Best Multi-Process Welder

If you like doing MIG, TIG, and stick welding every now and then, then you most likely need a multi-process welder. As the name implies, a multi-process welding machine can do many types of welding, and some can even do plasma cutting. They are your versatile companions if you’re doing small repair jobs or metal fabrication.

Multi-process welders come in different brands with different features. Prices also vary greatly. You’ll be surprised to find a unit that’s under $500 and one that’s over $5,000. Regardless of the price of the machine, it should have good build quality, performance, and durability. Having said that, let’s take a look at some of the best multi-process welders. 

Esab Rebel EMP 215ic

This is arguably the best multi-process welder, which is more like a MIG welder capable of stick, TIG, and flux core. It’s easy to recognize an Esab welder because of its characteristic bright yellow color with black handles and control panel. The roll cage boasts its IP23S rating, and that indicates it has some waterproof sealing, which is a good thing if you do outdoor welding.

This dual voltage multi-purpose machine has an sMIG EMP. Basically, it has two modes. There’s a mode for you if you’re a beginner. You don’t need to be an expert to be able to operate this welder. The basic mode allows you to set it up easily (no need for aimlessly fiddling with its knobs). If you’re a professional, you can use the second mode to fine tune your settings. 

You can check out the specifications on its product page, but one thing to note is that you can count on this welder for frequent welding. It doesn’t get hot easily, and its stable arc assures strong welds. You can read the full Esab Rebel Review here.

Two possible downsides of this welder is its gun’s seemingly delicate plastic connector and the above-average price of this machine. 

Weldpro 200Amp Inverter Multi-Process Welder

If you’re looking for a solid budget multi-process welder, you should check out the Weldpro 200 Amp machine. It’s good for beginners, but it offers more than entry-level features. The Weldpro 200 can do MIG, stick, lift TIG, and flux core welding. 

You may run into an issue when welding aluminum, because this machine doesn’t have arc TIG for aluminum. However, you can fix this minor issue by replacing the torch with a spool gun for aluminum welding. 

When it comes to performance, this isn’t one of the most powerful multi-process welders. But you can count on it for welding ¼” mild steel at 220 volts. 

In terms of usability, one thing that deserves mentioning is how easy it is to adjust both voltage and wire speed at the same time for MIG. This is good for guys who hate fine-tuning the settings. 

Where this machine wins is in its value. Its performance to price ratio is just incredible. 

Everlast PowerMTS 251Si Pulse MIG TIG Stick

This model comes with key changes that make it more usable than its predecessors. It can do standard DC MIG, TIG, and stick — but it goes further by adding synergic MIG, pulse MIG, and pulse TIG modes. These new additions provide more convenience. And if you’re on TIG mode, you can choose between the touchless HF start or the lift start, depending on your preference. The stick mode, on the other hand, allows more adjustment. At 200 amps, the stick welding capacity of this machine should not be underestimated. It can weld 5/32” metal. 

The PowerMTS 251si keeps things simple. All the connections are on the front panel, so setting up this device isn’t confusing even for beginners. It has separate controls for TIG. Not to mention, the TIG torch has its switch. The TIG as well as the MIG torches are of high quality. 

The only downside we can think of has something to do with portability. This isn’t one of those welders you can count on if you are a mobile welder. 

Lincoln Electric PowerMIG 210MP

If you want an easy-to-use and versatile multi-process welder that can do MIG, flux core, TIG, and stick welding, then one of the machines to consider is the Lincoln 210. Usability is a strong suit of this device, whose on screen display provides instructions so simple that a novice shouldn’t have trouble setting this machine up. Yes, you can control variables like metal thickness, gas mixture, or wire thickness — as well as amperage, wire speed, and voltage. If you want to do TIG, all you need to do is change the mode to TIG, connect your TIG torch to the machine, and hook up your gas. However, those who want to weld aluminum may be disappointed that this machine only allows MIG welding aluminum with a spool gun. 

Lincoln 210 is dual voltage. At 120 volts, expect an output range of 20-140 amps. At 230 volts, the upper limit goes up to 220 amps. It has a fairly good duty cycle — 40% at 100 amps and 25% at 200 amps. This machine provides enough power for MIG welding 5/16” of stainless steel. Two fans in the back keep the internal parts cool on a demanding day. 

Lotos TIG 200

This is a mid-range multi-process welder, neither too cheap nor too expensive. But you get intuitive controls and a plethora of features you can take advantage of if you’re a seasoned welder. This machine’s easy-to-learn manual makes it good for beginners, too. 

The Lotos TIG 200 looks and feels tough. One of the heaviest welding machines, it weighs 58 pounds. So this isn’t your first choice if portability is your primary concern. Then again, with heavy machines, you feel more secure with the build quality. This one doesn’t feel like a delicate machine that’s likely to break down easily. 

The control panel design adds to the sheer usability of this device. The front panel has all the controls, so you don’t have to find dials here and there. This smart machine has an automated voltage adjustment. You don’t have to do anything when switching from 220 volts to 110 volts or vice versa. An impressive duty cycle of 60% means less downtime. Also, the impressive output current range (10A-200A for TIG and 30A-200A for stick) means you can weld metals as thin as 6mm and as thick as 1 inch. This is a remarkable multi-process welder for its price!

Conclusion

The best multi-process welding machine still depends on you. The models mentioned in this article, however, come to the top based on their features, build quality, and usability. None of these machines are perfect, but they certainly will not disappoint.