16 best welding inverters

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

The real revolution in the field of welding equipment was the appearance of inverters. These modern devices have won the hearts of domestic users with their compactness, low weight and good performance. And if the first models, due to the high price, could only be appreciated by professionals, today inverters have become affordable for garage and home craftsmen. The range of these specialized products on the domestic market has also expanded. The trading network offers different devices in terms of price, functionality and purpose. In order not to be mistaken with the choice, it is useful to get acquainted with the recommendations of experts.

Selection criteria for welding inverter

1. First of all, you should decide on the type of welding that the inverter will carry out. Some models are designed for manual arc welding, others allow you to work in an argon atmosphere, and still others are semi-automatic machines with a protective environment in the form of carbon dioxide.

2. Each inverter has certain technical parameters. One of the main indicators is the maximum current strength. But it is supplemented by the duration of switching on the device at maximum current, this value is expressed as a percentage. The higher the PV, the longer you can cook the metal without fear of overheating the inverter.

3. For domestic users, an important characteristic is the input voltage range at which the device is capable of operating. Therefore, it makes sense to measure this value in the power grid before buying, especially during drops.

4. Modern welders are equipped with a number of useful functions that help in their work. Arc afterburner automatically adjusts the device amperage depending on the load. Hot start allows the use of poor quality electrodes. And the anti-stick mode prevents the electrodes from sticking to the metal, dumping the current and voltage.

5. Under equal conditions, the inverter looks more convenient with less weight and compact overall dimensions.

Our review includes the best welding inverters. When compiling the rating, the following criteria were taken into account:

1. the purpose of the device;

2. type of welding;

3. technical specifications;

4. price;

5. expert opinion;

6. consumer reviews.

Rating of the best welding inverters

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best inexpensive inverters for manual arc welding	1	Wester MMA-VRD 200	RUB 8 550
	2	RESANTA SAI-250	7 431 RUB
	3	Fubag IR 200	RUB 5,690
	4	Cedar MMA-200	RUB 8,100
The best welding inverters with argon arc welding	1	Aurora INTER TIG 200 AC / DC Pulse	RUB 36,900
	2	Wester TIG 220	RUB 12 850
	3	Svarog PRO TIG 200 DSP (W207)	RUB 24,920
The best welding semi-automatic inverters	1	Svarog REAL MIG 200 (N24002)	RUB 22,910
	2	Aurora OVERMAN 180	RUB 23 800
	3	RESANTA SAIPA-190MF	RUB 23,369
	4	Wester MIG 120	RUB 15,000
The best welding inverters for plasma cutting	1	Aurora AIRFORCE 80	RUB 64,300
	2	Svarog REAL CUT 70 (L204)	RUB 44,530
	3	RESANTA IPR-40	RUB 31,710
The best premium welding inverters	1	Fubag INTIG 320 T AC / DC PULSE	RUB 169,900
	2	BLU EWELD Megamig 400S	RUB 162 160

The best inexpensive inverters for manual arc welding

For many novice welders who cannot hone their skills in the enterprise, it is best to opt for budget welding inverters. Moreover, among them there are worthy inverters that can cope with the most difficult tasks. The experts have chosen several interesting models.

Wester MMA-VRD 200

Rating: 4.8

The Chinese inverter Wester MMA-VRD 200 boasts an excellent set of technical characteristics at an affordable price. Experts gave this model the palm for stable operation of the device in a wide range of input voltages (120-260 V). Suitable for work are electrodes with a diameter of up to 5 mm, they can have a different coating (basic, rutile, cellulose). Various grades of steel (stainless steel, low carbon, low alloy) and copper can be welded.

The manufacturer has well equipped the inverter with additional functions. VRD support allows the arc to be struck at reduced voltage, and the arc afterburner option automatically adjusts the welding current during welding.

Advantages

• stable operation in a wide voltage range;

• wide functionality;

• affordable price;

• the possibility of long-term uninterrupted work.

disadvantages

• great weight.

RESANTA SAI-250

Rating: 4.7

A model worthy of the attention of domestic welders was developed in Latvia and made in China. Inverter RESANTA SAI-250 surpasses the winner of the rating in some parameters, approaching professional devices. For example, the welder has the highest maximum current (250 A), long operating time at maximum current (70%), high open circuit voltage (80 V), and the possibility of using electrodes with a diameter of 6 mm. The operating range of input voltages (140-260 V) also looks good, which cannot but please domestic users.

