DIY projects can be a difficult task, especially if you don’t have the right heat gun. Heat guns can help you apply vinyl to your car, melt frozen piping, and even help you get paint off of your walls. This is why it’s important to know which heat gun is right for the job, because not all heat guns are equal. Luckily, if you want to get any project done right, you’re in the right place.
We’ll be showing you a lot of different heat guns today, and if you don’t know how to use one, we’ll help you with that information as well. A heat gun can be used for a lot of different applications, so we’ve chosen some of the best heat guns for a given application. What does this mean? It’s simple, if you need a hobbyist based heat gun, we have one. Need a heat gun for more professional applications? Well, we have you covered there too.
- Features to Consider in Good Heat Guns
- Top 10 Best Heat Guns 2023
- 1. Wagner Spraytech HT1000
- 2. Genesis GHG1500A
- 3. Porter-Cable PC1500HG Heat Gun
- 4. Yome 1800 Watt Heat Gun
- 5. SEEKONE Industrial Heat Gun 1800W
- 6. Zeopocase Mini Hot Air Gun
- 7. DeWalt D26960K Heat Gun Kit
- 8. Wagner Spraytech HT400 Compact Heat Gun
- 9. Cartman 1500 Watt Heat Gun
- 10. TR Industrial 89200 Heat Gun
- Guide to Buying the Best Heat Guns
- Final Thoughts
Features to Consider in Good Heat Guns
Watch the Heat
Heat guns do exactly what the name suggests; they heat things up to high temperatures. This means that each heat gun you look at is going to have a range of different heat settings. Now, the heat you need depends on the job you’ll be doing, but it’s safe to assume that you’ll find a wide range between 100-1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. We know that 1,000 degrees is hot, but if you’ll be working with pipe you’ll definitely need it. If heat settings are something you’re curious about, you’ll definitely want to have a look at our in depth buyer’s guide below our top ten list.
Also, when we mention a heat range between 100 and 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, we’re usually referring to specific settings on the heat gun. This is due to the fact that most heat guns will have a high and low setting, which will determine the temperature.
Fan Speed
One of the most important things to look out for is the speed of the fan. This is due to the fact that some fans are fixed, while others offer different speed settings. A fixed fan will limit you to one application, but a more versatile range of fan settings can lead to a more versatile tool overall. You should also keep in mind that some heat guns have specific fan speeds, which means that the speed of the fan will change with the heat setting that you choose.
Fan speed is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). To make this simple, think about this number as a measurement of how much air the particular fan can move in a given amount of time. As an example, a 125 cfm fan will be able to clear out an area that is 5×5×5 in about one minute. Now, for heat guns at least, we’ll be working with much smaller numbers. A good cfm to look out for in a heat gun is between 10 and 20 cfm.
The Size
You’ll notice that our best heat guns list will feature both large and small models. There is a method to our madness here, because the size actually plays a role in the purpose of the heat gun. A smaller heat gun is better equipped to deal with smaller applications, and the opposite is going to be true for a larger heat gun. Therefore, a smaller heat gun is a much better option for a hobbyist project, while a larger heat gun is geared towards daily usage.
When we refer to size, we’re focusing on two aspects. The first aspect is the weight. If a heat gun is heavy, well, it can be tough to do smaller jobs. This is due to the fact that heat guns usually need to be held in a fixed place, so a heavy heat gun can wear out your arm pretty quick. The second thing we look out for is the actual size of the heat gun. For example, a compact heat gun is better for getting in tighter places, while a larger heat gun may be better equipped for prolonged usage.
Top 10 Best Heat Guns 2023
1. Wagner Spraytech HT1000
Editor’s Rating:
Specs:
- Heat: 750 to 1,000 degrees fahrenheit
- Fan: Two different speed settings
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
The Wagner Spraytech HT1000 is not just a good heat gun, it’s a great one. This is due to the fact that it combines two essential qualities: low cost and high performance. If you need a heat gun for around the house projects like paint removal, thawing pipes, or even applying vinyl to a window or vehicle, the Wagner Spraytech HT1000 is a great heat gun to have in your arsenal.
