Are you looking for the best 110v welders out there? Look no more we got you covered.
If you are just getting into something, it doesn’t make sense to spend a fortune on it.
This is where 110v welders slot in the best. They’re a great niche option for those starting out while still able to carry out enough tasks for those looking for something a bit more substantial than a glorified starter kit without the massive price tag.
Below is a quick list of all our top products. Keep scrolling to learn more about how to choose and use 110v welders.
Table of Contents
What Is The Best 110 MIG Welder On The Market?
In a Rush? Here you can find our Overall #1 Rated Pick.
The Forney Easy Weld 271 is the best 110v welder.
Purchase: I really like the Forney Easy Weld 271. It’s not terribly expensive but gets amazing reviews. If you are interested in this, then just follow the link to Amazon where you can see current pricing.
- High quality
- MIG and TIG capability
- Simple to use
- Low price
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at what makes a good 110v welder, 10 of the best 110v welders on the market, and how you can choose which one is right for you.
Top 10 Best 110v Welder
Short on time? Take a look at my top 10 Best 110v Welders:
2. Hobart Handler 140 MIG Welder
5. Lotos MIG140
6. AUTOOL Portable Arc Inverter Welder
7. VIVOHOME Portable 130 Welder
8. Lincoln Electric Easy MIG 180 Flux-Core
9. Super Deal PRO MIG 130 AC Flux Core
10. Goplus MIG 130 Welder Flux Core
A Quick Word on MIG, TIG, and Stick Styles
Before that listing, however, there’s one other quick bit of housekeeping to attend to, and that’s the different styles at play here.
110v units are typically designed for basic work, but what does that mean, and how does that factor into the difference between MIG, TIG,What’s the Difference Between TIG and MIG Welding? and Stick welding options here?
First, when we say 110v machines are good for “basic work,” that typically entails working on light and medium gauge metals. You won’t be going to town on thick, heavy metal with these.
The flip side is that, because they don’t have to deal with such massive options, they are also somewhat lighter than other welders out there, upping their portability.
What’s more, 110v is a common voltage level, so these machines are pretty easy to find.
Consistency can be an issue, but that’s true of any subset of welders. That said, it is worth noting the “basic” moniker here, so quality can vary – which is why we’ve worked to compile a list of some of the highest quality 110v options we can find.
Lastly, it is worth noting that TIG welding, given the power and challenges involved, is far less likely to be powered exclusively by a 110v machine compared to the other two options listed here.
That’s why we have compiled a range of MIG, TIG, Stick, and – in some of the most intriguing cases – multi-facet welders which offer more than one option.
1. Forney Easy Weld 271
- High quality
- MIG and TIG capability
- Simple to use
- Low price
As one of the best-respected names in the welding business, it should come as no surprise to find a Forney on this list, let alone that we should esteem their welder so highly.
This is, without question, one of the top options on our list – and let’s list off the reasons why.
✔️ For starters, it is extremely dependable. As mentioned above, quality control is a huge issue with 110v welders, but it’s never an issue with this model from Forney.
You can count on a good, dependable, high-quality weld every time. In fact, it welds so well it almost feels like you’re welding with a 240v machine, which speaks to the smoothness and reliability of this welder.
✔️ This model also offers options for MIG, TIG, and Stick welding. It gets dinged slightly for not coming with a TIG torch, that’s a very minor issue as you can easily get one yourself if that’s your intention.
It does fit standard TIG torch connectors, and a compatible TIG torch shouldn’t set you back too much.
As such, this strikes a nice price-saving balance – if you want a TIG torch it’s very easy and affordable to get one, and if you don’t care about them you’re still left with an eminently affordable model at just over $410.
In terms of welding capability, you’re likely looking at weld plats of around 1/4” thickness, unless you are willing to perform multiple passes.
✔️ Another point in this machine’s favor is that it caters to beginners without dumbing things down for people who already know what they’re doing.
