The 9 Best Plasma Cutters of 2023 – Top Picks and Reviews

advantage

shortcoming

Lotos has been lowering the price range for entry into the plasma cutting space. The Lotos LTP5000D continues this tradition, delivering 50 amps of power and a 60% duty cycle at an attractive price. The cutter features a non-contact pilot arc start and is capable of cutting up to ⅝-inch stainless steel.

The Lotos LTP5000D weighs only 26 pounds and comes with a 1-year warranty. It has 120 and 240 dual voltage input and PAPST cooling system based on German technology. This machine uses an external compressor as high pressure cutting air. Some car owners feel that the ground clip and the ground wire are a bit too cheap.

Lotos includes a pressure regulator and air filter already installed inside the machine. Lotos says the LTP5000D can be set up and ready to run in less than a minute by using a compressed air quick coupler for the air compressor.

Users rate the LTP5000D’s cutting performance highly, but reports are of inconsistent quality, with several reports of early failures with the model (full review here). However, most also praise Lotos for its warranty, fast replacement plasma cutters and free shipping on returns.

advantage

shortcoming

The YesWelder CUT-55DS plasma cutter has a 60% duty cycle at maximum power. It cuts cleanly through steel up to 1/2 inch thick. The 10 to 55 amp output range is wide enough for you to cut every stage of your metal project, from sheet metal to framing and reinforcement work.

The non-contact pilot arc lets you get to work right away, even if your metal is rusted or painted. The YesWelder CUT-55DS plasma cutter has a dual voltage 120/240 volt input so it’s easy to start working. There is an extra long 13 foot torch connection and the machine includes a built in air filter.

The YesWelder CUT-55DS plasma cutter also has a 2T/4T trigger lock for long cuts and also includes post-flow air cooling process. The flip-up dust cover for the settings panel is a nice touch. Some owners feel that the gas supply fittings should be relocated so that they do not interfere with the power cord.

advantage

shortcoming

The Hobart Airforce 27i is a lightweight and portable mid-sized plasma cutter that offers professional functionality and quality with dual 120 volt and 240 volt input power. It is aimed at professionals and craftsmen who need to cut steel up to 3/8 inch. Hobart machines are American made in Appleton, Wisconsin. The Airforce 27i plasma cutter is also CSA certified.

The machine features an ergonomic torch design with 12-foot leads for both the torch and ground lead. The Hobart Airforce 27i is equipped with a built-in regulator, air filter and water separator. Its fan-on-demand feature runs fans only when needed, minimizing the amount of dust and debris drawn into the cabinet. Hobart also includes an air afterflow feature to cool the cutouts. It is designed to be powered by a generator, adding to its versatility for field work.

The Hobart Airforce 27i is one of a line of plasma cutters that includes the Airforce 40i, which also includes dual voltage inputs and many of the same features. The Airforce 40i has a pilot arc feature that shuts off the torch when it crosses a gap and restarts the arc when the torch crosses metal again. This is a great feature when cutting grilles or expanding metal to fit.

advantage

shortcoming

The Eastwood Versa Cut 40 Amp Plasma Cutter offers quality at an affordable price. The machine provides 40 amps of cutting power, has dual input power, and operates on 110/120 or 220/240 volts using the N50 cable adapter. Plug the 120 cable into the N50 and the machine will automatically sense that it is plugged into 240 volts.

With a 60% duty cycle at full power, the Eastwood Versa Cut 40 Amp Plasma Cutter makes clean cuts on sheet metal as thin as 24 gauge. You can set air pressure and output power individually, and once you get used to running this plasma cutter, it has a lot to offer. The machine has a high frequency arc start and is therefore not suitable for use with a CNC plasma cutting table.

The Eastwood Versa Cut 40 Amp Plasma Cutter comes with a Trafimet CB50 torch and 20 foot leads, which are industry standard. The Eastwood Versa Cut 60 is the taller model in the Eastwood line, and it lets you cut steel up to 7/8″ at a good price, but it’s only a 220V machine.

advantage

shortcoming

The Lincoln Electric Plasma 20 Plasma Cutter is a lightweight, portable yet powerful 20 amp plasma cutter capable of cutting steel up to 1/4 inch. The lower limit is 10 amps, allowing you to handle sheet metal for auto body or HVAC repairs. Rapid Arc Restrike is an automatic auto-restrike technology that shuts off the torch when it crosses a gap, then restarts the arc when the torch passes metal again.

This unit includes a built-in regulator. The Lincoln Plasma 20 also features air pre-flow and post-flow to cool the cut for greater precision. Some users don’t like the 3 second delay after the flashlight trigger is pressed. During the 3 second start-up delay, the machine is sending cool air through the cutting path.

