10 Best Stick Welders 2025 in the United States

The YESWELDER MIG-205DS PRO is a versatile welding machine capable of handling multiple welding processes including stick welding, MIG, flux core MIG, spool gun MIG, and lift TIG. It's suitable for hobbyists and professionals looking for a multipurpose machine. Its amperage range is quite broad, going from 30 to 205 amps, which gives flexibility for different welding tasks.

The digital display and IGBT inverter technology contribute to stable performance and precise control over welding parameters. Its duty cycle is decent, though more intensive users might find it limiting under heavy workloads. Dual input voltage (110/220V) enhances convenience, making it adaptable for various power sources. Portability is a strong suit as it weighs around 36 pounds and has compact dimensions, which is beneficial for those needing to move the welder around different work sites.

Electrode compatibility is another plus, supporting various types including aluminum with the use of a spool gun, which needs to be purchased separately. Arc stability is enhanced by synergic control, automatically adjusting voltage and wire feeding speed. On the downside, some users might find the need to purchase extra accessories, like the lift TIG torch and spool gun, an additional cost. Additionally, while the machine offers safety features like over-current, over-voltage, and over-heat protection, the initial setup might be complex for beginners.

The Miller 907757 Multimatic 220 AC/DC Multiprocess Welder stands out with its versatility, allowing you to handle MIG, flux-cored, stick, and TIG welding processes. This all-in-one capability makes it a practical choice for those who need a multi-process welder. The welder's QuickTech feature automatically adjusts settings and determines polarity, saving you time and reducing the need for manual adjustments.

The Auto-Set Elite and Pro-Set features streamline setup, ensuring consistent and high-quality welds, which is great for both beginners and experienced welders. This adds to the machine's user-friendliness and efficiency on the job. You can use the welder with both 120V and 240V power sources, enhancing its flexibility and suitability for various environments, including residential use and job sites with generators outputting 10,000 watts or more.

At 94 pounds, it is relatively heavy, which might limit its portability despite it being marketed as portable. It's also backed by a range of accessories, including a MIG gun, TIG torch, and more, which adds value to the package. However, its price point and the specialized nature of its components might be more suited for those who are looking for a long-term investment in their welding equipment. The welder works effectively with different electrodes and provides stable arc performance, making it reliable for a range of welding tasks. The Miller 907757 is a solid choice for those needing a robust, versatile, and efficient welding machine.

The ARCCAPTAIN 165A Welder is a versatile multiprocess machine that supports stick welding along with MIG and TIG options, making it a good choice if you want flexibility beyond just stick welding. For stick welding (MMA), it offers a solid amperage of up to 165A and includes helpful features like hot start and arc force adjustments, which improve arc stability and make starting the weld easier. Its duty cycle is rated at 60%, meaning it can operate continuously for more than half of every 10-minute period without overheating, which is quite decent for most small to medium jobs. The welder runs on both 110V and 220V input voltages, giving you flexibility whether you are working at home with standard outlets or on a site with higher power available.

It’s relatively lightweight at about 10 pounds and includes a handle and shoulder strap, so it is portable and easy to carry around. It also has built-in safety protections like overload and overheating prevention, which helps extend the machine’s lifespan and provides peace of mind. On the downside, while it supports stick electrodes, it’s primarily designed as a multiprocess welder, so those looking for a dedicated, heavy-duty stick welder might find this model less specialized. Also, the TIG torch for that mode is sold separately, which could add extra cost if you want full multiprocess capability.

The large LED display and user-friendly controls help with precise settings, but beginners might still face a learning curve to get the best results. This welder is well suited for hobbyists and DIYers who want a portable, reliable machine able to handle various welding tasks, including decent stick welding performance.