The Best Soldering Irons for 2021
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Best Soldering Iron
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For this post, I have put together a collection of the best soldering irons currently available.
UPDATED: June 8, 2021.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the Hakko FX888D-23BY because it features a rapid heat-up time, digital display, and five custom temperature presets.
Soldering irons are relatively simple tools that have a metal tip that is typically electrically heated and uses an insulated handle.
The tip is used to heat a metal alloy solder that forms a bond between two pieces when it cools. The most common use is for electronic components.
Some things to look out for when selecting a model include:
Temperature
Is it simply a plug-and-play or does it have an adjustable temperature? While typically more expensive, an adjustable iron provides greater flexibility for a particular application.
Kit vs. Tool Only
Does the product come as a kit that usually includes things like a stand, desoldering pump, solder wire, wire strippers, etc? A kit is a great option for beginners since it saves having to find and buy everything separately. However, if you already have these accessories it means purchasing a lot of unnecessary items.
Corded vs. Cordless
Most irons are powered by a wall outlet, which allows for unlimited use. However, this does limit the location of the project to somewhere it is possible to get power from an outlet or extension cord.
If you need to work on something where power is not easily available a cordless model is required. You may also just prefer the flexibility of a cordless device. The most common cordless options are fueled with refillable butane. I have included a couple of these below.
The following soldering irons use the latest innovative components to meet your needs and help to ensure you do your best work.
So here is my list of The Best Soldering Irons for 2021.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: Hakko FX888D-23BY Soldering Iron
The HAKKO FX-888D features a digital display with an adjustable temperature control range from 120° to 899°F (50° to 480°C).
Features a ceramic heating element and sensor that ensures rapid heat-up time and fast thermal recovery.
Allows for up to five preset temperatures to be stored on the device.
Features a display that offers the ability to show temperatures in °F or °C.
Maintains idle temperature within 1.8°F.
Includes a low temperature alarm.
Works with a range of available tips.
Here is a video overview of the features of the FX-888D:
Best Budget Kit: Anbes Soldering Iron
The Anbes soldering iron kit comes with five interchangeable soldering tips, allowing for a range of different projects.
Features a lightweight aluminum frame.
Comes with carrying pouch for the iron and accessories.
Temperature is adjustable from 200C to 450C.
Kit includes:
Spiral metal stand.
Desoldering pump.
Tin wire tube.
Tweezers.
Wire strippers.
24awg wire.
Best Value: Weller WLC100 Soldering Iron
The Weller WLC100 features adjustable power control with a range from 5 to 40 watts.
Features a replaceable heating element and a cushioned foam grip.
Base unit comes with an on/off switch and a power indicator light.
Includes an iron stand and a built-in sponge for tip cleaning.
Features an ST3 iron-plated copper 1/8-inch screwdriver tip.
Best Compact Option: Hakko FX601-02 Soldering Iron
The Hakko FX601-02 features a convenient temperature adjustment dial.
Ideal for soldering applications that require mobility or a long reach.
Features a lightweight, ergonomic design that can be used comfortably.
Allows the user to select the optimal soldering temperature.
Electronic controls and efficient ceramic heater provide accuracy and stability.
Must-have Accessory
Don't forget the solder.
Best Kit: X-Tronic 3020-XTS Soldering Iron
The X-Tronic 3020-XTS soldering iron features an adjustable temperature range from 392°F to 896°F (200°C to 480°C).
Equipped with a heating element that quickly gets the iron to maximum temperature in 30 seconds.
Offers the ability to change the LED display from °F to °C.
Equipped with a bakelite"polymer collar ring to prevent heat transfer.
Includes a tip cleaner made from coiled brass wire.
Features a silicone grip for comfort when in use.
Includes six different tip options to customize the tool to a particular project.
Best Cordless Butane: Weller P2KC Soldering Iron
The Weller P2KC features a lightweight, compact cordless butane design.
Piezo ignition with push-button ease and convenience.
Fast heat-up for high productivity, melts solder in less than 40 seconds.
Gas capacity allows up to one hour of continuous use, ample for most jobs
Refills in less than 20 seconds.
Automatic cut-off switch for safety when cap replaced.
Can also be used as a mini-torch with optional PPT12 flame tip.
Best Budget Option (Tool Only): Weller SP40NKUS Soldering Iron
The Weller SP40NKUS features a triangular front housing with three built-in LEDs for helpful illumination when working.
Produces 40 watts for up to 900 degrees F.
Designed for joining 12 AWG wire or smaller.
Features a round, soft-grip, non-slip handle design.
Provides a mechanism to roll and position the tip easily when working.
Best Budget Cordless Butane: Portasol Pro Piezo Soldering Iron
The Portasol Pro Piezo features a cordless butane design.
Features DuPont engineered plastics tested for compatibility with butane.
Constructed from materials designed to prevent deterioration and increase durability.
Ultrasonic welding prevents gas leaking on exposure to impact, UV light and hot and cold temperatures.
Ease of Use: Choice 100W Soldering Iron
The Choice 100W soldering iron comes with a 1/4 inch chisel style tip.
Heats up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Provides up to 100 watts.
Features a simple design and basic functionality.
Best Temperature Adjustment: Tilswall Soldering Iron
The Tilswall soldering iron station features an adjustable temperature range from 392 degrees F up to 896 degrees F.
Equipped with a ceramic heating core and a 65-watt heating element.
Features PID temperature control that monitors the temperature every 20ms.
Includes a stand for holding the iron when not in use.
Features a brass wire sponge mounted in the stand.
Includes five different tip options.
I hope this list of the best soldering irons was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
