Last Updated on May 30, 2022 by Luis Ferency
If you love DIY projects, then a good-quality welding machine will be a useful addition to your set of tools. Thanks to the internet and online shopping, purchasing a decent welder for household and hobby tasks is now easier than ever.
A brief search on Amazon will reveal that there are plenty of choices, but for someone new to buying stick welders navigating the market and assessing the features can be extremely confusing. I share with you my top ten best stick welder choices in today’s post. I have been selected as an experienced welder.
This piece is designed to help you understand how stick welding works, what features are in the best stick welder, and a few great choices of machines that are suitable for both professionals and beginners.
Comparison Table for Best Stick Welder 2022
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Best Stick Welder – Top Rated For 2022
1. SUNGOLDPOWER ARC-200S Arc MMA Welder
The SUNGOLDPOWER ARC MMA 200A Inverter Welder combines a few benefits, which is an excellent choice for home users and hobbyists. It is compact and affordably priced.
With 110 and 220 volts options, it offers diversity, and the ability to get hot for a small, average quality welder. Unfortunately, the leads and clamps are short and of poor quality. I also found the LED screen to have some inaccuracies.
The SUNGOLDPOWER performs better on 220 volts, but if you are running off 110 volts, you will face issues with determining the correct amperage for your welds. Nonetheless, the 200A Welder is a worthy machine for domestic users, especially if you take the time to learn its adjustments and features.
Key Features
- Power Source: AC (DC Inverter)
- Input Voltage: 110v – 220v
- Amperage Range: 20-200 AMP
- Welding Types: ARC / MMA
- Duty Circle: 60%
- Efficiency: 85%
Pros
- Affordable
- Decent amperage range for the price
- Dual voltage
Cons
- Low-quality leads and clamp
- Imprecise LED screen
Check Price on Amazon
2. Lotos LTPDC2000D 3-in-1 Stick Welder
As a manufacturer, Lotos is known for creating good quality welders that are inexpensive, and the We LTPDC2000D Plasma Cutter/Tig/Stick Welder is no exception. A portable three-in-one welder that is versatile and can create immaculate welds, the LTPDC2000D can please almost every welder.
The welder has a stock electrode clamp six feet, which is the norm, but I found it to be on the smaller side, and I suggest you get an extension. It offers dual voltage input TIG and sticks welding and a plasma cutting function with a 15- to the 200-amp range.
The Lotos LTPDC2000D offers a list of more valuable features than its affordable price tag, which makes it one of the best stick welder choices on this list.
Key Features
- Power Source: DC
- Input Voltage: 110v – 220v
- Amperage Range: 15 – 220 AMP
- Welding Types: ARC / MMA / TIG
- Duty Circle: 60%
- Efficiency: 85%
Pros
- Dual Input voltage
- Affordable price range
- A broad Output range of 15 to 200 amps
- 43 pounds weight
- Multi-purpose welder
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Short electrode lead of six feet
3. 2018 AHP AlphaTIG 200X Tig/Stick Welder
If you want the buy the best stick welder that produces neat and quality welds, then I would highly recommend the 2018 AHP AlphaTIG 200X Tig/Stick Welder for both home and professional use.
AHP AlphaTIG 200X is easily portable and perfect for small jobs on steel or cast iron constructed items, including materials like brass steel, iron, and aluminum. AHP AlphaTIG 200X is one of the best stick welder machines because of its versatility, functionality, and cost-effective price.
Key Features 
- Power Source: AC DC
- Input Voltage: 110v – 220v
- Amperage Range: 10-200 AMP
- Welding Types: TIG / Stick Welder with PULSE
- Pulse Frequency: .5-200 AMP
- Duty Circle: 60%
Pros
- Supports TIG and stick welding with pulse
- 3-year warranty
- Dual voltage
- Powerful and affordable
- Easily control and setup
Cons
- Short user manual
4. Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder
If you are short on cash and you want the best stick welder that will last you years to come, then you should opt for Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder.
