A soldering iron is a great tool to have as part of your kit. Soldering is a simple skill to learn and as a soldering iron is so versatile it can be used to work on a range of projects. It is a quick, easy and neat way to make electrical connections, connect together copper plumbing pipes or work on your craft and jewellery. Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional, selecting a soldering iron is not always easy. The reviews and buyer’s guide below will help you recognise the key differences so you can find the best soldering iron for your needs.
Here are the best soldering irons in Australia:
1. Dremel Versatip 2000 Butane Gas Soldering Iron Kit (Best Gas-Powered Soldering Iron)
This versatile soldering iron set comes with 6 interchangeable tips making it ideal for soldering, hot cutting, pyrography, heat shrinking and welding. This is one of the best kits for both beginners and experts.
The soldering iron is powered by gas, it heats up quickly and the gas is very easy to refill meaning this tool is always ready to use. The variable temperature allows you to adjust the setting to suit the project you are working on.
A full gas tank will give you 30-60 minutes of run time and it gives you the benefit of portability meaning the soldering iron can be used anywhere at any time. This easy to use tool has an integrated ignition trigger and it also has a child lock mechanism for safety.
What We Like:
- 6 tools in 1
- High quality
- Gas-powered so no wires
What We Don’t Like:
- Small size
2. WEP 60W Solder Station Electric Soldering Iron (Best Electric Soldering Iron)
This electric soldering iron offers a safe, powerful and intelligent option that is able to handle big jobs and continuous use.
The set comes with 6 interchangeable tips so it can be used to carry out a variety of tasks. The unit heats up quickly, has rapid temperature recovery and offers a stable temperature. Although large in size, this solder station is lightweight so is easy to move around.
There is a digital display that shows the real-time temperature of the tip and this unit also has self-error detection offering short circuit and overheat protection. There is ventilation to ensure you can safely use this soldering iron continuously without it overheating. The WEP 60W Soldering Station also comes with a soldering iron stand so you can safely put the hot iron down while working.
What We Like:
- Digital display shows real-time temperature
- Multiple safety features
- Ideal for large jobs
What We Don’t Like:
- Bulkier than other options
3. Yescom 60W Soldering Iron Station
This compact, lightweight, low noise soldering iron station from Yescom is well suited to mounting and reworking SMD components by hand.
The station is user-friendly and includes a conveniently located sponge that can be dampened so you can wipe the soldering tips clean while you are working. There is an LED display that shows the precise temperature of the solder tip and the set comes with 5 tips so you can carry out a range of jobs with this one unit.
The side ventilations are for heat radiation so the unit does not overheat when you are soldering for a long time. This is a simple, sturdy and reliable option that is ideal for carrying out a range of tasks.
What We Like:
- Space-saving
- Value for money
- Easy to use
What We Don’t Like:
- Heavy station
4. Milwaukee 12V Cordless Soldering Iron
This 12V cordless soldering iron from Milwaukee is a small, handheld option that is perfect for carrying out soldering work in more confined spaces. It is easy to hold, control and there are no cords to worry about.
The tool heats up in 18 seconds and maintains an optimized temperature throughout demanding applications. There is a clear indicator that notifies you when the tool is ready-to-use and when it is safe to store away.
The 3-stop pivoting head makes it easier for users to adapt the tool for the application type, this is ideal for working in smaller spaces. This cordless soldering iron works with a M12 2.0Ah battery pack which offers 45 minutes of run time.
What We Like:
- Heats up in 18 seconds
- Coloured lights indicate the status of the soldering iron
- Cordless
What We Don’t Like:
- Does not come with battery or charger
5. Hakko FX-888D Digital Soldering Station
This digital soldering iron from Hakko is a reliable, compact set that is easy to operate. This is one of the best options for beginners and hobbyists as it is user-friendly and won’t take up much worktop space.
This is an efficient model that has just two control buttons for straightforward use. The digital display can show the temperature in either °F or °C and the thermal recovery of these tips is excellent.
This soldering station has a very small footprint and the points of contact are positioned to ensure stability, making it difficult for the station to fall over. The set also comes with a soldering iron holder so you can safely put a hot solder iron down while you are working.
What We Like:
- Beginner-friendly
- Compact size
- Easy control
What We Don’t Like:
- Some people may prefer a temperature dial rather than the two-button controls of this model
Soldering Iron Buyer’s Guide
Soldering irons are an essential tool in electronics, they can be used for a range of tasks from creating circuits to repairing appliances. There are many soldering irons available, each one offering something slightly different. When choosing the best soldering iron for you, consider the following factors:
Uses
There are many uses for a soldering iron, when you are comparing options keep in mind what projects you will be carrying out. Different types of soldering iron (and different tips) are suited to different applications. Some models offer interchangeable tips so you can just switch the tip for different projects rather than needing to use a completely different soldering iron.
Types
Stand Alone Soldering Pen
This is a simple option that is generally low cost (unless you choose a cordless or gas-operated irons which will cost more). A soldering pen can be a good choice for simple DIY projects but because you cannot control the temperature they are not a suitable option for finer jobs.
Soldering Stations
A soldering station is a soldering pen with a power station. This gives you more control as you can accurately control the temperature of the soldering iron. The soldering station may also have a digital display that tells you the precise temperature of the tip giving you far more temperature control than a low-cost standalone pen offers.
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Repair Systems
If you need more than just a soldering iron, you can get a soldering iron kit that includes other tools such as a desoldering pump, hot-air gun, thermo-tweezers and so on. This gives you everything you need to perform intricate repairs and rework tasks.
Key Factors
Power
30W is enough power for occasional, small solder jobs but if you will be doing regular soldering or larger projects it is best to go for soldering irons with at least 60 watts of power.
Built-in Temperature Control
If you will be doing a lot of soldering you may benefit from being able to accurately control the temperature of the soldering irons. Many soldering kits will offer an adjustable temperature control dial with units in Centigrade Degrees/ Fahrenheit.
Replaceable Tips
The iron tips should be replaceable and it is also a good idea to check whether the soldering iron is only compatible with tips from the safe brand or can be used with any tips.
Type of Tips
- Chisel – these are the most widely used tips on most types of soldering irons. A chisel tip can be used for most soldering jobs as the tapered edge can fit between the majority of components and the flat edge helps to facilitate heat distribution.
- Pyramid – these are useful for smaller and more delicate tasks. They can be used for components that are hard to reach and the flat edge makes heat transfer easier.
- Conical – this cone-shaped tip is well suited for hard to reach components and tight areas. A conical tip generally requires a longer contact time as it offers a smaller point of contact.
- Flat – also referred to as a bevel flat tip, this combines the benefits seen in the chisel and conical designs as it offers a flat edge with a rounded tip.
- Blade – if you will be doing rework or pad levelling then a wider blade tip is the best option.
Accessories
- Extra tips – some sets come with a range of different sized tips to suit various jobs.
- Other accessories – decide if you would like a soldering kit that comes with solder, wire cutters, tweezers etc. or if you just simply need the soldering iron and no extras.
- Holding stand – a holding stand is an important feature as it gives you somewhere to stand the hot soldering iron while you are working.
- Case – a storage/ carry case makes it a lot easier to keep your kit together and store or carry it between jobs.
Soldering Iron FAQs
When choosing a soldering iron you should look for one that is at least 30 Watts, can be temperature controlled, has replaceable tips and comes with a soldering iron stand. This offers the best soldering experience with accurate control, versatility and safety.
Soldering irons for basic domestic jobs can be around 30 Watts but if you are looking for a temperature-controlled iron that is suited to heavy-duty work then 60 Watts will be better suited.
