Garage, 2.5 mm rod
You want the longest UK review file, arc aids and a named VRD. The HITBOX ARC200S is the top pick at £47.49, with 4.4 from 968 reviews. The LED is hard to read outdoors. The TIG torch is not in the box. There is no mask.
Electrode welding machine comparison 2026
The best electrode welding machines, compared.
Top pick: Bimson Power 120 A Best value: Bimson Power 120 A – Display badge for the lowest price, £37.99, with a mask and a 2 m holder lead. Only 14 reviews, a 120 A ceiling, and a shield that reviews criticise. Updated October 2026.
An electrode welding machine is a stick welder: a manual metal arc inverter that burns a coated rod and does not need a gas bottle. None of them prints a duty cycle, so a 200 A or 250 A headline is not a continuous rating, and it is not the current a 13 A fuse will supply. UK sockets are 230 V with BS 1363 plugs. Lift TIG, where it is named, does not include the torch. Welding fume is still an HSE lung hazard. The checks in order are on the [electrode welding machine buying guide](/hub/soldering-and-welding/electrode-welding-machine/sub/electrode-welding-machine-buying-guide). They are aimed at a garage, a farm and occasional repair. Quality is not the amp number on the carton.
An electrode welding machine is a stick welder: a manual metal arc inverter that burns a coated rod and does not need a gas bottle.
28 products checked · 66 hrs invested · +19,800 readers
8 of 8: Best electrode welding machines compared
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1-2 of 8Best overall
9.4/10
9.2/10
9.0/10
9.0/10
9.0/10
9.0/10
8.6/10
7.2/10
∼ £38
∼ £66
∼ £47
∼ £70
∼ £90
∼ £70
∼ £70
∼ £50
4.7(14)
4.6(8)
4.4(968)
4.4(306)
4.4(302)
4.4(247)
4.3(161)
3.6(9)
Personal buying guide
Which electrode welding machine fits?
Question 1 of 2
What do you need in the box?
The best electrode welding machines in detail
Our view
Across 14 amazon.co.uk reviews this £37.99 kit is the lowest price in the set and still ships a mask, a brush, a 2 m electrode lead and a 1.6 m earth clamp. Buyers report neat work on thin box section and a straightforward first setup for hobby repairs. The 120 A ceiling is real next to 250 A headline boxes, so plan 2.5 mm E6013 rather than thick plate on a high dial. The bundled handheld shield is a recurring complaint. Treat it as a placeholder until you fit a proper filter helmet. No duty cycle is printed, so rest the inverter when the fan runs hard. At 4.7 stars the headline looks strong, but the written sample is small next to machines with hundreds of UK texts.
Pros
- Mask and brush included at £37.99
- 2 m electrode holder cable stated
- IGBT inverter with thermal overload protection
- Neat results on thin box section in UK reviews
- Lowest shelf price in this set
Cons
- 120 A limits heavier 3.2 mm rod work
- 1.6 m earth lead is shorter than a 2 m kit
- Bundled mask is often criticised
- Only 14 reviews
- No VRD or adjustable arc aids named
Best for: First tacks on gates and brackets when you want a mask in the box.
Less suitable: Long runs at high amps on a 13 A socket, or a job where VRD and a readable display matter.
Specifications
- Model
- Bimson Power 120 A
- Brand
- Bimson Power
- Price
- ∼£38
- Customer rating
- 4.7/5(14)
- Stated output
- 120 A
- Supply
- 230 V
- VRD
- No
- Arc aids
- No
- Holder lead
- 2 m
- Earth lead
- 1.6 m
- Mask
- Yes
- Rods in kit
- No
- Weight
- 4.31 kg
- Lift TIG
- No
Common questions
Why is the Bimson the best value if it has only 14 reviews?
It is £37.99, the lowest price here, with a mask, a brush and a 2 m holder lead in the box. The 4.7 from 14 is a small sample. It does not outrank the HITBOX file of 968 on evidence. It is the low-price kit.
Will 120 A run a 3.2 mm rod?
Plan on 2.5 mm E6013. Jasic’s typical band for 3.2 mm is about 60–130 A, and this ceiling is 120 A. UK reviews talk about thin box section, not thick plate. No duty cycle is printed.
Is the mask in the box enough?
A mask is included, and UK reviews often criticise handheld shields in these kits. Treat it as a starter cover. Chip slag with goggles, and use a filter that meets a welding eyewear standard before you rely on it.
