Best 120v Welders – Top Picks and Reviews of 2022

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The 120v welders are popular in the welding world because they have the capabilities of carrying out a wide range of welding operations, including hobby welding, repairing's, auto bodywork, and many more.

When the perfect welder machine is in the hand of the appropriate welder, then no welding operations will be hard enough to solve. The only problem that strikes while purchasing one is the availability of immense options in the market.

Best 120v Welders

That is why to lessen up your hard work; the following machines are picked amongst all the best ones available. If none of them meets your requirements, then follow the buying guide to purchase the most suitable one for your operations.


Best 120v Welders 2022 Review


1. DEKOPRO 220V 160A MMA Welder

Specifications

  • Weight: 12.1 pounds
  • Dimensions: 16.06 x 11.18 x 6.46
  • Portable Design
  • Leading Control Mode
  • Energy Efficient
DEKOPRO MMA Welder

DEKOPRO ARC Welder Machine is one of the top-class appliances for welding operations because they offer exemplary professional finishings in automotive welding operations, thin steel, and many more.

Welders who are fond of performing MMA welding processes should go through this product because it supplies immense advantages. Both the welding current and the welding voltage can be adjusted in accordance with the needs in certain welding operations to conduct smooth and soundless work.

The welder machine has a strong inbuilt construction along with a sturdy design that makes the high-intensity body strong enough to take over professional operations. A fan motor is installed inside the machine for an instant cooling operation which effectively expels heat from the body.

Therefore, it automatically creates overheat protection mechanisms. Moreover, to prevent overload conditions and to improve your welding efficiency, the current output can be stabilized.

Multiple Technologies are input into the machine that allows the user to carry out professional work like thin material precision welding, plumbing work, construction work, and many more.

DEKOPRO ARC welding machine is one of the most reliable solutions for experiencing professional welding executions. Efficiency is its top-priority and effectiveness can be seen in its all features.

Pros


  • Easily welds ¼" thick metal using 6013 rods.
  • Being under 12.1 pounds, having a compact body and a handle – this is the best portable option on this list.
  • Along with welding stainless steel, it works on mild steel and aluminum effectively.
  • Excellent ventilation prevents overheating, and you get a longer duty cycle.

Cons


  • Quality performance on 6013 but lacks smoothness when you use 6011.

2. Hobart 500559 Handler 140 MIG Welder

Specifications

  • Weight: 57 pounds
  • Dimensions: 19 x 11 x 13
  • Power Source: Corded-electric
  • 20% duty cycle @ 90 Amps
  • 5-position voltage control
Hobart 500559 Handler 140 Welder for Car Body

Hobart MIG welders are known for their durable construction and include exceptional features that proffer versatility and high-quality. Welders who are looking for a welding machine to work on household repairs, yard art projects, auto body repair, and farm projects should try this product.

The welding machine is equipped with quality properties and standard features that ensure industrial performance. The welding machine comes along with a top-standard 5-position voltage control selector.

This exceptional characteristic allows the user to execute better welding thicknesses because of increased stability and smoothness. Moreover, the MIG welder can take over stainless steel, steel, and aluminum.

Not only can you perform MIG welding with this machine but can also do flux-core welding processes. It is built with an industrial cast aluminum drive system to ensure industrial performance. Also, a heavy-duty work clamp is included with the machine to deliver stable and smooth welding operations.

It is an environmental-friendly welder because it produces little spatter along with less noise pollution. Welding dynamic characteristics are included to control stable welding.

Hobart MIG welders provide higher efficiency along with superb stability in order to conduct smooth and fast welding operations. You should not miss the chance of experiencing professional welding by using this device.

Pros


  • One of the better beginner-friendly 120V options from Hobart with easy usability.
  • At 140 amps, it can ensure the quality of the arc and excellent beads.
  • Doesn't require you to purchase an extra spool gun for welding aluminum.
  • Works on 24 gauge up to ¼" steel with a proper arc.

Cons


  • The metal side panel isn't very durable.

