Whether you’re learning to weld or need a reliable MIG welder to perform home repairs, a 120V welder will deliver the kind of performance you are looking for. Here are some of the best 120V MIG welders for DIY projects, automotive repairs, and professional uses.
1. Best for Beginners: Forney Easy Weld 261, 140 FC-I MIG Welder, 120V, Green
This Forney MIG welder is ideal for beginners thanks to its simple design and set up process. It’s the perfect machine if you want a durable and versatile machine you can use to practice welding before upgrading it with additional accessories.
This MIG welder is accessible and forgiving if you lack experience. We like the simple knob controls and light indicators that show you the machine’s status.
Setting up the machine and feeding a roll of wire into it is an easy process that takes a few minutes of your time. The 19 lbs weight and small size of the welder make it a convenient option if you need a portable welder.
The welder uses 0.03” flux core wire. You can use it for gasless and flux-core welding. It’s possible to adjust the speed of the wire feed, which makes the machine more versatile and gives you the possibility of practicing at low speed. The adjustable output goes up to 140 Amp, which is sufficient to weld steel that is ¼” thick.
This Forney MIG welder is a good buy since it comes with an 8’ MIG gun, a ground clamp, a power adapter, and a one-year warranty.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Possibility of adding accessories like tips and nozzles
- Adjust output up to 140 Amp
- Adjustable wire feed speed
Cons:
- You are limited to using 0.30 flux core wire
- Best for welding mild steel
- Not adapted for welding steel thicker than ¼”
2. Most Versatile: Hobart 500559 Handler 140 MIG Welder 115V
This MIG welder runs on standard 115V current, which means you can plug it in almost anywhere. It’s one of the most versatile MIG welders you will find because you can use it on a wide range of materials.
You can adjust the wire feed speed from 40 to 740 IPM. You can control the amperage output with a knob and adjust it between 25 and 140 Amp depending on what the welding job requires. The machine has a duty cycle of 20%.
There is a knob with five positions that lets you control the voltage of the welder. Being able to adjust the voltage is an interesting feature because it improves stability and prevents spikes in the welding arc. Controlling the voltage helps you obtain a thickness that is more uniform when you weld, which makes your welding jobs more durable and reliable.
The welder comes with a pressure gauge, and you have the possibility of ordering a cart with the machine since the 65 lbs weight means that the welder isn’t very portable.
One of the most interesting features of this MIG welder is that it’s suitable for welding a wide range of materials, including copper, iron, titanium, aluminum, alloys, and more.
Pros:
- Suitable for welding a wide range of materials
- Adjustable wire feed speed
- Adjustable input and output
- Control the voltage for even results
- Comes with a five-year warranty
Cons:
- Heavier than other options
- Can’t weld metal thicker than ¼”
- The 20% duty cycle can slow you down
3. Best Value: JEGS Performance Products 81540 MIG 100 Gasless Welder 110V AC
This small but performing welder is the perfect addition to your garage. We recommend this JEGS MIG welder because of the value this product delivers.
It’s an ideal choice if you want something you can use for small repairs around your home. It runs on 110V so you can plug it into a regular power outlet.
You can use this gasless welder with 4” spools of 0.030 or 0.035” flux wire. The machine comes with a spool of wire so you can get started right away.
The setup process is quick and easy. You can use a knob to adjust the wire feed speed in ten different increments.
It’s possible to carry this MIG welder since it weighs 33 lbs and features a handle. The 10% duty cycle can be frustrating when working on large projects but shouldn’t be an issue for small repairs.
The machine comes with a one-year warranty.
Pros:
- Affordable option
- Durable and versatile MIG welder
- Works with two flux wire diameters
- Easy setup
Cons:
- Can’t adjust input or output
- 10% duty cycle isn’t ideal for large projects
- Heavier than other machines
4. Best Portable Welder: VIVOHME Portable Flux Core Wire No Gas MIG 130 Welder Machine 110V Yellow
We recommend this VIVOHOME MIG welder if portability is an important feature for you. This welder features a heat-resistant handle so you can pick it up and move it without waiting for the welder to completely cool off. We like the feet attached to the housing because they help you ensure that the machine is stable regardless of where you set it up.
