Budget Commander Staples: Artifacts

This year, I've spent two months looking at budget Commander staples. Today I look at budget Commander staples for colorless Artifacts, which are extra handy as they can be used in any Commander deck. I focus on four categories: ramp, card draw, targeted removal, and board wipe. And this is budget, so cards cost under $2.

Ramp

Ramp is about accelerating land deployment and/or mana access. Two staples here: Arcane Signet and Sol Ring. The former is especially critical if you play two or more colors.

Card draw

The main option here is Arcane Encyclopedia, which gives you an extra card per turn if you have the mana to spend.

Targeted removal

Universal Solvent and Meteor Golem are both nice (if costly) removal spells.

Board wipe 

Artifacts offer a surprising number of board wipe options. Ratchet Bomb can work well against tokens or low-cost permanents, and can even allow you to save your own (if they cost more). Boompile is a funny option and good for those who like the element of chance. Nevenyrral's Disk and Perilous Vault are effective if they can stay on the board long enough to be used.

Hybrid

Commander's Sphere, Solemn Simulacrum, and Mind Stone are both ramp and card draw

Conclusion

Of the 12 cards shown above, I'd recommend at least six be chosen for any Commander deck.