8 Best Beginner Welder to Buy In 2024

Best Beginner Welder

Can you remember how you pick your first welder at the beginning of your career?

You might have read honest reviews online or taken guidance from your family, friends, or any experienced welder.

I know how it feels at the beginning of the welding journey—much exciting and daunting. And a few guidance will assist you in getting the best uplift forward.

This article reviews the 8 best beginner welders and a buying guide so that you can find the best product per your needs. I know all the items will not suit your requirements, but you can learn a lot from the wide range.

OUR TOP 3 PICKS

SUNCOO 200Amp TIG ARC MMA Welder System

BEST CHOICE

SUNCOO 200Amp TIG ARC MMA Welder System

Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Handy MIG Welder

BEST VALUE

Lincoln Electric Multi-Purpose MIG 210 Welder

Hobart 500553 Handler MIG Welder

Premium Pick

Hobart 500553 MIG Welder

 

Top 8 Best Beginner Welder

All the options in this review section have taken place because of performance, quality, and price. A beginner requires a welding machine that is good in performance and affordable in price.

Now, we will go through a detailed review of all 8 enlisted welders for beginners.


1. SUNCOO 200Amp TIG ARC MMA Welder System

 

Our first product is from SUNCOO 200Amp TIG ARC MMA Welder System, which is the right choice for beginners. It has many excellent features that make it one of the best within its price range.

The design is very slim and lightweight, 24 lbs. You will have hassle-free movement with the welder. You may find ceramic material makes items a bit fragile, but it is definitely durable.

A beginner must not feel any problem at the beginning stage while running a welding machine. You will not feel any issues while operating the machine and accomplishing projects on different materials like stainless steel, nickel, copper brass, etc.

Furthermore, the item has come with a low price tag. And as a beginner, it is within range. But don’t assume you will get sub-par performance from the welder. Some of the features available in this welder will be found in the more expensive machines. Like an onboard fan, HF start and system protection are features in the highly-priced welding machine.

It has an LED display where you can learn what is happening with the welder. You will get a digital voltage Amp reading from the display.

In summary, the item will be a safe choice for light-duty work within the price for beginners.

Key Features:

  • Fan cooling system.
  • LED display.
  • Affordable price.
Pros
  • Easy to operate.
  • Hassle-free maintenance.
  • Comfortable starting with the HF start option.
Cons
  • Cannot accomplish aluminum weld.

2. Campbell Hausfeld ARC Stick Welder

The Campbell Hausfeld ARC Stick Welder is another of the best beginner welder for many good reasons. Many beginners appreciated the “easy to use” feature of the welder. Even the setup process is straightforward: unbox it, plug it into the required power source, and start using. pretty simple, right?

It is a compact and lightweight product, weighing only 24 pounds. This way, you can easily carry it from one place to another. It comes with a handle option, so you don’t face any problems carrying it because the grip is much more comfortable.

A welding helmet is available with the welder. Although you can’t manage all welding operations with the welding machine, it would be best to invest in an auto-darkening welding helmet. You will appreciate the welder’s quality performance since the rods available with the welder provide excellent work.

The welder runs with 15Amps – 20Amps and requires a light power source of 115V. Moreover, you will get a 20% duty cycle @ 50 amps. While you may not find it a groundbreaking option, it is excellent within the price. Its unique dual heat setting will allow you to accomplish small projects and repairs without any hassle.

Besides, it is also equipped with safety features like overload protection. The item stops working when it gets too hot with the help of this feature. All in all, a beginner will find the item one of the best with all its unique characteristics.

Key Features:

  • Overload protection.
  • Comfortable handle.
  • Lightweight.
Pros
  • Easy setup process.
  • Hassle-free carrying.
  • Compact design.
Cons
  • Short cord length.

3. Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Handy MIG Welder

Renowned manufacturer Lincoln, presented an excellent item for beginners. The Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Handy MIG Welder is a high-quality product that can fulfil all the requirements of a small welding project.

First, the design is appealing and comes with a portable feature. Although it is not the lightest item (46 lbs) on this list, you can carry it to your workstation with a comfortable handle.

Beginners need to learn different types of welding processes throughout their training sessions. You will always find the item beside you so that you can accomplish different welding processes like MIG welding or weld flux-cored. The good news is that switching from one mode to another doesn’t take much time. You will love the transition speed, undoubtedly.

88 amps is the maximum power of the welder, which is pretty impressive for doing light-duty tasks. You will not face any problems while using the welder. It is compatible with a 115V inlet, which will also not be difficult to find out.

Accessories like a welding mask, contact tips, gas nozzle, and other necessary welding equipment are available with the item. Besides, its fan cool protection feature will keep the welder cool whenever it faces an overheating problem.

