Millermatic 211 vs 215: Side-by-Side Comparison

Taking the popular phrase, ‘you are your own competition’, Miller has put forth two brilliant products for its customers: Millermatic 211 vs Miller Multimatic 215.

Both machines are ideal for welding and fabrication. They can be used for various metals and purposes, including professional welding.

It is hard to look anywhere else apart from Miller when it comes to welding machines. Miller Electric is undoubtedly one of the best brands manufacturing welding machines.

They have been providing undeterred service and quality products to their customers since 1928.

Miller 215 vs 211: Side by Side Comparison

Millermatic 211 MIG Welder

• Process Type: MIG, Flux-Cored
• Input Voltage: 120V/240V
• Amperage Range: 30A to 230A
• Polarity: DC
• Duty Cycle: 40% (240V); 20% (120V)
• Use: Home DIY/Metal Art/Professional
• LCD Display: No
• Dual Gas Connections: No
• Auto-Set: Yes
• Smooth Start Technology: Yes
• Fan-on-Demand: Yes
• Quick Select Drive Roll: Yes
• Weldable Metals: Steel, Stainless SteelIron, Aluminum
• Size: 11.25 x 12.5 x 20.5 inches
• Weight: 38lb
• Price: Cheaper
• Warranty: 3-year warranty

Multimatic 215 MP Welder

• Process Type: MIG, Flux Cored, Stick, TIG
• Input Voltage: 120V/240V
• Amperage Range: 20A to 230A
• Polarity: DC
• Duty Cycle: 40% (240V); 60% (120V)
• Use: DIY/Automotive/Metal Art/Professional
• LCD Display: Yes
• Dual Gas Connections: Yes
• Auto-Set: Yes
• Smooth Start Technology: Yes
• Fan-on-Demand: Yes
• Quick Select Drive Roll: Yes
• Weldable Metals: Steel, Stainless SteelIron, Aluminum
• Size: 11.25 x 12.5 x 20.5 inches
• Weight: 38lb
• Price: Expensive
• Warranty: 3-year warranty

Millermatic 211 vs 215: Basic Features

Although very similar externally, the Millermatic 211 and the Multimatic 215 are very different.

The first and fundamental difference between the two machines is that the Millermatic 211 is a single MIG welder. At the same time, the Multimatic 215 is a multi-process welder with MIG, stick, and TIG functions.

So, there is no difference in power. The Multimatic 215 provides completely different performances from the Millermatic 211.

Millermatic 211 MIG Welder

Millermatic 211 offers the following features:

• MIG welding process
• Inverter technology allows better control of the arc together with a very low weight of the device
• Smooth-Start system for a smooth and splash-free start
• Advanced auto-set control for the right adjustments of the machine
• Quick Select drive roll to easily manage the different sizes and types of wire
• Thermal overload protection: automatic shutdown system in case of overheating
• Dual voltage compatibility: 120V and 240V
• AMP range of 30A to 230A

Miller Multimatic 215 Multiprocess Welder

Miller Multimatic 215 offers the following features:

• Multi-process functionality: MIG, flux cored, DC stick and DC TIG (the TIG kit is not included)
• Inverter technology
• Smooth-Start system for starting MIG processes without splashing
• Auto-Set Elite to optimize the settings of all welding processes
• Quick Select drive roll
• Color LCD
• Thermal overload protection
• Dual voltage 120V/240V
• Amperage range 20A to 230A

Detailed Differences Between the Millermatic 211 and the Multimatic 215

Size

The two machines have the same height and measure up to 12.5 inches. The good thing is that they are both compact, so it is easy to carry them around.

They are easy to store and don’t require any space.

The machines also have the same length and width at 20.5 inches and 11.25 inches, respectively.

Weight

Not only are both the machines are compact in size, but they are lightweight too. The Millermatic 211 and the Miller Multimatic 215 weigh only 38 pounds. This also makes them highly portable.

They also come with a handle that makes it easy to pick and port.