Our view
LIROPAU’s £65.99 MMA-250 packs a 250 A headline, an LED current display, hot start, arc force and a toolbox-style case at 3.76 kg. UK reviewers at 4.6 from eight texts praise a compact beginner feel. That average rests on a very small sample next to the HITBOX or the DEKO. Bullets list rods, a slag hammer and a welding head cover, but the earth wire is only 1.2 m, which is awkward on a gate away from the machine. No VRD is named, and no duty cycle is printed, so the 250 A figure is not a continuous rating on a 13 A socket. The listing says 220 V. Measure the workspace before you buy the LED panel for its own sake.
Pros
- 250 A stated, with an LED current display
- Hot start, anti-stick and arc force named
- Rods and a slag hammer in the kit
- Toolbox packaging
- 4.6 from eight early reviews
Cons
- Only eight reviews
- 1.2 m earth lead, the shortest in the set
- No VRD named
- No duty cycle printed
- The head cover is not an auto-darkening helmet
Best for: You want a 250 A headline, an LED readout and rods in one toolbox, and you accept eight reviews.
Less suitable: Gate or trailer work that needs a long earth reach without an extension.
Specifications
- Model
- LIROPAU MMA-250
- Brand
- LIROPAU
- Price
- ∼£66
- Customer rating
- 4.6/5(8)
- Stated output
- 250 A
- Supply
- 220 V
- VRD
- No
- Arc aids
- Yes
- Holder lead
- 1.8 m
- Earth lead
- 1.2 m
- Mask
- No
- Rods in kit
- Yes
- Weight
- 3.76 kg
- Lift TIG
- No
Common questions
How long is the LIROPAU earth lead?
1.2 m, the shortest earth lead stated in this set. The welding lead is listed at 1.8 m. A gate away from the machine will need you to move the inverter, not a longer cable from this box.
Does 250 A mean it will weld all day on a 13 A plug?
No. No duty cycle is printed. A 13 A fuse will not feed the top of a 250 A dial for long. Output amps are not the current drawn from the wall. Eight reviews are a thin file.
Is the head cover a welding helmet?
No. The bullets list a welding head cover, not a full auto-darkening helmet. Rods and a slag hammer are in the kit. No VRD is named. The supply line says 220 V.
Our view
With 968 UK reviews at 4.4 stars, the HITBOX ARC200S has the deepest review pool in this table, at £47.49 and 2.7 kg. Adjustable hot start, arc force, anti-stick and a switchable VRD address the live-holder risk that several cheaper rows omit. Five 2.0 mm E6013 rods and 1.5 m leads let you practise the same evening, though a trailer or a car may need extensions. Lift TIG is named, but the torch is extra. Budget for it only if you will actually TIG. UK reviewers praise easy 2.5 mm ignition and repeat that the LED washes out in daylight. No duty cycle appears on the listing. Pause when the fan or the thermal cut-out demands it. Open the BS 1363 plug and confirm a genuine 13 A fuse before the first arc.
Pros
- 968 UK reviews, the largest sample in the set
- Switchable VRD named on the listing
- Adjustable hot start, arc force and anti-stick
- Five 2.0 mm E6013 starter rods included
- 2.7 kg cased inverter, with Lift TIG named
Cons
- 1.5 m leads, shorter than the SOARFLY kit
- No welding mask in the box
- LED hard to read outdoors, in UK reviews
- No duty cycle on the listing
- TIG torch sold separately
Best for: Garage DIY where review depth, arc aids and VRD matter more than the lowest price.
Less suitable: Bright outdoor work that relies on the front panel, or a buyer who needs a helmet in the box.
Specifications
- Model
- HITBOX ARC200S
- Brand
- HITBOX
- Price
- ∼£47
- Customer rating
- 4.4/5(968)
- Stated output
- 2.5 mm easy
- Supply
- 240 V
- VRD
- Yes
- Arc aids
- Yes
- Holder lead
- 1.5 m
- Earth lead
- 1.5 m
- Mask
- No
- Rods in kit
- Yes
- Weight
- 2.7 kg
- Lift TIG
- Not in kit
Common questions
Does the HITBOX include a TIG torch?
No. Lift TIG is named on the listing. The torch is sold separately. Do not count TIG as included. The kit is five 2.0 mm E6013 rods, 1.5 m leads, a brush and a manual.
Is there a duty cycle?
