There is an opinion that can be considered an axiom for home craftsmen: “Strive to choose the best possible offer.” And if previously the only possible option was a transformer welding machine, which practically did not work at low network voltage, now you have the opportunity to have an unprecedented choice among inverters. They are superior to outdated models in many respects. This includes mobility, light weight, and the ability to carry out welding in field conditions when the network voltage is of very low quality. In this article we present the 16 best welding inverters for home and garden in the price category from 7,000 to 75,000 rubles. All prices are taken from Yandex Market.
Main characteristics of welding inverters:
- Power (rated welding current). This characteristic is indicated in the passport for the device. The rated welding current is the value A at which the inverter (taking into account the recommended load duration, PN%) will operate without shutting down due to overheating. Considering the conditions of the required operation, for example, a rated current of 120A is required, you should choose a device with a rated current of 180A, i.e. Allow a current reserve of about 50%. This will allow you to carry out welding work when the input network voltage is critically reduced and when using cables with a length of over 5 meters.
- Load duration (LO). Characterizes the operation of the welding inverter in intermittent mode.
- Supply voltage range. If the mains voltage has significant deviations from the nominal value, and this often happens outside the city and in holiday villages, then it is considered unstable and you should purchase devices that can operate with voltage surges of 20-30%.
- Additional characteristics that ensure ease of use of the equipment: ARC FORCE (arc force) - arc stabilization;
- HOT START (hot start) - provides simple arc ignition by increasing current loads during start;
- ANTI STICK (anti-stick) - turns off the device in the event of a short circuit, avoiding sticking of the electrode.
Which welding inverters are better?
Each inverter has a number of characteristics that you need to pay attention to before purchasing it. Let's consider the main ones:
PV
PV is the ratio of the operating cycle to the cooling period, indicated as a percentage and calculated for a 10-minute period. For example, a PT of 50% indicates the need for a five-minute rest after 5 minutes of continuous work.
Accordingly, the higher this indicator is, the longer the device will be able to operate and the less time will be spent on forced breaks.
Welding current
Here everything depends on the thickness of the workpieces and the diameter of the electrode, so the current strength can always be adjusted. The main thing is that the supply is sufficient.
For most work with 4 mm universal electrodes, 120-200 A is enough. But if you have to work with thick rods and powerful workpieces, the inverter must provide at least 250-350 A.
Open circuit voltage
The open circuit voltage determines the ease of ignition and affects the stability of the arc. Beginner users should turn to models with ratings of 60-90 V. Experienced welders will benefit from devices with a wider range from 40 to 90 V.
The supply voltage indicates the limits within which the manufacturer guarantees the performance of the inverter. If your workshop has low quality power supply in the network, it is better to take a domestic device designed for low voltage (from 140-160 V). Most modern inverters are equipped with a solid set of additional functions.
We will only touch on the most useful ones:
1. Arc Force or “afterburner” - increases the stability of the welding arc.
2. Anti Stick – automatically changes the current supply when the electrode gets stuck.
3. Hot Start - simplifies the process of arc formation when working with low-quality electrodes or welding oxidized metal.
4. VRD (Voltage Reduction DeVice) - reduces the no-load voltage to 9-12 V, which is safe for humans. When the welding process begins, the operating parameters are automatically restored.
Beginners can learn the remaining nuances of choosing a welder from our article: how to choose a welding inverter.
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BLUEWELD Prestige 186 PRO
Photo: https://beru.ru
This “universal”, designed for MMA and TIG welding, is quite simple (but also cheap for this class): its main mode is still working with piece electrodes; working under argon due to the minimum settings is not always convenient. So this is a welding machine for “garage craftsmen” who are either just mastering argon in addition to working with already familiar electrodes, or who need TIG welding from time to time and without high demands on the quality of the seam. The inverter is compact and quite lightweight, which is again a plus for the garage - there is usually no extra space there. It tolerates voltage drops well, although with low power this is not surprising: the welder consumes only 4 kW, developing an output current of up to 160 A at a duty cycle of 60%.
Welding machine Prestige 186 PRO (TIG, MMA)
Advantages:
- build quality
- ease of ignition and operation
Flaws:
- limited TIG welding capabilities
The best inverters for manual MMA welding
This section presents inverter machines for the simplest type of welding - coated electrodes.
Eurolux IWM190 - budget option
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
89%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
One of the most inexpensive inverters provides comfortable welding work due to its light weight (3.7 kg), wide current range from 10 to 190 A and Hot Start function.
The device can operate without loss of efficiency with an input voltage from 140 to 260 V. The permissible diameter of the electrodes is 1.6-5 mm. The front panel of the device contains a current regulator and indicators of the current state of the inverter.
