Best Soldering Station Reviews In 2022
Disclaimer: Welderscave.com is user-supported and we may earn a small commission whenever you chose products from our Amazon product links without any additional cost to you.
Not only DIY hobbyists but also professionals find it troublesome to find a quality soldering station. There are too many important factors to consider while getting such devices, and researching them takes a lot of time. If you are willing to get the best soldering station, it is good to get experts’ opinions.
Don’t worry; we did the work for you and asked professionals about their favorite soldering stations to use. Below are the best picks according to important factors like wattage, voltage, temperature accuracy, etc.
Best Soldering Stations In 2022
1. X-Tronic Digital LED 75 Watt Soldering Iron Station
With 75 wattages of output, model #3020 of X-Tronic is a perfect balance between a DIY and professional soldering station. No matter you are into soldering as a hobby or have it as a serious profession, you can do a range of various tasks with model #3020. However, experts recommend this to beginners.
You will be able to get the temperature as high as 896 degrees, and it only takes around 30 seconds to reach the highest temperature from 392 degrees. Ten minutes sleep feature is one of the device’s digital advantages that many other soldering stations lack.
A 40-inch flexible soldering iron cord, a 55-inch powering cord – these may not seem like too big of a factor but do play a great role in the product’s longevity. Beginners always complain about how many extra add-ins they have to buy after getting a soldering station.
To prevent that, X-Tronic’s model 3020 comes with five different types of soldering tips, soldering iron holder, sponge cleaner, cleaning flux, etc. Frankly, all quality soldering stations should include these attachments.
Overall, this is a highly recommended soldering iron station for beginners and can also be used for professionals’ light works. It is digital and provides a good range of wattage and temperature for quality work.
Pros
Cons
2. LONOVE Soldering Iron Station Kit
Excellent temperature precision is one of the great features that make LONOVE’s soldering station excellent. It is a highly recommended soldering kit for beginners, and its precise management can also give professionals an upper hand when they are performing smaller tasks under 60W requirement.
How is it providing temperature precision? Well, the device has ±2 degrees temperature stability, which makes sure the soldering iron stays at a constant heat. You can control the temperature to be anywhere between 194 to 896 degrees. Sometimes, digital stations like this one come with buttons for managing the temperature.
However, the LONOVE has a knob that is similar to analog-styled ones providing more control. We can admire its PID temperature control, but it has more to offer. Fast heating takes only 6 seconds for the iron to reach the melting point.
The design is slightly different than typical stations, and it is certainly praiseworthy. You will get an additional required attachment with this kit, such as soldering tips, sponge cleaner, additional wire, etc.
Working precisely on boards is very much possible with LONOVE’s soldering station. It is quite a user-friendly device for beginners and professionals. Overall, if you are looking for any soldering station under 60 wattage, this is highly recommended.
Pros
Cons
3. Merece Digital Soldering Iron Kit
If you want the best control over the temperature, gift yourself the Merece Digital Soldering Iron Kit. With a simple yet compact design, the machine will improve the quality of your soldering results. You will get everything necessary in the package of this device.
The first thing to talk about this soldering machine is how it can let you set the temp from 176 to 896-degree F. It opens the possibility for many options of filler metals to melt. You can also switch the temp unit between F and C, whichever you prefer more.
The device goes to 572-degree F in only 15 seconds. Adjust the temp using the durable knob with ease. After reaching the perfect temp, you can lock it. The standby and sleep feature lets you save valuable energy and money.
To further save some money, the package also offers five solder tips along with a tip cleaner. Its heating core has a wattage of 65 to give it long-lasting traits. The machine has a high heat-resistant body, thanks to the stainless-steel pipes. Additionally, you get a solder sucker and a manual. Metalworks will never be an issue after getting this device.
Pros
Cons
4. Weller WE1010NA Digital Soldering Station
Since you have come across the Weller WE1010NA Digital Soldering Station, you do not need to search further for the best soldering station. Its portable body will give you the best work experience. The soldering station is suitable for both novice and pros. It is available at an affordable price.
