Last updated on September 16th, 2021
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Choosing the Best MIG Welder and the 6 tops picks worth considering
When metalwork is underway, there is a likelihood that you will have a welding tool close by. There are different types of welding tools that you can use to strongly join metal pieces. Amongst the favourite types of welders, especially for more domestic and metalworking enthusiasts are MIG welders. We looked at some of the best MIG welders to see how they stack up against each other and how they compared.
If it is your first time looking to purchase a MIG welder, we have created this article to help you choose the right model for you. If you are looking to replace your old model, our reviews will provide all the information you need to help you choose the right MIG welder.
Before we get into our buyer’s guide we would like to bring your attention to our ‘Best Pick’ the Sealey MIGHTYMIG150 Professional MIG Welder, which we think is a good all-round model and the best choice for the majority of people. One of the stand out features is the choice to use it gas-less or with gas which gives you a few more options, obviously, you will need to buy the conversion kit too, but at least you have the option.
BEST PICK
The top 6 best MIG welders to buy which are featuring in our review.
- Sealey MIGHTYMIG150 230v 150A Professional MIG Welder – BEST PICK
- Sealey MIGHTYMIG100 Professional No-Gas MIG Welder
- Dirty Pro Tools Professional MIG Welder
- Wolf MIG 140 Gas/No Gas MIG Welder
- Sealey SUPERMIG180 Professional MIG Welder – BEST GAS BASED PICK
BEST GAS BASED PICK
The Top 6 MIG Welder Reviews
To show you what the current market has to offer, here are our 6 top-rated MIG welders we have found after comparing 18 models.
They are varied in their specifications so as to cater to everyone’s varied welding needs. Read the reviews and possibly select the model that would be most compatible with your needs.
We start with the model which impresses us the most while still offering excellent value for money.
1. Sealey MIGHTYMIG150 Professional MIG Welder
BEST PICK
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The Sealey MIGHTYMIG150 150A Professional MIG Welder is one of two great welders from the Sealey Company that caught our attention. The gasless unit is one that you can use at home or professionally according to the intricacy of the work, but we think it’s better for home DIY use such as car welding, repairing metal gates and similar or for metalworking enthusiasts looking for a good model for their workshop. This is really Sealy mid-range model and their smallest model that can be converted to gas.
Providing a maximum working current of 30-150 amps, you can expect strong welding bonds. The 230V unit can be operated with or without shielding gas. This, in turn, makes it multi-purpose, especially for professional use. The unit needs a carbon or argon gas to facilitate strong welds that can hold if using in gas mode.
The duty cycle on this model is rated at 100% @ 30 amps and 15% @ 105A. It depends on air cooling to make sure that the torch remains useable. The 2.1-meter Non-Live torch will prove effective for your MIG welding needs. The torch is lengthy enough to allow the user to work without too many restrictions.
Measuring 32.5 x 64.5 x 42.5 cm the unit can house 0.9kg of wire comfortably. The wire speed settings can be adjusted to your needs. It weighs 26kgs and therefore it needs ample support. The support is facilitated by the wheels provided and the centralised handle. You can pull or push the unit as you desire due to these features and being 26kg it’s good to see they have incorporated wheels in the design.
In accompaniment to the 3-year warranty provided, you get some accessories too. These accessories are a 1mm contact tip, one-meter gas hose, 1.8m earth cable, 0.45kg flax core cable and an ergonomic torch.
Pros
- Ideal for home use and the professional metal worker.
- Can be used with gas using the gas converter (purchased separately) or gasless welding which it is setup for.
- You can select between the maximum and the minimum wattage as provided.
- Features strong wheels and a centralised handle to balance the weight of the unit as it moves.
- Offers an air-cooling system which is effective for optimal torch performance.
- 3 years warranty for full peace of mind.
Cons
- Does tend to make a lot of splatter when using flux core wire.