Advantages:
- Overload protection;
- Wide range of welding currents;
- High duty cycle coefficient 70% at maximum;
- Arc Force;
- The cost is slightly higher than 4 thousand rubles.
Flaws:
- Short complete cables (2 and 1.5 m);
- Demanding on the quality of electrodes.
Eurolux is an entry-level inverter for small volumes of welding work. It will be an excellent assistant for a summer resident and will be useful in a private home and garage.
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Fubag IQ200 – compact and powerful model
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
88%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
A new product in the range of welding inverters from a German manufacturer is suitable for most household welding work. The device has a wide current adjustment range from 20 to 200 A, has a built-in cooling system and overload protection.
It’s nice to see a full range of useful functions in a “home” inverter: afterburner, anti-sticking, hot start. Thanks to them, you can comfortably work with any 1.6-5 mm electrodes.
Advantages:
- Good set of functions;
- Compact and lightweight (3 kg);
- Stable operation at low input voltage from 150 V;
- High efficiency due to the use of IGBT transistors.
Flaws:
- Relatively low PV coefficient of 40%;
- You cannot approach the current regulator with work gloves.
Thanks to its good functionality and honest characteristics, the IQ200 can be recommended to both professionals and beginners. But the device itself is designed only for short-term work with long breaks.
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Resanta SAI-220 – the most functional of the “handbrake”
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
87%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
Resanta MMA inverters can be called the best in terms of price, functionality and quality.
Hot start, anti-sticking of the electrode and an increased threshold value of the welding current of 220 A allow you to make high-quality seams and metal cutting. At the same time, long-term continuous operation remains possible, and arc stability is maintained even at low input voltage.
Resanta SAI-220 is the simplest model in the line and is only suitable for learning welding. But it has a compact analogue 220K, differing only in smaller dimensions and weight, as well as a more advanced variation labeled “PN”.
This device already has a display with large and bright numbers, and its settings will be easier to understand.
Advantages:
- Sturdy case with IP21 protection;
- Wide range of current settings (from 10 A);
- Stable operation at a voltage of 140 V;
- High PV – 70%.
- Case included.
Flaws:
- Lack of afterburner function;
- Does not tolerate hypothermia well.
Resanta SAI-220 is suitable for both novice welders and experienced welders - just choose the appropriate modification.
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Spark MIG-305SP – 2-in-1 hybrid
4.6
★★★★★
editorial assessment
86%
buyers recommend this product
The features of this unit are its relatively low power (6.4 kW), as well as separate adjustment of arc voltage and welding current within the range of 20-305 A, which is very atypical for models in the budget price category. And most importantly, we have a full-fledged semi-automatic hybrid with the possibility of manual welding.
The manufacturer decided to save money on additional functionality. Iskra received only the essentials for solving standard tasks: a quick wire threading button, an overload indication and the ability to change polarity in semi-automatic mode.
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Advantages:
- Ability to work without a gas environment in MMA mode;
- Rich equipment including a shield and knee pads;
- Continuous operation – 60%;
- Low cost for a semi-automatic machine.
Flaws:
- Lack of quick release torch connection.
“Iskra” is a simple but reliable inverter that is suitable for occasional use in the country or in the garage. Moreover, it can be used both as a semi-automatic MIG and as a regular MMA device.
Fast and Furious-161
Photo: https://beru.ru
Our review of professional inverter welding machines includes the Forsazh-161 model. This welding inverter produced by the Ryazan Instrument Plant, although it does not impress with the declared characteristics or ultra-modern design, will give the professional exactly what he needs - reliability and accuracy of the formation of the current-voltage characteristic of the welding current in the MMA and TIG modes. In both cases, the maximum welding current is 160A, but continuous operation is possible with a current of no more than 100A. Consequently, this inverter is most suitable for working with fairly thin metal that does not require deep penetration at high current. Among the advantages of the device is the ability to work with strong voltage drops - the manufacturer’s declared performance at 140V in a socket is perfectly confirmed in practice. A “soft” arc is easy to ignite and burns without much metal spattering. The automatic fan control used in the inverter based on a signal from a temperature sensor significantly reduces the amount of dust sucked into the housing, accordingly making the need to clean the output stage radiators less frequent.
Welding machine 161 (TIG, MMA)
Advantages:
- stability of characteristics during voltage sags
- high reliability
- automatic activation of “anti-stick” is convenient for novice welders
Flaws:
- no wires included
- The device is designed to operate at low currents
The best inverters for semi-automatic MIG and MAG welding
Inverter semi-automatic machines operating in an inert environment (MIG) are designed for welding non-ferrous metals and alloy steels.
