Quick answer: For most people welding at home, flux core is the easiest and cheapest way to start. MIG with gas gives the cleanest welds and is best for thin sheet metal, but you need a gas bottle and it does not like wind. Stick is the toughest choice for thick, rusty steel and outdoor repairs, but it is harder to learn. A multi-process machine lets you try all three.
How we picked: we compared specs, duty cycle and thousands of verified buyer reviews on Amazon.com, with the eye of someone who inspects welds for a living. We have not tested every product in person.
The first question almost every new welder asks is which process to learn. The answer depends on what you want to weld, where you will weld and how much you want to spend.
Here is a simple comparison of the three most common processes for home and garage use, with the machines we would buy for each one.
The quick comparison
| Flux core | MIG (gas) | Stick | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas bottle | No | Yes | No |
| Learning curve | Easy | Easiest | Harder |
| Thin sheet metal | OK | Best | Difficult |
| Thick or rusty steel | Good | Needs clean metal | Best |
| Outdoors / wind | Good | Poor | Best |
| Cleanup | Slag and spatter | Very little | Slag |
| Starting cost | Low | Medium | Low |
At a glance
| Product | Best for | |
|---|---|---|
| YESWELDER 135A Flux Core Welder (MIG / Lift TIG / Stick) | Flux core + stick | Check price |
| Lincoln Electric 90i MIG and Flux Core Welder | MIG + flux core | Check price |
| YESWELDER 205A Multi-Process Welder (MIG-205DS) | All three | Check price |
Our picks for each process
YESWELDER 135A Flux Core Welder (MIG / Lift TIG / Stick)
A cheap way to try gasless flux core and stick welding with one 120V machine.
- Low price
- Two processes for home use
- Light
- No gas MIG
Lincoln Electric 90i MIG and Flux Core Welder
A compact 120V machine that runs flux core today and gas MIG when you add a bottle and regulator.
- Trusted brand
- Easy to set up
- Gas setup costs extra
YESWELDER 205A Multi-Process Welder (MIG-205DS)
A dual-voltage machine that does gas MIG, flux core, stick and lift TIG. The best choice if you are not sure yet and want room to grow.
- Dual voltage 110/220V
- MIG, flux core, stick and lift TIG
- Very popular
- Bigger and heavier
- Higher price
Flux core: best first welder for most people
No gas, low cost and it handles slightly dirty metal and a breeze. It is ideal for farm, fence and trailer repairs. The downside is spatter and slag, and it can burn through very thin sheet metal. See our pick of the best flux core welders for beginners.
MIG with gas: the cleanest welds
MIG uses solid wire and a shielding gas (usually 75% argon / 25% CO2). The arc is smooth, there is no slag, and it is the best process for car panels and thin sheet metal. You need clean metal, a gas bottle and a sheltered place to weld.
Stick: tough and simple
Stick (SMAW) uses coated electrodes. The machines are cheap and very forgiving with dirty or rusty steel, and wind does not bother them. It takes more practice to strike and hold an arc, and it is not great on thin metal.
So which should you buy?
- Mostly repairs, outdoors, tight budget: flux core.
- Car bodywork and thin metal: MIG with gas.
- Thick steel, farm equipment, rusty parts: stick.
- Not sure yet: a multi-process welder.
Keep reading: Best flux core welders for beginners · Best multi-process welders · How to weld thin sheet metal
FAQ
What is the easiest type of welding to learn?
MIG with gas is usually the easiest to learn, followed closely by flux core. Stick takes more practice.
Is flux core as strong as MIG?
A good flux core weld on mild steel is as strong as a MIG weld for home projects. It just looks rougher and needs slag cleanup.
Can I use a MIG welder without gas?
Only with self-shielded flux core wire, and you must switch the polarity to DC electrode negative.
Which welding process is best outdoors?
Stick and flux core. Wind blows away the shielding gas used in MIG.