| 7 Recommended Products | Recommendations | Weight | Power | Temperature range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Pro32 Intelligent Mini Soldering Iron by SainSmart· · · | 2 | 0 | 0.66 lbs | 65 W | 212 - 752 °F |
| #2 Micron T2460· · · | 2 | 0 | 5.5 lbs | 100 W | 392 - 842 °F |
| #3 Model #3020-XTS Digital Display Soldering Iron Station by X-Tronic· · · | 1 | 0 | 1 lbs | 75 W | 392 - 896 °F |
| #4 WLC100 Soldering Station by Weller· · · | 1 | 0 | 1.9 lbs | 40 W | 446 - 896 °F |
| #5 ESD Soldering Iron Station by Sywon· · · | 0 | 0 | 0.85 lbs | 60 W | 392 - 896 °F |
| #6 SSVT Variable Temperature Soldering Station by Stahl Tools· · · | 0 | 1 | 1.8 lbs | 40 W | 302 - 842°F |
Pro Economical to use and maintain
The automatic sleep mode kicks in after 2 minutes of inactivity and decreases temperature of the tip to save power. The soldering iron reheats automatically once you pick it up. Moreover, to warn you about over-heating of the device, there is a special LED indicator.
Pro Very compact design
Most soldering stations with comparable functionality will take up about 8x6 inches of space, while this soldering iron is just 7 inches long and extremely thin. It weighs a fraction of the mass of its alternatives - just a little over 10 ounces, compared to the average of 1.5 lbs of other solderi...
Pro Heats up and cools down very quickly
It can take up to 5 minutes for a regular soldering iron to reach 500 °F. The Pro32 will take only 11 seconds. Cooling down is a matter of seconds as well.
Con Uncomfortable grip
Because there is no cushion or indentation on the handle, the pencil slips forwards when you hold it, so you have to be careful not to burn your fingers.
Pro Suited for heavy-duty use
The extremely high wattage allows this soldering iron to heat consistently for long periods of time. This makes it well-suited for sizable projects that require extended soldering.
Pro Economical to use and maintain
After 15 minutes of inactivity, sleep mode automatically kicks in and decreases the temperature of the tip. It helps to save power and prolongs the life-time of the tip by decreasing the rate of corrosion.
Pro Responsive controls
The tip temperature can be adjusted from 392 to 842 °F. It heats up and cools down quickly owing to the high-quality ceramic heat element. The digital screen that displays temperature makes it easy to monitor heat output.
Con Expensive
Most options in this segment sell for under $100, while this soldering iron costs $299.
Con Heavy
This soldering station weighs 5.5 lbs, heavier than the majority of alternatives. If you require a compact soldering iron that you can easily carry around, this isn't the best option.
Pro Suited for heavy-duty use
The high wattage allows this soldering iron to give consistent heat for long periods. This makes it well-suited for big projects that require extended soldering.
Pro Economical to use and maintain
After 10 minutes of inactivity, sleep mode automatically kicks in and decreases the temperature of the tip. It helps to save power and prolongs the life-time of the tip by decreasing the rate of corrosion.
Pro Convenient solder holder
You can place your coiled solder on the special holder. It's much more convenient than having to hold and unravel it with your hands.
Con Fragile handle
The plastic handle heats up and cracks after heavy use.
Con The sponge is too thin
The wet sponge that is used to clean the tip of the iron is thin and wears out quickly. It will have to be replaced frequently.
Pro Great value
Considering the decent power and thoughtful design, this soldering station is very affordable compared to most of its alternatives on the market which can sometimes cost hundreds of dollars.
Pro Robust design
It is often the case that soldering iron tips have to be replaced due to corrosion just after several month of using them. However, tips of this Weller are tougher than average and will serve you up to three years.
Pro Convenient to use and store
While some soldering stations take up as much as 10x7 inches of space, this one has dimensions of 8x6 inches. It won't take up a large area on the desk or the shelf.
Con Rigid cord makes using the station less convenient
The power cord of this soldering station isn't flexible, which takes away from the convenience of using it and carries a high risk of eventually breaking the cord.
Con Not suited for precise soldering
While the power can be switched, there is no direct way to control temperature. You can't really ensure a constant heat output. This makes this soldering station ill-suited for tasks that demand high precision.
Pro Extremely lightweight design
This functional tool has half the weight of an average soldering station - only 0.85 lbs. It's very compact and convenient to store and carry.
Pro Well-suited for tasks that demand precise temperature
The temperature settings allow you to choose from 392 up to 896 °F of heat. Having this much control lets you use this soldering iron for tasks that demand precision.
Pro Comfortable even for long stretches of time
The handle is made out of heat-insulated silicon with a non-slip design that provides you with a comfortable and secure grip.
Con You need to firmly fix the gear to prevent it from moving around the desk
Because it is so light, the temperature control box will move all over the place and get in the way of your work, if you don't find a way to fix it in its place.
Pro Well-suited for tasks that demand precise temperature
The temperature control function allows you to choose from 302 up to 842°F of heat. Having this much control, you can use this soldering iron for tasks that demand precision - like working with very small objects.
Pro Comfortable handle
The pencil is equipped with a rubber grip that prevents your fingers from slipping. It also acts as a heat insulator to protect you from burns.
Pro Great value
Considering other devices with comparable power and functionality that sell for up to $100, this soldering station comes cheaply. Great option for amateurs and hobbyists.
Con Heavy
Total weight of 1.8 lbs makes this station inconvenient to carry around.
Con Poor build quality
Some common issues that users find are fragility of the power cord and malfunction of the heating mechanism that translates into a puff of smoke coming from the handle of the pencil.
Pro Great value
Considering other devices with comparable power and functionality that sell for up to $100, this soldering station comes cheaply. Great option for amateurs and hobbyists.
Pro Convenient to use and store
The lightweight, compact 7.7 x 4 x 3.5 inch design make this soldering iron great for taking along and doing small repairments. It doesn't take a lot of space on the desk.
Pro Hardy stainless steel pencil stand
The spring stand made out of stainless steel lets you conveniently rest the pencil when you're not using it.
Con Not suited for precise soldering
The temperature of the tip is not adjustable, which isn't necessarily required by most hobbyists. However it makes this soldering iron a bad choice if your work demands a lot of precision, consistent heat output, and a display to monitor the temperature.
Con Long heating time
Metal alloy heating element heats up slower than a more modern ceramic one.
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