11 Best Plasma Cutters 2020 – Expert Reviews & Buying Guide!

Why do we need one of the best plasma cutters? Ever wondered! Let’s see why!

Imagine you are installing a metallic reeling for your garage. In this case, there’s a lot of metalwork involved because the entire sheet will be cut according to the dimensions of your garage. Do you think it will look good if the edges of the metal are bluntly cut or they still have sharp and uneven edges? Of course, you won’t because this is something, the quality of which you can’t compromise on.

The plasma cutters for the money are here to cater to your needs which are related to metallic cutting. Be it iron, stainless steel, mild steel, alloy steel, aluminum, or any other metal, precision cutting is all that matters. If the piece of metal isn’t cut perfectly, it’s as good as waste material.

This buying guide aims to bring to your notice some of the best tools having remarkable reviews across the majority of online shopping stores. Let’s take a step ahead and move towards the buying guide 2020!

Best Plasma Cutters Buying Guide – Tidbits for Better Buying Experience!

Our detailed reviews and buying guide isn’t the same as the previous buying guides. A key factor which due to which this blog is different is the pricing. A good rated & quality tool will cost you in several hundred or even more than a thousand dollars. In such a situation, can you risk reading such material which may not be accurate and contains unverified information?

You better know the answer to this already. So, before we get to the products list, let’s have a little bit of an insight into some of the most important points which are going to prove beneficial for you in the long run!

This buying guide has been composed due to another important reason as well. There are many counterfeit products in the market and their sellers make these products look like the real ones. You can’t tell the difference if you have little or no knowledge about how a proper plasma cutter may look like.

We don’t want our readers to fall prey to such vendors because buying one of the best tools is not a regular deal. It’s an expensive product and if even a single part of it isn’t genuine, you are most likely to lose all your investment.

Stay on the safer side and read every word of our exclusive buying guide if you want your investment to be worthwhile.

A plasma cutter is one of the best tools to cut sheet metal of an alloy. There are many advantages of such tools over oxy-fuel cutting. The only downside of the tools is the high price that it pays off in the long run. The comfort and ease you get from the tools make it very useful and its benefits can’t be compared with oxy-fuel cutting.

In plasma cutters, an inert gas is used that sparks an electrical arc and then forces plasma through the touch tip to cut sheet metal. The temperature has a key role in the cutting of the metal and sometimes it can reach up to 45, 000 degrees F. You must know that plasma cutting is the fastest method to cut metal or an alloy. That’s why professionals and DIY lovers always search for the best cutters and prefer it over oxy-fuel cutting.

These tools come with an on/off switch and an amperage setting to give the user more control over the machine. These features let you determine how much power you can use for cutting. Moreover, it’s a safe and convenient method to cut metal and prevents any sort of accident.

Unlike an oxy-fuel, you can cut all types of metals and alloys and don’t even need to buy additional power tools with it as they come with multiple useful accessories. However, you must know what type of work you are doing, either it needs more cutting thickness or thin cutting is your ultimate goal. Determine your needs first. Do you want to move it often? Should it be domestic or professional use? Will your electric current fluctuate? Ask these questions to yourself so you can make a good decision.

Different companies manufacture plasma cutters and everyone tries to deliver the best features. That’s why customers have various options available in the market which they can buy according to their needs. For instance, some tools are designed for deep cuts while others are lightweight and portable plasma cutters. So, it’s up to you what you choose and how you decide which one meets your needs well.

Those who are buying a cutting machine for the first time or don’t have a clear idea about the features should read these features thoroughly. We have tried to explain every feature in detail to help you pick the best tool that fits your requirements. We’ll try our best to do a plasma cutter comparison for every tool that we have listed below so you can get a better idea that which tool is in the lead.

Plasma Output

It’s one of the most important features to look at. The higher the output power of a tool is the more efficient it would be. For instance, a plasma cutter works on 120V and gives 12 amps of output, it means it will cut 1/8 inch metal. On the other hand, an output range of 60 amps from 230V will cut metals that are 7/8 of an inch thick.