The machine is rated for IP21 protection, which means it can withstand exposure to water. There is a small storage compartment on top of the machine for small tools and accessories.
The housing is another feature that makes this welder an ideal portable option. It’s resistant to corrosion and rust and suitable for working in different environments. The welder also features air vents to reduce heat buildups.
This MIG welder features a min and max button you can use to adjust the current flow between 50 and 120 Amp. There are ten different levels of the wire feed speed, and you can adjust the thickness of the flux stream to get the best results possible with different materials. This machine works with 0.8 or 0.9mm flux wire.
Pros:
- IP21 protection
- Simple controls
- Adjustable flux stream thickness
- Adjustable current flow
Cons:
- Heavier than other welders
- Limited options for adjusting current flow
- Only two options available to adjust flux stream thickness
5. Best MIG Welder for At-Home Use: SNUCOO 130 MIG Welder Flux Core Wire Automatic Feed No Gas Little Welder
We think this Suncoo MIG welder is your best option if you want a versatile machine you can use for DIY projects and small repair jobs at home.
It’s the welder we recommend for at-home use because of the built-in safety features and affordable price. The welder features an indicator that lights up if the machine overheats. The smart design includes multiple air vents for temperature control. The torch features a safety control to avoid accidentally turning it on.
You will find a feature that gives you the possibility of adjusting the current flow, and a knob you can turn to adjust the wire feed speed.
The welder features a black finish that prevents corrosion and rust from appearing. There is a convenient compartment that opens up so you can store your tools and accessories.
The MIG welder works with flux wire with a diameter of 0.6 to 0.9mm, which makes it a little more versatile than other options and ideal for small projects where a thinner diameter is required.
Pros:
- Works with 0.6 to 0.9mm flux wire
- Adjustable current flow
- Clearly-labeled controls
- Easy setup
Cons:
- Best for thin steel
- Manufacturer doesn’t offer a lot of accessories
- User manual isn’t very detailed
6. Best Dual-Voltage MIG Welder: MIG Welder Dual Voltage Flux Core – Reboot MIG175 MIG Lift TIG Welding Machine 110V/220V
This dual-voltage MIG welder is a versatile and performing machine that you can use in industrial settings. It can handle any welding project because you can adjust the output flow for MIG or stick welding, or switch to gasless welding mode.
You can switch between two-touch and four-touch operation depending on your preferences. The duty cycle performance goes from 60% at 170Amp to 100% if you dial the machine down to 120Amp, which is ideal for professional uses.
You can adjust the frequency to get smooth results, and the machine is suitable for welding materials like stainless steel or mild steel. It’s a lightweight option at around 29 lbs, and the dual-voltage feature makes it more versatile.
Pros:
- Dual-voltage option
- Use for MIG or stick welding and gasless welding
- Easily adjust voltage and wire feed speed
- Lightweight machine
Cons:
- Setup is a little more complex
- There are more controls to adjust
- Not ideal for beginners
7. Best for Professional Use: SUNGOLDPOWER 200Amp MIG MAG ARC MMA Stick DC Welder 110/220V
This dual-voltage welder does it all! You can use it for MIG, MAG, ARC, or MMA welding. It supports gasless flux welding as well as gas-shielded MIG welding. The different controls and labeled outputs make it easy to switch from one welding mode to another.
You can attach a spool gun that isn’t included to the welder to work on aluminum. This versatile welder is compatible with solid core wire, and flux-cored wire with diameters between 0.6 and 1.0mm.
There are simple controls you can use to adjust the current flow, voltage, and wire feed speed. The large aeration vents prevent overheating, and the sturdy, heat-resistant casing improves security.
Pros:
- Supports different welding modes
- Compatible with 0.6 to 1.0mm wire
- Simple controls
- Durable housing
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a spool gun
- Some features are overkill if you aren’t a professional
- Heavier than other welders at 44 lbs
