Flux core welding is an excellent method for beginners and DIY enthusiasts looking for a simple, affordable, and portable way to weld. Flux core welders don’t require a shielding gas, making them ideal for outdoor welding projects or locations where gas cylinders are impractical. If you’re on a budget but still want a welder that can handle your projects, there are plenty of great flux core welders available under $250. These machines offer great value without sacrificing performance, making them perfect for home use, light fabrication, or small repair tasks.
Forney Easy Weld 261, 140 FC-i Welder
- Price: $225
- Features:
- 140 amp output
- Lightweight (19 lbs)
- Infinite voltage and wire feed speed control
- Welds up to ¼” thick mild steel
- Duty cycle: 30% at 90 amps
The Forney Easy Weld 261 is one of the most popular flux core welders on the market due to its balance of power, portability, and ease of use. Weighing only 19 lbs, it’s incredibly lightweight and easy to transport, making it ideal for on-the-go welding projects. With a 140-amp output, it can weld up to ¼” thick mild steel, making it perfect for small to medium jobs. The infinite voltage and wire feed speed controls give you more flexibility and precision, allowing you to fine-tune your welds. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced welder, the Forney Easy Weld 261 offers great performance at an affordable price point.
Hobart 500572 Handler 100 Flux Core Welder
- Price: $240
- Features:
- 100 amp output
- Welds up to 3/16″ steel
- 115V input
- Simple 4-position voltage control
- Fan-cooled for extended welding time
The Hobart Handler 100 is a reliable and easy-to-use flux core welder that offers a smooth welding experience, making it perfect for beginners and hobbyists. It has a 100-amp output, which allows it to weld up to 3/16″ steel, and the 115V input makes it compatible with standard household outlets. The 4-position voltage control lets you adjust for different materials and thicknesses, ensuring smooth arc starts and reducing spatter. With its fan-cooled system, you can weld for longer periods without worrying about overheating. The Hobart Handler 100 is a solid investment for anyone looking for a durable and efficient welder under $250.
Goplus MIG 130 Welder
- Price: $130
- Features:
- 130 amp output
- 4-level adjustable welding speed
- Overload protection
- Includes welding mask, wire, and brush
- Compact design
The Goplus MIG 130 is a budget-friendly flux core welder that is perfect for light welding tasks around the home. Despite its low price, it offers a 130-amp output, which is sufficient for welding thin metals like steel and iron. The welder comes with a 4-level adjustable speed control, allowing you to match the welding speed with the material thickness for better precision. Its overload protection feature ensures safe operation, preventing the machine from overheating. This welder also comes with useful accessories such as a welding mask and wire, making it a convenient starter kit for beginners or DIY welders on a budget.
SUPER DEAL PRO MIG 130 Welder
- Price: $120
- Features:
- 130 amp output
- Adjustable 4-level heat setting
- Overload protection
- Portable and lightweight (35 lbs)
- Includes welding mask, brush, and wire
The SUPER DEAL PRO MIG 130 is a lightweight and portable welder that’s ideal for DIY and small repair projects. It offers adjustable 4-level heat settings to give you better control over different metal thicknesses. The 130-amp output makes it perfect for working with thinner materials such as mild steel and iron. Built-in overload protection helps ensure safety and prevents overheating during extended use. Its compact size makes it easy to transport, and the inclusion of accessories like a welding mask and brush makes this a great value for beginners looking for an affordable, no-fuss flux core welder.
VIVOHOME Portable Flux Core Wire Welder
- Price: $140
- Features:
- 130 amp output
- 4-level adjustable welding speed
- Overheat protection
- Compact and lightweight (36 lbs)
- Comes with accessories: mask, wire, brush
The VIVOHOME Portable Flux Core Wire Welder is a great option for home welders who need a compact, lightweight machine. With a 130-amp output, it’s perfect for welding light metals like steel. The 4-level adjustable speed control allows for flexibility in different welding tasks, while the built-in overheat protection ensures the machine doesn’t overwork itself. At just 36 lbs, it’s easy to move around, making it a handy tool for outdoor projects or small jobs in your garage. It also includes essential accessories like a welding mask and wire, so you can start welding right out of the box.
YESWELDER Flux 135 Welder
- Price: $199
- Features:
- 135 amp output
- IGBT inverter technology
- Overload and overheat protection
- Capable of welding up to ¼” mild steel
- Lightweight (13 lbs)
The YESWELDER Flux 135 is a highly efficient and portable welder that uses IGBT inverter technology for better performance and arc stability. Weighing only 13 lbs, this welder is one of the lightest on the market, making it perfect for those who need a portable machine. It can weld up to ¼” mild steel, making it suitable for small to medium projects. Overload and overheat protection features enhance the machine’s durability and safety. Its compact design, coupled with its powerful 135-amp output, makes it a fantastic option for both hobbyists and professionals who need a reliable flux core welder under $250.
Chicago Electric Flux 125 Welder
- Price: $150
- Features:
- 125 amp output
- Welds up to 3/16” thick materials
- 2 heat settings
- Compact size
- Fan-cooled
The Chicago Electric Flux 125 Welder is a solid, entry-level machine for light welding tasks. Its 125-amp output allows it to handle mild steel and other thin materials up to 3/16” thick. With two heat settings, you can adjust the welder according to your material, making it easy to get the desired weld quality. The welder is fan-cooled, which helps prevent overheating during extended use. Its compact size makes it easy to store and transport, making it a practical option for home use and small repair jobs.
Reboot MIG130 Flux Core Welder
- Price: $120
- Features:
- 130 amp output
- Adjustable 10-speed wire feed control
- Overload protection
- Portable design
- Includes mask and wire
The Reboot MIG130 is an affordable flux core welder that offers good performance for light welding tasks. With a 130-amp output, it’s capable of handling thin materials like steel and iron. The 10-speed wire feed control allows for precise welding, while the overload protection ensures safe operation. At its price point, this welder comes with essential accessories such as a welding mask and wire, making it a good starter kit for beginners. Its compact and portable design makes it easy to move around, making it perfect for on-site repairs or DIY projects.
Display4top Portable MIG 130 Welder
- Price: $110
- Features:
- 130 amp output
- Adjustable welding speed
- Includes accessories: mask, wire, brush
- Thermal overload protection
- Compact and easy to transport
The Display4top MIG 130 is one of the most affordable flux core welders on the market, making it a great option for beginners or those on a tight budget. Despite its low cost, it offers 130 amps of power and adjustable welding speed for better control. Thermal overload protection ensures that the machine stays safe during prolonged use. It’s lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport and store. This welder also comes with basic accessories, allowing you to start welding as soon as it arrives.
ZENY MIG130 Flux Core Welder
- Price: $120
- Features:
- 130 amp output
- 4-level welding speed control
- Compact and lightweight
- Overheat protection
- Includes mask, wire, and brush
The ZENY MIG130 is a budget-friendly, portable flux core welder perfect for small projects and repairs. It offers a 130-amp output and 4-level speed control, making it adaptable for different materials. Overheat protection ensures safety, and its lightweight design makes it easy to carry around for on-site work. The welder comes with basic accessories, making it convenient for beginners to get started. Overall, this is a great entry-level welder for anyone looking to learn welding without spending too much money.
Conclusion
Choosing the best flux core welder under $250 doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or features. From compact and portable designs to machines with adjustable speed and power controls, there are several great options for beginners, hobbyists, and light fabrication projects. Each of the welders listed here provides excellent value for money, ensuring that you can take on welding tasks without breaking the bank.