To deliver maximum output range, there are also inverter-based cutting machines available in the market. They are more proficient in cutting and have the good cutting capacity. However, they weigh more than the other type of tools.

Cutting Speed

The cutting speed is another important factor that determines the productivity of the tool. Don’t ignore it if you want to buy a tool that fits your requirements and buying it for frequent use.

There are many plasma cutters for the money available in the market which offer 1/2 inch cutting capacity and people think they are the same. But, it’s not true. Some take one minute to cut 1/2 inch metal while others take ten minutes. If the cutting speed is low then you have to wait too long and give input power for a longer time period.

Consider the cutting speed of the machine if you want to make a wise decision and opt for the faster one.

Torch Types

Compressed air and an electrically conductive material are used in the tool to create plasm. This best plasma acts as a blade to cut the metal. Once it’s generated in the unit, it comes out from the handle or the torch of the unit.

Opt for the longer torch lead so you can use it freely and don’t have to worry if the object is present at a few feet distance. However, the chances of cutting the longer torch lead are higher than the shorter torch lead. If you are working in a crowded environment, then long torch seems a good option and go for the short in otherwise.

Portability

Portability is one of the best features offered by different models. A lightweight and portable plasma cutter isn’t only easy to carry and take from one place to another but also gives the maximum comfort and ease during work.

Portable plasma cutters come with a comfortable shoulder strap so you can carry them easily and work effectively. They also never occupy more space and can be stored easily. Check that it has a small footprint and easy storage options before buying.

Buyer Reviews

Customer reviews are very important as they are the people who have already used the product you are intended to buy. Read all reviews completely and check the issues and perks they experienced with it. Never opt for a unit that got bad reviews as you won’t get anything new and will face the problem. If you want to ask any question, then simply ask the user or contact the customer support team to eliminate your confusion.

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Top 11 Best Plasma Cutters You Should Know In 2020

After reading the buying guide, you must have understood the important factors and why should you not ignore them. Now, let’s discuss the list of 11 along with their feature so you can opt for the best tool for your work.

No.s	Plasma Cutters	Required Voltage	Leads Range
1	Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter	200V/240V	20-ft Lead
2	Hypertherm 088079 Powermax30 XP Plasma Cutter	110V/240V	15-ft Lead
3	Hobart 500566 Airforce 40i Plasma Cutter	240V	12-ft Lead
4	Lotos LTP8000 Plasma Cutter	220V/240V	15-ft Lead
5	Hobart AirForce 27i Plasma Cutter	120V/240V	12-ft Lead
6	Lotos LTP5500D Non-Touch Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter	110V/220V	20-ft Lead
7	Forney Easy Weld 251 Plasma Cutter	120V	13-ft Lead
8	CORAL CUT50 Dual Voltage Plasma Cutter	110V/220V	13-ft Lead
9	Hobart 500565 Airforce 27i Plasma Cutter	120V/240V	12-ft Lead
10	Hobart AirForce 500576 40i Plasma Cutter	120V/240V	12-ft Lead

1. Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Hand Plasma Cutter

Hypertherm Powermax 45 is the best option for people looking for a reliable and efficient unit. The company is known for its durable products and state of the art technology products. Hypertherm Powermax45 is also very easy to operate and highly useful for professionals and DIY lovers.

Patented drag-cutting technology is used in it so beginners can easily use it and don’t find any inconvenience during operation. Air pressure is another important factor that should be handled carefully as a minor change in it can affect the results. To ensure the required air pressure, Smart Sense technology is used in the unit that gives fine feature cutting.

Unlike many other models, Hypertherm Powermax45 doesn’t take much time in cutting and does its job faster. Superior cut and gouge quality are some other features that help to complete work faster and with great satisfaction. Grinding and edge preparation have also become effortless tasks due to the superior cut and gouge quality features.

It’s the most powerful plasma cutting machine and is capable of cutting 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch at the speed of 20IPM. Another great quality of this machine is its lightweight so you can take it anywhere easily. This amazing beast comes with a 3-year warranty.

