7 best welding generators

When you want to install a fence, gates, trusses, rails or other metal structures, use a welding machine that operates from 380 or 220 V. But if there is no place to connect the equipment, you will need a welding generator. This gasoline-powered unit, equipped with an alternator that generates welding current of constant frequency. The device is self-contained and only requires timely filling of the tank with fuel. What are the characteristics of welding generators and the advantages of the most popular models, our experts analyzed.

Best welding generators rating

When selecting contenders for the best welding generators, we looked at the following parameters:

1. The maximum welding current.
2. The duration of operation without interruption.
3. Weight of the equipment.
4. The availability of outlets and their variety of voltage.
5. Fuel consumption.
6. Engine brand and reliability.
7. Allowed electrode diameter.
8. Additional features in the equipment and equipment.

We have also taken customer feedback into account, in order to understand not only the positives of the product, but also the negatives. All this will help you make an objective view of the generator to make the right choice and not to be disappointed.

EuroPower EP400XE

Rating: 4.9

The generator from the Belgian brand EuroPower, equipped with an internal combustion engine with two cylinders and a total volume of 895 cm³, topped our review. The motor used here by the company BS and distinguished by the stable operation at any speed, which guarantees a smooth output of current. The welding unit has a capacity of 8.8 l.s., 6 liters of gasoline per hour. The generator is started with a starter, and the kit already has a battery. On the panel provides two outlets (220 and 380 V), to connect the unit to the mains tool. The welders share in their reviews that the unit confidently “pulls” electrodes with a diameter of 6 mm.

This generator is renowned for its good cutoff times. If you need to continuously weld at 250 amps, the generator will be able to run under load without stopping (not just idling). For cutting metal at 300 A, allowed to hold arc for 6 minutes out of 10. With a welding current of 350 A the ROP is 35%. Short-term model will be able to raise up to 400A. It is the best option for a serious construction site, where long welding and cutting work is required.

Advantages

• fuel level indicator;
• Four-stroke motor with a stable RPM;
• Short-term increase in welding current of up to 400A;
• There is a socket for 380 and 220 V;
• hour meter.

Disadvantages

• no 12 volt output;
• Weighs 210 kg, that’s why it is difficult to transport;
• “eats” per hour 6 liters – as a car.

MOSA MSG CHOPPER 4380

Rating: 4.8

But a compact generator for frequent transport. The welding model is equipped with a 125 cm³ engine, so the maximum amperage is possible up to 165 A. If you need to weld thin metal 0.8 mm, the settings go down to 30A. Welders in the reviews share that the arc excites quite easily, which can be explained by the idle current of 50 V. Although the power plant here is a two-stroke, but owners report that there is no strong vibration during operation. On the front there is a 220V socket to connect a hammer or a grinder. Fuel is stored in a 3 liter tank, enough for 1.5 hours.

We recommend this generator as one of the best among the compact models. If you often need to perform welding work outdoors, where there is no possibility of connecting to 220 V, and few helpers to put the machine and take it out of the trunk, choose this option. Generator weighs only 28 kg and has two rubberized handles for easy handling. You can transport it not only in the trunk of your car, but even on your bicycle to the job site.

Advantages

• economical fuel consumption of 2 l/h;
• copper winding of the alternator;
• There is a socket for 220 V;
• Easy arc ignition with a 50 volt no-load voltage.

Disadvantages

• without hour meter;
• housing is not protected from rain splashes;
• You can’t see how much fuel is left – you have to navigate by the sound or time.

Robin-Subaru EB 6.5/400-W220R

Rating: 4.8

The experts gave the third place to the generator with an engine from the Japanese company Subaru, which stands out for its reliability. Engine displacement is 404 cc³ and it produces a power of 9.5 l.s. Four-cycle welding system maintains stable speed in any range, ensuring the generation of constant current. Gasoline is supplied from a 7-liter tank, but there is no need to monitor the remainder. The manufacturer has also saved money on the hour meter and oil sensor. But for welding thin metal, amperes can be lowered to 25 units, so the equipment is versatile in its use.

We marked the generator as the best in terms of fuel consumption, taking into account the welding current produced. At the maximum power of 220 A, the unit spends only 2.3 l per hour. 220A power allows welding with 5mm electrodes, which is enough even for farm machine frames, channels, rails and other thick-walled structures. Use the generator if you do a lot of welding, then you can save on fuel.

Advantages

• fuel tank is 7 liters;
• Reliable Subaru engine;
• anti-vibration mounts under the engine;
• Possibility to weld “five”.

Disadvantages

• It is difficult to move because of the weight of 98 kg;
• There is no indicator of gasoline level;
• Cannot be used in the rain;
• intervals of maintenance have to be fixed by yourself and only approximately.

