7 Best Gasless MIG Welders (in 2023) – Top Picks

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Gasless MIG welders don’t require a expensive, heavy gas tank, and they can be used outdoors, in the wind. Plus, flux-cored welders are inexpensive. So, they offer some nice benefits.

But they are often hindered by an erratic arc, and the nature of the process creates spatter. To be blunt, flux-cored welders are inherently messy. So, you don’t want a welder with poor arc stability that only escalates the spatter/mess problem.

Since flux-cored welders are often used by hobbyists, many manufacturers don’t put much effort into their design. To help you avoid buying or flawed welder or getting ripped off, we compiled a list of gasless MIG  welders that are reliable, affordable, and have a relatively stable arc.


A Quick Comparison

Product
Image Product Details
Best bargain gasless MIG welder
YesWelder Flux-135
YesWelder Flux-135

Digital display

Very popular model

High duty-cycle

Best budget MIG welder
Eastwood 90 Amp MIG Welder
Eastwood 90 Amp MIG Welder

MIG and flux-cored support

Inexpensive

3-year warranty

Best gasless MIG welder for hobbyists
Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-i
Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-i

140A output

Infinite adjustability

1-year warranty

Best transformer-based gasless MIG welder
Hobart Handler 100
Hobart Handler 100

Transformer-core

Excellent build quality

5-year warranty

Best portable gasless MIG welder
Lincoln Electric Century FC-90
Lincoln Electric Century FC-90

Inverter-based

Lightweight

Excellent build quality

Best cheap gasless MIG welder
Ironton 125
Ironton 125

Transformer-based

125A output

Inexpensive

Best portable transformer based gasless MIG welder
Firepower FP-95
Firepower FP-95

Transformer-core

Lightweight

3-year warranty

Best Gasless MIG Welders Reviews

We’ll start with the YesWelder machine that satisfies most hobbyists' and beginners’ needs, then proceed to the more durable welders. The two crucial aspects of gasless MIG welders to keep in mind are amperage output and duty cycle.Many models offer limited power short duty cycels, so we focused on the flux-cored welders with generous output amperage and long duty cycles.

1. YesWelder Flux-135

YesWelder Flux-135
  • Digital display
  • Multi-process welder; supports FCAW, lift TIG, and MMA welding processes
  • 135A maximum output at a 60% duty cycle
  • Synergic (automatic) and manual adjustments
  • DINSE connectors
  • IGBT inverter-based
  • Lightweight and portable

Pros

  • Adequate arc quality
  • High amperage output
  • Longest duty cycle of all welders in our review
  • DINSE connectors allow efficient torch and ground clamp replacement
  • Multi-process support
  • The synergic mode makes it beginner-friendly
  • Exceptionally light at 12.5 lbs.
  • Infinite adjustability knobs for voltage and wire feed speed
  • Excellent MIG gun and ground clamp at this price
  • 1-year warranty

Cons

  • Only accommodates 4 in. wire spools
  • Slightly lower build quality than other welders on our list
  • Plastic wire feed system
  • A spool of wire is not included

Overview

The inexpensive YesWelder Flux-135 outputs a lot of power and has a long duty cycle. No other welder in our review can match its 60% duty cycle at 135A output or 100% at 104 amps.

The included digital display and the infinitely adjustable knobs make fine-tuning your arc a breeze. The Flux-135 doesn’t cause too much spatter, and the resulting welds look better than anything the other welders in this range can do.

We particularly liked that it’s a multi-process unit at a low cost. You can’t TIG weld pipe with this machine or use its stick welding process to weld structural steel. But, having these two processes significantly improves its value and are are nice to have in a pinch. Also, you can learn basic TIG and stick welding if you are a beginner, which flux-cored-only welders cannot match.

But, the YesWelder’s Flux-135 build quality falls short of the other welders on our list. It’s adequate for hobbyists. But you should proceed on to our reviews below if you prefer a better build quality. However, you won’t find multi-process capability, a long duty cycle, or bargain price elsewhere.


2. Eastwood 90 Amp MIG Welder

Eastwood 90 Amp MIG Welder
  • FCAW and full MIG welding support
  • Latest IGBT inverter-core
  • 90A maximum output at 25% duty cycle
  • Lightweight and compact design
  • Uses standard Tweco-style consumables
  • DINSE connectors
  • 3-Year warranty

Pros

  • Excellent arc and build quality
  • You can start welding out of the box, includes everything you need
  • Inexpensive
  • Supports a full MIG welding experience at the price of a flux-cored unit
  • Infinite adjustability for wire speed and voltage output
  • It’s easy to replace the torch or switch polarity thanks to a standard DINSE system
  • 8-feet MIG gun and ground clamp cables
  • Extra light and sized like a lunchbox

Cons

  • Low amperage output and duty cycle
  • The vertical design may make it easier to tip over
  • Plastic wire feeding system
  • No digital display

Overview

If you are unsure whether you need a MIG or gasless flux-cored welder, the Eastwood 90A MIG machine is worth considering. While it outputs a relatively low amperage, the unit has excellent build quality for the hobbyist market. It also comes with a 3-year warranty, which is hard to find at such a low price.

