The Best Soldering Irons
Whether you're a master welder, a circuit board engineer, or just a tinkerer that likes fixing electronics in the garage, you're going to need a soldering iron. A quality option will have a long working life, temperature control, and a high-precision tip. Of course, there are tons of soldering irons out there that just don't cut it, so we've decided to whittle down the list to the very best of the best. Read on to discover our favorites, from the best on a budget to the premium pick.
Lonove Soldering Iron Station Kit
We Love the Lonove Soldering Kit
Soldering can be highly enjoyable. It can also be a frustrating mess, especially when you’re tinkering with something that seems to require four hands to hold and two hands to solder. That’s precisely why we love the Lonove Soldering Iron Station. This beauty hosts two helping hands (alligator clips) that hold everything in place while you solder. Better yet, the iron itself heats up incredibly fast. How fast? This thing can melt solder wire in under six seconds. That’s fast. Other handy features include a solder spool holder, six differently-shaped solder tips, and precise digital temperature correction. A great choice for beginners and veterans alike, the Lonove Solder Iron Station is a soldering iron for the masses.
Pros
- Great value for the price, especially considering the excellent quality and convenience of the design.
- It’s replete with safety features, such as shielded cords and an anti-static design that’s ESD-safe (components won’t shock you).
- The “helping hands” really make soldering small components a breeze.
Cons
- The little rack to hold the extra tips doesn’t hold them securely, so they can fall out.
Weller WLC100 40-Watt Soldering Station
Inexpensive and Effective
You don’t need to sell the family farm in order to get a decent soldering iron. That’s why we recommend this affordable option from Weller. It’s a high-performance machine that can reach up to 900-degrees Fahrenheit. That’s hot. And even though the price is low, don’t worry about safety – Weller irons are “UL-listed”, meaning they’re tested by third parties to ensure they’re up to snuff. This option also sports a comfortable, cushioned grip that offers greater control and comfort. Plus, the solder tip is iron-plated, so it’s easy to clean and made to last a long time. Heck, even the temperature-control dial is of surprising quality, with its smooth and accurate rotation. If you’re going to opt for something in this price range, we’ll suggest Weller every time.
Pros
- Includes all the essential features, like a comfortable pencil iron, accurate temperature controls, and a durable static-free base.
- Affordably-priced, it’s a great option for those shopping on a budget.
- Weller is a trusted company that holds all its products to high standards of safety and quality.
Cons
- Since it’s only 40 watts, it takes longer to heat up than the pricier options (but after all, what’s the rush?).
- The dial’s units are in watts, not degrees.
X-Tronic Model #3020, XTS Digital Display
The Deluxe Package
For those with a little extra cash to spend, you should take a hard look at this premium option from X-Tronic. It has all the latest-and-greatest features in the world of soldering irons, such as heavy-duty helping hands, a grippy ergonomic handle, and an accurate LED temperature display. Better yet, this beauty reaches extremely high temperatures in under 30 seconds thanks to the 75-watt power system. It also comes with a premium brass sponge and cleaning flux, so you can keep your iron clean as a whistle for decades. Widely accepted by professionals as a worthy iron, the X-Tronic takes soldering to a whole new level.
Pros
- All the components are super high-quality and durable, from the lightweight pencil iron itself to the strong helping hands.
- Protected by a 3-year warranty from X-Tronic.
- Meets all the most up-to-date safety standards, such as a 10-minute automatic shut-off timer and an “ESD-Safe” certification.
Cons
- Left-handed people will likely lament the orientation of the chassis, as the iron holder can’t be moved to the left side.
Anbes Soldering Iron Kit, 60W
We've All Got to Start Somewhere
There are tons of soldering iron systems out there with fancy features and high price tags. But for those that are just starting out, you’re going to want something basic and affordable. This kit from Anbes is an excellent option and has everything you need to get started (including some solder wire itself). In fact, there are tons of useful tools in this kit, including a desoldering pump, extra soldering tips, tweezers, and even a wire stripper. It’s a great way to learn the tools of the trade. If you’re a first-timer, or just in need of a complete and portable soldering toolkit, go with Anbes.
Pros
- The 14-piece kit has all the tools that one might need to solder, and it packs up nicely in the compact traveling case.
- The price is affordable for those that want an entry-level soldering iron.
Cons
- The temperature control doesn’t display the temperature in degrees, just numerical increments.
Plusivo Soldering Iron Kit, 60W Adjustable Temperature
Inexpensive, But Not Cheap
If you’re really strapped for cash, there are still some options that can get you back in the saddle. This pick from Plusivo costs little more than the price of a cheese pizza, yet it still boasts quality components – well, quality where it matters, that is. Of course, it comes with tons of extra plastic doodads that are about as well-made as one might expect when shopping in this price range. But as far as the essential parts are concerned, like the iron itself, the sturdy base, and the precise iron tip, you can rest assured that Plusivo meets the standards. As a matter of fact, this option comes with five differently-shaped soldering tips, and they’re all high-quality and easy to clean.
Pros
- The solder comes in a tube that cleverly dispenses the wire in a really neat and mess-free way.
- Includes a carrying case and numerous extras.
- The soldering iron itself is lightweight and comfortable in the handle, as well as durable and built to last.
Cons
- Some of the “bonus items”, like the mini wire-stripper and the mini screwdrivers, are low-quality. They’ll get the job done, but you might want to upgrade your kit down the line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does solder have lead in it and is it dangerous?
Most solder does indeed contain lead. If you want to know the lead content of your solder wire, look for the Sn-Pb ratio, usually indicated on the spool’s label. For example, 63/37 Sn-Pb solder contains 63% aluminum and 37% lead.
Lead-based solder is safe to use as long as you take the proper precautions. Wearing a mask and protective eye goggles is always recommended. Also, make sure that you’re working in a well-ventilated room.
Are there lead-free solders that I can use?
There are lead-free solders. However, these metal alloys have a much higher melting point than lead-based metals. Thus, if you want to use a lead-free solder, you’ll have to opt for one of the pricier soldering irons that can reach higher temperatures consistently and accurately.
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