Best Flux Core Welder Reviews for 2024 – Top 10 Picks
If you are a beginner starting to learn the welding process, flux core welding is a great place to start.
Unlike other forms of welding, flux core welding is simple, easy to learn, and does not come with the hassles associated with our types of welding.
Our Top Pick
After thorough research, we found out that the Hobart 500559 Handler 140 MIG Welder is the best flux core welder in the market.
Hobart 500559 Handler 140 MIG Welder is a heavy-duty welder, and boasting of an output of 140A, it’s suitable adapted to handle the commercial and industrial tasks.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table and Runners Up
Finding the best flux core welder for your needs can be a bit challenging.
It’s for this reason we’ve created a tabular comparison that outlines the distinctive qualities of each model.
From here, we summarize all the individual components of each welder and at the same time, let you compare the models.
Image | Product Name | Features | Price | Availability |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hobart 500559 | Processes: Flux Core welding | $$$ | ||
Lotos 140 Amp MIG Wire Welder | Processes: Flux Core welding | $$$ | ||
Super Deal PRO Commercial MIG 130 AC | Processes: Flux Core welding | $$ | ||
Forney Easy Weld 299 125FC Flux Core Welder | Processes: Flux Core welding | $$$ | ||
Goplus MIG 130 Welder Flux Core | Processes: Flux Core welding | $$$ | ||
ARKSEN MIG-130 | Processes: Flux Core welding | $$$ | ||
Reboot MIG150 220V MIG Welder | Processes: Flux Core welding | $$$ | ||
Hobart 500572 Handler 100 | Processes: Flux Core welding | $$$ | ||
Ironton 125 Flux-Cored Welder – Transformer | Processes: Flux Core welding | $$$ | ||
Lincoln Electric K2185-1 | Processes: Flux Core welding | $$$ |
Top 10 Flux Core Welders
Like we had mentioned in the beginning, flux core welding is the best place to start as a newbie.
A great beginner option, flux core welding, lets you pick it up with about half an hour of practice.
And unlike other types of welding, you don’t have to worry about the sophisticated detail or fiddly bits like cleaning your welding surface and keeping a gas canister handy.
Better yet, these types of welders are easy to set up and can handle a variety of welding processes.
A highly functional unit, the flux core welder can also be used for outdoor welding and are a handy addition to a DIY hobbyist or a professional workshop.
While there are plenty of benefits that you’ll reap for flux-core welding, not every flux-cored welder will do.
On the best lux core welder will give you the benefits of owning this type of welding machine.
Now, here’s the problem; the market is flush with flux core welders that choosing one ideal for your needs can be challenging.
Fortunately, we’ve scoured through the internet to bring you a comprehensive review of the top 10 flux core welders in the market.
1. Forney Easy Weld 299 125FC Flux Core Welder
Topping our list of the best lux core welder is the Forney Easy Weld.
Forney has been in the manufacturing domain or the last eight decades, and they’re synonymous with rugged durability and quality on their products.
The Forney 299 is one such product.
Quick Summary
Like a majority of the flux-core welders, the Forney unit is ideal for beginners and will even satiate the seasoned welders.
An easy to use and portable welder, this unit has plenty of excellent features to satisfy all your welding needs.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
Easy to Use
One of the major highlights of this unit lies in its ease of use.
This unit comes ready to use out of the box.
Sporting simple and intuitive controls, users, including beginners, will not have a hard time to operate the unit.
Design and Storage
Forney is constructed from a premium and sturdy plastic for the ultimate sturdiness.
Further, this unit, weighing at a mere 41 pounds alongside a modest dimension, is compact, easy to transport, and even store.
Performance
The Forney comes with an amperage output of between 65-80 Amps.
The Forney is not a heavy-duty unit, but it's primarily designed to cater to the light to medium welding DIY tasks.
Ideally, the Forney can weld mild steel around your home, yard, or ranch. If you also have some lightweight automotive repairs, the Forney is similarly up to the task.
Typically, this unit is suited for metals that are neither too thin nor too thin.
According to the manufacturer, the Forney can weld a 24 gauge wire up to ¼” thick.
In particular, the Forney is known to excel in welding mild steel as well as low carbon steel.
Duty Cycle
The Forney comes with a duty cycle of 20%.
Honestly, it’s not impressive, but for what the machine is designed for, it should be enough.
Dual Settings
The dual setting is yet another impressive feature on this unit as it gives you the flexibility of working on the thicker as well as the thinner metals.
WHAT I LIKED
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
2. Goplus MIG 130 Welder Flux Core
With some of the premium welders having an upwards of 90 pounds, finding a performance-oriented and portable flux-core welder is always a pls.
