It is not possible to simply connect a welding gun to a regular wall outlet and get enough power output to perform the welding task. Thus, welders need a dedicated welder/generator combo that delivers sufficient power to the welding guns. Here are some important factors of welder/generator combo devices that are important for their application.
- Wattage: The power requirement for welding is very high. On top of that, there are different types of welds such as TIG, MIG, Gas welding, etc. that require a certain capacity of the welder to perform. As these options are also intended for standalone usage, they should be capable of generating such power even without an electric supply.
- Duty Cycle: The duty cycle of a machine represents its capability of operating continuously without needing a break. It is crucial for heavy machinery such as a welder generator combo as overheating of these devices can be fatal. The duty cycle is often presented in percentage.
- Weight: Generally, high-power devices are very heavy in nature because of various heavy-duty internal components installed in them. This makes them a difficult option for portability. If you pick up a low power capacity variant, it will be certainly easier to move. But, it might not deliver sufficient power output for your job.
We are bringing the best welder generator combos available in the market for you right here. We will add all of the necessary information with each of our picks so that you don’t have to look elsewhere before you buy one. You can also take a look at our “Buying Guide” for a little bit of extra help with your purchase.
5 Best Welder Generator Combo in 2024 Table
| Best Welder Generator Combo | Peak Watts | Amperage | Warranty | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Ranger Welder Generator | --- | 330 Amp | 3 Years | Check On Amazon |
| Hobart Champion Elite Welder Generator | 11000 Watts | 225 Amp | 3 Years | Check On Amazon |
| Lincoln Electric Welder Generator | -- | 210 Amp | 3 Years | Check On Amazon |
| CANAWELD-MOSA Welder Generator | -- | 200 Amp | 3 Years | Check On Amazon |
| TOMAHAWK Portable Generator | 11000 Watts | 225 Amp | 3 Years | Check On Amazon |
5 Best Welder Generator Combo in 2024: Reviews
1. Lincoln Ranger K3459 – 1 Welder Generator
Lincoln Electric is not a well-known brand, yet manufactures versatile welding equipment, and one of these equipment includes welder generators.
This K3459 – 1 model welder generator operates on 330 amps and 28 volts of power which is great considering its output capacity that enables several different types of welding jobs like TIG, MIG, stick, or flux core. It has a 100% duty cycle that let you use them continuously for a long time without any overcharging or overheating issues.
This Ranger 330MPX generator is an engine-driven gas-powered welder that comes with 10,000 watts continuous (120/240V) single-phase auxiliary output. and it is easy to set up, operate, and portable which allows you to carry it around effortlessly. Its digital user interface will improve the productivity and performance of the weld. It is widely used in the areas of construction, general or structural fabrication, construction & filed erection, and structural welding.
The generator has a Kohler OHV command engine with 25 HP rated power output and contains a 2-cylinder air-cooled gasoline engine. The fuel tank size of 11 gallons is quite enough to do various tasks. There is a 3-year warranty period on this Lincoln Electric K3459 – 1 model to have peace of mind while operating them.
Best Features:
- Operates over 330 amps and 28 volts of power
- 10,000 watts continuous power capacity.
- 25 HP Kohler engine
- 100% duty cycle
- Engine-driven welder
- Easy to use digital user interface
- 3 years warranty
- Reliable amperage and power output
Pros:
- Suitable to perform various welding tasks
- Features 100% duty cycle
- Compact size with quieter operation
Cons:
- It is a heavyweight (446 lbs)
2. Hobart Champion Elite Welder Generator
Hobart is a well-known brand in the industry as it produces heavy-duty machinery and workshop equipment. Out of which, its welder generator combo is one of the most powerful options you can find in the market.
Our 2nd pick for the list today is coming from Hobart which is the Champion Elite 225. It is one of the most powerful welder generator combos present on our list with a peak power capacity of 11000 watts. It has a 225 amp capacity that enables many different types of welding jobs that are not possible on lower amperage. Even with the high specifications, Champion Elite 225 Welder/Generator is compact in shape and very easy to use.
The generator on the Champion Elite 225 Welder/Generator has a dedicated fuel tank with 12 gallons capacity that does not require frequent refueling which is helpful for long and continuous jobs. The generator shuts down if the oil pressure falls below the design limit which is an essential safety measure. It is powered by a dependable engine that conserves fuel while running and sustains a longer operation time. Similar to most Hobart devices, the Champion Elite 225 Welder/Generator is also backed by their 5/3/1 warranty scheme.