When you get started in welding, controlling everything can be intimidating. This machine makes it easy, and comes with a very clear instruction manual that can teach you how to use everything.
On the other hand, if you already know what you’re doing, you can set to work with this unit right away and start welding small to midrange projects without a hitch.
All of these factors taken together make this far and away one of the best and most complete 110v options on our list.
2. Hobart Handler 140 MIG Welder
+ Professional grade
+ Spool gun capable
+ Includes regulator
✔️ One thing we didn’t talk about in the Forney 271 review is spatter. If you’re an experienced welder, you know how frustrating this can be (and if you’re a newcomer, oh how you’re about to learn…).
That’s why spatter reduction and accuracy are among the most important qualities to look for in any welder.
They’re there in the Forney 271, and spatter reduction is especially apparent in this clean-welding option from Hobart.
✔️ Like Forney, Hobart is a respected name in the industry, so you can expect quality in return. Also like the Hobart machine, this unit is easy to use for newcomers, with a simplified design.
It may be a bit more simplistic than the Forney 271, which may offer more redeeming features for experienced welders, but that’s a small quibble and up for debate.
✔️ A bigger difference comes in price. While the Forney 271 was available for just over $400, this model can command at least double that.
While this still isn’t anywhere near the top tier of what you can expect to pay in terms of cost for a welder, even for a 110v model, it is still pricier.
✔️ In terms of the more streamlined capabilities, this model allows you to weld up to 1/4 of mild steel in a quick and easy manner.
If you are looking for a fast and easy way to learn how to weld steel in particular, this might be a good machine to start with.
✔️ The arc is relatively smooth and consistent. What’s more, it can weld lighter, more delicate pieces such as slim metal butt joints without blasting right through them, which can be a concern with some TIG welders.
However, the welding chart included with this model is not entirely accurate, so you may need to play around with the unit a bit through some trial and error before you find the settings that best suit your needs.
Thankfully, there are only two dials, so there isn’t too much possibility for messing things up beyond repair.
❌ There aren’t many hidden features or perks in this offering from Hobart – what you see is what you get. In fairness, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and for a starter model it can be quite useful.
As long as you know what you’re getting, this model from Hobart can be incredibly effective.
3. Forney Easy Weld 298
Here we have another Easy Weld model from Forney, the 298. Whether or not it is intended as a replacement for or upgrade to the Easy Weld 271, you might want to stick with that one overall.
That said, this still has many features to recommend it – and in particular which is positively eye-popping.
✔️ That would be price – an absolutely absurd $191. You read that right – a welder available for less than $200. That’s a bit like saying you paid just $20 for a ticket to Hamilton (or that you could get a ticket at all!).
This is an insanely-low price, and definitely one to keep in mind if you have never welded before and “think you might want to try.”
✔️ If this is you, and you want a model that can let you wet your toes before deciding if you want to take the plunge without drowning yourself in debt to afford an expensive model, this is the low-cost alternative for you, helped along by Forney’s good name.
✔️ But how well does it actually perform? For something priced that low, not bad at all, though as they say, you get what you pay for, and this definitely can’t weld on par with some of the higher-end options on this list.
Most notably, the welding arc can be colder than other models. You are also limited to things about 1/2 in diameter, as anything bigger and the unit probably won’t be able to handle it, at least not without taking a good long while.
On the other hand, this is a nice and light model, just shy of 14 lbs.
If you’re looking for an introductory hobbyist model that won’t set you back that much money to see if you like welding before moving on to something a bit more substantial, this offers good light welding and great value for its impeccable price.
4. Weldpro Digital TIG200GD
It can be difficult to be a TIG welder, especially when it comes to shopping for 110v units.
That power level is much more compatible with MIG welding, while TIG welding tends to be more suited to 240v.
✔️ However, if you have to do some TIG welding and don’t want to go for one of the combo models listed here, you might want to consider this option from Weldpro.
