A welder is an incredible device for use around the house for small fixes. The best small welders help save on money or time of calling a professional welder to do the job. It’s also useful in keeping home items in good condition before everything gets out of hand.
Even for a professional welder, a small welder saves the day when your main welding machine stalls. Also, it can be useful when called upon to do a few fixes out of the workshop. A small welder is a small investment whose cost is way low when you compare it with the cost of repairs and hiring a welder.
Now that you have your goals set, you might be frantically searching for the best small welder. However, with the many options on the market, it is trickier to find a suitable machine. Below here, we’ve made your selection more comfortable by bringing together the best small welders.
Let’s get started.
- Best for Hobbyist – Forney Easy Weld 261 Mig Machine
- Best For Mild Steel & Stainless Steel – VIVOHOME Welder Machine 130
- Best Mini Welder – Everlast 140 Amp TIG / Stick Welder
- Best Mini Arc Welder – Display4top MIG 130 Plus Welder
- Best For Home DIY Welding – Super Deal PRO Commercial MIG 130 Welder
- Best For Small Work – SUNGOLDPOWER ARC MMA 200A Welder
- Best For Mild Steel – SUNGOLDPOWER 140A Gas & Gasless MIG Welder
- Best TIG/Stick/Arc Mini Welder – AMICO POWER Dual Voltage
- Best For Vehicle Repairing – ZENY Arc 160 AMP Dual Voltage Welding Machine
What is the best small welder?
Among the high-quality small welders, Hobart Handler 140, Lincoln Electric, Forney 261, etc. are some of the best ones.
In our opinion, Forney Easy Weld 261 is the best small welder due to its affordable price range, compact and smart design, ease of controllability, and versatile use.
Quick small welding machine comparison table
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Forney Easy Weld 261 |
| Get on Amazon!Get on TractorSupply |
 | ZENY Arc Welding Machine |
| Check Price on Amazon! |
 | Everlast PowerArc 140ST |
| Check Price on Amazon! |
 | VIVOHOME MIG Welder 130 Flux Core |
| Check Price on Amazon! |
 | SUPER DEAL PRO Commercial MIG 130 |
| Check Price on Amazon! |
1. Forney Easy Weld 261 MIG welding machine
Specifications
- Weight: 19 lbs.
- Output: 140 AMP.
- Input: 120 V.
- Duty cycle: 30% @ 90A.
- Warranty: 12 months.
Topping the list is Forney Easy MIG Welder, which will satisfactorily address your welding works. It has rippled the market, and the growth in popularity shows its positive impact among users.
The welder is easy to use with its infinite voltage and wire feed speed control for efficient weld works. We highly recommend it for light repairs and touch-ups, thereby making it suitable for beginners welders, and intermediaries.
The Forney is a versatile unit operating with an input of 120 V and an output of 140A. It can weld steel metals of 24 gauges and up to ¼ in.
The Forney Weld 261 is lightweight and portable, weighing 19lbs. Therefore, it’s suitable for outdoor projects, maintenance, and repair fabrications. Finally, it’s packed with all essentials to get you started on your welding job.
Why we like it?
Duty cycle: Forney Easy Weld 261 comes with a pretty decent duty cycle. It provides 30% duty cycle at 90amp which is not bad at all. It means that if you run the machine at 90 amp, you can run it for 3 minutes. After that, the welder has to cool down. It also comes with a LED indicator to show when you need to stop and let the machine cool down.
Flux core wire: The flux core wire in this welding unit allows users to set their own wire feed and voltage. A lot of the small welders provide only 50-80 amp power. But Forney Easy Weld offers a 140-amp output, allowing you to work on a variety of steel alloys with ease.
Compact and highly portable: The design of the Forney Easy Weld 261 makes it quite compact and lightweight. It weighs 19 lbs. only which allows you to carry the machine anywhere you want and weld as much as you need. But lighter weight doesn’t compromise the quality at all. The machine is still as sturdy and solid as it could be.
Sturdy build quality: As already mentioned, although the machine is lightweight and compact, it comes with the solid and sturdy build quality. Its outer shell is made of strong metal that makes it rugged and sturdy. You can safely store it in a garage and carry it anywhere you want without worrying about damaging it.
Why we do not like it?
