Electronic – Using a home oven for solder paste

componentsreflowsolder-pastesurface-mount

I'm doing a project and I have a PCB which needs surface mount components attaching to it. One component has already been attached, and I have some 138deg solder paste in a syringe.

This is possibly going to sound very stupid, but is it feasible to use my kitchen oven or a similar household device to heat up the solder? This is just a one off for me and I am not planning on doing any surface mount soldering in future, and I do not have easy access to a proper reflow oven.

All the components will be mounted on one side if that's an issue.

Best Answer

Lots of people use toaster ovens and electric fry pans for reflow. It can get a little touch and go with lead-free solder, and I recommend leaded solder.

Large kitchen ovens likely don't have the oomph to bring things to temp fast enough, and your IC's may not tolerate the slow temperature profile.

I think whatever appliance you use, you should dedicate to reflow, and not use it for food.