When you’re just starting out in welding, it’s easy to believe that a high-priced machine is the only path to solid, clean welds. But that’s far from true. Today’s best cheap stick welders combine impressive performance, modern inverter technology, and durability all without draining your wallet. Whether you’re fixing a gate on the farm, repairing a trailer, or building a metal project in your garage, affordable stick welders now offer the same reliability that once came only with premium brands.
Stick welding, or SMAW, has always been known for its simplicity and versatility. Unlike MIG or TIG machines that often require shielding gas or precise setup, a good stick welder can handle rusted or painted metal and still lay down a strong bead. That’s exactly why many beginners, DIYers, and small shop owners look for the best budget-friendly stick welders—machines that strike a balance between power, portability, and ease of use.
In this guide, we’ll explore what makes these low-cost welders worth your investment, what features you should prioritize (like duty cycle, amperage range, and electrode compatibility), and which models stand out for performance and value. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which affordable stick welder suits your workbench and why you don’t need to overspend to get professional-grade results.
Our Top 5 Cheap Stick Welder Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Siasky Mini Welding Machine | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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Hpoouo 200Amp 20PCS Rods Stick Welder | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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Hpoouo 200Amp 20PCS Rods Stick Welder | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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RILAND Stick Welder | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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200Amp Welding Machine with 25 Rods | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Cheap Stick Welder Detailed Reviews
1. Siasky Mini Welding Machine
Rating: 8.9/10
Unleash your inner maker with the Siasky Mini Welding Machine! This upgraded welder packs a punch, making it perfect for all your DIY projects, from garage fixes to farm repairs and even fun crafts. Its smart design makes welding easier than ever, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been welding for years.
What We Like:
- It’s super powerful thanks to its upgraded IGBT inverter technology. This means a strong arc for smooth welds and deep penetration.
- The anti-stick feature is a lifesaver! No more frustrating moments with electrodes sticking to your work.
- It’s incredibly portable and lightweight, weighing only 3.3 pounds. The comfy handle makes it easy to take anywhere.
- Operation is a breeze with the intelligent LED screen. It shows you the exact welding current, and beginners can let it auto-match the settings.
- Safety is a top priority. It runs on a standard 110V outlet and has a strong fan for cooling and dust prevention, which helps it last longer.
- The kit comes with everything you need to get started, including welding rods, clips, a face shield, and a brush.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for smaller jobs, it might not be powerful enough for heavy-duty industrial welding.
- The included welding rods are a good start, but serious users might want to buy more specialized rods separately.
This Siasky mini welder is a fantastic tool for anyone looking for a portable and user-friendly welding solution. It’s ready to help you tackle a wide range of projects with confidence.
2. Hpoouo 200Amp 20PCS Rods Stick Welder
Rating: 8.5/10
The Hpoouo 200Amp 20PCS Rods Stick Welder is a powerful yet incredibly portable welding machine designed for DIY enthusiasts and home repair projects. This 110V IGBT inverter welder is packed with features to make welding easier and more effective, all in a compact package.
What We Like:
- It’s upgraded to 200Amps and can handle metal up to 0.2 inches thick.
- The machine is super mini and weighs only 3.7lbs, making it easy to take anywhere.
- Advanced IGBT inverter technology ensures stable welding and deep penetration.
- Hot Start, Arc Force, and Anti-Stick features help beginners weld smoothly.
- It works with over 90% of welding rods, including popular types like E6013 and E6011.
- Comes with 20 welding rods, 2 chip hammers, and welding gloves for immediate use.
- Built-in safety features like over-voltage and over-heating protection keep you safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instruction manual might need clearer explanations for different rod types.
- While portable, it’s still a 110V machine, so it may not be suitable for very heavy-duty industrial work.
This Hpoouo stick welder is a fantastic tool for anyone looking to tackle welding tasks at home. Its portability and user-friendly features make it a great starting point for new welders.
