Quality wise, the
Quick861Dx might be of interest (W = 110V US, A = 220V UK, or S = 220V EU so far; all of these are the 1000W versions, not the DE, which is 1200W & 200 lpm airflow).
It's a professional grade unit that's similar to a Hakko FR-810 in terms of basic design & features, but is a lot less expensive (i.e. $235 v. $750 for the Hakko in the US).
Pump wise, it uses a brushless DC turbine pump, and it works very well I find (1 - 120 lpm airflow). Not terribly noisy either. Unlike all the other Chinese made hot air rework stations I've seen, the heating element is an assembly that fits a socket in the handle (entire stainless steel tube). Nothing to solder, just work with 3 screws should it need replaced. Set the handle in the cradle, and it drops to whatever you set as a setback temp, and if left long enough, shuts off (time is user settable).
(
Internal photos of an 861DS).
They make a couple of lower priced models, the 957 and the 957D
x (
957 analog innards,
957DW innards). These also use turbine pumps, but are simpler, have fewer features, and are less powerful. They've a lower build cost so aren't as nice internally, but they do get the job done, and appear better constructed than what they compete with.
So if on a tighter budget, either of these may be a better alternative.
For those that would prefer the squirrel fan in handle versions,
Pro's Kit SS969 is better built than most it seems.
For comparison, here's the
internals of a Hakko FR-802.
These threads might be of use as well (lots of internal photos too).
Hope this helps.