Best Stick Welder for 2021

Top 5 Picks for Best Stick Welder for 2021

Award	Product Image	Product Title	Price	Buy
#1 Best Overall		YESWELDER Stick Welder,125Amp Hot Start ARC Welder Machine,Digital Display IGBT Inverter MMA Welder,110/220V Dual Voltage Portable Welding Machine	$97.99
#2 Runner-Up		MIG155GSV 155 AMP INVERTER MIG/STICK ARC WELDER WITH DUAL VOLTAGE 220V/110V welding machine 3 Year Warranty	$353.99
#3 Alternative		Hobart 500570 Stickmate 160i	$628.00
#4 Alternative		LOTOS LTPDC2000D Non-Touch Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter Tig Welder and Stick Welder 3 in 1 Combo Welding Machine,½ Inch Clean Cut,Brown…	$497.64
#5 Alternative		SUNGOLDPOWER 200Amp MIG MAG ARC MMA Stick DC Welder 110/220V Dual Voltage IGBT Inverter 200A Aluminum Welding Soldering Machine Gas Shielded/Gasless Flux Cored Wire Solid Core Wire Welding Equipment

The eternal question is which welder is the right one for you.

You can choose a MIG welder, a TIG one, or go for the stick welder. If you feel that a stick welder is the right machine for you, we have the article you need.

A stick welder works by creating an arc made of electrodes that comes into contact with the material. The user must keep the arc constant to ensure a good welding performance.

Once the electrode and the material are in contact, the arc melts both together, creating the welding pool that allows you to join two pieces of material together.

In today's article, we will list the best stick welders for the 2021 season. You'll find the best budget stick welder, the cheapest one, the go-to choice for welding at home, and many more options.

We also discuss how to use a stick welder.

Best Stick Welder - Reviews For 2021

#1: BEST OVERALL: YESWELDER ARC Welder

The Yeswelder Arc is the best stick welder you are going to find on the market. It is a high-duty welder that supports a dual current mechanism, and it is portable, which makes it perfect for fieldwork.

It is the best budget stick welder because it gives you all the necessary features for a good welding performance at a fair price. The Yeswelder is also one of the best 110V stick welders available.

BENEFITS

• The Yeswelder arc has enough power to give you a perfect weld in 6010, 6011, 6013, and 7018.
• The welder's arc comes with a DC stick function that supports cellulose electrode welding.
• It is a high-duty cycle welder with ⅛" rods.
• The Yeswelder Arc is a dual voltage welder that allows you to use it on 110V and 220V.
• The Yeswelder Arc is easy to set up.
• It is a lightweight welder, which makes it portable and easy to carry.
• It gives you automatic temperature control.
• The brand offers good customer service.

DRAWBACKS

• The instructions are vague, so you might have a hard time at first when trying to use the welder.
• It is an off-shore welder brand, which is a big no for many professional welders.

EXTRA FEATURES

• An electrode holder, a ground clamp, and a cable
• 220V to 11V adapter
• 6ft power cord
• Plate thickness range

BUYING ADVICE

When it comes to stick welders, you won't do better than with the Yeswelder Arc-125DS.

It is a budget welder that offers excellent features, a robust and impeccable design, and the possibility to use it on two different voltages.

The Yeswelder Arc also offers good customer service, strong welding performance, and the portability required to use it on the field.

Featured specs

• Type: Dual voltage stick welder
• Weight: 11 pounds (4.5 kg)
• Size: 15” x 12.8” x 7.6” ( 38 cm x 32.5 cm x 19 cm)
• Power: 125 amps

#2: RUNNER-UP: W Weldpro MIG155GSV

The W Weldpro MIG155GCV is an excellent option for a stick welder. It is a reliable machine that offers enough power to work on different types of thicknesses and materials.

It's a great budget stick welder that can run as a dual voltage machine on 110V and 220V while offering you the safety of an overheating and overpowering shield.

The W Weldpro MIG155GSV is the best stick welder for home use that you can find on a budget.

