Best Soldering Iron in 2022: Top 13 Choices for Beginners, Hobbyists, and Professionals

As someone who enjoys fine craftsmanship, you know that pliers and screwdrivers aren’t enough. And that’s where the best soldering iron comes. This tool is among the most popular instruments used in jewelry making, electronics, and even soldering enthusiasts dedicated to artistry.

You can find many different types of soldering irons on the market, from those designed for professional use to models suitable for beginners and hobbyists. Using a soldering iron is not rocket science, but it is more complicated than a hammer. Therefore, you shouldn’t go for the first soldering iron you find but consider its essential features and see whether it is worth investing all the money.

This article will walk you through all the crucial aspects of a soldering iron you should keep in mind, including the 13 best solutions for different purposes.

What to Look for in a Soldering Iron?

Soldering iron is a handheld tool that heats up to certain temperatures, creating secure connections between metal pieces. Although you may think that these tools are more or less the same, there are some key features that differentiate them:

• Wattage: Wattage doesn’t mean temperature, but it refers to how quickly the tool heats up. This is an important aspect to consider, but it is not as crucial as some others. You won’t go wrong with tools that are at least 40 watts, which is more than enough to reach and maintain a stable temperature.
• Replaceable tips: Soldering tips tend to wear down and oxidize over time, and you should look for tools that include replaceable ones.
• Temperature control: This feature is not necessarily critical because you can perform most soldering jobs without it. However, it is nice to have it around. It can help you with lead-free soldering jobs that require high temperatures or heat-sensitive jobs you perform with low temperatures.
• Budget: Keep in mind that soldering irons are long-term investments, you can use them for decades if you maintain them properly. If you are looking for a tool with all the features you need, it’s better to invest in a more expensive one than to buy several low-quality tools that break down easily.

Most Common Soldering Iron Types

Soldering iron is an umbrella term that refers to different tools that excel at different things. It is essential to understand the right purpose of each of them to be sure which one meets your needs the best.

• Standalone pencils: Pencil-type soldering irons often need a wall socket to power, but you can also find portable ones. The mobile variants either have a rechargeable battery or use a refillable gas canister as a power source.
• Adjustable soldering irons: Adjustable soldering irons are more advanced than traditional variants, primarily since they have a dial for setting the temperature.
• Soldering station: Soldering stations are responsible for regulating the iron’s temperature. They also offer a safe place to put your hot iron, sponge, and other accessories you use during the process, making your soldering much easier and safer.
• Soldering guns: The gun types are bulkier and heavier than most soldering irons, and they are more convenient for connecting bulky wires or large components. Since they are highly-powered, they can easily damage sensitive parts.
• Torches: Soldering torches use butane or propane canisters as the primary power source, which makes them more powerful than most of their electric counterparts. However, they tend to be less precise.
• Hot knives: These knife-shaped soldering tools are often used in crafts and construction since their heat allows you to cut materials and engrave shapes.

Now that you know the crucial aspects of soldering irons, we can move on to the 13 best tools for professionals, beginners, and hobbyists.

1.      Weller WLC100 – Best Soldering Iron for Electronics

The Weller WLC100 offers a great value for money, including the ability to produce up to 900 Fahrenheit temperature. It is suitable for large projects that require you to keep the temperature consistent during the process. Thanks to its foam-cushioned handle, it is comfortable for long-time use.

• High-performance
• Adjustable (5 to 40 watts)
• Lightweight
• Soldering station
• Suitable for beginners and professionals on a budget.

• No temperature display.

• Accurate and precise temperature
• You can connect it to your PC and change any settings
• Heats up and cools down quickly
• Suitable for heavy-duty soldering projects
• Compact design.

• Uncomfortable grip.

• Highly-portable
• Can be used as a mini torch
• Self-igniting
• Enhanced safety
• Melts solder in less than 40 seconds.

• Limited lifetime warranty.

• Incredibly high temperature
• Easy to refill
• Quite a long runtime
• May be considered the best soldering iron for jewelry
• Integrated ignition trigger.

• Replacement tips not available.

• Continuous soldering for up to 2 hours, once fully charged
• Powered by AA alkaline rechargeable batteries
• 7-year warranty
• Lightweight and quick
• Heats up within 35 seconds.

• It doesn’t come with accessories.

• Budget-friendly
• Lifetime replacement warranty
• Suitable for basic soldering needs
• Excellent for beginners and hobbyists
• Lightweight and ergonomic.

• Doesn’t have variable temperature control.

• Co-molded soft grip
• Reduced slippage
• Triangular area for maximum tip control
• Ergonomic design
• 80-watt power.

• Poor durability.

• Complete soldering kit
• Reaches the optimal temperature quickly
• Tool-free tip change
• 40 minutes run time once fully charged
• Advanced redlink intelligence.

• You cannot control the temperature.

• Heats up to 1050 degrees in 7 seconds
• Sleek and ergonomic design
• LED illumination
• Molded grip
• Protective cap that reduces the risk of burns.

• Batteries not included.

• 21-in-1 soldering kit
• Temperatures reach between 392 and 842 degrees
• Portable and padded kit
• Durable
• Downloadable e-book with detailed instructions.

• The temperature dial is too tiny and marks the temp in Celsius.

• 60-watt power
• 5 types of replaceable soldering tips
• Highly adjustable and stable temperature
• Quick heating up
• Intelligent sleep mode and sleep-wake features.

• Not suitable for heavy-duty soldering.

• 60-watt power
• Temperature goes up to 896 degrees
• Contains 5 tips, a cleaning sponge, and tweezers
• Accurate temperature adjustment
• Heats up in 15 seconds.

• No temperature dial.

• Portable and lightweight design
• On/off switch
• LED light that blinks when the station is on
• Adjustable temperature
• Cleaning sponge and the iron holder included.

• The LED light could be bigger and more visible.