⚒ Best electric soldering irons and soldering stations in 2020

Buying a soldering iron together with a soldering station is not such an easy process. A person will face many difficulties, up to the fact that the device will not be able to grab the solder or solder the legs. This will affect the quality of work and not a single electronic product, even a simple regenerative detector, will work. To prevent this from happening, the editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared for you a rating of the best soldering irons and soldering stations for 2020.

What is important to know

You cannot find similar tools in the store, each model has its own specifications. Therefore, before buying, you need to understand them and calculate the budget for the device.

The best option is to buy a soldering station, but there are also dozens of nuances here. Indeed, some manufacturers take this seriously, realizing the risks, while for others it is important to set up conveyor production. Therefore, before buying a station, a beginner needs to gain skills from his own experience, and if he likes the business, then only then think about buying.

Operating principle

There are at least three types of soldering iron on the shelves, each of which differs in its principle of operation.

• Electric soldering iron with spiral heater. This option is considered widespread and affordable, it can be found both in special stores, such as "Chip and Dip", and ordered from AliExpress. The device is based on a heating product, which is made in the form of a nichrome wire spiral. Also, the user may come across a tool that has a ceramic rod, but it is almost impossible to find it. Fakes are more common, where there is a standard spiral, only it is wrapped in ceramic. Therefore, it is important to be vigilant when purchasing such a device.
• Pulse soldering irons. Presented in stores in the form of a pistol, to heat up, press the appropriate button, after which the device will be ready for use in about 5-10 seconds. This is its main advantage over the rest, however, experts do not recommend using the product to work with sensitive elements, there is a chance to spoil them. The cost of devices: from 400 to 3000 rubles.
• Induction soldering irons. This model is a compact soldering station. The device is heated by the inductor coil. The main advantage is protection against overheating, which happens like this: as soon as the temperature reaches the set maximum (Curie point), the core, which has a ferromagnetic coating, begins to lose its properties, and heating stops. As soon as the soldering iron cools down, the process will be repeated again. So, a person can be calm about the device, because it will not fail. Of course, the cost of such devices is higher, but they last longer.

In addition to electric soldering irons, there are gas ones, but this option will be either expensive or inconvenient for home use. It is better for a beginner to buy a standard spiral type product. So he will get a high-quality device, while spending a minimum.

Selection according to the main technical characteristics

It is not enough to know the types and prices, it is also important to navigate the characteristics in order to choose the model that will last a long time and reliably.

Power

It is designated as W (Watt, W), it should be remembered that the maximum temperature of the tip depends on the value of this indicator. Therefore, it is not always advisable to buy the most powerful devices. Because, working with electronic elements, this can cause overheating of some devices, and a person will not repair the device, but damage it.

Electric soldering irons with a power of 5 to 40 watts are often presented in stores. So for carrying out simple repairs at home, a person will need a device with a maximum power of up to 20 watts. All other instances require knowledge of additional security measures and are designed to perform complex operations.

Having asked a professional what device he prefers to use, a person will hear an ambiguous answer: "It doesn't matter, the main thing is to melt." While this answer may seem incorrect to many, there is some truth in it. After all, there are often devices that fail after a month of operation. Sometimes a person can find a device that will quickly overheat and have to be tinkered again. Therefore, it is better to buy once, but a high-quality device than to change it.

Voltage

It is easy here, since the standard of the outlet is 220 V, respectively, it is important for a beginner to buy a similar soldering iron. However, sometimes there are devices that operate only on a 36 V, 12 V, 6 V network. Such models are more often used in production, where there is additional equipment where a soldering iron is connected. However, it should be remembered that the volume of work there is greater and the requirements are higher. Therefore, it is not recommended to buy such a device for the home.

The size

Paying attention to this parameter, it is important to remember that the dimensions of the soldering iron depend on the work being done. Therefore, some professionals prefer to have two devices, one designed for small jobs (soldering microcircuits, resistors, transistors, etc.), the other for medium ones: carrying out installation operations with large parts or electrical wires.

The size of a soldering iron designed for soldering electronic elements should not exceed 20 cm, devices from 30 to 35 cm are selected for other work. It is also important to look at the tip, as it can be straight, removable, curved, universal, etc. For a small machine, a needle-shaped sting is the best option.

For complex work, choose round or flat. A short sting is chosen only when the person is sure that his work does not require deepening in technology. In other situations, a long sting is a versatile remedy.

Handle material

The case is made of dozens of different materials, but the following are considered common: plastic - used in cheap products, wood - for performing easy work, ebonite, carbolite and textolite are also good, but the handles of such devices quickly heat up, which makes it impossible to work.

Most radio installers recommend purchasing handles with a wooden coating, this is due to the low thermal conductivity of this element. Also, some devices, the body of which is made of plastic, do not heat up.

Blade material

A common material for a tip in household soldering irons is copper. Its main advantage is that there is the possibility of tinning, high-speed heating, it is easy to fix and clean from contamination. The only drawback of this option is thorough care. After all, the copper sting is oxidized, which is why you have to constantly edit the element with the help of a file.

