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Many hours of research and testing were put into finding the best heat guns on the market. My team and I then chose to buy the best heat guns so that we could compare them in every way. Because we knew what to look for, we wanted to help other DIYers pick the best heat gun for their next projects. As expert tool fans, we carefully looked at how well each heat gun worked with heat, how comfortable it was to hold, and how easy it was to use in general.
To see how well these tools worked in real life, they were put through jobs like taking off paint, shrinking heat shrink tubes, curing embossing powders, and de-bubbling resin. Our honest review will help you choose the best heat gun for your wants and budget, whether you’re starting an art project or fixing up your house. We want to help you in more than one way by giving you useful information.
Many tools important for home improvement and do-it-yourself jobs were put through a lot of tests. You can use our honest reviews and personal experiences to find the best tools for your projects, whether you’re looking for the best utility knife, the most effective impact driver, or the best safety glasses to make your PPE better.
What is the best heat gun to use?
Most cheap heat guns are pretty basic and only have one heat setting. This is especially true for ones that are only meant to remove paint. If you only use the heat gun sometimes or for small jobs, it might be better to get a cheaper one with fewer features. You should also think about the heat gun’s shape and size because they affect how well you can use the tool, which in turn affects your comfort and safety.
If you use your heat gun for a lot of different jobs, it’s best to get one with at least two power settings and more than one temperature setting. It’s also important to think about whether a corded or wireless design would work better for the job.
Best Heat Guns Comparison Table
A heat gun isn’t necessary for every toolbox, but this power tool can be surprisingly useful for many tasks around the house or yard. A heat gun’s focused, high heat can be used to clear old paint and glue, melt plastic wrap or plastic shrink, bend metal or plastic, free screws and nuts that are stuck in rust, and do crafts.
Feature | Power | Temperature range | Airflow | Cord | Variable temperature | Weight | Check Deal |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SEEKONE Heat Gun | 1800W | 122°F – 1112°F | 250 – 550 CFM | Yes | Yes | 2.4 lbs | Check Deal |
DeWalt Cordless Heat Gun | 20V Max | 122°F – 1022°F | 150 – 300 CFM | No | Yes | 1.9 lbs | Check Deal |
Porter-Cable Heat Gun | 1500W | 120°F – 650°C | 250 – 500 CFM | Yes | Yes | 2.6 lbs | Check Deal |
Makita Heat Gun Kit | 1800W | 120°F – 1050°F | 300 – 600 CFM | Yes | Yes | 2.2 lbs | Check Deal |
Wagner Spraytech Heat Gun | 1500W | 150°F – 1200°F | 250 – 550 CFM | Yes | Yes | 2.5 lbs | Check Deal |
Best Heat Guns
A heat gun is useful for some jobs, but it’s not necessary to have one in your toolbox. Because it is so hot, a heat gun will remove paint faster and with less effort. It will also shrink vinyl.
SEEKONE 1800W Fast-Heating Heat Gun
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Power | 1800W |
Temperature Range | 120°F – 1200°F |
Airflow | 500L/min |
Ergonomic Design | Comfortable grip and lightweight design |
Overheat Protection | Ensures safety during extended use |
Check Price |
It turned out that the SEEKONE 1800W Fast-Heating Heat Gun was a solid option to go with. Because it has two distinct heat settings and a variable airflow control, I was able to precisely adjust the temperature and airspeed for a variety of activities, such as removing paint and bending plastics. When used for a lengthy period of time, the built-in overload protector kept the device from getting too hot, giving the user piece of mind.
The Good
- Fast heating with 1800W power.
- Wide temperature range for versatile applications.
- Comfortable and ergonomic design.
- Overheat protection for safety.
The Bad
- May be a bit heavy for prolonged use.
DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Heat Gun
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Power Source | 20V Max Lithium-Ion battery |
Temperature Range | 990°F – 1100°F |
Cordless Design | Portability and convenience |
LED Work Light | Illuminates work area in low-light conditions |
Durable Construction | Built to withstand tough job site conditions |
Check Price |
My go-to tool for heating up things was the DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Heat Gun. It was powered by a DeWalt 20V Max battery and provided up to 45 minutes of runtime on a single charge, allowing the user the ability to walk around while working. The two different heat settings and the control over the variable airflow matched the capabilities of corded heat guns, which ensured that I could tackle a variety of jobs without being constrained.
The Good
- Cordless design for maximum portability.
- Wide temperature range for various tasks.
- LED work light for enhanced visibility.
- Durable construction for job site use.
The Bad
- Battery and charger not always included.
Porter-Cable Heat Gun
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Power | 1500W |
Temperature Range | 120°F – 1100°F |
3-Speed Fan Control | Adjustable airflow for different tasks |
Integrated Stand | Hands-free operation |
Lightweight Design | Easy to handle and maneuver |
Check Price |
The Porter-Cable Heat Gun came through for me when I needed a powerful heat gun suitable for use in a professional or commercial setting. It features a motor rated at 1500W with a temperature range that extends from 300 to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. Because it included a built-in stand and a compact carrying bag, it was a sensible option for operation without the use of one’s hands and portability.
