Top 20 Inverter Welders

At home, there is always a use for arc welding skills, so the desire to master them is quite justified. The first step towards its implementation is the purchase of a welding machine, preferably affordable, easy to set up and unpretentious to working conditions.The IWM-190 unit fully complies with just such requirements. On the farm, they can weld almost everything - from a fence to a car body, the device supports 220V and is connected to a household power outlet.

In order for an entry-level welder to master it and put a more or less even seam, it will take him a maximum of 1 hour, and then it's up to practice. More experienced users point out the disadvantage - short cords for the electrode and ground, but they themselves make a reservation that this is rather the fulfillment of the laws of electrical engineering. In general, even professional welders sum up that for a house, a summer residence and a garage, there is no better option at this cost.

This device has a lot of advantages: very compact (smartphone-sized), and therefore convenient for storage and transportation, easily welds metal sheets up to 10 mm thick, copes with the most popular diameters (from 1.6 to 5 mm) of electrodes, “can” automatically stabilize the voltage and is able to adjust to the welding current from 30 to 220A with an accuracy of 1A. A wider range of adjustments - from 250A - are already semi-professional models, which cost accordingly, and are not always appropriate for home use.

Despite the fact that the inverter is designed for MMA welding, the seam is of high quality, “for centuries”. From the feedback of the owners, it is a pleasure to work with him, the Anti-stick and Hot Start functions are very helpful. The design provides protection against overheating, from ingress of scale into the body and metal splashes on the operator's clothing.We also took care of the convenience of the user: the specified settings are displayed on the LCD screen, two LED indicators report the status of the device, and there is a shoulder strap for carrying it. Almost every review confirms that the assembly is done neatly and from good materials.

If such an indicator as the mass of the welding machine is extremely important for you, then we certainly advise you to pay attention to the model of German origin (produced, however, in China) FUBAG IR 200. The mass of this inverter is only 3.8 kg, and the width is only 12 cm! This is one of the best (if not the best) indicator among modern inverters of this power. And the strength of the FUBAG IR 200 welding current, meanwhile, is 200 A, which indicates sufficient welding efficiency for repair and summer needs. The device can be freely placed in the trunk of a car, welding can be performed without actually letting go of the device from the “shoulder”. Lightweight and compactness are the main advantages of the FUBAG IR 200.

This model also has the functions of anti-sticking, hot start and even arc afterburner. The latter function is useful for experienced welders who need automatic control of the welding current during operation. FUBAG IR 200 is very easy to handle. Stable arcing is achieved using Arc-Force technology. It makes the process of droplet transfer through the arc gap clear and uniform. The only drawback that I would like to draw attention to is not the highest indicator of the duration of operation at maximum current, only 40%. In other matters, for many, this is not a critical factor when choosing a device for "garage" needs.

Reliable welding machine for home and garage, made using IGBT transistors.This solution made it possible to reduce the dimensions and weight of the model, as well as optimize power consumption and ensure smooth adjustment of the welding current. The inverter is equipped with a set of useful functions that facilitate the work, as well as protection systems that eliminate the possibility of overload and overheating. The benefits include additional protection of electronic components from dust and a five-year warranty from the manufacturer.

Users appreciated the mobility of the model - a comfortable shoulder strap makes it easy to carry the device around the site. Owners of summer cottages call resistance to power surges the main advantage, which is especially important for residents of remote areas. If there are no questions about the design of the device, then the manufacturer clearly saved on wires by using ordinary copper-plated aluminum.

A very high-quality modern device is offered by the Latvian company Resanta. Total for 8000 r. you get a welding inverter with an indicator for the duration of operation at maximum current equal to 70%. That is, the device can work up to 7 minutes at maximum load. Most of the more expensive models are hardly able to work even 6 minutes. Add to this one of the highest indicators of the maximum welding current of 220 A in the budget class. It is known that the higher the welding current, the more productive the welding process is.

The Resant SAI-220 also has such important functions as a hot start, an overheating protection system and anti-sticking. The mass of the device is also one of the lowest among competitors - only 5 kg.Many users have been using the Resanta SAI-220 for a long time and do not know problems with breakdowns, although there are questions about the quality and length of the wire. Indeed, this is one of the best devices in terms of price and quality, although without indication of the set current. Resanta welding inverters are among the best-selling in Russia and CIS countries.

This model is perfect for small workshops and repair sites of industrial enterprises that need a versatile and reliable inverter. The device is capable of operating in the mode of conventional manual, semi-automatic and argon-arc welding. There is also a SPOT spot welding mode, which will be of interest to specialists involved in auto body repair and work with thin sheet structures.

Users indicate that the build quality of the device is not inferior to well-known brands. Affordable cost is explained by the absence of huge marketing budgets, which allows the company to set the lowest affordable prices for products. The disadvantages include a modest package - a torch for argon arc welding will have to be purchased separately, and the quality of native cables leaves much to be desired.