The Wagner Spraytech HT1000 operates on two different heat settings, 750 and 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which allows you to have some flexibility with your project choices. This range of heat is backed up by a fan that has two different speeds, which allows you to take any project to the next level. With the Wagner Spraytech HT1000, you’ll have the heat and speed you need to accomplish any household project.
Aside from just the power, the Wagner Spraytech HT1000 heat gun is very compact. It fits comfortably in your hand, and only weight 1.5 pounds. This is important, because you can hold it steady for quite some time because it’s so comparatively light. Also, if you do notice that your arm is getting tired, the Wagner Spraytech HT1000 comes with a hands free stand to make any project a breeze.
Price
The Wagner Spraytech HT1000 gives you all of these features for a very generous price. You don’t need to break the bank in order to finish your next project, because the Wagner Spraytech HT1000 is the definition of a great bargain.
Pros
- While a lot of heat guns may wear out often, the Wagner Spraytech HT1000 is built to last, and if it doesn't, you have a 2 year warranty to fall back on
- An integrated hanging hook comes built into the stand, which allows you to store this heat gun on any rack you may have
- The nozzle is corrosion resistant, which means it can hold up to heat it brings to the table for extended usage
Cons
- The majority of the parts are plastic
- With prolonged usage, the handle can become hot
2. Genesis GHG1500A
Editor’s Rating:
Specs:
- Heat: 572 degrees and 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit
- Fan: variable fan based on heat setting
- Weight: less than 2 pounds
The Genesis GHG1500A heat gun is definitely one of the best heat guns on the market. This is due to the fact that it comes packed with plenty of excellent features at a very low price. If you’re looking to get a job done on a budget, the Genesis GHG1500A is a great choice.
The Genesis GHG1500A heat gun is definitely no slouch when it comes to features. The Genesis GHG1500A heat gun combines all of the best features at a very low price. You’ll find that this heat gun can be operated at either 572 degrees Fahrenheit, or up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. As for the fan, it’s really a simple design, and it works in accordance with the heat setting that you choose.
The beauty of this heat gun is that it comes with plenty of cord length, nozzles, and even a stand – for a budget price. Also, if wattage is something on your mind, 1500 watts of power is enough to get any job you need done.
Price
When it comes to the price of this heat gun, we definitely consider it a bargain. This is definitely a heat gun that can be used by anyone, and if you need to get something done at home, the price shouldn’t hold you back.
Pros
- Comes with extra nozzles that are designed for different jobs or tasks
- It has a great selection of nozzles that can help spread heat across large surface areas
- The stand is built right into the handle, which means that you can make any job a hands free job quickly
Cons
- It smokes up on the first use (which is harmless but alarming)
- It comes with a lot of parts, but it doesn't come with storage for all of those parts
3. Porter-Cable PC1500HG Heat Gun
Editor’s Rating:
Specs:
- Heat: 120-1,100 degrees Fahrenheit
- Fan: up to 19 CFM; two settings
- Weight: under 2 pounds
Porter Cable is a company that knows their way around a power tool. With ease of use, a lightweight approach, and sleek design, the Porter-Cable PC1500HG Heat Gun is an excellent heat gun that you can’t go wrong with.
The Porter-Cable PC1500HG Heat Gun comes with plenty of excellent features, but our favorite is definitely the airflow capabilities. This is due to the fact that the Porter-Cable PC1500HG Heat Gun comes with up to 19 CFM of airflow on just 1500 watts of power. Plus, while it may not be cordless, it still comes with up to 6 feet of cord.
When looking at a heat gun, we’ll be the first to tell you that ease of use is important. This is why the Porter-Cable PC1500HG Heat Gun is a great choice, because you’ll find separate controls that make it easy to tune it, and it even comes with a stand in case you need to multitask.