Key Features:

  • Portable.
  • 20% duty cycle @ 70 amps.
  • 6ft long power cord.
Pros
  • It comes with a safety feature.
  • Durable design to provide long-term service.
  • Easy switching from MIG to flux core.
Cons
  • Unavailability of shielded gas.

4. Blue Demon BlueArc Welding Machine

Blue Demon BlueArc Welding Machine

 

The Blue Demon BlueArc welding machine is a 2-in-1 beginner welding machine. The device can work as both a stick and a TIG welder. In fact, it is getting impressive reviews on Amazon and is one of the top-selling welders in the market. Beginners appreciated its quality and design a lot.

If you look intently at the machine’s features, you will learn it has an inverter-based stick welder that can also be used as a TIG welder conveniently. Without thinking twice, it will assist you in doing small and straightforward home welding jobs.

If you ask me, what is the best feature of the unit? My vote will go to its lightweight function. As I stated, it is an inverter-based welder containing a small transformer. As a result, its size has become small, and thus it is lightweight too.

This is a perfect example of transporting from one place to another, which you may need to do quite often. You will be amazed to know it is available with a shoulder strap so that you can carry it more conveniently.

You can’t complain about its price also. You will get beyond-expectation performance from the unit, giving you a professional welder-like performance to hone your skill.

Key Features:

  • Shoulder strap.
  • Small device.
Pros
  • Suitable for all types of stainless and carbon steel, cast iron, and hard surfacing.
  • The spot welding task will be more comfortable.
  • Delivers strong welding bonds.
Cons
  • It’s not a very powerful device.

5. Lincoln Electric Multi-Purpose MIG 210 Welder

 

With a wide range of processes and usage, the Lincoln Electric Multi-Purpose MIG 210 Welder is an ideal product for hobbyists, Do-it-yourself lovers, or small workstations. You will get a stick, TIG, MIG, and flux core weld from the machine. A beginner can run the machine effortlessly. Even the machine can grow with beginners as they advance their skills and experience.

It is a versatile welder because of its dual voltage 120V and 230V option. This way, you can carry it everywhere and plug it into any available power source. Then it is only 40 lbs, which has made it a portable unit. The body construction is sheet metal, which confirms you will get many years of service from the welder.

The most notable feature is 210Amps at the welder’s fingertips. With power, you can handle a few significant welding tasks. It will allow you to weld 5/8” mild or stainless steel without any trouble.

The unit promises to provide every assistance to make your project successful. Its large color display will assist you in setting up the device quickly. Moreover, you can customize your options and settings through the color display. It also comes with a few extended add-ons responsible for expanding the welder’s capabilities.

Key Features:

  • Spindle adapter.
  • Gun cable liner.
  • Sheet-metal construction.

6. PrimeWeld Multipurpose Welder & Cutter, CT-520D

PrimeWeld 3-in-1 50 Amp Plasma Cutter

 

While operating the PrimeWeld Multipurpose Welder & Cutter, CT-520D welder, you will feel like you are running a hot knife through a piece of a knife.

Cutting a wide range of conductive materials up to ½” thick is not complicated for the unit. It is a 3-in-1 unit that can perform DC TIG, stick welding, and PLASMA cutting. Switching between the options is straightforward and quick.

It has a dual voltage option; you can run it at 110V or 220V. So, if any voltage power sources are unavailable, you can switch to another to operate the machine. Its built-in air gauge feature will allow you to control the device more precisely. Another great news is the unit offers a double frequency also.

The TIG or stick welder can deliver 200 Amps of welding current. You will surprise yourself by learning its weight and wonder how a combo machine can be so lightweight. It is only 32 lbs, the lightest welder on the list. Thus, carrying the unit is much more effortless.

Highly durable material is used to manufacture the unit. This way, it will give you an extended period of service. Throughout its lifespan, you will get consistent performance for sure.

To sum up, it is a perfect tool for accomplishing many welding and cutting jobs.

Key Features:

  • Dual-voltage.
  • Dual-frequency.
  • 3-in-1 unit.
Pros
  • Multi-functional welder.
  • Straightforward operating process.
  • Highly durable to provide long-period service.
Cons
  • Unavailability of pilot arc.

7. Forney 324 MIG/Stick/TIG 3-in-1 190-Amp Welder

Are you looking for a multi-purpose welder? Well, without any confusion, you can choose Forney 324 MIG/Stick/TIG 3-in-1 190Amp welder. It is so versatile that a beginner can learn several welding processes.

Also, its wide range of features makes it a good welder for beginners. Since it is a 3-in-1 welder, you don’t need to purchase a separate welder for different processes. Thus, you can save valuable time, money, and workshop space.

