Rating of the best welding inverters for home

Improvements in metal welding technologies and equipment have expanded the circle of people performing welding work. If previously this was done exclusively by professionals, today joining metals is also available to amateurs. Responding to their demand, manufacturers have flooded the market with a variety of equipment models. Low cost, varied functionality and a huge range of welding machines do not simplify the choice at all and become a serious obstacle for the inexperienced user.

A detailed analysis of the features of the most popular models will help beginners make the right choice and buy the most suitable option for themselves. This review is aimed at hobbyists who use welding machines for their own purposes. The group of products for commercial use is not considered here. So, we bring to your attention the ten most popular welding inverters in the price range up to $250 as of the beginning of 2022.

Eurolux IWM190 – the most inexpensive welding inverter

As is clear from the subtitle, the main advantage of the model is its low cost. It varies within a wide range of values: from 3.5 to 6.5 thousand rubles, depending on the region of residence. A large share of costs consists of logistics costs, which determines such a significant price range. Naturally, budget models use cheap components and equipment breakdowns are not excluded. To be fair, it should be noted that by that time the inverter will have already returned the money invested in it.

Who might be interested in this offer? The device is specially designed for beginners who plan to master the basics of the profession. It deserves the attention of all users without exception for whom performance is not a determining parameter. Eurolux IWM190 can not be used for a long time without fear of reduction or loss of functionality. The reason for this is the minimum set of technical capabilities of the device. There is also a significant drawback: the holders, clamps and cables included in the kit are of poor quality. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase accessories of the best level of performance.

Advantages

Adjustment 10 - 190 A.
Manufactured on the basis of IGBT transistors.
Welding speed is high.
Ventilation holes in the case for cooling.
Operates at a voltage of 160 - 245 V.

About categories and prices

All inverter manual arc welding machines working with consumable electrodes, designated MMA, can be divided into two large groups:

Household - for occasional use and simple work. If you are not planning a large-scale construction project, you will need the device once every two to three months to repair something, weld something, etc., then the working life of the units of this group is sufficient. These are the cheapest of the inverter welders. They cost 3-5 thousand rubles or so, produced in China.
Professional - for long hours of daily work. This is an option for those who will use an inverter in production or are planning large-scale construction: build a dacha or house, weld a metal fence and stairs. The cost of these units is about $300-400.

There is also an intermediate class - semi-professional. In terms of characteristics and price, they are approximately in the middle. This is a good choice for those who love to make things and also love a good tool. All gradations are very arbitrary, but if you tell the seller what class you want the device to be, he will understand you and offer several options.

There are also universal or combined welding inverters. They can weld in several modes, one of which is usually manual arc welding. These units belong to the professional class and are convenient for their versatility - some can also work as a cutter, as well as cook in an environment of inert gases, which allows you to weld thin metal and stainless steel without any problems. This equipment will be useful if you also have a car - you can do repairs yourself, as well as cook all sorts of small things around the house.

KRÜGER WIK-250/WIK-300 for practicing welders

The KRÜGER WIK-250 and WIK-300 welding machines belong to a generation of modern inverters designed for experienced professionals. Only they will be able to appreciate all the development capabilities of German engineers. In addition to the traditionally high build quality, they are also endowed with excellent reliability. The devices operate reliably even in conditions of unstable power supply. Users have access to the “Anti-stick”, “Arc Force” and “hot start” functions. Thanks to this, all work can be completed at a decent level.

The operating range of the WIK-250 model ranges from 20 to 250 amperes, which makes it possible to perform the vast majority of welding work. If you need more power, then you should pay attention to a more productive analogue - WIK-300, the upper amperage of which is 300A.

Both models of the famous Kruger brand are based on IGBT transistors. This ensures fine-tuning of the equipment and its uninterrupted operation in almost any conditions. The durable case reliably protects the interior from shock, excess moisture and dust. It would not be amiss to recall that the generally accepted quality standards in Germany apply not only to expensive, but also to products that are affordable to customers. Quality assurance has long been the hallmark of German manufacturers.

