The arsenal of a good home craftsman must necessarily include a tool such as a soldering iron. If this is not the case in your case, you have to correct the situation, and the presented TOP models will help you make a choice in favor of a high-quality purchase, it includes the best soldering irons for the home. It will also tell you what is the principle of the tool and its types. Let's get started!
Content
- 1 Summary table of the best soldering irons
- 1.1 Best Electric Soldering Iron with Nichrome Heater - Goot KS-80
- 1.2 Best Electric Ceramic Heater Soldering Iron - ProsKit SI-131B
- 1.3 Best Induction Soldering Iron - Bakon BK1000 ESD
- 1.4 Best Pulse Soldering Iron - Rexant 12-0162
- 1.5 Best Gas Soldering Iron - KVT XZ-1
- 1.6 Best Portable USB Soldering Iron - MEGEON 00100
- 1.7 Best Hot Air Soldering Iron - Lukey 852D Plus
- 1.8 Best Cordless Soldering Iron - Ryobi R18SOI-0 ONE +
- 1.9 The best hammer soldering iron - Zubr Professional 200W 55301-200
- 2 Popular types of soldering irons
- 3 What to look for when choosing a soldering iron?
Summary table of the best soldering irons
| Soldering iron model | Power, W | Weight, g |
| Goot KS-80 | 80 | 70 |
| ProsKit SI-131B | 80 | 220 |
| Bakon BK1000 ESD | 90 | 1580 |
| Rexant 12-0162 | 30/130 | 290 |
| KVT XZ-1 | – | 120 |
| MEGEON 00100 | 50 | 1110 |
| Lukey 852D Plus | 350 | 5150 |
| Ryobi R18SOI-0 ONE + | 18 | 700 |
| Bison Professional 200W 55301-200 | 18 | 600 |
Best Electric Soldering Iron with Nichrome Heater - Goot KS-80
The soldering iron of the Japanese manufacturer Goot has deservedly become the best among electric tools with a nichron heater. The built-in heating element acts as an interlayer insulation. The tip received a multi-layer non-combustible coating, which ensured the durability of the tool. Compared to regular copper, the KS-80R tip will last 20 times longer!
The tool works with a power of 80 watts. The weight is 70 grams, which ensures the comfort of soldering.
Characteristics:
| Power, W | 80 |
| Tip diameter, mm | 6 |
| Weight, g | 70 |
- a light weight;
- long service life;
- easy maintenance - we recommend using a cellulose sponge for cleaning.
- there is no temperature regulator;
- Replacement blades are not included.
Best Electric Ceramic Heater Soldering Iron - ProsKit SI-131B
It continues the TOP of the best - a useful tool, both in the home workshop and in production. The model is equipped with an electronic type temperature controller. The temperature range is 200-450 degrees. The instrument is equipped with a reliable ceramic heater supporting the fast heating option, and its casing is made of stainless steel, the casing is made of impact-resistant plastic. It works with a power of 80 W, and weighs only 220 grams, which does not overload the hand of the master.
Characteristics:
| Power, W | 80 |
| Tip diameter, mm | 5 |
| Weight, g | 220 |
- there is a temperature controller;
- high-quality and durable materials were used in the assembly;
- fast heating;
- a light weight.
- absent.
Best Induction Soldering Iron - Bakon BK1000 ESD
It is the best tool for lead-free and general soldering, electronic circuit board repair. The induction soldering station works at a temperature of 200-500 degrees. There is a possibility of ultra-fast heating up to the specified temperature range.By installing a temperature sensor on the tip of the tip by the manufacturer, it was possible to achieve high accuracy in observing the operating mode.
Equipped with LCD display with digital LED indicator. The user can block the temperature of the tip. Additionally, antistatic protection of the tool against damage to internal elements is provided. The power of the device is 90 W, and its weight is 1580 kg.
Characteristics:
| Power, W | 90 |
| Tip diameter, mm | – |
| Weight, g | 1580 |
- accuracy of temperature maintenance;
- protection against static electricity;
- good equipment: a sponge for cleaning tips, a soldering iron holder, a nozzle;
- the ratio of the established cost and quality.
