5 Best 220v MIG Welders: All Brands Rated & Reviewed

Factors to Consider When Buying MIG Welders

Welding Process & Ease Of Use

MIG welders either require a gas cylinder, are flux-cored, or can be both. With flux core welding, you don’t need a gas cylinder, but this creates a layer of slag on the material. Ideally, you will want a welder with both capabilities, just to give yourself some additional versatility.

Power Needs & Multi-Amp

The MIG welder with 220v power needs requires a specific outlet for operation. If you don't already have a 220v power outlet installed, this is a cost you must endure upfront. However, you can also buy a multi-amp model so that you can use it when you are in a location with only a 110v outlet. 

Power Outlets & Welding Location

Consider where you will be using your 220v gas MIG welder. You will need to be located near the appropriate power outlet and want a cord that’s long enough to reach. Additionally, you might not want a commercial welder if you plan to work at your home or outside. These machines are generally best in a workshop.

Feed Rate & Duty Cycle

The wire feed speed shows you how fast the MIG wire is fed into the gun from the machine. If this speed is too low, you get an uneven weld. If it becomes too fast, you will face spattering. Additionally, evaluate the duty cycle to determine how long the welder can run before needing a break.

Wire Size and Material Thickness

What wire size and material do you plan to work with? Whether you are looking for a machine capable of working with nickel, copper, aluminum, stainless steel or carbon steel, you will find the available capability by doing some searching. It’s always best to choose a model that can do more than what you think you need.

Portability

Do you plan on transporting the welder?  If so, you want to look at the size and weight of the machine. Otherwise, if you plan to keep in your workshop, this might not be a concern for you. However, there are some options that are larger that also come with wheels for more portability.

Extra Features

Price & Warranty

We all want the lowest-priced 220v MIG welder, but you don’t want to sacrifice quality to get a good price. Instead, choose a welder from a reliable brand that offers a lengthy warranty. This way, you can ensure that you get the best value for your money.

1. Hobart - 500553

The Hobart 220v welder comes with everything you need to start welding. The kit includes a ten-foot gun, a ten-foot work cable and clamp, plus the dual-gauge regulator and built-in gas solenoid valve. This model will work with a variety of material thickness, ranging from 1/4” to 3/8”. It also features a compact size that makes it easy to transport to another job site.

This model has several safety features worth mentioning. The most important is that the wire remains electrically cold until you pull the trigger. You can also alter the output parameters to create less spatter, a better bead appearance, and minimal cleanup. Additionally, this welder includes seven output voltage settings plus a dual-groove quick-change drive roll.

The company offers a three-year warranty on the welder to ensure satisfaction. Looking at the reviews, we see that there’s nothing to worry about in terms of durability. That’s why this model is perfect for anyone looking to do auto body or household repairs. We would even recommend it for the user that has farm projects ready to be accomplished. Overall, we can’t find any downside to owning this machine and believe you will be pleased with the professional welding results.

2. Miller Electric

With the Miller 220v MIG welder, you get a top of the line machine. Yes, this type of versatility will cost you more, but the value is far worth the expense. Work with material ranging from 18 gauge to 3/8”. This kit includes the ten-foot MIG gun, ten-foot work cable and clamp, a dual-gauge regulator, gas hose, built-in gas solenoid valve, spool of wire and contact tips.

It also comes with a variety of features that aren’t found on every other machine. You can enjoy the Advanced Auto-Set, Smooth Start, Auto Spoolgun Detect, Angle Cast-Aluminum Drive, Thermal Overload Protection, Quick Select Drive Roll, and Fan-on-Demand Phase. It’s the ideal piece of machinery for most professional or industrial shops, whether you are working on auto repair, motorcycle fabrication, or ranching jobs. 

Additionally, this model is quite lightweight, considering all of the capabilities. You won’t have trouble taking it to a nearby job site. Plus, Miller Electric provides a five-year warranty on the parts, so you have further peace of mind over the purchase. That’s a good thing considering how much more you will need to pay. We recommend this MIG welder for professionals that tend to do a lot of welding jobs and want the very best.