The Eastwood priced the 90A MIG like most flux-cored only welders. But, it supports a full-blown MIG welding process thanks to a shielding gas inlet valve and a suitable inverter design. This added feature alone makes it an unbelievable value. You can use and get experience with a real MIG welder for the price of a gasless MIG welder.

Eastwood competes with brands like YesWelder and Forney, who dominate the affordable welders’ market. However, their approach is different. Instead of loading the machine with lots of features like YesWelder, Eastwood provides a better build quality and longer warranty.

So, it comes down to what you value the most. The Eastwood 90A MIG doesn’t have a digital display, making it more challenging to set up than the YesWelder above. Plus, its low duty cycle and amperage output limit its use.


3. Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-i

Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-i
  • 140A output with a 30% duty cycle at 90A
  • Inverter-based
  • Lightweight and portable
  • All-corner rubber protection
  • Welds up to 1/4 in. thick mild steel
  • 1-year warranty

Pros

  • Adequate welding arc stability
  • High amperage output
  • Excellent build quality
  • Wrapped torch for added protection
  • Rugged corners for improved durability
  • Good MIG gun and ground clamp quality
  • Infinite voltage and wire feed speed control

Cons

  • Low duty cycle
  • No digital display
  • Integrated torch and ground clamp making them difficult to replace
  • Plastic wire feed system

Overview

The Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-i is a decent choice for demanding hobbyists. While it has a slightly lower build quality than the Eastwood, it outputs the most amps in our review.

However, it is more expensive than the YesWelder Flux-135. Apart from slightly better build quality, this Forney doesn’t offer nearly enough features to justify the price increase. So, the YesWelder unit is a strong contender, and why it was our choice for a bargain model.

But the Forney 140 FC-i puts out excellent arc quality for a flux-cored machine. It is a time proven welder many hobbyists use without issues. The torch is wrapped, just like YesWelder’s and Eastwood’s, and the sturdy metal body reinforced by rubber corners gives it a rugged feel.

Unfortunately, the 140 FC-i has integrated leads, which is never a good thing. This makes it more challenging to transport and replace the torch or ground clamp cables. Additionally, it doesn’t have a digital display, and its infinitely adjustable knobs use arbitrary values. These two missing features make learning more difficult because you can’t precisely see the set wire feed speed and voltage.


4. Hobart Handler 100

Hobart Handler 100
  • Transformer-based for maximum longevity
  • Hobart’s smooth arc
  • 4-voltage output settings
  • Up to 310 IPM wire feed speed
  • 100 amps maximum output with a 20% duty cycle at 80A
  • Portable
  • 5-year warranty

Pros

  • Hobart’s excellent arc
  • Best build quality of all welders in our review
  • High maximum wire feed speed for this price range
  • Portable
  • Easy to use
  • Welds up to 3/16 in. thick mild steel
  • Good torch quality

Cons

  • Integrated leads
  • Short 5-feet long cables
  • Very low duty cycle
  • Plastic wire feed system
  • Uses preset, fixed-voltage settings
  • While the ground clamp is made of copper, it’s thin and may burn up
  • No digital display
  • Heavy at 44 lbs

Overview

The Hobart Handler 100 is a well-made and popular transformer-based gasless MIG welder. It owns the best build quality of all the models on our list. However, it uses a plastic wire feed system, like all budget machines.

But thanks to Hobart’s high production quality, the Handler 100 is built to last. Plus, their industrial 5/3/1 warranty covers the transformer-core for 5 years. If you are looking for longevity, the Hobart is a great choice.

However, the old transformer design doesn’t offer the perks of inverter machines. The Handler 100 has a pitiful duty cycle. It can only weld for just two minutes at an 80 amps output before resting for another eight minutes. Additionally, it doesn’t have helpful features to improve the welding experience or joint quality.

The fixed-voltage adjustment system is inefficient compared to infinite adjustability. While Hobart’s four voltage settings are good enough for most DIY jobs, nothing beats the ability to fine-tune the arc.


5. Lincoln Electric Century FC-90

Lincoln Electric Century FC-90
  • Inverter-core for improved arc stability
  • Compact design for optimal portability
  • Integrated shoulder strap
  • Meager weight
  • Made by Lincoln Electric
  • Infinite adjustability for voltage and wire-speed

Pros

  • Excellent build and arc quality
  • Exceptionally compact, light, and portable
  • Includes shoulder strap
  • Infinitely adjustable voltage and wire-speed
  • Century is a Lincoln Electric brand

Cons

  • Low duty cycle and amperage output
  • Integrated, short leads
  • Poor ground clamp quality
  • Short warranty; just 6-months
  • No digital display

Overview

Lincoln Electric designed the Century FC-90 for ultimate portability. The compact body, low weight, and integrated shoulder strap provide professionals and hobbyists with an easy-to-transport solution.