Forney Easy Weld 298 efficiently produces 1/4” welds with 24 gauge products and the maximum single pass it can weld is 1/8 inch. Forney Easy Weld 298 is efficient for smaller tasks. However, it does not scale up very well.
Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder Is the best stick welder for beginners, and I highly recommend it for its ease of use as it turns on only when you pull the trigger.
Key Features
- Power Source: DC
- Input Voltage: 120v
- Amperage Range: 90 AMP
- Welding Types: ARC and TIG capable
- Duty Circle: 30%
Pros
- 12-month warranty
- Lightweight machine
- Durable Quality
- Adequate user instructions
- Low price range
Cons
- Small amperage range
5. PrimeWeld 3-in-1 200 Amp Stick Welder
PrimeWeld 3-in-1 200 Amp Stick Welder is the best stick welder when it comes to ease of use, power, and a full range of welding functions. Although it is the best stick welder, however, it is also suitable for arc welding and plasma cutting. PrimeWeld allows you to quickly and easily switch between DC TIG welder and DC stick welder.
Although PrimeWeld 3-in-1 welder produces neat and durable welds, I wouldn’t recommend this welder for professional use. If your pocket allows you, you can get a better welding machine option for a little more money.
Key Features
- Power Source: DC
- Input Voltage: 110v – 220v
- Amperage Range: 15 – 220 AMP
- Welding Types: ARC / MMA / TIG
- Duty Circle: 60%
- Efficiency: 85%
Pros
- 3-year warranty
- Lightweight and portable
- Durable and versatile
- Reliable welder/cutter
- Quick and easy to use
Cons
- Not recommended for professional use
6. EVERLAST PowerARC 160STH Stick Welder
If you need the best stick welder that is both power-packed yet easily portable, then there is no better option for you than the 2019 EVERLAST PowerARC 160STH Stick Welder.
EVERLAST PowerARC 160STH is highly versatile as it gives you more welding options that you do not even get in some of the more pricy best stick welder machines. You can conveniently switch from doing fine details on aluminum to working on ¼ inch steel plates in seconds.
EVERLAST PowerARC 160STH is the best stick welding if you are always on the go because it is travel-friendly, and its HF feature ensures perfect welds even when working in harsh weather conditions or an area with a lot of wind.
Key Features
- Power Source: AC
- Input Voltage: 110v – 220v
- Amperage Range: 10 – 160 AMP
- Welding Types: ARC / TIG
- Duty Circle: 35%
Pros
- 5-year warranty
- Lightweight and portable
- Features an IGBT inverter
- Dual voltage
- Durable built-quality
Cons
- Doesn’t support AC output
7. Amico ARC-160D Inverter DC Welder
Amico ARC-160D is one of the best low-priced stick welders with a range of safety options, including over-current protection, over and under-voltage protection, and overload protection. All of these features and its ease of use and set up, and its affordable price makes Amico ARC-160D the best stick welder machine for beginners.
The Amico Power DC-160A is relatively new; thus it is not popularly talked about; however, I have found it to be better than other best stick welder machines that are specially designed for beginners and home users.
The 80% duty cat 160 amps allows you to weld for more extended periods of time without pauses for it to cool down.
Key Features
- Power Source: DC
- Input Voltage: 115 – 230V
- Amperage Range: 15 – 160 AMP
- Welding Types: Stick
- Duty Circle: 80%
Pros
- Equipped with Inverter technology
- Built-in heat protection
- Intelligent heat controls
- LED display
- Infinity amperage control
Cons
- Delay in the start or set up
8. LINCOLN ELECTRIC CO K1170 AC225 Welder
For years, Lincoln Electric Co K1170 AC225 Welder has been one of the most recommended and bestselling industrial welders ever. I have used this best stick welder from Lincoln Electric Co, and it has never failed to produce an incredibly smooth AC welding arc.
It can easily weld various types of metals, including low-alloy and stainless steel, cast iron, and carbon. Although K1170 AC225 has a 20% duty cycle, you will not face any heating issues if you will draw the arc with K1170 AC225 for 2 minutes per period.
