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Last updated: 26 Aug 2020

10 Best Heat Guns (Review) In 2021

Jordan Carter
This product guide was written by Jordan Carter
Published March 28, 2019

Heat guns are one of those great power tools that make lots of jobs easier. There aren’t many instances where one is necessary, but your DIY life will be a lot easier with one. Whether you’re stripping paint, soldering, or thawing out frozen pipes, you need to find the right heat gun for you.

With most power tools, it’s difficult to tell the different options apart, until you really drill down into the details. And that’s what we’ve done. In our search for the best heat gun, we narrowed it down to nine options. Plus, we’ve written a useful Buying Guide & FAQ section at the bottom to answer all of your heat gun questions.

The Best Heat Gun

1
Milwaukee M18™ Compact Heat Gun

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Milwaukee M18™ Compact Heat Gun
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Milwaukee makes some of the best handheld power tools in the world. They have a reputation for professional-quality tools that outperform their competitors. That’s a big reason we’ve put the Milwaukee M18™ Heat Gun so high on our list. Before we even checked this tool out, we knew we were onto a winner. Powered by an Xc 5.0 battery, this heat gun can go where cordless power tools can’t. It can heat over 40 connections on a single charge, making it the perfect tool for difficult-to-reach areas. It’s also just 6.4-inches long, which makes it easier to maneuver in tight gaps. 

Being a Milwaukee tool, you’d expect this heat gun to last forever. Unlike cheaper heat guns that burn out after a couple of months, this tool uses RedLink Intelligence, a temperature management system that stops it from overheating. Other features included a guarded nozzle, a ladder hook for easy hanging, and a powerful LED light. 

Key Features:

6.4-inches long 

Powered by Xc 5.0 battery 

Heats 40 connections

Guarded nozzle 

Ladder hook 

LED light 

Specification:
  • BrandMilwaukee
  • Model2688-20
  • Weight1.7 pounds
Pros

Extremely durable 

Very easy to use

Portable, lightweight, and small 

Battery life is impressive

Cons

Need to buy battery and charger separately

2
SEEKONE Heat Gun

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SEEKONE Heat Gun
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Whether you are looking to melt tough wax in hard to reach areas or just removing a stubborn bumper sticker, you can trust this heat gun to get the job done fast and easy. It is powerfully built to heat quickly, with temperatures rising up to over 600 degrees Celsius, operating at 1,800 watts. It can operate on low and high heat, giving you the flexibility to work on minor and major projects.

For solid control and protection, this heat gun protects against overloading, helping to avoid circuit damage whilst in use. It features different nozzle types (4), for various tasks – two for concentrating heat on one surface, another for deflecting the heat produced on narrow surfaces and another for reflecting and dispersing heat evenly, giving you the flexibility to get your work done. It is a durable tool that can last long even after multiple uses. Compared to similar products, SEEKONE Heat Gun is a great value for money and is highly recommended. For more amazing tools, check out our guide to the best vacuum pumps.

Key Features:

Operates at 1,800 Watts, producing strong heat ranging between 50 – 650 degrees Celsius

Comes with 4 nozzles for various work levels (direct heating, deflective for narrow surfaces and reflective for even surfaces

Has inbuilt temperature and overload control, shielding the circuit from damaging whilst in use

Designed for efficiency, safe to handle

Specification:
  • BrandSEEKONE
  • Weight2.2 pounds
Pros

Flexible controls 

Reasonably powerful 

Comes with different nozzles 

Cons

Not very durable 

3
PORTER-CABLE PC1500HG 1500-Watt Heat Gun

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porter-cable pc1500hg 1500-watt heat gun
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porter-cable pc1500hg 1500-watt heat gun
porter-cable pc1500hg 1500-watt heat gun
porter-cable pc1500hg 1500-watt heat gun
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Now, for something a little more serious. The Porter Cable PC1500HG is more suited for people planning to use their heat gun regularly. It’s higher-quality in almost every way than the cheaper options available, and it’s a huge upgrade on their previous heat gun model, the Porter Cable 1700.

For starters, they’ve upgraded the way it looks. It has Porter and Cable’s recognizable colors covering a tough-looking casing. And it’s not just tough-looking, it’s made to withstand some serious knocks. They’ve also included an ergonomic rubber handle, which has a power switch with two temperature options. Unlike the two previous heat guns, they don’t make it obvious how hot each setting is, but we’ve found out that they’re 900ºF and 1150ºF. Interestingly, that means it’s not as powerful as the Genesis heat gun, but it should still have plenty of oomph to get the job done.