- The plastic hinges seem a little weak and would be better replaced by a more durable material to prevent breaking off.
Our recommendation
The Sealey MIGHTYMIG150 230V 150A Professional MIG Welder is a multi-purpose unit that we think is probably the best choice for the majority of people, especially DIY enthusiasts who are looking for a good model. It can be converted to gas if required and comes at a very attractive price and a good 3-year warranty.
If you need a gasless or a gas-aided weld that will stay put, then you might want to consider getting this unit. Whilst it is not powerful enough for industrial processes, it will do well for most simple welding processes the average person will be performing.
We would change a few minor things pertaining to the plastic parts, but other than that it is a model you can hang on to. If you like the features and the price is within your range, we don’t see why you shouldn’t consider it.
We did notice some mixed reviews online but with the majority being very positive this further confirms it’s a great model. If we are being completely honest, most MIG welders get mixed reviews online anyway and most negative reviews are usually down to incorrect use or buying an inadequate machine, which this certainly is not.
Overall, a great machine which deserves to be the winner of our ‘Best Pick’.
Our next MIG welder in our review is the smaller 100A model (also by Sealey) and this little alternative is equally as impressive and comes a very close second to our ‘Best Pick’.
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2. Sealey MIGHTYMIG100 Professional No-Gas MIG Welder
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The Sealey MIGHTYMIG100 Professional No-Gas MIG Welder is a smaller gasless alternative to our ‘Best Pick’ meaning that the user has to use flux-cored wire to weld. The flux-cored wire is easy to get therefore it won’t be costly to maintain constant welding applications.
The 230V unit is able to sustain a welding current of 55-100 amps. This will be effective when dealing with light materials. To weld materials such as stainless steel, you will need a more powerful model operating at higher amperes.
To cool the torch, the MIG welder utilises forced air instead of water. In most cases, the only thing you will have to struggle with is the weight of the torch as it gets hotter. As for the duty cycle, at 55 amps you operate at 60% and at 90 amps you operate at a 20% duty cycle rate. Depending on your power requirements you can operate the duty cycle as needed.
The 15.4kg unit features a 1.8-meter Non-Live torch with a 0.9mm tip. The torch is well fixed to the unit and it is long enough to provide adequate room to work with. The welder also features wire speed control and offers a welding wire capacity of 0.9kg. This model is adequate for small welding procedures.
You can use the unit right after purchase because it features all the necessary clamps, a dependable torch and 0.45kg of flux-cored wire. This 32.6 x 52.2 x 38cm unit is accompanied by a 3-year transformer warranty that you can access.
Pros
- Perfect for any metal working enthusiast, home use such as working on cars, as well a lighter work by professionals.
- Lightweight with a centrally positioned handle for easy carriage.
- Uses flax cored wire and thus friendlier on your budget.
- The model is ready for use right on arrival making it convenient and easy to use.
- Features high and low heat settings to enable the user to have some control.
- It is air cooled to keep the unit operating at optimal levels.
- 3 years warranty for full peace of mind.
Cons
- Spattering is expected and needs a bit more practice to reduce the effect.
- You may have problem with spotty welds, replacing the crocodile clamp with a more heavy duty one will resolve this problem.
Our recommendation
The Sealey MIGHTYMIG100 Professional No-Gas MIG Welder is an affordable MIG welder that is very impressive and much better than most people would expect.
Those looking for gasless models will find this unit very efficient at performing its duties. Whilst it is not best suited for heavy-handed jobs, for that our ‘Best Pick’ would be the better choice, it does have features that can be appreciated.
The cooling system is effective and the torch is of quality, making it easy to use. Make sure that the flux-cored wire you use is of quality so as to form proper welding beads for stronger bonds. When said and done, it is a lightweight, affordable and good quality unit that you can use at home or the workshop.
The only real issue some people may find is with spotty welds, however, an easy fix for this is to change the crocodile clamp to a large one.
