Is welding stainless steel easy to weld? This question arises when you need to do this job for the first time.

However, the most important thing here will be to have the best MIG welder for stainless steel, which can make your welding work a breeze. But due to market saturation, you may wander here and there but cannot find what you want. Meanwhile, first of all, you specifically need to keep in mind your requirements, budget, needs, etc., so that you can make a better purchasing decision.

So first and foremost task is finding the welding machine that can weld stainless steel, and we have gathered the top 6 among hundreds of already available items in the market.

So read on till the end and read each product carefully, buying guide etc. and at the end, it is up to you which one you pick and which one you skip.

Detail reviews of 6 best MIG welders for stainless steel in 2022

1. Hobart 500554 Handler 190 MIG welder

For several reasons, Hobart is first on our list of the best welding machines. Because it is compact, durable, versatile and comes with a lower duty cycle which is suitable for less demanding works but not for heavy-duty, its Portability makes it a better option for on-the-go welders.

Product key features

Hobart 500554 Handler 190 MIG welder is my personal favourite; that is why I gave it a try. I ordered and received it within one week, but the assembly was easy overall. After opening the box, it really impressed me with its size, aesthetic look, and much more.

This tiny machine is a beast in terms of welding power because you can weld stainless steel, aluminium and other metals easily within a few seconds without fear of overheating. But on the other hand, it has a lower duty cycle of 30% at 130 amps which means it cannot be used for heavy-duty industrial-level welding works.

Now comes toward the welding capacity, then it can weld a steel of 24 gauge to 5/16 inches, which means it is powerful, but anything thicker than mentioned can cause damage to the welding machine. On the other hand, this welding machine has only 230V input voltage only, which means you are only restricted to this range.

After using it for a few weeks at my mini garage for minor auto body stainless steel parts welding, the best part I noticed is that it is substantially easy to set up and operate. Whenever you start welding before it, you can adjust gases, welding wire settings, thickness to weld and much more, making it better for the novice as well.

My final notes on this product

I ordered this welding machine and used it for a few weeks. Overall the performance, durability, reliability, user-friendly settings, etc. were top-of-the-line which really made me love it. But one major drawback I noticed was its lower duty cycle. Though it was perfect for me, if you want to use it for heavy-duty welding, I recommend you go for other alternatives.

2. Weldpro Digital TIG 200GD welder

If you are looking for an affordable welding machine that is capable of welding in a less demanding environment, then this machine from Weldpro is precisely made for you. Because I noticed that it works best in lower levels, but when used for heavy-duty, it sucks.

Below is the complete review, which will surely give you a better picture:

Product Key Features

It comes first; the main thing is the use of technology that Weldpro has used, such as IGBT circuits and PWM technology which make this machine genuinely contemporary and powerful to weld any metal, mainly stainless steel, effortlessly without fear of jamming etc.

The next best feature I found is that both AC and DC Currents are compatible, which means this machine can weld steel, aluminium, alloy, etc. easily, making it highly versatile but to weld stainless steel, you need to go for DC. This welding machine is better than the Hobart 500554 Handler 190 MIG welder in terms of versatility.

Unlike Hobart, which has a 30% duty cycle, the Weldpro welding machine comes with a 40% duty cycle at total amperage for DC TIG and a 60% duty cycle for AC TIG. Moreover, this welding machine works better for TIG than MIG, so make sure you notice this.

Last but not least, I found another distinct feature about this item is its foot pedal which makes it convenient to use simply by foot according to intensity. You can press the pedal and release it. This is extremely helpful, for sure.

My final notes on this product

I will give a complete score when used for TIG welding, but when it comes to MIG welding, it lags, especially in terms of power. Apart from this, it is straightforward to operate simply by foot because it has a pedal and comes with different duty cycles according to the correct types, such as AC and DC.

3. LOTOS MIG175 175AMP Mig Welder

Those people with 220V or 240V AC wall outlets and need a welding machine that can perform different tasks don’t need to search for anything other than LOTOS MIG175 175AMP Mig Welder.

Product Key features

After receiving this machine at my doorstep, I first unbox it. Inside the box, I found numerous add-ons such as Spool Gun, Ground Clamp Cable, and Gas Hose, 023″ (0. 6mm) &. 035″ (0. 9mm) Contact Tips, Welding Mask and Wire, which satisfied me because I don’t need to search and buy different items separately.

Then I started using it the same as Hobart 500554 Handler 190 MIG welder, but what impressed me more than it was its wire feeder. Though it is made of aluminium, it is strong and offers stable, accurate, and extremely precise welding.

You can weld stainless steel easily, but it works better for aluminium; I don’t say that it sucks when used for stainless steel or other mild steel; I want to say that for aluminium of 3/16 inches or thinner, it works smoothly, so in short, it is an all-purpose machine with a compact body and beautiful design.

Furthermore, this welding machine is user-friendly and made keeping in mind the need of today’s era because nowadays everyone is busy and wants to save time; therefore, you can set up this only within 10 minutes without the assistance of a professional, only read the user manual provided in the box.