 

2. Hypertherm 088079 Powermax30 XP Hand Plasma Cutter

Powermax30 XP is another good option from the Hypertherm company and designed to deliver comfort and ease in plasma cutting operation. It’s a versatile and dual voltage model that works on both 220V and 120V power supply. No need to worry about the current range of the plasma cutter as it works effectively with a current range between 15-3 amps.

The best feature of the Hypertherm Powermax30 XP machine is refined and precise cutting on a 1/4 inch metal. Like the previously mentioned cutting plasma machine, this is also very powerful and cuts 10 inches per minute for a half-inch metal.

Moreover, the powerful machine gives 100% duty cycles at 15amps. You must know that higher duty cycles mean high efficiency and productivity and this is what you get from Hypertherm Powermax.

It comes with a comfortable handle to protect your hand from heat, current, and deliver super ease during work. It also helps you carry the unit without any discomfort. To ensure the safety of the user, the auto-voltage system is embedded in it that automatically adjusts the safest input power and voltage while you also get safety equipment such as welding gloves, shoulder strap, ehe shield, and a carry case.

Duramax LT torch withstands heat and the compact design lets you carry and store it easily. If talking about the downside of this unit, it’s also expensive like the previous product.

 

3. Hobart 500566 240v Airforce 40i Plasma Cutter

Hobert isn’t a new name for the users. The company has been manufacturing plasma cutters for many years and known for its premium products. Hobert 5500566 is another great machine designed by Hobert that has a maximum cutting ability of 7/8 inch at 50% duty cycles.

The efficient machine is also time-efficient and works faster than many of its competitors. Auto-retrieve technology is used in it to deliver proficiency in cutting even when the metal is perforated or has a hard layer of paint over it. Wind tunnel technology never lets any particles or dust to damage the internal parts of the machine and keeps it safe from all sorts of issues.

Another great feature of this tool is the ergonomic trigger safety system that prevents any uncertain incident and proves the machine excellent for light and heavy-duty industrial users. 240V input power is sufficient for the machine while the max open-circuit voltage is 400V.

On customers’ demand, the company adds a fan in the unit that is an additional feature of the machine. The fan helps runs when dust or debris tries to enter into the machine and removes it automatically from the machine.

You even don’t need high frequency to start it off while the 3-years warranty lets you explore all features thoroughly without worry about your money.

 

4. Lotos LTP8000 80AMP Plasma Cutter

An important feature that people look for in a tool is precise cutting power. LTP8000 plasma cutter serves this purpose very well due to the pilot arc torch technology used in it. You can easily cut various types of metals and surfaces even if they are painted or rusted.

Another great feature that proves it one of the best is the portability feature. It comes with a handle so you can carry and hold it easily when moving from one place to another. The comfortable handle also protects your hand from redness and blisters.

It’s an extremely powerful tool that can cut steel, copper, aluminum, mild steel, and iron. The required voltage is 220V-240V while the maximum severance cut is 1 1/2 inch. Non-hazardous compressed air is used for cutting that helps you cut the hardest metals without any issue.

It requires the minimum setup time and takes just 60-seconds to start the cutting operation. There is also an air filter regulator included in it so users can easily connect the compressor by using stand couplers. If talking about the frequency of the unit, then it rangers between 50-60Hz.

The accessories you get with the unit includes an air filter regulator, ground clamp, pilot arc cutting torch, 80A power supply, and consumables.

 

5. Hobart AirForce 27i Plasma Cutter

Hobart Airforce is another amazing tool that one can rely on. The small and lightweight unit gives you maximum ease in its use as well as lets you carry it easily. You don’t find any issue when it comes to storing the package properly as it’s space-efficient and never occupies much space.

It works on dual voltages, i.e. works perfectly on both 120V and 240V and doesn’t require any other tool or equipment for connection. XT3R0R torch is used in the manufacturing of the tool that allows you to cut things more precisely and efficiently.

Power Factor Correction expands operator work and draws up to 30% less amperage for the same cutting range. Due to the presence of the PFC feature, the reduces operation nuisance happens because of a circuit breaker caused by voltage drops.

Postflow cooling circuit is another useful component that keeps consumables cool and increases the life of the components. Moreover, the cutting power of the unit is a full 5/8 inch of cutting thickness. Such a high power cutting thickness means you can easily cut hard metals.