No duty cycle is printed on this listing, or on the other seven. A model name with 200 in it is not a continuous rating on a 13 A fuse. Pause when the fan or the thermal cut-out runs.
What do the 968 reviews actually repeat?
Easy ignition on 2.5 mm rod, and an LED that washes out in daylight. There is no mask in the box. Open the plug and confirm a genuine 13 A fuse before the first arc.
Our view
DEKO’s £69.99 200 A unit has 306 UK reviews at 4.4 stars and an LCD panel that highlights hot start. Reviewers describe a light garage machine and 2.5 mm rod work on hinges and fences. One UK text mentions a small petrol generator. The same reviews repeatedly say to open the plug: bridged links, a fuse marked above 13 A, and a weak earth braid on the clamp appear often enough to treat as a check before the first arc, not as a rare fault. No VRD is named, no duty cycle is printed, and rods or a mask are not in the included line. A 200 A headline is not a continuous output on a 13 A fuse. Listed weight is 3.62 kg. The supply line says 220 V.
Pros
- 306 UK reviews
- LCD display, with hot start called out
- UK reviews of 2.5 mm E6013 on light work
- IGBT inverter with overload protection claimed
- One UK review mentions a small generator
Cons
- Repeated UK reports of a bridged plug or a wrong fuse
- Weak earth braid on the clamp, mentioned often
- No rods or mask included
- No VRD on the listing
- No duty cycle stated
Best for: Light garage welding when you will inspect the plug and the leads on delivery.
Less suitable: Anyone who will not open the BS 1363 plug, or replace a poor earth clamp, before use.
Specifications
- Model
- DEKO 200 A
- Brand
- DEKO
- Price
- ∼£70
- Customer rating
- 4.4/5(306)
- Stated output
- 200 A
- Supply
- 220 V
- VRD
- No
- Arc aids
- Yes
- Mask
- No
- Rods in kit
- No
- Weight
- 3.62 kg
- Lift TIG
- No
Common questions
What is wrong with the DEKO plug in UK reviews?
Reviews repeatedly report a copper link or a fuse marked 20 A or 30 A instead of a genuine 13 A fuse. Open the BS 1363 plug before you strike an arc. Do not run a bridged fuse.
Does the DEKO include rods and a mask?
No. The included line names an electrode holder, a work clamp and an adapter cable. You supply rods, a helmet and gloves. No VRD is named. Weight is listed at 3.62 kg.
Can I treat 200 A as the running current?
No. No duty cycle is printed. Output amps are not the current the wall socket supplies. A 13 A fuse will not hold the top of that dial. UK reviews that like it talk about 2.5 mm rod.
Our view
DEKOPRO’s £89.99 250 A box is the highest price in this set, with DEKO branding on the manufacturer line and 302 UK reviews at 4.4 stars. Buyers praise portability and 2.5 mm rods on gates and hinges. UK texts also repeat fuse problems, including a 30 A or bridged BS 1362 fuse, a weak earth clamp, and 3.2 mm rods that struggle despite the 250 A headline. There is no VRD named and no duty cycle printed, so continuous high-amp work on a 13 A ring is not realistic. Listed weight is 3.94 kg. The supply line says 220 V. A shared sales-rank line with the DEKO 200 A is not two independent ranks. Do not read it as one.
Pros
- 302 UK reviews at 4.4 stars
- 250 A stated in farm and outdoor marketing
- IGBT inverter with overload protection
- Carrying handle and a compact case
- UK reviews of successful 2.5 mm rod work
Cons
- Highest price in this eight-machine set
- UK reviews report a 30 A or bridged plug fuse
- 3.2 mm rod described as a struggle
- Weak earth clamp braid mentioned repeatedly
- No VRD and no printed duty cycle
Best for: You already want this 250 A listing for gates and fences at 2.5 mm, and you will check the fuse.
Less suitable: Regular 3.2 mm fabrication, or anyone who will not correct the fuse and the earth clamp on arrival.
Specifications
- Model
- DEKOPRO 250 A
- Brand
- DEKOPRO
- Price
- ∼£90
- Customer rating
- 4.4/5(302)
- Stated output
- 250 A
- Supply
- 220 V
- VRD
- No
- Arc aids
- No
- Mask
- No
- Rods in kit
- No
- Weight
- 3.94 kg
- Lift TIG
- No
Common questions
Is the DEKOPRO a different company from DEKO?
