Today’s Best MIG Welder for the Money 2018
The best MIG welder for the money can get your most challenging welds going faster. Yes, MIG welding takes skill - what doesn’t? Even singing requires honing your vocal chords, right? But the results say it all. You have a top means to a quality weld giving you greater versatility in gobbling up projects.
Of course, we can’t put it toe to toe with TIG weld when you talk about quality. But for sheer speed and application, MIG is hard to beat.
By virtue of the continuously fed spool weld wire, you have a faster welding process when you use MIG weld. The process is much simpler. You can’t say the same for TIG. Yes, both benefit from the electric arc but their processes are different right from the get-go.
TIG uses lengthy welding rods that is being fed into the weld puddle. The process is tedious. It may be more versatile. But it would take a lot more time and skill.
As shown in the ADVANTAGE portion, you use 3 hands to implement TIG. MIG welding requires but one. That is as basic an example as can be to show how much easier MIG is.
TIG of course has its distinct advantages. That you may not find with MIG welds. For instance, it’s a lot easier to weld smaller components together with TIG. So if you’re looking at putting kitchen sinks back together - or for that matter, tool boxes - TIG is spot on.
Welding is made possible to those thinner-gauge materials via TIG. As you can just put your power notches lower so you won’t blow through the metals being welded as one.
But for first-timers the MIG and its easy application appeals best. If you’re just wanting to do some welding from home, them you would have been a lot wiser if you use such methodology.
Now, all the technicalities can sure have you confused in no time. That’s exactly why we’ve worked the field and done our homework. So we may give you a most updated list of products in the market today.
Specifically, we’re giving you the most sought-after MIG product offerings to have hit town. Even better, we’re showing you what makes each one tick. So you can weigh for yourself which product suits your needs best.
And get the most bang for your buck in no time.
Lincoln K2185-1 MIG Welder
Ok, here’s one hot-seller you shouldn’t take off your list. This one is reasonably priced so no need to get your alarm bells up. What makes this a top choice is this is truly an American product - made by American hands.
And yes, you bet you’re looking at a quality find here. For starters, you have a machine that weld up to ⅛ inch of mild steel. And this is truly an MIG set-up; you just have to buy the shielding gas to complete everything. Even better, you can do flux-cored welding here.
As for power, you need 110 volts with 20 Amperage to get this going. Add the one year warranty and you have something to be proud of taking home.
Lotos MIG140 Welder
This red-colored powerhouse is one mighty machine you dare not miss. A bit pricier than the first Lincoln on the list, this one has drawn the crowd too. Though not as much attention as that one.
What makes this a must-have is its raw power. You got a 140-Amps beast here allowing you to weld stainless steel (3/16”), aluminum and mild steel. How’s that for starters? Plus, that aluminum wire feeder should get you the stability you need when you need one. All that quality explains it’s top price which is still manageable by the way.
Longevity Migweld 140
This wonderful product offering is about the same price range as the second one on the list. And yes, you have a 140-amp beast here too on a 110 volt power. So that should give you a great start when you want to finish those metal welding projects.
What separates this one is this is easy to operate for its consumables can be easily sourced at a nearby store. No sweat! Add to the mix it’s the fact taht it can operate on gas or gasless flux-core, then you know this is a rare find you need not miss.
Hobart 500559 Handler 140
Another quality 140-A MIG welding machine you have here. This Hobart should make welding a walk in the park. What’s more this one is capable of welding up to ¼ inch steel. Top that! Plus, you got a 5-position voltage controller giving you a smooth operation. Truly, this one should be on your list to give your search the quality it needs.
Handheld MIG Welder 120VAC
This Lincoln is the 2nd on the list. Telling you the brand has established itself as a quality product over the years. What makes this a great find is you have here a choice. You can use gas-free flux weld or just the normal gas weld. Whichever suits you best.
The fully-adjustable drive system should catch your attention because that is a great way to minimize wire tangle and the pesky wire crushing. Add the cast aluminum body together with a rigid drive and you know your weld could get all organized - aligned and ready to roar. So you get to finish the job faster.
