Best Plasma Cutter Reviews: Top Cheap Budget Options For The Money

Plasma cutting is just plain cool.

Here’s why:

In its basic form, a plasma cutter is a tool that uses an inert gas that is blown out at a high speed from a triggered nozzle. As this gas escapes, an arc is applied to it so that a super hot torch is created.

The best part:

This gives you the ability to cut through many metals or alloys with ease – as long as they are electrically conductive. The best plasma cutter reviews will help you to find the right tool to add to your shop, garage, or business today…

So if you’re in a hurry, just check out our #1 top-rated plasma cutter – the Lotos Non-Touch 50A Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter – which provides the best overall value and doesn’t quickly deteriorate your consumables like other options out there with its non-touch arc.

Best Plasma Cutter Reviews

Product	Details
#1 Lotos Technology Non-Touch 50A Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter	Editor's Choice	Best Seller & Best Value Max Cutting Thickness: 12.7 mm Price: $$ PAPST Advanced Cooling Technology	Check Price
#2 Hobart 50066 Airforce 40i Plasma Cutter	Best Max Cutting Thickness	Excellent Cutting Results Max Cutting Thickness: 22 mm Price: $$$$$+	Check Price
#3 F2C 50A Plasma Cutter	Most Budget Friendly	Ideal for Novice Users & DIYers Max Cutting Thickness: 12 mm Price: $	Check Price
#4 Super Deal USA Plasma Cutter		Wide Range of Applications Max Cutting Thickness: 12 mm Price: $$	Check Price
#5 Zeny DC Inverter Plasma Cutter		Energy Saving Max Cutting Thickness: 12 mm Price: $$	Check Price
#6 Hobart 500564 Airforce Plasma Cutter		More Precise Cut Max Cutting Thickness: 6.35 mm Price $$$$	Check Price
#7 Hypertherm 088079 Powermax30 Plasma System		Duramax LT Torch Design Max Cutting Thickness: 16 mm Price: $$$$$+	Check Price
#8 Razorweld JRWPC45LT Plasma Cutter, 45A		Lightweight & Portable Max Cutting Thickness: 12.7 mm Price: $$$$	Check Price
#9 Primeweld CT520D Plasma Cutter / Welding Combo		3 Functions in 1 Unit Max Cutting Thickness: 12 mm Price: $$$	Check Price
#10 Miller Electric Plasma Cutter		Super Expensive Max Cutting Thickness: 9 mm Price: $$$$$+	Check Price

1. Lotos Technology Non-Touch 50A Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter – Editor’s Choice

The best-selling Lotos Non-Touch 50A Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter will effectively cut without producing a bunch of slag on you.

It handles painted, rusted, and rough surfaces with surprising effectiveness…

Here’s what I really like:

Since the tip of the cutter doesn’t touch your metal, you have a longer life for your consumables and a better overall cut as well.

It is rated for a max ½-inch cut that is clean, but we could sever metals up to 3/4 inches in thickness with relative ease. It’s a dual-voltage machine, but you will need to purchase the pigtail separately.

It’s compact, portable, and really fun to use. Plus, it comes at a great price point for the quality and reliability it will provide you with.

2. Hobart 50066 Airforce 40i Plasma Cutter – Thickest Cuts

You would want to save up for this heavy-duty plasma cutter.

Look:

The price is quite steep but with its outstanding performance, it is a winner in our book.

It can cut through mild steel with a thickness of 7/8 inch. Even with a 50% duty cycle, you can get excellent cutting results at a speed faster than the standard oxyfuel.

One of its more remarkable features is its Auto-Refire technology that allows the user to cut through perforated or even expanded material or metals that have been coated or painted.

Usage is fairly simple and the learning curve is quite small. The safety trigger is ergonomic and has an air consumption better than others out there.

You will benefit from its Wind Tunnel Technology as well that keeps dust particles from finding their way in the internal components of the plasma cutter.

If you need a heavy-duty machine and you have the budget, this is the one you want.

3. F2C 50A Plasma Cutter – Most Affordable

With its meager price tag, it’s hard to believe the F2C 50A Plasma Cutter can accommodate heavier plasma cutting needs.

But that is what it delivers with its 85% efficiency and 60% duty cycle. It can cut through 1-12 mm of material with its 60 Hz of power consumption.

It is a commendable product ideal for the novice plasma cutter user and for the do-it-yourselfers out there.

It has the durability to withstand everyday usage. Even professional mechanics and fabricators have used this daily without fail.

