Welding is undoubtingly getting more popular among beginners, DIY lovers, hobbyists, and occasional welders. But to learn how to do it properly, you will need the right tools.
With the ever-increasing number of cheap welders on the market with questionable quality, you will have to think twice before choosing the right one. Luckily, we saved you hours of work browsing through the market and reading reviews.
To help you understand the critical features of each machine, we compiled this list of the best beginner welders. This article is tailored to allow you to comprehend everything, even if you are an absolute beginner.
Quick Comparison Table of Best Beginner Welders
| Image | Name | Voltage Input | Output Power | Duty Cycle | Weight | Warranty | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YESWELDER MIG-205DS Welder Get 10% Off With Coupon: “-10% WELDPROS” | 110v & 220v | 30 - 200A | 60% at 160 A | 23 lbs. | 1 year | Check Price YesWelder |
 | Hobart 500559 Handler 140 MIG Welder | 110v/120v | 25–140A | 20% at 90 A | 57 lbs. | 5/3/1 years | Check Price Northern tool Amazon |
 | Eastwood TIG200 AC/DC Welder | 120V/240V | 10-190 A | 240v: 60% at 190 A 120v: 60% at 100 A | 38 lbs. | Limited period 6 years Regular 3 years | Check Price Eastwood |
 | ESAB Rogue ES 180i Stick Welder | 110/220V ± 10% | 10-130 A | 60% at 58 A 60% at 84 A | 18 lbs. | 3 years | Check Price Northern tool Amazon |
 | YesWelder Firstess MP200 5 in 1 Welder Get 10% Off With Coupon: “-10% WELDPROS” | 120-230 ±15% | Weld: 20-200A Cut: 20-40A | 60% at 68F 25% at 104F | 25 lbs. | 1 year | Check Price YesWelder |
 | Eastwood Elite MP200i | 120-230V | 30-200 A | 40% @ 90A 20% @ 200A | 34 lbs. | 3 years | Check Price Eastwood |
Best Beginner Welders Reviewed
Even though MIG welding might be one of the most straightforward processes to master, you should try them all. That’s why we included MIG, TIG, Stick, and multi-process welders on the menu.
So, let’s take a look at what do they offer for the money spent.
1. YesWelder MIG 205DS – Best For Money Beginner Welder
Best Budget Welder for Beginers
YesWelder MIG 205DS
YesWelder MIG 205 DS is one of the best for-money entry-level welders. You get 3 in 1 welder for the money spent, capable of TIG, Flux core, Stick, and MIG welding processes. However, remember that TIG welding accessories are not included, meaning you will have to buy a TIG torch and tungsten separately. Since your home might be limited to a regular 110V outlet, you won’t have to worry.
Get 10% Off With Coupon: “-10% WELDPROS”
| Welding Capability: | .030″ /.035” solid wire, .035″ flux core wire | Max Roll Diameter: | 8″ |
| Weldable Materials: | Mild Steel, Stainless Steel, alloy steel | Input Voltage: | 110V/220V 50/60 Hz |
| Input Phase: | 1-phase | Current Type: | DC |
| Working Cycle: | 110V, 60%@160A; 220V, 60%@205A | Power output: | 110V: 30A – 160A, 220V: 30A – 200A |
| Wire Feed Speed: | 590 ipm (inches per minute) | Weight: | 23 lbs. |
This welder can run on both 110V/220V. So, you can use it to weld in a garage, farm, ranch, or small home shop. Most beginner-friendly units, such as Hobart 140, are 110V-only welders. So, if you ever feel like you need more power with the YesWelder machine, you can always switch to 220V input. You should know MIG 205DS uses Inverter technology which makes it lightweight, efficient, and powerful.
With 23 lbs., this might be one of the lightest multi-process units on the market. In addition, a built-in handle will help you carry it around with ease. But don’t be mistaken. Even though this is a lightweight welder, the case is relatively sturdy.
Looking at the control panel as a novice welder might be terrifying, as there are numerous buttons and flashing lights. I prefer more straightforward controls, such as the ones Lincoln Easy MIG 140 offers, but don’t worry, things are not as they seem. This welder features MIG synergic controls, which modify the voltage and wire feed speed according to material thickness. In addition, there is a process selection button, 2T/4T control, and wire thickness selection. Digital display allows you an accurate reading of parameters.
