Heat guns are electric hand tools that can be used in wide applications such as removal of paint and wallpaper, bending of plastics and PVCs, softening glue, thawing pipes, and many more.

Heat guns can also be used for DIY or heavy-duty projects. These industrial heat guns boast robust construction, higher heat levels, higher fan settings, and are designed for heavy-duty applications while DIY heat guns are less complicated and more convenient in design. 

They can be operated via electricity (corded or cordless) or gas. Electric heat guns are the most popular types nowadays since they are efficient and easy to use. On the other hand, gas heat guns are also notable due to the use of butane, propane, or lighters in place of a heated element.

To know whether a heat gun is suited for your needs, we listed the best products from established companies such as Dewalt, Seekone, Chandler Tool, Milwaukee, and Solder-It. They are the leading brands in the market when it comes to quality and durable heat guns. Furthermore, they also feature the best attributes that a heat gun must possess. For a compact heat gun with an LCD display screen, the Dewalt D26960K is the best option. It can reach up to 1100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it compatible with a wide range of applications despite its size. 

Apart from the tips above, it is also important to remember that the heat gun’s power and temperature setting, versatility, ease of use, and safety features are a must to consider before buying. 

So, if you’ve been looking for the best heat gun sporting the attributes mentioned above, you’re in luck as we’ve compiled the top five brands and models that you can easily purchase online. Feel free to click on the buttons below to get the best deals Amazon has to offer!

Best Heat Guns Comparison & Rating

Heat Guns

Features

DEWALT Heat Gun with LCD Display & Hard Case/Accessory Kit (D26960K) , Yellow
  • 150 to 1100 degrees Fahrenheit
  • 1550 watts
  • 50-degree increments
SEEKONE Heat Gun 1800W Heavy Duty Hot Air Gun Kit Variable Temperature Control with 2-Temp Settings 4 Nozzles 122℉~1202℉(50℃- 650℃)with Overload Protection for Crafts, Shrinking PVC, Stripping Paint
  • 120 to 1,202 degrees Fahrenheit
  • 1800 watts
  • heavy-duty applications
Heat Gun Chandler Tool Dual Temp Hot Air Gun for Crafts, Epoxy Resin, Shrink Wrap, Vinyl, Embossing, Electronics, Phone Repair & DIY (Blue)
  • 200 to 300 degree Celcius
  • 150 watts and 300 watts
  • dual heat setting
MILWAUKEE'S Electric Tool MILWAUKEE'S 2688-20 Cordless Heat Gun
  • 875 degree Fahrenheit
  • M18 battery - 18DC
  • LED lights
Solder-It MJ600 Micro-Therm Mini Heat Gun, 1 Pack
  • 1300 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Piezo electronic ignition system
  • butane, propane, or a simple lighter

1. DEWALT D26960K Heat Gun

DEWALT Heat Gun with LCD Display & Hard Case/Accessory Kit (D26960K) , Yellow
Specifications:
99% Overall

Brand

DEWALT

Temperature

150 to 1100 degrees Fahrenheit

Weight

2.3 pounds

Type

Electric

98%
performance
99%
ease of use & convenience
98%
features
99%
value for money
Pros:
  • Has an LCD display for temperature monitoring.
  • Comfortable to use.
  • Offers great controls and very convenient to use.
  • Can adjust the temperature in 50-degree increments.
  • Intended to be used for stripping paint, soldering pipes, shrinking PVC, welding and bending plastics, and even for thawing purposes.
Cons:
  • One of the heaviest heat gun models.
Final Take:

Dewalt has been present in most of our reviews when it comes to craftsman and carpenter’s tools. And, for our best heat guns, a product of Dewalt is once again featured: the D26960K. This tool is designed to be used for stripping paint, soldering pipes, shrinking PVC, welding and bending plastics, and even for thawing purposes. It is a corded heat gun and is equipped with an LCD air temperature indicator and adjuster that features a maximum of 1100 degrees Fahrenheit. To change the displayed temperature, simply press the adjuster and you will see a 50-degree Fahrenheit increment on the screen. This feature enables you to easily monitor and track the right temperature that you need. 

