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Last updated on July 30th, 2023.
The best plasma cutters have a precise cut, minimise warping, and are suitable for cutting stainless steel, alloy steel, mild steel, copper, carbon steel and aluminum, and other metals.
On the other hand—a bad plasma cutter struggles to cut through soft butter.
So to help you separate the good from the trash—we’ve reviewed the Top 6 Plasma Cutters of 2023.
Buy with the confidence that you’re buying one of the best plasma cutters on the market.
Let’s dive into the reviews.
| Preview | Product | Key Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall  | Hobart 500564 Airforce 12ci Plasma Cutter with Built-In Air Compressor 120V , Brown |
| CHECK PRICE |
| Premium Choice  | Hypertherm Powermax 45 XP Machine System CPC 25' Leads |
| CHECK PRICE |
| Excellent Value  | LOTOS LTP5000D Plasma Cutter, 50 Amp Non-Touch Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter Machine, 5/8 inch Clean... |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | Plasma Cutter Pilot Arc CUT50 Dual Voltage 110V 220V 50A Cutting Non Touch Machine Portable... |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | Forney Easy Weld 251 20 P Plasma Cutter,Green, 20 Amp |
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 | PRIMEWELD CUT60 60Amp Non-Touch Pilot Arc PT60 Torch Plasma Cutter 110V/220V Dual Voltage 3 Year... |
| CHECK PRICE |
Top 6 Best Plasma Cutters
Hobart Airforce 12ci Plasma Cutter
- Built in Air Compressor
- Cuts faster than oxy fuel
- Smaller heat-affected zone for less warping
If you won’t settle for anything but the best tools for the job, the Hobart Airforce 12ci is the best plasma cutter your money can buy. The Airforce 12ci is packed with everything you need to cut steel, copper, and aluminum for any project, big or small. With its compact emitter, the heated tip is smaller than competing plasma cutters resulting in ultra-fine cuts with little to no warping at all. The smaller contact surface also creates a much thinner kerf, resulting in far less slag and a cleaner overall cut.
Gone are the days of buying compressed air canisters or busting out the old, unreliable air compressor pump. The Hobart plasma cutter has an air compressor built right into the unit, eliminating the need to carry extra parts or machinery to your job site. This also saves you significant energy costs in the long run and reduces the chances of your setup failing due to a faulty air compressor.
The air compression system also allows for much faster plasma cutting than standard oxy-fuel systems. The air pressure is automatically tuned for you by the manufacturer, so all you have to do is the point, pull the trigger, and cut.
Hobart backs its flagship plasma cutters with their 5/3/1 limited warranty. This means that they’ll cover the primary electronic components for up to five years, including the main power rectifiers. The PC boards, drive systems, and mechanical parts are covered for up to three years, and all of the other pieces and parts get one full year of coverage.
Few tools we’ve looked at in our “best plasma cutter” reviews offer the convenience of point-and-click operation, and even fewer guarantee their products with 5-year warranty coverage. While the Hobart Airforce 12ci comes at a higher price than some other plasma cutters, it’s far more reliable than budget machines that have a reputation for poor longevity or shipping with defects. For a plasma cutter you can depend on for years to come at a reasonable price, we can’t think of a stronger choice to call our best overall pick.
CHECK PRICE- Generous 5/3/1 warranty coverage
- Fine-tipped emitter for thin kerfs and minimal warping
- Point-and-click operation
- Built-in air compression system
- No pilot arc or dual voltage settings
- Higher-end price point
Hypertherm Powermax 45 Plasma Cutter
- Hypertherm powermax 45 xp #088121 machine system cpc 25' leads
Hypertherm’s Powermax 45 is the best plasma cutter on the market, and you don’t have to sacrifice power or quality just because it comes in a compact size. The Hypertherm has enough juice for any job site, so whether you’re cutting through thick steel or thin metal sheets– pun totally intended again!– this machine can handle anything. In addition, its small frame makes it easy to store anywhere from your workshop at home all the way up to a cramped garage that doesn’t offer much space!
With a Powermax 45 in your hands, you can make clean cuts with ease thanks to its Smart Sense technology which helps maintain the exact air pressure needed. Low amps? No problem! You can easily reduce the pressure and avoid blowing out arcs for smooth cutting that will be simple enough, even if it’s not necessarily perfect every time. High amp cuts get all of the power they need while still being able to adjust as necessary due to this handy little tool.
