Best Multi-Process Welder – Top 5 Rated For 2022

I have a friend who wants to buy an multi-purpose welder but is worried they won’t perform as well as single process Miller. I invited him try out my machine and also volunteered to research other brands to find the best multi-process welding machine.

The best multi-process welders is a durable reliable machine that should be capable of performing at least three welding processes. I currently use the Weldpro 200, it’s a great alternative to much higher priced models, and it performs just as well.

There are different types of welding processes, and each method requires a particular machine. Because of this, it can be a hassle challenging to choose the right device for a project. Furthermore, buying separate machines for each process is expensive and takes up a lot of space.

Fortunately, multi-process welders offer an excellent solution to this dilemma. These machines allow users to perform more than one welding process. In this post, we will consider the best multi-process welders on the market.

There is also a buyer’s guide that follows the reviews; it provides some tips on choosing a welder and answers some frequently asked questions about all-in-one welders.

Best Multi-Process Welders

1. Forney Easy Weld 271, 140 Multi-Process Welder – Value For The Money

It is vital to choose a welder that is safe to use while being productive. And it’s a bonus when it comes at a low price—the Forney Easy Weld 271 ticks all the boxes.

The features of this welder ensure that you are safe while you work, and it comes at a reasonable price.

The Forney Easy Weld 271 is a welder that you can use for different categories of welding. It can be used for stick welding, MIG welding, and TIG welding.

It welds up to 1/4,” and it has an 8″ electrode holder. The design is compact and durable. It weighs a mere 24.8 pounds, making it easy to move around, and is excellent for loading and unloading when you need to move it around the farm.

One reason why we like the Forney Easy Weld 271 is that using a gas wire is optional. You can use it without gas.

To ensure your safety and the durability of the equipment, it comes with indicators. For example, it has an overheating temperature indicator. Also, it possesses a fault indicator that alerts you to any problems the equipment might have.

The Forney Easy Weld 271 is relatively easy to use. Even beginners can use it without any hassles. One feature that aids beginners is the synergic welding mode. When the machine is in this mold, it seems like it’s on autopilot. It serves the function of monitoring and optimizing the welding arc.

Features

• 3 in 1 Stick appliance: Stick, MIG, and DC TIG Welder
• All metal case
• Comes with 12 months warranty
• Output voltage range: 12 – 23 V
• Output current range: 10 – 140 A

All of these features and more are in this equipment for a low price. Click here to see the best price.

2. Lincoln Electric POWER 210 Multi-Process Welder – Premium Option

The Lincoln Electric POWER 210 Multi-Process Welder is a welder that gives the hobbyist or small contractor different welding options. It is a 4 in 1 welder that can perform different welding functions.

It can be used as a MIG welder, TIG welder, stick welder, and flux-cored welder. As a dual-voltage unit, it has two voltage inputs: 120 V and 230 V.

Despite the versatility, it is straightforward to use. If you can use a smartphone, you can set up and use the Lincoln Electric POWER 210 Multi-Process Welder.

It has a digital display that shows what is going on with the equipment to make using it easier. The screen will guide you on how to set up the equipment.

If you are a beginner, you will find this feature especially useful. Among other welders at this price, it is the easiest to use. It comes in a compact and portable size. It weighs less than 40 pounds, which makes it easy to carry about.

Therefore, even if you lack a truck, you can place it on the floorboard of your car without any fuss. Aside from the portability, the Lincoln Electric POWER 210 Multi-Process Welder is very durable.

The frame of the welder is made of sheet metal, while the seams and fittings are made of durable plastic. The welder undergoes stress admirably. It can withstand adverse weather; left in the rain or even in snow, it still works perfectly. At this price, you will be hard-pressed to find a more durable welder. Click here to see the best price.

Features

• Dual-voltage Input
• Sheet-metal construction
• LCD
• Multi-process welder

3. Lotos Air Plasma 3 in 1 Combo Welding Machine – Plasma Cutter Welder

The Lotos CT520D is a multi-process welder that offers several welding options to the hobbyist or DIY enthusiast. Unlike the previous multi-process welders discussed so far, this welder doesn’t offer MIG welding.

Rather than MIG welding, this machine offers plasma. Aside from plasma cutting, it provides the standard processes you find in many multi-process welders: TIG welding and Stick welding.

Despite this difference, it still provides excellent performance on par with other welders at this price point. It is a compact welder that weighs just 32 pounds.

Therefore, if your project involves moving around with the welder, this equipment will present no difficulties. The build components are from quality materials. Hence, it feels and looks more expensive than it truly is.

It is easy to use. During our testing, we observed that switching between welding processes and functions was very easy. Therefore, no matter the job at hand, you can do it quickly and conveniently.

Welding performance on the Lotos CT520D is satisfactory. We were able to cut through steel material of up to ½” thickness with ease during testing. It lacks a pilot arc; therefore, you will need to touch the tip to the metal you want to cut. In addition, we observed that the Lotos CT520D uses up consumables quite quickly.

