Heat guns are versatile hand handheld tools that are helpful in a wide range of applications from carpentry, arts, crafts to electronics. The hot air coming from heat guns are capable of stripping paint, thaw frozen pipes, remove stubborn labels, bend plastic, and others. Their operation is quite similar to hairdryers, but generates more hot air at a high temperature range. Before investing in a heat gun, we recommend you consider these key factors. Temperature Range – The temperature range of a particular heat gun will let you know the type of work you can use. For instance, heavy-duty jobs like plumbing and stripping paint require a heat gun with a temperature of 120° – 1100° Fahrenheit. While DIYers to do household projects need heat gun with a temperature of 392° – 752° Fahrenheit. So, check the temperature range before buying. Temperature Setting – An adjustable temperature is vital while working with a wide range of materials. Basic models have a single temperature setting, but the modern ones offer 2 – 3 different temperature settings, which let you set or control the temperature range or fan speed based on your work requirement. Nozzles – These are the attachments that allow the heat gun to focus heat on the particular object in a controlled manner. There are various types of nozzles available for heat guns for various purposes. Since most heat discharges on the nozzle’s tip, which means it has to be made of solid metals to sustain the heat and stress while using the gun. Though they are a bit dangerous, which let you suffer from accidental burns or melting things. So, it is essential to choose the model designed with safety in mind. Here we come with a list of some heat guns that are absolutely safe to use for various applications. Also, we have provided all the essential information required to buy your best heat gun in our detailed Buying Guide.
7 Best Heat Guns 2023
7 Best Heat Guns Reviews
1. Seekone Heat Gun
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The SEEKONE 1800W heat gun offers immense power and is capable of heating up in a matter of seconds. It has a large temperature range, with built-in temperature control and overload protection. One of the most important things about dual temperature heat guns is that they require rheostat-type heating with safety measures. The black dial on the heat gun allows you to control the heat from the tool and also make adjustments to the airflow control. With a temperature range of 120 degrees Fahrenheit to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, the heat gun is capable of handling most DIY project needs. Unlike other dual-temperature heat guns in the market, the SEEKONE offers variable temperature control. The ergonomic design enables the user to avoid strain injuries that are commonly experienced when using other heat guns. The 1800W heat gun is capable of a shrinking wrap, cell phone repairs, heating PCVV, removing paint from floor tiles, heating, thawing and other purposes. The kit comes with an equipped nozzle and three additional replaceable nozzles to help you work on any surface. It also comes with a reflector to help you apply heat evenly on surfaces. What We Liked
High power output Extra nozzles bundled with kit Overheat protection Kickstand Ergonomic design
What We Didn’t Like
Not suitable for low-power output projects High heat up time
Verdict: If you are looking for a hot air gun kit that is capable of car wrapping, shrinking PVC or removing rusted bolts, the SEEKONE Heat Gun 1800W is a versatile tool to pick up. The even heating mechanism paired with the safety measures that come built-in offers a great DIY experience.
2. Wagner Spraytech Heat Gun
The Wagner HT1000 heat gun is one of the best tools available for removing paint, loosening rusted bolts, working on phone repairs, and more. The ease of use of the Spraytech is unmatched and is one of the most popular options among home DIY-ers. There are two temperature settings that you can swap between depending on your requirements. The corrosion-resistant nozzles ensure that you can use the heat gun for extended periods of time without facing any overheating problems. With a temperature range of 750 degrees Fahrenheit to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, the heat gun has been built with durability in mind. In terms of performance, there are no issues when using the tool at higher temperatures for extended periods of time. You can use it for complex projects by taking advantage of the additional accessories and nozzles that come with the package. With 2 years of warranty on offer, users are protected by Wagner from any kind of manufacturing issues or defects. One of the highlight features of the heat gun is that it is capable of hands-free operation. You can make use of the stand to work on your projects without ever touching hot surfaces that can lead to work hazards. What We Liked
High heat levels Two-year warranty Hands-free operation Intricate safety measures Corrosion resistant build
What We Didn’t Like
Not suitable for thawing No wireless capabilities
Verdict: If you are looking for a heat gun with adjustable fan settings, the HT1000 is one of the best options for you. It comes with an integrated stand for safe and hands-free operation, making it one of the most easy-to-use tools out there.
