8 Best Heat Guns to Turn Up the Heat

A heat gun is a versatile yet inexpensive tool that’s able to fill a number of roles, from stripping paint and thawing frozen pipes to shrink tubing and shrink wrap. Even though most models look similar, the best heat gun stands apart because it brings more to the table than the competition.

Keep in mind that any hot air gun is dangerous during (and after) use, and must be handled carefully until the nozzle has cooled to avoid accidental burns, fires, or unwanted melting. They may look like hairdryers but run much hotter.

Our 8 Favorite Heat Guns

	Product	Watts	Temperature	Max Air Flow
	DeWalt D26960K	1,550	150°-1100°F	18 CFM
	Porter-Cable PC1500HG	1,500	120°-1150°F	19 CFM
	Master Appliance HG-501D	1,740	1200°F	27 CFM
	DeWalt 20V MAX	n/a	550°-990°F	6.7 CFM
	Wagner Furno 300	1,200	750°-1100°F	20 CFM
	Black+Decker HG1300	1,375	750°-1000°F	12 CFM
	Wagner Spraytech HT400	360	650°F	4.7 CFM
	Genesis GHG1500A	1,500	572°-1000°F	17 CFM

Heat Gun Reviews

#1 – DeWalt D26960K LCD Heat Gun Kit

When you need something more precise than a typical heat gun or you plan on doing larger projects, this Dewalt model is hard to beat. One of its best features is the LCD display that allows you to set the temp in 50-degree increments (from 150 to 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit).

When you find that a specific temperature works best for a certain job, dial it up and you’re ready to go.

It heats up quicker than others and maintains the set temperature pretty well. With 12 accessories (and a heavy duty case to hold everything), you’ll make shorter work of bigger jobs than a normal heat gun. The D26960K maxes out at 1550 watts and its 2-speed fan pushes out up to 18 CFM.

The DeWalt works great from paint stripping to hours of shrink wrap or shrink tubes. The retractable legs at the base do a good job of tip prevention when not in use. While you might never need all the included accessories, they’re nice to have on hand.

Like most Dewalt tools, features are well thought out and the lightweight (2.3 lbs) gun is comfortable to use over long stretches.

Obviously, it’s more spendy as far as heat guns are concerned so it’s not for everyone. And while the LCD readout is super useful, we wish it had a backlight to use in low light conditions.

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#2 – Porter-Cable PC1500HG Heat Gun

There are a few things that make the Porter-Cable one of the most popular heat guns for DIYers and hobbyists. This powerful 1500 watt hot air gun offers as much concentrated heat as any of its competitors without costing a fortune.

It has separate controls for the fan speed and heat setting, where other models in this price range might only one control. Being able to set for a higher fan speed while using cooler temperatures means this tool can be used for a wider variety of applications.

The integrated stand makes it possible to use the heat gun while working with your materials, and the cord includes a built-in ring clip for easy peg storage when the task is done.

The biggest drawback is that this is the tool only, and does not include any accessories to simplify an assortment of applications. On the other hand, the hot air nozzle is similar to other brands so finding the right accessories will not limit you to a single brand name.

All in all, you can’t go wrong with Porter-Cable tools and the PC1500HG is debatably one of the best heat guns for the money.

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#3 – Master Appliance HG-501D Industrial Heat Gun

In commercial settings, high temperature and high airflow is the name of the game. This is where Master Appliance comes in and their D Series is the latest in a 60-year history of excellence. Made in the USA with a die-cast aluminum housing and an improved long-life universal motor, this newest model continues to improve an already amazing legacy.

Heating and cooling is lightning fast with this 1740 watt gun using the rocker switch. It has a non-variable max temperature of 1200 degrees. Temperature consistency is improved by the fixed air intake, and a 90-degree adjustable stand provides stability when you aren’t actively holding the gun.

Speaking of holding, the redesigned ergonomic soft grip is another new addition to this model. This feature is much appreciated, because the weight of the 501D’s metal body is a lot heavier than the plastic shells you usually get.