Devices that use CO2 and nitrogen as a protective gas environment are called MAG. But recently, inverters that combine both welding methods are becoming increasingly common.
Blue Weld Starmig 210 DualSynergic – with microprocessor
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
89%
buyers recommend this product
A very functional model belongs to the premium segment. The main feature of this inverter is automatic settings of operating parameters in MIG/MAG modes, for which 17 ready-made programs are provided.
The device independently selects the welding current based on the thickness of the metal being welded, the diameter and type of wire. But if you wish, you can simply turn off synergy.
The characteristics of the device are also in perfect order: the range of welding currents varies from 20 to 200 A, and the minimum input voltage sufficient for normal operation is 160 V.
Advantages:
- Easy to operate;
- Microprocessor and manual control;
- Ability to work in MIG/MAG modes;
- Wide range of operating currents;
- Compact sizes.
Flaws:
- Low PV coefficient – 20%;
- The price is about 60 thousand rubles.
Blue Weld Starmig is an advanced semi-automatic machine that even beginners can get used to. This inverter is also suitable for professionals: automatic settings will allow you to focus only on the seam, and if necessary, they can be adjusted manually.
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AuroraPRO Overman 200 – when the mains voltage is unstable
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
88%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
Unlike many unified models, the Overman inverter semi-automatic machine is “tailored” to work exclusively with wire.
Its feed speed is set on a two-position switch. The developers compensated for the lack of smooth adjustment by improving some characteristics that are important for domestic users.
Thus, the input voltage threshold was only 140 V, and the idle speed was reduced to 42 V. The current strength here is regulated within 40-200 A, which allows you to perform most standard work at the household level.
Advantages:
- Good build;
- Protected housing (ip 21);
- Works with all types of welding wire;
- Separate adjustment of current and inductance;
- Removable torch sleeve with Euro connector;
- Stable operation at low voltage.
Flaws:
- There is no smooth adjustment of the wire feed speed;
- PV is only 40%;
- Bulky design and weight more than 15 kg.
AuroraPRO is an excellent option for workshops and repair services in the suburbs or on the periphery. The welding quality of the device is excellent, and it can work even when the network voltage sags.
Svarog ProMIG 200 Synergy – a universal model for professionals
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
87%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
One of the most popular new generation inverters provides 4 MAG/MIG operating modes with the possibility of argon arc welding.
The synergetic control system automatically adjusts the operation of the inverter depending on the selected type of work, thickness and material of the workpiece.
Thanks to the microprocessor, the device gently ignites and holds the arc well. But much more interesting is the extensive list of additional functions of the inverter: changing the polarity of the current, welding with steel, flux-cored and stainless wire, idle run, test gas purging, adjustable afterburner.
Advantages:
- Wide range of currents 10-200 A;
- Automatic and manual settings of current and voltage parameters;
- VRD function;
- Optimal shutdown frequency (SH) – 60%;
- 5 years warranty from the manufacturer.
Flaws:
- Cost about 50 thousand.
Svarog ProMIG is a worthy hybrid that gives equally good results with any type of welding. Even an inexperienced welder can handle it, but the high cost of the device puts it in the category of professional equipment.
Fubag IRMIG 200 Syn - a family of four-mode semi-automatic machines
4.6
★★★★★
editorial assessment
86%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
Despite the confusing name, this is a multifunctional semi-automatic machine designed to work in all welding modes. The welding current range depends on the selected technology and varies between 15-200 A.
The shutdown frequency is 60%, but this is at an ambient temperature of +40 °C. And at standard +20 °C the inverter can operate almost without stopping.
The device in question is the youngest and most affordable in the line of the German brand. In addition to this, the series includes Plus modifications with hot start and arc afterburner, as well as a semi-automatic LCD with a large color display on the control panel.
Advantages:
- Versatility;
- Extended current setting range;
- Possibility of working in several welding modes;
- Availability of displays to display selected characteristics;
- Long burner sleeve 3 m.
Flaws:
- Short electrode holder and ground cables;
- Quite a weight (12 kg).
Fubag IRMIG is a serious professional device that is suitable for any type of welding, including manual technology.
FUBAG IR 200
Photo: https://beru.ru
This welding inverter boasts not only a high maximum current of 200 amperes, which allows it to be used for welding and cutting metal with all types of electrodes with a diameter of up to 5 millimeters, but also a wide range of operating voltages. The operation of the welding machine is maintained when the voltage in the outlet drops to 150 V, which will be appreciated by garage owners and residents of rural areas. To make work easier, anti-stick, arc force and hot start functions are provided, so even a beginner can work effectively with the IR 200.
