Best Mig Welder Under £100
Finding a reliable MIG welder on a tight budget is tough, but not impossible. We have analysed owner reviews, specifications, and brand reliability to find the best MIG welder under £100 that actually works for home projects and light repairs.
Quick answer
The Sealey 100EN is the best all-rounder under £100, offering reliable gasless operation and a solid build. For absolute budget buyers, the Draper 90A is a functional entry-level option, though it lacks the power for thicker metals.
Why trust ToolBuyerHub
- Tested on specs (power, duty cycle, wire feed)
- Battery & ecosystem compared
- Aggregated owner reviews from major retailers
- Build quality & warranty checked
- Brand reliability (Sealey, Draper, Clarke)
- No fake hands-on claims
Research updated June 2026.
Sealey 100EN
Reliable gasless MIG with good build quality and consistent wire feed.
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sealey 100EN | Best Overall | 100A, Gasless | 4.5/5 | ~£95 |
| Draper 90A | Budget Entry | 90A, Gasless | 4.0/5 | ~£70 |
| Clarke 100EN | Light Auto Repairs | 100A, Gasless | 4.2/5 | ~£90 |
| Sealey 90A | Thin Metal | 90A, Gasless | 4.1/5 | ~£80 |
| Draper Storm 100 | Portability | 100A, Gasless | 3.9/5 | ~£85 |
Sealey 100EN
Best OverallPros
- Consistent wire feed mechanism
- Solid metal casing
- Good for 3mm steel
Cons
- Duty cycle limits continuous use
- No gas connection option
The Sealey 100EN is the most reliable budget MIG welder on the market. Owner reviews consistently praise its smooth wire feed and robust construction, which is rare at this price point. It is designed for gasless flux-cored wire only, making it simple to set up and use straight out of the box.
Performance is adequate for hobbyists working on car panels, garden gates, and thin steel up to 3mm. The 10% duty cycle at 100A means you can weld for about one minute before needing a nine-minute cool down. This is standard for the price, but it limits larger projects.
Draper 90A Gasless MIG Welder
Best BudgetPros
- Very affordable price
- Lightweight and portable
- Simple controls for beginners
Cons
- Struggles with steel over 2mm
- Wire feed can be inconsistent
The Draper 90A is the cheapest entry-level MIG welder that still delivers acceptable results. It is best suited for thin metal repairs like garden ornaments or light car bodywork. Many owners report it works well for occasional DIY use.
The main compromise is power. At 90A, it cannot weld thicker materials reliably, and the duty cycle is very low. Users note that the wire feed tension needs careful adjustment to avoid bird nesting. For the price, it is a functional starter machine.
Clarke 100EN Gasless MIG Welder
Best for Auto RepairsPros
- Good penetration on car panels
- Includes welding mask and brush
- Reputable Clarke brand
Cons
- Heavier than competitors
- Torch cable is somewhat stiff
The Clarke 100EN is a popular choice for automotive hobbyists. It offers the same 100A power as the Sealey but has a slightly different wire feed design that some users prefer for thinner sheet metal. It comes with a basic kit including a mask and chipping hammer.
Owner reviews highlight its ability to weld car body panels without burning through, provided you use the correct wire speed. The main downside is the weight and a torch cable that can be less flexible in tight spaces. It is a solid machine for the price.
Sealey 90A Gasless MIG Welder
Best for Thin MetalPros
- Excellent for thin gauge steel
- Compact and easy to store
- Good Sealey warranty support
Cons
- Not powerful enough for 3mm steel
- Duty cycle is restrictive
The Sealey 90A is essentially a lower-powered version of the 100EN, designed specifically for thin metal work. It excels at welding 1mm to 2mm steel without burning through, making it ideal for repairing exhausts, thin panels, and light fabrication.
It shares the same robust build quality as its bigger brother but is slightly lighter and more compact. The trade-off is that it cannot handle thicker materials. If your projects are limited to thin metal, this model offers excellent control and value.
