Clarke Mig Welder Review
Clarke has been a staple name in garage and workshop equipment for decades, and their MIG welder range is often the first stop for hobbyists and semi-pro fabricators. This review breaks down the current lineup, specs, and real-world owner feedback to help you choose the right model.
Quick answer
For most home and hobby users, the Clarke 135TE Turbo is the best overall pick, offering reliable 130-amp output and gas/gasless versatility. For heavier duty work up to 5mm steel, the Clarke 151EN is the top budget-friendly upgrade.
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Research updated June 2026.
Clarke 135TE Turbo
The most popular Clarke MIG welder with excellent gas/gasless flexibility.
| Model | Best For | Max Amp | Duty Cycle | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarke 135TE Turbo | Best Overall / Hobby | 130A | 20% @ 130A | 4.5 / 5 |
| Clarke 151EN | Budget Upgrade | 150A | 15% @ 150A | 4.3 / 5 |
| Clarke 160TM | Thicker Metal / DIY Pro | 160A | 20% @ 160A | 4.4 / 5 |
| Clarke 180TE | Heavy Duty / Semi-Pro | 180A | 25% @ 180A | 4.5 / 5 |
| Clarke 100EN | Entry Level / Light Work | 100A | 10% @ 100A | 4.0 / 5 |
Clarke 135TE Turbo
Best OverallPros
- Excellent gas/gasless flexibility
- Smooth 4-roller wire feed
- Good duty cycle for hobby use
Cons
- Limited to 3mm steel with gas
- No spot weld timer
The Clarke 135TE Turbo is the most popular model in the range, and for good reason. It offers a genuine 130-amp output which is enough for most automotive and home fabrication work, including exhaust repairs, body panels, and light structural steel. The 4-roller wire feed system provides consistent wire delivery, reducing bird-nesting issues common with cheaper 2-roller units.
Owner reviews consistently praise its reliability and ease of setup, with many noting it works well straight out of the box. The ability to switch between gas (for cleaner welds) and gasless flux-core wire (for outdoor use) makes it a versatile choice. The duty cycle of 20% at maximum output is adequate for intermittent use, though you will need to pause on thicker materials.
Clarke 151EN
Best Budget UpgradePros
- Higher 150A output for thicker metal
- Still affordable for hobbyists
- Simple, reliable controls
Cons
- Lower duty cycle than 135TE
- 2-roller wire feed can be fussy
The Clarke 151EN is a step up in power from the 135TE, offering 150 amps which allows welding of steel up to 5mm in a single pass. It is a popular choice for those who need to weld thicker materials like trailer chassis or heavy-duty brackets without moving to a more expensive pro model.
Owner feedback is generally positive, though the 2-roller wire feed system is a downgrade from the 4-roller found on the 135TE. Some users report needing to adjust tension more frequently. The duty cycle of 15% at maximum output is lower than the 135TE, meaning more cooling breaks are required when pushing the welder hard.
Clarke 160TM
Best for Thicker MetalPros
- Good 160A output with decent duty cycle
- 4-roller wire feed for reliability
- Handles 6mm steel in single pass
Cons
- Heavier and less portable
- More expensive than 135TE
The Clarke 160TM sits between the 151EN and 180TE in the lineup, offering 160 amps with a 20% duty cycle. This makes it suitable for welding 6mm steel plate in a single pass, which is ideal for agricultural repairs, gates, and heavier fabrication work.
It features a 4-roller wire feed system, which is a significant upgrade over the 151EN and contributes to fewer wire feed issues. Owner reviews highlight its solid build quality and consistent arc performance. The main drawback is its weight at 25 kg, making it less portable than the 135TE.
Clarke 180TE
Best Heavy DutyPros
- Highest power in the range
- Best duty cycle for continuous use
- Professional grade build
Cons
- Expensive for hobby users
- Very heavy at 32 kg
The Clarke 180TE is the flagship model in the Clarke MIG range, delivering 180 amps with a 25% duty cycle. This allows welding of steel up to 8mm in a single pass, making it suitable for semi-professional and heavy-duty DIY applications such as trailer building, structural steelwork, and agricultural machinery repair.