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Detailed Comparison List
Product Name | Price | Product Dimension | Total Review | Product Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lincoln K2185-1 MIG Welder | 18 x 10.3 x 16.8 inches | 26 pounds | ||
Lotos MIG140 Welder | 16 x 14.5 x 9.6 inches | 54 pounds | ||
Longetivity Migweld 140 | 16 x 14.5 x 9.6 inches | 54 pounds | ||
Hobart 500559 Handler 140 | 19 x 11 x 13 inches | 65.3 pounds | ||
Handheld MIG Welder 120VAC | 20 x 15 x 16 inches | 62 pounds | ||
Everlast Poweri-MIG 140E | 17 x 8 x 14 inches | 20 pounds | ||
Forney 318 MIG Welder | 20.2 x 10.2 x 16 inches | 74 pounds | ||
Handheld 208/230VAC MIG Welder | 20 x 15 x 16 inches | 66.2 pounds | ||
Hobart Handler 210 MVP | 24 x 8.6 x 13.2 inches | 87.5 pounds | ||
Lincoln Electric Powermig 210 Mp | 19 x 10.8 x 14 inches | 62 pounds | ||
MIG Welder 120/240VAC | 23.8 x 15.2 x 16.2 inches | 49.9 pounds | ||
Hobart 500536 MIG Welder | 36.5 x 18.9 x 31.5 inches | 224 pounds | ||
MIG Welder 220/208/230VAC | 39.9 x 19.2 x 32.6 inches | 206 pounds | ||
MIG Welder 200(208)/230 VAC | 40 x 19 x 30 inches | 237 pounds |
Lincoln K2185-1 MIG Welder
Short review
This product right here is compact in size. Its compact size makes it very portable. Thus making it very easy for you to carry about when you have a job.
And that also means its size as well makes it very easy for you to store.
One other good thing about the product is that it’s user-friendly. You wouldn’t have to stress yourself in handling this product. Its controls are very easy to access and also easy to operate.
Its quality as well is something it boasts about. This product right here is made with one of the best quality materials out there. And this makes it very strong.
That’s why it’s labelled as one of the best MIG welder for the money.
Things We Liked
- Quality material
- Versatile
- Easy to store
- Easy to assemble
- Things We Didn’t Like
- Only suitable for small jobs
Things We Didn't Like
Lotos MIG140 Welder
Short review
Next on our list is a product that’s very strong. This product can weld stainless steel, aluminum, mild steel and other metallic materials. With this you can carry out a lot of projects with just this single product.
It doesn’t limit the amount of work that you can do.
At the same time this product is also very durable. That’s why it’s one of the best MIG welder for the money. The high quality material used in making it allows it to withstand a lot of stress and external force.
That’s why it lasts for quite some time.
Things We Liked
- High welding output
- Reliable
- Durable
- Very stable
Things We Didn't Like
- Loose parts in the machine
Longetivity Migweld 140
Short review
This next product on our list is one that’s suitable for beginners. So if you’re a beginner and you need a MIG welder that’s easy to handle this would be a good option for you.
Its controls are easy to handle. And you wouldn’t have a hard time accessing this product.
This is indeed one of the best MIG welder for the money. Its quality is very good. And this is why it is able to handle a lot of stress and tension. That way it lasts for a very long time.
Things We Liked
- Portable
- Versatile
- Suitable for beginners
- Easy to use
- Easy to operate
Things We Didn't Like
- A bit bulky
Hobart 500559 Handler 140
Short review
Setting up this product is very easy. You wouldn’t have to stress yourself one bit before you can start using this product. This actually makes it less stressful for you to use.
Also, this product runs well on core steel, solid wire and also aluminum wire. So you get to work on a lot of materials. And this can helps expand the amount of projects that you can work on.
At the same time this product is also good for DIY projects. So if you have a lot of projects to work on in your home this would be a good option to opt for.
That’s why it’s one of the best MIG welder for the money.
Things We Liked
- Very versatile
- Easy to set-up
- Easy to use
- Suitable for DIY projects
- Portable
Things We Didn't Like
- A bit heavy
Handheld MIG Welder 120VAC
Short review
One good thing about this product is that its drive system is fully adjustable. You can easily adjust it for better performance. With this there’s reduced wire tangling and also crushing.
