Best MIG Welder Under $1000 Dollars (Including TIG) – Guide and Review
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Best MIG Welder Under $1,000
Our reviews of the best MIG welder under $1,000 include the following:
Hobart 500559 Handler Wire Welder
- 5-position voltage control selector adds a smooth,...
- Welds 24 gauge up to 1/4 in mild steel; Weldable...
- Welding Processes: MIG(GMAW), Flux Cored(FCAW)
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
These are our choice of the top welders good for welding below a price point that you can get a great machine, but also not break the bank…especially in times like these!
- Hobart 500559 Handler Wire Welder
- LOTOS MIG175 175AMP Mig Welder
- MIG Welder, Handheld, 120VAC
- Hobart 500553 Handler 210 MVP
- EverlastPowerMIG 200 200amp TIG stick welder
Updated 16/06/2020
Top 3 Affordable MIG Welders Compared
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If $1,000 is over your budget, then we also have an amazing roundup of the Best MIG welder under $500.
If you have a big budget for a welder, learn what’s the best MIG welder under $1000 dollars that you can buy.
MIG or metal inert gas welding has been around since the Second World War. While it is a semi-automatic process, it remains widely used up to this day particularly in creating strong and durable joints.
If you’re a weekend warrior or a welding enthusiast, you may be looking for the best MIG welder under 1000 dollars. The good news is that you have lots of options given your budget.
Entry-level MIG welders can be had for around $100 to $200. Thus if your budget is less than $1,000, you will be happy to know that you have tons of options.
For that amount, you can even snag a unit that you can use for light industrial tasks.
Having a MIG welder that is powerful, versatile, and easy to use should help you improve your welding skills.
It is worth noting that you can get a really quite decent Chinese MIG welder under 1000 nowadays, but for this comparison article, I will stick to some of the better-known brands, (However I will add the Chinese brands at the end of the post for those of you curious to see).
See more of our Editors Choice Reviews here.
You can also use our free welding calculator help you to set your machine for specific metals.
So read on for our list of the top welding machines…
Recommended Product Reviews
I know that there are lots of MIG welding machines that you can find on the Internet. Thus I can’t blame you if you find the choices overwhelming. Don’t worry as I have selected five really good MIG welders that you can choose from:
1. Hobart 500559 Handler Wire Welder
- 5-position voltage control selector adds a smooth,...
- Welds 24 gauge up to 1/4 in mild steel; Weldable...
- Welding Processes: MIG(GMAW), Flux Cored(FCAW)
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is one of the best in its class. It is designed to run on an input power of 115 volts, so you can use it almost anywhere in the house.
It is also relatively lightweight at 60 pounds, thus you can move it whenever you need to.
If you are looking for something a bit more powerful, check out our Hobart Ironman 230 Review
It has special features that make it a very good buy. There’s the five-position voltage control selector that lets you tune your arc.
A built-in contractor, meanwhile, keeps the wire “cold” until the spool gun’s trigger is pulled. And it is a fairly heavy-duty tool.
This unit also has a thermal overload system and short circuit protection, thus you have peace of mind while you weld thin materials like aluminum and stainless steel.
This is a unit that you should be able to master over time. It’s very easy to learn even for novice users. But you also need a gas cylinder for MIG welding which means added expense.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Great value for money
- A wonderful choice for an enthusiast
- Wide voltage selection
- Solid build
Cons
- Some issues with packaging when delivered
2. LOTOS MIG175 175AMP Mig Welder
- ★ Aluminum Wire Feeder--The durable high quality...
- ★Spool Gun Include-- High-speed MIG spool gun...
- ★BUY WITH CONFIDENCE: We offer 30 days refund...
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It comes in a package alongside other accessories like welding protection mask, MIG welding wire, argon hose and regulator, ground clamp and cable, and a MIG spool gun. The latter can be used for welding aluminum.
