The 10 Best Plasma Cutters of 2023

Photo: Hobart

Plasma cutters are heaven-sent for many metalworkers because they make it possible to cut through thick metal plates with ease. If you’re considering getting the best plasma cutter for your shop, then this plasma cutter review is for you.

Different manufacturers offer slightly different specs, and things can easily get confusing, especially for first-timers. Some units are just cutters, while others are more versatile and can also weld.

You’ll learn the important issues to focus on here, from consumables to input voltage and output currents. Plus, you also get a list of the market’s top plasma cutters below.

10 Best Plasma Cutters – Review

IMAGE	​PRODUCT	​FEATURES
	1. Primeweld CUT50 (Best Overall)	Compact & rugged plasma cutter Versatile & runs on 110 and 220 Volts The package includes lots of accessories Comes with a 3-year warranty
	2. Ramsond CUT 50DX (Compact & Most Portable)	Compact & portable plasma cutter 3/4-inch cuts with a 1-inch severance thickness Delivers a 60% at a 50-Amp duty cycle The package includes all necessary accessories
	3. Amico ACUT50-3001 (Best Budget)	Stylish and easy to use plasma cutter Powerful system delivers 15-50 Amps 3/4-inch rated cuts and 1-inch severance width Complete package with everything you need
	4. Lotos LTPDC2000D (3 in 1 Combo with TIG & Stick Welding)	Combo plasma cutter and welding machine 50-Amp cutter & 200-Amp welder Works on 110 and 220 Volts
	5. Lotos LTP5000D (With External Control Interface)	Plasma cutter with CNC control Runs on 110 and 220 Volts Fast setup in just 1 minute
	6. Lotos CT520D (Dual Voltage with TIG & Stick Welding)	Plasma cutter plus TIG and stick welding 50-Amp plasma and 200-Amp welder 1/2-inch rated cuts and 3/4-inch severance thickness
	7. Hobart 500566 (Airforce Powerful Cutter with Extra Consumables)	Powerful plasma cutter with 7/8-inch sever cut Works on 120 and 240 Volts Produces 14 to 40 Amps of power Backed by Hobart’s 3-year warranty
	8. Forney 251 (Easy to Use for Entry-level)	Small and portable plasma cutter Easy to use and a perfect entry-level machine Weighs only 21 pounds
	9. Miller Electric 625 X-Treme (Powerful with Carrying Case)	Compact and lightweight plasma cutter Cuts materials up to 5/8-inch Comes with an ingenious carrying case Backed by Miller Electric’s 3-year warranty
	10. Hypertherm 088079 (Powermax30 with Case & Accessories)	Top-quality Powermax30 plasma cutter Switches between 110 and 240 Volts automatically The package comes with a hard carry case Comes with a 3-year warranty

1. Primeweld CUT50 – Best Overall Plasma Cutter

Photo: Primeweld

• Input Voltage: 110, 220 Volts
• Output Range: 50 Amps
• Duty Cycle: 60% at 50 Amps
• Sever Cut: 3/4 inch
• Weight: 24 pounds

Featuring a rugged design to withstand the abuses of everyday use, and offering a high level of precision, it’s no wonder that this Primeweld CUT50 is one of the top-rated plasma cutters in the market and the best overall plasma cutter in this review.

It produces up to 50 Amps of current, will handle up to 1/2-inch cuts with ease, and up to 3/4-inch severance cuts. Besides its compact design, you can also run it on both 110 and 220 Volts, making it more versatile.

What’s not so impressive, however, is that it neither offers TIG nor stick welding functions, and you’ll need an air compressor to get it running.

It comes with all necessary accessories, however, plus a 3-year manufacturer warranty from Primeweld. These accessories include an air regulator, 2 couplers, 4 clamps, the plasma torch, and a 12-ft ground clamp and cable.

Pros:

• Compact & rugged plasma cutter
• Runs on 110 and 220 Volts
• Comes with plenty of accessories
• Backed by a 3-year manufacturer warranty

Cons:

• You need an additional air compressor to run it

2. Ramsond CUT 50DX – Compact & Most Portable Plasma Cutter

Photo: Ramsond

• Input Voltage: 110, 220 Volts
• Output Range: 20-50 Amps
• Duty Cycle: 60% at 50 Amps
• Sever Cut: 1 inch
• Weight: 19 pounds

This compact and portable plasma cutter from Ramsond measures just 14.2 x 6 x 9 inches and weighs only 19 pounds, while offering you a heavy-duty performance.