Price
The Porter-Cable PC1500HG Heat Gun comes at a low cost compared to a lot of other heat guns, but the unique aspect of this heat gun is that it doesn’t sacrifice quality for that price point. So if you really want the best bargain heat gun, the Porter-Cable PC1500HG Heat Gun is the right tool for you.
Pros
- It may not be cordless, but the combination of a long cord length and a lightweight build still allow it to be extremely versatile
- It’s inexpensive for what it offers you in terms of capability
- The layout of controls and options is very easy to manage for beginners
Cons
- It doesn't come with any accessories or extra nozzles
4. Yome 1800 Watt Heat Gun
Editor’s Rating:
Specs:
- Heat: 140 to 1,112 degrees fahrenheit
- Fan: 2 different airflow speeds
- Weight: 2.3 pounds
The first thing to mentioned about the Yome 1800 Watt Heat Gun is that it’s made very well. By using a combination of ABS plastic, stainless steel, and nylon, this heat gun will have no issues when it comes to handling the heat that it brings. The components allow it to be used for a long time, and if you have any issues, Yome has a 24 hour support team ready for you.
The heat is definitely great on its own (140 to 1,112 degrees Fahrenheit), but the beauty of this heat gun is that you really have options. So if you need to be specific about the temperature you need for a job, the Yome 1800 Watt definitely has you covered. Also, this wide range of heat is backed up by up to 7 attachments (4 nozzles) that really make this heat gun a versatile one.
The last thing to mention is that the Yome 1800 Watt Heat Gun is lightweight and easy to use. This is due to the fact that it features overload protection, which means that it won’t allow itself to wear down from overheating. Therefore, even if you’re new to heat guns, you shouldn’t have any issues.
Price
The Yome 1800 Watt Heat Gun is priced very competitively. So when you’re looking at this particular product, you don’t need to sweat over the price.
Pros
- It can be cooled and turned off in only 60 seconds
- A dial with 6 options allows you to choose temperature ranges that apply to any job you may have
- It comes with all of the additional tools you need to change nozzles or attachments
Cons
- If it's cold outside, this heat gun may have some trouble reaching its advertised heat settings
- It's a bit heavier than other heat guns that offer similar features
5. SEEKONE Industrial Heat Gun 1800W
Editor’s Rating:
Specs:
- Heat: 122 degrees fahrenheit or 1,202 degrees fahrenheit
- Fan: dual fan; based on heat
- Weight: 1.9 pounds
The SeeKone Industrial Heat Gun does not mess around. The 4 nozzles that it comes with are great for any project, which means that you always have the right nozzle for the job. SeeKone also understands how important it is for a heat gun to be lightweight, which is why they made this particular product very compact and easy to use.
When it comes to heat, the SeeKone Industrial Heat Gun has great capabilities. The low setting, 122 degrees Fahrenheit, is excellent for helping paint dry, paint removal, and applying vinyl. The high setting, 1202 degrees fahrenheit, is enough heat to weld plastic, thaw pipes, and cover any high heat project you may have. So when it comes to heat range, the SeeKone Industrial Heat Gun has you covered.
The SeeKone Industrial Heat Gun also has the power to back this up, which is based on its 1800 watt motor. The good news is that this power is sustained by overload protection, which means that you don’t need to stress over breaking it with prolonged use. Also, it comes with 5.2 feet of cord to negate any portability issues.
Price
The SeeKone Industrial Heat Gun gives you all of this at a very fair price. It’s not the cheapest heat gun on the market, but you really get your money’s worth with this heat gun.
Pros
- A double cooling air inlet allows the heat gun to cool down faster, on its own, extending the life of the heat gun
- The mica sheet around the wire makes sure that wire remains safe, but also makes sure that no heat escapes
- The heating element is ceramic, and powered by a dual core
Cons
- It uses a lot of power, which doesn't make it ideal for hobbyist usage
- The heat adjustment system seems to be a bit backwards, but once you accommodate for this it's a non-issue
6. Zeopocase Mini Hot Air Gun
Editor’s Rating:
Specs:
- Heat: 400 degrees fahrenheit
- Fan: Fixed
- Weight: Less than one pound
The Zeopocase Mini is definitely a unique heat gun. There is only one heat setting, but it reaches that heat within a few seconds. Another thing that makes the Zeopocase special is the fact that it weighs less than one pound, which makes it excellent for hobbyist oriented projects.