3. Genesis Heat Gun
The Genesis GHG1500A is one of the best 1500/750W heat gun kits out there. It comes with an air reduction nozzle and makes adjustments depending on your project. You can swap between three temperatures to get the desired results. Most DIY projects that require precision and care need the right safety measures built-in. The GHG1500A comes with overload protection to ensure you do not injure yourself or damage the working surface you use the tool on. There are multiple accessories that come built-in with the package, including additional nozzles and reflectors. You do not need to invest in additional products as this is an all-in-one package designed to offer you best-in-class quality and versatility. The kickstand makes using the GHG1500A a breeze. You can make adjustments between low, medium, and high settings to get your desired temperature. The heating element of the heat gun comes with temperature protection to ensure you do not accidentally touch the heating element and injure yourself. When it comes to the design, Genesis has outdone themselves with great protection measures and added customizability in the mix. The RC motor available in the heat guns are extremely powerful and are capable of heating up the nozzle in a matter of seconds to help you get started on your project as quickly as possible. What We Liked
RC Motor for high power output Bundled nozzles for all types of DIY projects Comes with reflectors Suitable for all working surfaces
What We Didn’t Like
Noisy at high temperatures Small heating element
Verdict: If you are looking for a heat gun that does not require lighter fluid for heating and self-heats, this is one of the best kits to opt for. The adjustable airflow and temperature controls make it one of the most versatile and effective heat guns in the market.
4. AcmyslaT Heat Gun
The AcmyslaT 1800W heavy-duty heat gun offers immense power that is capable of quickly heat up to 500°C/932°F in seconds. This hot air gun will help to complete DIY household improvement tasks or other projects safely, quickly, and easily. It provides dual temperature settings within the temperature range of 572°F – 932°F (300°C – 500°C) – lower 572°F (250L/min), and higher 932°F (500L/min) that let you set as per your requirement. The high-powered turbofans allow for quick heating, while the built-in integrated overload protection will turn off the heat gun automatically when overheats and thereby prevent burning and ensure reliability and safety. It comes with 4 nozzles that are widely used for paint stripping, crafts, phone repairing, PVC shrinking, vinyl wrap, loosening rusted bolts, epoxy resin, and other thawing or heating purposes. The heat gun is compact, portable and lightweight that designed ergonomically with a flexible tube to restrict the damage of cable and the non-slip handle will aid for comfortable long-time usage. The built-in stand of the heat gun will make it stand on the table and let you work hands-free and safely, and cools down the heat gun quickly after completing its work. It comes with a 6.6 ft UL plug power cord and is ETL-certified for safety and assured quality. The gin is made of a high-quality ABS plastic shell, and stainless steel air outlet, and all its parts are rust- and heat-resistant that ensuring drop protection and effectively offering a longer 800 hours lifespan. What We Liked
Overheat protection Dual temperature setting Rapid heating (1.5 seconds) Strong motor power (1800W) with 2 modes 4 nozzle accessories Ergonomic design Hands-free operation
What We Didn’t Like
No wireless capabilities and no warranty. A bit noisy at high temperatures.
Verdict: This AcmyslaT 1800W is a heavy-duty versatile tool that can be your perfect companion for home improvement DIY tasks. So, it is a great pick for those looking for a hot air gun with wide applications and safety measures.
5. Prulde Hot Air Gun Kit
The efficient Heat Gun from the Prulde is an ideal choice for all kinds of DIY projects. It has undergone a drop test and aging test to prove that it provides drop protection and can work relentlessly for 500 hours straight. It features high-powered turbofans that allow the gun to heat within seconds, which can boost your work speed. Moreover, the gun comes with built-in overload and overheat protection which prevents burning and ensures safe, reliable use. Unlike other conventional guns, the Prulde heating gun uses ceramic heating elements instead of mica elements thus improving the safety and lifespan. This compact-sized gun measures 9.06 x 3.15 x 7.87 inches and weighs just 1.9 pounds making it easy to carry. It features a non-slip handle for a better grip throughout your work and its flexible tube protects the cable from damage due to entanglement. The 1200W hot air gun is ideal for paint stripping, PVC shrinking, phone repairing, crafts, and many more heating and thawing activities. What We Liked
Ultra-sturdy Safe and durable Wide application Dual temperature control Ergonomic design
What We Didn’t Like
No carrying case
Verdict: This is a delightful tool you can own for an amazingly low price. If you are looking for a perfect air gun with adjustable temperature settings, then this model is for you. You can choose the best-suited temperature between the low 752℉ and high 1112℉.
