Heat guns are used for a variety of do-it-yourself projects. They use heated air and a blower to apply heat instead of an open flame. This allows them to be used for more delicate jobs where a specific temperature is desired. Some of the more common jobs they’re used for are paint stripping, glue removal and warming up shrink tubing. They are also frequently used in electronics work. They make a great tool to remove old solder from circuit boards. If you have frozen pipes, a good heat gun is a safe solution for thawing them out.
There are a number of options to be aware of when shopping for a new heat gun. The first thing to consider is the power source. They can be gas powered or electric powered. If you’ll be working away from a power supply, a gas-powered gun will be a necessity. Unless you will only be using the heat gun for one specific purpose, it’s a good idea to select one with variable-heat settings. This will give you the option of using it for a variety of jobs. It can also be a bargain if the gun comes with accessories for different job types.
Whenever possible, see if you can hold the heat gun before making a purchase. A comfortable handle goes a long way when you need to hold the gun in place for long periods. safety features are also something to look out for. A heat gun with an automatic cutoff feature just might prevent an accidental fire one day. To help you get started in your search, here are 10 of the top heat guns on the market today. We’ll cover the pros as well as any cons of each model.
1. Wagner Spraytech Furno 500 Heat Gun
The Furno 500 represents something unique on the heat-gun market. It was the first true digital gun available. One of the major benefits of the digital technology is that you can set it to very specific temperatures. This gun has 12 touch-pads that can set the temperature between 150°F to 1350°F. The Furno 500 is made of sturdy materials that should last for a lifetime of use. This gun has a power rating of 1500 Watts. Its heat output is rated at 5100 BTUs.
This heat gun gives you two separate fan speeds for increased airflow. The handle was designed to be ergonomic. It’s comfortable and secure in the hand for long jobs. A back-rest feature even allows you to use the gun hands-free. Thanks to the digital circuitry, there is even a cool-down mode and an automatic shut-off feature. Once the device reaches the desired temperature, it will shut off. This makes it safer to use and also increases the tool’s lifespan.
2. SEEKONE 1800W Heat Gun
This gun by SEEKONE offers some serious power. There’s no waiting around for it to warm up. It can heat up to 1202℉ in a matter of seconds. This tool offers variable temperature control. This makes it ideal for just about any type of job. An automatic-shutdown feature keeps the gun from becoming overloaded. You’ll never have to worry about it being damaged from overheating. Airflow can be set to high or low for even more versatility.
SEEKONE put in the time to do some research on the ergonomics of tool handles. It’s comfortable to use even if you need to hold it in place for long periods while thawing out pipes or bending plastic parts. This kit includes four different accessories. You get a deflector nozzle that aims a narrow band of heat at a surface. A reflector nozzle warms up the entire work surface. Two concentrator nozzles aim an intense flow at specific areas.
3. Master Appliance HG Series Heat Gun (1000°F 120V 1680 Watts)
This heat gun is industrial quality and ready to tackle heavy-duty jobs in any workplace environment. It’s built tough for years of use and abuse on the worksite. The bulk of the unit is constructed of strong, die-cast aluminum. A rubber back support lets you prop the unit in place for hands-free, prolonged use. The unit was also designed for easy maintenance. Pieces can be quickly swapped out.
The power cord is covered with a rubber jacket that is resistant to oil and sunlight. The unit is rated at 120 Volts and 1680 Watts. It can produce heat between 750°F and 1000°F. All unites are produced in the United States, though some parts come from outside of the country. The only slight downside to this unit may be the price, but the rugged construction makes it worth the extra cost.
4. BLACK & DECKER Dual-Temperature Heat Gun (HG1300)
This economic model from BLACK & DECKER features two temperature settings. It can be placed on 750°F or 1000°F for a variety of different uses. This unit is lightweight and easy to carry from job to job. If you’re looking for something that can stand up to years of abuse on worksites, then this one may not be your best option. The design here is more for convenience than toughness.
The built-in kickstand means you can let the unit safely cool before packing it away. This is a 1375-Watt unit that can produce 4,600 BTUs. It comes in a bright orange so it will be easy to find in your tool kit. The unit weighs in at a trim 1.63 pounds.
