We skipped basic pencils that plug directly into a wall socket and don’t provide adjustable temperature because adjustable pencils offer more temperature control and are still affordable. We also skipped cordless irons, which are useful for their portability but require trade-offs that aren’t worth it for beginners: They heat up more slowly, consume batteries quickly, and can damage delicate electronics. Butane-powered soldering torches are prized for their portability and high heat, especially for jewelry metalwork, but they’re too difficult to use for beginners.
Now that we are confident in the X-Tronic’s long-term performance and availability, we no longer recommend the Weller WLC100 as a runner-up pick. It took more than four minutes to heat up and lacks a digital display. It also has a bulky handle, though it’s designed in a way that prevents your hand from slipping…
