Soldering Stations
Although there is a wide range of applications for which soldering stations can be used, their most prevalent use is in printed circuit board assembly. What adds to the convenience in use of stations as opposed to the classic style soldering irons is the fact that you can more easily control the temperature and even the power supply. Learn more about these useful soldering tools and get a clear ranking of the best selections on this market in the following.
Top 5 Soldering Stations Comparison
| 1. Weller WES51 | 2. Hakko FX888D-23BY | 3. X-Tronic 3020-XTS | 4. Sealody SSA51 | 5. Weller WLC100 | |
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| BEST MODEL | OUR CHOICE | ||||
General Info |
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| Manufacturer | Weller | Hakko | X-Tronic | Sealody | Weller |
| Dimensions | 5.9″ x 4.5″ x 3.6″ | 3.9″ x 4.7″ x 4.7″ | 6″ x 5.5″ x 8″ | 4.3″ x 8.8″ x 9.6″ | 8.8″ x 6.3″ x 3.8″ |
| Weight | 4 Lbs | 2.6 Lbs | 1.5 Lbs | 5 Lbs | 2 Lbs |
| Material | Plastic | N/A | 304 Grade Stainless Steel | Plastic | Metal |
Technical Specifications |
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| Temperature | |||||
| Range | 350°F – 850°F | 122°F – 896°F | 392°F – 896°F | 356°F – 842°F | 0°F – 900°F |
| Accuracy | +/-10°F | >+/-1°C | +/-3.6°F | +/-3.6°F | N/A |
| Storage Environment | -68°F – 176°F | -68°F – 176°F | -68°F – 176°F | -68°F – 176°F | -68°F – 176°F |
| Power | |||||
| Output | 50W | 70W | 75W | 55W | 40W |
| Source | Corded | Corded | Corded | Corded | Corded |
| Cord Length | 4 Feet | 3.9 Feet | 4.6 Feet | 4.9 Feet | 4 Feet |
| Supply | 120V | 120V | 110V | 110V | 120V |
Features&Accessories |
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| Adjustable Temperature Controls | |||||
| Indicator Light | |||||
| Ergonomic / Cushioned Grip | |||||
| Digital Display | |||||
| Other Features | |||||
| Temperature Lock-Out | Password Function | Automatic Sleep Mode | Variable Power Control | Variable Power Control | |
| Automatic Sleep Mode | Preset Mode | Automatic Cool Down | Dual Safety Design | Built-In Iron Stand | |
| Quick Heat-Up and Recovery Times | Protective Cap | Celsius to Fahrenheit Toggle Switch | Quick Cool Down | Replaceable Heating Element | |
| Non-Burning Silicone Rubber Cord | Separable Tip/Heater Design | Proportional Integral Derivative Technology | |||
| Foam Sleeve | Silicone Cord | ||||
| Variable Power Control | |||||
| Included Accessories | |||||
| Soldering Pencil | Cleaning Sponge | Stainless Steel Holder | Aluminum Soldering Stand | Iron-Plated Copper Tip | |
| Stand | Stand | Solder Roll Holder | Tip Cleaning Wire | Safety Guard Iron Holder | |
| Sponge | Brass Sponge Tip Cleaner | Cleaning Sponge | Natural Sponge Tip Cleaning Pad | ||
Warranty&Support |
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| Product Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year |
| User Manual | |||||
| Customer Support | |||||
| Telephone Support | (800) 621-8814 | 1-661-294-0090 | (402) 742-2586 | (0086) 13480167334 | (800) 621-8814 |
| E-Mail Support | [email protected] weller-tools.com | support @hakkoUSA.com | [email protected] XTronicUSA.com | [email protected] sealody.net | [email protected] weller-tools.com |
| Online Chat Support | |||||
The Soldering Stations Evaluation
Weller WES51
1. Weller WES51
At the top of our list stands the WES51 which you can confidently use for years on end without worrying about its resistance to intense work. The light station weighs only 4 pounds, and it measures 5.9 inches by 4.5 inches by 3.6 inches. Thus, finding a spot for it where you work won’t be trouble at all, and moving it around won’t be difficult or tiring.
You can set its temperature as needed for the application you are working on, the temperature range it offers being from 350 to 850 degrees Fahrenheit, with a remarkable accuracy of approximately +/-10 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a corded model which features a 4-foot long cord that allows mobility in the working environment.
