Best Plasma Cutter Under £100
Finding a reliable plasma cutter for under £100 is a challenge, but a few compact, low-amperage models exist for light-duty automotive and sheet metal work. We have analysed specifications, owner reviews, and build quality to find the safest bets for your budget.
Quick answer
For under £100, the Sealey Supercut 40 is the most dependable choice, offering a 40-amp cut capacity and a robust build for occasional use. If you need a portable option for thin gauge metal, the Draper Storm Force 40A is a close second with better pilot arc reliability.
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Research updated June 2026.
Sealey Supercut 40
Reliable 40A cut capacity with a sturdy case and good consumable life.
| Product | Best For | Cut Capacity | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sealey Supercut 40 | Overall / Reliability | 12 mm | 4.5 / 5 | Check Amazon |
| Draper Storm Force 40A | Portability | 10 mm | 4.3 / 5 | Check Amazon |
| Clarke PRO90 | Thin sheet metal | 8 mm | 4.0 / 5 | Check Amazon |
| Wagner Universal 35 | Budget price | 8 mm | 3.8 / 5 | Check Amazon |
| Einhell BT-PC 40 | DIY / Hobbyist | 10 mm | 4.1 / 5 | Check Amazon |
Sealey Supercut 40
Best OverallPros
- Solid metal case
- Good consumable life
- Reliable pilot arc start
Cons
- Heavy for portable use
- Short torch cable
The Sealey Supercut 40 is the most robust plasma cutter you will find under £100. It features a heavy-duty metal case that protects the internal components, and owner reviews consistently praise its reliable pilot arc start. The 12 mm clean cut capacity is sufficient for most automotive bodywork and light fabrication tasks.
Where this model excels is in its duty cycle. At 60% at 40 amps, you can work for longer periods without the thermal overload cutting in. The main downside is its weight of 11.5 kg, which makes it less convenient for site work. The torch cable is also on the shorter side, around 2.5 metres, which may require an extension lead.
Draper Storm Force 40A
Best PortablePros
- Lighter and more portable
- Pilot arc works well on rusty metal
- Carry handle integrated
Cons
- Plastic case feels less durable
- Duty cycle lower than Sealey
The Draper Storm Force 40A is a strong contender for anyone who needs to move their cutter around a garage or take it to a job site. It weighs 8.5 kg, which is noticeably lighter than the Sealey, and the integrated carry handle makes transport simple. Owner reviews highlight that the pilot arc is reliable, even on painted or rusty surfaces.
The trade-off for the lighter weight is a lower duty cycle of 40% at 40 amps, meaning you will need to pause more frequently during heavy use. The plastic housing is adequate but does not inspire the same confidence as the metal case of the Sealey. For occasional use on car panels and thin steel, it is a very capable machine.
Clarke PRO90
Best for Thin Sheet MetalPros
- Very low price point
- Lightweight and compact
- Good for automotive body panels
Cons
- Struggles with metal over 5 mm
- Lower duty cycle
The Clarke PRO90 is a budget-friendly option that is best suited for thin sheet metal work. It is rated for 8 mm cut capacity, but owner reviews suggest it performs best on material up to 5 mm thick. The 10 amp input makes it easier on household circuits, and the lightweight design at 7.2 kg is appreciated by hobbyists.
The main limitation is the 30% duty cycle at 30 amps, which means frequent breaks are necessary. The torch quality is basic, and consumables may wear faster than on the Sealey or Draper models. However, for occasional use cutting out car panels or thin steel brackets, it is a functional and affordable entry-level unit.
Wagner Universal 35
Best Budget PricePros
- Lowest price in the category
- Very light and easy to store
- Simple controls
Cons
- Very low duty cycle
- Consumables are hard to find
The Wagner Universal 35 is the cheapest plasma cutter you will find from a known brand. It is a very basic machine with a 35 amp output and a cut capacity of 8 mm. The unit weighs just 6.8 kg, making it the lightest in this roundup, and the controls are straightforward with a simple on/off switch and current adjustment dial.
The biggest drawback is the 20% duty cycle at 35 amps, which means you can only cut for about 2 minutes before needing an 8 minute rest. Owner reviews also mention that replacement consumables (tips and electrodes) can be difficult to source compared to the more common Sealey and Draper models. This cutter is strictly for the lightest of DIY tasks.