6. Xpeoo Heat Gun Kit
Xpeoo’s heat gun kit is a versatile option with 10 multi-purpose attachments for a wide range of applications. It has 5 nozzles, 1 paint shovel, and 4 paint shovel attachments. The heat gun features a free-hands operation design with rear cover flat and blacket to make it stand upright by itself when you are working. This ensures the heat gun doesn’t fall off and burn nearby objects. With a power rating of 2000W, the heat gun has 2 gears to control the temperature settings. You can adjust the temperature between 5720F and 10220F to heat the tip depending on the purpose. The heat gun will heat in a few seconds to help you complete all your DIY home improvement tasks. It is perfect for shrink wrapping, shrink tubing, epoxy resin, cell phone repairs, electronics repair, thawing pipes, vinyl wrap, and paint removal. What we liked
High output power Wide temperature range Comes with extra attachments Free-hands design Safe to use
What we didn’t like
No carrying case Not suitable for heavy duty use
Verdict: This heat is a multi-purpose equipment that is suitable for all your DIY home improvement needs. Plus, the high output power and free-hands design make it a very convenient and effective tool.
7. Milwaukee Electric Tool Heat Gun
There are very few cordless heat guns that offer the power and versatility of wired counterparts. The Milwaukee Electric Tool 2688-20 is one of the best offerings out there if you are looking for premium heat guns that are portable. The first thing you will notice about the Milwaukee heat gun is its premium build quality and it’s illuminating LED that makes it easy to work even in dimly-lit conditions. It is one of the best high-end products out there fully kitted with customizable temperature settings and other essential features. One of the best things about 2688-20 is that it is capable of switching between its dual temperature set up very efficiently. It takes only 7 seconds for it to be ready, which is very impressive considering most heat guns can take up to a minute to ready up before they can be used. The lightweight and portable design of the 2688-20 heat gun is very impressive. The airflow in the tool is quite great and even though it is portable, the battery doesn’t heat up even with extended periods of usage. The kit comes with a carrying case, and you also get access to some of the best quality nozzles that you can interchange between for easy access. Whether you want to strip paint or use the tool for other purposes, the portable heat gun is capable of it all. What We Liked
Efficient heating time Illuminating LED light Wireless capabilities Battery does not heat even at high temperatures Kickstand for hands-free usage
What We Didn’t Like
No Carrying Case Requires additional third-party nozzles for versatility
Verdict: If you are looking for a lightweight and portable heat gun for your DIY projects, this is definitely the one to go for. Its wireless capabilities make it one of the best tools out there, and the fact that despite being wireless, it stays extremely cool is impressive. With an operational efficiency rate of just 7 seconds, this gets a thumbs up from us.
Heat Gun Buyer’s Guide
Heat guns are versatile tools that are very easy to use. Having access to a good heat gun allows you to take up DIY projects at home without needing professional assistance. Typically you want to look for a heat gun that has the right mix of features which includes replaceable heads, a LCD display and preferably a lightweight design. Safety features are often overlooked but they need to be available to prevent any kind of work hazards. The three types of heat guns that you can grab online include gas powered heat guns, infrared heat guns and electric heat guns. Industrial heat guns can also be used but they are not needed for simple home projects. Electric heat guns are the most convenient for most users because of temperature control and the absence of inflammable fluids to power them.
How to Choose a Heat Gun:
A perfect heat gun should have the right mix of features, including the best quality, lightweight design, and safe to use. In this ultimate buying guide, you came to know how to pick the right heat gun based on their work requirement, without preventing safety features related to work hazards. Let’s know what factors to consider while shopping for a heat gun.
1. Temperature Range:
The temperature range of a heat gun is essential to check before making its purchase. This range will let you know the type of work you can do by using this heat gun. For instance, use a heat gun with a temperature range of 120°F – 1100°F to do heavy-duty tasks like plumbing and paint stripping effortlessly. For DIYers performing daily household projects, such as softening the adhesive on floor tiles or heat shrinking plastic may require a heat gun with a temperature range of 392°F – 752°F. Most modern heat guns will allow you to adjust the temperature to do various types of tasks or projects without facing any overheating issues.
2. Temperature Control:
A perfect heat gun will let you do a variety of tasks especially, one with an adjustable temperature output is a must while dealing with varied materials. Typically, basic models work at a single temperature. Here the gun heats up to its maximum temperature, and to adjust the heat level, simply move the gun away or closer to the target objects. While advanced/modern heat guns offer 2 – 3 different temperature settings that let you set the heat from low, medium, and high heat, as per your requirements. Heat guns with a variable temperature feature offer a dial to select the proper temperature in between less (minimum) to the high (maximum) range. A few modern heat guns come with electronic displays, which let you set the exact required temperature and adjust them by 50°F increments. Pick a heat gun with a detailed fan and temperature controls for a precise heat setting and to do your work effectively.