The Ramsond CUT50DX features a 50-Amp digital inverter circuit and will cut up to 3/4-inch with ease, or up to 1-inch severance cuts. It additionally has a 60% duty cycle at 50 Amps, placing it among the most powerful plasma cutters on this list.

It lacks a few things, however, and this includes its relatively short 1-year warranty and the lack of extra functionality, such as TIG- or stick-welding.

On the plus size, the package includes all the cables, clamp, and torch that you need, plus an Amp display and pressure gauge. It’s also the most portable offer here.

Pros:

• Powerful plasma cutter with 50-Amp output
• Cuts 3/4 inches with a 1-inch severance thickness
• 60% at a 50-Amp duty cycle
• The package includes all necessary accessories

Cons:

• Lack of extra functionality

3. Amico ACUT50-3001 – Best Budget Plasma Cutter

Photo: Amico

• Input Voltage: 110, 230 Volts
• Output Range: 15-50 Amps
• Duty Cycle: 60% at 50 Amps
• Sever Cut: 1 inch
• Weight: 21 pounds

Being the lowest-priced offer in this review makes this Amico machine the best budget plasma cutter. But that’s not all, this plasma cutter also delivers up to 50 Amps of power, making it one of the most powerful.

It will cut materials up to 3/4-inch with ease and is great for mild and alloy steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and most other metals. The interface is clean and simple, with an Amp meter, pressure gauge, and power controls.

Amico adds automatic voltage changes between 100 and 240 Volts and making it very versatile. Then, there’s the torch with its heat and impact-resistant material, and a sure and comfortable grip to work with.

It lacks welding functionality and comes with only a 1-year warranty. For its positive aspects though, you get a 60% duty cycle at 50 Amps, a 13-ft plasma gun assembly, and impressive 1-inch severance cuts.

Pros:

• Stylish and easy-to-use plasma cutter
• The powerful system delivers 15-50 Amps
• 3/4-inch rated cuts and 1-inch severance width
• Complete package with everything you need

Cons:

• It doesn’t offer welding functionality
• A single handle would have made it more portable

4. Lotos LTPDC2000D – 3 in 1 Combo Plasma Cutter with TIG & Stick Welding

Photo: Lotos

• Input Voltage: 110, 220 Volts
• Output Range: 50 Amps (cutter), 200 Amps (welder)
• Duty Cycle: 60% at 200 Amps
• Sever Cut: 3/4 inch
• Weight: 42.3 pounds

The Primeweld CUT50 above lacked welding features. So, if you’re after the best plasma cutter with welding functionality, then check out this Lotos LTPDC2000D offer.

For plasma cutting, you get 10-15 Amps, which cuts 1/2-inch materials and up to 3/4-inch severance. For TIG and stick welding, you get a 15-200-Amp setup.

The system comes with an advanced cooling system and offers a 60% duty cycle for welding at 200 Amps. Lotos backs it with a 1-year warranty, which isn’t too long but acceptable.

For downsides, this machine is relatively heavy at 42.3 pounds, and it doesn’t include a pedal for TIG welding. It’s 3-in-1 combo design, makes it worth it, however, and makes it one of the best plasma cutters out there.

Pros:

• Combo machine for cutting and welding
• 50 Amps cutting & 200 Amps stick and TIG welding
• Works on 110 and 220 Volts
• Makes up to 1/2-inch cuts and 3/4-inch severance

Cons:

• It’s relatively heavy at 42.3 pounds
• The package doesn’t include a pedal for TIG welding

5. Lotos LTP5000D – Plasma Cutter with External Control Interface

Photo: Lotos

• Input Voltage: 110, 220 Volts
• Output Range: 50 Amps
• Sever Cut: 3/4 inch
• Weight: 19.4 pounds

Here comes another Lotos plasma cutter. It also offers 50 Amps of output but is also available with either a digital or a CNC interface option.

This makes it a great option for those who need the best plasma cutter for CNC operations. It works on 110 and 220 Volts, delivers 10-50 Amps under 220 Volts, and 10-35 Amps on 110 Volts.

Asides from lacking welding functions, choosing the CNC option is great for those who want a custom CNC table. It makes 1/2-inch clean cuts under 230 Volts, with 3/4-inch severance cuts. The package comes with a 1-year warranty.