Best Features
- Heavy-duty option
- 225 Amp welder
- 11,000-watt peak capacity
- 12-gallon fuel tank
- Compact in shape
- 12-gallon fuel tank
- Low oil pressure shutdown
- Fuel conservative engine
- 5 year warranty period
Pros
- It has a long warranty period
- The engine does not consume unnecessary amounts of fuel
- A great option for plugged and standalone usage
Cons:
- It weighs around 514 lbs, making it very hard to move
3. Lincoln Electric Power MIG 210 MP K4195 – 1 Welder
This is another excellent welder from the house of Lincoln Electric brand. This Power MIG 210 MP is a multi-purpose welder that is widely used by small contractors or hobbyists to perform various welding tasks like MIG welding, TIG, stick, or flux-cored welding with its 210 amp capacity.
With its color display screen and push-and-turn digital controls, this welder is easy to set up, control, and easy to use. This engine-driven welder is lightweight (40 lbs), portable, and has dual voltage inputs (120V or 230V) that let you take it around to any worksite easily and plug into any power supply outlet effortlessly.
Its metal wire drive and sturdy sheet-metal construction will make the welder a strong and rugged option to do several tasks either in your home or workshop. This DC welder is widely used for several applications like automotive, distillery, maintenance & repairs, brewery, general fabrication, and repair welding.
Best Features:
- Portable and lightweight
- Offer dual voltage inputs (120V or 230V)
- 210-amp welder to tackle any welding task
- Easy setup with push and turn digital controls and large color display.
- High-frequency voltage and welding current control
- A 3-year warranty period
- Advanced technology and setting for its simple access.
Pros:
- Versatile, powerful, lightweight, and easy to use.
- Multi-process welder to do TIG, MIG, stick, and flux-cored welding.
- Engine-driven welder with Max 56V OCV.
- Suitable for hobbyists and professionals
Cons:
- Has to purchase spool gun separately.
4. DuroStar DS12000EH Portable Generator
DuroStar is one of the reliable and well-known brands that provides several generator models that include both gas and dual fuel options. Most of their products are available at affordable price ranges.
Their DS12000EH portable generator is a gas-powered generator which ensures high-performance. It is specially designed for different applications that include ranches, farms, maintenance, construction and other emergency power outages.
It comes with 4,000 starting watts and 3,300 running watts, this generator ensures plenty of power to handle multiple jobs from high voltage appliances to heavy-duty power tools. Similar to other Durostar generators, this model is EPA and CARB approved for use in almost 50 different states.
Best Features:
- Powered by 7Hp 208cc OHV engine
- High performance
- EPA and CARB approved
- Weighs just 127 pounds
- EPA and CARB approved
Pros:
- Suitable for heavy-duty applications as well
- Easier to use for long-distance applications
- Low-oil shut-off feature
Cons:
- Warranty details not mentioned
- No returns
5. TOMAHAWK Power Store Portable Generator
The brand TOMAHAWK is known for providing high-quality products that assure high-performance and long-lasting durability.
Among their wide product range, TWG210A welder generator is a combination of quality and high-power output. It is suitable for a wide range of applications that include farms, construction sites and any other job site that needs constant current. It features 15HP engine which provides 2000 watts of DC output.
This portable generator is quite easy to set up and operate. It has fuel tank capacity of 7 gallons which is enough for handling a wide range of applications. It comes with 50 to 210 Amp DC voltage that ensure proper performance. It comes with easy-to-read digital meter and dial for easy operation. It is perfect investment option for ranchers, educators, contractors and others.
Best Features:
- 60% duty cycle
- Wheels for easy manoeuvrability
- Permanent magnetized generator
- Reliable amperage
- 2-year warranty
- Reliable power output
Pros:
- Wide range of applications
- Suitable hobbyists and professionals
- Light in weight
- Easy to use
- Easy to read digital meter
Cons:
- Nothing much
Buying Guide For The Best Welder Generator Combo
Welding is one of the few selective methods of fusing two types of metal together that is widely used for several applications and provides sufficient strength to the joints. But, welding requires an enormous amount of power as it can only be performed at a very high heat level achieved by providing a similarly powerful electrical supply. This is achieved by a dedicated machine called welders.