Of course, one of the most appreciated features of Master Heat Guns is their easy-repair construction. Not only can the plug-in heating element be quickly changed, but a wide range of repair parts are available, allowing you to replace any worn out bits yourself.

Considering these heat guns can last several years, be repaired on the spot as needed, and are able to heat and cool quickly, this may well be the last  heat gun you’ll ever need to buy.

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#4 – DeWalt DCE530B 20V MAX Cordless Heat Gun

While corded models are still hard to beat as far as heat guns are concerned, cordless models are gaining in popularity. While they won’t match the heat output or airflow as their plug-in counterparts, the fact that you don’t have to be attached to a cord is sometimes reason enough to ditch the corded model.

As one of the most trusted name in power tools, DeWalt’s 20V MAX line just wouldn’t be complete without a heat gun. Much like the Milwaukee and Ryobi equivalents, this heat gun uses the same battery as the rest of the 20V MAX line. As a result, you can swap out batteries as needed.

The DCE530B features two heat settings with a max temp of 990 degrees. The design is reminiscent of a cordless drill, making it more compact than a lot of other models. It also has a lock-on/lock-off feature for when you need both hands free.

One great feature with this particular gun is that it not only includes a flat nozzle and hook nozzle, but the main nozzle is compatible with attachments from traditional corded guns so you can use  all of those bits laying around from your last gun.

While this is a great addition to the 20V MAX family, be warned that it will burn through batteries pretty fast. Plan on about 25 min from a 3.0Ah and about 45 min from a 5.0Ah battery when running it at the highest temp.

For larger jobs, you may need two batteries, and a drained battery will have to cool before you can throw it on the charger. But many users with multiple DeWalt tools probably have a few spares on hand.

The only other issue is an ongoing complaint many have with DeWalt products: switch placement. The switch isn’t centered, meaning it’s only conveniently accessed when using the tool in your right hand. For those who are lefties or want their right hand free for more precise work, this unnecessary design quirk can get a little frustrating.

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#5 – Wagner Furno 300 Heat Gun

The Furno 300 is updated replacement of one of the best selling heat guns of all time, the Wagner Spraytech 0503008. At only 1200 watts but with all the power of a larger model, the Wagner is a good heat gun for small tasks, hobbies and crafts.

The Furno features 750 degree and 1,100 degree heat settings, and a two speed fan speed that is tied into the respective heat modes. Weighing under 2 pounds, it’s one of the lightest models out there and super comfortable to use.

This is not a kit, so it doesn’t include any accessories or attachments, but the nozzle design will allow you to use them from a variety of manufacturers.

The on/off switch isn’t our favorite and it’s worth noting that a few owners reported the gun stopped working after only a couple uses. While rare, the chance of a low cost gun failing is much higher than something like a DeWalt.

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#6 – Black+Decker HG1300 Heat Gun

The HG1300 is an excellent heat gun for small jobs such as heat tubing and shrink wrapping. It has slightly less wattage than the Porter-Cable above, and a single control switch to easily choose between the low (750 Degrees) and high (1000 Degrees) settings.

Fan speed is fixed, which limits the applications available, but this tool does come with a few accessories to get you started on a variety of projects.

The Black+Decker features a built-in stand that supports the gun during cool down, but does not include an easy way to store or transport it.

Stripping paint, loosening rusted bolts, quickly drying wet paint, and removing adhesives are just a few of the job this unit handles well.

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#7 – Wagner Spraytech HT400 Compact Heat Gun

When you need a heat gun for more delicate projects such as heat embossing, plastic figurines, or working on RC cars, the HT400 is incredibly handy.

The pencil-like design means you can focus the heat on a specific area without damaging surrounding areas. The Wagner operates at 650 degrees Fahrenheit only and pushes air out at about 4.7 CFM.

It’s a favorite of crafters and hobbyists and even comes in handy away from home such as when you need to melt the ends of paracord.

While it takes a bit longer to heat up than full size models and there’s no temperature or fan adjustment, most users don’t mind that and find a good amount of uses for these mini heat gun.