Pros:

• Available with digital and CNC interfaces
• Double voltage machine uses 110 or 220 Volts
• Fast setup in just 1 minute
• Makes up to 1/2-inch cuts and 3/4-inch severance

Cons:

• It doesn’t have any welding functions
• You need a compressor to run it

6. Lotos CT520D – Dual Voltage Plasma Cutter with TIG & Stick Welding

Photo: Lotos

• Input Voltage: 110, 220 Volts
• Output Range: 50A plasma, 200A welding
• Sever Cut: 3/4 inch
• Weight: 39.8 pounds

This one is also a combo plasma cutter with TIG and stick welding capabilities. It offers a 50-Amp plasma output, which makes up to 1/2-inch clean cuts and 3/4-inch severance thickness.

For TIG and stick welding, you get 15-200 Amps of DC power output. This machine also features an easy-to-use interface that makes it easy to switch between the three modes, making it one of the best plasma cutters for home use.

For the major let-downs, Lotos doesn’t include a pedal for TIG welding and you need an external air compressor for plasma cutting. You get a 1-year warranty coverage, however, and the machine includes a digital Amp meter, plus an air pressure gauge.

Pros:

• Plasma cutter with TIG and stick welding
• Delivers 50-Amps for cutting and 200 Amps for welding
• 1/2-inch rated cuts and 3/4-inch severance thickness
• Fast and easy setup

Cons:

• Doesn’t include a TIG pedal
• It needs an air compressor for plasma cutting

7. Hobart 500566 – Airforce Powerful Plasma Cutter with Extra Consumables

Photo: Hobart

• Input Voltage: 120, 240 Volts
• Output Range: 40 Amps
• Duty Cycle: 50% at 40 Amps
• Sever Cut: 7/8 inch
• Weight: 34 pounds

If the price isn’t an issue and you just want the best handheld plasma cutter around, then check out this Hobart 500566 offer. With its deceptively simple look, you’ll be surprised at how much features this little machine packs.

First, it runs on 120 or 240 Volts. Then, it offers fan-on-demand, includes an internal air/gas regulator, and offers an easy troubleshooting system. It will cut up to 7/8-inch of mild steel and it has a 50% at a 40-Amp duty cycle.

Although it has no fancy display or gauges and is relatively expensive compared to other plasma cutters, this Hobart Airforce plasma cutter remains one of the best options for both light and heavy-duty, hobby and industrial use.

Pros:

• Powerful plasma cutter with 7/8-inch sever cut
• Works on 120 and 240 Volts
• Comes with many accessories
• Backed by Hobart’s 3-year warranty

Cons:

• It’s relatively very expensive
• Offers no displays or gauges

8. Forney 251 – Easy to Use Entry-level Plasma Cutter

Photo: Forney

• Input Voltage: 120 Volts
• Output Range: 20 Amps
• Duty Cycle: 35% at 20 Amps
• Sever Cut: 1/4 inch
• Weight: 21.1 pounds

Big and complex isn’t always the best, so this Forney 251 is a nice entry-level machine for beginners and all those who just want to get a taste of plasma cutting.

As an entry-level machine, it has modest features and specs, such as its 1/4-inch cutting width rating and working only on 120 Volts. Still, it’s a rugged machine and designed to last the operator a long while.

The package includes a 13-ft torch and an 8-ft ground clamp. Then there’s an adapter, an extra nozzle, an electrode, and a 1-year warranty from Forney to make it one of the best plasma cutters for beginners.

Pros:

• Light and portable plasma cutter
• Easy to use and a perfect entry-level machine
• Weighs only 21 pounds
• Backed by a 12-month warranty

Cons:

• Offers no Amp display or an air pressure gauge
• Small cutter only cuts materials up to 1/4-inch

9. Miller Electric 625 X-Treme – Powerful Plasma Cutter with Carrying Case

Photo: Miller Electric

• Input Voltage: 120, 240 Volts
• Output Range: 40 Amps
• Duty Cycle: 60% at 40A & 240 Volts
• Sever Cut: 5/8 inch
• Weight: 21 pounds

The Spectrum 625 X-Treme from Miller electric is another impressive machine that combines many good features to become one of the best portable plasma cutters.

It produces 40 Amps at 140 Volts DC and makes cuts up to 5/8-inch. It also features a 60% duty cycle, making it one of the most powerful cutters.

The machine measures 30.5 x 11 x 13.8 inches and weighs just 21 pounds. You get heavy-duty cables and clamps, a shoulder strap, and 120/240-Volt plugs.

You get a solid carrying box to keep your machine safe during storage or transport.

