Solder reflow hot plate recommendation

[Chilliwack Murray]

Can anyone recommend an entry level hot plate for reflow and SMD soldering?

I’ve been soldering for almost 50 years but this is something new to me so looking for advice. There are dozens on Amazon that all look identical then more for considerably more money.

What’s important, what’s not? Anything to avoid?

Thanks in advance for any info. Such a huge variety of experience around here there’s really nothing that someone isn’t familiar with. Truly a great resource.

 

[bb29510]

i not absolutely sure on what your talking but i use a single burning hot plate i got from wally world, been using it daily for at least twenty years, in fact i got two of them same. i use them in the shop for drying material, it just a cheapy

Robot or human?

 

[Chilliwack Murray]

I am referring to a specific device used to solder surface mount components like the photo below.

I do have an old kitchen hot plate for bearings etc though, not quite the same.

 

[cgrutt]

How large of PCB boards are you working with and what is your budget? I don't know alot about this but recently bought a Quick hot air reflow station and it seemed to be much better design and build quality over similar "entry-level" hot air stations. They have a hot plate that has about 7" x 8" work surface for about $400. I've seen some videos and there is a miniature hot plate that shows up a lot its USB powered and looks like work surface is about 2" x 2" not sure if that would work for you or not. I think it was in the $100 range. Unfortunately don't recall brand.

ETA I think this is the mini but the plate is only 1" x 1" https://www.adafruit.com/product/49...lSxWn-9Y0Lcxk24SvS8fLaOj0AWYSO4hoCpTkQAvD_BwE

This is the quick have seen it sold for about $400 but bought my hot air station from this vendor and they shipped fast.

https://www.tequipment.net/Quick/870/Pre-Heater/?Source=googleshopping&gclid=CjwKCAiAjrarBhAWEiwA2qWdCMVIH5m_XHyt4GTzNY5gFctB0K3lhsRA68CwmxXCzBUvqkfd0xJQOxoC2MMQAvD_BwE