Review · soldering iron
Antex CS18
Published: · Updated:
Last verified 9 August 2026
Price
~£20–25
Power
18W
Temp range
~390°C (fixed)
Brand
Antex
The CS18 is Antex's lighter-gauge sibling to the XS25 — 18W, aimed at fine work rather than general-purpose soldering.
Strengths
- Lighter, finer tip suited to delicate PCB and small-component work
- Same simple, fixed-temperature reliability as the rest of the Antex range
Trade-offs
- 18W struggles to recover heat quickly on anything beyond fine work
- Fixed temperature, same as the XS25
Verdict
Pick this over the XS25 specifically for fine, small-component work — for anything heavier, the extra headroom on the XS25 (or a digital iron) will serve you better.
Antex CS18 wattage and temperature explained
The Antex CS18 shows why a higher listed temperature does not mean more heating power. The Antex CS18 is listed at 18W and ~390°C (fixed). The Antex XS25 is listed at 25W and ~370°C (fixed). Those temperature figures alone do not tell a buyer which iron can replenish heat more readily during a joint.
For small joints, contact quality still matters. A clean tip with a thin coating of solder transfers heat into the work. An oxidised tip can make a small joint take longer to heat. Do not assume an 18W rating prevents damage to delicate parts. Holding any hot iron against a board for too long can damage pads and components.
Antex CS18 price and replacement tip checks
The Antex CS18 has a typical UK street price of ~£20–25, and exact replacement tip fit should be checked before purchase. The specifications this site has verified do not give a named stockist or current availability. Check the individual retailer's price and supplied items.
For spare tips, ask for compatibility with the full Antex CS18 model name. The specifications this site has verified do not list a replacement tip family or part number. A tip advertised for another Antex iron should not be assumed to fit. Match the working shape to the joint as well as checking the physical fit, since a narrow point is not useful for every task.
Antex CS18 FAQ
Q.Is the Antex CS18 an 18W soldering iron?
Yes, the Antex CS18 is listed at 18W. The listed temperature is ~390°C (fixed).
Q.Which tips fit the Antex CS18 soldering iron?
The specifications this site has verified do not identify exact Antex CS18 replacement tips or part numbers. Confirm compatibility with the seller before buying.
Q.Is the Antex CS18 a soldering station?
No, the Antex CS18 is a fixed-temperature pencil iron without a separate control base. The specifications this site has verified list the Antex CS18 among handheld irons.
See how the Antex CS18 compares to the rest of the field in our full soldering iron comparison.