With the maximum power output of 30-205A at 220V, you can use YesWelder MIG 205 DS to weld up to 3/8″ thick steel. A Rated duty cycle of 60% at 205A will allow you to weld for six minutes straight at maximum power. On the other hand, most transformer-based welders usually offer a 20-30% rated duty cycle. So, with YesWelder, you get more. However, there is a catch.
This YesWelder machine is not spool gun ready. In addition, this is a DC inverter welder, meaning you cannot weld aluminum. Theoretically, you can use aluminum Stick electrodes, but it may not ensure the best results.
On the other hand, most brand-name welders allow you to plug in the spool gun for aluminum. If you plan to weld aluminum, you should consider YesWelder MIG 205 PRO, which offers relatively the same capability but is spool gun compatible.
Even though MIG 205 DS is a reliable MIG machine, there are reports of malfunction straight out of the box. However, I get the feeling that most issues are the result of poor shipping and packaging. So you should test your welder right out of the box, as components and connections might be broken during transportation.
Luckily, you get a one-year warranty and a 30-day refund policy. In addition, customer service will try to resolve the problems, guide you through troubleshooting, or ship spare parts.
Learn more about this awesome welder in this extended review.
Pros
- Best welder for beginners compared to the value
- Capable of doing MIG/Flux core, TIG, and Stick
- Dual voltage power input provides versatility
- Decent build quality
- Easy to use and setup
- Metal wire feeder
- Great welding capability and working cycle
- Lightweight but sturdy and durable
Cons
- No welding aluminum option
- TIG (tungsten inert gas) accessories are not included
- Poorly written instruction manual
2. Hobart 500559 Handler 140 – Best MIG Welder for Beginners
Best Transformer Welder For Beginers
Hobart 500559 Handler 140
Hobart Handler 140 might be one of the most popular entry-level MIG welders on the market. This is a reliable, brand-name MIG welder aimed at hobbyists, DIY lovers, and occasional welders best used for light fabrication, repair, auto-body, farm, and ranch applications.
You will need a regular 110V household outlet to run the unit, meaning you can use it in a garage, shop, or job site location. However, power input is limited to 110V only, meaning output is also capped.
| Welding Methods: | MIG welding, Flux core | Weld Thickness Range: | 24 gauge up to 1/4 |
| Weldable Materials: | Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum | Input Power: | 110/115/120 V, 60 Hz. |
| Input Phase: | 1-phase | Current Type: | DC |
| Rated Output: | 90 A @ 20% | Amperage Range: | 25A – 140A |
| Wire Feed Speed: | 40 IPM – 700 IPM. | Welding Wire Thickness: | .030″ /.035” solid wire, .035″ flux core wire |
| Warranty: | 5/3/1 | Weight: | 57 lbs. |
So if you plan to tackle more serious projects or thicker materials, you will need a more powerful MIG welder. Nevertheless, you will find it more than suitable for light-duty usage
One of the things I liked was the simplistic control panel design. There are only voltage and wire feed speed control knobs, an on/off button, and a thermal overload indicator. That’s it. Setting the machine is easy as you need to follow the chart. As a beginner, you might appreciate the AutoSet or Synergic controls such as Miller machines for beginners or YesWelder MIG 205 DS offers. Unfortunately, with Handler 140, you will have to work around the settings manually.
As input power is limited to 110V, this MIG welder can output 25-140A. Rated power output is typical for 140-amp-rated welders, and there is a 20% duty cycle rated at 90 amps. So, you can weld for two minutes straight at 90A before taking a break. Inverter welders such as Eastwood MIG 140 offer a significantly higher duty cycle of 60%, but if you are careful enough, you can weld up to 1/4″ thick metals with Hobart.
A great feature of Handler 140 is aluminum welding capability. With a wire feed speed of 40-700 inches per minute, you can weld aluminum straight out of the box. In addition, you can always buy a separately sold spool gun.
When investing in branded welders, you will have to be ready to pay some extra bucks. Nevertheless, Handler 140 offers excellent value for the money spent. You get everything you need to weld straight out of the box, even a sample spool of wire.
However, many find a ground clamp too small. The Hobart ground clamp is significantly smaller than Lincoln units, and the cable connection is not braided.