The automatic sleep mode it features ensures useless energy usage is not an issue to worry about. Furthermore, it boasts quick heat-up and recovery times, these two aspects further enhancing its efficiency. The foam sleeve and ergonomic design ensure you won’t feel tired even after hours of continuous use. In addition, it features adjustable temperature controls which endorse an intuitive use.
PROS |
CONS |
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| Convenient temperature range which allows you to make proper adjustments in concordance to the application at hand – from 350 to 850 degrees Fahrenheit | |
| Cord measures 4 feet, allowing you to place the station wherever you like in the workplace | |
| Automatic sleep mode prevents useless energy consumption | |
| Variable power control ranging from 5 to 50 watts | |
| Quick heat-up time ensures no time will be lost when using it | |
VERDICT |
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As it comes with a wide range of accessories, it is a feature-rich product, and it is compact enough to ensure it will be a perfect fit even in the most crowded of workspaces, the WES51 is our top recommendation to anyone looking for a soldering-type station. |
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Hakko FX888D-23BY
2. Hakko FX888D-23BY
A corded station which you will grow fond of fast as it is intuitive to use, the Hakko is one of our top recommendations to you. It comes at quite a reasonable price, and considering its numerous features, it is one acquisition you should not skip on. One of its biggest highlights is the Password function which does not allow anyone else besides you to use it – you and those who you tell the password to, obviously.
It offers 5 preset modes you can select between for a more convenient operation. Depending on the application at hand, just make a certain selection from the list of 5 and start – this helps save a lot of time. It features a protective cap which plays an important role, more precisely to reduce shock and noise when you are using it.
You can adjust the temperature as you need or see fit, the settings offered by it ranging from 122 to 896 degrees Fahrenheit. Of course, we cannot overlook its impressive +/- 1 degree Celsius accuracy which greatly surpasses the industry standard. Additionally, the manufacturing company backs the product with a 1-year warranty, so in this span of time, it will be replaced or repaired free of charge in case of an unfortunate event.
PROS |
CONS |
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| Generous temperature range – from 122 to 896 degrees Fahrenheit | Does not feature an indicator light |
| Great price to quality ratio – one of the cheaper products in this niche | |
| Features a 3.9-foot long cord | |
| Password function ensures no one else except for you can use it | |
| Protective cap helps reduce noise and shock when you are soldering | |
VERDICT |
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An affordable and feature-filled station which will make your life a whole lot easier as it offers numerous convenient features, its biggest highlight being the Password function which enhances safety by not allowing others to use it, the Hakko station is one of our top recommendations. |
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X-Tronic 3020-XTS
3. X-Tronic 3020-XTS
The solid stainless steel construction alongside its design make this station one of the best picks you could make in terms of longevity. It weighs 1.5 pounds, and it measures 6 inches by 5.5 inches by 8 inches, so finding a storage space for it, as well as moving it around, won’t be difficult tasks for you. But enough with the product’s design, let us move on to the important aspects – its features and specs.
The temperature it utilizes is fully adjustable, and it ranges from 392 to 896 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, it boasts an impressive +/- 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit accuracy. It boasts a power consumption of 75 watts, and the needed supply is 110 volts. It is a corded model which features a 4.6 feet long cable that allows freedom in terms of where you can position it in your workplace.
To ensure safety, as well as to save energy, it features the useful automatic sleep mode which causes it to automatically turn off after 10 minutes of inactivity. Another handy safety feature is the automatic cool down which ensures you will be in the clear of any injuries when using it. Furthermore, for convenience in use, it allows you to toggle between the Celsius and Fahrenheit temperature settings.
PROS |
CONS |
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| Lightweight design – only weighs 1.5 pounds, easy to move around | |
| Affordable price – one of the more reasonable acquisitions you could make | |
| Backed by a lengthy 1-year warranty | |
| Temperature setting ranges from 392 to 896 degrees Fahrenheit | |
| Automatic sleep mode ensures it will shut off on its own after 10 minutes of inactivity to save energy | |
VERDICT |
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Designed not only to ensure complete safety in use, but to be as energy efficient as possible, the X-Tronic is one of the best acquisitions in terms of stations for soldering you could make. Furthermore, it boasts a compact design and light weight, meaning that storing it, as well as using it, will be highly convenient. |
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Sealody SSA51
4. Sealody SSA51
Considering that the only downside to this product is the fact that it weighs a bit more than what these stations usually do, it is safe to say that this would indeed be a smart acquisition to make, hands down. We start off the list of pros by mentioning the fact that it comes at an affordable price. Not only this, but it puts at your disposal impressive specs and sufficient features to get the job done right.
