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What's the best soldering iron for small electronics?

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Pro32 Intelligent Mini Soldering Iron by SainSmart vs FX888D-23BY Digital Soldering Station by Hakko vs WLC100 Soldering Station by Weller

 vs Micron T2460 vs Model #3020-XTS Digital Display Soldering Iron Station by X-Tronic vs WE1010 Weller vs ESD Soldering Iron Station by Sywon vs SSVT Variable Temperature Soldering Station by Stahl Tools vs VTSS4NU Adjustable Soldering Station by Velleman

Specs

Weight

0.66 lbs

Power

65 W

Temperature range

212 - 752 °F

Weight

2.6 lbs

Power

70 W

Temperature range

120 - 899 °F

Weight

1.9 lbs

Power

40 W

Temperature range

446 - 896 °F

Weight

5.5 lbs

Power

100 W

Temperature range

392 - 842 °F

Weight

1 lbs

Power

75 W

Temperature range

392 - 896 °F

Weight

-

Power

-

Temperature range

-

Weight

0.85 lbs

Power

60 W

Temperature range

392 - 896 °F

Weight

1.8 lbs

Power

40 W

Temperature range

302 - 842°F

Weight

1.3 lbs

Power

48 W

Temperature range

302 - 842 °F

Pros + Cons

Pro
 Well-suited for tasks that demand precise temperature

The temperature settings allow you to choose from 212 up to 752 °F of heat. Having that much control, you can use this soldering iron for tasks that demand precision - like working with very small objects.
Comment

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.
Comment

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.
Comment

Pro
 You can change all settings by connecting the iron to your PC

There is a micro-USB port on the rear of the housing that lets you connect the soldering iron to your laptop. This way you can change settings, such as displaying temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius, the default working temperature, and the sleep mode temperature.
Comment

Pro
 Suited for heavy-duty use

The high wattage allows this soldering iron to give consistent heat for long periods of time. It is very well suited for working on big, resource-hungry projects.
Comment

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.
Comment

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 soldering irons.
Comment

Pro
 Suited for heavy-duty use

The high wattage and high-quality ceramic heating element enables this soldering iron to heat up quickly. It reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit in under 1 minute, and heats consistently for long periods. This makes it well-suited for big projects that require extended soldering.
Comment

Pro
 Well suited for tasks that demand precision

Temperature is displayed on a digital monitor, and the powerful heating element keeps it constant regardless of how long or how intensely the soldering iron is used.
Comment

Pro
 You can choose how the temperature is displayed

You can pick whether the temperature on the screen is displayed in degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius.
Comment

Pro
 Brass tip cleaner saves time and power

Besides the wet sponge that most soldering irons are equipped with, this one also has brass wiring. It easily cleans the pencil tip from extra solder and, unlike the wet sponge, doesn't cool it down . This saves extra power and time that are needed to heat it back up to the original temperature.
Comment

Con
 Displayed temperature is sometimes off

The lack of a sensor on the tip of the soldering pencil mean that temperature displayed on the screen isn't always accurate, which can make noticing changes in heat output difficult.
Comment

Con
 Unintuitive controls

Switching between all the settings and modes is realized by pressing the only two buttons on the housing in a plethora of different combinations. This means that using this soldering station can be confusing. To explore all the features you will have to rely heavily on the manual.
Comment

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.
Comment

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.
Comment

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.
Comment

Pro
 Comfortable even for long stretches of time

This iron is equipped with a soft foam grip that prevents your fingers from slipping and makes using it very comfortable.
Comment

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.
Comment

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.
Comment

Pro
 Hardy stainless steel pencil stand

The stainless steel spring stand lets you conveniently rest the pencil when you're not using it.
Comment

Pro
 You can choose the power output

By choosing power output from 5 to 40 W, you can find the heating mode that suits your needs best for the work you're doing.
Comment

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.
Comment

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.
Comment

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.
Comment

Con
 Expensive

Most options in this segment sell for under $100, while this soldering iron costs $299.
Comment

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.
Comment

Pro
 Tweezer handle available (costs extra)

An extra widget that can be plugged into the station. Useful for removing low-profile resistors and capacitors, invaluable for removing ICs. Separate purchase.
Comment

Pro
 Comfortable slender grip

The slim rubber handle is not only very comfortable, even when holding the iron for extended periods. It's also very safe, as it serves a heat insulator.
Comment

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.
Comment

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.
Comment

Con
 Fragile handle

The plastic handle heats up and cracks after heavy use.
Comment

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.
Comment

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.
Comment

Pro
 Hardy stainless steel pencil stand

The spring stand lets you conveniently rest the pencil when you're not using it.
Comment

Pro
 Brass tip cleaner saves time and power

Besides the wet sponge that most soldering irons are equipped with, this one has brass wiring. It easily cleans the tip and, unlike the sponge, doesn't cool it down. This saves extra power and time necessary for the tip to reheat.
Comment

Pro
 Responsive controls

The tip temperature can be adjusted from 392 to 896 °F. It heats up and cools down quickly thanks to the high-quality ceramic heat element. The digital screen that displays temperature makes it easy to monitor and adjust the heat output.
Comment

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.
Comment

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.
Comment

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.
Comment

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.
Comment

Pro
 Convenient flexible cord

The silicone power cord is highly flexible, even in cold temperatures, meaning it doesn't break easily nor does it restrict the user's movements.
Comment

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.
Comment

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.
Comment

Con
 Heavy

Total weight of 1.8 lbs makes this station inconvenient to carry around.
Comment

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.
Comment

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.
Comment

Pro
 Hardy stainless steel pencil stand

The spring stand lets you conveniently rest the pencil when you're not using it.
Comment

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.
Comment

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.
Comment

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.
Comment

Con
 Long heating time

Metal alloy heating element heats up slower than a more modern ceramic one.
Comment

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.
Comment
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