The Hypertherm Powermax 45 is a great choice for beginners since it has a patented drag-cutting system that keeps your cuts stable and clean. It’s also good if you’re looking to work more quickly without compromising quality – even when making sensitive, measured cuts that can be hard to do well with other models.
When you need to cut through steel quickly, this cutting tool will help you do it with 1.5x the speed of an oxyfuel cutter, which means your job gets done twice as fast! Plus, when using compressed air tanks or compressors (both disposable and power-sucking), these tools use less gas than traditional methods, so they save money in both scenarios.
Hypertherm’s plasma cutters are some of the best on the market, with superior durability and a 2-year warranty. With one purchase, you’ll have your home workshop fully equipped for cutting out all kinds of shapes to build anything from furniture frames to kitchen cabinets.
The Hypertherm Powermax 45 is our favorite tool for all of your plasma cutting needs in one small package. For the money, other plasma cutters don’t compare. With its precise and reliable design, it’s perfect for professional welders looking to get their feet wet with a great investment that will last them many years!
CHECK PRICE- 2-year product warranty w/ 3-year power supply protection
- Patented safety system for smooth, risk-free drag cuts
- Variable air pressure for both high-power and low-power cuts
- Small form-factor for portability and convenient storage
- Bulky in weight, measuring in at 36 pounds
- Pricier than most plasma cutters
Lotos LTP5000D Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter
- ★ 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝟐𝟓% 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫: 5/8" Clean Cut. Enhanced with 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐆𝐁𝐓𝐬 on LOTOS 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐥𝐲 𝐔𝐩𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐂𝐁 𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 & 𝐓𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐡, delivering a remarkable 25% increase in cutting power output compared to standard 50-amp plasma cutters. The advanced control systems and precision cutting flames of the newly designed torch ensure high-precision cuts with smooth and fine cut lines. Experience faster cutting speeds without compromising accuracy.
- ★ 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 & 𝐚𝐭 𝐋𝐨𝐰 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭: Newly designed upgraded torch and consumables guarantee enhanced precision cutting and increased durability, leading to a much longer consumable lifespan. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬. The compact plasma cutter features a convenient handle for portability, and it utilizes non-hazardous compressed air to effortlessly cut through various materials, including stainless steel, alloy steel, mild steel, copper, and aluminum.
- ★ 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝟏 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞: The pre-installed NPT 1/4" industry-type D plug and air filter regulator enable seamless connection to your air compressor using the existing stand coupler. Setting up the entire machine is effortless and can be completed within 1 minute. ★ 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭-𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: Emphasize the significance of pressure adjustment for attaining precise cutting. Ensures a 100% Air Leakage-Free Guarantee.
Lotos LTP5000D 50-amp plasma cutter is a top of the line cutting tool for tough rust and paint. It’s easy to use, with a touch-free pilot arc that allows you to work while keeping your distance from the blade surface. This powerhouse at a low price will not disappoint anyone who has high expectations in their tools!
The LTP500D plasma cutter is the perfect tool for any job site. It’s lightweight and portable but powerful enough to cut through a variety of metals with ease—even stainless steel! Powered by compressed air, it emits no harmful pollutants into your workspace, so you can use this machine indoors or outdoors without worrying about safety.
Compatibility is a key feature of any good plasma cutter, and while your top-of-the-line tools can be used with a wide range of consumables, it’s still important to know which ones are best suited for the LTP500D. Be sure to pick up either a set that includes both PCS333s or PCs22 – PCON90 and/or 40 will not work well on this model as they’re incompatible.
The Lotos LTP5000D packs a powerful 10-50 amp DC power source running at a 60% duty cycle that allows for up to a 3/4 inch severance cut. For best results, you’ll get the cleanest cuts working with about half an inch of metal. If smaller jobs are more your style, use the Lotos’ 10-35 amp power supply instead; this is better suited for making clean cuts in sheets measuring 1/3 inches or less and maxes out around 2/5 inches thick.
Installation and setup is a breeze with the LTP5000D, equipped with a 6-foot ground clamp plus an industry-standard NPT 1/4″ type-D plug and regulator to make it compatible with any air compressor. Putting together this whole rig takes less than 60 seconds!