This product as well is suitable for small jobs to average jobs. So it comes in really handy when you have a project to carry out at home. And not to worry, it does an amazing job at welding.
The fact that it’s handheld makes it very easy for to carry. You can easily transport it from one job site to another. And this makes it less stressful for you while you do tons of work.
This product sure deserves a spot on this list as one of the best MIG welder for the money.
Things We Liked
- Versatile
- Easy control
- Adjustable drive system
- Great performance
- Very strong
Things We Didn't Like
- Makes a lot of noise
Everlast Poweri-MIG 140E
Short review
Mere looking at this product you can tell that it isn’t the regular welder you would find out there. Its design is simply unique so is its performance.
This guy right here does an amazing job at welding. And it makes your work a lot easier while working.
That’s actually one of the many reasons why it’s one of the best MIG welder for the money.
It’s also made of high quality material which is why it’s very durable. And with this it lasts for a long time. So you wouldn’t need a replacement anytime soon for this product.
Things We Liked
- Great performance
- Lightweight
- Easy to transport
- Easy to operate
Things We Didn't Like
- Ground clamp is a bit too short
Forney 318 MIG Welder
Short review
For the next product on our list we have a Forney product. This product right here is very strong. The good thing is that it is able to handle a lot of things that you throw at it.
All you need to do is instruct it and it would get your work done in no time.
This guy right here is also good at working on a variety of materials. And this is a great advantage for you since you wouldn’t have to get separate welders for separate materials.
Setting this up as well is very easy. You wouldn’t have to break a sweat and you also wouldn’t have to waste your time.
That’s why every reviewer always includes it in the list for the best MIG welder for the money.
Things We Liked
- High quality
- Easy to set up
- User friendly
- Easy to use
Things We Didn't Like
- A bit heavy
Handheld 208/230VAC MIG Welder
Short review
You would expect something this small you do just a little amount of work. But no, this guy right here works like a monster. It works so well that you wouldn’t have any cause to complain while using it.
That’s just simply how good this welder is.
Using this product as well is very easy. The controls are actually easy to operate. And you wouldn’t have a hard time accessing this product.
The fact that this product is easy to use is the reason why so many beginners opt for it.
Things We Liked
- Very strong
- Easy to use
- Adjustable drive system
- Durable
- Lasts for a long time
Things We Didn't Like
- Not so fast
Hobart Handler 210 MVP
Short review
All thanks to its dual voltage with MVP plug you get to easily plug this welder. And this is a great advantage for you if you get projects outside your workshop.
That’s because you can easily plug in your welder wherever you go.
Also, this product has 7 voltage settings. This makes easy for you to get a better precision while working. You can easily adjust your welder to whatever voltage setting best suits your project.
That way you get to have better outputs while working.
With all these features this remains one of the best MIG welder for the money.
Things We Liked
- Easy to set up
- Suitable for DIY projects
- Great output
- Easy to operate
Things We Didn't Like
- A bit expensive
Lincoln Electric Powermig 210 Mp
Short review
With its lightweight you wouldn’t have a hard time carrying this product around. It makes your work a lot easier especially if you have projects outside your workshop.
At the same time it’s also portable. This way you can easily store this unit. And with this you wouldn’t need too much space before you can keep this product.
It has digital controls that makes setting up a lot easier. So you wouldn’t have to waste your time before you can have this product set up.
Also, it has large color displays that help guide you as well while you set up. With this setting it up is even easier.
It also has settings and advanced options that are easy to access. So while using this product you wouldn’t have to stress yourself that much.
That’s why it’s listed among the best MIG welder for the money.
Things We Liked
- Lightweight
- Portable size
- Setting up is very easy
- Easy to access
- Good quality
Things We Didn't Like
- Regulator isn’t of good quality
MIG Welder 120/240VAC
Short review
This machine right here is a gem. It’s very reliable. It’s one of those few machines that wouldn’t disappoint anytime you need. This particular machine right here is always at your beck and call.
And not to worry it does an amazing job while you use it.
Also, this product is made with strong and durable materials. Which is why this welder handles a lot of stress well. And with that it also lasts for a long time.
It also has parts that are also easy to use. No special knowledge is needed before you would be able to operate this machine. This makes it very easy for people to use. Most especially beginners.