3. Mophorn MIG

If you are looking for a budget-friendly welding option, you might prefer this 220v MIG welder instead. It features IGBT inverter technology for a stable performance that produces high-quality welds. It is lightweight, simple to operate and practical for the everyday hobbyist. This machine is also capable of providing flux-cored welding for more versatility.

Switching between the welding modes is simple with the LCD monitor. With this information, you quickly see the welding current and voltage at all times. You can use this welder on a variety of materials, including thin steel or iron. It also comes with a carrying handle, which is helpful if you plan to take the MIG welder on the go.

This kit includes the welding machine, torch, two cables with an electrode holder, two cables with earth clamps, a welder mask, a brush, and the product manual. While the reviews are promising, you want to keep in mind that this cheap MIG welder doesn’t come with an extensive warranty. In fact, you will only have one-year of coverage before you are on your own. If you don’t use your welder that much, it won’t make sense to pay much more for one of the other models.

4. LOTOS MIG175

For something mid-range, consider this MIG welder from LOTOS instead. This machine includes an aluminum wire feeder that is durable and provides a stable weld. It also includes the spool gun, which many units don’t. This high-speed gun is more than ten feet long and is perfect to use when welding with aluminum. The transformer technology included in this machine is both durable and reliable.

You can easily weld 18 gauge stainless steel and 3/16" aluminum with it. Plus, it features multiple uses, whether you are planning to weld mild steel or other materials. Included in the package are your MIG torch, ground clamp cable, aluminum spool gun, gas hose, contact tips, argon regulator, welding mask and starter wire.

This welder features some of the best reviews on the market but isn’t overpriced. However, the company only provides a one-year warranty, which seems to keep the cost down. Unfortunately, it does weigh nearly ninety pounds, making it one of the least portable options on our list. If this isn’t a concern for you, or you plan to keep it in one location, you might find success with your welding projects by using it. We recommend this for light- to medium-duty welding on a budget.

5. Weldpro

Finally, we have the flagship model from Weldpro to consider. It is versatile, with the ability to offer MIG, flux core and TIG welding. Even with all of the capability, it is lightweight and compact. The space-saving design won’t require a lot of room in your shop, making it easier than ever to get your jobs done. Plus, it comes with a dual digital display that’s easy to read. You can quickly set the wire speed and amperage for your repeatable welds to save time.

Advanced safety features include overload protection and VRD high temp protection. It also comes with several user-adjustable inductance settings. The price is about average for a model of this capacity, but the company offers a two-year warranty, which is more than the budget-friendly options. Considering all that you can perform with this unit, it really doesn’t make sense to purchase multiple machines.

Overall, we are pleased with the performance and find that customers feel the same way. The only difference with this model that makes us pause is the durability. There have been some quality concerns, although not many. With that in mind, this would make a great welder for anyone that requires multi-function support without spending thousands of dollars.

How MIG Welders Work & Their Benefits

MIG Welding Basics for Beginners

Before you get started, you want to read the owner’s manual to your MIG welder. It’s also wise to have the proper clothing and equipment on for your job. You should never take the operation of your MIG welder for granted and always follow safety precautions. Here is a helpful YouTube video that illustrates the basics of MIG welding.

Welding Safety Precautions

People Also Ask (FAQs)

What other essential equipment do I need together with a 220v MIG welder?

Before you get started, you will want to purchase your welding mask, PPE, torch, regulator, and gas cylinders.

How many amps can I weld with a 220v?

The 220v MIG welder uses about half of the amperage of a 110v welder. Most commonly, you will see 90-100 amps, but there are also some that are larger or smaller.

How do I determine what size MIG welder do I need?

Look at the materials you plan to weld with and your requirements to determine the appropriate size.

Can I use a MIG welder without gas?

You can use a MIG welder without gas if it has flux-cored capacity.

How do I maximize the lifespan of a 220V MIG welder?

If you want to keep your 220v MIG welder in good condition, make sure you clean it up after every use. Additionally, keep it stored when you aren’t using it and perform any maintenance outlined in the owner’s manual.

How much does a good 220v MIG welder cost?

You can find a good 220v welder for less than $1,000. However, there’s always the option to spend more, especially if you need a machine for an industrial setting.

Conclusion