16 best welding inverters – Rating 2022

The real revolution in the field of welding equipment was the appearance of inverters. These modern devices have won the hearts of domestic users due to their compactness, light 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 in the domestic market has also expanded. The trading network offers different devices by price, functionality and purpose. In order not to make a mistake with the choice, it is useful to get acquainted with the recommendations of experts.

Criteria for choosing a welding inverter

1. First of all, you should decide on type of weldingwhich will implement the inverter. Some models are designed for manual arc welding, others allow you to work in an argon environment, and others are semi-automatic with a protective environment in the form of carbon dioxide.
2. Each inverter has certain technical parameters. One of the main indicators is maximum current. But it is supplemented by the duration of the device on at maximum current, this value is expressed as a percentage. The higher the PV, the longer you can cook metal without fear of overheating the inverter.
3. For domestic users, an important characteristic is input voltage rangeat which the device is capable of operating. Therefore, it makes sense to measure this value in the mains before buying, especially during drops.
4. Modern welders are equipped with a number of useful features that help in the work. arc force automatically adjusts the current strength of the device 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, dropping the current and voltage.
5. Under equal conditions, an inverter with less weight and compact overall dimensions looks more convenient.

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

1. 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

Best Inexpensive Inverters for Manual Arc Welding

For many novice welders who cannot hone their skills at 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. Experts have chosen several interesting models.

Wester MMA-VRD 200

Rating: 4.8

The Chinese Wester MMA-VRD 200 inverter boasts an excellent set of technical characteristics at an affordable price. Experts gave this model the palm for the stable operation of the device in a wide range of input voltages (120-260 V). Electrodes with a diameter of up to 5 mm are suitable for work, 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. Support for VRD allows you to start the arc at low voltage, and the option of arc force automatically adjusts the strength of the welding current during welding.

Also Read: 17 Best Welding Helmets

RESANTA SAI-250

Rating: 4.7

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

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

Fubag IR 200

Rating: 4.6

When mobility is required from a 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 experts gave the inverter the third line of the rating. With modest dimensions, the device has a decent welding current (200 A) and high efficiency (85%). A small welding current (5 A), as well as a short inclusion at maximum current (40%), did not allow the device to reach the leaders of the rating.

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

Cedar MMA-200

Rating: 4.5

There was 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 the experts for its good workmanship and numerous positive customer reviews. Such technical parameters of the model as the maximum (200 A) and minimum (20 A) welding current, efficiency (85%), duty cycle (60%) also look worthy. The device pleasantly surprises users with its silent operation, compactness and mobility. The welding inverter is optimally suited 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 a welding hobbyist, the inverter is equipped with an anti-stick function and a hot start.

The best welding inverters with argon arc welding

In order to weld some non-ferrous metals, as well as to qualitatively join individual steel blanks, it is necessary to have a protective atmosphere. This role is successfully performed by the inert gas argon. Such inverters have a more complex design and high price. 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. The 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, does not cause any problems to the welder.

Wester TIG 220

Rating: 4.8

Welding machine Wester TIG 220 was highly appreciated by professional craftsmen, and our experts agree 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, 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 force and hot start. To adjust the inverter, there is an LCD monitor that allows you to adjust the current with an accuracy of 1 A.

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

See also: 12 best brands of welding wire

Svarog PRO TIG 200 DSP (W207)

Rating: 4.8

The Svarog PRO TIG 200 DSP inverter (W207) can provide high quality argon arc welding. Experts included it in the top three winners of the rating due to the balance of the device. The model is equipped with a touch control panel, ample opportunities in the field of arc and argon welding. The device is quite a bit 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 modern features, from anti-stick to hot start.

Negative user reviews prevented the welder from reaching the top of our rating. Most of all complaints are caused by weak wires, the device is afraid of dust in the air.

The best semi-automatic welding inverters

Semi-automatic welding occupies a special place in the production and repair sphere. Molten wire connects two blanks 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

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 takes the first line of the rating. The device has excellent data on current strength both in manual arc mode (10-160 A) and in semi-automatic (30-200 A). This gives the welder more scope for solving tasks. If it is more convenient to weld thin-sheet material in semi-automatic mode, then it is easier to connect thicker parts using an electrode with a diameter of 1.5-4.0 mm.