3. 2022 PowerArc 120V Arc Stick Lift Start TIG Welder

Specifications

  • Weight: 24.8 pounds
  • Dimensions: 20 x 12.5 x 13.5
  • Material: Metal
  • Shape: Rectangular
  • Installation Method: Tig welding
2022 PowerArc 120V Arc Stick Lift Start TIG Welder

Everlast PowerArc is based on home users and welding enthusiasts. It comes along with a sturdy design with improved stability and maximum flexibility. The upgraded welding machine has a compact size for easy transportation and also includes a carry case for easier and safer storage. You can carry out easy TIG welding with the lift TIG function.

If you wish to equip a welder that supplies maximum flexibility and versatility with highly professional service, then this machine is the best one. It features both DC lift capability and sticks ability by the implementation of the tiny IGBT inverter.

It being small and compact in size doesn't mean the arc stability is not up to the mark because the arc quality is professional. The welder includes auto-adaptive hotstart along with auto-adaptive arc force control in stick mode to improve the welding operations with increased safety and efficiency.

Surprisingly, the machine is capable of supplying dual-voltage capability, which allows the user to start welding virtually anywhere where there is a clean power source. Gas regulators are also included for smooth and effective operations.

The entire machine is very easy to operate and can be accessed very smoothly. That is why every welder should purchase this magnificent piece.

Pros


  • Digital control makes it easy to operate the welder; very beginner-friendly.
  • Has the automatic hot start feature; no more electrode sticking.
  • The carry case isn't the best, but it works well for this small device and its components.
  • Aluminum welding is easy with it using 4043 rods or with 100% helium TIG welding.

Cons


  • Doesn't have a foot pedal for use.

4. Century K3493-1 120V Flux Core Wire Feed Welder

Specifications

  • Weight: 15.57 pounds
  • Dimensions: 17 x 13 x 10
  • Voltage: 120 Volts
  • Part Number K3493-1
  • Brand: Century
Century K3493-1 120V Flux Core Wire Feed Welder

Century welders have a small, lightweight inverter design that gives the users access to easy portability which makes the device ideal for small weld operations. Home welders and welding enthusiasts consider this welder to be the most effective and easy using device for operating household welding jobs.

Nonetheless, the welder being miniature still consists of huge reliable safety features that make it perfect for beginners. These compact welders include an inverter system for providing a stable and convenient output that is capable of being used to weld body panels. It is useful for MIG welding along with flux-core welding processes.

A dual-voltage supply is included in the welder machine that allows the user to use the appliance anywhere where there is a smooth power supply. To provide maximum safety to the users, the device is equipped with immense safety operations.

An automatic thermal protector is one of the safety characteristics that effectively shuts the output whenever it goes above certain temperatures and remains shut until the machine returns to the usual temperature.

Century Welder is a fantastic welding machine for people who operate regular welding activities because of its small lightweight inverter design. This device will ensure effective and efficient welding executions.

Pros


  • Controls are infinite instead of tapped, providing a greater range of welding options.
  • Highly recommended option for thin sheets like 18 gauge and even thinner.
  • Takes .030 and 0.035 wires, excellent bead performance for a machine with low amperage.
  • Excellent for beginner welders with 3/16" weld thickness and very simple control.

Cons


  • The welding gun isn't good for semi-professional welders.
  • Can only lift 2 pounds of spools.

5. YESWELDER ARC Welder IGBT Stick MMA Welder

Specifications

  • Weight: 10 pounds
  • Dimensions: 480 x 1 x 1 inches
  • Voltage: 250 Volts
  • Wattage: 10000 watts
  • Delivers 40 amps at 250 volts
YESWELDER ARC Welder IGBT Stick MMA Welder

YESWELDER arc welder is built with a strong and durable construction that allows it to take over heavy-duty welding conduction and provides comfortable experiences. The machine is equipped with IGBT technology that ensures stable arc operations and effective welding experiences on thin workpieces.

You can easily carry this welding machine anywhere you wish to because it has a compact size and has very minimum weight. Durable characteristics are available in large numbers in this welding machine to enable the users to carry out professional welding operations.

