Lotos MIG 175 Welder Review: Weld Steel and Aluminum Without Breaking the Bank
A dependable MIG welder that handles both steel and aluminum isn’t easy to find—especially if you’re working on a tight budget. That’s why the Lotos MIG175 has built a reputation among DIYers, home garage welders, and small shop owners. It brings solid performance, comes with a spool gun, and runs on 240V power, making it one of the better mid-range options available.
Let’s take a closer look at what it offers, based on real feedback from users who’ve put it to work in day-to-day projects.
Strong Build That Feels Ready for Work
The Lotos MIG175 isn’t trying to be compact or featherlight. At around 85 pounds, it’s built like a piece of shop equipment—not a toy. It’s sturdy, stable, and doesn’t feel cheap. Once you mount it on a cart, it stays there, ready to go.
It also comes with more than just the welder. You’ll get a MIG torch, ground clamp, gas hose, and the real standout—an aluminum spool gun. That alone saves time and money for anyone planning to weld aluminum right out of the box.
Clean Arc and Practical Wire Control
User feedback consistently highlights the MIG175’s smooth arc and ease of dialing in the right settings. According to online reviews and welding forums, this model lays down clean welds on mild steel, stainless, and aluminum with minimal splatter.
The included spool gun handles light aluminum fabrication well. It’s not a production-level tool, but it works great for tasks like patching trailers, building light frames, or custom fab work.
Wire speed and voltage controls are responsive, and the fine-tuning options help welders get consistent results—especially helpful for those newer to MIG work.
Duty Cycle That Matches Real Shop Use
You’re looking at a 20% duty cycle at 175 amps. For most hobbyists and small-shop users, that’s more than enough to get through typical weld runs. It’s not designed for marathon shifts, but it won’t leave you waiting around after every short pass either.
This welder fits best in a setting where projects happen steadily but not nonstop—like restoring a car, building brackets, or fabricating shelving. Users say it rarely overheats during regular jobs.
Setup and Learning Curve
Setting up the MIG175 is straightforward, though it’s definitely not plug-and-play like a 110V beginner unit. You’ll need a 240V outlet, and it helps to be familiar with gas MIG setups.
That said, once it’s connected, the machine is intuitive. Reviews mention that the controls make sense, and the manual covers enough to get you started without frustration. Beginners find it approachable, and more experienced welders appreciate the extra control they get from the fine adjustments.
Being able to switch from steel to aluminum without changing machines is a big deal—and with the included spool gun, that’s exactly what this welder offers.
Check Price & Availability
View on Amazon – Lotos MIG175 MIG Welder (240V, includes spool gun)
Conclusion
The Lotos MIG175 offers excellent value for anyone who wants to tackle both steel and aluminum jobs without jumping to professional price levels. It’s tough, reliable, and includes everything you need to start welding with gas or flux core wire.
It’s a great match for hobbyists, garage welders, or small shop pros who want to upgrade from an entry-level machine. Just know it’s not built for nonstop industrial use—but for most real-world projects, it handles the work with confidence.