It features a robust 4-roller wire feed, a high-quality torch, and a durable metal casing. Owner reviews from semi-pro users are very positive, praising its reliability and weld quality. The main downsides are its high price and significant weight, which make it less suitable for occasional hobby use or frequent portability.
Clarke 100EN
Best Entry LevelPros
- Very affordable entry point
- Simple to use, no gas needed
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- Limited to thin metal only
- Very low duty cycle
The Clarke 100EN is the most basic and affordable MIG welder in the Clarke range. It is a gasless-only unit, meaning it uses flux-core wire and does not require a gas bottle. This makes it a simple, low-cost introduction to MIG welding for complete beginners.
With a maximum output of 100 amps, it is limited to welding thin steel up to 3mm. The duty cycle is just 10% at full power, so frequent breaks are needed. Owner reviews are mixed, with some praising its low cost and simplicity, while others find it underpowered for anything beyond light repairs.
What to check before buying a Clarke MIG welder
Before purchasing a Clarke MIG welder, consider the thickness of metal you will be welding most often. For thin body panels and exhausts up to 3mm, a 130-amp model like the 135TE is sufficient. For thicker materials over 5mm, you will need a 150-amp or higher model.
Check your available power supply. All Clarke MIG welders in this review run on standard 230V household power, but some higher-amp models may draw more current. Ensure your circuit breaker can handle the load, especially if you plan to use the welder at maximum output for extended periods.
Mistakes to avoid when choosing a Clarke MIG welder
A common mistake is buying a gasless-only model like the 100EN thinking it will be sufficient for all jobs. Gasless welding produces more spatter and a less clean weld, making it unsuitable for visible bodywork. If you want clean welds, choose a model that supports gas welding.
Another mistake is ignoring the duty cycle. A low duty cycle means you will spend more time waiting for the welder to cool down than actually welding. For any project involving more than a few minutes of continuous welding, choose a model with at least a 20% duty cycle at your required amperage.
FAQs
Which Clarke MIG welder is best for a beginner?
The Clarke 135TE Turbo is the best choice for beginners due to its gas/gasless flexibility, smooth wire feed, and good duty cycle.
Can I weld aluminium with a Clarke MIG welder?
Standard Clarke MIG welders are not designed for aluminium welding. You would need a spool gun or a dedicated aluminium welder for that task.
Do Clarke MIG welders come with a gas regulator?
No, Clarke MIG welders do not include a gas regulator. You will need to purchase one separately if you plan to use gas.
What is the difference between the Clarke 135TE and 135TE Turbo?
The 135TE Turbo features a 4-roller wire feed system, while the standard 135TE has a 2-roller system. The Turbo also has a slightly higher duty cycle.
How thick steel can a Clarke 180TE weld?
The Clarke 180TE can weld steel up to 8mm thick in a single pass with gas, making it suitable for heavy-duty fabrication.
Is the Clarke 151EN suitable for car bodywork?
Yes, the 151EN is suitable for car bodywork, but the 135TE Turbo is often preferred for its smoother wire feed and better control on thin metal.
Do Clarke MIG welders have a warranty?
Yes, Clarke MIG welders typically come with a 2-year warranty when purchased from an authorized dealer.
Can I use a Clarke MIG welder outdoors?
Yes, but only in gasless mode. Wind will blow away the shielding gas, so flux-core wire is required for outdoor use.
What wire size should I use for a Clarke 135TE?
The Clarke 135TE is designed to use 0.6mm and 0.8mm wire. Use 0.6mm for thin metal and 0.8mm for thicker sections.
Are Clarke MIG welders made in the UK?
Clarke is a UK brand, but their MIG welders are manufactured in China to their specifications.
Our verdict
The Clarke 135TE Turbo is our overall winner for home and hobby use, offering the best balance of power, features, and reliability. For those on a tighter budget who still need decent performance, the Clarke 151EN is a solid alternative. Avoid the 100EN unless your needs are very minimal.