If you are working in a warm area and concerned with the temperature of the tool, then the company adds a fan on customers’ demand. Of course, you have to pay extra charges for it.

 

6. Lotos LTP5500D Non-Touch Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter

The Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter unit is the next product on our list. It’s designed to deliver half-inch clean cuts on different materials including copper, aluminum, steel, and stainless steel. Precise cutting and fast cutting time distinguish it from the rest and prove it one of the best cutting plasma.

It’s an extremely lightweight cutter machine that weighs only 15lbs. It means you can move it freely and the product is ideal for small domestic tasks. You don’t have to waste time on the setup of the unit as it takes just one minute to set up to air compressor by using the stand couplers.

The non-touch pilot arc doesn’t require any physical touch and works without even the need for touch. That’s why it never damages easily and is extremely safe for use. High power output range and safe cutting technology save your time and protect you from any possible danger.

Dual voltage and 30-35% duty cycle are some other useful features that help users in the use of the unit. The ergonomic design of the unit gives you more power and control over the machine and allows you to work more efficiently and conveniently.

It’s a very efficient and reliable product that values your money and helps you done work quickly and effectively.

Check out Lotos ltp5000d plasma cutter which is the best tool offered by the same brand which we think you might like. We haven’t yet listed this unit in our list but we’re gathering more info on this and soon you’ll see it as a part of this list.

7. Forney Easy Weld 251 20 P Plasma Cutter

This is a powerful and easy to use cutter that is another good option for professionals as it’s designed to deliver comfort and ease. The cutting capacities of the unit for steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and copper are 1/4 inch, 1/4 inch, 3/16”, 1/4 inch & 2/4” respectively.

It’s a versatile and dual voltage model that works on a 120V power supply. No need to worry about the current range of the unit as it works amazingly with a current range of 15 amps.

Forney’s Easy Weld is designed for professionals and DIY lovers who want extreme precision and speed in the work. You can understand the power of the machine from the fact that it can cut 5 inches per minute for a half-inch metal.

It’s one of the best welders that comes with drag touch technology that allows you to drag the cutting tip in direct contact with the metal cutting. Moreover, the powerful machine gives 100% duty cycles at 15amps. Moreover, the machine is the all-metal case and can be used for routine tasks easily. The powerful packaging prevents it from getting damaged and also ensures high durability.

It comes with a comfortable handle to protect your hand from heat, current, and deliver super ease during work. The presence of a handle lets you carry the unit without any inconvenience. To ensure the safety of the user, all connections are built professionally so you don’t get an electric shock during work.

A premium quality best plasma torch is embedded in the unit that withstands heat and the compact design lets you carry and store it easily. You get multiple accessories with the model, i.e. cutting torch, ground clamp, additional nozzle, etc. You also get a 12-months warranty with it.

 

8. Coral CUT50 Dual Voltage AC/DC Inverter Plasma Cutter

Coral company has been working in the market for over 12-years. They have established a good name and people love their products. Coral CUT50 is a 50a plasma cutter that is designed for precise cutting.

Advanced inverter and technical switch power are added to the unit that increases its effectivity 30%. Their presence also helps you smoothly cut a hard metal. You get a permanent supply of high-quality consumables to enjoy efficient and troublefree work operations.

The compact design of the model allows you to carry and use it easily while the carrying handle is also there to give ease to the user in the portability of the unit. It comes with an advanced LCD screen where you can check temperature and air pressure readings.

It’s a dual voltage i.e ac & dc inverter plasma cutter that cam easily adapts to switch input power of 110V or 220V. It lets you use the unit in different environments without the need for any external conversion plug.

Coral plasma cutter is a professionally designed unit that answers to all needs of professionals and DIY enthusiasts. It takes just a few seconds to cut metal and other alloys. It’s very useful for cutting stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and different other metal which have a thickness of 1-20mm. In some cases it’s cutting thickness capacity gets 10mm.

If you are confused and buying decision is difficult for you, then don’t worry at all as it comes with a 3-years warranty and you can check all features completely. Return or replace the model if you are not satisfied.

