” thick steel
- Will deliver fast clean cuts on ½” plates
- Built-in air filter and water separator extend the life of the machine and consumables
- Long torch cable makes working on larger projects easier
- Consumables are common and easy to find
Cons
- High-frequency start makes this machine inappropriate for CNC operation
- For 240V operation, it requires a 50 amp breaker which many homeowners won’t have
| Input Voltage/s | 120/240V |
| Cutting Current | 20 – 30 amps @ 120V 20 – 60 Amps @ 240V |
| Max Clean Cut Thickness | 7/8″ @ 240 VAC 3/16″ @ 120 VAC |
| Max Severance Thickness | Not listed by manufacturer |
| Duty Cycle | 60% @ 30 Amps 100% @ 23 Amps (120V)60% @ 60 Amps 100% @ 46 Amps (240) |
| Arc Start Type | High-Frequency |
| PilotArc? | Yes |
| Screen Type | Digital |
| Control Type | Dials |
| Built-in Air Compressor? | No |
| 2T/4T? | Yes |
| CNC Compatible? | No |
| Machine Weight | 31 lbs |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Price Range | $$$$ |
The Eastwood Versa Cut 60 has a ton of power and boasts that it can cut up to ⅞” thick steel cleanly. This dual voltage machine has enough power to cut any ½” thick plate you put in front of it like a hot knife through butter. This comes with a downside; to get the full use out of this cutter at 240V, you’ll need a 50 amp breaker, which most homeowners won’t have.
If you’re a homeowner who doesn’t need a lot of power, you should look at the Versa Cut 40, which will cut up to ⅜” thick steel.
While this machine will produce a clean cut on ⅞” steel, the manufacturer doesn’t list the severance thickness.
The machine has a pilot arc, meaning you can cut easily through mesh, expanded metal, or rusty material. 2T/4T capability makes performing longer cuts easier, and the high-duty cycle allows you to cut for longer than other machines.
Since this machine has a high-frequency start, you can’t connect it to a CNC plasma table, which isn’t an issue for most homeowners.
6. PRIMEWELD CUT60
Best for CNC
WeldGuru Rating: 4/5
If you’re looking for a good machine to connect to your shop’s CNC table, the Primeweld CUT60 has the power and functionality to get the job done.
Pros
- Dual voltage allows for a lot of power and versatility
- CNC compatibility is good for fabrication shops
- 60 amps is enough to sever ⅞” steel
- Will cleanly cut ¾” steel
- Has 2T/4T capability, a feature usually found on more expensive machines
- Common consumables widely available on Amazon
Cons
- Requires a 50 amp breaker at 240V, which is out of reach for many homeowners
- Requires a 30 amp breaker for 120V, which many homeowners will have to install
| Input Voltage/s | 120/240V |
| Cutting Current | 20 – 30 Amps (120V) 20 – 60 Amps (240V) |
| Max Clean Cut Thickness | 5/16” @ 120V ¾” @ 240V |
| Max Severance Thickness | ⅞” |
| Duty Cycle | 60% at 30 amps (120V) 60% at 60 amps (240V) |
| Arc Start Type | Blow Back |
| PilotArc? | Yes |
| Screen Type | Digital |
| Control Type | Dials |
| Built-in Air Compressor? | No |
| 2T/4T? | Yes |
| CNC Compatible? | Yes |
| Machine Weight | 33 lbs |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Price Range | $$$ |
The Primeweld CUT60 isn’t the best choice for most homeowners. This plasma cutter requires the installation of a 50 amp breaker for 240V and a 30 amp breaker for 120V. These breaker configurations would need an electrician to install them in most North American homes. But if you’re running a fabrication shop and need a machine you can plug into a CNC table, the CUT60 is a decent option.
The CUT60 cleanly cuts ¾” steel, delivering very close to the rated output of 60 amps.
The CUT60 is compatible with CNC tables and has the power and duty cycle to do whatever cutting you need. This plasma cutter is also very effective for cutting by hand and is light enough to take anywhere in the shop.
The CUT60 also has 2T/4T functions along with a pilot arc, which are great features you would see on more expensive machines (full CUT60 review here).
Most homeowners should avoid this machine unless they run a shop with a CNC table.