BENEFITS

• The model comes with a compact IGBT inverter design that offers an automatic shield to protect from overpowering and overheats.
• The MIG155GSV comes with 2T and 4T modes, which are excellent for out of position welding.
• The welder works appropriately with up to ¼" mild steel if the steel is correctly prepared.
• This model is compact and portable, making it a good option for field-welding projects.
• The company has excellent customer support.

DRAWBACKS

• You'll have a hard time getting a replacement part for the machine if the MIG gun breaks. It can present some wire feed issues.

EXTRA FEATURES

• Although the product does not offer any significant extra features, it is a fair price for what you get.

BUYING ADVICE

As it is an off-shore brand, the package or product can get to you with minor problems. Just go to their customer support service, and they'll fix it for you.

Featured specs

• Type: Dual voltage arc welder/stick welder
• Weight: 21.2 pounds (9.6 kg)
• Size: 14.96” x 13.58” x 6.69” (37.9 cm x 34 cm x 16.6 cm)
• Power: 115 volts

#3: ALTERNATIVE: Hobart 500570 Stickmate 160i

When it comes to welders, Hobart is usually the most reliable brand. It is an American-made company that offers you all the necessary features for an excellent welding performance. The Hobart 500570 Stickmate 160i is no exception.

The Stickmate 160i is user friendly and portable, and it is a powerful machine that comes with all of Hobart's brand features. It is not the most economical option but is one of the best stick welders for beginners.

BENEFITS

• The Stickmate works well with thicknesses below ⅜".
• It is perfect for welding steel and stainless steel.
• It works with 120V or 240V and has an amperage range of 20 to 160.
• The Stickmate is a user-friendly welder and great for beginner welders.
• The Stickmate is a lightweight welder and easy to carry.

DRAWBACKS

• The Stickmate won't be useful for big industrial projects.
• Although the company makes most of its products in the US, the Stickmate 160i is an off-shore product, so it doesn't hold the same quality as other Hobart welders.

EXTRA FEATURES

• The Stickmate 160i does not offer any extra features. Still, it does offer the possibility of getting additional products for a higher price.
• The company offers a 5-year warranty on any of their products.

BUYING ADVICE

If you are looking for an excellent product from a reliable brand, then look no further.

The Hobart 500570 Stickmate 160i is the right choice for beginner welders and DIY hobbyists that focus on small to mid-level projects.

Featured specs

• Type: Stick welder
• Weight: 15 pounds (6.8 kg)
• Size: 13.38” x 7.13” x 10.5” ( 33.9 cm x 18.1 cm x 26.6 cm)
• Power: 240 volts

#4: ALTERNATIVE: LOTOS LTPDC2000D 3 in 1 Combo Welding Machine

The Lotos LTPDC2000D is the most expensive item on the list, but it also offers some of the best features. The model is a multifunction welder that allows you to use it as a TIG and a stick welder.

The Lotos 3 in 1 combo is considered one of the best TIG and stick welder machines on the market. It is powerful, portable, reliable, and will give you all the features you need for an excellent welding performance.

BENEFITS

• The Lotos is a non-touch plasma cutter that allows you to work on stainless steel, alloy steel, mild steel, copper, and aluminum.
• The model also works as an excellent TIG and stick welder.
• It has an advanced cooling system that ensures you a stable and durable high performance.
• The model is easy to set up.
• The Lotos model is also an automatic dual voltage welder.
• The company offers a 30-day refund.

DRAWBACKS

• The leads for the stick welder mode are shorter than average.
• The instructions are vague and difficult to understand.
• The adapter of the dual voltage mode is not included.

EXTRA FEATURES

• The model includes the plasma cutter torch, power supply, TIG torch, and stick clamp.
• It is a 3 in 1 combo (plasma cutter, TIG welder, and stick welder).

BUYING ADVICE

The Lotos LTPD 2000D is one of the best multifunctional machines on the market. So, if you are looking for a great stick welder that can also allow you to cut a wide range of materials, then the Lotos is the right machine for you.