3. Fan Speed:
Fan speed will let you know the range of surface area a heat gun can impact. A model with a lower fan speed is perfect for accurate projects, such as removing labels or loosening solder joints. Whereas, a model with higher fan speed will aid in greater heat distribution all over the area. While moving a heat gun that runs at low fan speed quite away from the targeted thing, then the temperature reduces, yet the surface area increases. So, a powerful fan will increase the surface area coverage without any drop in temperature and thereby allows to heat up a larger area at a time. Thus, this fan speed setting is useful while dealing with larger projects, such as defrosting pipes or stripping paint.
4. Airflow Settings:
A fan in the heat gun will decide its airflow, which influences the user’s control. So, a few models let you adjust the airflow to perform your work efficiently. Especially, at times when you need to slow down the airflow to prevent melting sensitive components. Alternatively, you have to increase the efficiency to utilize the highest airflow setting of the heat gun. Similar to temperature control, the airflow adjustments come with a speed dial that indicates how fast the fan in the heat gun will spin. However, airflow is a problem while heating tight spaces, or nearby materials get the heat. Here the heat gun has to be convertible to make other covered areas won’t impose damage.
5. Nozzles:
Nozzles are attachments designed to fit on the heat gun to help them focus heat on the particular object you are dealing with. They offer accurate temperature control & efficiently direct the flow of heat. Some of the popular heat gun nozzles are.
Cone or Reducer Nozzles – Allows focusing heat on a specific area. Flat Nozzles – Applicable while dealing with a wide, horizontal line. Spoon Reflector Nozzles – Wrap around the pipe to distribute heat evenly to its entire circumference. Glass Protector Nozzles – Used to strip off the paint of a window by preventing direct heat on the glass.
6. Nozzle Quality:
We came to know how vital nozzles are for a heat gun. Mostly, heat emits on the tip, which makes them experience a great level of stress. So, it has to be made of the best quality material like solid metal that won’t deform or melt. Also, the same has to be considered with the nozzle attachments. Since the nozzles coming with a heat gun should offer plenty of uses. Thus, it should be made of the best quality to sustain the stress and heat levels effectively.
7. Accessories:
Heat guns offer a wide range of accessories that are designed to offer precise temperature control and ease to use the gun effectively. Here are some popular accessories meant to be used for heat guns.
Thermal Cut-Out – It switches off the heat gun whenever it gets overheated. Dead Man’s Switch – It shut off the power automatically whenever the pressure is released. Hanging Hook – It is used to store the tool. Surface Stand – It let you rest the gun safely while taking pauses in your work. Also, it offers a hands-free option to perform the task that involves operating with two hands. Yet be careful that the gun is steady and placed away from flammable objects. LCD Display – A tool with an LCD will provide you with complete control over its operation. It allows you to adjust the temperature, especially while working on delicate or precise things like PC circuits, cell phones, etc.
8. Ergonomics:
Ergonomics play a vital role in providing safety and comfort to the user, as they put out extreme heat. Mostly, heat guns offer pistol grips, which in turn, gives a safe space for the operator to rest their hands in between work pauses. Also, these pistol grips come with built-in controls that enable seamless setting changes. Usually, we notice models having rear- and side-mounted dials. All these ergonomics are designed to ensure that your hands won’t reach anywhere near the nozzle. Some models have integrated stands, in which a few stands turn heat gun into the handsfree work surface, while other stands support to cool the tools.
9. Extra Features:
Apart from the plethora of heat gun accessories and nozzles out there, a few heat guns provide extra built-in features. Here are some additional features offered by the heat guns.
A few models come with extended cord lengths for more freedom of movement. Some feature high-temperature protection on the nozzle to maintain safe hands. Few units offer built-in memory settings to adjust the fan speed and heat instantly to the exact level required for a precise project you are dealing with, such as paint stripping with a single press of a button.
Types of Heat Guns:
Heat guns are mainly categorized into four types – gas, electric, industrial and infrared. Irrespective of their type, you should be aware that they are dangerous if not used properly. Let’s know about them in detail.
Gas Heat Guns –
This type of heat gun uses either propane or butane gas instead of a heated element. They are less popular compared to the electric type for some reasons. Since they are a bit expensive, and has to purchase & fill gas canisters to use this heat gun, which involves more work compared to just plug-in or charge like an electric model. Professionals in the electrical or plumbing field can use this gas heat gun if they have to work away from nearby electrical outlets (or) to prevent the safety hazard of using an extension cord. Beyond these professional trades, this heat gun lost its popularity these days in the DIY market.