7. Miller Electric Spectrum 875 Plasma Cutter
Best Professional Plasma Cutter
WeldGuru Rating: 4.5/5
The Miller Electric Spectrum 875 is a professional-grade machine with a price point that matches its build quality. While it’s out of reach for the average homeowner, for a fabrication shop that needs a high-quality machine, you can’t go wrong with the Spectrum 875.
Pros
- Gives a full 60 amps of output, enough to sever 1.25” thick steel
- Excellent cut quality
- High amperage means you can cut thinner materials faster
- Dual voltage gives good versatility in where you can use the machine in the shop
- CNC ready, so connecting to a plasma table is seamless
- Excellent build quality will guarantee many years of service
- 20-foot torch cable makes working on large projects easy
- Many advanced features like Auto-Refire, Wind Tunnel, and Fan on Demand justify the high price point
Cons
- Very expensive, making this out of reach of the homeowner or hobbyist
- Not able to run off 120 volts, making it not appropriate for most homeowners
| Input Voltage/s | 208/230V |
| Cutting Current | 60 Amps |
| Max Clean Cut Thickness | ⅞” |
| Max Severance Thickness | 1.25” |
| Duty Cycle | 40% @ 208V, 50% @ 230V |
| Arc Start Type | Blow Back |
| PilotArc? | Yes |
| Screen Type | None |
| Control Type | Dials |
| Built-in Air Compressor? | No |
| 2T/4T? | No |
| CNC Compatible? | Yes |
| Machine Weight | 49 lbs |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Price Range | $$$$$ |
The Miller Electric Spectrum 875 Plasma Cutter is the most expensive cutter on this list, but you get what you pay for. This cutter works better in high-production environments such as fabrication shops.
The input voltages also put this plasma cutter in a category outside the realm of DIYers, hobbyists, or homeowners. The Spectrum 875 runs on 208 and 230 volts and has an input amperage of 42 amps. This means this machine won’t interface with the electrical system of the average single-family home.
However, this is a fantastic machine if you’re running a small shop or have a shop on your property with the appropriate electrical service. The 60 amps of output will sever 1.25” thick steel, providing clean cuts on steel up to ⅞” steel. The torch consumables are common and widely available, and the torch itself has a 20-foot cable that’ll reach almost anywhere you want.
Wrapping It Up
The best overall plasma cutter is the Hypertherm Powermax30 XP. It has a wide range of versatility at a price point that’s within the reach of most for their home welding projects.
It costs more than other machines, but you get better build quality for those extra dollars. It has enough power to handle most cutting tasks for the average homeowner and will last for years.
The Lotos LTP5000D Plasma Cutter is the best plasma cutter for home use because it’s very affordable and powerful. While it may not deliver the rated amperage, it’ll handle most cutting jobs around the home and garage.
The build quality is what you’d expect from a low-cost Chinese machine and won’t last long in a busy fab shop. However, for the homeowner who needs a machine for the occasional cutting job, the LTP5000D is a great option.
The best plasma cutter for the money is the Klutch PFC700. This machine will deliver 45 amps and cut through an 11/16” steel plate while having features like a pilot arc and Power Factor Correction.
The PFC700 isn’t as good as the Miller or Hypertherm, but people who want their dollar to go further should look toward this machine.
The rest of the plasma cutters on this list are fine machines. There’s the expensive, professional-grade Miller Electric Spectrum 875, which is best for fab shops.
On the other end of the price spectrum is the low-cost but effective Yeswelder CUT-55DS PRO that any homeowner can afford. If you need a machine that’s best for cutting ½” plates, look at the Eastwood Versa Cut 60, or if you have a CNC table, look toward the Primeweld CUT60.
Regardless of your needs, one of these seven machines will suit your situation.
I am pretty darn happy with this little Lotos LTP5000D cutter so far. Some thoughts as to what they could do to improve and some thoughts as to how it is out of the box. The air regulator was missing a couple pieces out of the box, nothing you could not find at the local hardware store for a couple bucks, but I have informed them of the missing parts. They responded even on a weekend that they are checking into it. I also noticed that the plug was not the same as the other 220 plugs I have on my other machines so I would have to get an adapter, but I had already ordered the optional 110 converter as well so I decided to try that out first.