Best Plasma Cutter Under $1000 | Our Top Picks & Buyer’s Guide

Plasma cutters are notorious for being expensive pieces of equipment. The hefty price tag is not everyone’s cup of tea. However, that’s not completely true because there’s a simple and cost-effective alternative present in the form of the best plasma cutter under $1000. You just have to look in the right direction to find such effective models even in a budgeted price.

Contrary to popular belief, there are many such budget-friendly plasma cutters that can satisfy the needs of any user whether he’s a professional metal worker, passionate DIYer or a novice getting introduced to the realm of metal-cutting and welding. It is because the cut in price doesn’t bring down the durability and metal-cutting power of these machines. Their well-designed cutting torch together with portability of design make them a must have around home garage or professional workshops.

There’s hardly a seller that will enlighten you about the strengths and weaknesses of a machine with honesty. That’s why we formed a list of plasma cutters that are equally best in all – price, durability and effective performance.

Top Plasma Cutters Under $1000

1. Lotos LTPDC2000D Plasma Cutter

Any plasma cutter by Lotos is worth every penny. Like others of the same brand, this unit is also a top pick of a wide population of fabricators and metal workers mainly due to its high-quality structure that puts to shame some really expensive competitors. The machine is still very small in size to be easily carried or placed wherever you like, earning some more points in its favor.

Despite the size, it is capable of consistently cutting through any metal material including rough ones with its non-touch pilot arc, leaving no room for distorted cuts. In addition, its ability to TIG and stick weld makes it a one-man show.

Also, with its ability to automatically run on either 110V or 220V increases its utility spectrum to a broad variety of job locations.

What I find a potential deal breaker is its short ground lead, but that’s a problem that can be easily dealt with. All in all, it offers a lot for the price.

Pros

• Well-constructed, compact and portable.
• Automatic dual voltage functioning.
• Non-touch pilot arc starting.
• Consistent cuts through any metal material.

Cons

• Shorter ground cable.
• Limited stability because of standoff torch design.

2. Mophorn Portable Plasma Cutter

This plasma cutter took a #2 slot on our list because it’s equally good in performance as our top pick but for almost half its price, safely making it one of the best cheap plasma cutters. Its durable build with portable design makes it a  reliable and hassle-free option to have around.

For a cheaply-priced machine it surely packs a lot of surprises. First, its pilot-arc cutting technology aids in cutting through any metal surface within 1-14mm thickness range. On top of that, its lower power consumption, high duty cycle of 60% and 50A maximum current output that can be adjusted with its digital LCD display makes it one of the very high efficiency machines in its line.

The feature that will leave you with jaws dropped is the safety precautions that this unit comes with. For a low price machine, it’s very reliable and safe with its built-in over heat, over-current and over-pressure protection.

You can use it for multiple applications such as repair and maintenance, metal processing, site work, ducting work etc, and it will give you satisfactory services.

Pros

• Cheaply-priced, portable unit.
• Adjustable current with digital LCD display.
• Pilot arc system.
• Supports dual voltage input.
• Safe and easy setup and operation.

Cons

• 220V plug isn’t included in the package.
• Cut leaves behind slag.

3. Hobart 500564 12ci Plasma Cutter

We aren’t playing favorites here, but I cannot help saying that Hobart really knows how to give its rivals a run for their money. It might not be as impeccable as other models by Hobart, but alone, it can fight its case.

It is capable of delivering cuts on up to 3/8-inch thick metal plates. The cuts might be slow, but silver lining is, it leaves less slag for cleanup. People have often complained about its air compressor generating slower air pressure, but the fact that it comes with a built-in air compressor makes it a desirable choice as you’ll be saved from sending extra bucks on an air compressor. Peachy, right!

I should warn you that the machine is not ideal for heavy industrial use. However, for the price it really offers a good deal, not to mention the 5-year warranty makes it more desirable. Also, with its pre-set pressure, the machine only requires you to find a suitable plug to get it running, making it an ideal weapon for beginners and  home use.

Pros

• Compact and portable.
• Easy to operate.
• Can cut metal sheets of 3/8-inch thickness.
• Comes with a built-in air compressor.
• 5-year warranty.

Cons

• Air pressure is less.
• Slow cuts.
• Not compatible with tough industrial use.