And this is what the Goplus MIG130 offers.
Quick Summary
A lightweight and portable unit, the Goplus 130 packs the right set of features that lets you handle the lightweight household projects.
Sporting a sturdy frame alongside a range of desirable features, the Goplus is a complete package that will deliver the right performance at the right price.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
Portable
We have already mentioned that portability and lightness are among the strong points of this unit.
Weighing at a mere 35 pounds, and with a modest dimension of 13.4″ x 7.3″x 11.4", the Goplus 130 is one of the lightweight and compact models in the market.
It’s easier to move this unit from one location to the other with ease.
Wire Speed Control
Another major highlight of this unit is the adjustable wire sped control.
Remember that the ability to customize the speed of the wire, which is fed, is critical, especially to welding, which has different welding tasks.
Multiple Heat Settings
The adjustable wire control, alongside the heat regulation of the Goplus, lets you create award-winning welds.
Goplus offers multiple heat settings, four in particular. The heat settings range from high to low.
And the benefit of the varying settings is they allow you to work on varying metals, and it further underlines the versatility of the unit.
Performance
Goplus runs on 110V/60Hz voltage with a maximum output of 105 amps.
It’s a little less low than what we had seen on the Forney. However, both of this unit has a near similar operation, as they're both ideal for the lightweight household tasks and lightweight workshop jobs.
Like the Forney, the Goplus is not recommended for the heavy-duty tasks, though it excels at fusing metal sheets.
WHAT I LIKED
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
3. Super Deal PRO Commercial MIG 130 AC
If you are looking for a budget option flux core welder that will reliably handle your welding tasks, the Super Deal 130 is a superb choice.
Expectedly, however, the Super Deal is not a heavy-duty welder, but rather ideal for fusing the thin sheets of metal.
Quick Summary
Super Deal Pro is ideal for the occasional light-duty applications.
To clear any confusion, the Super Deal PRO is only ideal for the light-duty application, and it’s not capable of handling some medium-duty applications.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
Design and Construction
The Super Deal Pro boasts of a top-quality PVC construction, which makes the welder incredibly light and sturdy as well.
Regarding comfort, this unit has been fitted with a comfortable grip that also makes the operation on this unit a lot more stable.
Weighing at 38 pounds, the Super deal Pro is one of the lightest units on our list, and this makes it a cinch to take the welder to form one spot to the other.
With a modest dimension of 20.2 x 15 x 12.5 inches, it’s compact enough and will not require a lot of storage space.
Adjustable Wire Feed Speed
A critical component of this welder is the adjustable wire speed.
This unit will give you the ability to adjust or rather customize the wire feed, and this gives you the flexibility of using this unit in a plethora of welding applications.
Performance
The Super Deal PRO is performance-oriented equipment capable of handling metals of between 16 gauge and 3/8 inches thick.
Regarding output, this unit has a maximum amperage of 130A.
However, what really captured our attention on the performance of the unit is the convenient lux system that will prevent instances of oxidation during welding.
Easy To Use
The Super PRO 130 comes with an ultra-simple interface that lets you operate the unit easily and with less of a hassle.
WHAT I LIKED
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
4. Hobart 500559 Handler 140 MIG Welder
The Hobart 559 handler wire welder is also known as the Hobart Handler 140.
It’s a highly versatile welder that can be used either for both MIG and flux-core welding processes.
Quick Summary
The variety plus a powerful output lets you use the welder for both the thin as well as the thick materials.
Surprisingly, this unit will provide you with professional results for the welder’s size and power.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
Design and Construction
A premium model, this welder is exceptionally built for sturdiness and durability.
The exterior shell on this unit, for instance, is constructed from thick steel, and so it does not break or easily get damaged.
Similarly, the internal componentry is built to the highest standards. In particular, we liked the metal wire feed. Contrary to other welders that feature plastic wire feeds, the Hobart has a premium feel.
Ideal for Beginners and Intermediates
If you are a beginner or intermediate, Hobart is an ideal choice.
Sporting an easy to use layout plus a simple setup lets you use it even with minimal or no experience at all.
In particular, we loved the dual-groove quick-change drive roll that allows for easy setup and fast spool gun change.
Combined, these features and others make the usage of this unit easy for both not-professionals and the seasoned welders.
5-Position VoltageControl
When it comes to the voltage control, this unit has a whopping five heat settings.
It’s by far the largest control adjustment we’ve come across on our list.
The benefit of having multiple heat adjustment is that it lets you choose the voltage control based on your welding requirements, more particularly the welding penetration.