Low-quality welding wire: The welding wire that the Forney Easy Weld 261 comes with doesn’t represent the greatness of the machine. A lot of the users have mentioned that welding with this wire is not effective. So, you might need to buy external wire to have a better experience.
What do the customers say?
According to the users of the Forney Easy Weld, the device is perfect for small indoor projects. Setting up the machine is extremely easy, and so is welding with the Forney Easy Weld. Customers find the price range to be affordable considering the quality and features of the device.
2. ZENY Arc 160 AMP Dual Voltage Welding Machine
Specifications
- Warranty one year.
- Input power: 115-230V.
- Output range: 5-160A.
- IGBT technology.
- Duty cycle 60%.
Is your budget stressing you, and you’d like to own a welding machine? Don’t go home empty-handed; get yourself the ZENY Arc Welding Machine. This remarkable welder is made with budget constraints in mind. It’s affordable, and on top of it all, it’s a dual voltage.
The machine is portable, has a carrying handle, takes less space, and it’s convenient to move around. It’s suitable for all types of steel, aluminum, and other metal materials.
With its high-speed fan, the issue of overheating is addressed, and it can work continuously for a long.
ZENYARC welding machine is protected against overload, over-voltage, and overcurrent, which can damage it. Accessories include an electrode holder and cable, work clamp and cable, input power adapter cable, and plug. There’s also an owner’s manual, which will help you get started, especially if you’re a beginner.
Why we like it?
Comes with a Duty Cycle of 60%: Zeny Arc Welding Machine has a 60% duty cycle 160 amp. This means it can run for 6 minutes straight while generating 160-amp power. Pretty amazing, right? You can’t expect a higher duty cycle from a small welder! Also, it has a dual-voltage feature that allows it to run on 110V and 220V voltage.
Smart design and sturdy build quality: The Zeny Arc Welding Machine is equipped with a smart design that ensures safe switching from AC to DC power. Its step-down transformer is an excellent addition to its design which makes it stand out among the others. The sturdy and solid build quality make the machine durable and long-lasting.
3-level protection: Zeny Arc Welding Machine has 3-level efficient protection that makes the machine safe to operate. The over-heat protection will prevent the machine from getting overheated. Over-pressure protection will stop the machine from creating too much pressure. And the over-current protection will prevent the passing of excessive current that will stop creating any shock.
Multi-use feature: The small welder from Zeny is a versatile machine that has multi-use features. You can use it for several types of metal. Although we don’t recommend using it for Aluminum as it’s a DC welder and might not provide adequate control on the arc. But, it’s safe to use for iron, steel, and other metals.
Why we don’t like it:
Less precise control over the ARC: A lot of the users have mentioned that the controlling feature over the arc is not adequate to run the machine properly. Although you can’t expect high-end control from a small welder in this price range, but sometimes it might get harder to work with the arc if you use aluminum.
Not suitable for mid-level projects: As the Zeny Arc Welding Machine is a small welder, you can guess that it’s only suitable for small projects. While some of the small welders can handle mid-level projects, Zeny can only handle small indoor projects and other low-end tasks of small repairing.
What do the customers say?
Most of the customers who have used the ZENY Arc Welding Machine have appreciated its power and durability. Everyone seems to love how compact it looks yet provides efficient tasks. The steel frame makes the device long-lasting according to a lot of users.
Some customers found it to be less efficient for mid-level projects, which means that the device is only suitable for lighter and small works. A lot of the customers seem to love the Smart Design which determines smooth transitioning from AC to DC power.
3. Best Mini Welder – Everlast 140 Amp TIG / Smallest Stick Welder
Specifications
- Weight: 25.8 pounds.
- Product Dimensions: 14.19 x 19.31 x 11.61 inches.
- Material: Metal.
- Warranty: 1 Year.
If you’re looking for the best mini welder for small repairs at home or your workshop, you can consider the Everlast Welder. This excellent welder will be the best pick of the bunch for the dollars.
This welding machine is compact and portable, weighing only 24.8 lbs. It’s powerful, with 140 Amp output and 120V/240V dual voltage capacity.
The Everlast welder features both stick and DC Lift TIG capacity with a standard 17 series gas valve torch. It’s stable and has low power consumption.
Here is the ticker; it’s been tested for enhanced efficiency owing to the automatic hot start, which reduces electrode sticking. It’s simple to use from the digital display for the current setting.