For a heat gun that is very small and compact, the materials are made from quality. This is due to the fact that the heat gun itself is comprised of ABS plastic and stainless steel. Therefore, while it may be “mini,” you’re still getting the same parts that are used in stronger heat guns.
The final thing to mention is that this heat gun is extremely easy to use. There are no fancy buttons to play with, and all you have to do is hold this heat gun on a 45 degree angle to get the job done. Also, this heat gun operates on only 300 watts of power.
Price
The price is an absolute bargain. Sure, it’s not the most powerful heat gun we’ve mentioned, but it gets the job done at a fraction of the cost when compared to other heat guns on the market. For a hobbyist on a budget, this is a great tool.
Pros
- It is extremely easy to use, and you don't need to fuss over getting things just right; the settings are always ready to go
- It weighs less than one pound, which makes it one of the lightest heat guns on the market
- It fits comfortably in one hand for prolonged usage
Cons
- It doesn't reach the high temperatures needed to complete more complex jobs
- It only has 300 watts of power
7. DeWalt D26960K Heat Gun Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Specs:
- Heat: Dual
- Fan: 1,100-150 degrees Fahrenheit
- Weight: 2.3 pounds
When it comes to heat guns, or really any power tool in general, you can always look towards a DeWalt product. This is due to the fact that DeWalt has been making excellent power tools for decades, and any craftsman worth their salt knows a DeWalt product is a good product.
The DeWalt D26960K LCD Heat Gun Kit comes with plenty of excellent features, which means that no project is too big or small for this particular heat gun. With a heat range between 150 and 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit, whether you’re melting down pipe or fixing your car, the DeWalt D26960K LCD Heat Gun Kit will make any job a breeze.
Now, while a great temperature is preferable, that’s not the only thing that you should consider. You’ll be pleased to hear that the DeWalt D26960K LCD Heat Gun Kit has two separate fan speeds that can reach up to 18 cfm. Also, this heat gun comes with up to 12 accessories and 1550 watts of power. So as you can see, the DeWalt D26960K LCD Heat Gun Kit comes with everything you need right out of the box.
Price
The DeWalt D26960K LCD Heat Gun Kit may be a bit more expensive than other bargain heat guns on the market, but when you look at what you’re getting, you’ll realize that this heat gun is actually a bargain for what it is.
Pros
- The LCD monitor really sets this product apart
- It has a system in place to reduce the chance of the tool tipping
- A comfort grip that has rubber designed to combat slipping
Cons
- It's a bit more expensive than some of the other heat guns on the market
8. Wagner Spraytech HT400 Compact Heat Gun
Editor’s Rating:
Specs:
- Heat: 650 degrees Fahrenheit (High) to 239 degrees (Low)
- Fan: 4.7 CFM
- Weight: less than 2 pounds
The Wagner Spraytech HT400 Compact Heat Gun is definitely one of the more unique heat guns to make our list, and this is due to the compact design that it features. When it comes to working with smaller projects, the Wagner Spraytech HT400 Compact Heat Gun is definitely one of the best heat guns on the market.
The Wagner Spraytech HT400 Heat Gun may be smaller than the others on this list, but that doesn’t mean that comes up short when it comes to features. For example, while it may not be equipped to handle larger projects, its built-in stand and compact design make it great for any hobbyist projects around the house.
Now, while The Wagner Spraytech HT400 Heat Gun may not be cordless, you’ll still get an impressive amount of cord (6 feet). Also, if you’re someone who works with vinyl or anything automotive related, we definitely recommend giving this heat gun a look.
Price
One thing that we really enjoy with the Wagner Spraytech HT400 heat gun is the low price tag. You would think that such a compact and mobile heat gun would cost you a fortune, but this heat gun comes with everything you need at a bargain.