Welding machine IR 200 (MMA)
Advantages:
- decent current reserve
- operability under large voltage drops
- modes that facilitate ignition and arcing
Flaws:
- insufficient duration of continuous operation
The best inverters for TIG welding
Inverter machines for argon welding are used for welding thin, alloyed, stainless and non-ferrous metals in an inert argon environment.
AuroraPRO Inter TIG 202 – works in any weather
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
89%
buyers recommend this product
This low-cost inverter features high reliability and stable operation thanks to the use of MOSFET technology. It also received a non-contact arc ignition system and is capable of working in difficult conditions at temperatures of -20..+50 °C.
The characteristics of the device do not stand out from the general range: the welding current strength is adjustable within 10-200 A, the duty cycle coefficient shows a quite decent 60%.
Additional functionality also allows you to use the inverter in MMA mode, ensuring easy ignition and a stable arc.
Advantages:
- Dual-mode TIG/MMA operation;
- Inexpensive MOSFET transistors;
- Non-contact ignition;
- Dust- and moisture-proof housing;
- Good basic package.
Flaws:
- Lack of additional functions.
Inter TIG is an entry-level model for beginners in argon arc welding. Simple as hell, but reliable and convenient to use.
Svarog Real TIG 200 - inexpensive TIG/MMA inverter
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
88%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
The Svarog device, similar in functionality, also supports two welding technologies: manual and TIG.
In the first case, the current strength can be changed within 10-200 A, in the second, the “ceiling” is already lower and is only 160 A.
But the model works stably at an input voltage of 160 V, and does not require long breaks even at maximum currents, if the ambient temperature is +18..+25°C.
Advantages:
- Ease of use;
- The purge time is adjustable within 1-10 seconds;
- High frequency arc ignition;
- Efficiency indicator at 85%;
- Relatively light weight.
Flaws:
- There are few settings, and almost no additional functions.
Svarog Real is the best model for those who are looking for a budget argon arc welding inverter without unnecessary bells and whistles.
Resanta SAI-250AD AC/DC – model with double inverter
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
87%
buyers recommend this product
An indestructible TIG machine with a double inverter allows you to work on direct and alternating current, which significantly expands the possibilities of welding various metals and their alloys. The device provides a stable arc in the current range from 15 to 250 A.
The welder can operate in MMA mode and also has many useful functions: Hot Start, Pre Flow and Post Gas. There is also a Down Slope option with a smooth attenuation of the arc for welding the final crater.
Advantages:
- Two- and four-stroke modes;
- Possibility of working with direct and alternating current;
- Automatic amp reduction;
- Rich equipment;
- Good set of features.
Flaws:
- Short cables;
- No carrying handle.
Resanta 250AD is worthy of the attention of professional welders who understand all the intricacies of adjustment. This inverter will help you obtain impeccable quality welds on any metal.
Wert MMA 200 – the lightest inverter
4.6
★★★★★
editorial assessment
86%
buyers recommend this product
A professional welder can work with a maximum current of up to 200 A in both manual and TIG modes.
It is not particularly voracious, consuming no more than 4.2 kW. Voltage drops and surges are also not a problem for him: the device does not respond to changes in the range of 136-264 V.
The inverter housing is compact, and the device itself is very light - just over 2.5 kg. This one is comfortable to wear on the shoulder or even around the neck thanks to the long braided strap.
Advantages:
- Indication and protection against overheating;
- Dust and splash protection (ip 21);
- Hot Start function;
- Minimum weight;
- The price is within 4-5 thousand rubles.
Flaws:
- The supplied cables are a bit short;
- Possible sticking at low currents.
Wert is a lightweight and convenient “home” inverter, which is convenient to work with at a height where the device has to be hung on the neck.
Aurora INTER TIG 200 AC/DC Pulse
Photo: https://beru.ru
Our rating of mma inverters for 2022 opens with the Aurora INTER TIG 200 AC/DC Pulse. This is a very functional device that proudly bears the NAKS certification mark. Work with stick electrodes and welding in a shielding gas environment are supported; the maximum current supplied by the inverter converter in both modes is 200 amperes. In the Pulse mode, the welder can adjust the frequency, balance, and lower level of the pulsation current; in the TIG mode, as you already understand, welding is available on both alternating and direct current. At the same time, you can adjust the starting current separately from the working current, adjust the balance in TIG AC mode, switch between two-stroke and four-stroke modes, and in the latter the crater filling setting is also available. In a word, this is an excellent universal welding machine, capable of working in a wide variety of conditions - from jewelry welding of thin-walled parts with argon to cutting metal with an electrode.