IGBT inverter technology is installed in this amazing machine that supplies powerful welding executions on mild steel, stainless steel, and weld steel. This welder is capable of ensuring excellent arc stability and reliable operations with the help of this innovative technology.

Moreover, the machine is filled with many safety peculiarities that include fan dormancy, overcurrent protection, overload protection, and many more. It is an optimized model to deliver effective characteristics like the automatic compensation for voltage fluctuation and allows the user to perform welding operations without producing any spatter.

YESWELDER arc welder machine will make your welding job more pleasing and convenient by its superior properties and reliable solutions. A must-purchase for everyone.

Pros


  • Unlike many welders at the same price range, it can offer a faster arc start due to the hot start feature.
  • Has one of the best cooling systems on this list; great for longer welds without overheating.
  • At maximum voltage, you can weld ½" sheets and even thicker with precision.
  • Also excellent for thin metals as it offers a broad amperage range from 20 to 125A.

Cons


  • The 110V plug isn't the best and may interfere with your work if you are not using an extension cord.

6. Forney 291 Easy Weld 180 ST 120V V Welder

Specifications

  • Weight: 23.3 pounds
  • Dimensions: 11 x 6.31 x 14.13
  • Material: Metal, Steel
  • Power Source: Corded Electric
  • Wattage: 8000 watts
Forney 291 Easy Weld 180 ST 120V V Welder

If you are looking for a powerful stick and capable TIG machine, then the Forney Welder is the ideal appliance for every welding enthusiast. This welder is the perfect machine for easy transportation around your workplace because it is lightweight and generator friendly.

The Forney welder is a powerful device that comes with dual-voltage input power and adapter, which allows the user to start welding anywhere where there is a power supply.

It is a versatile and flexible device with easy start technology that eliminates the discomfort from the welders. Because the device being generator-friendly, you will experience an extremely stable arc even off a power generator.

It is durable and can supply service for a longer period because of its metal case. It comes along with a ground clamp, power cable, and electrode holder to supply maximum convenience to the user. There is no need for a foot pedal because of the presence of the lift start capability for TIG.

The compact size of the device does not mean that it cannot afford heavy-duty welding operations because it is built with all the essentials you will need to make your welding in a garage, shop, or even in your backyard very simple.

Pros


  • A good range of power from 10 to 180 amps.
  • Suitable for welding mild steel up to 1/2".
  • A recommended option for generators as there are fewer arc issues.
  • Comes with an adapter for using both 230V and 120V power without having to buy one.

Cons


  • Digital controls would have been better.

7. Forney 309 140-Amp MIG Welder - 120-Volt

Specifications

  • Weight: 62 pounds
  • Dimensions: 10 x 16 x 20
  • Size: 140-Amp
  • Material: Metal
  • Horsepower: 309
Forney 309 140-Amp MIG Welder

The Forney MIG Welder is an ideal machine for small repair welding, farms, automotive, and other household activities. It is an excellent appliance that comes along with a regulator and a gas hose. Moreover, it is capable of supplying MIG welding processes and flux-core welding.

It has a compact size and is lightweight, which makes it perfect for easy transportation around your workplace. It is a multi-step transformer based machine that proves to be worthy of carrying out MIG welding processes and other repairing operations.

It has a higher duty cycle along with a long gun for convenient support to the users. The HD cast aluminum feed system with drive rolls and geared idlers ensure arc stability and precise arc welding. The spool can be operated with ease, and the machine includes a large cabinet for easy storage.

It has the power to weld up to 1/4 inch and includes a gas hose and a flowmeter. It comes along with a power cable, ground clamp, and many more to provide excellent comfort to the user.

Forney MIG Welder is an exemplary appliance for easy welding operations around your house and working space. The outcomes of this welder machine are remarkable and reliable.

Pros


  • Accepts 0.023, 0.030, and 0.035 flux-cored wire for a range of welding applications.
  • Has aluminum wire feed system facilitating better and smoother arc.
  • Has quite a large cabinet for storing more tools than normal MIG welders.
  • Good arc performance even when used from generator power.