As these devices are completely dependent on electricity, they need to be plugged in to use them. If you are looking for a standalone welder, you need to invest in a welder generator combo that can also provide the same power by converting the chemical energy of fuel into electrical energy. This makes the device completely portable and suitable for use on a construction site where electrical connections are not available. If you are going to buy a welder generator combo, make sure you do not miss out on the following features.
Design & Weight
In almost every machine, a common trait can be observed which is the more powerful the machine, the heavier it is in comparison with other options. The design and weight of a welder generator is no exception for this trait and it affects the total power capacity as well as the portability of the device.
The high-powered options are capable of getting the job done with better precision and accuracy as you can adjust the output according to your requirement and get the best out of your machine, But, these options are quite heavy in weight due to added components. Hence, it might be smart to pick up an underpowered and lightweight option if it satisfies your power requirements as it will be highly portable.
Power Output
You need to carefully consider the power output as well as power input of a welder before purchasing it. The main reason behind that is the type of welding you are going to perform and the subjects for your job require a certain level of temperature which can only be achieved with the appropriate amount of power.
Now that you are looking for a welder generator combo, you need to pay attention to the power capacity of the generator as well because it should be capable of providing the same output whether it is connected to a power source or generating power via fuel. If you are getting sufficient power out of the device, you can easily perform your job without any problem.
Duty Cycle
The duty cycle might be a familiar term for you if you have been working in the field of manufacturing and machining for a while. Most manufacturing-based equipment, especially welding-based equipment, features a dedicated duty cycle period which is represented in percentage.
The duty cycle can vary from 60% all the way up to 100% for welders. In simpler words, the duty cycle represents the possible continuous active time for a machine within a time period of 10 minutes. For example, if your device has a 60% duty cycle at a given voltage and amp, you must rest the device for at least 4 minutes after using it continuously for 6 minutes or more.
Noise Levels
Workshops and construction sites are already very noisy places. There are a number of tools that are being operated simultaneously which creates a collectively loud noise. Hence, you do not want to add yet another noise equipment to the collection.
The loud noise becomes highly distracting after a certain level and also causes a lot of discomfort in communication. As a welder generator combo is driven by an engine, it is bound to create a significant amount of noise when it is being powered by the generator. But still, you can select an option that makes the least amount of noise to avoid these problems.
Warranty
The warranty is a critical aspect for manufacturing and machining-based equipment. Unlike other electrical devices, these tools are constantly forced against hard surfaces to perform various actions such as cutting, grinding, welding, and so on.
Hence, there is a much higher chance of damage for these tools as compared to any other product. It is also true for welder generator combo machines as it has many crucial internal components that can easily get damaged in an event of a power surge or low oil level. Having a long warranty period on your machine will be a safeguard against these problems as you will be able to claim free of costly repairs and replacements for your product if it gets damaged under the warranty period.
Conclusion
A welder generator combo powers itself considering it has sufficient fuel in its fuel tank. With a decent welder generator combo machine, you will be able to get enough power capacity to drive a plasma cutter, an angle grinder, or even a welding gun to continue your job.
As it does not require a constant supply of electricity, it is ideal for outdoor usage as well as for workshops that constantly struggle through power supply problems. You will find the best welder generator combos in our article today. In case you are looking for a perfect choice, take a look at some of our favorite picks mentioned here.
- If you are looking for a budget-friendly welder generator combo, we have just the perfect solution for you. The CANAWELD-MOSA Engine Driven Stick Welder Portable Welding Machine is the most affordable choice from our picks today with 150 amp and 60% duty cycle. Also, it weighs only 75 lbs which makes it easier for portable use.
- Reliability is a great deal for hazardous machinery that is operated at a high power input. Thus, our next recommendation would be the Champion Elite 225 Welder/Generator. It is one of the high powerful options on our list today with 11000 peak watts and 225 amp capacity. It also comes with a 5 year warranty period.
- Lastly, we will recommend the Lincoln Electric, K2857-1 Welder Generator as it is quite a decent pick for different types of applications. It features 10500 peak watts and 210 amp capacity and is suitable for MIG, flux core, and TIG welding. There is a 3 year warranty period on this combo.