Your soldering outcome will be smooth if the temperature is set right. That is what this soldering station will let you do. As you can lock the temp, do not worry about damaging the body parts. Not to mention, the device has high heat stability. Meanwhile, this heavy-duty machine contains a soldering iron that sustains 70 watts of power.
To gain a good reach, the cable that connects the machine to the tips is long. This cable is of silicon, which makes it absorb high heat. The manufacturers went overboard with the design of this soldering station. They even added a password locking system to provide extra security.
For saving energy, there are standby auto-setback modes. Its main body includes a digital readout with two buttons to adjust the temp. The iron has an excellent grip. The package contains a tip retainer, safety rest, and a screwdriver. The soldering station is recommended for all.
Pros
Cons
5. Hakko FX888D-23BY Digital Soldering Station
With a new and innovative design, the Hakko FX888D-23BY Digital Soldering Station is the thing you need in your workplace. Its blue and yellow body is small and easy to handle. The iron of the station is long and has an ideal grip. As a flagship of the Hakko soldering systems, the machine has a 30% more thermal-outcome than other devices from Hakko.
If you examine the device, you will notice the simple control panel on the front. From beginners to masters, all can use the machine with ease. There is a knob to adjust the temp. You can keep track of the temperature unit with ease using the digital display. Its soldering iron is long-lasting.
It has 65 watts capability, which is an ideal stat. To provide advanced safety from thermal-overload, the tips have extreme heat-resistance. Forget about tip oxidation while using this device.
You can get your job done very quickly as the machine can reach to 350-degree Celsius in 20 seconds. Featuring a 2.6 pounds body, the machine takes little space. This soldering machine earned itself lots of positive ratings. You should try it too.
Pros
Cons
6. Weller WLC100 Soldering Station
Next on our list, we have the Weller WLC100 Soldering Station, a highly capable device for your electronics, plumbing, or metalworks. Regardless of your intended use and workplace, the machine can meet any requirement. Its control panel is well-arranged.
Speaking of the control panel, the machine has a knob to control and set the right temp for your soldering material. The on-off button on the panel is large and easy to press. For the heating need, this soldering station can increase its temp to 900-degree F.
As a result; you can perform any soldering operation you want. Meanwhile, to keep the iron at the top shape, the watts can be adjusted within 5 and 40 watts. Regarding the iron, you can hold it like a pencil. The soft grip makes it more comfortable to grip. It is also lightweight, so your fingers won’t tire out after using it for a long time.
Do not worry about buying additional tips, as you will get an ST3 iron-plated tip, tested to be durable. UL listed the machine for its well-secured system. You will also get a tip cleaner. It is the right item to spend your money on.
Pros
Cons
7. YIHUA 939D+ Digital Soldering Station
The YIHUA 939D+ Digital Soldering Station is a heavy-duty soldering machine for experts. But beginners can also use this with a little knowledge. Everything that you need and want from a soldering station is present in this device.
You will be happy to be able to use the 75 watts sustaining iron that this machine has. Since the device is for industrial-duty projects, the temp limit of it is also high. The machine gives you an accurate heat output, ranging from 392 to 896-degree F. It makes for a great soldering result. This machine is lead-free to prevent any harm to your health.
The transformer lets a smooth heat output without draining much energy. Since the digital display is large enough, it is easy to check. For your personal preference, you are free to switch between C to F. Then, there is the large and tough dial knob. The machine has a temperature control system to keep the deviation perfect during worktime.
You will be using the machine for a long time because of its stable body made of aluminum. In the package, there are five solder tips and a tip cleaner.
Pros
Cons
8. TOAUTO Digital Solder Iron Station Kit
Compared to previously recommended items, the TOAUTO soldering station offers a bit more wattage output for more work capacity. This digital soldering device has 80 wattages maximum power output capacity that can produce 176-896 degrees. To reach 392 degrees, the soldering station takes only 6 seconds. Also, the thermal lock feature makes the temperature stable and constant.
When you compare TOAUTO’s soldering station to other generic products in the market, they offer the same advantages. So, why are we recommending this? Well, TOAUTO’s subtle features make their device easier and better to use.