The Lincoln Electric Plasma 20 is a lightweight machine weighing just 21 lbs. This makes it very handy for tight spots on vehicles and jobs where you have to climb a ladder. Lincoln designed the Plasma 20 with a 9.5-foot torch and integrated hitch for wrapping the lead while transporting or storing the machine.

advantage

shortcoming

Hypertherm is unique because it sells cutting technology. This is not a welding machine manufacturer dabbling in plasma cutting. Laser cutting, waterjet and plasma cutting machines are what Hypertherm is all about. This unique focus on high-quality plasma cutters has positioned Hypertherm as an industry leader.

Our top pick, the Hypertherm Powermax 45, produces 10 to 45 amps, enough cutting power to accurately cut through ⅝-inch-thick steel. It is designed for industrial use to cut metal in a factory environment. This unit has dual 240/480 volt power inputs. Smart Sensor is Hypertherm’s compressed air automatic setting system.

It has a torch disable switch for changing the torch assembly. Quick-change technology quickly reconfigures torch style and tip size for clean cuts. Owners raved about the high-quality work done by the Hypertherm Powermax 45, praising its precise cuts, high inches per minute rating, and smooth edges. That has a lot to do with why we chose it as the best plasma cutter.

The only downside to this model is the lack of a CPC port, making it impossible to control it from a computer. Fortunately, the ports can be retrofitted with Hypertherm’s kit. The Powermax 45 comes with a 3-year warranty on the power system and a 1-year warranty on the flashlight.

advantage

shortcoming

The Primeweld Cut60 Plasma Cutter is a powerful machine capable of cutting up to 7/8″ of steel in one cut. This is a dual power plasma cutter that can run on either 120 volts or 240 volts. It weighs only 21 pounds, which is incredibly light for a plasma cutter of this power. At 120 volts, it draws 30 amps, enough for 3/8-inch steel.

The high-frequency non-contact arcing offered by many machines can interfere with digital electronics, making them unusable for computer-controlled plasma cutting tables. The Primeweld Cut60 plasma cutter gives you computer control through the blowback torch. Blowback flares use the build-up of air pressure on the work surface to start the flare, eliminating digital distractions.

The Primeweld Cut60 plasma cutter uses a continuous pilot arc. This system allows you to cut expanding metal and gratings by closing the torch over the air gap and re-igniting the arc as it passes through the metal again. It also works great on rusted, painted or dirty metal. Users love the machine’s 20-foot torch lead.

advantage

shortcoming

The Miller Spectrum 375 X-Treme plasma cutter offers dual voltage input power, allowing you to plug into a 120 volt or 240 volt circuit. With this versatility, you can use this machine almost anywhere you need it. The Miller incorporates an automatic air pressure regulation system that eliminates air supply fluctuations for an even, stable cut.

This plasma cutter includes Miller’s XT30 ergonomic torch with a contoured shape and textured grip surface. The Miller Spectrum 375 X-Treme plasma cutter features a 12-foot torch connection and compact size for easy access to those hard-to-reach spots. Miller equipped this plasma cutter with quick-disconnect leads for quick setup.

The Miller Spectrum 375 X-Treme plasma cutter weighs only 19 pounds and has a shoulder strap for easy handling. The 30 amp output is enough to cut 3/8″ of steel, and the 27 amp top end on the 120 volt side cuts 1/4″ of steel. Auto-Refire technology shuts down the arc when it crosses the gap and restarts the torch after the metal has been cut. Unfortunately, the 375 X-Treme cannot be controlled by a computer, so there is no CNC table available for this. Miller ships with the machine in a protective carrying case.

advantage

shortcoming

The Titanium 45A plasma cutter offers dual voltage input versatility and professional quality at an affordable price. The 45 amp output is enough power to cut ½ inch steel. A lower limit of 15 amps will cut through as thin as 22 gauge sheet metal if you cut quickly. The Harbor Freight includes a built-in adjuster in the design for quick setup and quick use, however, the machine has some flaws (full review here).

On 120 volts, this machine puts out 20 amps, which will limit your work to less than ¼ inch thick. Most owners recommend the Titanium 240A plasma cutter over the 45 for smooth cutting and reliable performance. Some users feel this plasma cutter needs a better grounding clamp, but prefer the 12 foot torch length. The digital settings and display make this plasma cutter easy to use and easy to check while you work.

The Titanium 45A plasma cutter offers overheat protection and easy setup. The torch includes a standoff rail that keeps the cutting head at an optimal distance from the work surface. A built-in copper air filter extends consumable life and lets you use your existing shop air supply. The machine requires 6.6 cfm at 80-110 psi for optimum performance.