Among other advantages of the WIK-250 and WIK-300 welding inverters, it is necessary to highlight their small size. The welder will become an indispensable assistant for specialists with a traveling nature of work. This is also facilitated by the relatively small weight - only 5 kg. The price will also please buyers: 5000-6000 rubles. It is acceptable not only for professionals who earn money by welding, but also for beginners taking their first steps in this field. The maximum configuration should also be emphasized. The price of the offer includes powerful cables, a shoulder strap for easy carrying, a hammer brush and a mask. Among the shortcomings, consumers note only the lack of a transport case.

Advantages

Current adjustment in the range of 20-250A.
Easy arc start.
Stabilization of the welding arc during operation.
Protection against electrode sticking is provided.
Automatic against short circuit, current or power overload.
Automatic power and current control.

Budget model FUBAG IR 200

Despite its modest cost (on average about 8 thousand rubles), the inverter “gives out” up to 200 amperes. It is advisable to use it not only for welding, but also for cutting metal workpieces. In work, you can use electrodes with a diameter of up to 5 mm, which makes it possible to perform almost all work on a personal plot or in an apartment. The power unit works well even in conditions of unstable power supply.

Among the additional functionality, users will be able to take advantage of anti-sticking, arc force and hot start. All of them will be useful for both beginners and experienced welders. The equipment's inclusion in the rating list was greatly facilitated by good assembly and high-quality components. There are few disadvantages, but they exist. The most significant is the short period of continuous operation - 4 minutes. After this, you need to let the inverter cool for 6 minutes and you can continue. So the unit is not suitable for commercial use.

Advantages

Light weight.
Efficient cooling.
Good seam quality.
Powerful welding cables.

Master's review

I bought myself such a device for welding work at the dacha. From time to time there was a need to cook something. At first I used my neighbor’s welder, but I quickly got tired of carrying it back and forth.

I decided that it was time to get my own, I chose this model and was pleased. The inverter welds perfectly with three, but it will also handle four. There have been no complaints so far.

MMA VRD 200 from Wester

As opposed to the previous model, the VRD 200 is capable of working without “smoke breaks” in a mode of up to 120 amperes of welding current. In other words, the equipment will be of interest to those who have to work long and often. It is worth considering that this rule does not apply to operations with electrodes with a diameter of 5 mm. In this case, you will have to find time for breaks.

The maximum current is 200A. Additional functions include a standard set typical for most devices of this class: anti-sticking, hot start and arc force. In addition, manufacturers have improved the safety of the design. The terminal voltage is reduced to a minimum level in situations where the inverter is connected to the grid but not in use. And only in case of load the voltage increases sharply to operating parameters.

Based on the operational parameters and cost (approximately 11 thousand rubles), the Wester MMA-VRD 200 can be safely classified as an amateur, but quite reliable and functional model.

MMA welding: what is it?

MMA is called manual arc welding with a covered electrode. This is the simplest method that even beginners can do. The power source is connected to the mains, 2 cables of different polarity for supplying current to the materials being connected.

One cable has a clamp at the end, fixed to the workpiece, the second with a holder at the end is used to fix the electrode. During manual arc welding, the thermal energy of an electric arc is used, which occurs when a simple electrical circuit is closed. Under the thermal influence of the arc, the metal melts and a weld pool is formed. At the moment the flow of electric current stops, the metal cools and crystallizes, thus forming a welded joint.

Equipment for MMA is the simplest, does not require any special additional devices, and its purchase is inexpensive. It is only necessary to set the appropriate current value. The equipment includes (in addition to the welder’s equipment and consumables) the device itself with a wire for connecting to the network and two insulated cables of a suitable cross-section - with a ground clamp and an electrode holder.

Resanta SAI 220 for the dacha

The well-known Latvian brand has long earned a reputation in the domestic market as a manufacturer of affordable and fairly high-quality welding equipment. Let's consider the main advantages and disadvantages of a particular model. The welding inverter SAI 220 is popular among amateurs and novice welders. Low cost (only 8,000 rubles) plus good assembly and good quality components are the main reasons that make the model in demand.

The maximum that the welder provides is 220 amperes. This is enough to use electrodes with a diameter of up to 5 mm, as well as cut metal of medium thickness. Without a break, he can work 7 minutes out of 10, i.e. It runs for 7 minutes and cools down for 3 minutes. And so on through the cycle. However, the model was nicknamed “dacha” for another reason. It works perfectly with unstable voltage in the power supply network and can withstand fluctuations from 160 to 260 volts.

