The Best Corded Soldering Station Tools in Australia — Information, Buyers Guides, Comparisons, and Reviews
Delivering impressive versatility, soldering stations take home enthusiast and trade pro electronics to the next level. Offering greater accuracy and capabilities than their standard soldering iron counterparts, these machines can solder, desolder, engrave, and deliver targeted heat plumes — all from a single base unit. Boasting reassuring safety features and typically allowing for lengthy operation times, they’re crucial for anyone who takes electronic repair and circuit board building seriously.
Table of Contents
- The Best Soldering Iron Stations Buying Guide
- Uses for a Soldering Iron Station
- Soldering Iron Safety Procedures
- How To Choose the Best Soldering Station
- Our Top Picks of the Ultimate Soldering Iron Stations
- Best Soldering Iron Accessories
- Soldering Iron Station Conclusion
- Soldering Iron Station FAQs
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Best Soldering Station for Novices
|
Best Soldering Station for Novices
|
Weller WE1010 Digital Soldering Station
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Weller WE1010 Digital Soldering Station Review Weller WE1010 Digital Soldering Station Review |
Best 2-in-1 Soldering Station
|
Best 2-in-1 Soldering Station
|
Doss ZD917 Soldering/Desoldering Station
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Doss ZD917 Review Doss ZD917 Review |
Best Soldering Station for Safety
|
Best Soldering Station for Safety
|
Doss ZD929C
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Doss ZD929C Review Doss ZD929C Review |
Best Large Display Soldering Station
|
Best Large Display Soldering Station
|
Doss ZD8916ESD
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Doss ZD8916ESD Review Doss ZD8916ESD Review |
Best Soldering Station Kit
|
Best Soldering Station Kit
|
Yarra 8582D
|
Features
|
Check Price at AmazonYarra 8582D Review Yarra 8582D Review |
Best Gas Soldering Iron
|
Best Gas Soldering Iron
|
Dremel Versatip 2000
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Dremel Versatip 2000 Review Dremel Versatip 2000 Review |
Best for Pyrography
|
Best for Pyrography
|
Weller WPA2
|
Features
|
Check Price at AmazonWeller WPA2 Review Weller WPA2 Review |
The Best Soldering Station Buying Guide
If you’re an electronics specialist — or simply enjoy tinkering with circuit boards as a hobby — you need the best soldering station.
These machines take standard plug-and-go irons to the max. Usually including a separate control unit that generates, monitors, and regulates heat output — you can tailor the iron temperature specifically to your current project.
Compared to their basic soldering iron counterparts, soldering stations offer greater safety, solder quality, desoldering and pyrography options — and are crucial for PCBs (printed circuit boards) that contain heat-sensitive chips and components.
Furthermore, many of the premium-end units provide useful additional features — such as iron cleaning stations and a soldering stand.
When choosing your soldering station, consider:
- Temperature range.
- Included accessories.
- Power and wattage.
- Safety features.
- ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection.
Uses for a Soldering Iron Station
A soldering station is a crucial tool — not only for electronic nerds, but also for DIYers, crafters, trade specialists, and artists.
As the majority of your station projects will involve electricity, always use a multimeter to check that the circuit contains no residual power before you begin to solder.
While not an exhaustive list, here are the most common applications for soldering stations:
Home Electronics Maintenance and Repair
From circuit boards to smartphones, satellite receivers to CCTV systems — soldering stations allow you to solder, desolder, connect, and disconnect electronic components.
When repairing any electronics or electricals with solder, check the continuity using a digital multimeter.
Building PCBs
Soldering stations permit you to create circuit boards from scratch — ensuring reliable connections without the risk of overheating or melting the components, boards, or wires.
Home Electricals
Away from components and microchips, soldering stations allow you to build, repair, and maintain old-school electricals — such as traditional bedside lamps, hairdryers, fans, and toasters.
Jewellery Repair and Making
You can fix clasps, reposition gems, form precious metals, and create complicated designs with a soldering station — ideal for pro repairers and hobbyists.
Automotive Repair
If you’re an unashamed petrolhead — soldering stations allow you to fix and install wiring harnesses, in-car entertainment, fuse boxes, and battery connectors.
Pyrography
Many soldering stations offer a pyrography feature — enabling you to create intricate patterns and writing by artistically burning wood and leather.
Hot Air Soldering Gun
Some machines double up as a hot air soldering station — able to deliver a stream of targeted heated air to melt glue, desolder, and heat shrink tubing and sheaths.
Soldering Iron Safety Procedures
When used correctly, soldering stations are generally safe machines. However, if you’re careless, negligent, or foolhardy — they can cause serious, and painful, injury.