It has a high enough amperage to deal with TIG welding’s challenges, though it is still recommended that you only weld thinner elements.
Even so, this is a good welder for handling thinner pieces of aluminum and steel.
✔️ The model comes with a good stock foot pedal, so if that’s important to you and you are a TIG welder, this is definitely a point in its favor.
Most TIG machines don’t have the best foot pedals, but this one isn’t just an exception but, well, exceptional.
❌ There are some problems with the stick welder included with this, notably its accuracy and the fact that it simply cannot match a dedicated Stick option.
What’s more, this is another model hovering around $800, though that isn’t unreasonable for a decent TIG welder.
Ultimately, this model has to balance a lot of factors – 110v, TIG welding, a Stick option, a foot pedal, different settings – and ultimately does so admirably.
110v TIG welders are not common, but if you’re looking for one, this is a pretty fair option.
5. Lotos MIG140
One of the most important things to take into consideration when choosing different welders is how much time they take to set up.
You don’t want to take forever setting something up, but you don’t want a unit that will cheap out on you, either.
✔️ This offering from Lotos is a good compromise between these two extremes. It is mainly meant for light duty work as well as hobbyist DIY fun.
This unit also comes with a 2T/4T switch which allows you to change between manual and automatic settings for feeding the MIG or flux wire.
✔️ This can be hugely helpful if you are just starting out. There is a lot to keep track of in welding, especially when you’re first starting out.
You don’t want to feel overwhelmed, and you certainly don’t want to accidentally scald yourself because you couldn’t keep track of everything at once.
The automatic option gives you an easy answer to this, while the manual option is good for experienced users who want more control.
✔️ One of the other important things about this unit is that it can weld aluminum, so if you’re looking for a model which can specifically tackle that welding task, this may be the answer for you.
That said, this comes with a catch – you need a special separate aluminum spindle feeder to really make this work. That said, this shouldn’t cost too much, and the machine maintains an overall affordable price tag, costing a bit more than $450.
That isn’t inexpensive, but as evidenced by this list, it isn’t top-tier pricing, either.
❌ One last minor quibble is that the instruction manual given with this model sadly isn’t very useful, so you’ll need to Google around to get help elsewhere if you’re a newbie.
However, that shouldn’t be too hard to do, and for its combination of fair welding performance and pricing, this is a decent versatile starter option.
6. AUTOOL Portable Arc Inverter Welder
✔️ As you can guess from the name, this is another good option to choose if your idea of basic welding involves a lot of carrying the welder around from site to site. If portability is the name of the game for you – well, it’s right there in the name of the product, isn’t it?
And so is the carrying strap, which is a nice touch, and one that’s often left out of portable welding products.
Of course, nice as that added convenience is, it still begs the question – how well does it weld?
✔️ For a portable Stick welder, it does quite well for what it’s intended to do. It is extremely streamlined, so don’t expect a lot of different features.
However, for what you get, it’s very easy to use – turn it on and away you go.
✔️ In addition to the Stick welder itself and the carrying strap, you get a few rods as well as a low-grade face shield. While the thought behind the latter is nice, this face shield isn’t the best, and you should probably get a new one.
This model also comes with leads that are actually reasonably good for the overall quality level. They are lightweight, so if that’s a plus, this could be another big plus for you.
✔️ This is another incredibly inexpensive model, hovering around $280. You won’t be able to break into welding at a less expensive price than this – ironic given the relative difficulty of Stick versus MIG welding.
7. VIVOHOME Portable MIG 130 Welder
As you can tell from the title, this is a no gas flux core option, so if you want to save money on shielding gas or don’t have time or patience to learn how to use it, flux core welders can be a great way to get started.
Another thing you’ll notice about this is that it’s portable, a fact backed up by the fact that it’s only $200, making this another good budget choice.
✔️ However, with that low price comes a lack of complexity with the controls, and they aren’t as intuitive as other options on this list.