Users highly appreciate the power of the device. Also praised were such properties of the welder as functionality, torch, stable operation during voltage drops.

See also: 7 best welding machines for a beginner

Aurora OVERMAN 180

Rating: 4.8

The most frost-resistant semi-automatic welding machine in our rating was the Aurora OVERMAN 180 model. Experts highly appreciated this important characteristic for Russia, giving the device the second place in the rating. Users 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 economical consumption of electricity (4.7 kW). In the asset of the device, you can add the ability to manually adjust the stiffness of the current-voltage characteristic.

A quality seam is ensured down to the last millimeter thanks to the supply of carbon dioxide after switching off the current (post-gas function). The result is a seam that is exceptionally strong and durable.

RESANTA SAIPA-190MF

Rating: 4.7

A fairly strong competitor for the leaders of the rating is the RESANTA SAIPA-190MF semi-automatic welding machine. It has a high maximum current (190 A) and long-term operation at the upper limit (70%). The device impresses with its versatility, with its help you can work in the 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 products under the RESANTA brand is poor logistics. Therefore, having bought a welder from this company, you may encounter a shortage of consumables and spare parts.

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 short duration of switching on at maximum current (10%) did not allow to rise higher in our rating of the model. Therefore, talking about a professional appointment is hardly appropriate. However, with parts up to 3 mm thick, the welder does an excellent job.

The Chinese manufacturer has almost completely equipped the device for work. Together with the device, the set includes a power cable with a burner, a mask, a cable with a ground clamp, a hammer combined with a brush.

The best welding inverters for plasma cutting

Inverters are used not only for connecting several 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 selected several good welding inverters with different capabilities.

Aurora AIR FORCE 80

Rating: 4.9

The inverter plasma cutter Aurora AIRFORCE 80 is powered by a three-phase network. Its power is enough to cut metal up to 30 mm thick. In many respects, the device surpasses 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 duty cycle at the maximum is 60%. The plasma cutter can be used in a wide temperature range, from -20°C to +50°C.

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

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 inverter Svarog REAL CUT 70 (L204) is optimal. It costs less than the rating winner, but is slightly inferior in maximum cutting current (60 A). The efficiency of the device is on top, its efficiency is 85%. This welding inverter is equipped with a filter regulator, which simplifies the setting of the welder. The device is not afraid of overheating due to effective air cooling.

Users consider the Svarog REAL CUT 70 (L204) plasma cutter to be a good state employee. It is quite reliable due to its durable case 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.

Read also: 7 best welding generators

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 cutting metal blanks up to 12 mm thick. In this regard, it is inferior to the leaders of the rating, for which the device received third place. Characteristics such as maximum cutting current (40 A) and on-time (35%) look somewhat worse. But the device is able to work 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 in all cities of Russia you can buy consumables and spare parts for this inverter.

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. Potential buyers are offered two professional-grade welding inverters.

Fubag INTIG 320 T AC/DC PULSE

Rating: 4.9

A serious welding machine that is able to solve the most complex tasks is the Fubag INTIG 320 T AC/DC PULSE inverter. Experts recognized it as the best device for professionals, giving it the palm in our ranking. There are no limits for a powerful welder, he can easily cope with materials such as aluminum, copper, steel of various grades. It is quite easy to choose the optimal mode using one of the 9 programs. To prevent the device from overheating during long-term operation, the manufacturer has equipped it with an effective cooling module. The burner has a liquid cooling system.

Despite the relatively small weight (25 kg), the model is equipped with a trolley. The kit includes a gas hose, earth cable and burner.

Also Read: Top 9 Welding Wire Manufacturers

BLUEWELD Megamig 400S

Rating: 4.8

The BLUEWELD Megamig 400S semi-automatic welding machine provides completely different opportunities for professionals. It is designed only for welding in carbon dioxide environment. A powerful device with a maximum welding current of 400 A operates on a 380 V power supply. It allows the use of wire with a diameter of 0.6-1.6 mm. This 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 a remote feed mechanism. It can be equipped with a 9-meter cable, which allows you to work far from the power source.