FUBAG WHS 210 DC Honda 838240

Rating: 4.7

The German manufacturer FUBAG produces welding generators with Japanese engines Honda GX390, 389 cm³. They generate welding current up to 210A. The arc voltage is lowered to 24V, which increases safety if the welder comes in contact with the metal parts he’s welding. Engine is mounted on rubber pads and does not vibrate much, producing a volume of 73 dB. Gasoline gauge and hour meter make it easy to keep track of important parameters. According to the reviews, the generator meets the stated characteristics and withstands the load at the maximum of its capabilities. Easy arc-start thanks to 65 V no-load speed.

We included the product in the list of the best because of the large fuel tank, holding 25 liters. This allows for 12 hours of welding work (an entire extended shift) without refueling. If you can’t keep a supply of gasoline nearby or don’t want to be distracted by fiddling with jerry cans and funnels while working, choose this generator.

Advantages

• there is protection against overload;
• the engine is mounted on anti-vibration pads;
• Can be welded with electrodes of diameter 1.6-5 mm;
• Reinforced frame for demanding construction environments.

Disadvantages

• rather high cost;
• 87 kg weight;
• the current intensity is lowered by at least 50A
• no wheels and handle.

EuroPower EP200X1AC

Rating: 4.7

This is another popular model from the Belgian brand, which has an endurance engine “Honda”. With a low engine volume of 389 cc the power plant produces 11 liters of fuel.s., So the generator is able to produce a welding current of 200A. Oil pressure gauge helps to monitor the lubrication level and prevent “oil starvation”. The generator can easily “pull” welding with 4 mm electrodes. The 4-stroke unit runs smoothly and steadily, producing a sound no louder than 75 dB. Reviews show that the gasoline model is “omnivorous,” and functions perfectly on 92 gasoline of any quality. Starting is done with a hand starter and does not cause problems. In an hour of work, the welding autonomous unit consumes 2.4L fuel.

In addition to the aforementioned features, the generator has two 220 V outlets. This is especially true if you need to use a drill and grinder at the same time while welding. Two 220 V outputs allow for simultaneous connection of both tools without constant manipulation.

Advantages

• sturdy tubular frame;
• Rubber pads under the engine;
• reliable Japanese engine;
• oil pressure gauge.

Disadvantages

• The degree of protection against water IP23;
• no hour meter;
• weight 90 kg.

DDE GW200 917-484

Rating: 4.7

American manufacturer DDE provides a more affordable generator, assembled in its own factory in China. Reviews show that it’s a quality welder that’s easy to start, has a sturdy frame, and welds great. The owners share that the unit has never once let them down in bad weather. Relatively inexpensive, it comes with a battery, so you can start either by pulling the cord or turning the starter key. a fuel gauge helps to keep track of the remaining gasoline, and an oil gauge checks the lubrication in the crankcase. The maximum welding current is allowable up to 200A, and the minimum current is 50A. AVR system controls the voltage.

To all these advantages the generator has also no wheels and a handle, so the device weighing 98 kg can be moved around a construction site by one person. All this makes this welding machine one of the best in terms of price, quality and equipment.

Advantages

• easy start in any weather;
• great welding;
• protection against overheating;
• Reliable steel frame;
• gasoline level indicator and oil sensor.

Disadvantages

• Does not produce more than 200 amps;
• Can not be lower than 50A;
• Only one 220 V socket.

Huter DY6500LXW

Rating: 4.6

Finally, another welding generator at an attractive price from the German company Huter. The equipment has the dimensions 690x550x580 mm and weighs 100 kg. the range of welding current is 60-200A. The engine with the index 188F operates on 4 tacts, producing a stable speed. Copper alternator winding overheats less with prolonged use of the generator. To start the engine there is a manual starter, but the model is completed ex-works and the electric starter, only the battery will have to buy separately. Judging by the reviews, the generator starts up quite easily, but the owners warn that in the instruction manual indicated the wrong value of oil. Instead of 1.65 l requires filling with 1.35 liters per hour, so the engine runs smoothly and without clacking.

We mentioned this welding model as another one of the best for economy of fuel consumption – 1 hour of operation with only 2.1 liter of gasoline. With the tank of 22 liters the welder will be able to work uninterruptedly for 11 hours.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• welds “five”;
• Can be started by an electric starter;
• gasoline level sensor;
• a voltmeter to check the readings.

Disadvantages

• is sold without the battery;
• loud operation 111 dB;
• the instruction manual indicates an inflated amount of oil;
• the first start may require a long pulling of the cord;
• Weighs 100kg.