Ultimately, this helps you to achieve a good welding fit and a stable and smooth arc for your welding requirements.
Arc Performance
A notable and probably one of the alluring features on the Hobart is the top-notch arc performance.
Boasting of excellent starting performance alongside crate fill abilities, this unit delivers incredible arc performance
Performance
The Hobart 559 is not a highly-priced item, but it delivers a reasonably strong power of 140A.
This high output is further accompanied by a duty cycle of 20% @ 90amps, which is more than enough for almost any household project.
So, whether you plan to use the Hobart for an auto repair, fence works, or even your workshop, it will always be a joy using this unit.
The unit is highly versatile and capable of welding a variety of materials, including metals that are only 24-ga in thinness t ¼ inch in thickness.
The MIT function lets you weld the thin materials such as stainless steel, and in the same breath, the flux-core option is ideal for fusing the thick materials.
WHAT I LIKED
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
5. ARKSEN MIG-130
The Arksen 130 is a small, compact, and lightweight MIG welder that is quite handy, especially in lightweight to moderate household welding tasks.
Quick Summary
Running on 115V, which is the standard domestic power, this unit is ready to use and will not require any additional set up.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
Design and Construction
The Arksen is enclosed in a tough steel casing that protects the interior components and makes this unit sturdy.
Weight at 38 pounds and with a dimension of 19 x 11 x 17 inches, this unit is ultra-compact and lightweight too.
Versatility
A highly versatile unit, the Arksen is the kind of welder that lets you achieve any welding obligation.
A highly versatile unit, this welder will let you handle a variety of welding tasks, including steel and aluminum.
You simply need to ensure that you don’t exaggerate the thickness.
Built-in Cooling Fan
The Hobart is smartly built and engineered for performance and tougher welding.
For instance, we love the inclusion of a cooling fan that lets the unit work for extended periods without overheating uncontrollably.
Highly Adjustable
The versatility of the Hobart goes beyond the use, but also on the performance.
This unit, for instance, comes with up heat adjustability of four settings.
What this means is that users can now adjust the heat setting depending on the material you are welding.
So, whether you are working on steel, aluminum, or other metal, the Hobart will fit on each project without sacrificing your work.
Versatility is further underlined by the adjustable wire feed. This unit supports up to 10 wire feed settings, letting you create a weld that fits your needs.
No Need for Gas
A safe unit, the functionality of this unit eliminates the need for gas.
Rather, it uses a self-shielding flux-corded welding wire.
The absence of gas not only makes this unit safe but removes the need for additional components such as regulators and makes it easier to use.
60% Duty Cycle
Offering up to six minutes per a complete weld cycle, the Hobart is among the units with the highest duty cycle in the market.
Performance
With an output of 120 amps, the Hobart gives an edge by letting you work on any metal, including sleet and aluminum.
WHAT I LIKED
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
6. Reboot MIG150 220V MIG Welder
The Reboot MIG 150 is yet another budget option and ideal for those looking for the reasonably priced units.
Though quite basic, the Reboot 150 welds well, and it’s unlikely that you’ll find units within its class that can weld as good as this.
Quick Summary
However, the instruction manual that comes with the welder is a bit unhelpful, but still, this unit is easy to use, and you shouldn't even need the manual provided you have the basics of operating a welder.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
Versatile
A highly versatile unit, the Reboot 150, will let you handle various welding processes.
Contrary to the typical MIG welding machines, Reboot 150 can handle both gasless flux-cored welding and gas shielded welding.
Besides being used for both types of processes, it can similarly be used for stick welding, giving you ultimate versatility that you don’t normally see at this price point.
Design and Construction
The Reboot 150 is sturdily constructed using premium materials for the ultimate durability.
Another design perk on this unit is the lightweight construction. Weighing at a mere 22 pounds, this unit is ultra-lightweight, and you will not have any trouble moving it.
The portability of the unit is further compounded with the compact design, which also makes it easy for you to store the unit.
Multi-Use
For the seasoned welder, the ideal type of machine is one that can handle various machine processes as well as metals.
With the Reboot, you get a highly versatile unit, especially regarding the types of metals that you can weld.
Whether you are looking to weld stainless steel, mild steel, or even aluminum, this unit can easily handle anything you throw at it.
Performance
Reboot 150 is not the most performing unit on our list.
However, given its price point and the features it has, it deserves to applaud.
Though only ideal or light welding, this unit delivers a tidy bead with minimal spatter.
Rated at 15-amp, this unit welds at an average temperature and ideal for the thin metals. In any case, this unit will disappoint you if you need to weld anything thicker than 3/16-inch material.
