Forney 190 MIG
#3 in 240 VFull review
A plain, durable 240 V transformer MIG for a home or farm shop that welds steel up to 3/8 in. Inverter rivals offer more duty cycle and processes for similar money.
Amazon $1,017.07$1,017.07
The Forney 190 MIG is the better MIG welder overall, rated 3.4 to 3.1. The Forney 190 MIG leads on value and weight. The Hobart IronMan 240 wins on processes. The Forney 190 MIG costs $1,242.92 less ($1,017.07 vs $2,259.99).
Hobart IronMan 240
#4 in 240 VFull review
A shop MIG for farm, trailer and fabrication work on thick steel. It is for buyers who weld for hours and have a 240 V circuit.
Cyberweld $2,259.99$2,259.99
Prices were last checked November 1, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Forney 190 MIG for value ($5.35 per amp ($1,017.07, 190 A maximum) vs $8.07 per amp ($2,259.99, 280 A maximum)) and weight (63 lb vs 186 lb).
- Choose the Hobart IronMan 240 for processes (MIG, flux-core, takes a spool gun for aluminum vs MIG, flux-core).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 240 V MIG welder; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Forney 190 MIG | Hobart IronMan 240 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Value 30% | 52 $5.35 per amp ($1,017.07, 190 A maximum) | 18 $8.07 per amp ($2,259.99, 280 A maximum) |
| Duty cycle 20% | 0 15% at 140 A, about 8% at full output | 27 60% at 200 A, about 31% at full output |
| Processes 15% | 40 MIG, flux-core | 60 MIG, flux-core, takes a spool gun for aluminum |
| Weight 10% | 79 63 lb | 0 186 lb |
| Warranty 25% | 100 5-year warranty on the machine | 100 5-year warranty on the machine |
Specifications
| Forney 190 MIG | Hobart IronMan 240 | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Input voltage | 240 V | 240 V |
| Maximum output | 190 A | 280 A |
| Rated duty cycle | 15% at 140 A | 60% at 200 A, 40 °C |
| Thickest steel, one pass | 0.375 in | 0.5 in |
| Inverter | No | - |
| Processes and wire | ||
| Gas MIG | Yes | Yes |
| Stick | No | No |
| TIG | No | No |
| Spool gun ready | No | Yes |
| Wire sizes | 0.024 to 0.035 in | 0.023 to 0.045 in |
| Largest spool | 11 lb | 45 lb |
| Synergic settings | No | No |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 63 lb | 186 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
| Released | 2015-03 | - |