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#8 – Genesis GHG1500A

As one of the best values on our list, Genesis offers an inexpensive heat gun kit that’s popular with DIYers. This 1,500 watt heat gun has low and high settings at 572 and 1,000 degrees respectively. The 2-speed fan coincides with the heat setting and is not individually adjustable.

Included with this lightweight hot air gun are two deflector nozzles, one reflector nozzle, and one air reduction nozzle. The tool (not counting power cord) weighs only about 1.5 pounds so it’s easy to handle but doesn’t feel very well made.

When not in use, simply lean it on its back where it balances with the handle.

While it’s nice that the Genesis includes 4 accessories, it would have been even nicer for it included a case to store everything in.

Many users reported seeing a bit of smoke coming from the gun during its first time being used but it’s nothing to be alarmed at. This is likely just dust burning off and it only happens once.

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21 Common Heat Gun Uses

1) Wallpaper Removal

Heat the old wallpaper to soften the adhesive behind it to allow you to easily scrape it off.

2) Shrink Wrap

While you can also use a hair dryer, a heat gun is much quicker. Used in retail, making gift baskets, storing items together, and other uses.

3) Strip Paint

An alternate to stripping paint via chemicals or solvents. It’s often faster and more environmentally friendly.

4) Heat Shrink Tubing

Use shrink tubing whenever you connect wires together for a more secure and super clean look. Common in car stereo installs or other electronics.

5) Thaw Frozen Pipes

Those with older homes have probably faced this problem in the dead of winter. Use a heat gun to SLOWLY thaw the problem area and return water flow. While mainly used for indoor piping, it’s possible to thaw underground pipes after some excavation.

6) Weld Plastics

Joining plastics is often tricky when using various glues. With a process similar to stick welding, you can join two plastic pieces together using your heat gun.

7) Dry Paint

Best for smaller areas, using a heat gun on the lowest setting is an easy way to dry newly applied paint when you’re short for time. Much more effective than watching paint dry.

8) Restore Trim on Cars

Works better at returning faded black trim back to it’s dark color than various trim restore gels and liquids.

9) Soften Adhesives

A heat gun is great for removing old stickers from furniture or cars. Also works great for stubborn price tag stickers that sometimes seem impossible to remove using other means. Need to remove Gorilla Glue from metal? A heat gun will make your life easier.

10) Dry Damp Wood

Whether you’re prepping wood to paint, need kindling, or whatever other reason, use a heat gun to quickly suck the moisture out of wood.

11) Desoldering

Very useful in electronics repair such as when removing repairing damage to a circuit board or de-solder wires in a circuit.

12) Join Tarps Together

Need a really big tarp? Super large tarps are often hard to find and very expensive. You can instead join together multiple smaller tarps to create whatever size tarp you need.

13) Heat Emboss

A favorite of all the crafty people. Use together with rubber stamping, embossing powder, and special ink to create beautiful embossed designs.

14) Roast Coffee

A great, inexpensive way to get introduced to roasting your own coffee without having to buy expensive roasting equipment.

15) Bend PVC Pipes

Plumbers have been using heat guns for years to quickly bend PVC to whatever custom angle they need without the use of elbow joints or adhesives.

16) Window Tint

Usually best left to the pros, a heat gun, window film, and a smoothing tool is all that’s needed to tint windows. Easier said than done correctly. When it comes time to remove window tint, a heat gun can save a lot of time.

17) Remove Dents

For very specific types of dents, heating followed by quickly cooling the surface often works to pop out the dent without further expense.

18) Vinyl/Leather Repair

You can often easily remove creases and pressure marks with heat. Repairing a tear is also possible following a certain process.

19) Loosen Stuck Nuts/Bolts

A heat gun often works exceptionally well for removing rusted nuts or bolts. Here’s how.

20) Sear Meat

While slow, it’s possible to sear meat using a heat gun, often with similar looking results as when using a cast iron pan.

21) Roast Marshmallows

Sometimes you just need to have your s’mores fix but the weather outside isn’t cooperating.