To ensure that the welder does not overheat I strongly recommend you to leave the unit “on” every 10 minutes.
Key Features
- Power Source: AC
- Input Voltage: 220v
- Amperage Range: 40 – 225 AMP
- Welding Types: Arc Welder
- Duty Circle: 20%
Pros
- 3-year part and labor warranty
- Smooth arc for easier welding
- Reasonably priced
- Compatible with different types of metals
Cons
- Heavy
- Difficult to set up
9. Everlast PowerPro 164 Stick Pulse Welder
If you require the best stick welder for professional use, then Everlast PowerPro 164 is an excellent option. Although Everlast PowerPro 164 is on the pricy side, however, this multi-function welder offers durable and clean welds every time.
Everlast PowerPro 164 offers the exceptional ability to switch between its stick welding, TIG welding, and plasma cutting features easily and quickly with a simple flip of the selector switch. It comes with exceptional capabilities for successfully taking on most welding tasks.
Key Features
- Power Source: AC DC
- Input Voltage: 120 – 240v
- Amperage Range: 10 – 140 AMP
- Welding Types: DC TIG / DC Stick
- Duty Circle: 35%
Pros
- 5 Year (Parts and Labor)
- Heavy-duty machine
- Dual voltage feature
- Lightweight and portable
- Low power consumption
Cons
- Pricy option
10. HITBOX 200A Digital Inverter Welder
HITBOX 200A Welder is one of the best stick welder machines if you talk about portability and affordability. Don’t expect the best quality welds from this machine; however, if you are looking for the best budget-friendly portable onsite welder, then HITBOX 200A will prove to be a fantastic choice.
HITBOX 200A maxes out at 160 amperage, which is minimal for heavier gauge jobs. I usually recommend this welder to home users only because of its several features that ensure ease of use. However, HITBOX is not the best option for professional use.
Key Features
- Power Source: DC
- Input Voltage: 220v
- Amperage Range: 200 AMP
- Welding Types: MMA/Lift ARC
- Duty Circle: 60%
Pros
- 1-year warranty
- Affordable option
- Auto-sleep function
- Friendly Control Panel
- LED display
Cons
- Low built quality
How Do Stick Welders Work? In 2022
Stick welding, which is also known in the professional industry as Manual Metal Arc (MMA), or Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), is a widely used style of welding.
A stick welder comprises an electrode through which an electric current runs at the weld pool, which fuses two pieces of metals. Stick welding is comparatively simpler and more versatile, which contributes to its popularity.
The electrode is a rod or a stick of solid metal coated with a combination of metal powders and compounds. An alternating or direct current runs through the stick or the electrode to make an electric arc, which produces the heat necessary to join the metals. The area with the electrode and the metals are called the weld pool.
The electrode provides the filler metal needed for the joint and bead. Stick welders are widely used for various maintenance and repair tasks as well as in the construction industry to weld massive steel structures.
Buying Guide
The most significant advantage of Stick welders is their simplicity. In some cases, stick welders can do what MIG or TIG welders cannot. In the repair and maintenance industry in particular stick welders are essential to weld tanks and sealed containers because of their ability to provide good, quick quality, reliable welds.
Although MIG welding offers faster and easier welds, it doesn’t provide the same quality of seam weld. Similarly, TIG welding also has drawbacks. Despite being predictable, TIG welding is expensive and slow.
To some, stick welders may seem outdated. People who know their versatility and power consider time an ideal tool that produces dependable results in different applications, which adds to their versatility and usability.
Before I provide you with my top pick for the best stick welder under 500 machines, I am sharing my ultimate buying guide for stick welders. This guide is intended to help new buyers find the right welder for their needs.
Kind of Work StandingPerformed
Similarly, as with some other welder buy, the main thought is the sort of work you hope to do with the welder. Slight sheet metal, flimsy plate, and thick plate all have their own things to look for.