One of the advantages of renowned welders is their build quality. Hobart Handler 140 is a sturdy and durable machine that is built to last. Cast aluminum wire drive motor provides smooth wire feed. In addition, transformer technology has proven reliable over time.
However, the transformers make Handler 140 heavy, as it weighs 57 lbs. As a result, this welder is significantly heavier than the latest inverter machines, such as Eastwood 140, which weighs only 24 lbs. To protect your investment, you get industry-leading Hobart 5/3/1 years warranty. For example, Lincoln or Miller welders are usually covered for three years.
Overall, Hobart 140 is a great little MIG/flux core welding machine. You get what you pay for, and that might be essential for beginner welders. Nevertheless, seasoned welders also appreciate weld quality, smooth wire feed, and reliable build.
Read more about Hobart 500559 here.
Pros
- Best welder for beginners that does Flux core and MIG welding
- Simplistic control panel design
- Easy to set up
- Reliable MIG machine
- The great quality weld pool
- Professional welders also like the unit
Cons
- Not for heavy-duty welding operations
- Not the cheapest welder
3. Eastwood TIG 200 AC/DC – Best TIG Welder for Beginners
Best AC/DC TIG Welder For Beginers
Eastwood TIG 200 AC/DC
In addition, a flex-head TIG torch allows you to weld in tight places, and a gas lens kit helps you with the shielding gas control. However, some welders find ground clamp poor, and some uses had troubles with the provided regulator, which might be challenging to read or malfunction straight out of the box.
| Welding Processes: | TIG Welding, Stick Welding | Weld Thickness Range: | Up to 1/4″thick |
| Weldable Materials: | Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum | Input Voltage: | 120V/240V, 50-60 Hz |
| Input Phase: | 1-phase | Current Type: | DC |
| Working Cycle: | 240v 60% at 190A, 120v 60% at 100A | Amperage Range: | 240V: 10-190A 120V: 10-145A |
| Post Gas Flow: | 2-8 sec. | Pre-Gas Flow: | 0.1-1.0 sec. |
| Warranty: | 6 years limited period | Weight: | 38 lbs. |
Even though you can use Eastwood TIG 200 AC/DC as Stick/Arc welder, you don’t get an electrode holder. Nevertheless, accessories are compatible with standard consumables you can buy in your local welding shop. On the other hand, this is a capable inverter-style TIG welder that can output 10-190 amps running at 220V or 10-145 when plugged into 110V. With a DC, you can use it to weld steel and stainless steel 1/4″ thick.
However, this machine can run on AC, meaning you can use it to TIG weld aluminum. With a 60% rated duty cycle of a maximum power of 190 amps, you can weld for six minutes straight. As I mentioned, most transformer-based TIG welders provide a 20-30% duty cycle, so you get excellent efficiency with Eastwood TIG 200 AC/DC.
TIG welder settings prove Eastwood TIG 200 AC/DC is a beginner-friendly and somewhat professional welder. You don’t get the ability to fine-tune the machine as you find at Miller Sycnhrowave or Dynasty, but you can still set the amperage, clearance, post-flow, or pre-flow. In addition, you can choose between TIG and Stick, AC or DC, and foot pedal or panel control by flipping one of the switches.
Overall, many welders find Eastwood TIG 200 AC/DC easy to use and set up. By reading various reviews, most users buy this unit as a great first welder to practice TIG and TIG aluminum welding with a reasonable price range.
In addition, an instruction manual is well-written, and some how-to videos will help you start welding in less than 30 minutes.
As an inverter-based machine, TIG 200 AC/DC weighs approximately 39 lbs. This Eastwood device is a significantly lighter welder than high-end machines, such as Miller Synchrowave, weighing around 130 lbs. Thus, you can quickly move it around to your friend’s house or a remote location, but I suggest getting a welding cart if you do it often.
To protect your investment, you get a standard 3-year, no-hassle warranty. It is worth mentioning that some buyers got 6-year protection when buying Eastwood TIG 200 AC/DC at the launch. If you feel like 3-years are not enough, you can purchase a one or two-year extension, but I don’t think you will need it.
There are reports of buyers having issues with malfunction straight out of the box. However, they contacted customer support, which guided them through troubleshooting. In addition, manufacturers shipped a brand-new unit.