What you don’t get, anyway, is a display or gauge of any kind. But you get consumables, including 2 electrodes, 2 tips, deflector, drag shield, and a solid 3-year warranty.

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight plasma cutter
• Cuts materials up to 5/8-inch
• Comes with an ingenious carrying case
• Backed by Miller Electric’s 3-year warranty

Cons:

• It offers no visual display or pressure gauge
• You can’t weld with it

10. Hypertherm 088079 – Powermax30 Plasma Cutter with Case & Accessories

Photo: Hypertherm

• Input Voltage: 110, 220 Volts
• Output Range: 15-30 Amps
• Duty Cycle: 35% at 240 Volts, 20% at 120 Volts
• Sever Cut: 5/8 inch
• Weight: 42.3 pounds

This is another high-quality plasma cutter, with the best construction materials, accessories, and consumables. It’s the Hypertherm 088079 and it runs on both 110 and 220 Volts.

With an output range from 15 to 30 Amps, this plasma cutter cuts up to 5/8-inch thick materials. It also features the Duramax LT torch with a comfortable and heat-resistant grip.

All its nice features make it relatively expensive, plus you can’t do much else with it, other than cutting.

To make up for all that, this package includes a carrying case, safety gloves, eye shields, shoulder strap, and plenty of consumables. The offer is also covered by a 3-year warranty.

Pros:

• Top-quality Powermax30 plasma cutter
• An automatic voltage switching between 110 and 240 Volts
• The package includes a hard carry case
• Backed by a solid 3-year warranty

Cons:

• It’s relatively very expensive
• Doesn’t offer extra functions like welding

How to Buy the Best Plasma Cutters

Photo: Hobart

Plasma cutters are complex electric devices, so you need a deeper understanding of their components and features to make the right choice. These important features are as follows.

1. Input Power Source

The first feature that sets one plasma cutter apart from others is input power. Some units run on 110 Volts, while others run on 230 Volts and up to 400 Volts.

If you’ll be moving around with cutter, and you’re not sure of the power supply outlets in the places you’re going, then having a multi-voltage system is often beneficial.

Also keep in mind that each unit has an amperage rating, so you want to hook it on to an outlet that can offer the cutter’s minimum requirement. It’s best to have a plasma cutter on a dedicated circuit.

2. Air Supply

Air is important in creating plasma and the high heat it produces. Most smaller plasma cutters use normal air for this purpose, while other specialized units use specific gases such as nitrogen, argon, and so on.

Many recent plasma welders also include a portable air compressor to produce the stream of air that it needs. This is a very practical solution because plasma cutters only need minimal airflow, so using a separate compressor is usually overkill.

3. Cutting Thickness

Different plasma cutters have different cutting strengths, so it’s up to you here to know the metal and thickness that you’ll be working with, then find a suitable unit.

Standard 220-Volt machines such as the Lotos CT520D that use up to 100 Amps can go through metal up to 1/3- to 1/2-inch with ease. More powerful units that run on 400 Volts can make up to 1-1/2 inch cuts, while some industrial computer-controlled systems will do even more.

4. Consumables

Consumables refer to the parts of a plasma cutting machine that slowly wear out with time. They get consumed by the heat as the device gets operated., and the more they wear out, is the less effective the plasma cutter becomes.

These consumables include the swirl ring, electrode, nozzle, retaining cap, and shield. There is no fixed wear out rate here, so you’ll just have to replace them when you notice a drop in performance. They wear out according to plasma temperature and duration of use.

5. Build Quality & Warranty

We all want high-quality products, but those products made from the best materials often cost more. Those with longer warranties also cost more.

So, it’s a personal decision here. You must find your balance with how much quality and warranty you want, and how much you are willing to pay for it. Most plasma cutters such as the Forney 251 cost between $300 and $600, with an average warranty of 2-3 years.

6. Portability

This depends on your intended use. If you’ll be moving from place to place, then consider investing in a fully portable plasma cutter with an integrated air compressor, and possibly with multi-voltage compatibility.

7. Other Features

Does the plasma cutter just cut metal or does it offer other features, such as TIG or stick welding? If you’re just starting, then chances are that you can benefit from having a unit that’s both a welder and a plasma cutter.

But, we’re all different, so, you must first consider your needs, such as this extra welding feature and look for a machine that offers those features that you need.

Conclusion

We’ve reached the end of this plasma cutters review and you’ve seen all the impressive offers out there in the market.

From the best overall to the best budget plasma cutter you’ve seen there’s something for everyone. But it’s left for you now, however, to make your choice.