Featured specs

• Type: 3 in 1 machine
• Weight: 39.6 pounds (17 kg)
• Size: 17” x 8” x 12.5” ( 43 cm x 20.3 cm x 31.7 cm)
• Power: 220V

#5: ALTERNATIVE: SUNGOLDPOWER Stick DC Welder

The Sungoldpower Stick DC is a multifunctional welder with incredible power performance and many impressive features.

It offers the possibility of using it as a stick or MIG welder and allows you to work on many different materials and thicknesses.

It is easy to use and set up, and you can even use it on different voltages (11V and 220V).
Overall, a great option if you are looking for a multifunction welder and cutter.

BENEFITS

• The Sungoldpower is a multipurpose machine that works as a MIG welder, a stick or arc welder, and a metal arc welder.
• It works with a dual voltage mechanism that allows you to use it with 110V or 220V.
• It is capable of operating over aluminum if you use the spool gun.
• You can set it up for different currents, making it an excellent option for different thicknesses too.
• You can use it to weld stainless steel, mild steel, aluminum, and other materials.

DRAWBACKS

• The manual won't help you much, so we do not recommend it for complete novices.

EXTRA FEATURES

• The product comes with the MIG torch. It also comes with a Flux cored wire, one cable with an earth clamp, and an electrode holder.

BUYING ADVICE

If you are looking for great value per price, then this is the right machine for you. The Sungoldpower is an excellent MIG and arc/stick welder that offers a superb welding performance and many other features.

Featured specs

• Type: Multifunction welder
• Weight: 33 pounds (14 kg)
• Size: 19.6” x 9.4” x 14.9” ( 49 cm x 23 cm x 37.8 cm)
• Power: 110V to 220V

Stick Welder FAQ

What is a stick welder good for?

Stick welders are one of the most common welding machines. They offer a wide range of features that many experts find it necessary to work on big welding projects.

Stick welding is also one of the most challenging welding techniques to learn.

Stick welders are the perfect choice for projects that require thicker material, as the arc created by the stick welder can heat up to high temperatures. The stick welding technique is an economical option that has the power to weld rusted and painted materials.

You can use a stick welder for house welding projects and most electricians projects. It is great for farmers and DIY hobbyists planning to do some home maintenance like fencing and grill joints.

Is stick welding stronger than MIG?

Both the stick welder and the MIG welder are excellent options that will give you all the necessary features for a good welding performance.

Stick welders have a more substantial metal penetration. So, if you are working with thick materials that require your arc to penetrate more, go for a stick welder. MIG welders don't have the power to keep the necessary penetration level for a long time.

Stick welding technology has been around for a while, which makes it a more reliable option compared to MIG that is a considerably new method.

MIG welders are easier to set up, and therefore, to use. Most beginner welders prefer to use MIG welders. On the other hand, stick welders are harder to use but can even weld rusty metals and painted materials.

Stick welders will give you more power, but you'll also take more time to master the skills needed to use them. So, it depends on your level of welding and what you will use the welder for.

Pros of MIG welders:

• MIG welders are precise and versatile, which makes them perfect for welding thin metals.
• MIG welders are also clean, and you won't need to perform much cleaning after welding.
• There won't be a need to change the stick rod as MIG welders use spools.
• MIG welders are the easiest welding method to learn. It can take you a couple of weeks to master a beginner level project, but it's a lot faster than with other welders.
• MIG welders can help you create intricate welding designs.
• Most experts consider MIG welders the most productive welders available.

Cons of MIG welders:

• You have to clean the surface before welding. Just a small portion of rust or paint could ruin your welding if you use a MIG welder.
• If you weld outside or have a fan inside, be careful. Wind can disrupt the arc and the arc shield, even if it's just a slight bit of wind.
• MIG welders require pressurized gas bottles, so we do not recommend using them outside.
• You need to change the spool of the welder for each metal.

Pros of stick welders:

• Stick welding is perfect for welding rusted materials or materials that are covered in paint.
• The arc created by the stick welder won't be affected by wind or temperature.
• Changing the rods of a stick welder is easy and fast.
• It is quite useful for indoor and outdoor welding projects.