The manufacturer line on this listing says DEKO. The product name is DEKOPRO. Treat the fuse and earth-clamp complaints as the same pattern UK reviews describe on both rows. Do not treat a shared sales rank as two separate awards.
Why do 3.2 mm rods struggle on a 250 A box?
UK reviews say they do. No duty cycle is printed. A 13 A plug cannot feed the top of a 250 A dial for long. Jasic’s typical band for 3.2 mm is about 60–130 A, which is not the same as holding 250 A.
What should I check in the plug?
UK reviews report a 30 A fuse or a bridged fuse. A UK 13 A plug should contain a genuine 13 A fuse. Open it before the first arc. There is no VRD on the listing. The price in this capture is £89.99.
Our view
XIAZIR’s £69.99 250 A inverter has 247 UK reviews at 4.4 stars and ten rods in the kit bullet. Hot start, arc force and anti-stick are named, and the LED panel helps in a dim garage. UK feedback also flags the earth lead: at least one reviewer reports the earth braid melting after two rods. Weigh that against the star average. No VRD appears, and no duty cycle is stated, so treat 250 A as a headline, not an hour of fabrication. Lead length is not clearly stated. Lay the cables out before you clamp a distant gate. Inspect the BS 1363 plug. Listed weight is 4.17 kg. The supply line says 220 V.
Pros
- 247 UK reviews at 4.4 stars
- Ten welding rods in the kit bullet
- Hot start, arc force and anti-stick named
- Large LED display
- 250 A headline
Cons
- A UK review reports the earth braid melting after two rods
- No VRD named
- No duty cycle printed
- Earth lead length not stated
- No mask or gloves in the box
Best for: Heavier DIY repairs where included rods and a readable LED matter more than the cheapest 120 A kit.
Less suitable: You are worried about earth-lead quality and you have not read the recent UK reviews.
Specifications
- Model
- XIAZIR 250 A
- Brand
- XIAZIR
- Price
- ∼£70
- Customer rating
- 4.4/5(247)
- Stated output
- 250 A
- Supply
- 220 V
- VRD
- No
- Arc aids
- Yes
- Mask
- No
- Rods in kit
- Yes
- Weight
- 4.17 kg
- Lift TIG
- No
Common questions
What happened to the earth lead in reviews?
At least one UK review reports the earth braid melting after two rods. Lead length is not stated in the listing fields. Read recent reviews on the live page, and stop if a lead gets hot.
Are rods included?
The kit bullet lists ten rods, plus a holder, a clamp and a brush. There is no mask and no gloves. No VRD is named. amazon.co.uk shows 4.4 from 247 reviews at £69.99.
Is 250 A a continuous output?
No. No duty cycle is printed on this ASIN. A 250 A headline on a 220 V listing is not a promise that a 13 A fuse will hold that current. Output amps are not wall amps.
Our view
SOARFLY’s £69.99 kit states 110/220 V auto-detect, VRD, hot start, arc force and 2 m holder and earth leads. Gloves and ten 2.5 mm rods are a fuller bundle than most rows. 161 UK reviews at 4.3 stars beat the tiny samples on the Bimson and the LIROPAU. Lift TIG is advertised, but the torch is not in the box. The listing says the 220 V adaptor is not included. Dual-voltage branding matters less on a standard UK 230 V ring. It can matter if you already use a generator or a non-UK feed. No duty cycle is printed. Dial back for long beads. Only this row and the HITBOX name a VRD. Listed weight is 4.09 kg. There is no mask.
Pros
- 2 m electrode and earth leads stated
- VRD, hot start and arc force named
- Gloves plus ten 2.5 mm rods
- 161 UK reviews
- 110/220 V auto-detect stated
Cons
- 220 V adaptor not included
- No welding mask in the box
- Lift TIG torch sold separately
- No duty cycle stated
- Dual-voltage extras are easy to misread on a UK socket
Best for: Farm or garage work when you want gloves, rods and 2 m leads, with VRD, in one delivery.
Less suitable: You expect every adaptor and a TIG torch without another purchase.
Specifications
- Model
- SOARFLY 250 A
- Brand
- SOARFLY
- Price
- ∼£70
- Customer rating
- 4.3/5(161)
- Stated output
- 250 A
- Supply
- 110/220 V
- VRD
- Yes
- Arc aids
- Yes
- Holder lead
- 2 m
- Earth lead
- 2 m
- Mask
- No
- Rods in kit
- Yes
- Weight
- 4.09 kg
- Lift TIG
- Not in kit
Common questions
Is the 220 V adaptor in the SOARFLY box?