Therefore, always follow the below safety procedures when using your machine:
- Don’t touch the soldering iron tip — it’s really hot! Only grasp the tool with its heavily insulated handle.
- When not in use, safely locate the iron on a specifically built solder iron stand. This reduces the likelihood of setting fire to your project, workbench, or kitchen table.
- Ensure suitable ventilation — flux and lead solder vapours can be dangerous, so don’t inhale! Work only in generously ventilated areas, or utilise a fan or fume extractor.
- Wear protective clothing — at the very least, don heat protective gloves and eye defenders to prevent wayward solder or detritus from causing you an injury.
- Stay clear of flammable materials — ensure the tip doesn’t touch anything likely to catch fire, such as paper, cardboard, fabric, and petrol. Ensure you have access to water or a fire extinguisher if using the iron for pyrography.
- Keep kids away — to a child, a soldering iron is a fancy shiny pen, Dr Who’s sonic screwdriver, or Harry Potter’s wand. Ensure they don’t stray into your work area, ideally, lock them up when storing.
- Look for soldering iron stations with in-built safety features for additional safeguarding.
How To Choose the Best Soldering Station
The ultimate soldering station depends on your project types and personal preferences. — units that are perfect for the professional laptop repairer might be completely unsuitable for the jewellery-making crafter.
Here are some of the key factors you should think about when selecting your perfect soldering station.
Temperature Range
If you tackle a large variety of PCBs and electronic equipment, you’re going to need a soldering station with a wide temperature range. Depending on the lead/tin ratio of the solder used, you need different iron temperatures to suit the corresponding melting points.
Conversely, if you’re a pyrography enthusiast burning wood or leather, a single or dual-temperature machine would be adequate.
Included Accessories
Always check what arrives with your soldering station. Many manufacturers include accessories and features that allow you to use the machine straight out of the box and save money, negating the need for additional purchases.
Items to look out for include tip cleaning stations, soldering iron stands, tweezers, and hot air gun nozzles.
Power
The power of a soldering station is indicated by its wattage. Machines with higher wattage usually deliver greater maximum temperatures, increased heat reliability, and faster initial warm-up.
Typically, any unit with an output of 70 watts or greater would be considered a high-wattage tool.
Safety Features
While you will naturally follow soldering iron station safety procedures, it’s reassuring to own a tool that has inbuilt safeguarding features.
Look for machines that incorporate comprehensive protections, such as:
- Effortless temperature control.
- Automatic shut-off.
- Heat insulation.
- Fume extraction.
- In-built iron stands.
- Overheating protection.
- Electrostatic discharge grounding.
Our Top Picks of the Ultimate Soldering Iron Stations
With back-to-basic minimalist controls, a large display, and a straightforward user interface — the WE1010 from Weller is ideal for the home electronics enthusiast. Knocking out 100 to 450 degrees Celsius, the unit can tackle most DIY soldering jobs — while toolless tip replacement prevents lengthy downtimes.
A welcome automatic stand-by mode turns off the power when idle — saving energy, preventing accidents, and increasing the lifespan of the internal components. Large temperature and setting adjustment buttons permit effortless setting changes, even when wearing gloves. Furthermore, its separate iron stand and tip cleaner ensure safe storage and a detritus-free tip.
Weller Soldering Station WE1010
Product Rating: 4.7/5
Pros
70 watts of output.
Heat-resistant silicone cable.
Ergonomic handle.
Modern aesthetic.
Effortless to operate.
Cons
Insufficient versatility for pro users.
Lengthy heat-up time.
Seriously pro-grade, the ZD917 from Doss offers two-in-one functionality — incorporating both a soldering iron and a desoldering gun. Offering independent displays, microchip controllers, temperature settings and controls for each tool — it gives expert electronic specialists the ability to simultaneously attach and detach components.
Delivering up to 80 watts of power, and with a temperature range of 160 to 480 degrees Celsius — it can tackle anything from automotive repair to PCB building. Arriving complete with a soldering iron stand, two additional tips, and spare filters — you can crack on with your projects immediately after unboxing.
Doss ZD917 Soldering/Desoldering Station
Product Rating: 4.6/5
Pros
Twin tool machine.
Dual displays and controls.
Internal safety fuse.
Durable ceramic heating tip.
One of the best soldering iron for electronics.
Cons
Complex operation for novices.
Bulky and industrial aesthetic.
Flimsy solder iron stand.
With a heavy focus on safety — the ZD929C soldering station from Doss provides reassuring low-risk operation for both novices and pros. Incorporating a grounded tip to shield you and your circuits from intermittent power spikes — and current isolation via an in-line transformer — it’s ideal for sensitive PCBs, components, and users!