Cons of stick welders:

• After using the stick welder, you'll need to perform some cleaning methods on the material before painting it or doing more welding.
• Using a stick welder will leave you with some spatter on the material.
• You'll need to replace the rod more often than with other welding methods.
• It isn't easy to weld thin metal with a stick welder. The minimum you can weld with a stick welder is ⅛" of thickness.

Although it all depends on what you will use them for, welders share some similarities that allow you to compare which is the right one for you.

Weld joint penetration: When it comes to joint penetration, then the winner is the stick welder. The reason is that MIG welders do not have intense metal penetration, which makes it a lousy option for thick and hard metals.

The margin for error: In this category, the MIG welder proves itself superior. A stick welder does not offer the possibility of making precise calculations, and it is far less customizable than a MIG welder.

Operating cost: If you judge them by the operating cost, then the stick welder is the right option. It is a more straightforward machine that works perfectly without needing any extra hardware.

Welding safety: Although none is entirely safer, the MIG is a cleaner welder, making the process safer than a stick welder.

Quality of the welding: They are both great options in terms of quality. A stick welder allows you to work with more materials and thicknesses with outstanding quality. Still, a MIG can help you get cleaner results. So, in the end, it is up to you.

What's the hardest metal to weld?

To weld properly, you need to understand the different materials and their thicknesses.

Very thick materials are more difficult to weld than those with an average thickness. The same goes for material with low thickness. If there is not enough thickness, chances are you will pierce right through the material.

The most difficult materials to weld are aluminum, titanium, cast iron, bronze, brass, and copper. Each one has a different thickness and other properties that make them highly difficult to weld, but you can do it if you use the right machine.

Titanium: When it comes to titanium is all about understanding the properties of the metal and which machine you are using to weld. Most welders that work with titanium believe that the best welder to use is a TIG welder or a gas metal arc welder.

Copper: One of the hardest metals to weld is copper. The metal is considered hard thanks to its properties, and the time you'll need to weld it properly. Most professionals prefer to solder or braze it, as it is easier than welding.

Bronze: This metal is complicated because it needs a higher heat power than others. To properly weld bronze, you need to use bronze rods and heat the material beforehand, which is why the act of welding bronze is also called braze welding.

Brass: This metal is one of the most difficult ones because it varies so much. You can be welding one made of zinc or copper or just zinc. The variation in the metal's thickness makes it hard to know the level of power you need to do the job.

Cast iron: Although it is not the most difficult, cast iron is a tricky metal to weld. You'll first need to heat the metal as cast iron is too brittle and easy to break.

Aluminum: One of the hardest metals to weld because of its properties. Aluminum is a soft metal that will require special tools to weld. It is also quite dangerous to inhale, so wear a respirator if you will work with aluminum.

What is the hardest welding to learn?

For beginner welders, stick welding can be quite hard. With a stick welder, you need to know how to strike and maintain an arc before performing any action. That ability can take some time to master.

Using a stick welder is also messier than using a MIG or TIG welder, making the after-welding process a lot harder. Another downside of using a stick welder is changing the electrodes frequently, making it the most time-spending welding process.

On the positive side, welding with a stick welder is still one of the most used methods by professional welders thanks to its ability to weld many materials in a fast way. You can use stick welding for aluminum, copper, iron, steel, and nickel.

Stick welding also requires less equipment and works fine when trying to weld rusty surfaces. Basic stick welders, compared to MIG or TIG, do not need expanded knowledge of welding gases.

A stick welder's mechanism comes with a gas shield that absorbs most of the gases produced by the welding process, meaning you won't need to get an extra gas tank.

Conclusion

When choosing a welder, you need to know and understand what you will use it for before making a decision. A stick welder is a powerful tool that requires some experience to master.

Our recommendation is to choose a high-quality stick welder. Having a reliable machine can be the difference between a hard welding time and a great experience.

Any of the welders listed in this article will give you the right features for an excellent welding performance.