My final notes on this product

Welding is a tough job which needs a powerful welder, and luckily LOTOS MIG175 175AMP is powerful and versatile as well, making it perfect for all types of welders, but note I don’t recommend this for heavy-duty works; only use it for the less demanding environment to make the most out of it.

4. YESWELDER ARC-205DS 110V/220V Welder

YESWELDER ARC-205DS is another option for you which is modern, powerful and has different safety features that all MIG welding machines don’t have at once.

Product Key Features

The first and most crucial feature which really makes it a winner for me is its safety features because welding work always has a hazard. Still, with this machine, you are safe because it has an Automatic compensation technology which controls the voltage ups and downs. Moreover, it contains overload protection and temperature control; these all technologies save you and your welding machine from damage.

Secondly, when I started using it, I was unaware of its hidden feature, Automatic Hot Start. This exceptionally crucial feature boosts current at the start to provide accessible, quick and reliable arc starts.

Furthermore, this welding beast also contains Auto Adaptive Arc Force which minimizes electrode sticking in the puddle without compromising arc stability or increased spatter.

After telling you these features as mentioned above, you may think that it would be more enormous and heavy no it is not the case. YESWELDER ARC-205DS 110V WELDER is highly portable and lightweight, even more lightweight than Forney Mig Welder, which is just 19 pounds.

Its potent motor makes it one of the ideal choices for any type of welder to weld stainless steel because stainless steel is corrosive resistant and relatively sturdier than some other metals.

My final notes on this product

One of the lightweight, robust, technology-rich welding machines that can be worth buying in 2022, especially for those needing safety features and Portability.

5. HITBOX MIG250II MIG Welder

Those welders who need display in a welding machine can consider it, making it easy to navigate welding status and position, making welding extremely accurate and straightforward.

Product Key Features

Comes first, it contains the Synergic Control MIG Function feature that enables change of voltage according to the welding intensity. It makes it user-friendly because you don’t need to change the voltage; the machine will do it for you.

Subsequently, it has wire feeding speed control that adjusts the amperage or chooses different thicknesses of metal to weld, making it an excellent option for light to medium duty works. Still, like the other mentioned welding machines, it is also not applicable for heavy-duty works, so please note this point.

Like the YESWELDER welding machine explained above, it also has a different safety feature, making it a long-lasting item. Among some of its safety controls are Automatic VRD Protection Function for Over-current, Over-voltage and Over-heating. These all play a crucial role.

The automatic wire feed function quickly feeds the wire out of the gun, even to inaccessible interiors, making it easy to use and weld.

My final notes on this product

So overall, I found this product to be great because of its safety features, automatic wire feeder, speed, power, etc. I will give a complete score to it, but the only drawback is that it is not used for industrial-level work; for me, it is not a big issue because this welding machine is made for less demanding work, so be aware not to use it for heavy-duty tasks.

6. Forney Mig Welder

If you are a go welder and want to have a welding machine that is easy to carry here and there, then Forney Mig Welder can be a great choice because it is one of the most lightweight yet powerful in the market.

Product Key Features

Starting from its first most anticipated feature, then it is extremely powerful and portable, which you can use at home for maintenance, repair work, Hobbyist projects, welding mild stainless steel, aluminium, etc., without taking the help of a professional.

It has infinite voltage and wire feed speed control so that you can quickly dial in the perfect weld time. In return, it will weld anything quickly and accurately without fear of weld detachment because its weld is too sturdy and solid.

I like integrated accessories because it saves plenty of money and this welding machine comes with an 8′ MIG gun, 8′ ground clamp, an Integrated handle with torch wrap and a 20A-15A adapter; these all are incredibly beneficial add-ons.

In terms of body size, then it is exceptionally compact because it is around 17 inches in length which makes it easy to fit in cars, rooms, and even in closets; a small size means less weight, so overall, the machine is compact and lightweight which is a plus point.

My final notes on this product

Not for industry-level work, but for maintaining, repairs and other minor works, this is the best because it offers 140 AMP output making it suitable. Above all, its size and weight make it a portable choice for welders.

What to know before purchasing the best MIG welder for stainless steel?

It’s 21 century, and the market has become extremely saturated due to intense competition among different welder manufacturers. Many buyers, especially new ones, cannot decide where to go and what to look for in a MIG welder. But don’t worry; I have provided you with a comprehensive guide that every buyer must know.

So, let’s move towards the explanation of each one by one.

The Ampere rating

The first and most crucial factor, in my opinion, is the Ampere rating because it gives you the idea of the electric current required by welding to be done effectively. Any welder with an average Ampere rating is useless because it will not be able to weld your steel or anything firmly. As a result, the weld will tear easily. So there are different Ampere ratings such as 120-amp, 140 amp, etc. But for stainless steel welding. I recommend you go for 140 amp because stainless steel is complex and needs more powerful ampere ratings.

Input Voltage

MIG welders come in different voltages. So, not all MIG welders will be compatible with the electrical socket in your workplace. Most MIG welders have either a 110/115/120V or 220/225/230V. Some MIG welders work in both voltages.