4. SUNGOLDPOWER 50A Air Plasma Cutter

We have seen our fair share of low-costing plasma cutters, but there are very few of them that leave you with a frisson of excitement with their well-build body and remarkable performance and that also at a budgeted price. SUNGOLDPOWER 50A air plasma cutter can be placed among those golden pieces.

You’ll have to afford some credit to its capability to support dual voltage (110/220V) and pre-installed advanced IGBT technology that helps the machine to run stably wherever plugged.

For a plasma cutter of such price range, the amount of control and ease it brings is really surprising. With its clearly readable digital LCD display, you can adjust current output from 10-50AC to get a clean cut of 1/2-inch, depending on the nature of metal material.

As if on a roll, its use of non-hazard compressed air gas for cutting and built-in protection mechanism against overheating, voltage and current fluctuation along with a waterproof shield from electric shock make it a done deal.

Pros

• Portable and budgeted plasma cutter.
• Supports dual voltage 110/220V.
• Clear LCD display with current adjustment.
• IGBT technology for superior and stable performance.
• Delivers clean cuts of 1/2-inch with maximum cutting thickness of 3/4-inch.

Cons

• Tap on the cutting gun might get loose.
• Slightly weighty.

5. PRIMEWELD 50A Portable Plasma Cutter

This plasma cutter by Primeweld will often make an appearance whenever there’s a discussion going on about best plasma cutters under $1000. It’s an amalgamation of our much-desired characteristics of affordability, durability and of course awesome performance.

You have to give a round of applause to manufacturers for their superior craftsmanship in making it a rugged and yet compact and portable machine.

Its strength is evident from its ability to deliver swift and clean cuts on ferrous materials of considerable thickness, say 3/4-inch in thickness. A little gift for neat freaks, it leaves less slag. So, less mess to cleanup.

Metal-cutting and welding jobs require controlled movements to get perfect end products and this, my friends, offers plenty of it with its current and speed adjustment knobs. You should know that the possibility of accidents occurring on a project site are diminished because this offers safety of operation with its in-built fire-preventing mechanism.

In the end, supporting dual-voltage functionality (120/220V) – it doesn’t need an additional adapter – helps it earn another title i.e. best user-friendly plasma cutter.

Pros

• Solid construction in a portable design.
• Budget-friendly.
• Safe and user-friendly application.
• Can smoothly cut through 3/4-inch thick metal plate.
• Supports dual-voltage functionality.

Cons

• Slow cuts on 120V.
• Running it for the first time might be a bit tricky.

6. Reboot CUT-50 Plasma Cutter

The fact that this plasma cutter made it to the list of best plasma cutters under $1000 means it possesses rugged framing, beastly strength and lightweightedness at the same time. It’s competing with some big names in the metal-cutting realm so settling for single voltage input was never an option. Yes, you got me right. It has dual-voltage compatibility, but what I found more appreciable is the simple conversion process involved for switching from 110V to 220V.

Moving towards the vital part, it comes with a 60% duty cycle at 50-amp which means you’ll have consistent cutting on any metal material. Also, at 220V it is capable of slicing through metal plates with 1/2-inch gauge.

It deserves some brownie points for housing a complete digital control system that ensures constant voltage – eliminating possibility of voltage fluctuation – to let you get finely cut metal pieces.

It comes with necessary accessories sans air compressor. All it requires is a little effort on the user’s part to put it together and find a nearby power source to let it start its magical performance.

Pros

• Solid and compact design.
• Dual-voltage compatibility with easy conversion.
• Delivers clean cuts on 1/2-inch gauge metal plate at 220V.
• Digital control system for stable performance.

Cons

• Complaints about plug being badly wired.
• Setup requires some effort.

7. CORAL Plasma Cutter, CUT50

“A plasma cutter at such low price?!!” This jaw dropping exclamation is soon followed by dubious looks as the alarm bells go off in the head. We picked this plasma cutter because it has a lot to offer to erase all your doubts about cheaply-priced models.

Contrary to popular belief, this inexpensive model has a rock solid body and yet feels light enough to be easily transported to desired worksites. You’ll also like how easy its operation has been made with the incorporation of digital LCD display.

In addition, by adopting dual-voltage support (110V-220V) it proves the point that user’s convenience is its top priority. Just plug the unit and it will be ready for action. The machine is offering 30% more efficiency which means it will cut through most of metal materials easily and with low power consumption. With this knowledge in mind, it’s safe to say that it can endure demanding professional use without crumbling under workload.

