Miller Blue Star 185 Welder/Generator

The Blue Star 185 is sized for a farm truck or a small contractor's trailer: 315 lbs, a compact footprint, and GFCI-protected receptacles for safety around wet ground or metal equipment. Miller rates the generator at 6,200 watts continuous with a 6,500-watt peak, enough to run shop tools or lights between welds.

Rated power you can trust

Miller measures generator output with what it calls Accu-Rated power rather than an inflated peak number, meaning the continuous and peak figures reflect what the machine can actually deliver under load, not just a brief surge. Miller rates the Blue Star's weld and generator numbers at 104°F too, so the figures do not fall off once the trailer has sat in the sun all day.

Everyday features

• Electric start, so no pull cord in the cold
• Auto-idle to save fuel between passes
• 6.25-gallon fuel tank and an engine hour meter
• Receptacle covers to keep dirt and moisture out

Stick and TIG processes are rated on mild steel and stainless, with DC polarity and a duty cycle of 20% at 185A stepping up to 60% at 130A for longer runs at lower amperage. Miller pitches it at Beginner and Weekend Warrior skill levels for home, hobby, and light-industrial use, and backs it with a manufacturer's warranty.

Can a beginner run this machine? Yes, Miller rates the Blue Star 185 for Beginner and Weekend Warrior skill levels. How long can it run between fill-ups? The fuel tank holds 6.25 gallons, with auto-idle helping stretch that between jobs.

Specifications