During our research, we noticed that this model was one of the most popular ones on amazon.co.uk with over 400 reviews with most being very positive, which further confirms how good this model is. If you are looking for a similar cheaper alternative then our next pick is worth considering.
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3. Dirty Pro Tools Gasless Professional MIG Welder
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The Dirty Pro Tool Professional MIG Welder is another quality unit produced for gasless welding, this means it can be used in windier areas as it does not use gas and it comes at a very competitive, affordable price. Offering a maximum of 100 amps, this model will be effective for the ever-enthusiastic DIY user and would be a great choice for anyone working on cars as it’s great for welding anything up to 5mm thick without any problems.
Weighing in at 14kgs it is considerably lighter than other models that can be found on the market. For the user, this means easier transportability from location to location. An ergonomic handle is installed to further facilitate the ease of use.
As it is gasless it means that the user has to depend on the flux-cored wire. The flux-cored wire can be solid or filler structured. The unit is able to support 0.6 to 0.8mm welding rod so work within the range to get dependable results.
The unit uses a 13amp plug which means it can be plugged into a normal plug socket in order to support the duty cycle of 60% at 50 amps and 10% at 90 amps. The turbofan works double-time to keep the torch cool in between breaks. For projects that need a consistent short weld, this product would do very well.
As for thermal protection, the unit is well guarded. If the unit is protected from thermal damage, you are assured of longer service life. You have a bit of control as to the amount of current you require by using the max/min switch, of which there are 4 settings. You can also select the wire speed that you require by adjusting the dial provided.
A nice feature that is appreciated is that this is a product that provides complete accessories for use. This makes it very effortless to use straight out of the box. The accessories provided include a helmet, some flux core wire, a wire brush, an earth clamp and clipper hammer. This makes it a great choice for anyone looking for their first welder as you have everything you need.
You get 1.5 meters for the use of the earth clamp and 2 meters for the torch. With a one year warranty, this is adequate for the price.
Pros
- Ideal for DIY enthusiasts looking for a complete setup for their projects.
- Lightweight and therefore, easily transportable.
- Accompanied by the appropriate accessories needed for immediate use.
- Features a turbo fan to keep the unit cool as welding processes are undertaken.
- The duty cycle is adequate to get work done without taking too many breaks in between.
- Features thermal protection to facilitate optimal working levels at all times.
- 1 years warranty for full peace of mind.
Cons
- Could do with better instructions for the first time user.
- Unable to handle jobs that need require heavy welding.
Our recommendation
The Dirty Pro Tools Professional MIG Welder is definitely a good bargain and probably the best lower-priced MIG welder we have come across. You have the pleasure of enjoying quality features at affordable prices.
The icing on the cake is that it comes with all the necessary accessories. For a first time user, this is rather convenient as you need not spend more money. When replacing the flux core wire, ensure the quality is the best so as to reduce welding pores that weaken the joint. Overall a fantastic model and offers real value for money.
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4. Wolf MIG 140 Gas / No Gas Combination MIG Welder
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The Wolf MIG 140 Gas / No Gas Combination Turbo, Smooth DC MIG Welder, with its Accessory Kit gives you a bit more power to work with than the Dirty Pro Tools model as well as the option to use with gas. The 230V unit offers a working range of 30-135 amps. This gives 6 power settings that provide a wider range to work with. This is depending on the delicate nature of the project but it will easily weld up to 6mm without any problems.
It weighs 30kgs which makes it heavier than the models we have already reviewed, but it is a substantial machine. This means that for the sake of convenience, wheels have to be installed. The unit measures 46 x 27 x 56cm.
To continue with the aid of easy transportation, you will see an ergonomic handle centrally positioned to provide the perfect balance. Another control setting that can be found on this machine is the wire speed dial. The dial is well-placed for easy access by the user.
The non-live torch is turbo fun cooled to secure optimal working conditions without compromising the quality of the weld. When used gasless, you will need to use flux core wire with a maximum diameter of 0.9mm.