Pros
- Best for beginners TIG machine
- Square wave inverter technology for aluminum welding capability
- Flex-head WP-17 torch and foot pedal included
- Accessories are compatible with standard consumables
- Lightweight but durable
Cons
- Stick electrode not included
- Short power cord and poor ground clamp
4. ESAB Rogue ES 180i – Best Stick Welder For Beginners
Best Stick Welders For Beginers
ESAB Rogue ES 180i
A built-in strap means you can easily carry it on your shoulder while welding on the ladder. Dual voltage power provides maximum versatility as you can use both 110V and 220V power inputs to run. So, you can plug Rogue ES 180i almost anywhere, in your home or remote job site location. In addition, you can use a generator to power it.
| Processes: | Stick welding, TIG welding | Weld Thickness Range: | More than 1/8“ |
| Weldable Materials: | Steel, Stainless Steel | Input Voltage: | 110/220V +- 10% 50/60Hz |
| Input Phase: | 1-phase | Current Type: | DC |
| Electrode limit: | Up to 1/8 in | Amperage Range: | 10–180A |
| Working Cycle 90A: | 23.6V @ 25% | Working Cycle 130A: | 15.2V @ 25% |
| Warranty: | 3-year | Weight: | 18.2 lbs. |
One of the best features of this little Stick/TIG welder is the straightforward controls. Controls are simple enough to use, and yet, they will fit seasoned welder needs. Most entry-level Stick welders, such as Hobart Stickmate 180i or Lincoln Electric 225, allow you only to set up the amperage.
Rogue ES 130i helps you switch between regular Stick, TIG, or tricky 6010 electrode mode. In addition, you can set the Hot Start tolerance between -10 and 10 amps, which will help you get an easy arc start at any time. Finally, the arc force feature lets you control DIG on your electrode so you are sure they don’t stick or get too hot.
With a rated power of 10-130 amps at 220V, this welder is more than capable of welding alloyed and non-alloyed steel, stainless steel, and cast iron.
However, it would be best if you used it for medium to light-duty projects only. If you plan to tackle more serious projects or thicker steel, you should consider Rogue ES 180i, which offers more power. In addition, the welding duty cycle is rated at 25% at the maximum power output of 130A at 220V or 90A at 110V.
So if you plan to weld more extended periods, you will have to settle with 84 amps at 60% (220v) or 58 amps at 110V. For example, most beginner-friendly branded welders, such as Hobart Stickmate 160i offer the same rated duty cycle of 20-30%.
Overall, the ESAB Rogue ES 180i is a professional-grade Stick/TIG welder, but the maximum power is somewhat closer to new welders. However, all the advanced features will help you start and learn welding immediately and with ease. Nevertheless, this is a branded welder, so you will have to be ready to pay some extra bucks.
On the other hand, the value you get for the money spent is exceptional. You will love this welder for occasional and hobby projects in your home or as a portable welder to fit your needs in remote job locations. Still, the price is moderately higher than Hobart Stickmate 160i, Lincoln Electric ARC 225, or Eastwood Arc 80. In addition, you get a 3-year warranty, but issues are sporadic with high-end ESAB Arc welders.
Pros
- Best beginner arc welding machine
- High-Quality build
- Lightweight but robust and durable
- Hot-Start feature ensures easy arc start
- Arc Force feature controls electrode DIG
Cons
- Costly Stick/Arc welder
- Not for heavy-duty welding projects
5. Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-i – Best Flux-core Welder for Beginners
Best FC Welder For Beginers
Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-i
Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-i is a small Flux core welder for beginners with overwhelmingly positive reviews on the internet. Colossal popularity results from compact dimensions, small weight, ease of use, and relatively decent welding power. This little entry-level flux core welding unit runs on 110V power input and weighs only 19 lbs. Thus, you can plug it and carry it around with ease almost anywhere.
| Processes: | Flux core welding | Weld Thickness Range: | 24-gauge up to 1/4 |
| Weldable Materials: | Steel, Stainless Stel | Input Voltage: | 120V |
| Input Phase: | 1-phase | Current Type: | DC |
| Working Cycle: | 30% @ 90A | Amperage Range: | 140A |
| Gasless wire diameter: | .030” and .035” wire | Weight: | 19 lbs. |
The great thing about it is that you get everything you need to weld straight out of the box. So it takes less than five minutes from the box to your first bead. However, provided sample of gasless wire is not of the highest quality, as it may result in poor beads. Still, you can use it to practice, but you should change it if you plan more complex welding. In addition, the package contains MIG solid wire nozzle, which isn’t best used for flux-cored wire. So, I suggest buying a separate gasless nozzle.