It allows you to adjust the temperature to what you need for the specific application at hand, the selection put at your disposal ranging from 356 to 842 degrees Fahrenheit. Furthermore, it boasts an impressive +/- 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit accuracy which ensures you can use it with confidence. When it comes to the storage conditions for this station, we recommend for the environmental temperature to range from -68 degrees Fahrenheit to 176 degrees Fahrenheit.
In terms of power consumption, it is one of the best out there, consuming only 55 watts. Another aspect worth mentioning is the fact that it features a convenient 4.9-foot long cord which allows you to place it basically wherever you like in the room. Additionally, the manufacturing company covers it with a 1-year warranty. Overall, it is a product hard to say no to, one we recommend you look into carefully if you want to enjoy a real bargain.
PROS |
CONS |
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| Low power consumption – rated for 55 watts | On the heavier side – it weighs 5 pounds |
| Power cord measures an impressive 4.9 feet | |
| Quick cool down ensures enhanced safety in use | |
| Ergonomic grip makes it one of the more comfortable tools in its niche to use | |
| Generous temperature adjustability ranging from 356 to 842 degrees Fahrenheit | |
VERDICT |
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It might not rank the highest, but this is still one of the best stations you could opt for as it offers a generous adjustable temperature range, a highly impressive accuracy, and a long 4.9-foot cord which allows freedom in movement around the workplace. |
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Weller WLC100
5. Weller WLC100
Weller makes a second apparition in our top, this time with a station which exceeds expectations from all points of view as it comes at an incredibly cheap price. Not only this, but it is one of the more versatile options to go for. What makes us say this is the fact that it allows you to adjust the temperature as you like, the viable selection you could make ranging from 0 to 900 degrees Fahrenheit.
It has one of the lowest power consumption out there, more precisely 40 watts. When it comes to its design, we must put emphasis on the convenient 4-foot long cord which allows freedom of placement. It measures 8.8 inches by 6.3 inches by 3.8 inches, and it weighs 2 pounds, which makes it one of the most compact and light entries in this niche.
The cushioned grip ensures you won’t feel tired and your hand won’t hurt even after hours of use. It features a replaceable heating element. The accessories it comes with include an iron-plated copper tip, a safety guard iron holder, and a sponge tip cleaning pad. Furthermore, it is accompanied by a 1-year warranty.
PROS |
CONS |
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| Best pick price-wise – it is the cheapest product in our top five | Does not feature a digital display which would have made it more intuitive to use |
| Variable power control from 5 to 40 watts | |
| Ergonomic grip ensures your hands won’t get tired after prolonged use | |
| Adjustable temperature ranges from 0 to 900 degrees Fahrenheit | |
| Power cord measures an impressive 4 feet in length | |
VERDICT |
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If you are looking for a bargain, your best selection is definitely the WLC100. Not only is it cheap, but it actually puts at your disposal numerous features which enhance its usefulness and safety use, as well as an adjustable temperature ranging from 0 to 900 degrees Fahrenheit. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Depending on who you ask, whether a person who is looking for a more simplistic soldering tool or one who is looking for a complex option which is feature-rich, there will be different selections from our top more appropriate than others for their use. For those who are looking to have it all quality-wise yet who do not want to be faced with handling overly complicated controls, the Weller WES51, our top pick, is their best option. It does cost more than other entries, yet it is worth every cent as it allows you to set the perfect temperature for the soldering application you are working on, the 350 to 850 degrees Fahrenheit temperature range selection endorsing this possibility.
In terms of simplicity in use, another great companion would be the Weller WLC100 which comes at a much cheaper price without sacrificing features, the variable power control and generous temperature range provided making the experience of using it surprisingly great. However, if you are not shy when it comes to controls which are a bit more complex and you put an accent on features the most, we recommend you go for the X-Tronic 3020-XTS. Some of its highlights include the convenient Celsius to Fahrenheit toggle switch which allows you to use the tool with the settings you are most accustomed to and the automatic sleep mode which prevents energy waste by automatically shutting off the tool after 10 minutes of inactivity.