3. Hpoouo 200Amp 20PCS Rods Stick Welder
Rating: 8.8/10
The Hpoouo 200Amp 20PCS Rods Stick Welder is a super mini, portable welding machine that’s perfect for home repairs and DIY projects. This 110V IGBT inverter welder packs a punch with its adjustable current up to 200A, letting you work with metal pieces from 1/16″ to 1/8″ thick. It even comes with 20 welding rods and two chip hammers to get you started right away.
What We Like:
- It’s incredibly portable! Weighing only 3.7lb and measuring 7.8*3.9*5.3 inches, you can take it anywhere.
- The advanced IGBT inverter technology makes welding smooth and stable, even for beginners.
- Hot start, arc force, and anti-stick features help you get clean welds and prevent rods from sticking.
- It works with over 90% of welding rods, like AWS E6013 and E6011.
- Safety is a priority with built-in protections against over-voltage, over-current, and overheating.
- It comes with extra accessories like 20 welding rods, 2 chip hammers, and welding gloves.
What Could Be Improved:
- The included welding rods are acidic. If you use alkaline rods, you’ll need to switch the electrode holder and earth clamp connections.
This welder is a fantastic option for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use tool for small welding jobs. Its portability and user-friendly features make it a great addition to any home workshop.
4. RILAND Stick Welder
Rating: 8.7/10
The RILAND Stick Welder is a handy tool for anyone who needs to join metal pieces together. It’s small and light, making it easy to carry around your workshop or even take to another location. This welder is designed to be user-friendly, so even if you’re new to welding, you can get started quickly. It works with standard 110V power, making it great for home use.
What We Like:
- It’s super light, weighing only 4.4 pounds, so you can easily move it around or take it with you.
- It can weld many different kinds of metal, like iron, steel, and even stainless steel, using rods from 1.6mm to 3.2mm.
- It works well even with lower power settings, which is good for welding thinner metals without making a mess.
- The Hot Start feature makes it easy to begin welding by giving a little extra power at the start.
- It has Anti-Stick technology, so the welding rod won’t get stuck as easily.
- Built-in safety features like overload and short-circuit protection keep you safe while you work.
- It’s certified by UL and FCC, meaning it meets safety standards.
What Could Be Improved:
- It only uses 110V power, so it might not be powerful enough for very thick or heavy-duty welding jobs that require higher voltage.
- While it’s good for beginners, experienced welders might want more advanced features or a higher amperage range for specific tasks.
This RILAND Stick Welder is a fantastic choice for home projects and small repairs. Its portability and safety features make it a reliable and accessible welding solution.
5. 200Amp Welding Machine with 25 Rods
Rating: 9.4/10
Unleash your inner welder with the 200Amp Welding Machine, a powerful yet portable 110V ARC stick welder designed for home, DIY, and hobbyist projects. This all-in-one starter kit comes with everything you need to get welding right away, making it ideal for beginners and experienced users alike.
What We Like:
- It’s an all-in-one kit, so you can start welding immediately.
- The 200A output provides smooth and strong welds.
- Synergic control automatically adjusts settings for better results.
- It’s super portable, weighing only 4.2 lbs, so you can take it anywhere.
- Hot Start, Arc Force, and Anti-Stick features make welding easier and prevent frustration.
- Advanced IGBT inverter technology ensures consistent weld quality.
- It has built-in safety features for peace of mind.
- Customer support is available to help if you need it.
What Could Be Improved:
- The rod capacity is limited to 1/16″ to 1/8″.
- While great for beginners, seasoned pros might want more advanced features.
This portable welder is a fantastic option for anyone looking to tackle home repairs, metal fabrication, or small construction jobs. Its user-friendly design and included accessories make it a great value for its price.
Your Guide to Finding a Great, Affordable Stick Welder
So, you’re looking to do some welding without breaking the bank? A stick welder, also known as a SMAW welder, is a fantastic tool for beginners and DIYers. They are simple to use and can handle a variety of projects. Let’s dive into what makes a good cheap stick welder.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a budget-friendly stick welder, keep these features in mind:
- Amperage Range: This tells you how much power the welder has. For general home use and light projects, a range from 30 to 120 amps is usually enough. Thicker metal needs more amps.