CHECK PRICE- Advanced features at a bargain price
- Easily cuts through rust or paint
- Dual voltage for variable power output
- Lightweight at only 19 pounds
- Touch-free plasma cutting
- Some users report difficulty with thicker cuts
- Low compatibility with different consumables
SunGoldPower CUT50L Dual Voltage Plasma Cutter
- 1. Non-touch Pilot Arc: it efficiently cuts though rough, painted, and rusty surfaces and produces minimal slag；the technology allows you to cut without touching the tip to the metal. It provides a better cutting quality and longer consumable life
- 2. Input and Output: Dual voltage capability allows the machine to run directly on 110V/220V. plug adapters included, 10-50 A output, 1/2” ideal clean cut and 3/4” maximum severance, Non-HF Blowback Start, there is no HF interferenc
- 3. Wide Applications: Suitable for cutting stainless steel, alloy steel, mild steel, copper, carbon steel and aluminum, and other metals. Can be widely used at demanding industrial and construction work, or home and hobby us
The SunGoldPower CUT50L Dual Voltage Plasma Cutter offers a sleek, lightweight design that’s easy to use and maintain. You’ll love the high-quality plasma cutting torch– it features an environmentally friendly power source with no noise or interference, so you can get your project done quickly without damaging anything around by accident!
The CUT50L makes it easy to get started. It features its own air regulator, so you don’t have to worry about adjustments mid-cut, and it also comes with a water trap that will help prevent condensation from damaging the unit itself or seeping out into your workspace. Hooking up your torch, fuel, and power source only takes seconds for set up – no need to waste any time on extra setup! Just plug in this machine with its 5 foot grounded cable cord as well as a ground clamp for safety purposes and start cutting right away!
How do you cut through steel? The pilot arc cuts with ease and produces minimal slag, even when cutting through rust or bumpy surfaces. It is a non-touch plasma cutter that lasts longer than other types of consumables. This means it provides high-quality cuts for long periods before the consumables start to wear out – which are easy to spot because they have lower power output and cause more slag/soot to build upon your work surface.
If you’re looking for a powerful way to cut through metals, then the CUT50L is just what you need. With 3/4 inch maximum severance and compatibility with all sorts of materials like aluminum, carbon steel or copper, this low-cost unit has something no other tool can rival: versatility-without sacrificing power! To be precise, it weighs in at 29 pounds, but that doesn’t stop us from using it on light home workshop projects as well as heavy industrial ones because we know the quality will stay consistent.
The CUT50L can be used for any power cuts, as it accommodates higher-power and lower-power needs. It has a 60% duty cycle, so you have precise control over delicate work on smaller pieces of material up to half an inch thick with the included plug adapter depending on your country’s electrical current requirements.
SunGoldPower offers a 12-month warranty on all of their products to give you enough time to ensure your plasma cutter is up for the task and operates consistently from use to use. If there are any issues with your CUT50L, SunGoldPower will bear the cost of shipping fees for returns or replacement parts. In addition, they back their plasma cutter with a 30-day money-back guarantee in case it doesn’t meet expectations within that first month.
The CUT50L is a bargain with the power to get tough jobs done. If you’re looking for an affordable plasma cutter that will cut well within its range of application, this SunGoldPower unit may be perfect for your needs. It’s fast and easy to set up. It offers versatile cutting power while weighing more than other models in its price range- but don’t let that scare you away from giving it a try!
CHECK PRICE- 1-year warranty
- 3/4in Maximum Severance
- No high-frequency interference
- Environmentally friendly
- Cuts slowly
- Heavier than other portable plasma cutters
Forney Easy Weld 251 20 P Plasma Cutter
- CUTS- Mild steel, aluminum and stainless steel from thin material to 1/4"* (6.35 millimeters) with ease! *(Mild Steel)
- EASY TO USE- All you need is 120 volt power source and 1.5 CFM of compressed air. Built in regulator and air dryer make operation a breeze
- DRAG TORCH TECHNOLOGY- Allows you to drag cutting tip in direct contact with the metal you're cutting for smooth consistent clean cuts
Forney’s Easy Weld 251 model plasma cutter is the perfect alternative for people who are looking to make their first purchase of a budget-priced cutting machine that will last. This full metal casing protects your expensive new equipment from falls and slips, but it won’t break the bank either!