Its solid 48 watts of output permits temperature selection from 160 to 480 degrees Celsius — without tip or heating exchange replacement. An in-built iron holder offers you space-saving benefits, while a bright LED screen permits effortless setting reading — even in low-light conditions.
Doss ZD929C Soldering Station
Product Rating: 4.6/5
Pros
Spike safeguarding.
Compact build.
Incorporated tip cleaner.
Large temperature control knob.
Celsius or Fahrenheit option.
Cons
Loose solder iron holder — liable to slip.
Budget soldering iron build.
Boasting a large display, significant output, and a thoughtfully designed solder gun holder — the ZD8916ESD from Doss is an excellent prosumer soldering station. Substantial control buttons allow you to effortlessly adjust the temperature range from 160 to 480 degrees Celsius — while electrostatic discharge (ESD) shielding prevents damage to sensitive components.
The separate safety-focused gun holder surrounds the tip — making accidental touching of hot parts impossible. Furthermore, an incorporated wire tip cleaner ensures a constantly detritus-free tip. The soldering gun offers generous insulation to guard against heat transfer, and its ergonomic build staves off your fatigue on longer electronic projects.
Doss ZD8916ESD Soldering Station
Product Rating: 4.5/5
Pros
Modern aesthetic.
Large LCD screen.
Safety-conscious gun holder.
Rapid temperature switching.
ESD safe.
Cons
Thick solder gun cable can impair precise control.
Solder gun holder is unstable — liable to tip if knocked.
A complete soldering station kit, the 8582D from Yarra is ideal if you’re starting on your electronic journey, or you’re looking to upgrade or replace your current set-up. The unit incorporates a soldering iron with a holder, plus a hot air gun. Both with their individual LCD screens and temperature buttons — allow you to rapidly switch between tools.
The kit arrives with a selection of tweezers, iron tips, and heat gun nozzles — permitting you to crack on with your soldering/desolder jobs straight-outta-the-box. Reassuringly, automatic cooling and idle shut-off save energy and protect the internal components — while insulated iron and hot air gun handles permit safe and comfortable operation.
Yarra 8582D Soldering Station
Product Rating: 4.8/5
Pros
Temperature range from 100 to 480 degrees Celsius.
Low noise.
Rapid warm-up times.
Magnet-operated sleep mode.
Includes a heat gun for soldering removal.
Cons
No power switch — have to unplug.
Exposed sides in the iron holder reduce protection.
Powered by butane gas, the Versatip 2000 from Dremel offers welcome freedom from the constraints of a typical soldering station. Refilled with standard lighter fuel, it’s an excellent home machine for DIY and crafting tasks — including pyrography, soldering, cutting, and heat shrinking.
The tool arrives with six interchangeable accessories — including cutting blades, deflectors and tips — to cover a multitude of projects. Adjustable temperature allows you to choose heat settings from 550 to 1200 degrees Celsius, while a safety lock prevents accidental release of gas
Dremel Versatip 2000
Product Rating: 4.7/5
Pros
Complete gas soldering kit.
Ideal for novices.
Arrives with a metal storage case.
Cordless.
Self-ignition.
Cons
Insufficient precision for PCB projects.
Bulky — extended use can cause digit fatigue.
Targeting pyrographers, the WPA2 Pyropen from Weller is an excellent tool for crafters and hobbyists who enjoy creating impressive designs and text in wood and leather. Compact and lightweight, it offers precision and extended use — able to run for three hours after a single butane (lighter gas) fill.
Self-igniting at the push of a button, and with speedy heat-up — it reduces waiting times. With temperatures from 250 to 650 degrees Celsius, it delivers tailorable output to suit your target material. Its included chisel tip promises artwork accuracy, although without any exchangeable tips, makes the unit useless for electronic work.
Weller WPA2 Pyropen Soldering Iron
Product Rating: 4.6/5
Pros
Designed for pyrographers.
Lightweight and precise.
Long-running times.
Includes pyrography tip.
Cordless.
Cons
Unsuitable for electronic work.
Selecting exact temperatures is challenging.
Requires numerous presses on the ignition to start up.
Best Soldering Iron Accessories
Even the best soldering iron stations benefit from the right accessories!
Increasing your precision, elevating soldering ease, and providing improved craftsmanship — additional equipment is necessary for any dedicated home or pro electronic enthusiast. From tip cleaners to mats, helping hands to desolder pumps, here are our picks of the ultimate soldering iron accessories:
Offering an organised space for your electronic work, this heat-protective soldering mat protects your desk or work table from accidental burns and scorches. A crucial accessory for your soldering station, it includes a multitude of compartments, magnetic part holders, and PCB work areas.