Wheel cart

To further facilitate mobility, especially if you need to use cylinders for shielding gas, the wheel cart is a more travel-friendly choice for sure (not included).

Miller Electric Running Gear/Cart

Welding Processes

The Miller Multimatic 215 can perform TIG, MIG, flux-cored MIG, and stick welding, which justifies its higher cost. You can perform three different machines on a single machine with the Multimatic 215.

You will need a TIG kit with the Multimatic 215 (not included).

On the other hand, the Millermatic 211 is only a MIG welding machine. But it can deliver flux-cored MIG and non-flux cored MIG welding.

Voltage

Both the machines are compatible with a 120V and a 220V socket. So, you can use them at home or with a higher power outlet.

They also come with a dual voltage plug for convenience. This is a useful add-on feature because welding machines are pretty expensive. It makes more sense to spend money on something compatible with both types of sockets.

The machines can also be used with a 110V, 120V, 220V, 230V, and 240V power socket.

Amperage Range for Welding

The amperage range for welding for the two machines is quite similar. The Miller Multimatic 215 offers an amperage range of 20 to 230 amps, while the Millermatic 211 offers a range of 30 to 230 amps.

Duty Cycle

The duty cycle is one of the most important features of a welding machine. The factor is also a major point of contention while picking between the two devices.

While the Millermatic 211 has a duty cycle of 40% at 150 amps, the Miller Multimatic 215, on the other hand, does not have a standard duty cycle because of the three different welding processes. Here’s what you should know:

• For MIG welding, the Multimatic 215 will provide you with a duty cycle of 40% at 150 amps (just like the 211 model)
• For TIG welding, the Multimatic 215 provides a duty cycle of 20% at 190 amps or 40% at 140 amps
• For MIG flux-cored welding, the machine will give you a duty cycle of 20% at 20 amps or 60% at 110 amps
• Lastly, the machine provides a duty cycle of 20% at 190 amps or 40% at 90 amps for stick welding.

Given the different processes, the duty cycle may not necessarily make a valid point of comparison between the two options.

But if you are looking for MIG welding out of your machine, the Millermatic 211 can be the superior choice. You will pay a lot less and be able to weld aluminum and steel sheets.

Metal Type

A welding machine is an expensive purchase, which is why it makes sense to buy something that can weld most metals. Both the Millermatic 211 and the 215 can provide weld materials like:

• Iron
• Steel
• Stainless Steel
• Aluminum

Weld Thickness

While the Millermatic 211 guarantees to weld metals of a thickness of up to 3.8 inches and thinner metals with a thickness of up to 24 gauge, the Miller 215 offers different results depending on the welding process you opt for. Here’s what you need to know:

• For MIG welding, the Miller 215 can weld steel sheets with a thickness of 3.8 inches and 24 gauge, just like the Millermatic 211.
• For TIG welding, the Miller 215 can weld aluminum sheets with a thickness of 3.8 inches and a thickness of 16 gauge. As far as TIG welding is concerned, the machine works well with metals that are ¼ inches thick and 24 gauge in thickness.
• The machine can weld metals between 3.8 inches and 16 gauge in thickness for stick welding.

Range and Wire Feed Speed

The Multimatic 215 offers a wire feed speed of approximately 60 imp to 600 imp or 1.5m per minute to 15.2 mm per minute. The Millermatic 211 provides the same rate.

Both welding machines come with drive rolls specially crafted to offer users a smooth wire feed experience. The machines are equally consistent in performance and hassle-free to operate.

Value for Money

Since the Miller Multimatic 215 technically performs the tasks of three different machines, it is the better out of the two as far as costs are concerned. While the Millermatic 211 is a great unit, it may not be enough if your requirement is TIG, MIG, and Stick welding.

Customer Reviews

Both units received excellent reviews from the users who purchased them. Find out them here:

Millermatic 211 MIG Welder Customer Reviews

Miller Multimatic 215 Multi-Process Welder Customer Reviews

The Strong Points for Each

Suppose you are looking for an affordable option, and your primary concern is limited to MIG welding. In that case, the Millermatic 211 can be a better pick.