Lastly, the package includes all the essential components required. So, you’ll not have to run around, gathering necessary assortments, for setting it up.

Pros

• Digital display for easy operation.
• Supports dual-voltage compatibility.

Cons

• Right air pressure is difficult to figure out.
• Set up is a little tricky.

8. HITBOX Plasma Cutter, (HBC5500)

This is another inexpensive plasma cutter that will throw all your misconceptions about low-costing models out of the window. Well under $1000 bucks, a few hundred bucks to be more precise, you’ll be rewarded with a pro-level like reliable machine that will cut through metal sheets of up to 16mm gauge as smoothly and swiftly as a hot knife through butter. With this capacity you can cut metal in any route including galvanized pipes as well.

Its humanized design will further impress you, and if you’re like me who prefers hassle-free operating machines, then this will become your absolute favorite in no time because of its user-friendliness. Presence of built-in air compressor and digital LCD display allow it to leave behind its competitors by leaps and bounds.

This doesn’t possess a dual-voltage system, and comes with only 220V power input. However, the insertion of DC inverter IGBT technology ensures smooth and stable running once plugged in.

If you’re still not sold on the idea, then I am sure its safety of operation will make up your mind instantly. Thanks to its use of non-hazardous compressed air and electro circuit protection, the unit is completely safe from noxious fumes as well as voltage and current fluctuation.

Pros

• Budget-friendly pro-grade plasma cutter.
• Safe and hassle-free operation.
• Cut through up to 16mm gauge metal sheets.
• Digital LCD display offers convenient control.
• Built-in air compressor..

Cons

• Runs only on 220V.
• Complaints about occasional leakage of air gauge.

9. Forney 251 20 P Plasma Cutter

This plasma cutter is specially designed keeping in mind the needs of hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts. In simple terms, it has that irresistible combo of 3: budgeted price, reliable built and performance. Starting from constructruction, it comes in solid iron build for desirable longevity and yet is surprisingly lightweight to be easily transported to any job location.

When it comes to metal cutting, you’ll be amazed once again at how fluidly it delivers clean and precise cuts on metal sheets of 1/4-inch thickness. The cutting capacity might not seem ideal, but it pretty much covers all your needs in a domestic work environment and lighter metal-related projects.

The highlight of this model, and which is my favorite of all its features, is the inclusion of troubleshooting guide. It uses light indication of certain colours to warn users of a malfunctioning.

Since the equipment is for handymen and hobbyists, therefore the setup and operation is kept very simple. It comes with a 120V power input so all it takes is the required power source to get the show on the road.

In the end, 12-month warranty combined with inexpensive price makes it a pretty safe deal.

Pros

• Solid construction.
• Lightweight and portable.
• User-friendly.
• Precise and clean cuts on 1/4-inch thick metal sheet.
• Pre-installed troubleshooting guide helps in figuring out the nature of glitch.
• Designed for needs of DIY enthusiasts and hobbyists.

Cons

• Cannot hold itself against demanding professional use.
• Supports only 120V power source.

10. HeroCut 55i Plasma Cutter

This plasma cutter has made up to the category of best plasma cutters under $1000 because of its superior craftsmanship. It has managed to combine durability, portability and sheer cutting power in such a perfect blend that leaves you in awe. Whether you’re working in a crowded industrial environment or a smaller workshop, you’ll appreciate the compactness of design as it not only occupies less storage space but is also easy to relocate.

The machine comes fully equipped with everything you’ll need to set it up.To make things more desirable, it adopts a quick 1-minute setup with pre-installed NPT connectors and air filter regulator. So, that’s another worry out of the way. Moreover, it comes with automatic dual-voltage adaptation which means finding the right power source will not be a problem.

Its non-HF, non-touch blowback arc starting combined with the machine’s capacity to deliver clean cuts of 14mm with 220V on any conductive material at lighting speed not only saves time but also assures safety of the whole operation.

Pros

• Rugged and lightweight build.
• 1-minute quick setup.
• Automatic dual-voltage adaptation.
• Delivers pristine cuts on metal of 14mm thickness with 220V.
• Non-HF, non-touch arc starting is time-efficient and safe.
• Reasonable price.

Cons

• Poor packaging of consumables.