The apparatus came in second place for the lack of modern functions that help novice welders work. Also, users in the reviews are unhappy with the short wires and poor carrying strap.

Advantages

• excellent technical parameters;

• the possibility of using thick electrodes;

• low price.

disadvantages

• short wires.

Fubag IR 200

Rating: 4.6

When mobility is required from the welding machine, then you should pay attention to the Fubag IR 200 model. Compact dimensions, low weight (4.64 kg), as well as an affordable price – these are the criteria for which the experts gave the inverter the third line of the rating. With its modest dimensions, the device has a decent welding current (200 A) and high efficiency (85%). The device was not allowed to reach the leaders of the rating by a small welding current (5 A), as well as a short turn-on at the maximum current (40%).

It should be noted that at a low price of the product, the manufacturer managed to equip the welder quite well. It has anti-stick function, arc afterburner and hot start. Thanks to Arc-Force technology, it was possible to achieve a stable arc burning.

Advantages

• compactness and lightness;

• high welding current and efficiency;

• availability of modern functions;

• low price.

disadvantages

• short wires;

• limited operating time at maximum current.

Cedar MMA-200

Rating: 4.5

Found an honorable place in our rating and domestic development, implemented at one of the factories in China. The Kedr MMA-200 inverter was liked by experts for its good workmanship and numerous positive reviews from consumers. The technical parameters of the model, such as maximum (200 A) and minimum (20 A) welding current, efficiency (85%), and duration of operation (60%), also look decent. The device pleasantly surprises users with its silent operation, compactness and mobility. The welding inverter is ideal for work in the country or garage. Thanks to the developed service network, the owners will not have problems with maintenance and repair. For the convenience of using the welder for hobbyists, the inverter is equipped with an anti-stick function and a hot start.

Advantages

• high-quality assembly;

• good technical characteristics;

• silent work.

disadvantages

• short wires;

• picky about the selection of electrodes.

The best welding inverters with argon arc welding

In order to weld some non-ferrous metals, as well as to properly join individual steel blanks, it is necessary to have a protective atmosphere. This role is successfully performed by the inert gas argon. These inverters are more complex and expensive. Professionals suggest paying attention to the following models.

Aurora INTER TIG 200 AC / DC Pulse

Rating: 4.9

One of the most popular TIG inverters is the Aurora INTER TIG 200 AC / DC Pulse. The model is designed for professionals, it is equipped with all the necessary settings and adjustments. Although the device differs from its competitors in the highest price, it can connect metal parts up to 10 mm thick. The inverter is capable of operating in a wide range of input (187-253 V) and operating (18-28 V) voltage. Duration of operation at maximum current is 60%.

The experts took into account the positive feedback from consumers and gave the device the first place in the rating. It is easy to use, has a pleasant appearance, and does not cause any particular problems for the welder.

Advantages

• high-quality manufacturing;

• ease of use;

• aesthetic appearance;

• wide range of settings.

disadvantages

• high price.

Wester TIG 220

Rating: 4.8

The Wester TIG 220 welding machine was highly appreciated by professional craftsmen, and our experts are in solidarity with them. First of all, it is worth highlighting the affordability of the model, which is perfectly combined with excellent technical characteristics. The welding current reaches 220 A, which is higher than that of competitors, and the device can boast of the duration of operation at maximum current (70%). The manufacturer has equipped the device with a number of useful features, such as anti-stick, arc afterburner and hot start. There is an LCD monitor for adjusting the inverter, which allows you to adjust the current with an accuracy of 1 A.

Even a novice welder will find it difficult to disable the device, since it has a forced cooling system, and in case of overheating, the device will turn off the thermal protection.

Advantages

• affordable price;

• excellent technical parameters;

• rich functional equipment.

disadvantages

• short power wires.

Svarog PRO TIG 200 DSP (W207)

Rating: 4.8

High quality argon-arc welding can be provided by the Svarog PRO TIG 200 DSP inverter (W207). The experts included him in the top three winners of the rating due to the balance of the apparatus. The model is equipped with a touch control panel, ample opportunities in the field of arc and argon welding. The device is slightly inferior to the leaders in such parameters as the input voltage range (187-253 V), the maximum welding current (180 A for MMA). But in compactness and lightness, it looks preferable. The inverter has all the modern features, from anti-stick to hot start.