There were those who used it to cut steel as thick as ¼ inch and still were able to experience good results.

4. Super Deal USA Plasma Cutter

This dual voltage plasma cutter gives you a 60% duty cycle with an efficiency rating of 85%, which allows you to get plenty of work out of this equipment. It also features a pressure-reducing valve so you can cut down the range to 20 amps if you prefer.

The maximum cutting thickness is about ¼-inch, but you can several some ½-inch materials if you take your time and are patient with the cutter.

We found that drag cutting worked better with this equipment. Just push the button and slide the cutter across the metal. Boom – you’re done.

5. Zeny DC Inverter Plasma Cutter

This is another solid option to consider if you’re looking at the 50-amp dual voltage cutters that are on the market today.

It also offers a good ¼-inch cutting experience, with severance at ½-inch for most metals and slightly thicker for mild steel. You have a variable amperage range of 20 to 50 amps and a duty cycle of 60%.

The touch start is responsive, but not overly touchy, so you can get a good feel for the cutting performance. Considering the price, you’re going to get a solid plasma cutter that will give you a smooth cut once you get it set up correctly.

6. Hobart 500564 Airforce Plasma Cutter

If you’re looking for strong cutting performance, then this is the Hobart model for you. With a maximum cut rating on mild steel of 7/8-inch at a 50% duty cycle, you’re going to get fast, clean cuts with this machine.

It has a smaller heat-affected zone than the cheaper plasma cutters do, which means you’ll experience less warping when you’re trying to work. You don’t need to flame-tune your cutter either.

If you’re looking for equipment that can provide you with a thinner kerf, precision cuts, and less slag to clean up when you’re finished, then this is the best plasma cutter for you.

7. Hypertherm 088079 Powermax30 Plasma System

This Powermax plasma cutter automatically adapts to the power source it is given, offering operators a dual voltage design.

Plus, adapters are included. A 15-foot torch lead provides strain relief on both ends so you have a better level of protection.

The performance is consistent across all metal types, allowing you to cut through 5/8-inch metals with ease or fine-cut for thin metal or detail cutting. We found that it cuts nicely, but you do need a fairly steady hand to produce consistent results.

If you’re looking for a plasma cutter to exceed your expectations, this is it.

8. Razorweld JRWPC45LT Plasma Cutter

Feel like an expert with the help of this plasma cutter that has excellent cutting capacity without being too difficult to use. It has user-friendly functionality.

Everything about this is lightweight, so you can work for hours without suffering from hand fatigue.

The 2T/4T function also protects your hands while working. It is portable and compact as well. There is even a built-in handle that will make this unit a cinch to transport. It already comes with air adjustment features that have been pre-set for you. You can change the cutting capacity by simply changing the 20-45 amp dial.

If you are always on the go, this plasma cutter is for you.

9. Primeweld CT520D Plasma Cutter/Welding Combo – Great Utility

We think this is the most useful plasma cutter simply because it is a 3-in-1 unit. It does the work of 3 machines. It can be used as a welder or a cutter.

It has the ability to cut through metals as thick as ½ inch through its integrated 50A plasma cutting feature. You can also use this as a DC Stick Welder and a DC TIG Welder. Weighing in at only about 32 lbs, this should be a machine that you will have no problems bringing with you in your workplace.

Its 60% of duty cycle is reliable and utilizes maximum amperage no matter what you are using it for. Your purchase is also backed by a 3-year warranty for more peace of mind.

10. Miller Electric Plasma Cutter – Heavy Duty

With its rated output of 30A and a duty cycle of 35%, you can say this is one of the most reliable plasma cutters out there.

Included in your purchase is an XT30 torch as well as a heavy-duty work clamp. Those who have tried it said they were able to cut anything with it – from thin sheet metal to thicker truck frames without a hitch.

It is also lightweight, compact, and has user-friendly functions you can rely on.

If you do a lot of cutting and fabricating work this is a great choice because of how reliable and heavy-duty it is.

What Is a Plasma Cutter and Why Do I Need One?

Plasma cutting can be performed on any type of conductive material. These are the same materials that are receptive to most welding disciplines as well: aluminum, stainless steel, mild steel, and cast iron are just a few of your options. On thinner metals, the cuts are fluid and fast.

Many cutters rely on an oxyfuel in order to achieve a cut. This works fine if the metal being worked on is supportive of the oxidizing process, but not every metal is. Without a plasma cutter, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to cut stainless steel or aluminum.