To promote further convenience and safety in using this heat gun, the company built this tool with a comfortable grip to avoid fatigue even in long hours of use. The heat barrel cover also protects anyone from burns during use. Likewise, they incorporated a built-in hang ring near the kick-off stand for easy and safe storage.

Another great thing about this product is that it is a set of 10 common accessories, including seven different nozzles and a carrying case. It is a compact tool that will definitely provide you every accessory you need for work. It is not as cheap as the other choices on the market but with its great features, it’s definitely a good bang for your buck.

2. SEEKONE SDL-2816 Heat Gun

SEEKONE Heat Gun 1800W Heavy Duty Hot Air Gun Kit Variable Temperature Control with 2-Temp Settings 4 Nozzles 122℉~1202℉(50℃- 650℃)with Overload Protection for Crafts, Shrinking PVC, Stripping Paint
Specifications:
98% Overall

Brand

SEEKONE

Temperature

120 to 1,202 degrees Fahrenheit

Weight

1.984 pounds

Type

Electric

99%
performance
97%
ease of use & convenience
97%
features
98%
value for money
Pros:
  • Can control the flow of air that the heat gun releases.
  • Has a wide range of temperature settings.
  • Strong and powerful, hence suitable for heavy-duty applications.
  • Comes with four different nozzles upon purchase.
Cons:
  • There is no LCD screen to display the current temperature.
Final Take:

For heavy-duty applications, this Seekone heat gun is a perfect choice. It can be used for industrial works since it is equipped with considerable temperature and airflow. To control the airflow, the black switch can be set to low (190 to 210 liters per minute) and high (250 to 500 liters per minute) speed. Meanwhile, the temperature control can be set by rotating the black dial at the back of the gun. It can be set from 120 to 1,202 degrees Fahrenheit. This range of temperatures is suitable for wide applications, too. It is ideal for shrinking tubes, shrinking wrap, heating PVC, electronics, cell phone repairs, vinyl wrap, removing paint or floor tiles, loosening rusted bolts, and other heating or thawing purposes. 

Furthermore, you are ensured of safety and ergonomics in using this tool. It has an overload protector and is easy to carry as it is lightweight at only 1.98 pounds. Further, you can also use the tool in an upright position due to its flat back housing and a stand.

3. Chandler Tool CTHG150D Heat Gun

Heat Gun Chandler Tool Dual Temp Hot Air Gun for Crafts, Epoxy Resin, Shrink Wrap, Vinyl, Embossing, Electronics, Phone Repair & DIY (Blue)
Specifications:
96% Overall

Brand

Chandler Tool

Temperature

392 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit

Weight

0.8 pounds

Type

Electric

95%
performance
98%
ease of use & convenience
96%
features
94%
value for money
Pros:
  • A UL-certified heat gun.
  • Highly recommended for DIY projects.
  • Has dual heat temperature settings.
  • Features an insulated body.
  • Has nozzle safety shield.
Cons:
  • The metal nozzle discolors after long use but this will not affect the performance of the heat gun.
Final Take:

DIYers will surely love this Chandler Tool’s heat gun. It has a very chic overall design that’s perfect for your crafting projects such as embossing, shrink wrapping, paint and lacquer drying, paint removal, and many more electronic projects. To better suit your purpose, a dual heat setting (200 and 300 degrees Celsius) is available in Chandler Tool CTHG150D. You can adjust it using the switch that is located at the end of the gun. 

Apart from the stylish design, what we really adore about this product is that it is fully UL-certified. You are ensured that any electrical and fire hazard is lessened because it is compliant with the safety standards nationwide. Also, there is a safety shield to protect the whole nozzle from damaging any surface, or even your skin.