The Millermatic 211 is also suitable for fabrication as it welds ferrous and non-ferrous metals. It also caters to thicknesses from 3.8 inches to 24 gauge and can weld aluminum.

On the other hand, Miller Multimatic 215, as a multi-process machine, can perform different types of welds.

So, the Miller Multimatic 215 may be worth the higher investment. This unit is ideal for professional welders, although you just note that it cannot TIG weld aluminum.

The Better One

The Miller Multimatic 215 has the upper hand among the two if you just look at the features.

Although most features are the same, the Miller Multimatic 215 can perform multiple welding processes.

The machine’s auto-feature option is also good. You do not have to set the voltage yourself. You can just pick your metal of choice, and the machine welds at the optimum voltage.

But the Miller Multimatic 215 does fall short in one aspect. It does not perform aluminum TIG welding.

On the other hand, the Millermatic 211 has many features with the 215 model. If MIG welding is your job, 211 is the ideal tool and is cheaper.

Both welding machines are similar in size, weight, and dimensions. They also offer the same features barring a few. So, the ultimate deciding factor can be based on your requirements and budget.

Millermatic 211 – Pros 

• The machine is equipped with an auto-set feature for the voltage settings. So there is no need to speculate the right voltage settings. You can just pick the metal, and the machine decides the optimal voltage.
• The machine works well with both thick as well as thin sheets. For example, sheets as thick as 3.8 inches can be welded just as fine as a sheet measuring only 24 gauge.
• The Millermatic 211 is lighter than most other welding products in the same feature and price segment. The machine weighs only 38 pounds.
• It is compatible with both standard and high-power inputs. It can withstand voltage ranging between 120V to 240V.
• The machine uses inverter technology. So you can expect a superior welding performance even with considerably low power consumption.
• Lastly, you can use the Millermatic 211 to weld ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
• The 211 model is cheaper.

Multimatic 215 – Pros 

• Miller Multimatic 215 is a multi-process welder.
• The Multimatic 215 offers excellent welding power that can weld metals with a thickness of 3.8 inches.
• The LCD display is very intuitive and easy to read
• Since it is a multi-process welder, it has a very low price
• Very easy to set up and use, especially for beginners
• It is also an excellent professional unit, although not suitable for industrial use.
• Much better value for money

Millermatic 211 – Cons

• This Miller MIG welder machine costs more than other brands.

Multimatic 215 – Cons

• Does not perform TIG weld aluminum

FAQs

Where are Miller welders made?

From the information provided by Miller, their equipment is manufactured in the factory located in Wisconsin.

Does Miller 211 perform arc welding?

No, only MIG / Flux Core. To perform arc welding or stick welding, Multimatic 215 must be used.

Can the spool gun be used for Miller welding machines?

Yes, the SM100 spool gun is suitable for 211 and 215 models.

Do these units come with hoses and gear for shielding gas?

Yes, gauges and hoses are included.

Can Miller 211 weld aluminum without accessories?

No, for MIG weld Aluminum, you need the MIG gun and the appropriate gas. Same thing for the 215 models.

Can you TIG weld aluminum with the Multimatic 215?

No. This is a DC-only machine, and it is impossible to TIG weld aluminum with a direct current welder.

Can you perform gasless flux-cored welding with the Multimatic 215?

Yes, shielding gas is not required for flux-cored welds with the 215.

Conclusion

The Miller Multimatic 215 does win the contest by a few extra points owing to some additional features.

Still, the final verdict solely depends on what you are looking for in the machine. Both machines deliver a great performance, and you can always depend on Miller to manufacture quality products.

The Millermatic 211 can be a real winner if the price is a concern. Still, if multipurpose welding is what you need, then the Miller Multimatic 215 is the way to go.

As a second factor, the Multimatic 215 is a device to consider because it is equipped with advanced features.

The output current (30 A), the dual power supply (120V/240V), and the cutting capacity of 3/8 “at 18 IPM also make this unit suitable for both beginners and more demanding users.