With a power output of 30-140 amps, you can use Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-i to weld steel and stainless steel 24 gauge up to 1/4″ thick. If you are careful enough, you can even join 1/2″ thick metals.
Many welders are surprised by weld strength and penetration, as you wouldn’t expect it from such a compact unit. In addition, this welder features a 30% duty cycle rated at 90A, which is more than enough for medium to light-duty hobby welding projects and repairs. Overall, welding capability is much greater than Hobart Handler 100 gasless welder.
Precise and easy settings are one of the reasons why this is a great welder for beginners. You have infinitely controllable voltage and wire feed speed settings. To set them properly, you have to follow the instruction manual and suggestion chart. Still, for the best results, it might take you some time to master the accurate controls. Poor dial controls may result in inadequate wire feed, affecting the quality of the weld.
Even though Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-i is compatible with .030 and .035 gasless wire, manufacturers state later one may affect the duty cycle. So if you don’t plan to weld thicker metals, you should stick to .030 wire.
Price-wise, this welder won’t break your bank, as you get extraordinary value for the money spent. Forney flux core welder is slightly cheaper than branded welders such as Hobart, Miller, or Lincoln units. Still, you shouldn’t think cheap denotes the build quality.
Forney Industries produce reliable welding machines that are built to last and perform. Still, the wire drive motor is plastic, but the rollers are made of cast aluminum. Most modern budget-friendly units feature a cast aluminum wire feed mechanism which has proven more durable than plastic ones.
On the other hand, you get a 1-year warranty and a 30-day return policy for a reasonable price. In addition, US customer service is ready to answer the calls and diagnose the issues step by step.
Pros
- Affordable and capable Flux core welding machine
- Easy to use and set up for beginners
- Compact, lightweight, and portable
- Surprising penetration and welding power
- Great value for the money spent
Cons
- The plastic wire feed mechanism
- Cannot do gas MIG welding
- The duty cycle is lower when using .035 flux-cored wire
6. Eastwood Elite MP200i – Best Multi-process Welder for Beginners
Best Multi Process Welder For Beginers
Eastwood Elite MP200i
Eastwood company has been part of the DIY community since 1978, and they know how to build the perfect beginner machine. Eastwood Elite MP200i is a capable MIG, TIG, and Stick welding machine with inverter technology. In addition, this multi-process welder can use both 110V/220V power inputs to run, increasing versatility.
| Processes: | MIG welding, Flux core, TIG, Stick, & Plasma cutting | Weld Thickness Range: | up to 3/8” |
| Weldable Materials: | Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum | Input Voltage: | VAC 120-230V 50/60 Hz |
| Input Phase: | 1-phase | Current Type: | DC |
| Power Output 120VAC: | 30-90A | Power Output 230VAC: | 30-200A |
| Working Cycle 120VAC: | 40% @ 90A | Working Cycle 230VAC: | 20% @ 200A |
| Wire Thickness: | 0.023-0.035″ | TIG welding current: | 20-90 A @ 120A, 20-200A @ 230A |
| Warranty: | 3-years | Weight: | 34 lbs. |
You can use Elite MP200i for Gas Metal ARc Welding (GMAW) and Flux core welding, but once you decide to learn TIG or stick welding, you can switch the process quickly. In addition, you get everything you need to weld straight out of the box, including a MIG welding gun with Tweco-style consumables, a TIG torch, and a Stick electrode holder. However, the MIG gun is a bit bulky, meaning you will have to get used to it. In addition, some might find the power chord too short.
As the name states, this multi-process welder is capable of outputting 200 amps at 220V. Thus, you can use it to weld 3/8″ thick metals straight out of the box. In addition, with the 20% duty cycle rated at 200 amps, you can use it to weld at maximum output for two minutes straight before making an 8-minute break. Of course, if you try to tackle more serious projects, you might exceed the duty cycle, forcing the machine to shut down. Finally, Eastwood MP200i is a spool gun-ready welder for added versatility, meaning you can use it to weld aluminum.
Looking at the controls, Eastwood MP200i combines a simplistic design with advanced features. The control panel features two digital displays, a wire feed speed knob, a voltage knob, and a spot timer control.