The soldering iron handle is very easy to grab and safe to use. The design is compact, and it takes a small amount of space. It also has stability and sleep mode automation for safety and energy saving.
If your soldering station knowledge is on point, you would probably know about the PID technology that provides more precise control over the temperature you are using. The TOAUTO station does include that feature, and it doesn’t allow overheating or underheating mistakes.
Overall, this tool can come in handy for both beginners and professionals. It comes with necessary attachments, including soldering iron tips, solder wire, tweezers, etc.
Pros
Cons
9. Tilswall Solder Station Welding Iron
We haven’t talked about analog soldering stations that much because our experts mostly suggested digital ones. However, this analog soldering station is an exception with its digital-like precision of temperature and control. The 65W Tilswall station is a well-built soldering station that can provide 392-896 degrees of temperature and seems pretty similar to conventional soldering devices.
It has PID temperature control technology that keeps stability and provides more accurate soldering. Talking about temperature stability, the PID technology in this device checks the temperature every 20 milliseconds to recalibrate, which is admirable. As a result, the temperature stability of this device is as low as ±3 degrees.
The soldering cable of the Tilswall station is very safe and durable and won’t have issues that you may typically face during winter. Also, you get your essential attachments with the station, including five different types of additional soldering tips, metal sponge, tin wire, etc.
If you are a fan of analog soldering stations, you should go for this excellent pick. Its simple control, excellent temperature stability, and compact design make it a solid gear for professionals and beginners.
Pros
Cons
10. X-TRONIC WEP 927-I Adjustable Soldering Iron Station
Even though we started our list with the top product from X-TRONIC, the brand has more excellent soldering devices ready for beginners and professionals. The WEP 927-I is a 60-watt soldering station with 986 degrees of maximum temperature. Compared to many of our top picks, this device isn’t super-fast, but it is fast enough for doing your tasks. It takes 30 seconds for the station to heat up from 194 to 896 degrees.
One of the best qualities about the WEP 927-I is its low prices compared to many competitors existing in the market. The device has low-temperature stability of ±35 degrees. PSD temperature control technology gives the device the stability and accuracy of heat. It has a 10-minute sleep timer to provide safety and efficiency.
The station is an analog one that means you don’t get the typical LCD screen to show the temperature. Some people do prefer the analog ones more, and if you are one of them, this device will be a very good pick.
Overall, compared to many of X-TRONIC’s competitors, they seem to offer more at a cheaper price. So, going for it won’t be a bad option at all!
Pros
Cons
How to Select the Best Soldering Iron Station
Soldering stations may appear simple and to an extent, but you need to learn about deeper factors to get the best soldering station. Below are the crucial factors and a detailed guide on how to check them when buying a soldering iron station.
Analog vs. Digital
Digital soldering stations are more expensive, but they offer several facilities that analog stations lag. On the other hand, analog’s simple controls and easy-to-use nature attract a group of users who despise digital ones.
So, whether you should go for an analog one or a digital one may depend on your personal opinion. However, most experts recommend digital ones as they are useful for professional-level soldering tasks.
For more understanding, check out the comparison of analog and digital soldering stations farther below.
Wattage
Most people with decent ideas about soldering iron stations look for specific wattage depending on what kind of PCB they are working on. So, in order to find a device that will suit your soldering needs, you first need to realize how much wattage is crucial for the tasks you will do with the station.
When a soldering station doesn’t provide enough wattage output, there won’t be enough heat for your tasks, and you may end up creating dry joints. So, is that mean going for more wattage is the best idea?
Well, not really! When you are working on smaller components and ICs, you can go under 50W soldering stations. When you are working with 10 gauge wires of coppers, large heatsinks, etc., getting 100W ones is the best choice.
Temperature Stability
When working on a PCB with a soldering station, you would want the tip of the soldering iron to remain at the same temperature while working. Temperature stability isn’t easy to achieve as you are applying heat to the board, and the environment is taking up heat from the soldering iron’s tip, making it harder to keep the temperature stable.
A good control circuit of a soldering station will provide more stability. If the temperature jumps around more or less than 50 degrees, the device isn’t going to be that good.