Accessories include a high-impact plastic carry case, a wire brush, stick electrode holder and cable, 17V series TIG torch, 6 ft. Length of work clamp and cable.
Why we like it?
35% duty cycle: Everlast PowerArc has a duty cycle of 35% at 140 amp. This means you can use the machine for 3.5 minutes straight at 140-amp power without shutting it down. After 3.5 minutes, you have to stop and let the machine reset itself. It will take 6.5 minutes to cool down.
Dual voltage feature: The PowerArc from Everlast comes with a dual voltage feature which makes it quite efficient and versatile. You can set the voltage to 110V or 220V depending on the task you have. If you’re just getting some work done around the house, 110V is more than adequate for you. 220V can be used for heavier projects.
TIG and stick versatility: Stick and TIG capabilities are included with the PowerArc 140. So, if you’re working on more exact welds that need precise efficiency, you can switch to TIG for the most visually attractive results. It’s ideal for artwork and decorative patterns, for example. Switch to the Stick technique if you have to weld steel, aluminum, or cast iron.
Compact and lightweight: Despite being a powerful machine, the Everlast PowerArc 140 is lightweight and compact which makes it highly portable. You can carry the machine anywhere you want where there’s a power source available, and use it as you need. A lighter weight or compact design doesn’t compromise the machine’s durability at all!
Why we don’t like it?
DC welding only: Just like most of the small welders, the Everlast PowerArc provides DC welding which doesn’t allow it to run smoothly while welding aluminum. So, it’s recommended to not use the machine to weld aluminum. You can buy an external rod and use it to weld aluminum, but that would cost quite a bit.
Electrode cable could be longer: The electrode cable that the Everlast PowerArc comes with is quite short according to a lot of customers. While this may vary depending on your preference, but some users said that they faced hard times using this machine due to this issue.
What do the customers say?
A lot of the users who have used the Everlast PowerArc 140 said that a device is an excellent option within the price range it comes.
Although the electrode cable could have been a bit bigger which might be a great improvement according to some users, the duty cycle and dual voltage feature make up for most of the downsides of this machine. Users have claimed it to be the best portable welding machine as it’s lightweight and also runs on a generator.
4. VIVOHOME Welder Machine 130
Specifications
- Weight: 34.6 lbs
- Voltage: 110V
- Frequency: 60Hz
- Fuse: 13A Max
- Thickness: 7.2 Inches
What is the best welder for home use? Instead of walking to your neighbor to borrow a welder, why not go for VIVOHOME Welder Machine for your simple welding jobs. This incredible machine with do automobile finishing, art project frames, and supports.
Plus, it’s compact and lightweight, with a handgrip making it easy to carry around. The machine has a flux-cored wire releasing inert metal gasses in the welding process, thereby preventing oxidation of welded parts.
VIVOHOME MIG 130 has ten levels of adjustable speeds to align with the metal thickness. Additionally, it’s designed with a built-in storage space at the top to store nails, screws, and other small items used in welding.
The machine has two air vents to prevent overheating.
Accessories include one wire brush and a welding helmet to protect your eyes and face.
PROs
- Easy to use
- Affordable machine
- Compact and lightweight
- Good quality
- Adjustable settings
CONs
- Not suitable for big projects
- Lacks a contractor for powering it
Why we like this welder & technical details
- Voltage 110V
- Frequency 50-60Hz
- Current range: 50-120A
- Free welding helmet
- Over heating protection
5. Best Mini Arc Welder – Display4top MIG 130 Plus Welder
Specifications
- Overload protection.
- Input power (KVA): 3.7
- Duty cycle: 35%
- Insulation class: F
- Power voltage (v):110
Not unless you’re constructing a ship or fixing bigger machinery, the Display4top welder will take care of your most basic needs. This machine is suitable for routine maintenance and simple repairs.
Up until this moment, this mini-arc welder is one of the lightest and most portable welders convenient for home use.
This mini welder 110v is suitable for welding aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel. It also features DC Inverter Mini MIG Welder, starters, steel body, which is strong and durable.
In addition, it has Thermal safety Protection to guard against power surges or fluctuation. It automatically switches off to prevent any damages, and the fans assist in cooling the welder during operation.
Accessories include one welding gun with on/off safety control, a grounding clamp, a brush, a welding mask, and a welding wire.