One of the best features of this product is the hands-free support stand. This means you can lay it on its back and let the nozzle cool off, whilst reducing the risk of it being knocked over. As if that’s not enough, they’ve also included an integrated handing hook for added safety.

Other than that, it has a 6-foot high-grade power cord. This ensures that you get the correct amount of voltage from the plug socket, even if you are working out in the cold. Overall, we’re big fans of this product. It’s the perfect middle ground between buying a cheap heat gun and spending hundreds of dollars on one of the best. We highly recommend this for anyone who’s planning to use a heat gun semi-regularly. Our handy guide to the best electric paint sprayers features more great products like this.

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Key Features:

1500-watts

Temperature range – 120ºF – 1100ºF

Dual fan speed selector

Six-foot cable

Variable temperature control dial

Hands-free support stand

Integrated hanging hook

Three-year limited warranty

Specification:
  • BrandPORTER-CABLE
  • ModelPC1500HG
  • Weight2.51 pounds
Pros

Durable housing

Large temperature range

Impressive warranty

Can work hands-free

Cons

Not that reliable

4
DEWALT D26960K Heavy Duty Heat Gun with LCD Display

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dewalt d26960k heavy duty heat gun with lcd display
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dewalt d26960k heavy duty heat gun with lcd display
dewalt d26960k heavy duty heat gun with lcd display
dewalt d26960k heavy duty heat gun with lcd display
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Dewalt is another one of those brands that are known for excellent quality. They make almost every power tool under the sun, and the Dewalt D26960K is one of the best. It was definitely a strong contender to be our Best Choice product because it really takes the idea of a heat gun to the next level. You’ll have noticed by now that most heat guns follow a standard design of having two heat settings. This the first area that the D26960K is different. It has an LCD display that allows you to adjust the temperature in 50ºF increments from 150ºF to 1100ºF. This makes it by far the most versatile and precision tool we have featured yet. It gives you the ability to find the exact right temperature for whatever job you’re doing.

The other great thing about this product is that it comes with so many accessories. You get seven different nozzles, a couple of paint scrapers, and some other different tools, all included in a sturdy carry case. Dewalt has really thought of everything so you’re ready for the job as soon as you open the box.

In terms of safety features, it has an innovative kickstand that is built into the body of the heat gun. There’s a cord protector to stop the cord from detaching if you stand on it or get it caught. Plus, it has an overload protection system that stops it from burning the heating element, ultimately making the product last longer. This is easily one of the best heat guns on the market. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best cordless drills.

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Key Features:

Lightweight, compact design

Features LCD Screen for monitoring and adjusting temperatures

Has inbuilt mechanism to guard against overheating of element

Adjustable temperature ranging between 50 and 1,100 Degrees Fahrenheit

Specification:
  • BrandDEWALT
  • ModelD26960K
  • Weight7 pounds
Pros

It comes with lots of accessories, which makes it more versatile

The adjustable temperature settings make it a precision tool

Cons

It could be more powerful for the price

5
Wagner Spraytech HT400 Embossing Heat Gun

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Wagner Spraytech HT400 Embossing Heat Gun
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If you’re looking for an affordable heat gun for DIY tasks, the Wagner Spraytech HT400 is the way to go. It can’t reach the same high temperatures as some of the premium heat guns we’ve looked at but it gets hot enough for stripping paints and other similar tasks. It has two temperature settings: high (680ºF) and low (450ºF). The only slight downside is that it doesn’t have variable temperature control, so you’re limited to those two temperatures. On the plus side, it’s designed to be much smaller than most heat guns, so you can fit it into tight spaces and be more precise with it. It also has three different operating positions (palm, pencil, and hand-free). We haven’t seen this versatility on other heat guns, so it’s a huge benefit for hobbyists, crafters, and DIY-enthusiasts. 