• 110 Volt MIG Welders

The 110-volt welders are ideal for household purposes. All small household appliances run on 110 volts. So, you can directly plug your 110v welder into your home electrical socket and run it.

However, low voltage welders do not have enough power to weld thicker metals.

• 220 Volt MIG Welders

The 220-volt MIG welders are used for industrial and commercial purposes. They have a lot of power and can weld thick metals. You will find a 220v power socket in most industrial places. So, you will not have any problems finding a power source.

Output Power

Output Power shows the power of a welding machine. The more the output power, the more powerful your machine will be. Furthermore, to weld thick metals, you need your welding machine to be more powerful and have greater output power; however, if you want to weld lighter or thin metals, then you need to go for less output power. But why? Because if you are an intermediate welder and weld mostly thin metals and you buy a welding machine with high output power, then you are wasting money because a powerful welding machine will break your metal apart.

But don’t worry, almost all welding machines come with a chart where Output power according to the thickness of the metal is clearly mentioned.

Here is a small table for your convenience:

Gauge	mm	Amps
8	4.2	165
10	3.4	135
12	2.7	105
14	1.9	75

Portability

Portability is directly proportional to the weight, got that? Portability is my favourite in every gadget because it lets you use it outdoors easily without giving the feel of being overweight. Those who use MIG welder at home occasionally will not have any issue with the weight and size of the welder, which means Portability is not that much important for them. But those who use it frequently outdoors and run wedding businesses must consider Portability before purchasing. They should look for a compact and lightweight welder so that they can take it with them wherever they go.

Note: Small welders are less powerful but portable; however, bigger welders contain more power because of the bigger motor and are best for stationary welding.

Duty Cycle of the welder (working capacity of welding machine)

Duty Cycle is a simpler term that means the amount of time using a welder before it gets heated. So overall, the operating time of a welder depends upon the workload and the intensity of your work.

Duty Cycle is dependent upon the output power of the welding machine because if a machine has more output power, it will overheat quickly. As a result, its duty cycle will be shorter.

On the other hand, a lesser output power machine has a more duty cycle that you can use for long hours. But note that many brands have added a great cooling system which cools the welding machine when it overheats.

The duty cycle is denoted in the percentage of a 10-minute period of using a welder. For instance, if the duty cycle of a welder is 70%, it means you can use it for 7 minutes. Then, you have to allow 3 minutes for it to cool down.

The latest high output power welders come with a thermal overload protection feature. When your welding machine crosses its duty cycle, it automatically shuts off to prevent overheating.

Gas Cylinder

The gas Cylinder is the most crucial part; without it, the welding machine cannot operate. So before buying, you should consider it carefully because all MIG welders use gas cylinders. A gas Cylinder may contain CO2 gas for the standard type of welding, but for better results, you need a mixture of Argon and CO2, which is somehow costly, but overall the end result of welding will be outstanding.

Welding machine’s safety features

Safety is crucial, and welding machines of today’s era are incredibly safe because they have numerous features that make them super safe for seniors, intermediates, and newbies. You know that a welding machine is used for welding tougher materials, so they consume electricity and voltage. As a result, they are mighty and can cause severe damage to health. Luckily, the MIG welding machine has an overload protection feature that turns off the machine automatically in case of sudden electrical overload. This feature is quite beneficial because it saves the welding machine from burning and deteriorating from overload.

Regulator of the welding machine

The regulator is an important component that allows you to maintain a steady flow of gas. There are different types of pressure regulators available for your welding machine.

The dual gauge regulator comes with a flowmeter. The gauge shows the amount of gas left in the tank. And the flowmeter allows you to optimize the flow of gas. These dual gauge regulators are more expensive than other regulators.

The single gauge regulator will only show the amount of gas left in the tank. It would be best if you got a flowmeter separately.

Price of the welding machine

Price is what makes many people think again and again about whether to buy or not. Because many welding machines are pretty expensive, and some are cheap. Cheap has pros and cons, and expensive machines have pros and cons. But if you want to use a welding machine for heavy-duty outdoor tasks or use it in factories, I highly recommend purchasing the expensive ones because they are feature-rich and come with numerous add-ons. Overall, a cheaper welding machine will cost you around 123USD, and an expensive one will cost almost 345USD, so you need to keep 567USD in mind before buying.

Note: Cheaper welding machines are also great and have numerous features, but they lack some advanced features, but in terms of essential elements, cheaper machines are similar to expensive ones. Cheaper is perfect for those who use it at home occasionally for low-duty work.

Conclusion

Welding stainless steel is a demanding work that needs a powerful welding machine. But I know due to market saturation, you cannot find what you really want; that is why I being a Hobbyist welder, have used some of the welding machines reviewed in this article and some, according to my research, explained one by one above with pros and cons. So now I want to end up the article with these 3 top welding machines for your specific needs, which are:

YESWELDER ARC-205DS 110V WELDER

Hobart 500554 Handler 190 MIG welder

HITBOX MIG250II MIG Welder

So read all products and then think which one best suits your needs.

Thanks for reading!