5. Genesis PYbFGo GHG1500A Dual-Temperature Heat Gun
This is another low-cost unit from Genesis. It has two heat settings. These are the standard 750°F and 1000°F settings that are common on models in this price range. It comes with a few different nozzles, which is great for such a cheap model. You get deflector and reflector nozzles for some versatility. This heat gun can even be used to light charcoal grills so you avoid the mess and danger of using lighter fluid.
The only con here is that it’s another lightweight unit that may not stand up to years of heavy use. It’s affordable and works well. It has a powerful 12.5 Amp motor that heats up fast. If you just need something light in the toolbox or something for occasional jobs around the home, it’s a good buy.
6. Cartman 1500W Heat Gun
Not only is this heat gun from Cartman another low-cost choice, but it comes with a ton of nice extras. This makes it a good value purchase. You get a sturdy, plastic carry case to keep and transport it in. It also comes with a ton of nozzles and accessories. This makes it one of the most versatile guns on our list.
This is 1500-Watt heat gun with settings for 750°F to 1000°F. It cranks out 4,100 BTUs. This unit is ideal for defrosting a freezer, loosening rusty bolts and stripping thick layers of paint. It can do anything you could ever need from a heat gun.
7. Mowis 1800W Heavy-Duty Hot-Air Shrink Gun
This heavy-duty, high-grade unit may be a bit more expensive than some of the guns on our list, but that’s for good reason. Keep in mind that it’s still not the most expensive choice either. What it does offer, though, is solid quality that can get knocked around in a tool box, in the back of a truck or on the job site. It’s built to be tough and also ergonomic.
This 1,800-Watt model has a nice LCD display so you can easily view the settings. You get two temperature choices as well as multiple airflow options. Mowis includes four extra nozzles to expand the tool’s capabilities. You get two concentrated nozzles, one deflector and one reflector. The vortex tube is made of stainless steel.
8. Amtake Professional Hot-Air Gun 120°F – 1020°F
Amtake offers this very affordable heat gun with variable-temperature control. You don’t just get two heat settings here. You get more options for specific jobs and specific situations. The total range is between 120℉ to 1020℉. This heat gun provides rheostat type heating. The fan speed can also be adjusted from low to high for even more versatility.
This heat gun comes in bright red or yellow. It’s made of lightweight yet sturdy materials. The cord is a little on the short side at just 5.7 feet, but it is sturdy and flexible. Amtake gives you a number of accessories. You get a high-quality scraper tool to help you in the removal of paint. You also get a fishtail nozzle, reflector nozzle and a concentrator nozzle.
9. Wagner Spraytech Furno 700 Digital Heat Gun
You know a company is good when it gets not one, but two heat guns on this list. This is the second offering from Wagner Spraytech in the Furno line. It also features the same digital circuitry and all of the benefits of the 500 model. This time around, the heat range is 125ᵒF to 1300ᵒF. There are multiple fan speeds for various different jobs and applications.
This model costs more than the Furno 500, but it also offers more features. You get an LCD display this time around. The temperature can really be fine-tuned here. You can adjust it in 10-degree increments. Side bars help to prevent you from accidentally touching the hot nozzle to surfaces where it doesn’t belong. You also get an automatic-shutdown feature and a stand for hands-free use.
10. Milwaukee 570°F-1000°F Dual-Temperature Heat Gun
Our last model is one of the higher-priced tools on our list. This is a 1500-Watt heat gun with dual-temperature settings. You can select from 570ᵒF to 1000ᵒF temperatures. Milwaukee uses a special coil design to speed up the heating process. The soft-air velocity also helps to heat up the space you’re working on quicker than what some competing guns can handle.
This lightweight tool weighs in at just 1.5 pounds. It’s light enough to throw into any tool kit. It won’t take up too much space at around 11-inches long. It’s sturdy enough, but likely not the most rugged tool on our list. This heat gun is also light on the extras and accessories. The price point is more based on the excellent performance of the unit.