These Handy Heat Guns Are Just What Your Tool Box Needs

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A heat gun may not be the most reached-for power tool, but for certain tasks, its time and energy-saving capabilities are unmatched. Essentially a high-powered hair dryer, these handheld tools generate and direct extremely hot air—perfect for stripping paint, shrinking vinyl, removing rusted bolts and bending PVC quickly and with minimal effort. Heat guns are also frequently used in crafting, and are ideal for setting resin or shaping plastic.

Considering their relatively low price—a basic corded model runs about $30—they’re more than worth the investment. But since most heat guns look very similar, finding a high-quality option among a sea of mediocre ones isn't always straightforward. Here are our top recommendations for the best heat guns to consider adding to your toolbox.

Best Heat Guns

• Best Overall: Seekone Fast Heating Heat Gun

• Best Variable Heat: Diafield 1850W Heat Gun

• Best Splurge: Makita Variable Temperature Heat Gun Kit

• Best Budget: Homidic Mini Handheld Heat Gun

• Best Cordless: DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Heat Gun

What to Consider

Power

The first thing to think about when purchasing a heat gun is its power source. Heat guns often have a power cord that plugs into a standard outlet, but if you’re planning to use the tool somewhere that outlets aren’t available, you may want to opt for a cordless, battery-powered model. (Keep in mind that cordless models have a limited runtime before they need to be recharged.)

Temperature Range

You also need to consider the heat gun's temperature range, which can reach as high as 1300 degrees. A wider range–offering both low and high temperatures–makes a heat gun more versatile, allowing you to handle different types of heating tasks. Applications like paint stripping require extremely high temperatures, but if you’re primarily using a heat gun for crafts, a model that only reaches 200 or 300 degrees Fahrenheit is sufficient. Additionally, some models allow you to select a specific temperature, while others just offer high and low settings.

Accessories

While all heat guns have the same circular, hair-dryer-style nozzle that emits hot air, some include additional attachments for more precise application. These accessories manipulate the air flow in different ways, such as focusing it into a concentrated stream for greater precision, reflecting it around tubing and pipes, and spreading it out for use on flat surfaces. If you plan on using your heat gun for different jobs, look for a model that includes at least one or two attachments.

How We Selected

I’ve used heat guns in the past–primarily for removing decals from boats and jetskis while working at a marina—and used this hands-on experience to help guide my selections. I included models from brands that I’ve come to know and trust, and also evaluated potential options based on their temperature range, ease of use, and useful features like built-in stands and attachments. I then narrowed down my selections by sorting them into categories based on their ideal use case, aiming to include a variety of heat guns to suit different applications and budgets.

Looking for more tools for small DIY projects? Check out our stories on the best hand saws, brad nailers, and electric scissors.

Fast Heating Heat Gun

This well-designed heat gun is suitable for a variety of uses, and it’s hard to beat the low price. It has two fan speeds, as well as a variable temperature control dial that offers an extremely wide range—between 120 and 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit.

It also weighs only 2 pounds and comes with several attachments, including two concentrator nozzles, a deflector nozzle, and a reflector nozzle. Its ergonomic handle is easy to operate for long periods of time, and since the gun heats up in just 1.5 seconds, you can get right to work. The main downside is the length of its power cord, which is shorter than most at 5 feet.

1850 W Heat Gun

Unlike some heat guns that only give you two temperature settings to choose from, this model uses a variable control dial to maximize versatility. It ranges from as low as 122 degrees all the way up to 1,202 degrees Fahrenheit, and also offers two fan speeds to suit various tasks.

This gun also warms up quickly and can be used in just a few seconds, and if you need to put it down during use, simply rest it on the back to protect your work surface. This tool comes with four different nozzle attachments, and Diafield claims it lasts for 800 hours of operation.

Variable Temperature Heat Gun Kit

This Makita heat gun isn’t cheap, but for a high-quality option loaded with features, it’s well worth the investment. The rear LCD screen and control buttons allow you to adjust its temperature in 50-degree increments, and combined with the three air flow settings, provides precise heat output control. It also has a wide temperature range of 122 to 1,202 degrees Fahrenheit.

Other highlights include an ergonomic, rubberized handle that’s comfortable to hold, as well as an integrated rear stand that lets you prop it up on its back. The power cord for the device is more than 6.5 feet long, and there’s even a built-in tether notch (though, the tether itself is sold separately).

Mini Handheld Heat Gun

For small applications, this budget-friendly choice is your best bet. It only heats up to around 200 degrees Fahrenheit, but this tool is still useful for working on things like shrink film, embossing powder, and resin for craft projects.

The compact design also has a nonslip grip for safety, and a built-in stand flips down to keep the hot nozzle off your work surface. The 6.5-foot power cord allows you to work further from an outlet, and air vents on the back of the device keep it from overheating. However, the brand recommends only using this heat gun for 10 minutes at a time.

20V Max Cordless Heat Gun

If you’re working in a location with no outlets nearby, or just don’t want to clutter the space with an extension cord, this cordless DeWalt heat gun is the way to go. Powered by the brand’s 20-volt rechargeable batteries, it can run for up to 42 minutes per charge.

This gun also features a high/low temperature switch, and reaches temperatures of up to 990 degrees Fahrenheit. There's also a lock-on button for hands-free operation, and an LED light on the base to illuminate your workpiece.

The tool comes with both flat and hook nozzle attachments, as well as a battery and charger, so it’s ideal for those who already own DeWalt battery-powered tools.

Furno 700 Heat Gun

For high-temperature applications, this Wagner heat gun is an affordable and effective option. Using the digital display, you can easily adjust the temperature from 125 to a toasty 1300 degrees Fahrenheit, and the helpful cool-down mode quickly lowers the temperature when you’re finished. An integrated stand allows for hands-free operation too. Although this model lacks a dedicated storage case, you can use the built-in loop on the handle to hang it from a pegboard or hook.

The tool is ideal for stripping paint, loosening rusted bolts, and other jobs that require high temperatures, and it’s hard to beat the reasonable price.

1500 Watt Heat Gun

I’ve always found Porter-Cable tools to be rugged enough for heavy-duty use, and this heat gun is a great example of that durability. The thick collar that connects the power cord to the handle helps prevent cracking or pulling, and also features a built-in loop for pegboard hanging.

This gun is also designed with versatility in mind, with a user-friendly variable temperature control knob, and two fan speeds on the trigger. Porter Cable also includes a 90-day money back guarantee, and a 3-year limited warranty.

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