Overall, if you need a multi-process welder to use for your home projects or other light-duty work without spending a lot of cash, this is an excellent welder to have in your workshop. Click here to see the best price.

Features

• 50 AMP plasma cutter
• Dual voltage welder (110 V / 220 V)
• Dual-frequency welder (50 / 60 Hz)

4. Weldpro 200 Amp Inverter Multi-Process Welder – Portable Welder

I often use the Weldpro 200, it’s a compact welder that offers excellent performance at a great price. Weighing less than 30 pounds, it is the lightest and most compact multi-process welder on this list.

It is small in size and can be fitted into tight spaces. The bright yellow color of the housing makes it stand out in the workshop. Despite being an entry-level welder, it possesses features that make it as good as some more expensive models.

The Weldpro 200 is a piece of versatile equipment that offers different options to the user. It grants you the ability to TIG, or Stick weld from a single piece of equipment.

It also allows for MIG welding and flux core welding. However, it should be noted that although it offers options, there is no TIG process for aluminum welding. So, if you are looking for a TIG to weld aluminum, you will be better off looking at other welders.

If you are a beginner interested in fabrication, construction, or light-duty projects, this welder will suit your needs. During our testing, we set up the MIG process relatively and thoroughly enjoyed using this welder. I did have to watch a video to figure out how to adjust the speed and amperage separately but overall I was pleased with the unit.

Aside from the inability to TIG weld aluminum, the TIG welding process on this equipment is excellent for other metals, and instead of having a foot petal you adjust the gas at your torch. The TIG torch comes in the package, as well as a starter set of collets.

It is a beginner-friendly welder as it comes with an easy-to-read display and controls that are firm yet responsive. With the Weldpro 200, you don’t need to buy different machines; it is a genuinely multi-purpose welder. Click here to see the best price.

Features

• Digital display
• Multi-process welder
• 30% at 200 Amp duty cycle

5. Everlast PowerMTS Multi Process new Welder – Most Powerful Welder

If the goal is to find a multi-process welder that can handle MIG, TIG, and Stick welding with remarkable ease, then this is the right choice.

This welder takes you into the serious welding zone. It delivers plenty of power and can be used for different welding processes.

The Everlast PowerMTS 211Si is a powerful welder that, although it doesn’t compete with industrial welders, has more than the essential functions of entry-level welders.

Therefore, if you are working on a serious DIY project that requires a powerful welder, this is your ideal welder. The design is sturdy and durable.

However, unlike the other welders featured on this list, it is rather heavy. It weighs 80 pounds, which is twice the weight of some of the welders we have featured. So, it’s not as easy to carry around. However, you can still move it with assistance or a cart.

It has a touch-less start, which is a pleasant surprise. The digital IGBT inverter enhances versatility on the welder. As a dual voltage unit, it can use either 110 V or 220 V power outlets.

Except you use a spool gun for MIG welding, there is no way to TIG weld aluminum using the Everlast PowerMTS 211Si.

Overall, it is a heavy yet efficient welder that will meet your welding requirements. Click here to see the best price.

Features

• 35% at 210A duty cycle
• Dual voltage unit (110 V / 220 V)
• Synergic MIG function
• Lift start TIG welding

Multi-Process Welder Buyer’s Guide

The market is flooded with welders from all sorts of manufacturers. Some are established and others new, but what they have in common is that each claims their machine delivers just the performance you need for your projects – no matter who built it!

However, many of these prove to be disappointing. To assist you in choosing the right multi-process welder, we have created this buyer’s guide. We will consider the vital factors to note before making a purchase.

What Is a Multi-Process Welder?

Before discussing the factors, it is vital to know what a multi-process welder is. As the name implies, a multi-process welder allows you to perform more than one welding process.

Welding Processes

To have a better understanding of multi-process welders, we have to consider the different welding processes.

There are three main types of welding processes. There are:

• MIG welding
• TIG welding
• Stick welding

MIG welding

MIG welding is a welding process that involves using a spool of wire and a MIG welding gun to weld metal. This welding process is used for welding a plethora of metal surfaces with varying thicknesses. You can use MIG welders to weld steel, nickel, and even aluminum.

Although it is simple to do and covers a variety of applications, this process produces a lot of heat and can destroy light metal alloys. Furthermore, the process isn’t weather-resistant, and the materials to be welded must be clean and free of corrosion.

TIG welding

TIG welding is another welding process. In this case, instead of a spool of wire and a welding gun, an electric torch is applied in conjunction with a tungsten electrode to provide power to the welding arc. While this is on, a filler rod is added, and the metals are then welded.

Inert argon gas serves as a shield and a coolant for the filler rod in the welding puddle and the welding arc. It doesn’t produce as much heat as MIG welding and is an ideal welding process for light metal alloys.

However, when compared with MIG welding, it is harder to master.