However, buyers have noted a decline in the build quality of inverters in recent years. Another disadvantage is the demanding equipment. It is undesirable to allow it to become waterlogged or overcooled, as this can lead to rapid failure of the components. Despite such significant disadvantages, SAI 220 remains on the list of the most popular welding machines and rightfully takes its place in the compiled rating.

Resanta SAI 190PROF

Another representative of the same brand, the demand for which is not decreasing, but only growing. This is one of the best-selling models in the SAI line. Its performance characteristics are more than sufficient for household equipment, and its relatively low cost makes the installation in demand among different categories of users.

Compact, easy-to-use welding inverter produces pulses with a power of 190 amperes. The main difference, which is highly appreciated by customers, is the ability to perform welding work with a voltage of only 100 volts. It was this technological solution that made it possible to bring the model into the rating category. It is so successful that even the fairly high price for the household segment of 15 thousand rubles did not reduce consumer demand to a critical level. The ability to weld in poor power conditions has become more important to potential buyers.

Advantages

Light weight.
Compactness.
Voltage range 100-260V.
Operating temperature from -10 to +40 degrees.
Anti Stick, Hot Start and ARC FORCE functions.
Shockproof housing.
Smooth adjustment of welding current.
Easy ignition.

Which welding machine to choose

The most popular today are inverter models of welding machines, which have gradually replaced the transformer type. The essence of inverter welding: the work includes alternating current and voltage, which also changes. Due to this, it is possible to achieve variable current frequency, which made it possible to significantly reduce the units in size.

Before choosing a welding inverter, we recommend looking at the selection criteria and product characteristics:

Mains voltage. For domestic conditions, it is recommended to choose an inverter welding machine with a voltage of 220V. You can also give preference to a universal type with a voltage of 220/380V. It is worth finding out the presence of a fuse against voltage surges in the network.
Open circuit voltage. This criterion determines the ability of the device to ignite an electric arc initially and repeatedly, and to maintain its combustion. The open circuit voltage varies from 30 to 80V, the higher this figure, the better.
Power. Professional devices support a power of 300A, but for household models 200-250A will be enough. This indicator coincides with the thickness of the metal used. For example, with a power of 250A, the metal thickness is approximately 6 mm, and the electrode is selected at number 4.
Duration of work. The devices have a letter abbreviation - PVR. This criterion directly depends on how long the machine can continuously weld a seam, and then how much rest. The value is indicated as a percentage.
Protection class. Traditionally, manufacturers of household welding machines indicate the protection class on the body with two letters - IP. They signal the possibility of particles entering the device body, as well as protection from moisture.
Temperature restrictions. The standard is to operate the device at temperatures from -40 to +40 degrees.
Powered by a generator. Some units can be powered by generators, which makes work easier in the field.
Welding of various metals. Metal markings are indicated in the name of the device. Arc welding is marked with the letters MMA, but some models are capable of working with non-ferrous metals using argon-arc technology.

An important factor will be the availability of additional capabilities of the device. This includes ignition at the start, on the rise, arc forcing and other functions. For professional welding, such capabilities will come in handy.

There will never be an extra concrete mixer in construction. The rating of the best concrete mixers will allow you to choose a truly reliable and efficient model.

Forsazh 161 - inexpensive and high-quality welding inverter

An excellent choice for beginners and those who love working with metal. Everyone who has had to deal with this model notes the excellent price-quality ratio. Indeed, these are one of the most reliable devices in the price range up to 10 thousand rubles. The inverter is unlikely to interest buyers with a particularly attractive design or unusual performance characteristics. But for relatively little money, every buyer will receive a reliable unit for MMA or TIG welding.

The maximum welding current is 160 amperes, but without interruptions to cool down the equipment, you can weld at a value of 100A. no problems will arise if the network voltage drops down to 140 volts. It is worth emphasizing that the inverter holds the arc perfectly, and it ignites very easily. This feature will be of great importance for beginners and few practicing welders.