Electric Heat Guns –
This type of heat gun can be powered by either cordless (battery-operated) or corded (AC electrical-outlet). They can be small or large, affordable, and considered a quite popular style of heat guns. Its fan speed and temperature range may vary greatly among various models. Most manufacturers focus on developing electric heat gun technology to use in daily tasks. Thus, it makes gas-powered heat gun models are losing their popularity.
Industrial Heat Guns –
This type of heat gun is quite different from the above mentioned two types due to their robust construction, higher fan settings, and high levels of heat. Mostly, professionals use this type of heat gun for doing heavy-duty jobs in automotive repairs, mass retail factories, and packaging units. Since they are designed for industrial work, they won’t let a fine-tuning of fan speed or temperature control be required to do small precision works.
Infrared Guns –
It is a new type of heat gun in the market, which uses infrared heat. These run effectively to perform your work safely. It generates a maximum temperature of 1112°F, which is more than sufficient for various household projects.
Safety Tips to Use Heat Guns:
These guns won’t use any open flame, yet can produce a temperature of up to 1200°F. So, proper care has to be taken while operating the heat gun that not to burn yourself or damage the material you are dealing with. Here are some of the precautions and safety measures to be taken while using a heat gun.
Don’t set the heat gun near or around combustible or flammable products such as exposed flammable hoods, liquid tubes or vapors, etc. Make sure to maintain at least 1-inch of space between the work surface and outlet nozzle while operating the heat gun. Always work with consciousness on the heat direction. Make sure to unplug the heat gun, particularly if the ground is empty, while not using the heat gun. Switch off the heat gun frequently on every surface/ground before you set it down properly. Avoid getting any cloth or skin contact with the hot metal nozzle while using this gun. Allow the heat gun to cool down completely before its storage. Never inject anything into the nozzles of the heat gun. Also, don’t look at the nozzle before turning the heat gun. Avoid using an extension cord to control the heat gun. The reason is that overheating may lead to a high current pull and thus cause an electrocution or fire danger. Make sure to wear protective gloves and eye covers, even though you are an expert/pro. Don’t direct the hot air stream to anyone’s body. Avoid carrying a sample without forceps while using a heat cartridge. Or else face direct heat application to the hand. Never hinder the airflow of the device or cover the inlet grill while using.
Common Uses of Heat Guns:
Heat guns are used for various applications, and here we have mentioned some of their common uses.
Removing Wallpaper – Run the gun to soften the adhesive behindhand of old wallpaper, and thereby it is easy to scrape off. Wrap Shrinking – A heat gun is used to shrink wrap quickly, which makes it to be used in storing items, retail, making gift baskets, etc. Paint Stripping – The perfect alternative to strip paint quickly without using solvents or chemicals in an eco-friendly way. Shrink Tubing – Use them when you want to connect wires to have a secure and clean look. For instance, car stereo installs or other electronics. Thaw Frozen Pipes – Mostly, people experience this issue in winter. Use a heat gun to thaw the pipes (indoor piping) slowly and return water flow. Also, thaw underground pipes after some excavation. Plastics Welding – Just like stick welding, we can easily attach two plastic pipes with this heat gun rather than using various glues to join plastics. Dry Paint – A heat gun on a low setting will dry out the newly applied paint in a short time, especially suits for smaller areas. Soften Adhesives – A heat gun is a perfect option to remove old stickers from cars or furniture (or) price tag stickers (or) remove gorilla glue from metal. Desoldering – Quite useful in repairing electronics like de-solder wires in a circuit (or) remove damage to the circuit board. Roast Coffee – An inexpensive way to roast your own coffee with this heat gun. Drying Damp Wood – A heat gun is used to suck out the moisture from wood while prepping wood to paint or require kindling. Emboss Heat – A heat gun is great for crafty people that let you use them with embossing powder, rubber stamping, etc., to generate excellent embossed designs. Attach Tarps – Looking for a big tarp, instead of buying an expensive large tarp, then you can join multiple small tarps together to get your required size tarp. Bending PVC Pipes – Plumbers use heat guns to bend PVC quickly to custom their required angle without using elbow joints or adhesives. Window Tint – Having a heat gun can help you to save your time and effort to remove window tint. Leather or Vinyl Repair – Hot air/heat can remove pressure marks or creases easily. Also, it repairs a tear on the leather or vinyl. Sear Meat and Roast Marshmallows – We can use a heat gun to sear meat or roast marshmallow without using any pan. Loose Stuck Bolts/Nuts – Works well to remove or loosen those rusted/tight bolts or nuts with their heat.
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