- no.
Best Pulse Soldering Iron - Rexant 12-0162
When thinking about which soldering iron is better to buy for small parts, also pay attention to this tool. It is designed for soldering small elements in radio and other electronics. The working power varies 30-130 W, the parameter can be adjusted by yourself. It is easy to start the quick warm-up option - to do this, you need to press the special trigger equipped on the soldering iron body. The heater is made of durable ceramics, which allows you to quickly get the temperature you need for operation, this has a positive effect on the reliability of the device.
For ease of use, the soldering iron is equipped with a special handle with an ergonomic design. The element is made of durable plastic, resistant to impacts. The tip is made of copper with an electrolytic iron coating. If necessary, the component can be replaced by the wizard.
Characteristics:
| Power, W | 30/130 |
| Sting shape | cone |
| Weight, g | 290 |
- interesting design;
- the ability to adjust the power;
- convenience of work;
- strength and reliability of the body, internal elements.
- not detected.
Best Gas Soldering Iron - KVT XZ-1
An excellent solution if you need to solder in hard-to-reach places. The tool deservedly entered the rating of the best, because it combines 3 types of devices at the same time: a gas burner, a heat shrink hair dryer and, accordingly, a soldering iron. Heating is possible up to 1300 degrees. The complete set is supplemented with 4 attachments and a case for storing the tool.
Characteristics:
| Power, W | – |
| Sting shape | cone |
| Weight, g | 120 |
- Ease of use;
- portability;
- multifunctionality;
- good equipment;
- work at maximum temperature.
- no.
Best Portable USB Soldering Iron - MEGEON 00100
A small soldering iron with excellent functional content, compact size and ease of use. The tool weighs only 1.11 kg. Equipped with simple controls with flexible settings. There is a sleep mode. Warming up is carried out in just 2 seconds to a minimum operating temperature of 100 degrees. The power is 25 W. The maximum heating is 400 degrees.
Characteristics:
| Power, W | 50 |
| Tip diameter, mm | – |
| Weight, g | 1110 |
- adjustment of parameters of work with digital control;
- 7 types of soldering tips included;
- Ease of use;
- ceramic type of heating element;
- high-quality materials of the device - copper coating.
- very expensive.
Best Hot Air Soldering Iron - Lukey 852D Plus
A full-fledged soldering station that is distinguished by the ability to supply a powerful air flow - 350 W. Heating is carried out up to 480 degrees. The temperature regime can be adjusted independently, starting from 100 degrees. The heater is made of durable ceramics, which eliminates the damage to electronic voltage cells, as can occur with a simple metal component. The complete set is supplemented with a sponge for cleaning tips, a stand, a hot air gun holder and nozzles for it. Also, the buyer receives the hot air gun himself.
Characteristics:
| Power, W | 350 |
| Sting shape | cone |
| Weight, g | 5150 |
- operational reliability;
- wide temperature range;
- full set.
- no.
Best Cordless Soldering Iron - Ryobi R18SOI-0 ONE +
A great option for work at the workbench or in the garage.The tool is mobile, weighs only 400 g. The case is quite compact, which has a positive effect on the level of the craftsman's comfort. In just 50 seconds, it heats up to 480 degrees, you can focus on the LED indicator, which indicates the process of heating or cooling the tool. The power is 18 W.
Characteristics:
| Power, W | 18 |
| Sting shape | cone |
| Weight, g | 700 |
- compact size and ease of work;
- there are 2 tips: sharp and flat;
- quick warm-up.
- battery and charger are not included.
The best hammer soldering iron - Zubr Professional 200W 55301-200
Tool with 200 watts of power. It will help you to solder and tinning metal elements, even large ones. It is often used in different types of industry, but it is also useful in household use.
Equipped with a ceramic tip, which has a positive effect on long term use. The element is highly durable. For the convenience of the user, the manufacturer has equipped the tool with a handle, a shutdown button located on the body. There is also an option for protection against electric current using a special ground wire.