PROs
- Lightweight, compact and portable
- Strong and durable
- Affordable
- Versatile machine
- Has adjustable settings
CONs
- The PVC material may break and get damaged quickly
- Not suitable for medium to large welding
Why we like this welder & technical details
- User-friendly interface
- Overlaod load protection
- Voltage 110 V
- Come with welding face shield helmet
- Welding current 50-120 AMP
6. Super Deal PRO Commercial MIG 130 Welder
Specifications
- Duty cycle: 10% at 105 AMP.
- Voltage: 110 V / 60 Hz.
- Current: 50-120 AMP.
- Weight: 38 pounds.
- Perfect for home welding.
There are simple welding works you can carry out at home without outsourcing services. Without a doubt, the Super Deal PRO Welder is a big jump and a valuable rival to other welders on the market
The machine is a 120V welder, which makes it compatible with most electric welders. Also, it’s lightweight, powerful, and easy to operate.
When it comes to durability, the welder is made of premium PVC material. Other accessories include a welding spool wire, welding face mask, hammer, wire brush, 2.5 m torch, two extra TIPS, and a Ground Cord.
By saying that the machine is versatile, this is clearly an understatement. The machine uses four control technologies with an adjustable inductor to adjust inductance according to welding requirements. This improves its performance, softens the electric arc, increases infusion depth, and reduces the spatter.
The welder can weld steels of different thicknesses. With the intuitive digital soft key control panel, you’re provided with a clear overview at all times.
The gun has a copper metal tip at the end, which prevents slags from building up as you weld.
PROs
- Lightweight, compact and portable.
- Strong and durable.
- Affordable.
- Versatile machine.
- Has adjustable settings.
CONs
- The PVC material may break and get damaged quickly.
- Not suitable for medium to large welding.
Why we like this welder & Its technical details
- User-friendly interface.
- Overlaod load protection.
- Voltage 110 V.
- Come with welding face shield helmet.
- Welding current 50-120 AMP.
7. SUNGOLDPOWER ARC MMA 200A Welder
Specifications
- Multifunction.
- Weight: 42 Ibs.
- Duty cycle: 60%.
- Speed:1.5~16m/min.
- IGBT technology.
Welding jobs at home may include fixing a broken pipe, broken window frames, TV stands, and other metal works within your home.
SUNGOLDPOWER welder is an advanced control module IGBT dual voltage 110V/220V machine for improved performance in your welding work.
In the case of power fluctuation, it has a built-in voltage protector to address high voltage, low voltage, over current, and overload. This is an advantage to save your machine from damage, which may arise out of such fluctuation.
It has an auto hot start and anti-stick technology, adjustable arc force, EMC, and VRD for efficiency.
The machine is easy to operate, and its IGBT Technology makes it more efficient and power-saving than a traditional welder.
Accessories include a pair of welding gloves, 10 pcs 3.2 mm E 6013 welding rods, 78″ AC cable wire, 59″ ground clamp, and cable and 98″ electrode holder and cable.
PROs
- Comes at an affordable.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Safe for use at home.
- Easy to operate.
- Dual voltage.
CONs
- No mention of warranty.
- The puddle is not very smooth.
Why we like this welder & technical details
- IGBT technology.
- Overlaod load protection.
- Dual voltage.
- Welding thinkness 1-20nm.
- Frequency 50-60Hz.
8. SUNGOLDPOWER 140A Gas & Gasless MIG Welder
Specifications
- Multifunction.
- Weight: 42 Ibs.
- Duty cycle: 60%.
- Speed:1.5~16m/min.
- IGBT technology.
Owning a welding machine is important to complement other common tools like hammers, screwdrivers, files, and others, which are applicable in our daily lives. Save some money and grab this model from SUNGOLDPOWER.
The SUNGOLDPOWDER MIG welder 140A is a dual 110V/220V voltage DC. It uses an IGBT inverter Technology welder designed to meet all your welding needs. The machine is suitable for welding all types of steel, iron, and other metals. It’s easy to operate, it weighs 30 lbs. and it is made of iron material.
Accessories include 78.7″ MIG Torch, 59″ cable with earth clamp, a sample of flux-cored wire, a mask, and a brush.
With SUNGOLDPOWER MIG 140 welder, you can adjust wire feed speed and welding current to align with the different thicknesses.
