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10 Best Beginners Welder 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

ARCCAPTAIN 160A MIG Welder 110V 220V 4 in 1 Welding Machine Gas MIG, Gasless MIG Flux Core Welder, Lift TIG, MMA Stick Welder, Welder Machine with Synergy for Beginner IGBT Inverter Portable Welder

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,105
Type of Welder
Input Power
Portability

Most important from
56 reviews

Type of Welder
The ArcCaptain welder offers impressive versatility, adjustment, and power, making it a significant upgrade from basic transformer MIG welders.
Input Power
While the welder is well-equipped, the absence of a MIG setup chart sticker and a proper 220V cable could be improved for better usability.
Portability
Lightweight and highly portable, it’s convenient for various home and outdoor projects.
Ease of Use
Setup is straightforward and user-friendly, allowing even beginners to get started within minutes of unpacking the box.

The ARCCAPTAIN 160A MIG Welder is a versatile 4-in-1 welding machine suitable for various tasks, including gas MIG, gasless MIG flux core, Lift TIG, and MMA stick welding. This makes it a flexible choice for beginners who may want to experiment with different welding techniques. It supports both 110V and 220V input power, which allows it to be used in various settings.

The machine is lightweight at only 11.8 pounds and comes with a handle and shoulder strap for easy portability, which is great for home DIY projects and outdoor repairs. The synergy control feature simplifies the welding process by automatically matching the current and wire feeding speed to the selected wire diameter, making it easier for beginners to get started and achieve good results. Additionally, the built-in safety protections such as over-current, overload, overheating, and over-voltage functions enhance the machine's durability and user safety.

A notable downside is that the Lift TIG torch needs to be purchased separately, which adds to the cost. The product's high build quality is supported by rigorous testing in harsh environments, ensuring reliability. This welder is particularly well-suited for beginners looking for a user-friendly and portable option with multiple welding modes, although the extra cost of the Lift TIG torch might be a consideration for some.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,105
Type of Welder
Input Power
Portability

Most important from
56 reviews

Type of Welder
The ArcCaptain welder offers impressive versatility, adjustment, and power, making it a significant upgrade from basic transformer MIG welders.
Input Power
While the welder is well-equipped, the absence of a MIG setup chart sticker and a proper 220V cable could be improved for better usability.
Portability
Lightweight and highly portable, it’s convenient for various home and outdoor projects.
Ease of Use
Setup is straightforward and user-friendly, allowing even beginners to get started within minutes of unpacking the box.
#2

Saker Portable Electric Welding Machine,110V Portable Welder Handheld with IGBT Inverter 5 Variable Current Adjustment,Portable ARC Welder Gun, Fits for 3/32" Wire Rods (Grey)

Rating
9.8
Type of Welder
Ease of Use
Portability

Most important from
320 reviews

Type of Welder
Delivers excellent weld penetration on thin stainless steel and angle iron, handling a full 6-inch weld with ease and producing clean results.
Ease of Use
Offers surprisingly smooth stick welding control, allowing easy arc strikes and quick release when the electrode sticks, making welding less frustrating.
Portability
Compact and lightweight design fits comfortably in hand, making it highly portable without compromising welding quality.

The Saker Portable Electric Welding Machine is a compact and lightweight welder designed with beginners in mind. It uses IGBT inverter technology, which helps provide stable current and smooth, clean welds with minimal spatter—important for those just starting out. The welder supports an adjustable amperage range from 20 to 120 amps, controlled through an easy-to-use 5-speed knob, making it versatile enough for basic home projects or small repair jobs. It runs on standard 110V input power, so you can use it at home without needing special electrical setups.

One notable feature is its portability; weighing just over 6.8 pounds (including packaging) and sized to fit comfortably in your hand, it's convenient to carry and store. This makes it especially good if you plan to weld in different locations or want to save space. The machine supports welding rods from 3/32" to 1/8", suitable for common DIY and light industrial tasks, and has a hot arc start feature that simplifies striking the arc, a frequent challenge for beginners. Safety is also addressed with a cooling system and overheat protection, allowing longer welding sessions without damage.

This welder is a solid choice for those new to welding who want an affordable, easy-to-handle machine that covers a range of basic tasks without complex setup.

Rating
9.8
Type of Welder
Ease of Use
Portability

Most important from
320 reviews

Type of Welder
Delivers excellent weld penetration on thin stainless steel and angle iron, handling a full 6-inch weld with ease and producing clean results.
Ease of Use
Offers surprisingly smooth stick welding control, allowing easy arc strikes and quick release when the electrode sticks, making welding less frustrating.
Portability
Compact and lightweight design fits comfortably in hand, making it highly portable without compromising welding quality.
#3

Lincoln Electric 90i MIG and Flux Core Wire Feed Weld-PAK Welder, 120V Welding Machine, Portable w/Shoulder Strap, Protective Metal Case, Best for Small Jobs, K5256-1

Rating
9.6
Amperage Range
Input Power
Portability

Most important from
617 reviews

Amperage Range
This welder has all the power I need, easily tripping a 20A breaker on the highest setting. Can't imagine needing a more powerful unit without going to 220V.
Input Power
This welder is wonderfully compact and runs off the 110V power from my house.
Portability
I was very impressed with how portable this welder is and how little space it takes up. My backpack of welding supplies and safety gear actually takes up more space than the welder.
Ease of Use
Setting it up was easy. Using it was easy.