Temperature Accuracy
If you are working on a board and set the temperature to 600 degrees, you would want the soldering iron tip to be the same temperature. However, it doesn’t always happen in many devices as there are compromised errors on the devices. The more temperature accuracy your soldering station has, the more precise your work will be.
So, look for a soldering station that can offer 100 degrees accuracy or less, meaning the temperature won’t jump more or less than 100 degrees.
Types of Soldering Station
There are a few different types of soldering stations available. Each is unique in terms of essential usage factors. Below are some examples:
Contact Soldering Stations
The most popular device stations are known as contact soldering stations. One of the basic issues with soldering is overheating and damaging semiconductors. That’s why it only makes sense to have a soldering station that can provide constant temperature and adjust it yourself. That’s why a contact soldering station comes equipped with a power supply.
Lead-Free Soldering Stations
Lead-free solders have a higher melting point compared to lead ones. So, if you are working with lead-free solders, a lead-free soldering station is necessary. For providing more heat, such stations can provide up to 150 wattages.
You can also use a lead-free soldering station for lead solder as there are options to control the temperature. So, you can also say that a lead-free soldering station is a subcategory of contact soldering stations.
Hot Air Soldering Station
Instead of a regular contact soldering station that passes heat through its soldering iron’s tip, a hot air soldering station blows heated air and is used for smaller and more sensitive circuits. A hot air soldering station is often used for computer CPUs and cellphones.
Combined Hot Air Soldering Station
What if you need both contact and hot air soldering station? In this case, you can go for the combined hot air soldering station that will offer you both. Lukey 852D+ is one of the soldering stations that gained massive popularity by providing this 2-in-1 feature. It helps anyone working with mobile phone accessories.
Some other types of soldering station or related devices are:
Soldering Station Digital vs. Analog
There are a big discussion and disagreement on which system is better on a soldering station. Most would think that a digital station is far superior, but many users tend to say otherwise. The user-base of two different types of station recommend either digital or analog. Let’s look at a comparison that will help you pick the better one:
Factors | Analog | Digital |
---|---|---|
Interface | An analog soldering station’s interface usually consists of two parts. There is a variable knob and an LED light available. | An LCD display shows a range of data on a digital soldering station. Some digital devices have a variable knob for better control. |
Ease of Use | Having variable knobs, an analog soldering station may be easier to use for beginners. | A digital soldering station often comes with buttons and sophisticated controls. Changing settings is a bit harder, but digital provides more options. |
Price | Analog stations are usually slightly cheaper than digital ones. | Digital devices usually cost $30 more compared to analog ones. |
You will be able to see that analog and digital station both have their advantages. However, nowadays, digital stations are the norm as these devices come with more features and are becoming more affordable.
Tips for Beginners
If this is your first time buying a soldering station or you just lack experience, here are some more crucial points for you to consider:
Go for <100W
You don’t need 100W soldering stations unless you know which PCB you are going to work on. If you are just a hobbyist or learning soldering and just need gear to start working with, you should go for options like 50-75W.
Lower wattage also means cheaper device. With that much wattage, you can get up to 896 degrees of temperature to do soldering, which should be good enough.
Pick a Compact Station
A more compact station allows you to have more room to work with, and they are safer to use for beginners. So, you don’t have to pick the largest soldering station you find. Just go for one that is smaller and still provides a good performance.
Check for the Station’s Attachments
You don’t want to buy additional attachments after getting the soldering station. That’s why you should look for additional attachments in the pack. For example, extra soldering iron tips, lead-free wire, tweezers, sponge, etc., often come with the package.
Final Note
After considering wattage, temperature accuracy, and overall device, you will be able to pick a perfect soldering station for your work easily. Make sure to check out our buying guide if you are willing to do your own research.
If you are looking for an overall great pick, go for the X-Tronic model #3020. It is all around a suitable soldering station that will help you with beginner and professional level tasks. 75 wattage of model #3020 gives you an upper hand in beginner-level work. For professionals, it helps with a range of simple to complex tasks.
Last Updated on 1 year by Richard Boyer