Welding requires a great deal of power, and a generator is an essential tool for any welder. A generator for welder is a portable power source that provides electricity to run welding equipment, lights, and other tools on job sites where there is no access to grid power. Choosing the best generator for welder can be challenging, as there are many options available on the market.
When looking for a generator for welder, there are some critical factors to consider. The first thing to consider is the power output of the generator. Welding requires a high level of power, so it’s essential to choose a generator that can provide enough power to run your welding equipment. The second factor to consider is the fuel type of the generator. Gasoline, diesel, and propane are the most common fuel types for generators. Each fuel type has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to choose the one that best suits your needs.
We spent numerous hours researching and testing various generators for welder to identify the ones that provide the best power output, fuel efficiency, and portability. In this article, we will share our top picks for the best generator for welder to help you make an informed decision.
Top pick
TOMAHAWK Welder Generator
This welder generator is easy to use and portable, making it a great choice for those who need to move their equipment around frequently. With its inverter engine, you can expect stable welding and reliable power for your electric tools.
The TOMAHAWK Welder Generator is also able to weld 1/3, 1/4, and 3/8 inch materials, which makes it a versatile option for a variety of welding projects. And with its electronic reader and knob, you can easily set the amperage to your desired level.
Editor’s choice
DuroStar DS4000WGE
This generator is ideal for farm/ranch, maintenance, construction, home, and even emergency power outages. With a fully featured power panel, including 50 Amp to 210 Amp DC welding currant adjustment, three 120-Volt AC power outlets, and a 12-Volt DC battery charger, it has everything you need to get the job done.
The low oil shutoff feature protects your investment by automatically shutting the generator off when it senses that the oil is low. And, it’s both approved by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB (California Air Resources Board), ensuring that it’s as environmentally friendly as possible.
Best Generators for Welders
When it comes to welding, having a reliable generator is crucial. A good generator can provide the power needed to run your welder and other tools, even in remote locations. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know which generator is the best fit for your needs. That’s why we’ve put together this roundup of the best generators for welders. We’ve done the research and testing, so you can be confident that these generators are reliable, efficient, and powerful enough to handle your welding projects.
TOMAHAWK Welder Generator
If you’re looking for a versatile welder generator that can handle a variety of welding jobs and power electric tools simultaneously, the TOMAHAWK Welder Generator is a great option.
TOMAHAWK Welder Generator
This welder generator is easy to use and portable, making it a great choice for those who need to move their equipment around frequently. With its inverter engine, you can expect stable welding and reliable power for your electric tools. The TOMAHAWK Welder Generator is also able to weld 1/3, 1/4, and 3/8 inch materials, which makes it a versatile option for a variety of welding projects. And with its electronic reader and knob, you can easily set the amperage to your desired level.
Pros
- Smooth 120 Amp Stick MMA Welding
- Weld and Run Electric Tools all at once with 2200 Watts
- Inverter engine with stable sine wave for the steadiest welding
Cons
- No dial to adjust the amps
- Not powerful enough for larger air compressors
- Some quality control issues reported by a few customers
However, some customers have reported issues with the quality of this product, so it may be worth doing some additional research before making a purchase. Additionally, some customers have noted that this welder generator doesn’t have a dial to adjust the amps, which can be a drawback for some users.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile welder generator that can handle a variety of welding jobs and power electric tools simultaneously, the TOMAHAWK Welder Generator is a solid choice.
DuroStar DS4000WGE
If you’re in the market for a generator that doubles as a welder, the DuroStar DS4000WGE is a solid choice.
DuroStar DS4000WGE
This generator is ideal for farm/ranch, maintenance, construction, home, and even emergency power outages. With a fully featured power panel, including 50 Amp to 210 Amp DC welding currant adjustment, three 120-Volt AC power outlets, and a 12-Volt DC battery charger, it has everything you need to get the job done. The low oil shutoff feature protects your investment by automatically shutting the generator off when it senses that the oil is low. And, it’s both approved by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB (California Air Resources Board), ensuring that it’s as environmentally friendly as possible.
Pros
- Plenty of power for welding and powering high voltage appliances and heavy-duty power tools
- The DuroStar 420cc OHV engine provides a lot of power to handle multiple jobs
- Complies with emissions standards, making it environmentally friendly
Cons
- The tires are rather poor and tend to lose air quickly
- The bottom frame and wheels are not very sturdy
- The battery can be difficult to access
Overall, the DuroStar DS4000WGE is a reliable and powerful generator that doubles as a welder. While it may have some minor drawbacks, it’s a great choice for those looking for a versatile and environmentally friendly option.
MILLER BOBCAT 225 KOHLER WELDER/GENERATOR WITH REMOTE START/STOP
If you’re in need of a cost-effective, multiprocess welder/generator primarily used for Stick welding, the MILLER BOBCAT 225 KOHLER WELDER/GENERATOR WITH REMOTE START/STOP is a great option to consider.
MILLER BOBCAT 225 KOHLER WELDER/GENERATOR WITH REMOTE START/STOP
This welder/generator offers a quality-built machine with copper windings and iron generator components. The superior cooling technology ensures maximum performance and engine life, while the long runtimes provide many hours of use before refueling is necessary. However, the heavy weight may make it difficult to move around job sites, and it may not be as quiet as some other models on the market. Additionally, it may not be suitable for all types of welding projects.
Pros
- Copper windings and iron generator components for a quality-built machine
- Superior cooling technology for maximum performance and engine life
- Long runtimes provide many hours of use before refueling is necessary
Cons
- Heavy weight may make it difficult to move around job sites
- Not as quiet as some other models on the market
- May not be suitable for all types of welding projects
In terms of durability, the MILLER BOBCAT 225 KOHLER WELDER/GENERATOR WITH REMOTE START/STOP is tough and designed to withstand accidental impact with its super-tough armor. It also has protective armor doors to cover the weld studs and receptacles as required by OSHA and CSA for jobsite safety. The lift hook integrated into the center frame, which bolts to the machine’s base, provides greater durability.
Overall, if you’re looking for a quality-built welder/generator with superior cooling technology and long runtimes, the MILLER BOBCAT 225 KOHLER WELDER/GENERATOR WITH REMOTE START/STOP is a great option to consider.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best generator for welding, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind when making your decision:
Power Output
The power output of the generator is one of the most important factors to consider. You’ll want to make sure that the generator is capable of producing enough power to handle the demands of your welding equipment. Look for a generator that has a high enough wattage rating to power your welder without any issues.
Fuel Type
Generators can run on a variety of different fuels, including gasoline, diesel, and propane. Each fuel type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider which one will work best for your needs. Gasoline generators are typically the most affordable and widely available, but they can be noisy and require frequent refueling. Diesel generators are more fuel-efficient and durable, but they tend to be more expensive. Propane generators are quiet and clean-burning, but they require a propane tank and may not be as widely available.
Portability
If you plan on using your generator at different job sites, portability is an important factor to consider. Look for a generator that is compact and lightweight enough to be easily transported, but still powerful enough to handle your welding equipment.
Noise Level
Generators can be noisy, so it’s important to consider the noise level when choosing a generator for welding. Look for a generator that is designed to run quietly, or consider purchasing a separate noise-reducing enclosure to help reduce the noise level.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the generator when making your decision. While it’s important to invest in a high-quality generator that will meet your needs, you don’t want to overspend on features that you don’t need. Look for a generator that is priced competitively and offers the features that are most important to you.