The Lincoln Electric 90i MIG and Flux Core Wire Feed Weld-PAK Welder is designed to be a versatile and user-friendly option, especially for beginners. It uses a 120V input power, which makes it compatible with standard household outlets, ensuring convenience for home use. The welder supports both MIG and flux-cored welding, allowing for flexibility in handling different types of welding tasks. This is particularly useful for small jobs such as DIY projects, minor repairs, and hobbies, as it can handle up to 1/4” thickness with flux-cored wire and up to 3/16” with solid MIG wire.

The infinite welding voltage adjustment feature is a significant advantage, offering the ability to fine-tune weld characteristics for various applications. The unit is highly portable, weighing only 15 lbs and coming with a shoulder strap, making it easy to carry around. Its compact size (14 x 9 x 19 inches) and protective metal case add to its durability and ease of transport. Beginners will appreciate the simple operation facilitated by two knobs for wire speed and voltage control, along with an inverter power source that ensures smoother and more efficient welding compared to traditional welders.

The inclusion of essential accessories like a welding gun, nozzle, contact tip, and work cable and clamp means users have everything they need to get started. While the Lincoln Electric 90i is perfect for small-scale welding jobs, its limited power may not suffice for heavy-duty or continuous professional use. This welder is ideal for beginners and DIY enthusiasts looking for a reliable, portable, and easy-to-use machine for light to moderate welding tasks.

Rating
9.6
Amperage Range
Input Power
Portability

Most important from
617 reviews

Amperage Range
This welder has all the power I need, easily tripping a 20A breaker on the highest setting. Can't imagine needing a more powerful unit without going to 220V.
Input Power
This welder is wonderfully compact and runs off the 110V power from my house.
Portability
I was very impressed with how portable this welder is and how little space it takes up. My backpack of welding supplies and safety gear actually takes up more space than the welder.
Ease of Use
Setting it up was easy. Using it was easy.

Buying Guide for the Best Beginners Welder

Choosing the right welder as a beginner can be a bit overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can find a model that suits your needs and helps you learn the craft effectively. The key is to understand the different specifications and how they impact your welding experience. By focusing on your specific needs and the type of projects you plan to undertake, you can make an informed decision. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a welder for beginners.
Type of WelderThere are several types of welders, including MIG, TIG, Stick, and Flux-Cored. For beginners, MIG welders are often recommended because they are easier to learn and use. MIG welders use a wire feeding gun that makes the process more straightforward and allows for cleaner welds. Stick welders are more versatile and can be used outdoors, but they require more skill. TIG welders offer precision and control but are more complex and better suited for experienced welders. Flux-Cored welders are similar to MIG but can be used without gas, making them suitable for outdoor use. Consider the type of projects you will be working on and choose a welder that matches your needs and skill level.
Amperage RangeAmperage range refers to the amount of electrical current the welder can produce. This is important because different materials and thicknesses require different amperage levels. For beginners, a welder with an amperage range of 20-140 amps is usually sufficient. Lower amperage is suitable for thinner materials like sheet metal, while higher amperage is needed for thicker materials. If you plan to work on a variety of projects, look for a welder with a wide amperage range to give you more flexibility.
Duty CycleThe duty cycle is the amount of time a welder can operate continuously before needing to cool down. It is usually expressed as a percentage of a 10-minute period. For example, a 20% duty cycle at 90 amps means the welder can run for 2 minutes and then needs to cool down for 8 minutes. A higher duty cycle is better for longer welding sessions. Beginners should look for a welder with a duty cycle that matches the length of time they plan to weld. If you are just starting and will be welding in short bursts, a lower duty cycle may be sufficient.
Input PowerInput power refers to the electrical power required to run the welder. Welders can be powered by either 110/120V or 220/240V outlets. For beginners, a welder that runs on 110/120V is often more convenient because it can be plugged into a standard household outlet. However, if you plan to work on more demanding projects or thicker materials, a 220/240V welder may be necessary. Consider the power availability in your workspace and choose a welder that matches your power source.
PortabilityPortability is an important factor if you need to move your welder around frequently. Lighter and more compact welders are easier to transport and store. For beginners, a portable welder can be beneficial if you plan to work in different locations or have limited space in your workshop. Look for a welder with a handle or wheels for easy mobility. However, keep in mind that more portable welders may have lower power output, so balance portability with the power requirements of your projects.
Ease of UseEase of use is crucial for beginners who are just learning to weld. Look for a welder with user-friendly features such as an intuitive control panel, clear instructions, and automatic settings that adjust the welding parameters for you. Some welders come with features like auto-feed for the wire or self-adjusting arc, which can make the learning process smoother. Consider how comfortable you are with operating machinery and choose a welder that offers the right balance of simplicity and functionality.

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