Thermal protection is a feature present in this model that all should appreciate. The protection offered elongates the years of service that your welder provides. Using a 13/16 amp socket you will be able to enjoy the MIG welder’s optimal performance.
As for accessories, there is plenty to make your work pleasurable. The accessories that are provided include flux core wire, steel copper coated wire, 0.6/0.8,/0.9mm tips, torch shroud, C02 has a cylinder, drive roller 0.6/0.8mm, gas regulator, wire brush, chipping hammer and a face shield. This saves you money and time that could have been spent purchasing the items individually.
Pros
- Ideal for the beginner or DIY enthusiasts.
- Offers 6 heat settings for ultimate user control.
- Features wheels and a centralised handle that enhance easy moving of the unit.
- Delivered with required accessories for easy use even for first-time users.
- Features a turbo-fan to keep the torch cool.
- Provides thermal protection to facilitate optimal performance.
- 2 years warranty for full peace of mind
Cons
- Wheels could do with a parking brake so that the machine stays in place, even on slanted ground.
- Purposeful for light welding only.
Our recommendation
The Wolf MIG 140 Gas / No Gas Combination Turbo, Smooth DC MIG Welder with Accessory Kit is ideal for those just getting started and overall is a great model for the DIY enthusiast.
It offers more amperage and settings to work with compared to the Sealey MIGHTYMIG100 Professional No-Gas MIG Welder and is probably a slightly better model but it is more expensive.
Overall it’s perfect for light welding purposes, this unit is compact and easily transportable. You can use it right out of the box because all the required accessories are provided. We love that they provide varied heat setting options for a variety of processes. Affordable, gasless or gas options and manageable. Simply another great model.
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5. Sealey SUPERMIG180 Professional MIG Welder
BEST GAS BASED PICK
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The Sealey SUPERMIG180 Professional MIG Welder is the machine that you want at your side when you are undertaking heavy welding jobs. The 45kg unit needs a shielding gas to provide a durable weld joint. The recommended gas to use is CO2 argon or a mix of both. The gas cylinder will have to be purchased separately.
Offering a working current between 30-180amps, the user can easily tweak the heat settings to get the best results. As for the duty cycle you are looking at 100% @ 56amps, 15% @ 145amps and 75% @ 65amps. Depending on what you are welding, select which amperage to work with care so as to get strong bonds.
This unit utilises the 3 meter Euro Non-Live – BINZEL MB15 torch. This promises a quick release enabling quality management. Relying on air to cool the unit, the torch is able to maintain its functionality and performance. The cable is long enough to let the user operate without struggling.
Using a 16-30amp plug, the unit is easily connected to power without suffering any electrical damage. The unit is able to house between 5-20kgs of wire with a diameter of 0.6-0.8mm which means it is perfect for more heavy-duty welding.
Measuring 38 x 62 x 51cm, the unit is fitted with four wheels to balance the weight of the unit. The four wheels will keep the unit steady on different terrains and allows for easier transportation. The unit is accompanied by 0.6-0.8mm contact tips, gas cap and a gas regulator.
Pros
- Built for heavy-handed welding.
- Uses gas, which in turn produces a strong weld.
- Features durable wheels to facilitate easy transport.
- Provides varied heat and wire settings that can be tuned to the user’s needs.
- Utilises a euro torch for better quality welds.
- It is able to contain large amounts of welding wire making spool replacements less frequent.
- 3 years warranty for peace of mind.
Cons
- Torch lead could be longer.
- Other components and accessories have to be purchased separately.
Our recommendation
The Sealey SUPERMIG180 Professional MIG Welder 180Amp 230V with Binzel Euro Torch is pricey but worth it for any professional welder. The power output provided is able to support welding of thicker materials whilst uncompromisingly delivering a strong weld.