Pros
- It's one of the most compact models on the market, making it perfect for hobbyists
- It has 3 different positions to operate in
- It doesn't have a lot of advanced settings, which makes it very easy for beginners to use
Cons
- 650 degrees Fahrenheit is not hot enough every application
- It's really only for smaller projects
9. Cartman 1500 Watt Heat Gun
Editor’s Rating:
Specs:
- Heat: 122 to 932 degrees fahrenheit
- Fan: two fan speeds
- Weight: 2 pounds
The Cartman 1500 Watt Heat Gun is a great choice if portability is something that’s on your mind. You’ll receive 1500 watts of power on the go, and it can be easily stored within a carrying case. Also, this carrying case can carry the 6 accessories that come with this heat gun as well.
The Cartman 1500 Watt Heat Gun is very lightweight, and utilizes an LCD display to help you monitor the project that you’re working on. The four nozzles all have different strengths. For example, the flat nozzle that you get is great at spreading heat over a large surface area.
The Cartman 1500 Watt Heat Gun is definitely a bit flashy, but in a good way. It does everything that it’s advertised to do, and the memory system makes picking up where you left off very simple. While beginners may shy away from a more complex heat gun, this Cartman heat gun uses the LCD monitor as a way to help beginners get the hang of everything.
Price
For what the Cartman 1500 Watt Heat Gun comes with, the price is competitive. You get great nozzles, great technology, and a great price.
Pros
- It is very well suited for paint removal, which
- It out performs the previous model without a substantial price jump
- It comes with airflow technology that allows the heat gun to compensate for wind if you're working outdoors
Cons
- It takes about 30 minutes to fully heat up on the first use
- It may smoke a little on the first use
10. TR Industrial 89200 Heat Gun
Editor’s Rating:
Specs:
- Heat: 122 to 1,122 degrees Fahrenheit
- Fan: two fan speed settings under 20 cfm
- Weight: over 4 pounds
For any job you have, close to home or on the go, the TR Industrial 89200 Heat Gun can make an impact. What’s the best part? The overheating protection. That’s what separates a good heat gun from a regular one.
The TR Industrial 89200 Heat Gun boasts an impressive amount of features. When you open the box, you’ll be impressed with how many nozzles it comes with. You’ll get up to 5 additional nozzles that can help with a wide range or projects, and a carrying case to make sure that you have everything.
Also, the stand is built into the tool, which makes it very portable in nature. The two fan settings also make it very simple to use, because you don’t need to worry about looking for the perfect fan speed.
Price
One of the reasons the TR Industrial 89200 Heat Gun made our list is due to what you get for the price. You’ll have access to all of the features for a very affordable price, and it’s not too inexpensive, which is a good indication that it’s made with quality.
Pros
- The carrying case makes it really easy to use if you'll be on the go
- It comes packed with overheating prevention technology
Cons
- Some of the plastic parts feel a bit cheap
- Weighing in at over 4 pounds it's certainly on the heavy side
Guide to Buying the Best Heat Guns
When it comes to buying a heat gun, there are definitely some things you need to look out for. We’ve shown you the guns, but now it’s time to show you all about how to use them. We’ll be providing you with some links to videos, blogs, and other sources in case you want to learn more about everything we go over. Aside from showing you what to look out for, we’ll also be providing you with some super useful heat gun applications.
If you want to take a look at how to use a heat gun, if you’re a beginner, we recommend you checkout this video. This will breakdown the concepts behind how a heat gun works, and it will give you a brief overview of what we’ll be discussing down below as well.
Dealing With Frozen Pipes
If you’re someone who is dealing with frozen pipes, this may cause some panic to set in, but that panic can be easily relieved with the proper heat gun. You don’t want to go too crazy (heat wise), and you’ll find that even some of the more affordable heat guns will get the job done for you.