 

9. Hobart 500565 120/240V Airforce 27i Plasma Cutter

Another model of Hobert has managed to make its place on our list. It’s Hobert airforce 27i model that works quite efficiently. It’s cutting capability is 3/8 in steel and 5/8 in mild steel that is quite impressive.

The efficient machine is also time-efficient and works faster than many of its competitors. Wind tunnel technology is used in it that keeps it safe from dust particles and prevents it from internal damages. That’s why it works for many years without facing any problem functionality.

XT3OR torch is included in the model with a 12ft lead. You also get several consumables with the unit. Another great feature of this model is the ergonomic trigger safety gear that prevents any uncertain incident and proves the machine excellent for light and heavy-duty industrial users. 120V and 240V power input voltages work well with it.

On customers’ demand, the company adds a fan in the unit that is an additional feature of the machine. The inclusion of a fan is a highly appreciated decision to ensure the excellent working of the machine as it helps runs when dust or debris tries to enter into the machine and removes it automatically from the machine.

You even don’t need high frequency to start it off while the 3-years warranty lets you explore all features thoroughly without worrying about your money.

 

10. Hobart 500576 AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter

Hobert is known as the most reliable company when talking about the quality plasma cutters. There are different models of the Hobert Airforce model which work perfectly and meet all standards. On the basis of the customers’ reviews, we have added another model that is Hobart Airforce 40i.

It’s a dual voltage cutting machine that allows you to connect the unit with 120v and 240v. No need to add another tool for connection, simply choose the plug that fits the receptacle. The liberty of using two different voltages allows you to work in different environments and situations.

XT4OR torch is embedded with it that is designed to deliver extreme comfort and ease in the work. It’s also safe and convenient to use. You can focus on the metal or object more and get the required results without facing any issue.

Post flow cooling circuit is used in the construction of the product that keeps the system cool and prolongs the life of consumables. Power factor correction circuitry draws up to 30% less amperage than the rest of the models while it also reduces nuisance and other problems happen due to voltage drop.

 

11. SUPER DEAL Dual Voltage Plasma Cutter Welding Machine

Super Deal Inverter Plasma Cutter is the last product on the list that features PRO technology and delivers great plasma cutting performance. It’s a very efficient and reliable model that is designed to deliver perfection and precision to the user.

Super Deal Airforce 40i plasma cutter consumes less power and gives a super cutting performance. Unlike many other models, it’s economical and known for its high speed, temperature, and pressure. It’s is a 50amp tool that is designed for precise cutting.

Advanced inverter and technical switch power are added to the model that increases its effectivity while the sturdy construction of the product makes it extra strong and hard to break. Under-voltage protection and heat voltage protection ensure the safety gear of the machine while compressed air pressure protection prevents any uncertain accident.

Some of the best tools always feature a compact design and you see the same feature in Super Deal 50 as well. This model allows you to carry and use it easily. There is also a carrying handle to give ease to the user in the portability of the unit. It comes with an advanced DC LCD screen and easy read front panel where you can check temperature and air pressure readings.

The dual voltage machine is a professionally designed unit and suitable for various range of applications. It answers all needs of professionals and DIY enthusiasts. You can use it for light industrial use, repair & maintenance, automotive, and sheet metal fabrications. Moreover, it’s very useful for cutting stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and different other metal.

 

Last update on 2023-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Final Words

Some of the best tools have many identical features but still, they are unique when it comes to manufacturing and energy consumption. It’s possible that two plasma cutters seem absolutely the same, but one consumes more energy than the other. Don’t forget to check these minor features as they impact a lot when you buy a product for regular use.

Compare the amperage, durability, and rating of the model. Another important factor you must not ignore is the carrying handle that is a very useful part of a compact product and helps the user in carrying and holding the machine easily.

Never opt for a low priced item just because you don’t want to spend extra bucks on it. If an expensive plasma cutter offers all the features you are looking for, then spending a few bucks isn’t a bad idea. It’s a good investment, not a waste of money. So, go for it and do let us know about your experience.