Best MIG Welder with Spool Gun (in 2023

The Eastwood MIG 180 is the best low-cost MIG welder with a spool gun. Eastwood manufactures in the USA and has a long, reputable history. Their machines have a good combination of power, build quality, and features at an affordable price.

The included spool gun has a robust plastic body and a nozzle that provides adequate shielding gas coverage. Hobart’s spool gun, which we’ll see later in the article, performs better but at a higher price. So, Eastwood does a good job, especially given its affordable price.

With a maximum output of 180 amps, you can weld up to 1/4 in. thick aluminum. The YesWelder MIG 250 has the advantage (see the review below) If you must weld thicker. Additionally, Eastwood’s duty cycle of 30% at 180A can’t handle high-volume welding, so we recommend it for hobbyists and light fabrication (read my full Eastwood MIG 180 review here).

The Eastwood MIG 180 doesn’t include a digital display, which is a shame. The display would make it even more straightforward to use. But, the included 2T/4T and tack welding features are convenient and improve productivity.

The 250PRO-SG is one of YesWelder’s most powerful welders. It’s dirt cheap, considering all of the included features. YesWelder manufactures and sells hobbyist-grade welding equipment. So, the 250PRO-SG wouldn’t survive in a professional environment. However, its features and low price separate it from competing models.

The spool gun comes separately (purchased here), but when you add the costs, it’s still a great deal. YesWelder’s spool gun is 13-feet long and has a similar quality to Eastwood’s model. However, the Eastwood option is aggressively priced. Since Eastwood includes the spool gun, the Eastwood unit is cheaper than buying both the YesWelder 250PRO-SG and a separate spool gun.

On the other hand, YesWelder’s 250 amps are a significant advantage for welding aluminum. It won’t struggle to keep the puddle wet, and its 60% duty cycle will have you welding for a long time on those long welds and big projects.

The large display and numerous included functions make this YesWelder unit a great choice for beginners. It’s inexpensive but lets you experience high-end features like inductance control, burnback, 2T/4T, hot start, etc. Plus, the 250PRO-SG supports basic TIG and stick welding processes. While it won’t handle an E6010 electrode or output AC TIG, it’s handy to have these processes available.

The Hobart Ironman 240 doesn’t have advanced functions, but it’s the most robust welder in our review. Hobart designed it for professionals and hobbyists with longevity in mind, and they manufacture their equipment in the United States to the highest standards. Plus, the transformer core ensures that you’ll pass down the Ironman 240 to your grandchildren.

The included “SpoolRunner 200” spool gun is the best in our review, and it’s rated for 200A at 60% duty cycle. For example, Lincoln’s Magnum Pro, which we’ll see later in the article, is rated at 130A with a pathetic 30% duty cycle. By comparison, the Eastwood and YesWelder spool guns are subpar and can’t compete with Hobart’s.

The Hobart’s Ironman costs more than other welders on our list. However, the 280 amps of output melts aluminum like butter, even thick sections. But, there are caveats to the Hobart Ironman 240.

Weighting almost 190 lbs, the Ironman 240 is difficult to move. Additionally, it requires a minimum 240V input. So, if you only have 120V in a home setting, you must install a 240V outlet.

The control panel is very intuitive. But we expect a digital display at such a high price, so its omission is glaring. Additionally, there aren’t any useful functions like 2T/4T or arc modifying settings like inductance control.

The Klutch MP230SiDV is a multi-process welder with spool gun support (comes included), and it’s designed for professionals. Klutch is a Northern Tool brand. Their tools are priced in the “middle of the pack” but have a good build quality and a 3-year warranty. Unlike the YesWelder’s multi-process welder, the Klutch’s unit can handle heavy-duty work, and unlike the Eastwood MIG 180, it has many professional features.

Klutch makes a good spool gun. But it falls short of Hobart’s SpoolRunner since its welder/spool gun combo handles 160A of output at a 35% duty cycle. Their specs are decent for most professionals, but consider a higher-rated model if you make long welds on aluminum.

That said, this is a great welder for the price. The four included welding processes perform well, and each has numerous functions to improve your weld quality and productivity. It’s hard to ask for more, considering the low cost and 3-year warranty with an included TIG foot pedal and spool gun.

The Klutch MP230SiDV has a large LCD with an excellent menu structure. Everything is easy to access, and you probably won’t even need to consult the manual. But if you do need some guidance, the manual covers everything in detail.

The Lincoln Electric Power MIG 210 MP is the most expensive welder on our list. However, it combines portability, longevity, and excellent arc quality while including many useful functions. Lincoln Electric designed this model for light fabricators and hobbyists. The Power MIG would have been perfect for heavy-duty shop use if it only had a longer duty cycle.

That said, the top-of-the-line arc stability and included functions let you make professional-grade welds. The included Magnum PRO 100SG spool gun is well made and stacks dimes nicely. But it also suffers from a low duty cycle rating. So, the Power MIG is best suited for professionals who weld on the go and have a heavy-duty welder back at the shop when needed.

Thanks to the big color display and optimized menu, you can easily access all functions. Changing settings like inductance control, arc-force, spot timer, and others for each included welding process is easy and fast.

Lincoln Electric also focused on productivity in its product design. So, the Power MIG 210 MP is easy to set up and use. The angled wire drive system allows effortless wire installation, the DINSE connectors make switching polarity a breeze, and the integrated consumables compartment provides quick-access storage.

If you want a portable welder, but prefer transformer-based machines for their tried and true longevity, the Hobart Handler 210 MVP offers the best of both worlds. However, while mobile, you may break a sweat carrying it due to its 68 lbs core unit. Plus, it doesn’t offer any advanced functions in digital inverter welders.

The Handler 210 is proudly made in the USA and conforms to the same production standards as the more expensive Ironman 240. The 5-year warranty on the transformer and 3-year coverage of electronics fit the price and Hobart’s reputation. So, longevity-wise, you are covered.

The included SpoolRunner 100 spool gun is well-made and provides pretty good shielding gas coverage. You may experience some black soot, but overall, the welds are clean and penetrate deeply.

The Hobart Handler 210 is designed for farm projects, hobbyists, car body restoration, and light shop use. It’s a time-tested welder, but it falls short of many new competing models.

The 7-voltage fixed points are not as good as the infinite adjustability provided by other models in our review. It doesn’t have a digital display, which at this price is annoying. Having said that, it is a time tested machine you will not go wrong with.