No. The listing says the 220 V adaptor is not included. The machine states 110/220 V auto-detect. On a normal UK 230 V socket, confirm what lead actually arrives before you assume it plugs straight in.
Does it include Lift TIG?
The mode is named. The torch is not in the box. Do not pay for TIG you will not use. Gloves, ten 2.5 mm rods and 2 m leads are included. A mask is not.
Which machines in this set name a VRD?
Only the SOARFLY and the HITBOX. VRD is a voltage-reducing device for the open-circuit voltage on the holder. It does not remove fume, and it does not make the holder safe to grab while you are welding.
Our view
The EYSENC gun is a 2.45 kg handheld tool with six steps between 20 A and 120 A, at £49.99. The included-components line lists only the welder, so the holder, earth clamp, rods and PPE are extra. Nine UK reviews sit at 3.6 stars, the weakest score in this comparison, with little written detail. Bullets mention hot arc start and overheat protection. There is no VRD, no display and no lead length in the kit. The supply line says 220 V. If you already own leads and a helmet, the gun may suit a very short tack. As a first machine it leaves those gaps. No listing in this set prints a duty cycle, so treat the high steps as short bursts.
Pros
- Handheld gun at 2.45 kg
- Six steps from 20 A to 120 A
- Hot arc start named
- Overheat protection and IGBT claimed
- 1.2–3.2 mm electrodes in the specification
Cons
- Included line is the welder only
- 3.6 from only nine reviews
- No VRD and no current display
- No earth lead in the box
- Thinnest review file in the set
Best for: You already own leads, an earth clamp and a helmet, and you want a gun for very short tacks.
Less suitable: A first machine, if you expected a complete starter kit in one basket.
Specifications
- Model
- EYSENC stick welder gun
- Brand
- EYSENC
- Price
- ∼£50
- Customer rating
- 3.6/5(9)
- Stated output
- 20–120 A
- Supply
- 220 V
- VRD
- No
- Arc aids
- Yes
- Mask
- No
- Rods in kit
- No
- Weight
- 2.45 kg
- Lift TIG
- No
Common questions
What is in the EYSENC box?
The included-components line says the welder only. There is no holder lead, no earth clamp, no rods and no mask. You already need those, or you are buying them separately. Listed weight is 2.45 kg.
What current does it actually offer?
Six steps from 20 A to 120 A, on a 220 V listing. The specification mentions 1.2–3.2 mm electrodes. There is no display and no VRD. Nine reviews at 3.6 is the thinnest evidence here.
Is a handheld gun easier for a beginner?
Only if the leads and the helmet are already yours. A first-time buyer still needs a proper filter, an earth clamp and a rod. The cased inverters in this table at least ship a holder and a clamp.
How we compared
Eight amazon.co.uk stick-welder listings were read for this page. There is no separate score sheet in this folder. The display score is the capture score, not a duty-cycle test. None of these eight prints a duty cycle. The top pick and the best value are the badges on those rows: the HITBOX ARC200S and the Bimson Power 120 A. A 4.7 from 14 reviews does not outweigh 4.4 from 968. The weights below are how this page reads a listing. They sum to 100. There was no lab test.
1
Review evidence
30%Star rating and review count on amazon.co.uk. A count under 20 cannot carry the row. Written themes on fuses, leads and ignition count with the stars.
2
Mains and the 13 A fuse
25%UK sockets are 230 V with a BS 1363 plug. A review pattern of a bridged link or a 20 A or 30 A fuse deducts. Output amps are not wall current.
3
Rod and output honesty
20%A stated limit such as 2.5 mm easy ignition scores above a 250 A headline with no duty cycle. A 13 A fuse will not hold the top of that dial.
4
Arc aids and VRD
15%Hot start, arc force, anti-stick and a named VRD. Only two listings name a VRD. The holder stays live.
5
Kit and leads
10%A stated holder and earth lead, rods, and a mask or gloves you can actually wear. A handheld shield that reviews reject does not score as a helmet.
Independent review
Last updated: October 2026
8 sources checked
Electrode welding machine buying guide
The checks run in this order: stick rather than MIG, the 13 A plug, the rod you will actually burn, then the kit. The table is the eight listings. No duty cycle was printed on these ASINs. This page did not run a lab test.