Characteristics:
| Power, W | 18 |
| Sting shape | wedge |
| Weight, g | 600 |
- long-term operation;
- reliability;
- protection during work;
- convenience.
- no.
Popular types of soldering irons
Electric soldering irons with nichrome heater
The principle of operation consists in heating the surface of the tip when the tool is connected to the mains. The heating tool is presented in the form of a spiral. It is made of fine wire. Also, modern models of soldering irons can provide for the presence of a nichrome element, which is built into the insulator.
- reasonable price in the market;
- availability of choice;
- good resistance to damage.
- does not cope well with large loads, the spiral can burn out if you use the tool every day;
- long warm-up.
Electric Soldering Irons with Ceramic Heater
The heating element is a ceramic rod, which heats up when voltage is applied to the contacts.
- fast heating;
- duration of use, subject to the manufacturer's recommendation;
- the ability to adjust the temperature and power level.
- fakes are often found on the market;
- fragility of the heating element;
- there is no possibility of using replaceable stings;
- expensive cost.
Pulse soldering irons
Convenient to use - the tip is warmed up after pressing the button. Warming up as fast as possible - just a couple of seconds. In domestic models, the tip is represented by a copper wire. It is an integral part of the electrical circuit, which includes a high-frequency transformer, which reduces the mains voltage to operating voltage, as well as a frequency converter, which is responsible for increasing the voltage frequency to 18-40 kHz.
- fast heating;
- soldering elements of different sizes;
- high level of efficiency.
- for long-term work, it is better to choose a different type of soldering irons, since impulse irons do not withstand a continuous cycle of use in a constant mode.
Gas soldering irons
A good self-contained soldering iron, where the heat source is the flame from the combustion of gas charged into the can. If you remove the nozzle, the owner will get a regular gas burner.
- use without attachment to the network.
- no.
Cordless (cordless) soldering irons
They differ in low power - 15 watts. Battery operated. Mainly applied to small electronic components.
- fast heating;
- portability;
- no connection to the power grid;
- a light weight.
- low power.
Hot Air Soldering Irons
Heating is carried out by a jet of hot air, which is directed to the brazing zone and exits the tool nozzle.
- contactless use.
- the stream can blow off small parts, and adjacent elements can also suffer.
Portable USB Soldering Irons
The tool works from USB power, for example, from a standard cigarette lighter. Can be used for soldering small parts.
- compactness;
- mobility;
- fast heating.
- low power.
Hammer soldering irons
The hammer soldering irons are equipped with handles with a thick tip. Used for soldering large parts.
- low price;
- power 100-150 W.
- small functionality;
- lack of regulation of the temperature regime of heating.
What to look for when choosing a soldering iron?
Power
The ability to use the tool in work depends on the power:
- soldering small electronic parts up to 25 W;
- work with thick wires - 40 W;
- soldering of large parts - from 100 W or more.
For the home, it is recommended to pay attention to the model of the instrument with a power of 25-40 watts.
Thermal stabilization
Simplifies the task of the wizard in that you can set the exact temperature regime, which will be maintained throughout the entire soldering. The temperature controller can be in a housing separate from the instrument or built into it.
Price
The cost of the tool is set by the manufacturer, taking into account its characteristics and set of functions. Of course, the brand that puts the soldering iron on sale plays a role. For household chores, you can get by with a budget electric model with a copper sting from 80 to 600 rubles. The power of such devices on average varies within 40 watts.
Ceramic nichrome soldering irons are also available in the inexpensive segment. Their power is 30-40 W, and the price varies - 300-600 rubles.
More expensive are pulse models, portable and wireless. The first will cost between 300-700 rubles with a power of 70 watts. The price for wireless and USB soldering irons is 300-1300 rubles, but their power is limited to 10 watts.
From 2500 rubles and more, durable models of soldering irons equipped with a ceramic film heater will cost, and their power will be from 50 W and more.
There are a number of other criteria - tip type, handle material, tip shape, tin suction. Their choice should be made, relying on the purposefulness of the planned work.