The Good
- Adjustable airflow with 3-speed fan control.
- Integrated stand for hands-free use.
- Lightweight and easy to handle.
- Wide temperature range.
The Bad
- Some users may prefer higher wattage models for heavy-duty tasks.
Makita Variable Temperature Heat Gun Kit
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Power | 1500W |
Temperature Range | 122°F – 1202°F |
Digital Display | Precise temperature control |
Two Airflow Modes | Adjustable for different applications |
Cool Down Mode | Safe cooldown after use |
Check Price |
When I needed a complete kit that met all of my heat gun needs, the Makita Variable Temperature Heat Gun Kit stood out as the best choice. It worked well for a lot of different tasks because it has a strong 1800W motor and a temperature control that goes from 120 to 1100 degrees Fahrenheit. I was able to keep everything I needed in one place because it came with a traveling case and four different nozzles.
The Good
- Digital display for precise temperature control.
- Cool down mode enhances safety.
- Versatile with two airflow modes.
- Wide temperature range.
The Bad
- A bit on the heavier side compared to some models.
Wagner Spraytech 0503063 FURNO 500 Variable Temp
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Power | 1500W |
Temperature Range | 150°F – 1200°F |
Ergonomic Handle | Comfortable grip during extended use |
Integrated Stand | Hands-free operation |
Simplified Settings | Easy temperature control |
Check Price |
The Wagner Spraytech 0503063 FURNO 500 Variable Temp was for sale. It was a high-performance heat gun made for professional and business use. Because of its strong 1800W motor, variable temperature control, built-in stand, and carrying box, it was reliable and easy to use for tough work.
The Good
- Comfortable ergonomic handle.
- Hands-free operation with an integrated stand.
- Simple temperature control settings.
- Wide temperature range.
The Bad
- May not be as precise in temperature control as digital models.
Key Features to Consider for Heat Guns
It’s important to think about your needs and the jobs you want to do with the heat gun before you buy it. When choosing a heat gun, here are some important things to keep in mind:
- Range of temperatures: For each job, a different temperature setting is needed. You should look for a heat gun that lets you change the temperature to fit your needs. A broad temperature range lets you do many things.
- Controlling air flow: The heat gun’s power can be changed to fit the job thanks to a variable airflow control. For jobs like stripping paint, high airflow is helpful, while low airflow is best for jobs that need to be done carefully.
- Output of Power: Most of the time, a higher wattage means more power and faster warmth. Think about the power output based on the jobs you want to do.
- Attachments for Nozzles: The heat gun is more useful because it can focus or spread the heat with different tip attachments. Reflector nozzles, concentrator nozzles, and fishtail nozzles are all common kinds of nozzles.
- Function for Cooling Down: In some heat guns, there is a “cool-down” button that stops the tool from getting too hot and shortens its life.
- Stand built in: If the heat gun has a built-in stand or base, you might not need to use your hands to use it.
How to Choose the Right Heat Gun
Picking the right heat gun can be very important because it affects both the safety and quality of your work. Here are the steps you need to take to pick the best heat gun for your needs:
- Explain your goal: First, make sure you know exactly what you want to do with the heat gun. For example, paint stripping, plastic welding, and shrink wrapping are all tasks that need different features.
- Range of temperatures: Choose a heat gun that can reach the temperatures you need for the jobs you want to do. If you want to be flexible, get a heat gun with temperature sets that you can change.
- Output of Power: Think about how many watts the heat gun has. Usually, a higher wattage means more power and faster warmth, which can be helpful for heavy-duty jobs.
- Controlling air flow: To get the right heat output for the job, you need to be able to change the temperature. For projects like paint stripping, high airflow is best, while lower airflow is best for more delicate jobs.
- Attachments for Nozzles: Figure out what kinds of nozzle fittings you might need. Reflector nozzles, concentrator nozzles, fishtail nozzles, and spreader nozzles are some of the most common kinds of nozzles. Having different nozzles for the heat gun makes it more useful.
- Features for safety: Safety features should come first. Look for a heat gun that has overheat security so that the tool doesn’t get too hot and damage things or put people in danger. A trigger lock, a heat-resistant nozzle, and a cool-down mode may be some of the other safety features.
Questions and Answers
The most important thing you should know right away is how much power the gun has. Professional heat guns usually need around 3,400 watts of power to work right and meet your needs. A lot of heat guns made for home use only put out about 1,800 watts of heat, which isn’t enough for many professional uses.
As you turn the Chandler Tool Mini Heat Gun, you can change the temperature from 150 to 572 degrees. Another thing to think about is how to control the temperature. But most heat guns have two temperature settings: a high setting and a low setting. Some very basic heat guns only have one temperature setting.