Key Features:

350-watts 

Two temperatures: high (680ºF) and low (450ºF)

Three operating positions (palm, pencil, hands-free)

Compact design

Specification:
  • BrandWagner
  • ModelHT400
  • Weight15.2 ounces
Pros

Perfect for hobbyists and crafters 

Easy to fit in small spaces 

Hold it in different ways

Cons

Doesn’t get that hot 

Not very durable

6
MasterWorks – Heat Gun

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masterworks - heat gun
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The MasterWorks Heat Gun is an interesting entry to this list. It’s not from a really well-known company, it’s not the cheapest, and it’s certainly not the best. So why have we decided that it deserves a place on the list of the best heat guns? Well, because it’s by far the most feature-laden heat gun for under $30. Sure, you could go for our Best Value option, but if you want extra nozzles, multiple temperature settings, and other accessories, you’re going to have to spend a lot more. So, think of this as our second Best Value heat gun.

It comes with five different attachments including a reflector nozzle, a deflector nozzle, a reduction nozzle, a triangular scraper, and our favorites – a BBQ lighter. That means you’re fully equipped for anything, from firing up the charcoal to removing paint from a wall. It’s also got three different temperature settings – 122ºF, 752ºF, and 1022ºF. So, it’s not quite as versatile as the Makita and Dewalt guns, but it’s better than most of the budget options.

It even has a cooling mode that allows the gun to cool down quicker than it would normally. And, there’s a small ventilation slot to stop the rubber handle from heating up. We haven’t seen these features on any of the heat guns so far, which is impressive for a company selling their products so cheaply.

It’s powered by a 6.2-foot cord, which gives you about as much room to move as you can expect without it being cordless. The only real problem we can see with it is that it doesn’t have very many reviews on Amazon, so it’s difficult to say how it will perform in the long run. But it does come with a 2-year warranty, so you could hedge your bets. You may also like to check our guide to the best spirit levels.

 

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Key Features:

3 temperature settings – 122ºF, 752ºF, & 1022ºF

5 different accessories

Cooling mode and overheating protection

6.2-foot cord 

2-year limited warranty

Specification:
  • BrandMasterworks
  • ModelMW161
  • Weight3.1 pounds
Pros

It comes with loads of accessories and features when you consider the price

Three heat modes make it versatile

Cons

The brand isn’t well known and there aren’t many reviews on Amazon

7
Milwaukee Electric Tools 2688-21 M18 Heat Gun Kit

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milwaukee electric tools 2688-21 m18 heat gun kit
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The Milwaukee 2688-21 M18 is the daddy of heat guns. Well, at least you would hope it is because it costs over three times more than its nearest competitor on this list. So, what makes it so special? Well, there are a few things. Firstly, it’s designed for use by professional tradesmen. If you need to thaw a bit of ice out in your freezer or loosen a bolt that you can’t untighten, you probably don’t need this gun. This is designed professionals who need a reliable tool for heating tubing and other applications. You can tell that it’s designed for heavy use because of the quality of the construction. It’s made to last.

The second main difference is that it is battery powered. Instead of being powered by a long and cumbersome power cord, it takes its power from a REDLITHIUM™ battery. This is Milwaukee’s own brand of powerful, portable, and rechargeable batteries. It can heat 40 connections on one charge, and you can buy extra batteries if you think you’ll need them.

The only real criticism we’d have of this product is that you can’t adjust the temperature. It’s impressive that it can achieve 1000ºF from a battery and it reaches that temperature in under 6 seconds. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s the only heat gun on this list without an adjustable temperature. You will have to decide how important that is to the job you need it for.

It’s also the most compact electric heat gun around, which means it’s great for getting into those difficult-to-reach areas. But all this comes with a huge price tag and it’s up to you if you think it’s worth it. This makes a perfect DIY gift for your loved ones.

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Key Features:

Powered by REDLITHIUM™ battery

2 nozzles

40 connection off one charge

Reaches 1000ºF in 6 seconds

3-year extended warranty

Specification:
  • BrandMilwaukee Electric Tools
  • Model2688-21
  • Weight3.2 pounds
Pros

It’s made extremely well and will last forever

The fact that its battery-powered means you can get almost anywhere

Cons

No adjustable temperature settings

It costs three times more than a Makita or Dewalt!

8
Master Appliance Master HG Series Heat Gun

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master appliance master hg series heat gun
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master appliance master hg series heat gun
master appliance master hg series heat gun
master appliance master hg series heat gun
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Master Appliance Master HG Series Heat Gun looks more like a turbo-charged hairdryer than an industrial heat gun. But, don’t be fooled by its looks, it’s as good as any other modern-looking heat gun on this list. The reason it looks different to a lot of other heat guns on the market is that it is different.