Negative user reviews prevented the welder from reaching the top of our rating. Weak wires cause the most complaints, the device is afraid of dust in the air.

Advantages

• convenient adjustment of the arc and blowing;

• light weight;

• high-quality assembly.

disadvantages

• weak wires;

• demanding on air purity.

The best welding semi-automatic inverters

Semi-automatic welding takes a special place in the production and repair area. The molten wire connects two workpieces in a carbon dioxide environment. These inverters require a shielding gas supply. Experts suggest paying attention to several models.

Svarog REAL MIG 200 (N24002)

Rating: 4.9

The universal welding inverter Svarog REAL MIG 200 (N24002) is in high demand among Russians. Experts explain this fact not only by outstanding characteristics, but also by an acceptable price. The model deservedly occupies the first line of the rating. The device has excellent data on the current strength both in manual arc mode (10-160 A) and in semi-automatic mode (30-200 A). This gives the welder more freedom to solve the assigned tasks. If it is more convenient to cook thin-sheet material in the semiautomatic mode, then it is easier to connect thicker parts using an electrode with a diameter of 1.5-4.0 mm.

Users appreciate the power of the device. Also, praise was given to such properties of the welder as functionality, torch, stable operation with voltage drops.

Advantages

• power;

• versatility;

• ease of use;

• high efficiency (85%).

disadvantages

• no electrode holder.

Aurora OVERMAN 180

Rating: 4.8

The most frost-resistant semiautomatic welding machine in our rating is the Aurora OVERMAN 180 model. This important characteristic for Russia was highly appreciated by experts, giving the device the second place in the rating. Users have noticed a number of other advantages of the device. Thus, the maximum inverter current (175 A) allows the use of welding wire up to 1 mm thick. This welding inverter compares favorably with its economical consumption of electricity (4.7 kW). The device can be assigned the ability to manually adjust the hardness of the current-voltage characteristic.

A high-quality seam is ensured to the last millimeter thanks to the supply of carbon dioxide after switching off the current (post-gas function). As a result, the seam is extremely strong and durable.

Advantages

• reliability;

• frost resistance (-20 ° C);

• flexible adjustment of welding parameters.

disadvantages

• inconvenient wire feeding system.

RESANTA SAIPA-190MF

Rating: 4.7

A strong enough competitor for the leaders of the rating is the RESANTA SAIPA-190MF semiautomatic welding machine. It has a high maximum current (190 A) and long-term operation at the upper limit (70%). The device is striking in its versatility, it can be used to operate in arc, argon and semi-automatic welding modes. The device is somewhat inferior to the contenders for leadership in wire thickness (0.8 mm) and input voltage range (198-242 V). But in terms of mobility, the model looks impressive, the weight of the device is only 13 kg.

One of the problems of RESANTA brand products is poor logistics. Therefore, by purchasing a welder from this company, you may encounter a shortage of consumables and spare parts.

Advantages

• universal abilities;

• high welding current;

• ease.

disadvantages

• shortage of spare parts in the domestic market.

Wester MIG 120

Rating: 4.6

Many workers in small workshops are attracted by the availability of the Wester MIG 120 semi-automatic welding machine. Despite the modest maximum welding current (120 A), the machine can successfully work with a wire with a diameter of 1 mm. At the same time, the device has a modest power consumption, since the power is limited to 4.7 kW. The model was not allowed to rise higher in our rating due to the short duration of switching on at the maximum current (10%). Therefore, talking about a professional appointment is hardly appropriate. However, the welder does an excellent job with parts up to 3 mm thick.

The Chinese manufacturer has almost completely completed the device for work. The set includes a power cable with a torch, a mask, a cable with a mass clamp, a hammer combined with a brush.

Advantages

• rich equipment;

• low price;

• stylish design.

disadvantages

• etches the shielding gas through the threaded connection.

The best welding inverters for plasma cutting

Inverters are used not only for connecting multiple metal elements, but also for cutting. When choosing an apparatus, it is important to pay attention to such an important parameter as the thickness of the metal being processed. The experts have selected several good welding inverters with different capabilities.