PROs
- Made from durable materials.
- Dual voltage.
- Gas & gasless options.
- Multifunctional.
- Advanced technology.
CONs
- Heavy.
- Expensive.
Why we like this welder & technical details
- IGBT technology
- Overload load protection
- Dual voltage
- Frequency 50-60Hz
9. AMICO POWER Dual Voltage
Technical details
- Style: TIG Torch, Air Plasma Cutter, Stick Arc Combo Welder
- Material: Metal
- Power Source: AC 110V & 230V
- Amperage Capacity: 160 A
- Handle Material: Plastic
If you desire to own a small welder for home use that will not overcrowd your storage space, you can consider AMICO Power Welder. This incredible welding machine is a two-in-one for both TIG and Arc welding.
It’s lightweight, small, and compact, weighing only 19lbs.
It’s made of metal and ABS and is a dual voltage AC 115V & 230V.
The product is suitable for all types of steel, nickel alloys, copper, brass, bronze, cast iron, and chrome.
With its advanced inverter technology, the welding work is of good quality. Also, we love it due to arc stability and adjustability, depending on the thickness of the metalwork.
The product has an automatic protector to address voltage fluctuation and guard the machine against any eventuality.
Accessories include TIG torch gun, electrode holder and cable, work clamp and cable, argon gas hose, and 115V & 230V Power Adapter.
Lastly, it has a plastic handle to enable you to move it around, and it’s easy to use.
PROs
- Adjustable settings.
- Good quality.
- Dual voltage.
- Multifunctional.
- Lightweight and portable.
CONs
- The plastic handle may break easily and affect the machine’s portability.
- Expensive.
Why we like this welder & its technical details
- Warranty one year.
- Power source – AC.
- Dual voltage.
- IGBT technology.
- Amperage 180A.
- Duty cycle 60% at AMP.
How much power should a small welder produce?
The power mostly depends on the voltage feature of the small welder. Most of the welders these days come with dual voltage features. The lower range varies from 110-120V and the higher range varies from 210-220V.
110-120V is perfect for small tasks around the house. 210-220V can be used for high-end projects. Also, the duty cycle plays a major role in producing power. If a welder has a 30% duty cycle at 140 amp, it means that it can generate power at 140 amp for 3 minutes straight. After that, it has to cool down for 7 minutes.
Buying guide – What features you look of small welders
Without a doubt, things around the house will break and hence the need for a small welder. When shopping, there are a few things to consider. Through our research, we came up with the top things.
1. Power requirements
When shopping, keep in mind that different welders have varying power requirements. It’s important to consider your home or workshop power outlets before parting with your hard-earned dollars.
Also, the duty cycle is an essential consideration since it’s a measure of the welder’s efficiency.
2. Durability
How much is a small welder? Price aside, you’ll also need to consider the durability of the machine and whether it will last long. The best machines are made from strong thicker metals such as steel. Plastic is prone to breakages. The machine should give you value for money.
3. Portability
Portability goes hand in hand with the compactness and lightness of the welding machine. A small welder need not be heavy to the extent of using a cart to move it around. It should weigh just a few pounds such that you can comfortably use it at home or in your workshop without getting tired.
Also, a portable machine is ideal for outdoor projects, and transport will not be an issue. To sum it all, a compact design is more comfortable to store and does not clutter your workspace.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q. How much is a small welder?
Small welders’ prices may vary depending on quality and brands. However, the average price range can be stated as $150-200.
Q. Do cheap welders work?
While the high-quality welders will cost a bit extra, it doesn’t mean that the cheap welders will not get your work done. If you’re looking for a welder to perform small indoor tasks, cheap welders should work just fine for you!
Q. Is AC or DC welder good for welding?
AC welders can weld any type of metal whereas DC welders are not suitable for welding aluminum. So, it’s better to purchase an AC welder as you get a wide range of uses.
Conclusion
Between the value, efficiency, and welding capabilities, the best small welder is one that will;
- Give you value for money.
- Whether you are a DIY enthusiast or a professional welder who’d like to knock out several projects. A high-quality welder is an excellent alternative to hiring a handyman.
- Next time something breaks down, you don’t have to wait for a professional, simply grab a small welder that will do the job correctly.
Hopefully, our review of the best small welders will help you make the right choice.
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