Heatproof up to 500 degrees Celsius and crafted from scratch-resistant and anti-slip silicone — it offers years of longevity for both home enthusiasts and pros.
Esoldnic Soldering Mat
Essential for all solderers, the Hakko soldering iron tip cleaner removes excess solder, flux, and detritus from your tool — ensuring clean connections and consistent heat supply. Water-free — which means no dramatic temperature drops — the cleaning wire shields against tip oxidation.
And, enclosed in a handy aluminium dome, it guards against solder splatter, keeping your workspace clean.
Hakko Soldering Station Tip Cleaner
Essential for all solderers, the Hakko soldering iron tip cleaner removes excess solder, flux, and detritus from your tool — ensuring clean connections and consistent heat supply. Water-free — which means no dramatic temperature drops — the cleaning wire shields against tip oxidation.
And, enclosed in a handy aluminium dome, it guards against solder splatter, keeping your workspace clean.
ENGINEER Solder Pump Sucker SS-02
Arriving with six double-ended tools, the Kaisiking Assist Set offers accuracy in circuit and electronic repair and soldering. Also, including two precision tweezers, this comprehensive kit boasts specialist tools for pressing, hooking, brushing, cutting, and scraping — all with hardened tips for reassuring longevity.
And, featuring an ergonomic comfort design on all the tool handles, the set promises hours of extended use without digit fatigue.
Kaisiking Soldering Assist Aid Repair Tools
Manipulating circuit boards, wires, components, solder, and irons with only two hands is seriously challenging — the Steugo Helping Hands are the solution! Featuring six arms — each with individual alligator clips — you can flexibly adjust the hands into virtually any position. And, boasting a robust aluminium base, the tool offers reassuring stability.
Furthermore, arriving complete with a magnifying glass and USB fan, the unit permits accuracy and rapid solder cooling.
Steugo Soldering Helping Hands
Soldering Iron Station Conclusion
Offering impressive temperature control and benefitting from in-built safety measures — a soldering iron station is crucial for the home electronic repair, hobbyist, and trade pro.
When choosing your perfect unit — first consider whether you want the cordless freedom of a hobbyist-focused gas unit, or the accuracy of a PCB targeting a static LCD station. Then, consider the temperature range your projects demand, whether you need an incorporated desolderer or heat gun, and what accessories arrive with your tool.
Whether you’re a weekend circuit tinkerer, or a hardcore trade electronic pro — you need one of the best soldering stations.
Soldering Iron Station FAQs
What Is the Difference Between a Soldering Iron and Soldering Station?
Generally speaking, a soldering iron is a simple corded tool that incorporates a handle, heating element, and tip that’s used to solder wire or attach components to a circuit board.
A soldering station also incorporates a traditional-looking soldering iron, but has greater accuracy and versatility. Depending on the model, they can feature LCD screens, heat presets, variable temperature controls, desoldering guns and hot air blowers.
Should I Buy a Soldering Station?
If your soldering work involves little more than joining wires together — a standard soldering iron is sufficient.
However, if you work with circuit boards, sensitive electronic components, a variety of solder types, and require desoldering capabilities — you need the versatility of a soldering station.
What Makes a Good Soldering Station?
Depending on your project requirements, a good soldering station should offer:
- Precise temperature control.
- Overheating cutouts.
- Electrostatic discharge protection.
- Durability.
- Comfortable use for extended work.
- Secure holder for the iron when not in use.
Are Jaycar Soldering Iron Machines Any Good?
As a large Australian retailer — Jaycar soldering station machines and irons range from basic to complex trade-grade units.
How Do I Choose a Soldering Station?
The most important aspect of selecting your soldering station is to ensure it has the capabilities to address your current or future project requirements. For example, if you’re repairing and replacing components you need a desoldering tool — if you’re using various tin ratio solders, you require precise temperature control.
In addition to checking if the features meet your needs — also consider your budget, or whether you need a trade-grade machine for extreme use or a DIY unit for infrequent weekend jobs.
How Do I Set Up a Soldering Station at Home?
Since soldering station set-up requirements vary from machine to machine, always read and follow your user manual instructions to ensure the correct configuration.
That said, there are some general rules to follow whatever the brand:
- Set up the unit on a horizontal workspace that has sufficient area to work on your projects.
- Ensure it’s located away from children and pets — soldering irons are hot!
- Check the lighting is adequate to illuminate your jobs.
- Work on a heat-resistant surface, or purchase a heatproof mat.
- Ensure good natural ventilation or use a fan or extractor to remove flux fumes from the soldering station.
ToolCobber.com.au is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Additionally, ToolCobber.com.au participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links.