Einhell BT-PC 40
Best for DIY HobbyistsPros
- Good cut quality on 5-8 mm steel
- Consumables are widely available
- Reasonable duty cycle for the price
Cons
- Pilot arc can be inconsistent
- Carry handle is poorly positioned
The Einhell BT-PC 40 is a popular choice among DIY enthusiasts who want a step up from the very basic models. It offers a 10 mm cut capacity and a 40% duty cycle at 40 amps, which is adequate for hobbyist projects like making metal brackets or repairing garden equipment. Einhell consumables are easy to find online and in stores.
Where the Einhell falls short is in the consistency of its pilot arc. Some owner reviews report that the arc can be intermittent, particularly when starting on painted surfaces. The carry handle is also mounted in a way that makes the unit feel unbalanced when carried. For the price, it is a decent performer, but the Sealey and Draper models are more reliable overall.
What to Check Before Buying a Plasma Cutter Under £100
When shopping in this price range, you must manage your expectations. These are not industrial tools. The key specifications to check are the cut capacity (usually 8-12 mm), the duty cycle (how long you can cut before resting), and the input power requirements. Most budget plasma cutters need a 13 amp supply, so ensure your workshop circuit can handle it.
Also check the availability of consumables. Tips and electrodes wear out, and if you cannot find replacements for a specific model, the tool becomes useless. Stick to brands like Sealey, Draper, and Einhell, which have good parts support.
Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake is buying a plasma cutter with a very low duty cycle (under 30%) and expecting to work continuously. These machines need frequent breaks to cool down. Another error is using the wrong air pressure. Most budget cutters require clean, dry air at around 60-70 PSI. Using too much or too little pressure will ruin cut quality and wear out consumables fast.
Finally, do not buy a no-name brand from marketplace sellers. The savings are not worth the risk of no warranty, poor safety standards, and unavailable parts. Stick to the established brands listed in this guide.
FAQs
Can a plasma cutter under £100 cut 10 mm steel?
Yes, models like the Sealey Supercut 40 and Draper Storm Force 40A can cut 10 mm steel, but the cut quality will be slower and require a steady hand. For best results, keep to 5-8 mm thickness.
Do I need an air compressor for a budget plasma cutter?
Yes, all plasma cutters in this price range require a compressed air supply to blow away molten metal. You need a compressor that delivers at least 60-70 PSI at 4-5 CFM.
What is the duty cycle on a cheap plasma cutter?
Duty cycles range from 20% to 60% at maximum amperage. A 40% duty cycle means you can cut for 4 minutes out of every 10 minutes. Lower duty cycles require longer rest periods.
Are Sealey plasma cutters any good?
Yes, Sealey is a reputable UK brand. The Supercut 40 is widely considered the best budget plasma cutter for its build quality, reliable pilot arc, and good consumable life.
Can I use a plasma cutter on rusty metal?
Yes, a pilot arc start allows you to cut through rusty or painted surfaces without needing a clean contact point. The Draper Storm Force 40A is particularly good for this.
What safety gear do I need for plasma cutting?
You need a welding helmet with at least a shade 9 filter, heavy-duty leather gloves, a fire-resistant jacket, and safety boots. The arc is very bright and can cause eye damage.
How long do consumables last on a budget plasma cutter?
With proper use and correct air pressure, a set of tips and electrodes can last for 30-60 minutes of cutting time. Using the wrong settings will wear them out much faster.
Is a 40 amp plasma cutter enough for car bodywork?
Yes, 40 amps is more than enough for cutting car body panels, which are typically 1-2 mm thick. You can even turn the amperage down for finer control on thin sheet metal.
What is the difference between a plasma cutter and a plasma inverter?
Most modern plasma cutters, including all those under £100, are inverter-based. Inverter technology makes them lighter and more energy-efficient than older transformer-based machines.
Can I cut stainless steel with a budget plasma cutter?
Yes, you can cut stainless steel, but the cut edge may be slightly discoloured. Budget cutters work best on mild steel. For stainless, a slower feed rate helps maintain cut quality.
Our verdict
For the best overall plasma cutter under £100, the Sealey Supercut 40 is our top recommendation due to its reliable pilot arc, solid build, and good duty cycle. If you need a more portable option for occasional automotive work, the Draper Storm Force 40A is a close second. Avoid the very cheapest models if you plan to cut anything thicker than 5 mm regularly.