Place |
Name |
Characteristic in the rating |
1 | Wester ARC 130 | The lightest welding transformer |
2 | Sorokin, 80-250A, 10KW | Simple control. The most mobile |
3 | ELITECH AC 200T | High power and welding current |
4 | PRORAB FORWARD 250 (MMA) | Best price. The optimal ratio of characteristics for the home |
5 | ZUBR ZTS-200 | Compactness and maneuverability |
1 | Telwin Quality 280 AC/DC (MMA) | The most reliable |
2 | BLUEWELD Gamma 3250 (MMA) | The best quality components and assembly. Most durable |
3 | Arc 318M1 Prof 220/380V (MMA) | Setting accuracy. Resistant to low temperatures |
4 | TDM-303U2 (380V) | The most reliable mechanical regulator |
5 | Plaser TDM-305 [Al] 380 (MMA)4 | Best price. Unpretentious in operation |
Welding transformers are reliable equipment for metal welding, distinguished not only by the high quality of the welding current, but also by the enviable stability and endurance for long-term work without interruptions.
The review involves the best welding transformers of the domestic market, operating both from a conventional outlet and from a three-phase network. The rating is based on the key characteristics of the models and their operational parameters. The reviews of the owners, who are familiar with the capabilities of the participating units, also had a serious impact on the assessment.
The best welding transformers for 220V
5 ZUBR ZTS-200
Country: Russia (produced in China)
Average price: 4390 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.5
Welding transformer ZUBR ZTS-200 differs in compact dimensions. The model is designed for welding low-carbon steel grades. The manufacturer equipped the device with plastic wheels, making it very convenient to move it. The device can be powered by household (220 V) or power (380 V) mains. Network selection is carried out using a convenient switch. The value of the welding current varies in the range of 60-200 A. Thanks to this, it is possible to connect steel plates with a thickness of 1.5-6.0 mm. A thermal fuse is installed to prevent the machine from overheating.
Users in the reviews are satisfied with the affordable price of the ZUBR ZTS-200 transformer, a convenient current setting regulator, reliable cable fixation, mobility and compactness. The disadvantages include the rapid heating of the device and a fairly large weight (19.3 kg).
4 PRORAB FORWARD 250 (MMA)
Country: Russia (produced in China)
Average price: 2990 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.6
Welding transformer with a power of 7.20 kVA * A is designed for manual arc welding and supports reliable work with electrodes from 2.5 to 5 mm. The mass of the tool is quite impressive - 25.5 kg. The equipment is supplied not only with an electrode holder and a metal brush, but also with a budget protective mask. It has the best welding current (max 250), which compares favorably with many analogues from other companies.
At the same time, judging by the reviews, the model is far from compact, it takes up a lot of space during transportation and storage. Many also consider the lack of functions of semi-automatic, argon arc welding and plasma cutting as a disadvantage.At the same time, FORWARD 250 is clearly interesting for its price advantage, as well as the ability to connect to both a household electrical network and 380 V. An objective drawback is still present - short wires. Due to the limited functionality and power of welding, the transformer is best suited for domestic use.
3 ELITECH AC 200T
Country: China
Average price: 5900 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8
A semi-professional welding transformer is the ELITECH AC 200T device. The model can be powered from a single or three-phase power supply, operating on alternating current. The maximum welding current reaches 200 A, while the device boasts a high power of 10.4 kW. Therefore, the on-time is 10%, the transformer does not overheat during long-term welding. A distinctive feature of the device is the possibility of using a wide range of electrodes, from 1.6 mm to 4 mm. The complete set of the welder looks quite modest, the set includes only cables with a holder and a ground clamp.
Domestic welders are generally satisfied with the work of the ELITECH AC 200T welding transformer. Many call it the best option for a home or garage. The device is not only powerful, but also unpretentious. Therefore, even an amateur to break it will be difficult.
Type of welder | Advantages | Flaws |
transformer | + simple device + maintainability + affordable price + possibility of welding in a humid environment | - high noise level - high consumption of electrodes due to strong spatter - difficult to work with thin metal |
inverter | + economical consumption of electrodes + stable arc burning + compactness and lightness; + smooth seam surface + you can cook not only steel, but stainless steel or aluminum | - high price - costly repairs |
2 Sorokin, 80-250A, 10KW
Country: Russia
Average price: 6500 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.9
Welding transformer with a maximum output current of 250 amperes, an electrode diameter of 2.5–5 mm and a power consumption of 10 kW. It belongs to the insulation class H, and is distinguished by reliability and durability - there is practically no overheating, which increases productivity and allows you to work without long pauses. Its plastic case seriously lightens the weight of the device - the weight is only 23 kg. The model has wheels and a double carrying handle, which makes it quite mobile. The unit can also be used in a vertical position.
According to reviews, the device as a whole is not bad, but there are such annoying flaws as the displacement of the axis of the transport wheels - during transportation, they scratch the outer shell of the case, making it difficult to move. However, advantages such as extremely simple operation and the reliability of the transformer winding make it an ideal choice for beginner welders.
1 Wester ARC 130
Country: China
Average price: 8099 rub.
Rating (2022): 5.0
One of the lightest (10.6 kg) welding machines in its class is the Wester ARC 130 transformer. It is designed for welding steel and other metals. The model is perfect for beginners. The welder is simple and compact, the maximum welding current is limited to 130 A. Electrodes with a diameter of 2.6-3.2 mm are required for operation. The device is connected only to the household power supply (220 V). The manufacturer equipped the device with a reliable case, inside of which there is a fan.It prevents the transformer from overheating. Together with the device, the set includes a mask, a brush-hammer, two cables with a holder and a clamp.