Representative of the budget line of welding inverters from the world famous Swedish manufacturer. The model belongs to the category of a professional series, so the body of the device is characterized by increased strength, and the degree of protection corresponds to the IP23S class. The electronic components of the inverter are cooled by a powerful fan and three heatsinks, and there is a built-in thermal protection system to increase the reliability of the design.

Due to the extremely simple design of the control panel, the model can be safely recommended to beginner welders. The welding current is set using the regulators, and to select the operating mode, MMA or TIG, there is a conventional switch. The design provides for the possibility of using cables of increased length, which allows you to expand the operating range of the device. Some users are embarrassed that the devices of this series are assembled in China, but this does not affect reliability at all.

A decent inverter operating in MMA or TIG welding mode is offered by the German brand FUBAG. In our review of the best TIG inverters, FUBAG IN 176 has the lightest weight - only 4.5 kg and the most compact size. If we compare Resanta (18 kg), FUBAG is exactly four times lighter. In terms of cost, this device also outperforms its competitors, and in comparison with the same Resanta, it costs the buyer two times cheaper.

The functionality of the device, despite the relatively low price, is in no way inferior to competitors. It also features anti-stick, hot start and arc force.A huge number of services for the repair of FUBAG tools and equipment in every major city of the Russian Federation and the CIS allow you not to worry about the warranty and post-warranty maintenance of the device.

Video review FUBAG IN 176

Resanta SAIPA 190 MF is a welding machine for professionals in their field. This is the most expensive inverter considered in the review. But the price in this case is justified. The device is capable of operating in two modes: gas-shielded arc welding with MIG/MAG wire and manual arc welding with disposable electrodes. Semi-automatic welding with this unit produces a high-quality even seam, and the welding process itself is fast and with a high degree of metal protection using gas.

Of the positive reviews about this device, first of all, it is worth noting maintainability, high-quality penetration (it easily takes metal up to 10 mm at 220V), and the availability of components. Of the minuses, according to user reviews, there is a lack of a TIG torch in the kit, as well as short ground wires and electrode welding. Of the characteristics, the only significant drawback of the Resant SAIPA 190 MF is the weight (more than 18 kg) and dimensions of the device. But here you have to choose, either lightness and mobility (there are cheaper options for this), or high performance and functionality.

For welding work in a private household, a garage or a small car service, a device of Russian origin is perfect - Svarog TECH ARC 205 B.The duty cycle at maximum current for this inverter is 80%! This is the highest figure in our review. At maximum load, the device is able to work for as long as 8 minutes. It is not for nothing that Svarog TECH is called one of the most reliable and durable inverters with argon arc welding in the budget price segment.

Of the pleasant features of the device and user reviews, it is worth highlighting the presence of a display that displays all operating parameters and helps to carry out visual control. Absolutely all users note the easy ignition of the arc, the functionality and quality of the design of the device itself. Among the considered devices with argon arc welding, Svarog TECH has the smallest weight - 8 kg and the smallest dimensions. So for frequent movements around the objects, Svarog is the best fit. Svarog TECH ARC 205 B is the best value for money.

A device with a huge power reserve, which allows it to be used in intensive operating conditions. The high degree of protection of the housing against the ingress of dust and moisture, as well as immunity to minor voltage drops in the network, allows you to work at industrial facilities.At the same time, the device demonstrates excellent results when using solid and flux-cored wire, regardless of the thickness of the workpieces to be welded.

Unlike many modern devices, the model fully complies with the declared characteristics, which is confirmed by user reviews. However, if you plan to devote most of your time to TIG welding, it is recommended to choose another option - the absence of an oscilloscope and a gas supply valve limits the scope of the inverter.

Worthy competition to foreign analogues is the welding machine "Torus-250" from the well-known Russian company "Tor". Its predecessor, the Torus-200 inverter, received an award at the international exhibition in 2013, and today several lines of welders for home and industrial use are being produced. Among the advantages of the 250-ki is the ability to work with electrodes up to 3 mm from 220V, giving out an increased welding current of 250A with a duty cycle of 60%. And if the current is reduced, then the unit is ready to function continuously (100% duty cycle), during a full work shift.

It is not surprising that the device is equally in demand by home craftsmen, as well as construction and auto repair teams, and is considered indispensable in the event of frequent job changes. With small dimensions (125X19X330 mm) and a weight of 5.7 kg, it cooks excellently, including thick (up to 15 mm) metal, with welding electrodes up to 6 mm in diameter with stable arc parameters.As befits serious professional equipment, the device has a 3-year warranty and is certified by the National Welding Control Agency - when buying, you need to look at the marking with the NAKS designation.

