A heat gun is a powerful tool used in a variety of applications, including plastic welding, woodworking, painting, and, perhaps most importantly, drying out paint.
A heat gun is a large tool that looks somewhat like a hair dryer on steroids. It consists of a long pedestal that has a barrel at the end. Just like a hairdryer, the barrel contains an element with beating wings that heats up the air and causes it to cool down when it blows out. The heat travels through the air and becomes very hot – hot enough to burn human skin, in fact. A heat gun is more powerful than a hairdryer and is able to heat objects further away from the tool thanks to the larger size of barrel.
For this reason, a heat gun is considered an "industrial tool" even though it is great for crafts and home improvement projects.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT Heat Gun | Best Overall |  |
| Genesis GHG1500A 12.5 Amp Dual-Temperature Heat Gun Kit | Budget Pick |  |
| DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Heat Gun | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. DEWALT Heat Gun
Pros:
- RC oscillation nozzle offers a precise temperature
- Adjustable heat settings
- Externally mounted heat adjustment knob lets user see while adjusting
Cons:
- A bit costly
- Overall duration is short
When it comes to heat guns, the DeWalt brand has been the go-to name in the industry for many years. And it’s not difficult to see why. The DW26950 is one of the best heat guns on the market today.
It features a soft grip handle that helps to improve hold and reduces fatigue during extended use. Also, the built-in heat adjustment scale gives you up-to-the-minute temperature readings that make it easier and more convenient to get the most from your tool.
The 360-degree, continuous-rotation nozzle allows you plop this heat gun into virtually any awkward position and still be able to direct your heat source where you intend it to be. DeWalt heat guns are known for their reliable thermal performance, and the same can be applied to the DW26950.
2. SEEKONE Heat Gun 1800W Heavy Duty Hot Air Gun Kit Variable Temperature Control
Pros:
- Variable temperature setting
- 2 heat settings
- Overload protection
- 3 nozzles
- Non-slip body
- Heavy duty construction
- Great value
Cons:
- No temperature gauge
- No auto shut-off after 30 minutes
- Single setting has a wide temperature range
Buffing, Removal of Stripped Screws, Loosening Rusted Bolts, Bending and more.
With over 1800 watts of power, this unit is great for heating up just about anything. It has three temperature settings, which increase from 122°C to 1202°C. This heat gun is temperature controlled so you don’t have to worry about burning hot spots.
Within these temperature ranges, the unit has an overload safety feature that shuts the gun down if it gets too hot. Since this is a huge unit, there is a non-slip coating on the handle to keep the heat gun secure in your hand.
3. Heat Gun
Pros:
- Ceramic base for maximum heat
- Excellent customer service
- Easy to replace parts and upgraded technology
Cons:
- Heat is not strong enough
- Noisy
- It’s not easy to adjust
Heat Gun, Tacklife 122℉~1112℉(50℃~600℃) Precision Control Temperature by Adjustment Dial with Three Temp-settings, Four Nozzle Attachments for Removing Paint, Bending Pipes, Shrinking PVC-HGP73AC.
This heat gun is suitable for a variety of applications, ranging from professional crafts and hobbies to crafts and hobbies. It is possible to use this for anything from shrinking PVC to remodeling pipe. It also has features such as four temperature controllers, as well as different nozzles that make it easy to direct airflow.
It also has a 250-degree swing angle to enable you to blow air in every direction. It also has features such as being resistant to high temperatures, allowing you to use it in heavy-duty projects.
4. CARTMAN Heat Gun
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact
- Throws out a decent amount of heat
- Comes with a 6-piece accessory kit
- Comes with a warranty
- Quiet operation
- Good bang for the buck
- Can regulate temperature
Cons:
- Width isn’t adjustable
- Lacks refinement
The Cartman 1500W heat gun provides you with ample power and 900-degree temperature output for all of your home and auto projects. It features a powerful motor that runs quietly, making it suitable to use in enclosed areas.
The heat gun is built using a high-quality aluminum housing that acts as a heat sink. This helps in keeping heat at its source and reduces cold spots while also enabling quick heat recovery and saves energy.