It is not a small unit and therefore ensures that you have enough storage space. From wire speed adjustment to heat adjustment settings, there is nothing stopping you from enjoying your welding profession or hobby.
Overall we looked at several very similar models in terms of specifications and price when looking into the more powerful models, and they stood out as one of the best, if not the best. You simply will not be disappointed and it comes with 3 years warranty for full peace of mind.
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Our Buyer’s Guide
MIG welding is popular due to its adaptability and versatility. How it works is by using a wire electrode to create a weld bead. As said before, the filler metal is melted in order to seam with the base metal. These wire electrodes differ in thickness depending on how strong you need the weld to be and what you are welding.
Here are some factors that you need to consider.
Shielding gas or flux cored wire?
How MIG welding works is that it needs a shielding gas or you could use flux-cored wire. The gas shield ensures that there is less spattering, you can clearly see the weld pool and finally, you are able to produce neat welds. In a perfect world, nothing would have disadvantages but that is not the gas. The cost of using the shielding gas is high, especially for those who have busy workshops. Other than that you will need to employ a shield against the wind if you intend to conduct your business outdoors.
Using flux-cored wire is also an option because the protective mechanism is embedded in the wire. That means you have no need for shielding gas. The advantage of using a flux-cored wire is that you can comfortably use them outdoors and the strength of the weld is dependable. Remember that a bit of spatter will be experienced and the material you work with may need slug brushing applications before painting.
How much power is needed?
Many welding machines come in various sizes and they perform different functions. One needs to understand the maximum amps/voltage needed in order to complete the welding process. The thicker the material is to be welded, the more power is needed. Each MIG welder has some with a minimum amperage that can be used. Depending on how much you can spend on a welder, a model with a minimum of 85-100 amps should be able to cover 2-2.5mm of welding.
The more power you need, the higher the ampere number will have to read on the product’s specifications. Make sure that your electrical supply is able to handle the power needs of your MIG welder without short-circuiting.
Duty Cycle
The duty cycle is basically how long it takes for the welder to be used in between cooling-off processes. The duty cycle allows the welder to work effectively without overheating. The longer the welder can work without needing to cool will allow the user to work for a longer period of time. The duty cycle is usually indicated in percentage and calculated within a ten minute period. If your machine specifies a 30% duty cycle, it means that the machine is in use for 3 minutes before it needs a 7-minute rest. Depending on what you need to be done, you can select machines with higher or lower duty cycles.
Wire thickness
The composition and the thickness of the wire will affect the strength of the weld. Thicker metal pieces require thicker wire diameters and high amperage to form dependable bonds. Lighter wires are preferred for less strenuous applications on light metals. The general guide is to use thicker wire for thicker material so as to maintain a compatible support system.
Torch Choices
There are various features that one can access due to the kind of welding you need to do. Different welding techniques will need compatible torches that can keep up with the heat produced whilst working. There are torches that feature trigger mechanisms that can be locked into place, while other trigger mechanisms disengage on release. Ensure that you select a brand that has spare parts that can be easily accessed.
Another thing about the torch is the cooling system employed. Since all torches house enormous amounts of heat they need compatible cooling systems. There are basically two cooling systems, water cooling and air cooling.
Torches cooled by water are usually lighter to use and also prove to be more efficient at keeping cool. Air-cooled torches work just as well and cost less compared to the water-cooled models. Their major flaw is that they become heavier the hotter they become. If you are able to afford the water-cooled models or generally prefer the simpler air coolers, the choice is entirely in your hands.
Support and transportation
MIG models come in various sizes. The correct assumption is that the more amperes provided, the larger the unit is going to be. Comfortable handles are a good way of aiding the user to move the unit from one location to the next. The handles need to be placed in an accessible area that does not hinder correct use.
Another thing to watch out for is the wheels, especially if it is a large unit. The quality of the wheels determines how fluid the movements will be on different terrains. The larger the wheels the easier it will be to move the machine, especially on uneven areas.
