Best soldering stations - ranking of 2020

A soldering iron is an absolutely indispensable tool that is needed by a radio amateur, a repairman, and an engineer. But the classic soldering irons in the 21st century look completely outdated, they were replaced by soldering stations - accurate, efficient and simply convenient. Read on to learn how to choose a soldering station and which ones are worthy of the title of the best.

Which soldering station to choose and what characteristics to look at

Soldering station types. Soldering stations can be:

• contact - these are, by and large, ordinary soldering irons, albeit more complex. For soldering parts, they use the usual metal tips;
• non-contact - in such devices, either an infrared beam, or a narrowly directed stream of hot air, or a combination of both plays the role of a sting. Such devices do not need solder or rosin, and only they are suitable for some delicate work;
• combined - when one control unit is equipped with both a hairdryer and a soldering iron. This is an expensive but also the most convenient option.

Heating element. Soldering stations can use different types of heaters:

• nichrome heating elements are cheaper, but take a long time to warm up (up to several minutes), quite quickly fail during intensive use, do not differ in high accuracy of temperature setting stings;
• ceramic heating elements can cost several times more expensive than nichrome and require more careful treatments, however, last much longer, heat up in just a few seconds and provide much better temperature control.

For intensive professional use, ceramics are best suited, and nichrome is most likely enough for an amateur.

Power. The high power of the station provides the device with high performance. For domestic use, 40-60 watts are usually enough, professional models are sometimes designed for 90-100 or more watts.

Heating temperature. As a rule, it can be adjusted within a very wide range: from approximately 100 to 500 degrees. The wider this range, the more opportunities the station gives to the operator.

Power regulation. The higher the power supplied to the heating element, the higher its heating temperature. In conventional soldering irons, it is usually not regulated and has no feedback. Soldering stations are capable of automatically adjusting the power to specific conditions: if the tip overheats, the machine reduces the power, if it cools too much, it increases it. This process can be carried out using both digital and analogue mechanisms. The second option is more accurate and therefore preferable.

Manual power adjustment in soldering stations is carried out by the operator, depending on the specific working conditions. It can be stepped or smooth: the second option is, of course, better.

Control. Most modern soldering stations are equipped with electronic control, which allows you to control the entire process of work and adjust the temperature with an accuracy of a degree. Analog instruments are often cheaper, but they are not capable of fine adjustment and especially self-regulation.

Additional functions. Soldering stations are equipped with a wide range of additional functions that provide convenient and efficient work. Among the main ones are protection against static electricity, overheating and short circuit, desoldering pump, illumination of the working area.

Rating of the best soldering stations

Best Hair Dryer Soldering Station

1. LUKEY 852D +

Digital hot air soldering station at the price of just under 5 750 rubles. For this money, the buyer receives a device with accurate digital and light indication of all operating parameters and a ceramic heating element. The power of the hair dryer is 250 W, and the power of the soldering iron is 50 W. The heating temperature is adjustable from 200 ° C to 480 ° C. The set includes replaceable nozzles for a hair dryer, stands, a sponge for cleaning the soldering iron tip. A professional model capable of doing almost any job in the right hands.

Price: ₽ 5 750

LUKEY 852D +

Best Soldering Hair Dryer

2. ELEMENT 898BD

Combined Hot Air Soldering Station, the power consumption of which is an impressive 700 watts. In addition to the hair dryer, it is equipped with a 60 watt soldering iron. Power adjustment is smooth, made by an analog handle. The reliable and efficient ceramic heating element heats up in just 6 seconds. The minimum heating temperature is 100 ° C, the maximum is 480 ° C. The function of thermal stabilization is provided. The device comes with replaceable attachments, a holder, a sponge and a stand. The issue price is 6,100 rubles.

Price: ₽ 6 170

ELEMENT 898BD

Best Contact Soldering Station

3. REXANT 12-0141

Networked contact type soldering station. The power is 48 W and is infinitely variable. The ceramic heater provides high precision, fast heating and long service life with gentle handling. The minimum heating temperature is 150 ° C, and the maximum can reach 450 ° C. The tool comes with a soldering iron holder and a sponge for cleaning the tip in a special cradle. This tool justifies the price in the region of 4,000 rubles in full and can be a good choice for both a home craftsman and a professional.

Price: ₽ 4 078

REXANT 12-0141

Best Budget Soldering Station

4. STAYER ProTerm 55370

This budget soldering station Is a prime example of the fact that even an inexpensive device can be effective, reliable and functional. The power of the soldering iron is 48 W, which is quite enough for any household needs. Power regulation is smooth. The minimum heating temperature is 160 ° C, and the maximum can reach 520 ° C. The function of automatic thermal stabilization is provided. The tool is equipped with a copper tip, a cleaning mat and a soldering iron stand. The issue price is less than 2,500 rubles.

Price: ₽ 2 569

STAYER ProTerm 55370

Best Professional Soldering Station

5. LUKEY 868

Professional Combi Rework Station costing about 6,500-7,000 rubles. The maximum power consumption is 750 W. At the same time, the power of the 24-volt soldering iron reaches 50 W, and the power of the built-in hot air gun - 400 W. The minimum heating temperature is 100 ° C and the maximum is 480 ° C. The tool is completed with replaceable attachments, a clip for changing them and a holder. A universal device, the capabilities of which will be too much for domestic use, but just right for a professional.

Price: ₽ 7 315

LUKEY 868, 750 W

FAQ