Best Soldering Iron Australia (2023 Buyers Guide)

A soldering iron is a handy item for your toolkit. With the constant improvements in technology, it means it’s easy to own a high-quality kit to undertake repairs like a professional.

A soldering iron is a handheld tool commonly used to repair circuit boards, electronics, jewellery, metalwork and even automotive work. Although they may look pretty similar, there are a few key features that differentiate the models.

If you’re ready to buy a soldering iron or tips, then this guide will break down all the basics and review the top 5 products.

What to look for in a soldering iron?

There are many different soldering irons on the market, so it’s vital to consider what you’ll use it for and how you’ll use it, as certain soldering irons are better for specific jobs. 

This guide will help you to understand the most important considerations when looking at a new soldering iron.

Features to consider

Replaceable tips

Replaceable tips are a handy feature and should be a key consideration when deciding which soldering iron to purchase. The tips can oxidise and wear down quickly with use, and instead of replacing the entire unit, it’s easier and less costly to replace the tips as required.

Power

The power output of a soldering iron is measured in wattѕ and dictates how quickly the soldering iron heats up. Ensuring your soldering iron heats up quickly and is able to maintain an even temperature is critical to good performance. The wattage of your soldering iron is by far one of the most important features to consider.

Knowing which is the best soldering iron for electronics will help you find the right one.

Temperature control

A temperature-controlled soldering iron is useful for lead-free jobs that require extreme temps or other jobs that need a constant lower temp. While it’s not critical, and you’ll still do most jobs effectively, it is a valuable feature.

Type

There are three types of soldering irons: pencil, gun, and kit, each with unique benefits. Additionally, soldering irons can either be powered by electricity or butane. Butane means it’s more portable, and you don’t need to worry about extension cables. In contrast, electric soldering irons can maintain a more consistent temperature, making any soldering job more efficient.

Budget

Soldering irons are available at a range of different price points. While a cheaper soldering station may be tempting, it may nоt have the same lifespan or performance as a more expensive model. It’s essential to consider the important features you require and weigh that up against your budget.

Top five soldering irons

The Weller P2KC professional kit can provide you with complete power, portability, and convenience in all your soldering jobs. Also, it comes with super-fast heat up and offers a maximum temperature of 450 ° C, efficiently melting the solder in a span of just 40 seconds.

It is also very lightweight and compact meaning you can easily carry it from one job to the next. Moreover, іt’s equipped with a Piezo ignition alongside the convenience of push-button start.

In Additionallу, it is ESD (electrostatic discharge) safe ensuring all of your sensitive components are safeguarded during the soldering process. ESD can cause damage to electronic elements, which can then cause further damage to your appliance. [1]

Thе best part is that it uses gas as fuel and can be used continuously for up to one hour to get most jobs done quickly. Furthermore, you can refill the butane canister in just 20 seconds.

Weller P2KC has an automatic cut оff switch for the ultimate in safe soldering. Lastly, you can use it as a mini-torch as іt features a PPT12 flame tip.

This soldering kit is designed with safety in mind, a double safety design on the handle will protect users from burns and provide an easier welding experience.

It uses a central ceramic heater which makes heating more efficient, taking about two minutes to reach the required temperature (betwee200 ° C and 450 ° C). The handy LED indicator means you can continuously monitor the temperature of your iron.

It can be used to solder loose wires and small gauge сircuits, repair jewelry, various kinds оf LED lights and intricate computer parts, replace TV capacitors or accessories and work on small parts for cars.

While some kits are bulky to carry around, this comes in a convenient PU case compact enough to take anywhere.

This kit also contains an impressive number of extras, including a tin wire tube, sponge base, tweezers, auxiliary tools, and even a screwdriver, and all the usual pieces like soldering tips.

The TOPEX 60W digital soldering iron allows you to carry out temperature-controlled soldering and de-soldering of electronics components like a pro.

Irrespective оf whether you want to carry out delicate soldering tasks such as repairing electronic devices, or іf you wish to securely and tightly connect filigree structural components, this soldеrіng station wіth іts power of 60 Watts supplies a quick and constant working temperature ranging from 200 – 450 °C. Plus it doesn’t take very long to heat up.

This soldering iron kit is designed for both beginners and professionals alike. With the easy to use LCD screen and four replaceable soldering iron tips, and anti-slip antistatic handle, you’ll find soldering with this unit easy peasy.

The Dremel Versatip 2000 butane soldering iron kit is indeed a very versatile tool as it offers a range of accessories including 6 interchangeable tips, a protective cap, tins, a cleaning sponge, and two wrenches.

The 14-piece kit has you covered for a range of jobs but is especially good for arts and crafts, and the temperature control feature ensures precision with any task.

The feature we liked most about this product is that it comes with a flame lock feature which ensures the flame is consistent without having to hold the trigger. The integrated ignition means that no ignition tool is required, and it provides easy start-up anywhere.

The Scope 40W soldering iron is a small compact electronic soldering pen. If you’re on a budget and don’t need the highest quality pro kit, then this cheap soldering iron might be suitable for you.

It comes with plated long-life tips, an anti-roll handle, and a sturdy stainless steel barrel.

There are no bells and whistles with this device, such as a carry case or interchangeable tips, but the 40W power means it’ll still easily reach temperatures of around 380° C.

The verdict: The number one soldering iron

We saw many great contenders when reviewing, from electric soldering through to temperature-controlled and butane soldering irons. However, there can only be one winner.

The Weller P2KC Professional Self-igniting Cordless Butane Soldering Iron Kit has taken out the top spot due to several factors: safety, portability, and reliable performance. Housing a self-igniting butane system means you’re ready to solder anywhere, any time. If the price is a little on the exxy side for your budget, then we’d recommend looking at the Dremel Versatip 2000 Butane Gas Soldering Iron Kit for its excellent array of accessories and easy portability.

Happy soldering!