In addition, there are two switches; one helps you select the process, while the other turns on the spot timer. Digital displays show an accurate reading of voltage and wire feed speed, which will help you get the settings right every time.
Spot timer is a great feature that allows for exact, factory-perfect spot welds on automotive restoration projects. In addition, the control panel offers an easy polarity switch. You don’t need to open the wiring compartment to switch polarity for MIG, Flux Core, or Stick electrode holder.
Even though this multi-process welder is sturdy and durable, inverter technology makes it lightweight. Eastwood Elite MP200i weighs 34 lbs, making it lighter than Hobart Multi-Handler 200 or Miller Multimatic 200.
Money-wise, Eastwood MP200i won’t break your bank. This is a significantly more affordable unit than Lincoln Power MIG 210MP, while it offers similar capability. However, you cannot expect the same quality as you get with notable welders, but the value for the money spent is excellent. In addition, you get a 3-year warranty, as the one branded multi-process welders offer.
Pros
- Versatile and powerful multi-process welder for beginners
- You get everything you need to weld straight out of the box
- Simplistic controls and great features
- You can weld aluminum with it
- Lightweight and portable
- Tool-less design
Cons
- Short power cord
- Somewhat limited power
7.YesWelder MP200 – Best Beginner Welder and Plasma Cutter
Best Welder/Cutter For Beginers
YesWelder MP200
YesWelder made a breakthrough in the beginner and hobbyist market by introducing model MP200, capable of MIG/Flux Core/Stick/TIG welding and plasma cutting. So, for the money spent, you get all in one machine which will cover your everyday needs. As a perfect hobbyist and beginner machine, you get everything you need to weld straight out of the box.
Get 10% Off With Coupon: “-10% WELDPROS”
| Processes: | MIG, FC, TIG, Stick & Plasma cutting | Max Rated Clean Cut: | 0.27″ |
| Weldable Materials: | Steel, Stainless Steel | Input Voltage: | 120-230 ±15% VAC, 50-60 Hz |
| Input Phase: | 1-phase | Current Type: | DC |
| Rated Output: | 60% at 68F, 25% at 104F | Amperage Range: | MIG/FC/Stick/TIG 20-200A, Plasma 20-40A. |
| Warranty: | 1-year | Weight: | 25 lbs. |
Package content includes a MIG gun, TIG torch, Stick electrode holder, and Plasma cutting torch. In addition, you get various consumables and air filters for Plasma cutting, meaning the value for the money spent is extraordinary. The first look at it leaves the impression of a sturdily built versatile welder with a decent quality build. However, this all-in-one welder weighs only 25 lbs.
Thus, this is a well-built, durable, and lightweight welder. In addition, the dual voltage option increases flexibility as you can use both 110V/220V power inputs to run it. However, power is slightly limited when running on 110V, and there might be some issues with plasma arc stability, so I suggest 220V.
The original idea behind the four-in-one welder and plasma cutter sounds great, and I must compliment the capability. YesWelder MP200 can output 20-160 amps at 110V or 20-200 amps at 220V. Rated power makes it capable of welding MIG 0.031″ -.27″; TIG 0.031″- 0.098″, MMA 0.059″ – 0.19″ thick metals. In addition, you can achieve the maximum severance thickness of 1/2″ with a plasma cutter. The duty cycle of 60% helps you weld longer periods, but you cannot weld thinner metals than 18 gauge with the relatively low minimum amperage.
However, remember that MP200 is a DC-only machine that is not spool gun compatible, meaning you cannot weld aluminum by any means. Most renowned multi-process units, such as Lincoln Power MIG 200 MP, are spool gun-ready welders.
One of the significant parts is the intuitive controls that are easy to use. A large LCD display shows exact readings and helps you tune the welder. In addition, the welding machine features synergic settings, meaning you have to select the shielding gas option, wire thickness, process, and welded metal thickness. YesWelder MP200 will do the rest, as it suggests the optimal wire feed speed and voltage values.
You will appreciate the ease of use as a beginner, but seasoned welders might want to do some fine-tuning. However, the instruction manual is not well written, so it might take you some time to get used to it.
When talking about price, you can hardly get any more value for the money spent. The overall cost of this MIG/Flux core/TIG/Stick welder and Plasma cutter is lower than some units that offer two or three welding processes, such as Miller Multimatic 200 or Lincoln Electric MIG 200 MP. In addition, some branded plasma cutters, such as Hobart Airforce 12ci, are individually more expensive than YesWelder MP200.