Don’t worry about setting up the welder; an instruction manual will assist you. This device is designed to keep beginners in mind; thus, its unique feature is lightweight. Through its 15ft long power cord, you will not face any problem getting a 120V electrical power source.

It comes with a unique Euro connect MIG gun feature, which allows the device to switch between welding processes comfortably and quickly. With the help of this feature, you can save valuable time. Using a single pass will enable you to complete 3/16” thick metal. And with multiple passes, welding 3/8” dense metal is a matter of time.

You can also adjust different input power to get the required result; its innovative inverter technology will help you. Moreover, it will allow you to set several input powers also.

Key Features:

  • Innovative inverter technology.
  • Instruction manual.
  • Digital readout.
Pros
  • Versatile welder machine.
  • Excellent welder for DIY lovers and beginners.
  • High-duty cycle along with output.
Cons
  • Poor quality wire feeding knob.

8. Hobart 500553 Handler MIG Welder

 

Don’t get fooled by looking at the Hobart 500553 Handler MIG Welder since it is a small welder. In order to provide your required precise and top-notch quality result, it runs with 210MVP power.

It has 7 different voltage positions, making it a highly appealing welder among beginners. Getting a precision welder will become much more convenient with the welder due to the 7 voltage positions.

In terms of usability, it is the most comfortable welders surfing in the market. It is designed so that a beginner can operate it without any hassle. After unboxing, you can use the unit, and in a single pass, you can weld 24-gauge material up to 3/8” thickness. It is compatible with working multi-purpose projects like construction, household, and store repair works, as well as maintenance of the boat.

You need to purchase a cart to carry it from different places to increase mobility options since its weight is 79 lbs. Also, worrying will be unnecessary regarding finding a power source because it is compatible to work with dual voltage 115V/230V options with its 3M power cord.

Overall, it is manufactured to give you the best beginner welder experience and DIY lovers in mind; thus, flexibility, portability, and comfort are top priorities for manufacturer Hobart.

Key Features:

  • Set-up chart.
  • Manual guide.
  • Thermal overload protection.
Pros
  • Convenient switching between 115V and 230V.
  • Flexible performance in a variety of welding projects.
  • Lengthy warranty period.
Cons
  • Bulky and expensive.

Buying Guide | How to Purchase the Best Beginner Welder?

What factors do you need to keep in mind to purchase the best beginner welder? This a common question of every beginner.

There are several factors to look at. I hope this section will help you.

Learn Your Skill Level

First of all, it is an essential factor. Why?

Because when you are able to learn your skill and limitations, you can pick a beginner welder more precisely. And your selection process will be much more relaxed and comfortable.

Different welding processes are out there, and each of them is unique. Also, each of them is harder than the others.

So, determine which welding process will be best to start your welding career.

Power

The power level is another crucial factor for an entry-level welder.

At this point, you need to know the purpose of your welding; based on that, you can determine the power of your welder.

For a small welding project, input power must be between 40V and 115V. And if the project is more prominent, no doubt, you need a powerful welder to meet your requirements.

Portability

If you are travelling more frequently for different welding projects, it would be best to pick a portable welder.

As a beginner in the welding industry, you must choose a welder that can be carried from one place to another comfortably.

However, if travelling is unnecessary in your projects, you should go for a welder, which is comparatively bulky and high in power.

Brand

It is always advisable to look for a branded welder. You will get decent performance from an unknown brand for sure. Even after a few days, those welders can stop working.

But a branded welder comes with warranty options, and they perform as described on the label. Even if you need to replace any parts or accessories, you can conveniently do it easily.

Moreover, brands always support their customers during any problem related to a welder.

So, while picking a welder, choose from a renowned brand.

Features 

When purchasing a welder, you need to take all the help you can earn. So, check out the welder’s features before purchasing.

Dial-in-setting is a feature that will assist a beginner a lot. Following this feature, your welding experience will be smoother. The best welder will allow you to input all necessary parameters like the thickness of the metal, type of welding, and many more.

Moreover, a good welder comes with different safety features, too.

FAQ

A beginner should purchase what type of welder?

The easiest welding process is MIG welding because focusing on spool guns only allows you to learn it. On the other hand, the other 2 types of welding, TIG and stick, are more complicated than MIG.

Are cheaper welders suitable for beginners?

Looking for a cheaper welder is a habit of every beginner. However, all cheaper welders are not good. Some cheaper welders come with all the necessary features to assist a beginner in honing their skills.

Is welding dangerous?

Welding can be harmful if it is not treated safely. Working with the right tool is significantly essential while working with a welder. Wearing PPE like hand gloves, welding helmets, protective shoes, and many more is mandatory.

Final Thought

All the products in this review article are the best beginner welders. Picking any items will give you an enjoyable and valuable welding experience.