The Forney Easy Weld 251 is a very easy to use the tool. It’s set up in less than one minute, and you’re ready to start sawing sheets of metal that are up to just over 1/4 inches thick! The welding machine has its own air dryer and pressure regulator, so even if this is your first time, no tweaks or adjustments needed– get started with confidence on the spot by plugging it into an AC power supply (120v) then hooking it up to a compressor.
The Easy Weld 251 plasma cutter is the perfect tool for any do-it-yourselfer’s list of tools. With its compact design and lightweight, carrying it around to various projects will be a breeze! It can handle cutting through mild steel or stainless steel with ease – no matter what your needs are: from small-time contractors’ jobs to auto bodywork and even ranching & farming tasks. But that doesn’t mean this little guy won’t cut it when you need something tougher; he’ll take on copper, brass, or aluminum as well without breaking a sweat (or we should say so!)
The Forney CMT35 is a portable, handheld plasma cutter that can produce incredible results despite its small size and portability. The unit’s cutting tip has an emitter assembly with direct contact for the highest power available in this compact machine. One of the advantages to having such strong healing capabilities on hand at all times is you’ll be able to cut through metal sheets quickly and easily while achieving clean cuts like those done by industrial laser equipment!
If you’re looking for a good plasma cutter, but don’t have the experience or power requirements to need more expensive models like Lotos’ LTP5000D, then Forney’s Easy Weld 251 is a great choice. It comes with a 1-year warranty and has all of the features any beginner will need without being too pricey.
CHECK PRICE- 60% Duty Cycle
- Fast setup
- Lightweight unit at 21.5 pounds
- Durable metal case
- No touch-free pilot arc
- Feature-bare
PrimeWeld CUT60 Plasma Cutter
- CUT60 PILOT ARC 3 year warranty 7 day per week support in USA
- PT60 blowback cutting torch WITH EURO CENTRAL CONNECTION
- Blow-back start technology, Pilot Arc
You’ll never need to worry about carrying around the PrimeWeld CUT60P as it is one of the most lightweight and compact plasma cutters on today’s market for its durability, reliability, and power. It also comes with a low-vibration system that ensures less wear over time while cutting through thicker materials like steel or aluminum all day long.
The PrimeWeld CUT60P is one of the best plasma cutters on the market, and it’s also a great option if you’re looking for something in your price range. The lightweight device won’t break when put under pressure – not to mention that its compact size means there’ll be plenty of room leftover at home or work!
The best thing about PrimeWeld’s CUT60P is it has a continuous pilot arc. This will allow you to get the job done quickly and efficiently, without any interruptions when changing material or even cutting at different angles! Not only that, but with its low duty cycle of 60%, this machine won’t be overheating like other models on the market today. You’ll appreciate how easy heat management can be – not all plasma cutters are created equal, so don’t take your time in searching for one that fits your needs perfectly!
The PrimeWeld CUT60P offers a wide array of versatility with its small and lightweight design. The unit is durable as well, thanks to the steel casing we put around it for rough workshop conditions, so you can be sure your investment will last long-term in any environment! Plus, what you see on our website is exactly how beautiful this machine looks off the production line–it comes prepped out of the box without additional assembly needed by an expert craftsman.
The CUT60P is fitted with a PT60 cutting torch that gives you fine control over even the most sensitive cuts. Being a non-touch pilot arc torch, this means that it can reliably cut aluminum and copper as well as steel alloys of different levels of hardness.
If you do run into issues with your CUT60, PrimeWeld is the company for all of your customer support needs. In fact, they offer unparalleled service that makes it easy to get replacement parts and consumables when needed; so whether or not you have a wide variety in terms of mods and different types of consumable sets available at their disposal, there are aftermarket sellers who provide more options if need be–which means even greater reliability for any type situation! With 3-year warranty coverage combined with 7 days per week availability right from within America’s borders itself (USA), who else would make better sense than this supplier?
The PrimeWeld CUT60P is a great choice for hobbyists and journeyman contractors looking to add some variety. The primary downside of this unit is that it eats through consumables quickly while not being as fast as other top-of-the-line plasma cutters on the market. However, with its simple setup and use instructions, you can count on it serving your cutting needs throughout many projects – especially considering their 3-year warranty!
CHECK PRICE- Mid-range price while offering high-end precision
- Lightweight, small form factor
- Non-Touch Pilot Arc
- Uses up consumables quickly
- Lower power than heavy-duty plasma cutters