Advantages

Compact, lightweight device.
Low power consumption.
Power supply from autonomous power plants with a capacity of 9 kVA.
Connecting the inverter to a network from 160 V.
Argon arc welding.
Easy arc ignition.
Mobility.
Possibility of working with electrodes with a diameter of up to 4 mm.
Switching off welding in case of power surges and overheating.
Additional functions “Arc force”, “Hot start”, “Anti-sticking”.
Maximum power - 5.5 kVA.
Long service life.

comparison table

If you have not yet decided on the choice of a welding machine from our rating, then you can compare all the models using a special table in which we have indicated the most important characteristics of each device.

Model	Welding current (MMA), A	Duration of switching on at maximum current, %	Input voltage, V	Electrode diameter, mm	Weight, kg	Average price, rub
Eurolux IWM-160	10-160	70	140-260	1,6-4	4,5	3 510
Bort BSI-190H	10-180	60	180-250	1,6-4	4,2	4 505
Wert MMA 250N	20-250		132-264	1,6-5	2,6	5 130
ELITECH IS 200HK	20-200		140-240	1,6-6	2,8	7 020
Fubag IR 200	5-200	40	150-240	1,6-5	4,64	7 410
RESANTA SAI-190	10-190	70	140-260		4,7	6 480
Wester MINI 220T	30-220	60	155-255		3,05	7 499
Svarog REAL ARC 200 (Z238N)	16-200	60	160-270	1,5-4	4,6	7 990
Aurora POLO 160	30-160	15	187-253	0,6-0,9	5,5	17 800
RESANTA SAIPA-135	10-110	70	180-250	0,6-0,8	11	14 820
KRUGER WIK-300	300	80	170-260	5	5,1	8 300

Steadily in demand Svarog PRO ARC 160 (Z211S)

In the same price segment there is another very reliable device - SVAROG PRO ARC 160. The brand has been represented on the domestic market for more than five years and is one of a small number of companies that provide a five-year warranty on their products. In addition to the low price (around 10 thousand rubles), the device is characterized by good functionality and build quality. It generates current up to 160 amperes and is immune to power surges.

The model under consideration is used for MMA welding or metal surfacing. But if necessary, it can also be used for TIG welding, equipped with a valve torch. Other advantages include anti-stick electrodes and hot start. The digital display provided on the case has a sufficient degree of brightness, and the information is easy to read even in sunny weather. All the advantages of the inverter allow it to remain in the top of the best among budget offers.

Advantages

Argon arc welding.
Easy ignition and arc forcing.
High arc stability.
Light weight and size.
Carry using a shoulder strap.
Efficiency - 85%.

How to choose an inverter for a summer house or home?

When thinking about purchasing a welding converter, the buyer first needs to know what technical characteristics to pay attention to. Main selection criteria:

current strength, on which the maximum diameter of the electrodes depends;
duration of continuous welding. For household appliances it is about 5–10 minutes;
sensitivity to voltage drops, if the deviation is no more than 10–15%;
protection against voltage surges - with high surges reaching 20–30%;
presence of a protective function against overheating;
open circuit voltage, which affects how easily the arc will ignite and how stable the discharge will be. The higher the voltage, the better;
the presence of additional functions, for example, “anti-stick”, “hot start”, “arc force”, a display for easy settings and control of the inverter operation process.

Cedar MIG 160GDM for various works

Among the best devices in terms of price and quality ratio is the Kedr MIG 160GDM. Semiautomatic is used to perform a variety of tasks. It can be used in MIG or MAG modes in conjunction with filler wire. If there are jobs where you can’t do without argon TIG welding, then you don’t have to look for any other inverter. The MIG 160 GDM copes well with these tasks. And for all these features the buyer will have to pay about 10 thousand rubles.

But it should be noted that it will not be possible to work with aluminum or aluminum-containing metals. Only TIG DC mode is implemented here, and AC is required for aluminum. The arc parameters are set automatically by the equipment without operator intervention, based on the welding mode. This feature will especially appeal to beginners, who at first will not have to select settings to perform a specific job.

Among the disadvantages, you should pay attention to the small cycle of continuous operation. This applies to cases when electrodes with a diameter of 4-5 millimeters are used. You can, of course, work continuously with 3 mm electrodes. But then the capabilities of the device are significantly reduced. Nevertheless, the Kedr MIG 160GDM can easily be considered one of the best units presented in this rating.