This video, will show you how to utilize a heat gun if you’ll be working on thawing out frozen pipes. It’s important to know how to complete this process, because frozen pipes that have running water flowing through them can lead to ruptures accompanied by a hefty plumbing bill.
Welding With Plastic
Heat guns will generate enough heat to weld even the strongest plastics. Not everyone knows this, but plastic welding can definitely be done, and it comes in handy. The various applications of plastic welding can be quite unique, but feel free to get as creative as your heart desires.
This video, will show you how to use your new heat gun to weld plastic. There are a lot of applications in which this can work, but knowing the basics should allow you to begin experimenting with welding plastics. Just be sure to know the type of plastic that you’re working with, and adjust the heat accordingly.
Working With Paint
Have you ever sat there and watched paint dry? We know that it’s a phrase, but is that really how you want to spend your Saturday afternoon? Probably not, right? If that’s the case, you’ll be pleased to hear that heat guns will definitely help paint dry a bit quicker (plus it gives you something to do aside from simply staring at it). When it comes to helping paint dry, you don’t need to go too use too much heat, so make sure that you use a lower heat setting on your heat gun. Even the low wattage heat guns can help in this case.
Also, aside from just drying off paint, you can also utilize a heat gun to help you remove paint chips that seem to be completely stuck. Here is a quick tutorial on how this can be done.
Car Restoration
Car restoration is very simple to carry out with a heat gun. This is due to the fact that heat guns help you remove paint without all of that nasty scraping. Therefore, instead of damaging the vehicle, using a heat gun to help restore a car is your best bet. You don’t want to crank the heat too much, which means that most of the heat guns we’ve shown you will get the job done. Here is a blog that dives into the details about car restoration with a heat gun.
Also, if you want to apply or remove vinyl, a heat gun is the way to go. Each vinyl company will have their own instructions, but using a heat gun can make the process easier. This is due to the fact that a heat gun can help the bonding agent within the vinyl adhere to the surface much easier.
Soften up Glue
Glue gets super hard when it dries, and to be fair to the glue here, that’s the glue’s job. While you may be tempted to sit there and start chipping away, you’ll definitely want to consider using a heat gun. Not only will this speed the process up substantially, but it will also make sure that the glue melts properly. Even if you’re a beginner, melting glue should be a breeze. All you need to do is hold the heat gun at a 45 degree angle, and apply heat from a few inches away.
Bending Pipes (PVC)
When it comes to pipes, well at least PVC type pipes, you’ll find that using a heat gun to bend or warp them will be your best bet. For this application you’ll need a little bit more heat and power, but at the end of the day you can be a PVC bending God with the incorporation of a heat gun. Here is a quick guide that will show you how to properly bend pipe with a heat gun.
Also, a heat gun is great for thawing pipes as well. This will really work with any type of piping, and the process is quite simple. Crank up the heat, and watch your pipes warm right up.
Loosen Bolts
Some bolts are extremely difficult to work with. Even if you have a torque wrench, sometimes the bolt can be too tight. When a bolt is fastened too tight it can cause a huge standstill during any project. You’ll need a heat gun to help you out of this situation. So if you’ll be dealing with tight bolts that you can’t seem to loosen, you’ll definitely want to make sure that you bring a heat gun with you.
Final Thoughts
The best heat guns are hard to find, because heating up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit is no easy task. So when it comes to finding one, make sure you look for heat guns that can do so consistently. Also, please be sure to pay attention the durability as well, especially if you’ll be working on a large project.
Each heat gun has different uses and applications, but when it comes to finding the best heat gun sometimes it comes down to preference. If you’re someone who will only be using a heat gun for smaller projects, please feel free to use some of the inexpensive hobbyist heat guns. If you’ll be using a heat gun often, and for larger projects, you might want to go with something that is best used in industrial applications.
If you ever feel a bit lost, or find yourself wanting a heat gun in a few months or weeks, please feel free to refer back to this post as a guide. We want to make sure you have all of the tools you need at your disposal, and when it comes to buying those tools, we want to make sure you know what’s the best.