Best Professional Mig Welder: Top 3 Picks
This article will discuss the basics of MIG welding, the different types of MIG welders available, and the features to look for when choosing a professional MIG welder.
We will review the top three professional MIG welders on the market, including the Hobart 500553 Handler 210 MVP MIG Welder, the Power MIG 211i MIG Welder, and the ESAB EM 210 MIG Welder.
MIG welding, also known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), is a popular welding process used by professionals in various industries. MIG welders are known for their versatility, ease of use, and ability to produce high-quality welds on a wide range of materials.
What is a MIG Welder?
A MIG welder is a welding machine that uses a wire electrode and an inert gas to produce a high-quality, continuous weld. MIG welders are commonly used in automotive, construction, and manufacturing industries and are suitable for welding a wide range of materials, including mild steel, aluminum, and stainless steel.
How Does a MIG Welder Work?
MIG welders use an electric current to create an arc between the wire electrode and the base metal. The wire electrode is fed through a welding gun into the arc, which is melted and used to fill the joint between the two pieces of metal. The inert gas, usually argon or a mixture of argon and CO2, is used to shield the weld from contamination and to provide a stable arc.
Different Types of MIG Welders
There are several different types of MIG welders, including wire-feed, spool guns, and push-pull welders.
Wire-feed MIG welders are the most common type of MIG welder and are suitable for most welding applications. These welders use a wire-feed mechanism to feed the wire electrode continuously through the welding gun, allowing for a continuous weld.
Spool gun MIG welders are designed for welding aluminum and other non-ferrous metals. These welders use a separate spool of wire fed through a smaller, more flexible gun, allowing for greater precision and control when welding thin materials.
Push-pull MIG welders are similar to wire-feed welders but use a push-pull mechanism to feed the wire electrode through the welding gun. This allows for faster wire feeding and easier control, making them ideal for high-speed welding applications.
Features to Look for in a MIG Welder
When choosing a MIG welder, there are several key features to consider:
Power output: MIG welders are available in a range of power outputs, from 120 volts for small home projects to 460 volts for heavy industrial applications. Choose a welder with the appropriate power output for your needs.
Duty cycle: The duty cycle of a MIG welder refers to the amount of time it can be used before needing to cool down. A welder with a higher-duty cycle is more durable and can handle heavy workloads.
Wire feed speed: The wire feed speed determines the speed at which the wire electrode is fed through the welding gun. A higher wire feed speed allows for faster welding but may also result in a less precise weld.
Welding thickness: MIG welders are rated for the thickness of metal they can handle. Make sure to choose a welder capable of welding the thickness of the material you will be working with.
Best Professional MIG Welder: Top 3 Picks
1. Hobart 500553 Handler 210 MVP MIG Welder
The Hobart 500553 Handler 210 MVP MIG Welder is a versatile, easy-to-use welder suitable for a wide range of welding applications. With a power output of 210 amps and a duty cycle of 30% at 150 amps, it can weld materials up to 3/8 inches thick. The welder also features a multi-voltage plug (MVP) that allows it to be used with various power sources, making it suitable for home and professional settings.
Features
- 210 amp power output
- 30% duty cycle at 150 amps
- Welds materials up to 3/8 inch thick
- Multi-voltage plug (MVP) for use with various power sources
- Easy-to-use wire feed system
- Durable construction
Pros
- Versatile and suitable for a wide range of welding applications
- Easy to use
- Durable construction
- Can be used with various power sources
Cons
- May not be suitable for heavy-duty industrial applications
- May be more expensive than other MIG welders
2. Power MIG 211i MIG Welder
The Power MIG 211i MIG Welder is a professional-grade welder suitable for a wide range of welding applications. With a power output of 140-210 amps and a duty cycle of 30% at 150 amps, it is capable of welding materials up to 3/8 inch thick.
The welder also features a dual voltage input, allowing it to be used with both 120V and 230V power sources.
Features
- 140-210 amp power output
- 30% duty cycle at 150 amps
- Welds materials up to 3/8 inch thick
- Dual voltage input for use with 120V and 230V power sources
- Easy-to-use wire feed system
- Durable construction
Pros
- Versatile and suitable for a wide range of welding applications
- Easy to use
- Durable construction
- Can be used with various power sources
Cons
- May not be suitable for heavy-duty industrial applications
- May be more expensive than other MIG welders.
3. ESAB EM 210 MIG Welder, 200A, 120/230V DC
The ESAB EM 210 MIG Welder is a professional-grade welder suitable for a wide range of welding applications. With a power output of 200 amps and a duty cycle of 35% at 150 amps, it is capable of welding materials up to 3/8 inch thick.
The welder also features a dual voltage input, allowing it to be used with both 120V and 230V power sources.
Features
- 200 amp power output
- 35% duty cycle at 150 amps
- Welds materials up to 3/8 inch thick
- Dual voltage input for use with 120V and 230V power sources
- Easy-to-use wire feed system
- Durable construction
Pros
- Versatile and suitable for a wide range of welding applications
- Easy to use
- Durable construction
- Can be used with various power sources
Cons
- May not be suitable for heavy-duty industrial applications
- May be more expensive than other MIG welders
Conclusion and Best Offer
MIG welding is a popular welding process that is suitable for a wide range of materials and industries. When choosing a professional MIG welder, it is important to consider the power output, duty cycle, wire feed speed, and welding thickness capabilities.
The Hobart 500553 Handler 210 MVP MIG Welder, the Power MIG 211i MIG Welder, and the ESAB EM 210 MIG Welder are all excellent choices for professional MIG welders, with the ESAB EM 210 MIG Welder being the top pick overall.
Best Offer
Out of the three MIG welders reviewed, the best overall option is the ESAB EM 210 MIG Welder. It has a high power output of 200 amps, a duty cycle of 35% at 150 amps, and is capable of welding materials up to 3/8 inch thick.
It also has a dual voltage input, allowing it to be used with both 120V and 230V power sources, making it suitable for a wide range of welding applications.
Best Alternative
As a second option, the Power MIG 211i MIG Welder is a solid choice.
It has a slightly lower power output than the ESAB EM 210 but still has a duty cycle of 30% at 150 amps and is capable of welding materials up to 3/8 inch thick. It also has a dual voltage input and is suitable for a wide range of welding applications.