It has a die-cast aluminum housing, which is painted in a glossy red paint. On the back, there is an oversized, flat rubber stand to make it easy to rest when you’re not using it. And, it is comprised of parts that are easily replaceable, so you can fix and maintain it yourself. Not many companies think about how to make their products last a long time now. There is a culture of creating products that last a couple of years and then break, but that’s not Master Appliance’s style. The heating elements, motor brushes, and other parts are easy to source and fit yourself.

The model we’ve chosen has two heat settings – 750ºF and 1000ºF – but there are a lot of different options if you want something less or more powerful. This heat is provided by the powerful motor which is attached to a 6-foot power cord. The only downside is that it comes with one nozzle and it’s not clear whether you can get any other ones. If you can’t, then it’s not very versatile, but still a solid product. Our guide to the best soldering kits offers more great products so check it out.

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Key Features:

2 temperature settings 750ºF & 1000ºF

6-foot 3 cord

Die-cast aluminum housing

Flat rubber stand

Easily replaceable parts

Limited 1-year warranty

Specification:
  • BrandMaster Appliance
  • ModelHG501B
  • Weight2.02 pounds
Pros

The parts are easily replaceable, which means it could last forever

Looks old-school, which some people might like

Cons

It doesn’t come with extra nozzles or make it clear if you can buy them

9
Genesis GHG1500A Dual Temperature Heat Gun Kit

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genesis ghg1500a dual temperature heat gun kit
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Next in our list is the Genesis GHG1500A. It’s the cheapest heat gun we’ve included, and at less than $20, it’s an absolute bargain. But, as with all cheap products, we’re always a little more cautious about their quality. If you spend $200, you sort of just expect it to work. So, when something is a tenth of that price, we need to look a bit deeper. Fortunately, this product stands up. There are a few potential problems and we’ll outline them first.

You choose the temperature setting using a very similar 3-position switch to the Wagner gun, and it’s got two heat settings – 750ºF and 1500ºF – which makes it even more powerful. The problem is, some customers aren’t 100% sure it can handle the extra heat at first. It’s likely that you’ll need a ‘burning in’ period before you use it properly. That means you need to blast it on the higher settings, preferably outdoors, and make sure it’s working correctly. Think of it like wearing a pair of stiff shoes in.

Other than that, the Genesis GHG1500A seems like a great product. It actually comes with a choice of three different nozzle options. These are called deflector and reflector nozzles and give you even more flexibility to complete different tasks with the gun. It’s slightly heavier than the first gun, but the difference is negligible, and it’ll still feel super lightweight in your hand.

Of course, any cheap power tool should come with a warning. It’s not as safe or as well-made as a Makita or Milwaukee heat gun for example. But it does meet all the relevant safety standards and comes with a 2-year warranty for home use. The bottom line is that, if you’re planning to use your heat gun all the time, you should probably invest in a better one. But for odd jobs, this will do the trick just fine. Be sure to also check out our list of the best glue guns for more great items like this.

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Key Features:

Strong and powerful motor, operates at 12.5 AMP with an output of 1,500 Watts

Has two heating levels for flexibility

Features 4 detachable nozzle types for various tasks

Durable, multi-functional and easy to use

Specification:
  • BrandLifetoday
  • Weight2 pounds
Pros

It’s cheap, which makes it great for someone doing a one-off job or using it sporadically

It has a high maximum temperature

Cons

It’s not the most well-made product and might require ‘burning in’

10
EnerTwist Heat Gun 1500 Watt

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EnerTwist Heat Gun 1500 Watt
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If you don’t want to spend hundreds on a high-end heat gun, there are a couple of budget-friendly options on the market. The EnerTwist Heat Gun is one of our favorites. At just $29.99, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a cheaper heat gun, but how does it stack up against the other products on this list? Well, for starters, it’s not the most powerful. With 1500 watts, it can reach a maximum temperature of 932ºF but it won’t reach it as quickly as the more expensive heat guns. It’s also not super accurate. You can adjust the settings but you are limited to eight temperature settings (1 to 8) and three fan speed modes (high, low, and cooling). However, despite these shortcomings, it’s still an effective tool for jobs like drying out wood, stripping paint, and anything else that doesn’t require a specific temperature. 