The intelligent chip is protected by thermal and current overload, and you get a 1-year warranty. In addition, there is a 30-day return policy, meaning you can get your refund. However, you get a slightly shorter warranty compared to brand-name units, as they usually offer 3 to 5 years of protection. Older YesWelder welders such as MIG 205 DS had some troubles with broken connections straight out of the box, but customer service is more than happy to answer complaints.
Read this detailed review to learn more about YesWelder Firstess MP200.
Pros
- All in one – TIG/Flux/Stick and MIG welder, plus Plasma cutter
- Decent welding capability
- Lightweight but with a durable case
- Great value for the money spent
- The package contains all the required accessories
Cons
- Power is limited when plugged into 110V input
- Cannot weld aluminum
Concise Buyer’s Guide for Beginners
While reviewing welders, we tried to explain everything beginners need to know. Then, we compared it to other units to get a feeling of what’s the distinction.
In this section, we will shortly explain what you should look for when buying your first welder. In addition, if you are an absolute beginner, we will briefly point out the advantages and drawbacks of welding processes.
Good and Bad Sides of Each Welding Techniques
| Advantages | Drawbacks | |
|---|---|---|
| MIG | Most straightforward process to master, Beautiful welds | Additional costs including shielding gas and various consumables |
| TIG | Clean and beautiful welds, Significant for aluminum | May take some time to master TIG welding skills |
| Stick | Low cost and additional expenses, decent results | May take some time to get used to it |
| Flux Core | Low-cost version of MIG welding process with higher penetration | Additional consumable costs |
| Multi-process | All in one machine suitable for small shops or various DIY projects | Most don't include accessories for all processes, Some processes might be worse than others |
You should carefully pick your first welder according to the process of interest. If you can’t make up your mind, you can always opt for a multi-process machine.
Welder Price and Budget
Before making a purchase, you should set your budget goals. For example, brand-name welders are reliable but usually expensive. Still, they don’t always offer the same capabilities as budget-friendly options. It would be best if you always tried to get as much value out of the money spent. So, that’s why this article attempted to point out welders with the best price-to-money ratio.
As a beginner, you shouldn’t go for the most expensive or powerful units. Start slow with a 140-200 amp welder, then work all the way up. If you find yourself an enthusiastic welder, you could always opt for a more powerful unit that costs more.
Welding Capability
As a beginner, you probably won’t tackle any serious projects or thicker metals. However, you want a capable machine with a significant duty cycle. Most novice welders can join 3/8″ up to 1/4″ thick metals, which is more than enough for DIY projects and hobby use.
The duty cycle should be high enough to help you weld long enough before overheating. You don’t want to stop in the middle of the job. Most welders provide a 20-30% duty cycle, while the latest IGBT inverter technology goes up to 60% at maximum output.
Build Quality
Branded welders usually offer better build quality than budget options, as cheap welders can feature a lot of cheap plastic or thin casings. However, some budget options we mentioned seem pretty sturdy and durable. Of course, your welder is a workhorse, so you don’t want to keep it safe in your garage as your baby. Nevertheless, always try to handle with care and treat it with respect.
Wrapping Things Up
After hours of research, we tried to list some of the best welders for beginners on the market. We considered value, capability, build quality, and warranty options to make a list as objective as possible.
We recognize YesWelder MIG 205DS as the best for money welder, as it offers excellent value, versatility, and portability with a decent build, for the money spent. On the other hand, Hobart Handler 140 might be one of the most popular beginner MIG welders on the market, with excellent reviews.
We suggest Eastwood TIG 200 AC/DC for Gas Tungsten Arc welding, as it is an affordable unit that features excellent controls and offers aluminum welding capability. ESAB Rogue ES130i is, without doubt, one of the most outstanding small Stick welders. You might have to pay some more, but the quality is extraordinary.
YesWelder MP200 is a groundbreaking 5 in 1 welding machine which rounds up all your welding shop needs. You can do MIG/Flux core/TIG/Stick welding with Plasma cutting welding equipment included.
As for multi-process welding machines, Eastwood Elite MP200i takes an edge as the best welder for beginners. You get all accessories to start using any of the given welding processes straight out of the box.