It’s a suitable choice if you need control over things like airflow and temperature. The Cartman Heat Gun is one of the best heat guns if you plan to use it for DIY projects, soldering, brazing, thawing pipes, melting ice, stripping paint, drying paint, and drying wood.
5. BLACK+DECKER Heat Gun
Pros:
- Dual temperature settings
- Lightweight construction
- Comfortable grip
- Streamlined design for ease of handling
- Anti-slip wings for better balance
- Limited 3-year warranty
Cons:
- Design isn’t as sturdy as it could be
- Tips don’t stand up to high use
- Fan speed could be a bit faster
- Price could be lower
If you need a heat gun capable of tackling a wide range of projects around your house, this BLACK+DECKER model is your best bet. It features two possible settings: you can choose between a low temperature of 500 degrees and a high of 1000 degrees.
Since you have two settings at your disposal, you’ll be able use the Black and Decker heat gun for a wide variety of applications. You can paint, shrink plastic, shrink rubber, and thaw out frozen pipes with ease.
Due to its high temperature, you’ll be able to perform flame-resistant tasks like removing paint, mold, and tar from the driveway, and you’ll be able to dry paint and shrink vinyl without worry of damaging the surfaces underneath.
6. Wagner Spraytech 0503038 Redesigned HT400
Pros:
- Accepts butane/propane mix
- Universal voltage
- Safer than open flame
- Use on glass, PVC, plaster, rubber, leather, fabric, plastic, and wood
- Can accept optional attachments
- No paint stripping or burning
- Very easy to clean and maintain
- Withstands high temperatures
- Satisfaction guaranteed
This dual temperature heat gun is great for those who prefer a more hands-on approach to home improvements, as well as arts and crafts projects. It’s one of the most affordable heat guns on our list, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality. This model can heat up to a maximum of 680 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hotter than most paint removers.
This redesigned heat gun from Wagner Spraytech comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty. It will reach the required temperature in seconds. You can choose between two adjustable temperatures, as well as three fan speeds. The temperature gauge has a clear display, which is easy to read.
7. Genesis GHG1500A 12.5 Amp Dual-Temperature Heat Gun Kit
Pros:
- Temperature control of 300F to 1150F
- Safety features to prevent accidental burns
- Not too heavy or bulky
- 1-year warranty and 30-day return policy
- Attachable deflector nozzle to direct the airflow
- 24-foot long cord for added convenience
- Built-in air deflector nozzle to disperse heat effectively
- Includes 2 metal nozzles that help you focus your heat
- Efficient and powerful
- Built-in stand
Cons:
- Doesn’t heat quickly
- High settings can be very loud
- Poor build quality
- Sticky slider buttons
- Flimsy built-in stand
The Genesis GHG1500A is a fairly powerful heat gun for home use. It comes with a 12.5 amp and dual-temperature control settings. As a result, it’s capable of getting heated up very quickly. It’s perfect for lifting dents from car bodies and removing paint from walls.
8. DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Heat Gun
Pros:
- Very powerful and versatile
- Easy to use and control
This high-quality heat gun from DEWALT has a unique and stylish look. It comes with a removable detachable knuckle for reaching into hard-to-reach places while providing an ergonomic grip.
The heat gun weighs just 4.6 pounds, which is surprisingly light for its size. This makes it ideal for extended use. It offers 400 watts of power with blow speeds up to 39m/s and continuous operation for about 30 minutes per charge.
The device comes with a pre-heat setting, an adjustable thermostat and variable heat settings from 250 to 800 degrees F.
9. TR Industrial Heat Gun Kit
Pros:
- Simple, intuitive design
- Built-in temperature control on handle
- Sturdy and lightweight construction
- Variable temperature settings
- Excellent customer service
- Good price
Cons:
- Light switch is inconveniently placed on the handle
- Vibration adjustment is stiff
The TR Industrial heat gun is a powerful and versatile Renowned brand tool with a heat temperature ranging from 120 to 1500 by high/low/off switch. It is an extremely sharp in construction and has two special built-in accessories: a heat stabilizer and a long hose, for convenient tool use.