Things We Liked
- Portable
- Reliable
- Last for a long time
- Easy to operate
- Easy to transport
Things We Didn't Like
- Poor quality control
Hobart 500536 MIG Welder
Short review
There’s certainly a reason why this product is called Ironman. This guy right here is very strong. It withstands a lot of stress so well. And still works amazingly well even after so many years.
Also, this product is a heavy duty product. Which means you can carry out a large project with this product. You would think that something that isn’t so big in size can’t do much, but no.
This product can carry out a lot of work.
Transporting this unit as well is very easy. It has wheels with which you can easily transfer it. So you wouldn’t have to stress yourself that much when you want to move this product right here.
It makes it less tiring for you to use.
At the same time this product has twelve-tap voltage control. This allows you to easily adjust the speed of the welder. With this a better result is obtained.
That’s why this is known as one of the best MIG welder for the money.
Things We Liked
- Rugged design
- Easy to set up
- Easy to use
- Suitable for repair projects
- Great for fabrication
Things We Didn't Like
- Voltage regulator issues
MIG Welder 220/208/230VAC
Short review
This next welder on our list is simply the bomb. It has features that would simply blow your mind away. As small as it is, it works so well. Its motor is very strong and it lasts for a very long time.
Not to worry you wouldn’t have a hard time carrying this unit. It has wheels that make it easy for you to move. At the same time it has handles with which you can move it.
That’s why so many customers decide to opt for this product right here.
Also, this product works at an amazing speed. This way you get to complete your work as soon as possible.
Things We Liked
- Easy to use
- Carrying handles
- Easy to transport
- Strong motor
Things We Didn't Like
- It’s very heavy
MIG Welder 200(208)/230 VAC
Short review
This is the last product on our list for the best MIG welder for the money but is certainly not the least. It’s very strong and is able to carry out a lot of work. Even though it runs for a long time it still remains intact after many years.
Also, it has controls that are very easy to operate. Even a beginner can easily operate this welder. With this you wouldn’t even have to stress yourself a bit to use this product.
Things We Liked
- Very strong
- Highly durable
- Easy to use
- Easy to operate
Things We Didn't Like
- Very heavy
ADVANTAGES

Top 5 Reasons Why the Best MIG Welder is a Must Have
If you are trying your hand in welding, the best MIG welder may well be your product of choice. As technical as the term may be, it’s benefits are worth looking into. For starters, it is extremely light-weight, making it a perfect choice for home improvement or repair and hobby projects. Who would want to handle a heavy machinery? Unless you’re Arnold Schwarzenegger or The Rock himself, you wouldn’t want anything heavy to add burden to your work.
Now if you’re mulling over the prospects consider this: More and more people are choosing this product. That’s not by coincidence, you think? It’s because indeed the best MIG welder offers a slew of advantages unique and very useful. Furthermore, the methodology has been developed to become easier making it a very convenient tool in many a home. Don’t you like that?
It’s true; there are many types of welding machines available in the market today. And it can be really confusing to pick the right one. No doubt! Therefore, knowing the MIG thoroughly - its uses and its advantages - can certainly help you in choosing the right product model for you.
Read on to get an idea on what you are getting if you choose MIG process over the rest of its counterparts.
1. Increased Productivity
Because you don’t need to change rods or brush the wield repeatedly, it will allow you to finish your projects quickly. You will not be wasting your time and effort over unnecessary steps that other welding machines unfortunately caused. Furthermore, the results will be a lot cleaner increasing the aesthetic look of whatever project you are working on. Therefore, if you are working on a hobby or a home improvement project, what better way to help you achieve the results you need than this?
2. Versatility
Known to be very versatile, they are widely used on many metal types, including steel, no matter how thick it is, nickel, aluminum, copper, alloys, iron and a lot more. You may have heard that this type of welding process is commonly used in many homes, but it is also used commercially in many industries and is becoming the number one choice among many individuals first-timers and professionals alike.
3. Easy to Operate
Not only easy, but also known to be very flexible on its operational process. In fact, it can be operated in a lot of ways. The most common form is the semi and fully automatic type of operation. This feature will allow you to adjust conveniently according to what you need and what the project demands. So, if you are a first-timer, this process is definitely for you. You will be able to achieve the look you need on your own pace and learning capacity.
