maxtherabbit wrote on Yesterday, 13:29:

get a KSGER T12 for $75

hands down the best entry level iron

Yes, I can concur.

The key is that the heating element is in the tip, not part of the soldering iron. The soldering iron is just reallly a power supply and regulator for the tip.

All the magic happens in those T12 tips. They are fantastic.

I am sure the very most modern and most expensive soldering irons are even better, but the KSGER T12 with cheap ebay tips has gotten through every job I've needed it to.