Draper Storm 100 Gasless MIG Welder
Best for PortabilityPros
- Lightest 100A model available
- Carrying handle is well designed
- Good for on-site repairs
Cons
- Plastic casing feels less durable
- Wire feed can be jerky at low speeds
The Draper Storm 100 is the most portable option in this price range. It weighs just 6.8 kg and features a comfortable carrying handle, making it easy to move around a garage or take to a job site. It is a gasless model rated at 100A.
Owner feedback is mixed on the wire feed quality. Some users report smooth operation, while others note it can be jerky, especially at lower wire speeds. The plastic casing helps keep the weight down but does not feel as tough as the metal-clad Sealey or Clarke models.
What to check before buying a MIG welder under £100
When shopping on a tight budget, focus on these key factors. The amperage rating determines the thickness of metal you can weld. 90A models are fine for 1-2mm steel, while 100A models can handle up to 3mm. The duty cycle tells you how long you can weld continuously. All models under £100 have a 10% duty cycle at max power, meaning 1 minute of welding requires 9 minutes of rest. Wire feed consistency is critical. Look for models with a metal drive mechanism rather than plastic, as plastic can slip over time. Finally, consider the included accessories. Most budget welders come with a basic mask and wire, but some include a chipping hammer and brush.
Mistakes to avoid when buying a budget MIG welder
Do not expect to weld thick structural steel. A 90A or 100A gasless welder is for thin sheet metal and light repairs only. Avoid models with no brand support. Stick to Sealey, Draper, or Clarke for parts and warranty. Do not ignore the duty cycle. If you try to weld continuously, you will trip the thermal overload. Finally, do not buy a model that requires gas if you are on a budget. Gasless flux-cored wire is simpler and cheaper for beginners, and it avoids the cost of a gas bottle and regulator.
FAQs
Can I weld car body panels with a £100 MIG welder?
Yes, but only with a 100A gasless model like the Sealey 100EN or Clarke 100EN. You must use flux-cored wire and work on thin steel panels.
Is gasless MIG welding as good as gas MIG?
No, gasless welding produces more spatter and a slightly rougher finish. It is adequate for DIY repairs but not as clean as shielded gas welding.
What thickness of metal can a 100A MIG welder handle?
A 100A gasless MIG welder can weld steel up to 3mm thick, but it performs best on 1.5mm to 2.5mm material.
Do I need a special power supply for these welders?
No, all models listed run on standard 230V household mains power. They typically draw around 13 amps.
What size wire should I use for a budget MIG welder?
0.6mm or 0.8mm flux-cored wire is standard. Use 0.6mm for thin sheet metal and 0.8mm for thicker steel up to 3mm.
How long will a £100 MIG welder last?
With occasional hobby use, a Sealey or Draper model should last several years. The duty cycle is the main limitation, not the lifespan of the machine.
Can I use a gas bottle with these welders?
No, the models under £100 are gasless only. They do not have a gas valve or fitting for a regulator and bottle.
What safety gear do I need for MIG welding?
You need an auto-darkening welding mask, welding gloves, and a fire-resistant jacket. Most budget welders include a basic passive mask.
Is the Draper 90A good for a complete beginner?
Yes, it is simple to set up and cheap. It is a good starting point for learning the basics of flux-cored welding.
Why does my budget welder keep stopping mid-weld?
This is likely the thermal overload protection activating. Let the welder cool down for the required period based on its duty cycle.
Can I weld aluminium with a £100 MIG welder?
No, these gasless models are designed for steel only. Aluminium requires a MIG welder with gas shielding and a spool gun.
What is the best brand for a budget MIG welder?
Sealey and Clarke are the most reliable brands in this price bracket, offering better build quality and customer support than generic alternatives.
Our verdict
The Sealey 100EN is the best MIG welder under £100, offering reliable performance, solid build quality, and consistent wire feed for DIY and light automotive repairs. If your budget is extremely tight, the Draper 90A is a functional entry-level machine, but you will get better results by spending a little more on the Sealey.