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There's also an open-source firmware for STM32 based soldering irons like the T12 soldering stations that are pretty commonly cloned.

https://github.com/deividAlfa/stm32_soldering_iron_controlle...

I've had one of the KSGER units for a few years now that I absolutely love. Uses Hakko style tips, heats quickly, holds temp well.

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It's been a few years since I've looked at them but those KSGER irons had a reputation for potentially being unsafe, with questionable mains isolation and no chassis grounding. There's videos around showing how to mod them to improve the safety margins, but of course you need to be aware that it's an issue before tackling that.

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/dodgy-technology/dangerous-sol...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuV3LO7_PpE

I bought one of the KSGER stations a few years ago fully intending to apply all of the safety fixes. When I opened it up, they had all been applied from the factory.

Still worth checking, but maybe not an issue for new stations?

Yeah, the downside of them is that they're widely cloned by various manufacturers, so it can be tough to know exactly what you're going to get.

Mine seems fine too, but it's a good call out to check.

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