Gas regulation mechanisms
In whichever application you need to use the welder for, gas regulation is important. The amount of gas let through determines the amount of heat used for effective welding. You have the option of working with twin gauges so as to measure the rate of airflow. Alternatively, a single gauge is effective if you don’t want to spend more money.
Wirespeed and burnback control
Amongst the features available, you will find that with the MIG welders the wire speed control is important. The strength of the weld that you want to create will determine the wire speed that you need. Regulated in inches per minute, wire-speed is indispensable. For example, thick metal pieces may require fast wire speed so as to make sure the weld holds.
Burnback controls can be found in the more expensive models. The burnback feature is responsible for calculating how much wire burns back after welding contact is terminated. The burnback feature will save you the time you could have used trimming the wire manually.
Spot timer
This is another feature that is not found on all MIG welding models. The basic function of the spot timer is to disengage the torch after a certain period of time. Spot timers are needed in applications where spot welding is needed. Being one of the oldest welding methods, the strength of the weld depends on the size and number of welding beads enforced.
Price and product warranty
Like all market systems available in the world, you will find products with different ranges in price. If you were in search of a more affordable model for lighter work with a low amperage, it is possible to find a good model for under £100. If you need a top of the range product then you can expect to pay over £500 for one, but we found a budget of around £200 will get you a good welder that is good enough for most people. Sit down, look at the features of the MIG welder that you need, make a budget and set out to find the best deal possible.
Warranties are features that we don’t entirely look out for but they are important, especially if it is your first time purchasing from a certain brand. Warranties give a platform where the user and manufacturer can find probable solutions in the case of mishaps. Warranties can be long which indicates the level of confidence in the quality of the product.
MIG Welder useful tips
- Protected clothing and welding masks should be used when working with a MIG Welder.
- Work at a comfortable position to avoid straining.
- For some welding processes you will need clamps to keep the metal pieces from moving whilst the torch is in motion.
- Keep your arms covered to protect your skin from splattering, it does hurt.
- If using shielding gas it is important that good ventilation is undertaken to disperse harmful fumes.
- The welding wire has to be of good quality to produce strong welds.
- Regular repair and maintenance will keep the unit in excellent working conditions.
- Depending on the torch supplied, you might have to tilt the nozzle at an angle to get the correct strength of the weld.
Final Conclusion
Welding is a fun activity that anyone can engage in provided they have the right welding basics. For DIY users, there is no need to spend loads of money on purchasing industrial strength units. You can settle for smaller powerful units so that you are able to save on space and utilise the unit to its full capacity.
Professional welders need strong sizeable units that can work with varied thickness of materials. Try your best to get the best unit within your price range without sacrificing the quality of the features offered.
Below is a quick overview of some of our favourite and top recommended models.
BEST PICK
The unit selected as the best welding machine for most people was the Sealey MIGHTYMIG150 Professional MIG Welder. The reason behind this was that it could be used for gas/gasless welding and although there are cheaper models available it Is still budget-friendly making it attainable for most people. Although not as powerful as the Sealey SUPERMIG180 Professional MIG Welder, it performs well on light tasks but will cope with more demanding welding jobs.
It is able to produce neat welds and overall would be a great choice for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.
BEST GAS BASED PICK
The Sealey SUPERMIG180 Professional MIG Welder stole the show where shielding gas models were concerned. The heavyweight champion packs enough power to tackle those heavy-handed jobs.
Built for resilience, the duty cycle is long enough to get work done in between breaks. We would recommend this welding machine to those looking for a high-quality unit and that have the budget to pay the price. If you are ready for the power provided by this machine, grab it and spend the rest of your welding days getting the job done.
The best MIG welder is created to make your welding processes easier and this is facilitated by quality features and power. You need not compromise the quality as the effects will seep into the overall product produced. Now that we have all that out of the way, how about some welding activities are done and have some fun.
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Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