Another popular material that is used by amateurs and professionals is a sting that is nickel or chrome plated. The advantage of such models is the absence of editing. The disadvantage of the product is the tinning procedure, which takes a long time. In addition, the sting is sensitive to overheating and mechanical damage.Due to the thin protective layer, it cannot be corrected, so if the device ceases to function, it is easier to leave it and buy a new one than to try to "resurrect".

How to choose a soldering iron for a beginner: the main criteria and recommendations

• If a person is familiar with the basics of soldering, and also has some practical skills, then a great option is to buy a soldering station. Since it will allow you to control the heating range, maintain the set temperature, which will eliminate the risk of overheating of the tip. There is a convenient stand for a soldering iron, a special place for cleaning, etc.
• It is better for a beginner to look at simple devices that are designed for light household work, and their power does not exceed 40 watts. It is desirable that there is a temperature control function.
• It is impractical to buy a device with a dozen possibilities, since an inexperienced person will not appreciate them or will not use them. Therefore, he will overpay for the air.
• If it is possible to connect the soldering iron to almost any network, then devices with a voltage of 12 or 24 W will be optimal. They are considered safe.
• Also, gas soldering irons are suitable for beginners. Because they are easy to set up and operate, you just need to read the instructions and after the first attempts, the user will get comfortable.
• Several stings show the practicality of a person. After all, a separate element is used for almost every job. With stock, the user will never have a problem.
• It is important to remember that the handle should not get hot, and when working with the device, it is necessary to hold it only by the insulated case.
• The tool is stored in a box or other place where the parts will always be assembled and not lost.
• During work, it is important to immediately throw away the excess. It is not allowed to work on a dirty surface.
• Along with a soldering iron, nippers are purchased for cutting wires, tweezers, which will become a good companion when working with small parts, a stationery knife, etc.

Rating of high-quality soldering stations and soldering irons

LUKEY 936A

The device is in demand among both ordinary users and radio installers. There is an adjustable hole, thanks to which a person can calibrate the device and achieve a minimum error. For convenient control over heating, the device has a special indicator that notifies the user about the current state of the device.

Due to the fact that the minimum operating temperature is 200 degrees, and the maximum is 450, a person can use the device in almost any area and in different conditions. The ceramic heating element will make repairs as safe as possible and will not damage critical components. Also, the work is simplified due to the problem-free tip replacement, which takes 5-10 seconds.

Power - 60 W, power is supplied from a standard 220 V power supply. There is thermal stabilization, the handle is made of plastic that does not conduct heat. The dimensions of the soldering station are 93x70x120 mm, with a weight of 1.3 kg.

The average cost is 2,400 rubles.

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ELEMENT 853D

This model is intended for professional use. In addition to the soldering iron, a hot air gun is connected to the station. Used for double-sided printed wiring. Working elements are equipped with a system of self-diagnosis of temperature, which eliminates the possibility of overheating. So if the soldering iron is not used for 10 minutes, then its temperature will reach 200 degrees, and it will go into sleep mode. Thanks to these actions, the operational period is extended several times.

The maximum power is 650 watts. The working temperature range is from 200 to 450 degrees for a soldering iron and 100-450 for a hair dryer. The indication of the current state of the device is carried out by means of a digital LED display. The handles are made of special plastic. Powered by 220 V.

The average cost is 8,000 rubles.

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ICON Nano

An antistatic soldering station designed for use in production and complex repairs. Power - 70 W, this is enough to carry out most of the installation or dismantling work. For the convenience of the user, there is a temperature display. There is a sponge to remove residual components. The temperature is regulated from 150 to 450 degrees. Warming up to the set parameter occurs within 9 seconds. The device is manufactured in Germany.

The average cost is 20,000 rubles.

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OBSOLETE SL-30CMCESD

The device is designed for high-precision soldering at specified temperatures. The error is 2-3 degrees. This value is made possible by the use of a temperature sensor. The soldering iron is designed to operate from a 24 V network, the working element consists of copper, with a nickel coating.

The soldering station operates on 220 V and consumes 48 W. There is a temperature indication.

The average cost is 7,000 rubles.

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REXANT 12-0183-1

The device is intended for beginners and hobbyists. Maximum power up to 30 W, power is supplied from a 220 V electrical network. As a bonus, there are 19 additional attachments that are suitable for every occasion.

The plastic handle does not heat up from prolonged use. Transportable in a convenient carrying case, keeping the components safe.

The average cost is 1,300 rubles.

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EPSN (230V, 25W)

A device from a Russian manufacturer designed for simple installation work. It has a removable tip that will allow you to install any type of attachment. Comes in a comfortable plastic handle. During operation, the user can independently select the required power and make repairs. It is powered by a 220 V power supply. Heater type is nichrome.

The average cost is 400 rubles.

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EPCN

A classic device that comes with a wooden handle. Therefore, users can have peace of mind when working with the device. After all, the heat dissipation is minimal. It is allowed to connect the device to an electrical network from 6 V to 220 V. The only drawback of such a device is a solid sting. It cannot be changed or removed, so the soldering iron is not intended for some work.

The average cost is 380 rubles.

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Output

The considered devices will help a person to repair electronic equipment, of almost any complexity. If you have experience using soldering irons or soldering stations described in the rating, tell us about it in the comments. It is also important to remember that when working with power tools, it is important to follow the safety rules.