I used to have something like the BST-863, with a big air hose, but have since replaced it with a heater-in-handle type, which I now greatly prefer due to its longer and more flexible power cord and faster heat-up. This is very inexpensive ($50), decently-made, and works well. Be sure not to switch it off immediately after use - just put it in the holder and it will shut itself off automatically after cool-down, as it has a built-in motion detector. Be sure to throw away the tweezers and cutters that come with it, as they are garbage, although the solder sucker isn’t too bad 
For pre-heating I use an electric skillet.
