Hobart vs Lincoln MIG Welder: Handler 140EZ vs Weld-Pak 90i MIG

Hobart and Lincoln are two of the most familiar names in home welding, and both sell a 120V wire welder aimed at home and farm buyers. This comparison puts the Hobart Handler 140EZ against the Lincoln Weld-Pak 90i MIG on what each listing states.

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Side by side

	Hobart Handler 140EZ	Lincoln Weld-Pak 90i MIG
Gear Score	63	55
Input	120V	120V
Output range	30 to 140A	30 to 90A
Rated thickness	24 gauge to 3/16 in	3/16 in solid wire, 1/4 in flux core
Gas MIG	Yes, MIG or flux core	Bullets say yes; table says MIG capable: no
Setup	EZ Mode, two knob setup, infinite voltage	Two knobs, wire speed and infinite voltage
Spool gun	Ready	Not mentioned
Weight	53 lb (bullets), 55.9 lb (table)	15 lb (bullets), 19 lb (table)
Duty cycle	Not stated	Not stated
Warranty	Hobart 5/3/1, scope stated	1 year

Specifications are manufacturer rated, as published on each listing and collected 5 October 2026. Neither listing states a CSA, UL or ETL listing or a duty cycle.

Power and output

The Hobart is rated at 30 to 140A, the Lincoln at 30 to 90A, both on 120V. That 50A gap gives the Hobart more headroom on thicker steel and longer welds at higher settings. Neither listing gives a duty cycle, so there is no way to compare how long each can weld at full output; see our duty cycle explainer.

Rated thickness

Hobart rates the 140EZ for 24 gauge to 3/16 inch. Lincoln rates the 90i MIG for 3/16 inch with solid wire and 1/4 inch with flux core. Neither states a pass count, so treat the top figures as needing a prepared joint. On solid wire with gas, the two are rated the same at 3/16 inch despite the output gap.

Gas MIG

The Hobart listing is clear: MIG with gas or flux core. The Lincoln listing is not. Its title and bullets say MIG and flux core, it ships with a gas nozzle and drive rolls for both wires, but its specification table says MIG welding capable: no. Confirm before buying if gas is the reason you are choosing it. Our flux core vs MIG guide explains the difference.

Weight and build

This is the biggest practical difference. The Hobart weighs 53 lb in its bullets and 55.9 lb in its table, and its warranty names transformers and rectifiers, which suggests a heavier, traditional build. The Lincoln is an inverter at 15 lb in its bullets and 19 lb in its table, in a metal case with a shoulder strap.

What is in the box

The Lincoln listing names a gun on a 10 ft cable, gas and gasless nozzles, three contact tip sizes and dual track drive rolls. The Hobart listing names only the welder. Neither includes a gas regulator or cylinder.

Warranty

Hobart’s 5/3/1 warranty is described in the listing as five years on transformers, stabilizers and main rectifiers and three years on PC boards and drive systems, one of the most detailed warranty statements in any welder listing in our guides. Lincoln states 1 year. This is the main reason the Hobart scores higher.

Choose the Hobart Handler 140EZ if

• You weld in one place and want the most output a 120V machine offers here.
• You want gas MIG without any doubt in the listing.
• You may add a spool gun for aluminum.
• A long written warranty matters to you.

Choose the Lincoln Weld-Pak 90i MIG if

• You carry the welder to fences, trailers and equipment.
• Your work is mostly light steel up to 3/16 inch.
• You want a gun, nozzles, tips and drive rolls for both wires in the box.
• You can confirm the unit you buy is MIG capable.

The two machines

How we scored them

Both machines are scored out of 100 on performance, build, value, safety listing and warranty, with the weights published on our How We Pick page.

Product	Gear Score	Perf.	Build	Value	Safety	Warranty
Hobart Handler 140EZ	63	22	18	12	0	11
Lincoln Weld-Pak 90i MIG	55	17	16	15	0	7

Before you strike an arc. Wear a helmet with the right shade for the process and amperage, safety glasses underneath, leather gloves and flame resistant clothing. Weld with good ventilation, clear anything flammable from the area, and keep an extinguisher close. Plug a 120V welder into a circuit sized for it, as the manual specifies. See the OSHA welding overview and our Safety Disclaimer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hobart or Lincoln better for home use?

Between these two, the Hobart gives more output and a longer warranty, and the Lincoln is lighter with more in the box. The better choice depends on whether you weld in one place or carry the machine.

Can the Lincoln Weld-Pak 90i MIG use gas?

Its title, bullets and included gas nozzle say yes, but its specification table says it is not MIG capable. Confirm with Lincoln or the seller before you buy it for gas MIG.

How thick can the Hobart Handler 140EZ weld?

Hobart rates it for 24 gauge to 3/16 inch on 120V, without a pass count.

Do these welders need a special outlet?

Both run on 120V. Check the breaker size each manual calls for, since welders draw heavy current; see our 120V vs 240V welder guide.

Is either welder good for aluminum?

The Hobart is spool gun ready, with the gun sold separately. The Lincoln listing does not mention aluminum or a spool gun.

Related: best 120V MIG welder, best flux core welder, how to choose a MIG welder, and the MIG welders hub.

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