Advantages

Power consumption - 6.1 kVA.
Voltage adjustment.
Configure parameters with one button.
Microprocessor.
Arc force.
Hot Start.
High build quality.
Long service life.

Results

This was all the information about decent and affordable household inverters. We created the list based on real reviews from masters, as well as our personal experience.

In the ranking, we do not single out a favorite, because everything is individual. We advise you to buy the device that you find in your city, with a guarantee.

And if you are choosing your first welding machine, then you definitely shouldn’t choose based on the characteristics, because you won’t notice any difference in performance.

And after a while you will be able to determine what you would like to change and, already having experience and skills, choose a more powerful inverter. Good luck in your work!

The most expensive model in the rating: Torus 200C Super

Difficulties in choosing a purchase option are caused not only by the large assortment of goods, but also by prices. Sometimes they are unacceptably high. Especially when it comes to options capable of performing work in MMA and TIG modes. Such models on store shelves are accompanied by high price tags, and sellers and manufacturers in unison justify them by the additional functionality of the devices they sell.

The exception to this unpleasant rule was the Torus 200C Super welding inverters. They are designed to operate in both modes, generate a welding arc of 200 amperes and cost about 15,000 rubles. The manufacturer declares the possibility of continuous long-term operation even at maximum loads, provided that the metal being welded is not thick. And experienced welders leave positive reviews on various forums about the functionality and reliability of the device.

The model will interest not only beginners, but also experienced craftsmen. It lights the arc easily and keeps it stable throughout the entire cycle. In this case, it does not matter at all which mode is set by the regulator - TIG or MMA.

Advantages

Light weight and dimensions.
Resistance to voltage changes - 165-242 V.
Use of electrodes with a diameter of up to 5 mm.
D.C.
PV - 100% at 200A.
Thermostat and air cooling.

Simple and reliable BLUEWELD Prestige 186 PRO

The semi-automatic BLUEWELD Prestige 186 PRO is not by chance in the ranking of the best budget welding inverters. It has the ability to operate in two modes - MMA or TIG, and is characterized by simplicity and reliability of operation. But it is more suitable for work that requires MMA mode. Therefore, it is perfect for those specialists who rarely have to resort to TIG welding in practice. Otherwise, you will have to face the problem of low quality seams obtained in this operating mode.

The maximum power of welding equipment is 160 amperes. Under maximum load conditions, it can perform 60% of the cycle. That is, 6 minutes are spent on welding work, and 4 minutes are spent on cooling the power plant. The tool is convenient for specialists with a traveling nature of work, since its weight is only 5 kg.

At first glance, one is struck by the relatively modest functionality of the unit and the not-so-modest price for a budget model, amounting to approximately 14,000 rubles. But there is one important circumstance that explains this paradox. The fact is that the model is assembled in Italy, and high-quality components are used in its production. So, unlike Chinese analogues, the price also includes payment for European quality standards. Judging by user reviews, this is true. The device has good build quality and reliability.

Advantages

Light weight and dimensions.
High stability of welding current.
“Arc Force”, “Hot Start”, “Antistick” function.
Practicality and ease of use.

Kinds

There are several types of these tools. Each of them has pros and cons that you need to consider before purchasing.

Transformers

This is one of the oldest types of welding devices.
The principle of operation of the device is to reduce the incoming voltage to the level where a stable arc is formed.

Depending on the method of voltage regulation, there are two types of transformers:

With amplitude voltage regulation method . Here the windings are displaced by mechanical action.

With phase regulation . This is provided by thyristors. This is the most acceptable option for welding machines of this type, since it allows you to optimally regulate the current during a particular operation.

The peculiarity of the devices is that alternating current appears exclusively at the output and nothing else. It is for this reason that the use of the device results in poor quality of material processing.

However, the devices also have advantages, namely:

Easy operation.
High degree of reliability.
Budget price.
High performance.

In addition to the poor quality of processing, the following disadvantages of the unit are highlighted:

Significant dimensions and heavy weight.
Dependence on the network voltage - if it decreases, the quality of welding deteriorates.
Increased energy consumption.

In addition, despite the ease of use, using transformers requires certain skills and abilities. It is for this reason that the device is not recommended for beginners.