- Duty Cycle: This is how long you can weld before the machine needs to cool down. A higher duty cycle means you can weld for longer stretches. Look for at least a 20% duty cycle at a decent amperage (like 100 amps).
- Portability: Most cheap stick welders are quite light. This is great if you need to move it around your garage or take it to different job sites.
- Power Input: Most small stick welders run on standard household 120V power. This makes them easy to plug in almost anywhere.
- Hot Start: This feature helps the arc start more easily. It gives a little extra power at the beginning of your weld.
- Anti-Stick: This prevents the welding rod from sticking to your metal. It makes welding smoother, especially for beginners.
Important Materials
Stick welders use welding rods, also called electrodes. The type of rod you use depends on the metal you’re welding:
- Mild Steel: This is the most common metal for DIY projects. Rods like 6013 and 7018 work well.
- Stainless Steel: You’ll need special rods for this.
- Cast Iron: This can be tricky, but specific rods are available.
The welder itself is usually made of durable metal and plastic. A good build quality means it will last longer.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a cheap stick welder good or not so good?
Things That Make a Welder Better:
- Stable Arc: A good welder provides a consistent arc. This means less spitting and sputtering, making your welds cleaner.
- Easy Controls: Simple knobs for amperage are best for beginners.
- Good Cooling System: This helps prevent the welder from overheating.
- Reliable Brand: Even on a budget, some brands have a better reputation for making dependable tools.
Things That Can Make a Welder Worse:
- Weak Arc: If the arc is hard to start or unstable, it’s frustrating.
- Overheating Quickly: A low duty cycle can be a real pain.
- Poor Build Quality: If it feels flimsy, it might not last long.
- Limited Amperage: If it can’t get hot enough, you won’t be able to weld thicker metal.
User Experience and Use Cases
A cheap stick welder is perfect for many tasks. You can use it for:
- Home Repairs: Fixing metal gates, fences, or furniture.
- DIY Projects: Building small metal shelves, go-karts, or art pieces.
- Hobbyist Metalworking: Exploring your creativity with metal.
- Learning to Weld: It’s a great entry point into the welding world.
The user experience should be straightforward. You plug it in, set your amperage, strike an arc, and weld. For beginners, the ease of use and the forgiving nature of stick welding are big pluses. While it might not be ideal for super thin metals or complex, high-precision work, it’s a workhorse for many common jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Stick Welders
Q: What is the most important feature to look for in a cheap stick welder?
A: The amperage range is very important. It needs to be high enough for the metal thickness you plan to weld.
Q: Can I weld thick metal with a cheap stick welder?
A: Yes, but it depends on the welder’s amperage. Thicker metal needs more power.
Q: What kind of power do these welders use?
A: Most small, affordable stick welders use standard 120V household power.
Q: Is stick welding easy for beginners?
A: Yes, stick welding is generally considered one of the easier welding processes to learn.
Q: What are welding rods?
A: Welding rods, or electrodes, are the metal sticks that melt to create the weld. They come in different types for different metals.
Q: How long can I weld before a cheap stick welder overheats?
A: This is determined by its duty cycle. A 20% duty cycle at 100 amps means you can weld for 2 minutes out of every 10.
Q: Will a cheap stick welder come with everything I need?
A: Usually, you get the welder. You will likely need to buy welding rods, a helmet, gloves, and a chipping hammer separately.
Q: What is “anti-stick” on a welder?
A: Anti-stick technology prevents the welding rod from sticking to your workpiece, making it easier to weld.
Q: Can I use a cheap stick welder for professional jobs?
A: While they can do some light professional tasks, they are usually best suited for home, hobby, and light-duty use.
Q: How do I choose the right welding rod?
A: The type of metal you are welding will determine the best welding rod to use.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m Darrell Julian, the founder, lead writer, and hands-on welding enthusiast behind ArcWeldingPro.com. With more than 15 years of real-world welding experience, I created this platform to share what I’ve learned in the field, in the shop, and in the heat of the arc.