A few welders perform better while siphoning out high amperage for thick welding errands. Others are better at the base finish of the result range, and more fit to a thin plate or sheet metal.
Output Power
Direct Current (DC) is mostly used in arc welders, but you can also find some models with Alternating current (AC). You must make a distinction and learn about the difference.
The main reason behind the prevalence of DC welders is their ability to provide an even weld with minimal splatter. Another advantage of DC power is improved penetration.
In contrast, the negative and positive polarity of the welding arc is pulsed in AC welding, which provides better results in magnetized metal. AC power has a lower penetration that is suitable for welding corners, rusted, and oxidized metals.
DC welding is easier to use, which makes it suitable for beginners. However, you might be able to find a cheaper build with AC welders and other useful features for specific applications.
Amps
You need to learn about the amperage or maximum current of the stick welder because it will determine the thickness of metal it can weld. More thick and Harder metals need higher amps. However, most home projects and hobbyist tasks need an amperage of 70 to 90.
Duty Cycle
The productivity of the welder will be affected by the duty cycle. The best stick welder will have a higher duty cycle, which will allow you to weld for longer, and the machine will cool down quicker. The Duty Cycle denotes the amount of time before the device gets too hot and the amount of time it would need to cool.
The DC is the percentage of a 10-minute work cycle, at rated amps. For instance, if your machine has a Duty Cycle of 70% @ 90A, it will provide 7 minutes of working time, and 4 minutes of cooling is required when working on 90 amps.
Welder Quality
Guessing the quality of a welder isn’t an easy task, and it is especially harder online because you can look at and feel the machine yourself. One way of assessing quality is to read online reviews and ask peers for advice. My method of appraising the features is to consider the standard of ground clamp and electrode.
High-quality models usually include an excellent electrode and ground clamp.
Transformer vs. Inverter Welder
Nowadays, inverter welders are standard due to their efficiency and the ability to produce a smooth weld and minimal splatter. Other benefits of inverter welders include ease of use and reduced sticking of the electrode.
On the other hand, inverter welders have their drawbacks. They lack durability and can be expensive in the long run because you will have to replace capacitors over time, which adds to the cost and is an added step of maintenance.
Verdict
Choosing the best stick welder can be a challenge if you are not equipped with adequate knowledge about the best stick welder machines available on the market as well as vital buying advice.
We hope that this review article will help you buy the best stick welder that fulfills all of your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is buying a used stick welder a good idea?
Opt for a secondhand stick welder, if you have a strict budget. Why? Because most welding machines have a nearly indestructible built quality. Thus they can be used for several years. Even the best stick welder machines can get damaged if they are not appropriately maintained; therefore, make sure that the used welding machine that you are willing to buy is in tip-top condition.
2. What is the best stick welder for all-around use?
If you want to invest in the best stick welder, then look for an electric arc machine or a gas engine drive machine with AC/DC output. DC welding has several advantages over AC welding: easy to learn and use, easier vertical up and overhead welding, fewer arc outages and sticking less spatter/better-looking welds, and many other advantages.
3. What is the ideal AMP for the best stick welder?
If you require the best stick welder for professional and home use, then a 225- to 300-amp stick machine would be an ideal choice. You usually require 200 amps or less for most stick welding procedures. Please remember that you may have to make multiple passes if you need to weld any material thicker than 3/8 inch or even 1 inch.
4. How important is it to remove oil or rust before welding?
Most welding procedures ideally require clean materials. However, you can get away with unclean conditions with stick welding. But if you want a perfect welding job, I highly recommend you to prepare well and completely clean the material before starting the procedure. Poor preparation can lead to a poor weld job that can cause a lack of fusion, cracking, and slag inclusions.
Luis Ferency with experience of 35+ years is a semi-retired welder. Though his passion for welding and learning keeps him going further. He loves sharing his knowledge on his expertise in SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and FTAW. Hence, this helped the new welders to seek leverage knowledge and improve their welding skills.