Welding machine INTER TIG 200 AC/DC Pulse (TIG, MMA)
Advantages:
- wealth of settings
- versatility
Flaws:
- solid dimensions and weight
- price
The best universal welding inverters
This category presents the most functional semi-automatic machines that can work equally well in all modes.
Cedar MIG 175GD – budget station wagon
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
89%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
Despite its low cost, this welder is not inferior in its capabilities to professional inverters.
It is controlled by a microprocessor. The IGBT power unit regulates all parameters automatically, but Kedr also allows manual adjustment of the current-voltage characteristics.
In MMA mode, the peak current is 175 A, the duty cycle index reaches 60%. Also, during operation, the owner has access to two modes 2T/4T, and the safe operation of the device is ensured by VRD.
Advantages:
- Four-stroke mode, allowing you to make even seams;
- Convenient synergetic control;
- There is overload protection;
- Unpretentious and protected from rain and dust;
- Long-term continuous operation at low currents (up to 100 A).
Flaws:
- No contactless arc ignition;
- If the protection is triggered, a restart will be required.
“Cedar” is an excellent and unpretentious inverter for a private workshop, cottage or country house. Even in the hands of an inexperienced user, it will produce a good quality seam and will not require complex settings.
Quattro Elementi MultiPro 2100 – with cooling system
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
88%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
The device of a well-known Italian manufacturer in manual welding mode gives a maximum current of 160 A and allows the use of 1.6-4 mm electrodes.
When switching to semi-automatic, the welding current can be raised to 190 amperes. And IGBT transistors will provide good power and trouble-free operation of the device.
The inverter itself has good functionality (hot start, anti-stick, adjustable afterburner). Cooling of the power part is implemented using massive radiators blown by a built-in fan. The wire coil is placed inside the housing.
Advantages:
- Argon arc welding in 2T/4T modes;
- Good functionality;
- Short and jet arc welding;
- Compact sizes.
Flaws:
- Low PV coefficient – 35%;
- Plastic feed mechanism.
Thanks to its versatility, MultiPro simplifies many processes in a private workshop or small production. But for it you will need to separately purchase a torch for argon arc welding - for some reason it is not included in the kit.
Editor's Choice
Of all the above models, we recommend the entry-level device Resanta SAI-220 for private use in a country house or country house. It is one of the recognized leaders in its niche and, according to statistics, is one of the most frequently purchased inverters.
From the middle price range, our choice fell on the Resanta SAI-250K device, which has all the advantages of its predecessors, but offers expanded capabilities.
And finally, professional devices. Here Telwin Technology TIG230DC HF/LIFT+AC comes out on top with consistent build quality and an optimal balance between quality and user performance.
ELITECH AIS 200
Photo: https://beru.ru
Although the marking of the AIS 200 welding machine suggests that the maximum welding current here is 200 amperes, in fact the reality is a little more modest: it can only “squeeze” 180 A, and with a duty cycle of only 60%. Thus, the optimal choice for him is welding with 2-3 mm electrodes; with the “four”, planned smoke breaks will be required, if you do not try to test the safety margin of the welder in practice. As for the safety margin, here this term can be understood almost literally: in comparison with many representatives of its elitech class, the AIS 200d with a screen will seem like a real “brick”, because it weighs 8 kg - one and a half times more than many inverters with the same maximum current . Its circuit fully satisfies modern ideas about a welding inverter: arc forcing is provided, and current consumption is quite acceptable.
Welding machine AIS 200Prof (TIG, MMA)
Advantages:
- reliability
- quality cables included
- presence of arc forcing
Flaws:
- heavy weight
- large dimensions
- relatively low PV coefficient
Wester MMA-VRD 200
Photo: https://beru.ru
This compact welding inverter is very attractive in terms of its characteristics: with a maximum welding current of 200 A, continuous operation is already possible at 126 A, that is, in most cases it will not require breaks for cooling: you don’t constantly weld massive structures with five-millimeter electrodes? All the functions that a modern inverter for MMA welding is “supposed” to have are also present here – “anti-stick”, “hot start”, and arc afterburner. Since the no-load voltage here is 65 V, for safe operation in high humidity, the manufacturer has introduced a VRD circuit into the circuit, which automatically reduces the voltage at the terminals when welding is not in progress, but the device is not turned off.
Welding machine MMA-VRD 200 (MMA)
Advantages:
- functionality
- possibility of continuous operation at currents up to 126 A
Flaws:
- short standard wires