Slightly weaker in performance compared to the category leader, but a solid semi-automatic welding inverter. Due to the lack of information about the real power, it is pointless to talk about the magnitude of the welding current. We can only conclude that its maximum value fluctuates around 160 amperes, while the setting allows you to lower the characteristic up to 20. In terms of ergonomics, 11.5 kilograms of inverter weight should be noted: however, the entire product line from RESANT differs in considerable dimensions and parameters weight.

The main disadvantage of SAIPA-165 is still the company's poor logistics - it is very difficult to find spare parts and consumables for this unit. This is the main repulsive factor for consumers who praise the design itself, but fear problems after purchasing devices from a Latvian company.

A device designed for manual arc and semi-automatic welding of metal products. It is very popular in Russia, mainly for its outstanding performance. At a not the highest price, this device has a total power of 7.7 kVA - not entirely economical, but it is possible to weld thick metal. In manual arc welding, the welding current can vary from 10 to 160 A, and in semi-automatic - from 30 to 200 A.

In other words, obtaining a permanent connection of thin sheet metal can only be done by manual welding, since in the MIG / MAG mode there is a possibility of burn-through. All in all, this is a great inverter, the only real downside is the lack of a stock electrode holder.

The semi-automatic welding machine, which is the flagship of Aurora. Looking at the characteristics, you can understand why users in most cases prefer this particular model. Despite the power of 4.7 kW, the device supplies a welding current of 175 amperes, which makes it possible to work with wire with a diameter of up to one millimeter.

Several convenient features certainly distinguish OVERMAN 180 from a number of other semi-automatic inverters. The first is the ability to manually adjust the stiffness of the current-voltage characteristic depending on the type of metal being welded. Also noteworthy is the presence of a post-gas function - carbon dioxide is fed into the sleeve for a second longer than the welding lasts in order to protect the seam from oxidation and subsequent weakening.

A powerful industrial welding machine designed for productive welding of various metal structures at various facilities, including enterprises in the energy, shipbuilding, petrochemical and metallurgical industries. The high duty cycle ensures intensive use of the device without overheating. An intelligent control system allows you to select the optimal parameters for specific working conditions.

Like any professional current source, this model cannot boast of a small mass and compact dimensions. This disadvantage is compensated by a platform trolley with large wheels, as well as the possibility of setting parameters at a distance from the apparatus. It is also necessary to remember that the model is designed for connection to three-phase AC networks - this device is not suitable for home work.

A lightweight device from a popular German company that can work in MMA and TIG welding modes. The model is ideal for mounting metal structures and performing work in confined spaces. It is necessary to emphasize the presence of a pulsed mode, available when working with piece coated and tungsten electrodes.Proprietary MMA-cel technology maximizes the use of cellulosic electrodes for vertical seams.

For professional welders, there is an expert menu that allows you to set parameters that do not require frequent adjustment. Large network tolerances allow you to safely connect the inverter to the generator without compromising the quality of the connection. If necessary, the device can be controlled using a remote controller. A voltage reduction device (VRD) is available to improve safety. The growth of the popularity of the device is hampered only by a rather high price, which is unbearable for a wide range of users.

Universal device with synergic control for welding with pulsating current. The model automatically selects operating parameters based on welding wire and shielding gas data. The inverter itself is capable of MMA, MIG/MAG and TIG welding, making it the ideal companion for any private or industrial facility.

The dual pulse technology has proven itself especially well when working with non-ferrous metals and alloys. The wide functionality, combined with the possibility of pre-setting parameters, ensures the utmost comfort in operation. The presence of the LIFT function provides a clean and fast excitation of the arc when the non-consumable electrode touches the working surface.Users could not find any particular flaws in the inverter, although skeptics argue that so many functions in one package will definitely affect the reliability and service life of the device.

Another bright representative of the Aurora company enjoys the fame of one of the best universal inverters in its price category. Despite the active power of 4.8 kW, it allows you to cook manual arc, semi-automatic and argon arc welding with a maximum current value of 175 A. And if everything is more or less clear with the peak current, then it is not easy to understand its minimum values. Welding of thin sheet metal (from 0.8 mm) at a minimum (10 A) can only be done by the argon-arc method, since the minimum of the manual welding method is limited to 20 A, which can lead to the notorious burn-through.

If there are usually no problems in terms of ergonomics, then it can be quite difficult for users to deal with TIG (argon arc welding). Otherwise, there are rare single complaints, which, as a rule, are purely subjective.

Universal welding inverter, designed for connection to single-phase household AC networks. The main feature of the model is the intelligent QSet system, which automatically selects the optimal parameters for a short arc, depending on the wire used, shielding gas and material thickness.Immediate reaction to changes in operation guarantees consistently high connection quality.

The owners of the device note that the device can be used when working with any materials - from alloyed steels to non-ferrous metals. Also, the model can be used for soldering galvanized plates with CuSi wire. The built-in power factor corrector allows you to work in conditions of significant interference in the supply network. The only drawback of the device can be considered not too high efficiency, compared with its closest competitors.