Cons


  • Not suitable for 20 amp circuit breakers.

120V MIG, TIG and Stick Welder Buying Guide


When you decide to purchase a new 120v welder for your small welding operations, then make sure you are following proper guidelines. It is usual for people to go through certain confusions and end up buying the wrong one. That is why the following buying guide will ensure that you will purchase the best welder available.

Welding Duty Cycle

This feature is important if you are looking around for buying a MIG welder. The duty cycle is the measurement that determines how long you can weld before the machine stops from overheating.

Every welder includes a duty cycle rating which will you find in a percentage format. Typically, you will find a rating of 10 minutes but a 5 minutes time scale is also common. Make sure to avoid false duty cycle ratings.

Portability

Portability is an essential factor to consider if you have a large working space where you need to move your welder around. Usually, welding machines are big in size and inherit a lot of weight which causes discomfort in moving the welder around.

That is why look for the ones that are compact in size and are lightweight. However, such welders tend to supply less effective outcomes than giant ones.

Power

With great power comes greater capabilities of the welder to weld various types of materials. For choosing the amount of power that your welder should have, you need to first determine the thickness of the materials you are going to deal with using this welder. Therefore, look for the ones that have the power to overcome the thickness of the material that you wish to weld.

Wire-feed speed

It is a significant feature that you must consider before purchasing any welder. It is important because the wire-feed speed determines how accurately your welder can weld. The precise welding depends on the speed, and you can achieve higher precision with higher speed.

Also, how fast the welding will be executed depends on the wire-feed speed. There are many welders in the market that supply various wire-feed speed. Choosing the one that meets your requirements will be a wise action. Also, if you purchase the welder that provides a wide range of wire-feed speed, it will be the best option.

Safety

The welder you will purchase should have all the required safety features to provide maximum reliability. Safety features like thermal overload protection, overcurrent protection, and many more protect not only the machine but also the user.


Frequently Asked Questions


What size breaker for 120v welder?

The size breaker in welders depends on the amperage that the welder uses to operate. That is why before we jump on to the breakers, we need to determine the amps that the welder uses. Typically, a 120v welder uses between 90-100 amps. It means a size breaker of a minimum of 90 amps will do the job.

Which do I need 120v welder for general use?

The MIG and flux-core welders are easy to learn and operate. They are the easiest welders to use because they consist of convenient functions and reliable outcomes. These welders can produce extremely clean welds on stainless steel, aluminum, and regular steel. Both of the mechanisms can weld materials up to 26 gauge.

Can you stick weld with 120v?

The 120v welders can effectively perform stick welding. Nowadays, you will find 120v welders supplying a wide range of welding processes, including TIG, MIG, and stick. That is why it is common to find such welders that proffer stick welding with adequate amperage output. These welders prove to be more effective in welding metals up to 5/16 in thickness.

Are 120v welders any good?

Many people have the confusion of considering 120v welders not capable of proper welding process because of its compact size. But they are excellent in taking over heavy-duty welding operations including industrial welding because of their excellent included technology along with reliable safety features. They can effectively weld aluminum, stainless steel, and other sheet metals.


Final Note


If you are visiting the market for a 120v welder, keeping in mind home maintenance, auto bodywork, and other DIY projects, then the above-mentioned models will just be the ideal ones for your jobs. The functionality, weight, limitations, safety measurements- all the sectors advanced with professional features and supplies industrial welding experience.

Even if you want to try something beyond the ones that we have mentioned, then make sure that you are following the proper guidelines because finding the best one is a combination of knowing the requirements of your project and the essential features that the welder should have. Therefore, make a wise decision today and experience a better life.

Last Updated on 1 year by Richard Boyer

  • June 28, 2022
Richard Boyer
 

Richard Boyer has been a professional welder for over 27 years of his life, and now he is a trainer and blogger providing critical information to anyone interested in welding. He is helping out both hobbyists, novice and professional welders to learn newer and better techniques. Read more about me

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