Rectifiers

These are more modern devices.
The device is equipped with a rectifier unit that transforms alternating current into direct current. This is the main difference from the previous type of welding machine. The tool is characterized by high quality material processing.

Rectifiers have the following advantages:

Ease of use - even beginners can use such units, since they do not require special skills and abilities.
Possibility of use not only for ferrous, but also for non-ferrous metals, the main thing is to choose suitable electrodes.
High quality processing.
Stable continuous arc.
Functionality - this device is suitable, including for use at home.
High reliability.
Acceptable price.

Flaws:

Significant dimensions and large weight, which negatively affects mobility.
The operation depends on the voltage of the electric current.
Increased electricity consumption.

Expert opinion

Kulikov Vladimir Sergeevich

Despite the shortcomings, this type of welding machine is in demand due to the quality of welding and relatively low price.

Semi-automatic

These are modern units that are characterized by carrying out the procedure under the protection of inert gases.
Most devices use argon, but carbon dioxide can also be used.

An additional function of the devices is wire welding. No electrodes are used and no gas protection is required. The essence of the procedure is the supply of a gas mixture with the simultaneous release of wire, which melts under the influence of an electric arc.

The following types of such instruments are distinguished:

Devices with forced gas supply.
Devices with a gas supply shut-off function.
Devices without gas, operating exclusively with flux electrodes, which ensure the creation of a protective layer over the welding site during the intended use of the unit.

Areas of application of such devices:

At industrial enterprises.
At home.

At vehicle maintenance centers.

This type of welding machine has the following advantages:

Can be used for metal whose thickness is less than 1mm.
High quality processing.
During use, the metal practically does not splash.
High performance.

The disadvantages include the following:

High consumption of materials - gas and wire.
High cost of both the unit itself and consumables.

This device can be used even by beginners. This is due to ease of operation. The main thing is to adhere to a certain algorithm of actions.

Inverters

This is equipment with optimal characteristics.
Even beginners can use it. This explains the demand for devices.

Device advantages:

Easy to use.
Small dimensions and weight.
High performance and reliability.
The metal practically does not splash.
High quality processing.
Low energy consumption compared to previous units.
Quick ignition.
Arc stability.

Inverter design:

Transformer.
Electronic circuit.
Throttle.

There are several types of inverters, each of which has its own characteristics.

MMA

These are units for manual welding using coated electrodes.

Advantages:

Light weight and compact dimensions.
High degree of reliability.

Easy to use and maintain.
High quality processing.

Expert opinion

Kulikov Vladimir Sergeevich

Such devices are recommended for home use.

Semi-automatic

These devices differ from the previous version in higher power. Due to this, they have large dimensions and significant weight. The essence of the devices is to feed the wire into the welding area using a special device. Such units are recommended for use in production. They are not suitable for home use.

In an inert cloud

This is a type of semi-automatic, but with a more complex device. Such equipment belongs to professional devices, therefore it is used mainly in production. Not suitable for home use.

Argon arc device

This unit was developed specifically for welding non-ferrous metals, but can also be used for alloys.
Initially, it was envisaged that the device would be used in industrial production, but the manufacturers decided to introduce devices for use at home.

Device design:

Current source.
Gas type reducer.
Burner.

Oscillator for converting current into high frequency pulses that provide a stable, smooth, non-contact arc.

A special feature of such units is the use of non-consumable electrodes. They have a long service life. With natural wear and tear, replacing electrodes does not pose any problems.

Device for gas cutting and welding

These are devices that use gases such as hydrogen, natural gas and acetylene.
It is these devices that allow you to heat the metal to its melting point.

Such units have the following advantages:

The devices operate without electricity.
Easy to use.

Flaws:

High price.
Poor performance.
Poor welding quality.

Spot welding equipment

These units are recommended for use for point operations during the assembly of structures. Here two electrodes are located in the same plane. They provide instant melting of the metal at the point of contact. There is no overheating, scale or scalding.

Expert opinion

Kulikov Vladimir Sergeevich

Spot checking devices can even be used to connect elements on the surface of which paint and varnish materials are applied.

Plasma welding devices

These are devices that provide highly precise and high-quality procedures in a short period of time. The devices can be used even for workpieces of large thickness. The only drawback of the unit is its high cost.