The Century FC-90 has Lincoln’s smooth arc and it performs well even in professional applications. However, its 30% duty cycle at 80 amps cannot handle heavy-duty jobs. So, if you are a professional, you can use this tiny welder only for light repairs on the go.

But, hobbyists and welding rookies benefit more from its low profile. If the Forney seems too large, or you don’t need that much power, the Century FC-90 is a more compact unit. But do consider the Eastwood and YesWelder models. They are lightweight, compact, and overall provide better value. That’s why the Century sits so low on our list.

The biggest shortcoming of the FC-90 is its pathetic 6-month warranty. We fail to see why Lincoln Electric couldn’t have vouched for this machine’s longevity. After all, they are a heavyweight in the welding industry.


6. Ironton 125

Ironton 125
  • Transformer-core
  • Two voltage settings
  • Portable
  • 125A maximum output with a 20% duty cycle at 80A
  • Uses common Tweco-style consumables
  • 1-year warranty

Pros

  • Adequate arc quality
  • Cheapest flux-cored welder
  • Sturdy body
  • It has an overload LED indicator
  • 1-Year warranty

Cons

  • Portable. but on the heavy side at 38 lbs.
  • Very low duty cycle
  • It has just two voltage output settings - high and low
  • Short, integrated ground clamp and torch
  • Poor ground clamp quality
  • It may be challenging to find spare parts
  • No digital display or other useful features
  • Short leads

Overview

The Ironton 125 is the most affordable gasless MIG welder on out list, and that’s Ironton’s only advantage. Sure, it’s transformer-based, so you can expect a longer lifespan. But, the provided 1-year warranty doesn’t inspire confidence for a transformer-based welder.

The YesWelder Flux-135 costs only a little more. So, unless you have a severely limited budget, we recommend the YesWelder over the Ironton.

The Ironton is portable but heavy at 38 lbs. So, it’s not convenient for welding on the go like other small, flux-cored welders. The leads are just 6-feet long. Plus, they are integrated and you can’t easily replace the cables.

But, the worst Ironton’s shortcoming is the two-voltage selection switch. Sure, it gets the job done if you don’t care about the weld quality or bead appearance. But, since slightly more expensive welders offer infinite adjustability like the YesWelder, the Ironton feels like it belongs in a stone age.

If you prefer transformer-based welders and are on the budget, the Ironton 125 fits the description. Just don’t expect more than the bare minimum. This welder doesn’t include a single beneficial feature other than an “LED indicator for thermal overload,” which every other welder also incorporates.


7. Firepower FP-95

Firepower FP-95
  • Transformer-based for improved longevity
  • Portable and lightweight at just 28.7 lbs.
  • 90A max output, 15% duty cycle at 80A
  • 2-fixed voltage output settings
  • Firepower is an ESAB brand
  • 3-year warranty

Pros

  • Good build and arc quality
  • Firepower is an ESAB brand, you can expect a long lifespan
  • Relatively light for a transformer-based welder
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Low amperage output
  • Extremely low duty cycle
  • Short, integrated leads
  • Poor ground clamp quality
  • Just two voltage settings
  • No digital display

Overview

The Firepower FP-95, made by ESAB, combines portability and durability like no other gasless MIG welder. It’s transformer-based, made by one of the best brands in the industry, and has a 3-year warranty. Oh, and most importantly, it’s lighter than most transformer-based units. For example, it’s significantly lighter than Hobart Handler 100 we reviewed earlier.

However, it doesn’t come without caveats. The torch and ground clamp are integrated, and there are only two selectable voltage values, just like on the Ironton. Additionally, the 15% duty cycle at 80 amps output is heartbreaking. It won’t allow you to tailor the arc to your liking, either.

But if you need a reliable, portable welder, the Firepower FP-95 won’t let you down. So, it’s a compromise you must make if you are hell-bent on getting a portable transformer-based flux-cored welder.

The Firepower FP-95 is slightly larger than the Lincoln Century, Eastwood 90 Amp MIG, and YesWelder 135-Flux. But, it’s more compact than the other transformer-core welders in our review and the Ironton and Hobart Handler 100 are bigger and more difficult to transport.


Wrapping Up

If you are a beginner or a DIY hobbyist planning to occasionally weld some projects, the YesWelder Flux-135 is the bargain model you should consider. If you suspect you might want or need a fully capable MIG welder, consider the Eastwood 90A MIG welder which is a cost-effective choice.

But, if you have particular needs like high build quality, longevity, compact design, and most importantly a strong warranty, consider the other welders in our review. Each offers a mixture of pros and cons that you should match to your needs.

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Author: Garrett Strong

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I'm the owner of MakeMoneyWelding.com. Welding really struck a chord with me, and I’ve been passionately doing it for almost 9 years now. I recently got an AWS qualification to advance my skills. Now, I have decided to help others to learn so I released a MIG welding course to help beginners learn fast.

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