4. Faster speed
Just like anyone trying to finish a hobby or home repairs involving a welding machine, we want to get all our projects done right away with beautiful results. This model has a wire that is continuously inserted without the need to physically hold the wire, thus increasing the welding speed.
5. Easy to Use
Unlike the rest of its counterparts, the MIG welder is user-friendly allowing first timers to learn and operate the machine with ease. By following basic instructions and its manual you are on your way to become adept welder.
There you have it. The advantages listed above should be enough to help you choose the right device for your entire welding needs. Like any machine or products out there, it always has its disadvantages but they are very minimal compared to the benefits and in fact many professionals would agree that the advantages outweighs the disadvantages.
What is inside the box?
A MIG welder machine is usually composed of a power source, a conduit, a gun and protective equipment with a wire-drive system that works by pulling an endless wire electrode from a spool which is then fed into a weld gun. In order to supply the water cooled welding gun, a source of cooling water is needed. Furthermore, rod ovens are also available to store electrodes thus minimizing damage to the rods.
MIG vs TIG Welding: No Holds Barred, Who Wins?
What is it about two players in one arena? If two wrestlers are to top their sports, it’s but a matter of time people will want to see them face each other. You can beat your hard-earned dollar on that. Right? Same thing with the best MIG welder for the money. You want to know how it would hold up against the best TIG.
If we were to draw a crowd, then this could be a great spectacle. Of course, nobody knows exactly how most people in America would respond. Right from the onset, we know not everyone is into welding - though we know for sure, the country will certainly be dangling in chaos if all those things welded will come unhinged. That will include the biggest skyscrapers in the whole of New York. To set the record straight, we’re showing you key takeaways when two most popular welding methods collide to outdo each other. Read on.
Speed
If you’re out of time, you certainly don’t want to waste anymore time on your welds. You want it done at a minimum number of time. Also, there are times you may have lots of time but is simply facing a huge welding task. Cases like these when you want to cut the work done you’d be better of using a MIG weld.
For the uninitiated, MIG stands for Metal Inert Gas welding. It also referred to as GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) or MAG (metal active gas). Why is it faster than your TIG weld or Tungsten Inert Gas welding?
To note, TIG is also called Gas Tungsten Arc Welding or GTAW for short. It utilizes a nifty tungsten electrode, a non-consumable, to get the welding going.
So back to the question of speed. Well, it all boils down to control. When you work with a TIG weld, you’re looking at a 3-handed process. Yes, you heard that right. Not one but three.
You not only have to use both hands when TIG welding you need your foot to get into the process. Which means your hands are full as one has to hold the torch while the other get the filler rod going. If that is too much, know that you still have to get the third handle going - your foot. The foot handles the electricity controls allowing you to feed everything in. A lot of works!
Not with MIG welding. When you MIG you’re looking at a one-hand process. Yes, one hand. Just one hand and you can weld. The other hand is holding the work. Easy peasy!
Winner: MIG
2. Quality
Well, if you’re not too particular about time and you’re looking at welding finer things, then you have got to TIG weld.
For starters, you won’t find welds to be as squeaky clean than with TIG. That means beautiful welds with top of the line finish. No splatters. With MIG, you need to clean up though not as much as with stick welding.
You have some cleaning to do after you to a MIG, not with TIG. MIG may be faster - just a quick pull of that trigger and you’re good to go - but a bit messier. Chances are, you need to do some smoothing like grinding just to clean things up after welding.
But what makes TIG welding really great for quality welding is it’s precision. You can use it to join aluminum or for that matter stainless steel. Steel may be applicable for MIG but hardly is alum.
Some people think MIG weld can do steel as well as aluminum - only to find them finding themselves in a bind.
With TIG, you not only can weld a lot more metals together, you can do finer more delicate welds. Thus you can use it for thinner-gauge materials such as tool boxes or your nifty kitchen sink, something a MIG can’t do.
It’s because you can lower your power down so you won’t end up blowing metal. Only thing’s the process is a lot harder and slower.