Most plasma cutters run on compressed air, which is available at most local service shops. This means you don’t need to worry about storing compressed oxygen or some other fuel gas in your garage, business, or shop.

Just because a plasma cutter has a capacity that is rated higher than other options does not necessarily mean it’s a better tool. Plasma cutters produce a bevel with their cut that can be up to 6 degrees, which can make it difficult to cut through some thicker metals. That is why an oxy-fuel is often needed for thick steel, especially since a greater thickness of metal reduces the speed advantage that plasma typically has.

Plasma Cutter Options That Are Available Right Now

• Semi-Portable Plasma Cutters. This option allows you to have a plasma cutter that weighs less than 100 pounds, but the ability to cut up to 1-inch thick materials indoors or outdoors if you need to get a specific job done.

• Heavy Duty Plasma Cutters. These are the tools that can cut 1-inch to 1.5-inch thick materials. This option is useful if you don’t have an acetylene torch in your shop or garage. For thinner metals, this type of plasma cutter is usually overkill.

• Inverter-Type Plasma Cutters. This type of plasma cutter typically has fewer consumables that need to be regularly purchased. The plasma flow is regulated with more consistency and reduces maintenance costs with fewer replacement parts that need to be serviced over time.

The cost of an imported plasma cutter isn’t always a reflection of quality. A domestic plasma cutter with advanced features may cost the same as an important plasma cutter with few features. This is why a complete overview of the best plasma cutter reviews will help you to make the best purchase possible today.

How to Find the Best Plasma Cutter for Me

Some plasma cutters have better duty cycles. Others offer a cleaner cutting experience. Specific features may or may not work as intended. Instead of relying on a trial and error process, these top-rated plasma cutters have already proven how capable they are when it comes time to perform.

Your power source might be the most important consideration in the buying process. If you don’t have an available 220/240 outlet, then you’d want to purchase a plasma cutter that can work on standard household currents. A 110v compatible plasma cutter will have less strength and endurance compared to the 220/240 models, but you won’t likely need a specialized circuit to operate the equipment either.

Then you’ll want to look at the duty cycle of the plasma cutter within the context of its review. The duty cycle can also be found in the product description or the owner’s manual.

This decision should be based on the thickness of the metal that you typically cut. High-amp cutters have the ability to cut through ½-inch metals, but if you only work with ¼-inch metals or thinner, you could save some money by purchasing a low-amp plasma cutter or looking at a multi-process welder that features a plasma cutter as an option.

Here are the standard amp ratings and their associated cutting thicknesses to consider.

• 25 Amps: 1/4-inch cuts.
• 50 Amps: 1/2-inch cuts.
• 75 Amps: 3/4-inch cuts.

In general terms, you’ll receive an extra 1/4-inch of cutting power for every additional 25 amps that the plasma cutter is able to achieve. The only exception to this rule of thumb is when you’re cutting through 1-inch metals like mild steel, where an 80-amp cutter has the potential to meet your needs.

You’ll also want to have an alternative to a high-frequency start, especially if you have electronics that may be in the area. The high-frequency start conducts electricity through the air to ignite the torch but will interfere with sensitive electronics.

Pricing Options for the Best Plasma Cutters

Plasma cutters are generally priced higher when it can produce a higher number of amps, but that isn’t always the case. Entry-level plasma cutters will generally make a ¼-inch (12mm) cut and pricing begin at $225. In the ¼-inch to a ½-inch cutting range, there are several models which are in the $300-$400 range. If you need to cut through a 1-inch piece of metal, you may see prices in the $1,500-$2,000 range.

Sometimes plasma cutters are included with the best multi-process welders. In this instance, you’ll find equipment that can make a solid ¼-inch cut in the $300-$500 range. The difference in price is due to the added MIG, TIG, or Stick welding that the equipment is able to do.

Conclusion

The best plasma cutter reviews will have you cutting through metals in no time at all. Find the cutter that best serves your current and future needs and then make the investment today. That way you’ll be able to cut with ease instead of worrying about whatever slag might come your way.

Although all the models we’ve recommended are excellent, the Lotos Technology Non-Touch 50A Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter is the best plasma cutter in our opinion because it has the right amount of heat, represents great value and a strong cutting performance.

Find reviews of the best Lotos plasma cutters here!

Aside from plasma cutters, our site also gives detailed buying guides on welders, welding safety gear, and more — visit this page to learn more!