This unit can be connected to a 200 to a 220-volt wall outlet. It is also very easy to set up, with most owners saying they were able to do so in less than 10 minutes. You can use it for welding aluminum, stainless steel, and mild steel. It comes with a 1-year warranty.
Although the accessories included aren’t top of the line, this is still one of the best MIG welders out there.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Included spool gun
- Great price for an overflow welder for semi-professionals
- High-quality build
- Fantastic machine for beginners to learn the trade
Cons
- Some of our readers have told us that the customer service is left wanting
3. MIG Welder, Handheld, 120VAC
As its name suggests, this is a MIG welder that is versatile and transportable. It’s the kind of welding machine that you can turn to for DIY and garage projects. It comes from Lincoln Electric.
It has everything you need to get started with welding, from the welded mask, flux cable, welding sludge hammer, brush, terrain clamp, among others.
You can plug it on the standard electrical wall outlet in your house. There is an owner’s manual inside to help you get started with this welding machine. This would have been the best in its class if not for its cheap handle. Also, it is a bit heavy at 60 pounds.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It’s a Lincoln, so it has pedigree!
- Wonderful for small projects around the house
- Easy torch change
- Solid build
- Good warranty protection
Cons
- Not for large scale projects
4. Hobart 500553 Handler 210 MVP
- Versatile Performance: The Hobart 500553 Handler...
- Plug & Play Flexibility: Thanks to the...
- Perfect Aluminum Welds: With built-in spool gun...
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is the kind of welding unit that both novice and experts welders will love. It combines quality performance and durability in one package.
With the output power ranging from 25 amps to 210 amps, it can let you work on different types of materials from steel and aluminum.
And with a maximum duty cycle of 30 percent at 150 amps, you can weld faster without compromising quality. This welding machine can deal with 3/8 inch thick mild steel. It could be the welding machine you can turn to for home repair and auto body repairs, and even for light industrial tasks.
You can even use if for flux-cored welding. But you will need to buy a cart for this if you intend to move this thing around. It’s very heavy at around 80 pounds.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Usual Hobart build quality
- Smooth, powerful arc
- Easy and simple use
- Great for general use around the home
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Expensive extras and add ons
5. EverlastPowerMIG 200 200amp TIG stick welder
- All digital DC CC/CV Multi-Process inverter design...
- Light weight design makes the unit extremely...
- Easy to use, operator friendly panel to select...
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a two-in-one welding machine that you ought to consider getting. It is very portable as it weighs less than 35 pounds.
This is the kind of welding machine that you can put in your car for field-based welding jobs.
With a maximum power of 200 amps, this TIG and stick welder can be operated at an input power of 120 volts to 220 volts. It has a duty cycle of 35 percent at 200 amps which is good enough for most welders.
There are dual digital displays that would let you make precise adjustments. The Arc force controls the current rise time in MIG mode, affecting the bead contour and puddle fluidity of the device. It also features an automatic pre flow and post flow control that enhances weld quality during stops.
Simply put, this is one of the best welding machines that you can buy for less than a thousand bucks.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Lightweight and portable
- Comes with interesting accessories and quick connectors
- MIG, TIG and Stick welding options
- MIG, TIG and Stick welding options
Cons
- Clear cover on the control panel is flush and not easy to open with thick welding gloves
- Just a touch over the title of this post price wise
Chinese MIG Welder Examples
Whilst I wouldn’t really recommend choosing a brand that you are either unfamiliar with or that gets delivered from halfway around the world; I would be remiss to not include some interesting Chinese MIG welders.
If you look around, you can get some pretty good deals, but as always, you will be buying at your own risk.
You can check out AliExpress here to see some examples, but I will repeat, I only recommend the main welding machines that I have already reviewed in this article.
How to Choose the Best MIG Welder Under $1000
- 4 in 1 Welding Machine:flux MIG, gas MIG，MMA,...
- Synergic Control: Select different wire...
- LED Display: Compared to other traditional...