The wire is live from the second you turn on the unit whether or not you pull the trigger, so you need to show extra caution, especially if you are using a welder for the first time.
✔️ On the flip side, this has a good amount of amperage for a 110v unit. Even better, you don’t have to bother with setting the gas lines, as once again, this is a flux core unit, saving you time and stress.
In addition, the gun is hardwired to the unit, which restricts you even further.
That said, given how much money you are saving with this unit, you get pretty much everything you might expect – and maybe a little bit more.
8. Lincoln Electric Easy MIG 180 Welder
Here we have another flux core welder that is able to offer MIG welding options as well.
However, this is not a model to be taken lightly – in more ways than one.
Not only does this unit tip the scales at a quite heavy 85 lbs, but the weight on your wallet is quite immense as well, more than $1,200.
✔️ As such, two things are clear – this isn’t a model you’ll be using for portable work, and it isn’t one you buy on a whim.
This is the kind of model you purchase when you are absolutely sure you want to stick with it and that this is definitely the kind of model you need.
But should you make such an investment? What does this model have to offer?
✔️ For one thing, it is able to handle a wide range of different metal welding tasks. For example, it can handle stainless as well as other types of steel and aluminum, opening up many project possibilities.
This is also another model that comes with a good feed speed control mechanism to make it easier to control the speed at which you feed the wire into the unit.
If you have been frustrated by other units operating too quickly, this could be a great way to take more control over the process.
✔️ This unit also comes with a drive system that is wholly adjustable. Once again, this is another example of this model offering greater control to experienced welders who are eager and willing to pay for it.
This can also help reduce the amount of wire tangling and crushing, leading to a smoother welding process overall.
✔️ This model also features a brass-to-brass gun connection which is both sturdy and features good conductivity.
If you are looking for a more conductive brass gun, this may be a good option to choose.
Last, but not least, it is worth noting that this option allows you to cast aluminum bodies with rigid drive aids and wire alignments, making it that much easier to keep everything in place while welding.
This is by no means a small investment, but if you know what you’re purchasing and are sure it’s for you, it could be a sizeable one – and, in this case, size definitely does matter.
9. Super Deal PRO MIG 130 AC Flux Core
As with the previous model, this model offers you both flux core and MIG welding options. Once again, we have another super budget offer, this one at around $125.
It really is amazing just how inexpensive it is to purchase a welder these days, but the question remains – does it deliver?
✔️ This model is on the lighter side, 38 lbs. That isn’t necessarily quite light enough to be taking it around as an easily portable option, especially compared to some of the options on this list, but it can be done.
The unit itself is made of sturdy PVC material which is molded near the gun into a nice grip. Given the fact that you’ll be holding this thing for hours for some projects, added comfort is always a nice feature.
✔️ Unlike a couple of the other models on this list, this model features a nice user-friendly interface that makes it quick and easy to change options and get welding.
You have four different buttons to adjust for toggling the flow in addition to a rotary knob. You can also feed the fire into the unit at 10 different speeds, giving you a lot of control in that department.
✔️ The flux core welding is a lot more precise with less spattering than you might expect from a unit so inexpensive, though it of course still doesn’t reach the heights set by the big boys on the market.
That said, it isn’t trying to, and for the introductory-level highly-affordable flux core welder it is, it’s a fair deal.
10. Goplus MIG 130 Welder Flux Core
Once again we have another MIG welder that comes with a flux core option, so how does this compare to the others?
✔️ Well, in terms of price, we once again have something that defies the odds and comes in at under $200.
And once again, the real question is whether that low cost will come at the cost of performance.
✔️ One thing that some users have complained about with this model is its being marketed as a MIG welder and flux core combo.
According to some reviews, the latter is a far fairer description than the former, and this welder is really lacking in the MIG welding department.
That will color your perception of this unit. If you are purchasing it as a dedicated MIG welder, you may be disappointed, given the fact that the gas shielding and other features relating to MIG welding are not as strong as they are on other models.