What is an electrode welding machine?
An electrode welding machine, in UK shops, is a manual metal arc inverter. It is also called a stick welder or an arc welder. You burn a coated rod. You do not need a gas bottle. The eight amazon.co.uk machines on this page were captured on 19 October 2026. They are aimed at a garage, a farm and occasional repair. Quality is not the amp number on the carton.
Best for
- Garage and farm repairs on 2.5 mm E6013, with no gas bottle
- A buyer who will open the plug and fit a proper filter helmet
Not ideal for
- Thin car skin or a job that should be wire without slag
- Structural, hitch or pressure-pipe welds
Mistakes to avoid
- 1
Chasing 250 A on a 13 A plug
The headline amps are welding output, not wall current. No duty cycle is printed. A bridged fuse is a fault, not a way to unlock the dial.
- 2
Counting Lift TIG as included
The HITBOX and the SOARFLY name the mode. The torch is extra. Do not compare those rows as TIG kits.
- 3
Trusting the handheld mask
Reviews complain about the shields in these kits. Use a filter helmet. Chip slag with goggles. The helmet does not extract fume.
What to weigh up
Supply, fuse and rod
HighKeep a machine whose title is stick, MMA or arc. Process choice against wire is a different purchase. UK mains are 230 V and the plug is BS 1363. Several of these listings print 220 V. That is the figure on the page, not a second supply. A 13 A fuse will not feed the top of a 200 A or 250 A dial for long. DEKO and DEKOPRO reviews are where the bridged link and the 20 A or 30 A fuse show up. The Bimson states 230 V and 120 A, which is the honest ceiling in this set.
Kit, helmet and fume
HighLeads in this set run from 1.2 m earth on the LIROPAU to 2 m holder and earth on the SOARFLY. The Bimson holder lead is 2 m and the earth lead is 1.6 m. The HITBOX is 1.5 m both. XIAZIR, DEKO and DEKOPRO do not state a length you can put in the table, and a UK XIAZIR review reports a melting earth braid. Rods are in the HITBOX, LIROPAU, XIAZIR and SOARFLY kits. Gloves are on the SOARFLY only. A mask is in the Bimson box, and reviews still criticise handheld shields.
Which option suits you?
Three typical situations, each with a recommendation from this comparison.
Lowest price with a mask
You want a first tack and a shield in the carton. The Bimson Power 120 A is the best value at £37.99. The sample is 14 reviews. The earth lead is 1.6 m. Plan on 2.5 mm E6013, not a 250 A headline.
Farm repairs, longer leads
You want about 2 m of holder and earth lead, gloves and rods, and a named VRD. The SOARFLY is £69.99 with 4.3 from 161 reviews. The 220 V adaptor is not included. The TIG torch is extra. No duty cycle is printed.
Common questions about electrode welding machines
Which electrode welding machine is the top pick for 2026?
The top pick is the HITBOX ARC200S at £47.49. amazon.co.uk shows 4.4 from 968 reviews, the longest line in this set. The listing names switchable VRD, hot start, arc force and anti-stick, plus five 2.0 mm E6013 rods and 1.5 m leads. There is no mask. Lift TIG is named and the torch is extra. No duty cycle is printed. Open the BS 1363 plug and confirm a 13 A fuse. UK reviews say the LED washes out in daylight.
How much does an electrode welding machine cost on amazon.co.uk?
In this 19 October 2026 capture the Bimson is £37.99, the HITBOX is £47.49 and the EYSENC gun is £49.99. The LIROPAU is £65.99. SOARFLY, XIAZIR and DEKO are £69.99. The DEKOPRO is £89.99. A same-week note in the digest had a DEKO 200 A near £66.49, so £69.99 can move. Trade sets such as a Hyundai or a Sealey sit outside this table and cost more. These are stored prices for these ASINs.
Will a 250 A welder run on a 13 A plug?
Not at the top of the dial, and not for long. UK sockets are 230 V with a BS 1363 plug and a 13 A fuse. Output welding amps are not the current drawn from the wall. None of these eight listings prints a duty cycle, so a 200 A or 250 A headline is not a continuous rating. DEKO and DEKOPRO reviews report a copper link or a fuse marked 20 A or 30 A. Open the plug. Do not weld on a bridged fuse.
What rod size should I plan on?