A major highlight of this unit is the impressive duty cycle. With a duty cycle of 60% @ 140A, this unit ties with the Arksen 130, and it’s among the units with the highest cycle in the market.
Overall, Reboot 150 is not our favorite welder; the 220V input makes it less desirable since it does not run on a standard outlet power. But still, it's a reliable and affordable option for those looking for the best 22V welders.
WHAT I LIKED
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
7. Lotos 140 Amp MIG Wire Welder
The Lotos 140 flux core welder is the latest offering from Lotos.
This unit, though a tad pricier, offers quality and performance that equals that of the more expensive commercial-grade welders.
A powerful unit, the Lotos has an excellent reputation for reliability and performance and is particularly ideal for those looking to handle materials of larger sizes.
Quick Summary
Also, the Lotos is highly versatile and ideal for a variety of home projects, including the DIY projects in your workshop or garage or even professional use.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
Design and Construction
Sporting a high quality and premium construction, the Lotus is sturdy and rugged enough to withstand the occasional or accidental knocks and jolt. With the Lotos, you get industrial-grade durability.
A portable unit, the Lotos weighs at 54 pounds. However, it's the lightest unit, but it's still easy to move the welder from one location to the other.
Automatic Wire Feeder
A highly flexible unit, the wire feeder on this unit accepts a variety of material sizes.
For the solid steel, this wire feeder accepts a generous range of 0.025 to 0.030 inches. For the flux-core wires, the range is between 0.030 to 0.035 inches.
2T/4T Switch
The 2T/4T Switch is another handy asset that optimizes the performance of the unit by adjusting the welding voltage according to the wire feeder.
Further, the 2T/4T Switch displays an exact readout that will offer more accuracy, and at the same time, let you generate a cleaner bead.
Welding Power
With an output that ranges from 40 to 140 amps, the Lotos lets you work on a variety of metals. So, whether you are working on steel, stainless steel, or even aluminum, the Lotos will handle anything you throw at it.
More specifically, this unit can handle aluminum of a thickness of up to 1/6 inches and 24 ga steel with 3/16 inches of thickness.
Though the Lotos is primarily marketed as a MIG welder, the unit is versatile and can use shielding gas and welding wire. Further, the unit is designed to use flux-corded wire without needing shielding gas.
Accessories
A complete solution to all your welding needs, this unit comes with a plethora of accessories that let you use the Lotos straight out of the box.
Some of the notable accessories on this unit include ground cable, wire spools, and argon gas regulator.
WHAT I LIKED
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
8. Hobart 500572 Handler 100
The Hobart Handler 100 is our second Hobart product on our list, and it goes ahead to underline the superiority of this brand.
Expectedly, this model has every desirable feature that every seasoned and beginner welder would want to have.
Quick Summary
A lightweight unit, this unit will do fine for a majority of the welding tasks. However, unlike the latter Hobart model we had reviewed, this unit is held back by some flaws such as the lack of versatility, especially when it comes to the metal choices.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
Design and Construction
Like a majority of the flux core welders on our list, this unit is sturdily constructed and built to handle the knocks and dings that come with operating the welders.
Weighing at 44 pounds and with a dimension of 16 x 10 x 13.5 inches, this Hobart model is extremely lightweight and compact too.
So, moving the unit around should be a cinch, and storage should be less of a hassle.
Flexible
This Hobart model runs on 115V, which the standard household current.
So, you can use the unit straight out of the box in your household vicinity or even farmhouse, without needing to use a generator, adapter, or any other additional source of power.
Performance
The Hobart makes it fine for the small household projects.
Though it works on steel only, it can work on a metal with a thickness of up to 18 gauges and 3/16” thick steel.
Regarding the duty cycle, we were concerned with the dismal 20%, meaning you only have to work with this unit for 2 minutes before letting it cool for 8 minutes.
Safe
On the bright side, however, the Hobart is a safe machine.
The wires on this unit are kept electrically cold until you pull the trigger. This is quite handy as it helps to prevent waste of material of even accidental burns.
WHAT I LIKED
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
9. Ironton 125 Flux-Cored Welder – Transformer
Similar to the Hobart we’ve reviewed above, you don't get a lot on this flux-cored welder.
However, this unit comes with a simplistic design, and it's easy to install and use, even for beginners.
We love that the wire feed on this unit is adjustable, meaning you can adjust it to suit your welding demands.