Consumer feedback on the Wester ARC 130 welder is mostly positive. The device is lightweight and durable, affordable. The transformer holds the arc perfectly, which simplifies the work of novice welders.
The best welding transformers for 380V
5 Plaser TDM-305 [Al] 380 (MMA)4
Country: 4.5
Average price: 14800 rub.
Rating (2022): Russia
A welding transformer with a decent weight of 62 kg is distinguished by high power (19 kV * A) and on-time at a maximum current of 40%. The winding of the transformer is made of aluminum and is optimally suited for manual MMA welding. Portable unit (optionally equipped with wheels for more convenient movement) is equipped with natural ventilation, can be connected to two- and three-phase networks. The kit comes with a holder, grounding clamps, an insert of the SKR.
Reviews about this device emphasize unpretentiousness and reliability. Decent power, coupled with the ability to smoothly adjust the welding current, allows you to carry out high-class welding work. The unit can operate at high ambient humidity due to high-quality impregnation of the coils with a special varnish. It is rightfully considered one of the best among Russian-made models.
4 TDM-303U2 (380V)
Country: Russia
Average price: 17000 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.6
This domestic-made welding transformer is many times more durable and reliable than inverters. It is distinguished by a high class of insulation, the winding is made of copper, it works from both 220 and 380 V.It can be successfully used on an industrial scale, but when welding at home it is not entirely practical. Due to its dimensions and large mass (63 kg), it does not differ in particular mobility. But there is a function of smooth mechanical adjustment of the welding current - reliably and simply.
With it, you can perform high-quality manual arc welding of metal surfaces of various structures. Thanks to a well-thought-out cooling system, it works for a long time without technological interruptions. The vast majority of users in the reviews confirm that TDM provides the best quality of the welded joint due to the smooth adjustment of the operating current in a wide range from 60 to 315A, and has a long service life without any breakdowns.
3 Arc 318M1 Prof 220/380V (MMA)
Country: Russia
Average price: 28700 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.6
A welding rectifier with manual arc welding, an open circuit voltage of 75 V, a weight of 44 kg and a duty cycle at a maximum current of 60%, deservedly became the leader of this rating. The unit produces the entire volume of the current declared by the manufacturer and at the same time belongs to the middle price category. It is considered one of the best devices for working at low temperatures, it is equipped with a 12-stage adjustment system and supports operation from a three-phase network.
As the reviews show, the Duga 318M unit is reliable, safe, can work for a long time without interruption, but heavy for transportation. Very easy to use, with intuitive controls. At the same time, it is somewhat expensive to use it as the first welding transformer for beginner welders.The unit is more likely to professional models, as it has redundant characteristics for domestic use.
2 BLUEWELD Gamma 3250 (MMA)
Country: Italy
Average price: 9070 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.9
A simple and reliable welding transformer with a design and control that is understandable even for beginners, it is distinguished by an enviable durability. It belongs to the class of professional devices, delivering a maximum current of 250 A, can be connected to a 220 and 380 V network. It can easily cope with manual arc welding, 4.20 kW is its declared power, which fully corresponds to the real characteristics. The transformer weighs only 22 kg and comes with a brush, grounding cable, protective shield and electrode stand. Works with electrodes from 2 to 5 mm.
The built-in temperature relay protects the device from overheating, there is a light indicator that indicates the presence of mains voltage and the inclusion of a cooling fan. The device is most practical and convenient for domestic use. Judging by the majority of reviews, there is only one drawback of the model - short cables included.
1 Telwin Quality 280 AC/DC (MMA)
Country: Italy
Average price: 13400 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.9
The welding unit has a function for manual welding, has a power of 7.2 kVA and works with a wide range of electrode diameters - from 1.6 to 5 mm. The device operates on alternating current, generating a welded arc with a power of 25 to 230 A. This is a moderately powerful and practical transformer of the middle price category, capable of operating from a three-phase network.
For its compact dimensions, Telwin Quality 280 weighs an impressive 40 kg.To avoid difficulties with the transportation of the transformer, wheels were prudently installed at the rear of the apparatus and a long handle at the front. A mechanical current regulator is a guarantee of reliable and flawless operation of the equipment. The winding of the welding transformer is made of high quality materials (copper), it perfectly withstands long-term work, and, judging by the reviews, it will delight its owner with reliable and trouble-free operation for many years.
How to choose a welding transformer?
When choosing a welding transformer, you should pay attention to several parameters.
- Experts consider power and welding current to be the main technical characteristics. The higher these indicators, the more productive and durable the device will be. However, at a high minimum current (80-90 A), it will not be possible to weld a thin sheet of steel with high quality.
- Budget welders heat up quickly, so some models are equipped with forced cooling systems. As a result, the duty cycle reaches an acceptable value of 10%.
- The use of innovative technologies and modern materials has allowed some manufacturers to bring the weight of the transformer up to 10 kg. But even 20-kilogram devices look preferable to home-made units.
- When choosing a welding transformer, you should consider the type of electrical network used in the house or garage. There are devices adapted for both household and power networks. Before starting work, just turn the switch to the desired position.
- For a novice welder who does not have the necessary accessories for work, the equipment will be an important factor when buying a transformer.If the kit contains a protective mask with a light filter, a metal brush, cables with a holder for electrodes and clips, then you can start working immediately after purchase.