Stick welding

Stick welding is the final welding process on our list. This process requires that an electrode (stick) and the workpiece are heated till they melt and the two parts are welded. To protect the rod from contamination, it is coated in a flux core.

This method is a heavy-duty process and is often employed when thick or heavy metals are welded. It generates a lot of heat, which is excellent for heavy metals but bad for light, thin materials.

It is a complicated process to master as the different elements involved in the process have to be carefully controlled.

A multi-process welder allows you to carry out two or more of these processes using one piece of equipment. These machines are all in one device that does not specialize in one type of welding but specializes in two or more.

The most common process combination found on the market is MIG/TIG welding. However, you can find other options on the market. The products we reviewed above have some of these combinations. Some of the varieties include:

MIG/TIG/Stick

MIG/TIG/CUTTER

TIG/PLASMA/STICK

You can choose the multi-process welder that offers the processes you will often use.

Features to consider when choosing multi-process welders

Performance Rating

The performance rating of a multi-process welder is a good indicator of how well it will meet your needs. A multi-process welder with a high-performance rating will provide neater, faster, and more efficient performance. Before making your choice, check online for reviews about the multi-process welder. That way, you will know the advantages and flaws of the welder.

Power

The power supply is vital in making the right choice of a multi-process welder. With this in mind, ensure you consider the type of power it requires. Some multi-process welders need AC or DC. Some can alternate between the two, while others can only work with one. The best multi-process welders are versatile and can work with either current.

Price

Before buying anything, price is an essential consideration, and multi-process welders are no exception. The amount you set aside will determine the choice you make. In most cases, the higher the price of a multi-process welder, the higher the quality of the welder. Conversely, the lower the price, the lower the quality of the equipment.

While this holds in most cases, you should be aware that some expensive welders come with pointless features. If you require a welder to carry out basic welding, you do not need to opt for a costly multi-process welder that is expensive because of the bells and whistles that come attached.

Ease of Use

The best multi-process welders come with instructions that are easy to read and follow. The multi-process welder should not be a hassle to set up. The more complicated the machine is, the higher the chances of getting something wrong during installation or use.

Brand

Although lesser-known brands might offer excellent performance, they might be hard to get a hold of if technical problems arise. Furthermore, if the machine parts need to be replaced, an obscure brand might not have parts available around you.

For your peace of mind, it is wise to choose a reputable brand with excellent customer service and technical support.

Purpose of the welder

Although multi-process welders cater to different welding processes, most focus on one, and the others are secondary. Therefore when choosing a multi-process welder, take note of the primary function it is designed for. That way, you can align your purchase with the primary process you use in welding.

Material

The metal you will be welding has a significant impact on your choice of a multi-process welder. Many multi-process welders can weld different metals and alloys, but you still need to be careful when choosing one.

For instance, although they might be able to weld a particular material, they might have a thickness limit. The higher the amperage, the easier it is to weld thick materials. If you are welding aluminum, you need to consider the capabilities of the multi-process welder carefully.

Weight

The weight of the machine depends on its purpose and function. If the multi-process welder is going to be at a spot, you can opt for a heavy multi-process welder. However, if you intend to move it often as I do, consider this when you choose your machine and buy one of the lighter models.

Pros of Multi-Process Welders

They are versatile: This is often the main reason why many folks opt to buy multi-process welders. They can take on different welding processes. High-quality multi-process welders do the job of specialized welders with ease.

They save space: Since these machines can do the work of two or more machines, your workshop doesn’t have to be cluttered. They often come in compact sizes that do not take up much room in your workshop.

They are economical: If you have different welding processes to do without the aid of a multi-process welder, you will have to buy special equipment for each method. And this equipment might not come cheap! Thus, instead of spending money on equipment, you can purchase a multi-process welder for less while it carries out the functions you desire.

They are portable: Imagine you had a project that required TIG, MIG, and Stick welding. If this project requires moving about, carrying a TIG welder, MIG welder, and Stick welder around will be cumbersome. With a multi-process welder, however, all these welders are rolled into one piece of equipment.

Cons of Multi-Process Welders

They are not specialized: The saying “Jack of all trades, master of none” especially applies to multi-process welders. They might deliver decent welding performance overall, but they often do not provide the same quality that comes from using a dedicated welder.

There’s no backup: Since these machines are a single unit, if anything happens to it, your job is in trouble. Having more than one welding machine ensures that you always have a backup if one fails. However, with the all-in-one welder, there is no such backup.

They are heavy: If the multi-process welder is used in an industrial setting where it isn’t required to be carried around, this might not be an issue. However, if you are a DIYer or a small contractor that needs to carry the machine around, this can be a burden. Furthermore, since they are usually heavy, it can be a problem handling jobs that require flexibility and a wide range of motion. Thankfully, most of the multi-process welders we reviewed come lightweight.

Conclusion

We hope that one of the five best multi-process welders we have considered will meet your needs. If not, use the buying guide we have provided to choose the right multifunction welder!

Best Selling Multi-Process Welders