✔️ If you are purchasing it as a combo option or strictly for its flux core capabilities, however, you have a far better chance at being satisfied.
The unit itself is quite durable, and as with the Super Deal PRO offers four different buttons for adjusting the flow and a rotary knob for toggling the wire feeding speed.
✔️ This unit is also on the lighter side, once more being reminiscent of the Super Deal PRO with its 35 lb weight. Helping its portability is its carrying handle and compact design, making it easier for portable usage.
The finish on this model is also quite professional-looking, impressive for a model of this size.
✔️ There are a few other nice odds and ends here and there, most notably the two air vents that do a good job of dissipating heat and cooling the machine.
It also comes with a reel of welding wire and a protection mask, though as mentioned previously, you should probably buy a professional mask yourself.
It also features automatic thermal safety protection and full on/off safety control, both of which help boost its safety score.
All in all, as long as you aren’t expecting an amazing MIG welder, this is a fair combo unit with good flux core capabilities and a great price.
1. Which Should I Start with? MIG, TIG, or Stick?
Which of these is ultimately the best choice for you will depend on your level of expertise and what you are trying to accomplish.
As a general rule, MIG is considered the easiest of the three, while TIG and Stick are harder.
That said, if you want to weld with steel, the latter two and TIG in particular are likely what you’ll need to learn to use eventually.
While this list features a ton of budget options, on average, MIG also tends to be a bit less expensive than TIG or Stick models, which can be harder to use given their more direct contact with the metal.
2. When Should I Use Flux Core?
There are two situations in which flux core is ideal. First, if you have never welded before, flux core does not involve gas shielding, making it easier to learn.
It is even easier than MIG welding for some for that very reason. Second, because it does not require gas, flux core is great for outdoor welding, where obviously gas dissipating and blowing all over the place would be a hindrance.
3. Which Model Is Best for Me?
There are several answers to that question depending on what you’re looking for.
Overall, the best mixture of affordability, accessibility, versatility, and overall short and long-term value definitely belongs to the Forney Easy Weld 271.
The Hobart is hefty, but it could be a good long-term investment if you’re sure that’s what you want.
The Forney Easy Weld 298 is incredibly lightweight and portable.
The Weldpro, meanwhile, stands as the best dedicated TIG welder of the lot.
Then, there are all the sub-$200 combo units that promise a budget experience.
You should be cautious with these, as you’ll definitely be getting a unit that is several notches below professional-grade.
These are not the kinds of things you should be using for professional or even apprentice work.
However, they can be great inexpensive learning tools, and offer a very accessible entry point to each of the three welding techniques.
Can a 110 welder weld aluminum?
A 110-volt welder can weld aluminum, but it may not provide enough power to achieve proper penetration and quality welds. A 230-volt MIG welder or higher is recommended for welding aluminum for proper penetration. However, if you want to use a 110-volt machine, using stiffer wire and preheating the aluminum can help with successful welding.
It is important to note that the oxide coating on aluminum should be removed before welding to prevent contamination of the weld.
Different forms of aluminum used in fabrication and the automotive industry are also discussed, along with the process of heat treating aluminum to make it stronger.
What size generator do I need to run a 110 MIG welder?
A 110V MIG welder can be operated by a 120V or 240V generator as the two voltages are compatible. The size of the generator required for the welder depends on the voltage and wattage, which can be calculated by multiplying the input current by the input voltage.
To determine the right size generator for welding, it is recommended to use the wattage consumption of the welder, rather than the amperage output rating, which varies among manufacturers.
The text provides a recommendation of a generator with at least 6,000 peak watts and more than 8,000 running watts and should be 25%-30% higher than the welder’s wattage, with twice the welder’s maximum wattage for maximum efficiency.
Therefore, for a 110V MIG welder, a generator with a minimum of 6,000 peak watts and 8,000 running watts is recommended.