One of the biggest selling points of the EnerTwist Heat Gun is the accessory kit. You get four nozzle deflectors and five paint-scrapers, all of which have different uses. For example, the glass protection nozzle is ideal for stripping paint that is near heat-sensitive materials. This accessory kit turns this heat gun into a much more versatile product. Everything comes together in a durable plastic carry case, making it both portable and easy-to-store. In short, if you don’t need (or can’t afford) a high-end heat gun, this little tool is definitely capable of doing the job. For more amazing options like this, check out our guide to the best oscillating tools.

Key Features:

1500 watts 

12.5 amp motor 

9-piece accessory kit 

Max temperature 932ºF

8 temperature settings 

3 fan speed settings 

Carry case included

Specification:
  • BrandEnerTwist
  • ModelET-HG-1500
  • Weight4.09 pounds
Pros

Competitively priced 

Lots of accessories 

Comes with a hard case 

Cons

Settings aren’t accurate 

Not that powerful 

Heat Gun Buying Guide & FAQ

How We Chose Our Selection Of Heat Guns

Brand – Heat guns are awesomely powerful and useful tools if you buy the right one. They’re also pretty dangerous, so you don’t want to buy a cheap, badly made gun from a brand that you can’t trust. Of course, as with any product, you can get cheaper ones and more expensive ones. Some are better than others and some are from more trusted brands. We’ve made sure that all of the heat guns on the list are from brands that have a reputation for making high-quality, safe power tools.

best heat gun

Reviews – Reviews are an excellent resource for finding out extra information about any product. Sure, we could get every heat gun on the market, use them in every situation imaginable, and keep them for a couple of years to see if they hold up. But, if we did that with every review, we’d be up to our necks in gear. After we’ve decided what we think of a product, we scour the internet for customer reviews. Of course, not all reviews are reliable, and however good the product is, someone will have a complaint. We also check other professional reviews to read their opinions about products. It doesn’t happen often, but sometimes they’ll pick up on something we’ve missed.

Quality – As we said before, heat guns can be dangerous. That means that quality is super-important. You need to know that every working part on the gun isn’t going to break when it’s under pressure. Every product we select for our Buying Guides is high-quality and reliable.

Features To Look For In Heat Guns

Temperature control – There’s a good chance you don’t want to use full power all the time. If you’re just trying to gently heat up some glue without burning the thing it’s on, you are probably going to use a low setting. Whereas sometimes, the high-power settings are the right choice. Temperature control gives you the flexibility to find the right temperature.

best heat gun

Nozzles – Like with a temperature dial, different nozzles give you a bit more control over how you use your heat gun. A thin nozzle means you can direct heat into a very specific area, whereas a wider nozzle allows you to spread it out. They’re essential for jobs that require precision.

Safety – Safety is paramount with any power tool, and this is especially true if there’s heat involved. Without adequate safety features, your heat gun experience could turn into a total disaster. One of the most important features is the delicately named ‘dead man’ switch. If you release pressure from the trigger the heat gun will turn off immediately. So, if something were to happen to you whereby you lost control, you should still be safe. A surface stand is also useful so you can easily place the heat gun down when you’re not using it.

Power source – Heat guns are powered by electricity. That means they need an electric cable that plugs into a power socket. A longer cable is useful because it gives you more flexibility in where you can use it but be careful not to trip up.

Heat Gun FAQ

Q: Can a heat gun melt solder?

A: Yes. In fact, they are often called soldering guns. You can use them as an alternative to a soldering iron and they are actually more effective. They’re easier to use in confined spaces and are more energy efficient.

Q: How hot can heat guns get?

A: The maximum temperature of a heat gun is generally around 1,100º Fahrenheit (593ºC), but some can get even hotter than that. They normally have a minimum temperature of between 90º and 120º Fahrenheit.

Q: What can a heat gun be used for?

A: There are many potentials uses for a heat gun. These include soldering, melting glue, thawing out frozen pipes, heat shrinking plastic tubing, paint stripping, removing wallpaper, shrink wrapping, and more.

best heat gun

Jordan Carter
Jordan Carter
Jordan Carter is Gear Hungry's resident Editor-in-Chief with a genuine love and passion for all things tech. Jordan works diligently to ensure only the best products ever make it onto the platform and are showcased in Gear Hungry's carefully curated, tested and expertly researched, informative buying guides.
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