Aurora AIRFORCE 80

Rating: 4.9

Inverter plasma cutter Aurora AIRFORCE 80 operates from a three-phase network. Its power is enough to cut metal up to 30 mm thick. In many respects, the device outperforms its competitors, for which the experts gave it the first place in the rating. The device has a maximum cutting current (80 A), while the on-time at the maximum is 60%. The plasma cutter can be used in a wide temperature range, starting from -20 ° С and ending with + 50 ° С.

The advantages of this expensive device were appreciated by professional welders. They note non-contact arc ignition, high cutting speeds, and a wide range of metals and alloys that can be machined.

Advantages

• able to cut thick metal;

• you can work in a wide temperature range;

• compactness and energy efficiency.

disadvantages

• high price.

Svarog REAL CUT 70 (L204)

Rating: 4.8

If you have to work with metals up to 20 mm thick, you can save on buying a plasma cutter. For such tasks, the Svarog REAL CUT 70 (L204) inverter is optimal. It costs less than the winner of the rating, but is slightly inferior in the maximum cutting current (60 A). The efficiency of the apparatus is on top, its efficiency is 85%. This welding inverter is equipped with a filter regulator, which simplifies the adjustment of the welder. The device is not afraid of overheating thanks to the efficient air cooling.

Its users consider the Svarog REAL CUT 70 (L204) plasma cutter a good budget employee. It is quite reliable due to its solid body and high-quality filling, and the warranty period is 5 years. The tool does not like a weak network, and its cut is not very accurate.

Advantages

• acceptable price;

• high efficiency;

• does not overheat.

disadvantages

• unreliable burner.

RESANTA IPR-40

Rating: 4.7

Welding machines from Latvia have proven themselves well in the Russian market. The RESANTA IPR-40 model has good technical parameters, allowing to cut metal workpieces up to 12 mm thick. In this regard, it is inferior to the leaders of the rating, for which the device received the third place. Such characteristics as the maximum cutting current (40 A) and the duty cycle (35%) look somewhat worse. But the device is capable of operating from a household network (220 V), which expands the scope.

Users note such advantages of the plasma cutter as lightness (6.6 kg) and compactness. The device allows you to quickly and accurately perform work. It is a pity that not all cities of Russia can buy consumables and spare parts for this inverter.

Advantages

• high-quality cut;

• balanced technical characteristics;

• reliability and availability.

disadvantages

• shortage of consumables.

The best premium welding inverters

Premium inverters are becoming indispensable equipment for professional welders. Such models are able to work for a long time without rest, while not overheating. Two professional-level welding inverters are offered to the attention of potential buyers.

Fubag INTIG 320 T AC / DC PULSE

Rating: 4.9

The Fubag INTIG 320 T AC / DC PULSE inverter is a serious welding machine that can tackle the most difficult tasks. Experts recognized it as the best device for professionals, giving it the palm in our ranking. There are no restrictions for a powerful welder, he easily handles materials such as aluminum, copper, steel of different grades. Finding the optimal mode is easy enough using one of 9 programs. To prevent the device from overheating during long-term operation, the manufacturer has equipped it with an efficient cooling module. The burner has a liquid cooling system.

Despite the relatively low weight (25 kg), the model is equipped with a trolley. The kit includes a gas hose, an earthing cable and a torch.

Advantages

• combination of price and technical capabilities;

• a wide range of processed metals;

• liquid cooling system.

disadvantages

• not detected.

BLU EWELD Megamig 400S

Rating: 4.8

The EWELD Megamig 400S semiautomatic welding machine BLU provides completely different possibilities for professionals. It is designed only for welding with carbon dioxide. A powerful device with a maximum welding current of 400 A operates from a 380 V electrical network. It allows you to use a wire with a diameter of 0.6-1.6 mm. It can be a consumable with powder self-protection, which allows you to work without the use of carbon dioxide.

Due to the large weight (106 kg), the manufacturer had to equip the device with wheels for moving. A distinctive feature of the device is the external feeder. It can be equipped with a 9m cable, allowing it to work far from the power source.

Advantages

• high-quality welding;

• wide range of welding wire;

• remote feeder.

disadvantages

• heavy weight;

• high price.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.