This heat gun kit is a perfect solution for various applications, including DIY, electrical work, woodworking, construction, painting, soldering, shrinking, and thawing. The independently thermostat dial allows you to specify the temperature between 120 – 1500 degrees Fahrenheit.
The ergonomic design of the handle makes it easy to hold and use for longer periods of time without discomfort or fatigue, which is what most heat gun models lack. The TR Industrial heat gun is undoubtedly the best heat gun for your money.
10. Wagner 0503059 FURNO 300 Heat Gun
Pros:
- Heat settings are ample
- Adjustable nozzle
- Durable
- No filter replacements
- Very affordable
- Trigger lock switch for safety
Cons:
- Build quality leaves a lot to be desired
- Heats unevenly
- Heavy
- Remains very hot while in use
- Not the most ergonomic design
Fix-It Hobby Enthusiast, 12 Foot Power Cord, Trigger Trigger Lock, Finger-Proof Safety Switch, Ideal for Plastics, Electronics, Wood, Ceramics, Plaster, General Solder Work, and More!
If you’re looking for a heat gun on a budget, the Wagner 0503059 FURNO is a solid portable option for you. This heat gun has a simple but effective design that is incredibly easy to use and take care of. It has a low price, but it is not the cheapest unit out there. It is not the cheapest because for the price you are destined to receive a decent heat gun.
This model comes with three temperature settings – 750, 1000, and 1250F. There’s also an adjustable air flow nozzle that can be rotated 360 degrees. The trigger lock switch is a handy safety feature to prevent accidental trigger pulls.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best heat gun on the market?
One of the most-considered heat guns is manufactured by Wagner, a trusted name in heating equipment for several years.
While it is one of the pricier heat guns out there, it is also one of the more durable and long-lasting heat guns you can buy.
This high-performance heat gun comes with a temperature control dial, as well as an adjustable thermostat that allows you to easily tailor the temperature and heat intensity of the gun according to the project at hand.
This tool boasts a narrow tip perfect for precision applications. It comes with a heat gun holster for easy storage; a self-locking trigger system that prevents accidents from happening and that also makes the correct gripping and handling of the heat gun much easier; a fan trigger that allows you to control airflow for more precision; and an adjustable exhaust that you can use to direct heat away from your body for added safety.
What is the best heat gun for crafts?
A heat gun is a type of tool that is used for shaping and smoothening different materials. It is perfect for making projects such as wooden items and plastics (like PVC) softer. The heat gun will make them softer so that it is easier to work on them. Other materials, such as iron, can also be smoothened out and shaped with the help of a heat gun. It is also effective in removing paint and old wallpaper from walls.
A heat gun is also used when installing in-floor heat in a home.
It is important to note that a heat gun is as powerful as a hair dryer. But while a hair dryer could burn your skin, the heat gun will not. It is heated using an electric coil. The coil is placed next to the end of the gun. Unlike a hair dryer, the heat gun will not blow air. Instead, it will release hot air from its nozzle.
What can a heat gun be used for?
Heat guns are used for:
- Sanitizing of bottles and nipples of baby equipment
- Softening Heating Menstrual Cups
- Top scoring of HVAC ducts
- Removal of paint, dead grass and weeds
- Sanitizing bottles and other kitchen ware
- Softening of Leather Saddles
- Softening of gaskets
- Sanitizing of new baby shoes
- Softening the edges of polymer synths
- Softening Caulk
- Softening Rubber Moldings
- Mold in Dairy equipment
- Cracking Ice on the roof
How much does heat gun cost?
Conclusion
What is a Heat Gun? In short, a heat gun is an alternative to an ordinary hair dryer. It works in the same manner, but heat guns are much more powerful and work at temperatures which can be much higher; up to 2500 degrees. Most hair dryers, on the other hand, cannot go beyond a temperature of about 400 degrees.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT Heat Gun | Best Overall | |
| Genesis GHG1500A 12.5 Amp Dual-Temperature Heat Gun Kit | Budget Pick | |
| DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Heat Gun | Upgrade Pick | |