For this set, plan on 2.5 mm E6013 unless a listing clearly says otherwise. Jasic’s typical DC bands are about 50–90 A for 2.5 mm and 60–130 A for 3.2 mm. The HITBOX easy-ignition claim stops at 2.5 mm. The Bimson ceiling is 120 A. DEKOPRO reviews describe 3.2 mm as a struggle despite a 250 A headline. EYSENC is specified as 20–120 A in six steps. Match the rod to a current the supply can hold.
Do I need extraction when I stick weld?
HSE treats welding fume as a lung hazard, including MMA. Sporadic work, under about once a week and under about an hour, still wants local exhaust if you can fit it, otherwise ventilation and respiratory protection. Regular MMA needs local exhaust. Outdoors, use respiratory protection. FFP3 is the note for short work. Longer work points to powered protection at an assigned protection factor of 20. A welding helmet does not filter fume. This page did not test exposure.
When should I buy a MIG welder instead?
Buy a MIG, or a flux-cored wire welder, when you want wire and no slag, or when the job is thin car skin. A stick machine in this table burns a coated rod and leaves slag to chip. A gasless MIG that merely lists an MMA mode belongs on a MIG page, not in this eight. Lift TIG on the HITBOX and the SOARFLY does not include a torch. Compare wire machines on the MIG/MAG welding machine comparison. Structural and hitch welds are a professional job.
Is the mask in a cheap kit safe to rely on?
Treat a bundled handheld shield as a placeholder. UK reviews of these kits often complain about it. The Bimson includes one at £37.99. The other rows mostly do not include a mask, and the LIROPAU head cover is not an auto-darkening helmet. Eye protection for welding filters is BS EN ISO 16321-2, or the older EN 175, EN 169 and EN 379 marks. Chip slag with goggles. A dark plastic rectangle is not that standard unless the listing shows the mark.
What should I check before the first arc?
Open the BS 1363 plug and look for a genuine 13 A fuse, not a copper link or a 20 A or 30 A fuse. Confirm the earth clamp and the holder lead are the length the listing states, and that they do not get hot on the first rod. Wear a filter helmet, not only the cardboard shield. Keep your head out of the fume. The fuse and the socket are set out on the 13 A plug for an electrode welder page. Stop if the leads overheat.
Our verdict
The top pick is the HITBOX ARC200S at £47.49, with 4.4 from 968 reviews, switchable VRD, hot start, arc force and anti-stick. The torch for Lift TIG is not included, the leads are 1.5 m, and there is no mask. The best value is the Bimson Power 120 A at £37.99, with a mask and a 2 m holder lead, and only 14 reviews. A 250 A headline on DEKO-family boxes does not include a duty cycle, and UK reviews report bridged or oversized fuses. None of these eight prints a duty cycle. Open the plug.
Best valueView offer
Bimson Power 120 A
Display badge for the lowest price, £37.99, with a mask and a 2 m holder lead. Only 14 reviews, a 120 A ceiling, and a shield that reviews criticise.
Editorial
Editor
DIY & toolsSoldering and weldingamazon.co.uk listings
Peter F. is the editor for DIY & tools at productscompared.co.uk. Comparisons in this category are checked against amazon.co.uk listings, review evidence and public UK sources.
Updated: October 2026
8 sources checked
Guides to electrode welding machines
Guides on what to look for, how to use a product, and common mistakes.
Electrode welding machine buying guideAmps, rods, the supply and the kit, without the product table.Best electrode welding machineTop pick and best value, and who should skip each.How to use an electrode welderStrike a bead and chip the slag. Not a ranking.Electrode welder on a 13 A plugThe fuse, the socket and the nameplate.MMA or MIG welderStick or wire. MIG models are not rows on this page.
Related comparisons
Sources
Sources taken from the research digest. Listings were captured on 19 October 2026. This page did not run a lab test.
- HSE — Welding controls (retrieved 20.10.2026)
- HSE — WL3, LEV and RPE for MMA (retrieved 20.10.2026)
- HSE — Other welding risks (retrieved 20.10.2026)
- HSE — Welding in motor vehicle repair (retrieved 20.10.2026)
- HSE — Avoid or reduce welding fume (retrieved 20.10.2026)
- GOV.UK — Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 (retrieved 20.10.2026)
- Jasic — MMA guide (retrieved 20.10.2026)
- Crosarc — Product catalogue (retrieved 20.10.2026)
This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through these links we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Prices, stars and review counts come from stored amazon.co.uk listings. We did not run a lab test.