Quick Summary
The Ironton is not a multi-purpose welder as it does not have the versatility and functionality we see on other premium welders. However, it lays a decent performance, especially considering the price point and what it’s made for.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
Duty Cycle
Like the previous Hobart we reviewed, this unit comes with a duty cycle of 20% at 80 Amps, which is pretty decent and reasonable for this class of welder.
Performance
The Ironton is a value-packed welder that lets you get more than you paid for.
This unit has a decent welding output range of 60 to 80 Amp. Better yet, the unit has a peak of 125 amp, tying with the premium Forney 125 we had reviewed at the beginning.
Again, like the Forney, the output on this welder is controlled through a single rocker switch at the front.
Adjustable
Though limited to the flexibility, the Ironton will at least afford you some flexibility for improved performance.
For instance, this unit comes with two output voltage settings, allowing you to work on materials of different thicknesses.
Further, the wire speed on this unit is set on a dial that runs from 1 to 1 and is infinitely controlled.
While this unit isn’t designed to fuse stainless steel, it can still work on 3/16” and less steel plates, despite the minimal amperage settings.
Safe
Similar to the Hobart 100, this unit does not get its welding guns hot once the power is turned on. Instead, the welder will only pass electricity when the trigger switch is pressed. This will not only help to conserve energy, but it will keep you safe as well.
WHAT I LIKED
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
10. Lincoln Electric K2185-1
The Lincoln Electric K2185-1 packs a lot of quality, and it does so at an incredibly affordable price point.
The unit is quite capable and will even handle the toughest jobs around your household or even your workshop.
Quick Summary
Though it's a popular option among the beginners and hobbyists, it can similarly be a great addition to the more experienced welders.
The reliability and durability of this unit are not to be doubted.
WHY IS THIS A TOP PICK?
Power
A highly versatile unit, the Lincoln Electric K2185-1 welds both MIG and Flux-core.
This unit will let you weld mild steel from 24 ga to 1/8”.
Offering a peak output of 88A and 35A on the lower end, the Lincoln Electric K2185-1 is not ideal for the heavy-duty tasks but rather the lightweight and moderate welds.
Adjustability
For ease of use, this unit comes with plenty of adjustable features.
The continuous wire feed speed adjustment, for instance, will give you greater control of the weld.
Adjustability on this unit is further underlined by the four voltage settings that let you work on a variety of metals of different thickness.
WHAT I LIKED
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
- Read more: Best Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
Best Flux Core Welder Buying Guide
Before we look at some of the factors to consider when purchasing a flux core welder, let’s look at the benefits of using a flux core welder over other types of welders.
Portability
With a flux core welder, no need for shielding gas, so no need for carrying a gas tank.
This translates to greater flexibility and portability.
Welding Flexibility
Speaking of flexibility, the flux core welding torch can be held in several directions, one of the major reasons why this type of welding is better suited for commercial and industrial welding tasks.
No Need for Clean Joints
Contrary to TIG welding, MIG welding is resistant to external elements. In any case, the only thing that you need to remove for flux core welding to happen is moisture, oil, and paint.
This welding is ideal, even on the rusty and dirty metal surfaces.
Greater Penetration
Flux core welding has greater penetration than a majority of the welding processes, and this is one more reason that underlines the suitability of this unit for the heavy-duty tasks.
Factors To Consider When Choosing a Flux Core Welder
If you are in the market searching for a flux core welder, there are several critical components that you need to have at the back of your mind.
Some of these components are essential in the overall performance of your welder.
Let’s look at some of the three critical components;
Input Power
A majority of the welders run on either a 10V or 220V power circuit. However, some of the flux core welders run on both.
Ideally, it's best to have a unit that runs on 115V power circuit since this option is most common in households. However, if you are to handle more demanding industrial tasks, you need to choose the 220V option as it delivers more power.
AMP Rating
Speaking of power, the AMP rating is a depiction of the strength of your flux-core welder. Besides power, it also gives you an idea of the thickness or thinness of a unit that can handle.
A flux core welder with an AMP rating of 140A is ideal for the lightweight to medium tasks, while the 200A welders are ideal for the heavy-duty industrial tasks.
Ultimately, the amp rating will depend on the thickness of the metals you want to fuse.
Duty Cycle
The duty cycle is the amount of time that a welder can work without taking a break. The cycle is expressed in terms of a percentage and measured in a 10-minute cycle.
For instance, a unit with a 20% duty cycle means it can only weld for 2 minutes before cooling for eight more minutes.
For industrial purposes, it's required that your unit has a duty cycle of at least 50%.
Conclusion
We've already listed the top 10 flux core welders in the marker.
Further, we included a buying guide to help you with your selection.
Hopefully, you find a unit that will fit your welding needs.