- 4 in 1 Welding Machine:This is a multifunctional...
- Synergic Control: Adjusting the amperage or...
- Gas/Gasless Welding: You can choose Flux Core...
- 【POWERFUL 3-IN-1 MIG WELDER】The 135Amp MIG...
- 【SYNERGIC CONTROL】Adjusting the welding power...
- 【IGBT TECHNOLOGY】IGBT intelligent inverter...
- Synergic Control: The welding parameter is...
- Multi-functions in one machine: Suitable for MMA,...
- Powerful Machine: Up to 200A output current that...
- 【Upgraded Multip-rocess Welder】: GZ GUOZHI 3...
- 【Synergic Control】: GZ GUOZHI MIG welder has...
- 【Advanced Technology】: 90V-140V wide-voltage...
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Just because you have a high budget for the MIG welder doesn’t mean that you will snag the first model that you see in a retail store or on Amazon.com. there are many things you need to consider when shopping for a MIG welder such as:
Input and Output Power Requirements
TIG welding is more difficult than MIG welding.
As such, it is only reasonable that you buy a reliable, easy-to-use machine. This is very much true if you’re not that confident yet in your TIG skills.
And even if you’re an expert in, you would still love to have an easy to use the unit. It can make your work faster and yield more precise, clean welds. The good news is that there are many TIG welders that should suit your requirements.
Consider getting any of the five models I listed in this article. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for the top TIG welding machine.
Duty Cycle
The duty cycle is another factor that needs to be considered when shopping for a MIG welder. It is the amount of time out of a 10-minute span that the welder can operate safely.
For instance, MIG welder A has a 60 percent duty cycle at 300 amps. This means you can weld continuously at 300 amps for six minutes, before resting for 4 minutes.
So what is the right duty cycle for your needs? Of you are to take on light industrial tasks, you should look for a unit with a 40 percent duty cycle at 300 amps or lower.
Power/Amperage
The power of the unit, expressed in amperage or amps, indicates how good it is to weld a particular material. Thus you should also know the thickness of the materials that you are likely to weld. It would be more practical to buy a welding machine that can weld thicker materials.
To illustrate, a MIG welder with a limit of 30 amps can weld up materials that are 1 mm thick. With great care, you can even use it for welding a 0.88 mm sheet.
Other considerations
- Spool gun: this is necessary if you want to weld aluminum materials. You should look for a spool gun with quick-release features.
- Thermal overload protection: this automatically shuts down the welder if the duty cycle is exceeded. It prevents the unit from overheating.
- Repair and maintenance: the unit you should buy has readily available spare parts in case it needs to be repaired.
- Portability: if you think that you will need a MIG welder that you can move around, then shop for a unit that is lightweight and portable
Tips & Tricks for MIG Welding on a Budget
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best MIG welders?
It varies depending on each case need. Pro Welder Guide has compiled a great buyers guide for the best MIG welders here.
What is a good MIG welder for home use?
Cost, portability, and features are the 3 most important factors when considering a home welder. See more over at our article Best Welders for Home Use.
What’s the best welder for beginners?
There are many different options to choose from but MIG welders are probably a good start. You can also consider TIG welding as it isn’t as scary as some people think!
How much does a MIG welder cost?
There are 2 types to choose from; a standard wire MIG or a flux cored MIG. The wire variety can achieve many things that a stick welder can do, and frequently more proficiently. Although a high-quality wire welder can cost between $450 to $2,000 (contingent on its size and power output).
Final verdict
Shopping for a MIG welder which costs less than $1,000 will present you with a lot of options. You could really be lost on which unit to get. But if you know the factors to consider in shopping for the welding machine, then you should be able to pick one that suits your needs.
I know that it can be very confusing to pick just one MIG welder so I have listed five MIG welders that are less than $1,000. Feel free to look into each of the MIG welders and I am sure you will find one of them the right addition to your garage or welding shop.
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