Winner: TIG
3. Best for First Timers
If you’re a first-timer, the MIG weld should be a great find. It’s the closest to that plug-and-play PlayStation you love. You buy it at the closest hardware store and fire away. You won’t need much instruction to get it going. You probably just have a word or two from a pro, and you’re good to go.
That’s because the one-hand weld is such an easy weld. No sweat! It’s using a spool of weld wire that’s fed continuously. It burns then melts and finally fuses things together.
When you get an MIG torch or gun (whichever is most comfortable with you), you get a trigger to pull and a nozzle. Much like any gun. Then there’s the tip or what is also called the electrode. For different jobs, you have various tips meant to accommodate various wires feeding thru them.
It’s a lot easier set-up compared to the 3-handed TIG process. And that could give you a lot of needed advantage when you’re a newbie to the discipline.
Winner: MIG
4. Cleaner Look
Let’s face it. Stick welding which is another popular form of welding may well be the brat of the 3. This is when it comes to cleanliness. While having a fine finish may be aesthetic, it can go beyond what meet the eye.
A splatter is most associated with stick welding. And all that unclean weld can mean more time spent cleaning up. Which could be a downer for you.
The cleanest weld goes to TIG. It’s almost never needing any afterwork. You get a smooth clean finish.
With an MIG, it’s about halfway between a TIG weld and stick one. You don’t get as much splatter as a stick but an MIG still may throw some. Which may need your immediate attention. Some grinding, some cleaning to do.
Winner: TIG
5. Overall Winner
Now with all the back and forth, you may be wanting to get a closure on which is best for you. Right? It’s but natural you do. And we’ll have to say you deserve to know too.
But the answer to who wins in this battle is: Not one. Surprised?
Well, that’s because you’ll have to decide for yourself. It’s like comparing a mighty battleship and the latest model fighter plane. Both have different strengths. And different weaknesses.
You don’t use a battleship to protect the air. You may but it won’t be as effective as a fighter plane in the sky. On the same token, a fighter plane would be helpless if it were to fight a naval battle. Against submarines perhaps.
The tool must be suited to the job. An MIG weld is best when you’re short of time and wants something done. You won’t need to learn a lot of things. Your skill level need not be so high. It’s point and shoot compared to the 3-handed TIG welding.
On one hand, there are jobs only a TIG weld can do. Like the smaller metals for instance. You can’t MIG weld it. You simply are down to one resource in that case.
CONCLUSION

When you talk about the best MIG welder for the money, you’re referring to what could be the most practical welding alternative for anyone. And that’s a good thing.
Welding has really come of age. It wasn’t as crude as the Greeks who may have started it several millenia ago. But the benefits are showing. And nobody is complaining. Perceivably that is.
No skyscraper may be able to stand tall without welding giving it a hand. Yes, we may even dare say the advancement of man has been done hand in hand with the advancement of welding and its processes.
And yet, no welding may be as handy as the MIG weld. Also called GMAW or gas metal arc welding, it’s a beginner’s paradise. On one sense. Compare it to TIG, its cousin, you definitely will learn the ropes faster using MIG than with any other else.
As stipulated in our ADVANTAGE SECTION, it’s recommended you get started with MIG if you’re just a beginner welder. Or if your needs are but for your abode. And not commercial.
Quite simply because it’s easy to use.
So, which product offering is best? Which one should be your top pick?
Well, our list is most comprehensive and we believe those listed are worth looking into. By all means, you should do that. We won’t even be surprised if you have chosen already a favorite for you to take home.
Before you hit that buy button we strongly recommend you take a look at Hobart 500559 Handler 140 . You’d be doing yourself a huge disservice if you don’t.
Why? Simply because there never is a product quite like it. Manufacturers tend to bloat their figures. Don’t you think? Of course, marketing does wave a magic wand. And it may mezmerize you.
But the truth of the matter is it’s hard to really gauge how effective a product is by relying on ads. Advertisement can be tricky.
But not consumer reviews. You see, people who have used the products are the best arbiter on how good the product really is. Logical right?
Because these users will have experienced the product first hand.
And that’s what makes Hobart 500559 Handler 140 a must-see. It has garnered so much praise from its users. More than any other product in the market today.
That kind of information is golden. Because it’s bankable. That means you’re putting your money where it’s really worth.
best
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