Furthermore, it is lightweight and easy to handle since the whole heat gun is covered by an insulator. There is also a durable stand attached on the side to comfortably sit the heat gun while cooling it down. Apart from this, this model is available in two colors: blue and pink.

4. MILWAUKEE 2688-20 Heat Gun

MILWAUKEE'S Electric Tool MILWAUKEE'S 2688-20 Cordless Heat Gun
Specifications:
94% Overall

Brand

MILWAUKEE

Temperature

875 degree Fahrenheit

Weight

1.7 pounds

Type

Bettery-powered

96%
performance
94%
ease of use & convenience
93%
features
93%
value for money
Pros:
  • A cordless heat gun that is battery-powered.
  • Very portable and easy to use.
  • Has temperature management system.
  • Can hang easily using its ladder hook.
  • Build with LED lights for easy use.
Cons:
  • No carrying case and could be a bit bulky for some.
Final Take:

Two things are very noticeable with Milwaukee 26880-20: it is cordless and features a LED light. Unlike the previous types of heat guns, this one uses an M18 battery to operate. Therefore, it is portable and easy to transport. Add to this, the tool is lightweight at only 1.7 pounds. Furthermore, the LED lights are also impressive. It is a unique feature that you can rarely see on most heat guns. Hence, you can use this tool even in dim conditions. 

Another best characteristic of this tool is its fast heating capability. In as fast as 7 seconds, Milwaukee 26880-20 is ready to use for thawing, softening, removing paints and wallpapers, or any purpose it may serve to you. The company proudly incorporates this feature with its high-performance heating coil that is attached to the assembly of the heat gun. However, always remember to check and maintain the parts assembly of this tool to achieve its maximum efficiency.

5. Solder-It MJ600 Mini Heat Gun

Solder-It MJ600 Micro-Therm Mini Heat Gun, 1 Pack
Specifications:
93% Overall

Brand

Solder-It

Temperature

1300 degrees Fahrenheit

Weight

0.21 pounds

Type

Gas-powered

93%
performance
94%
ease of use & convenience
92%
features
93%
value for money
Pros:
  • Refillable with butane fuel or lighter.
  • Very easy to use.
  • A very affordable heat gun.
  • Powered by Piezo electronic ignition system.
  • Small, compact, and portable to use.
Cons:
  • The nozzle does not have a safety cover.
Final Take:

Nothing could easily thaw your lock outside a windy winter season than having a portable heat gun with you like this Solder-It MJ600. It is a gas heat gun that uses butane, propane, or a simple lighter to ignite and emit heated air via its nose. To operate, put on the gas canister on the container of the heat gun and press the trigger button. Approximately, a single can last for 20 minutes non-stop with a temperature of 1300 degrees Fahrenheit. With this powerful temperature, it can definitely heat up anything in no time.

Apart from this, this tool is also capable of bending plastics and PVCs, removing windshield caulking, vinyl repairs, and shrinking heat-shrinkable anti-static film tubes, light walls, adhesive-lined tubings, and many more.

Moreover, this heat gun is windproof and waterproof. The Piezo electronic ignition system can resist environmental pressures to subsequently create an electrical discharge, thereby igniting the gas. Overall, this mini heat gun is an excellent backup and survival kit that’s worth keeping.

Best Heat Guns - Buyer's Guide

power and temperature

Heat guns have different types. Each of them has its characteristics. One of them is the industrial heavy-duty heat gun. If you are working on large projects, a powerful heat gun is a must to have. Commonly, these types can reach up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit just like the Seekone SDL-2816. It has a wide range of temperature control and has an above-average power range (250 to 500 liters per minute). 

Meanwhile, electric and gas heat guns are also a wise investment since their power and temperature are specifically suited for a wide range of applications too. For instance, the Dewalt D26960K can emit up to 1100 degrees Fahrenheit of air temperature that’s compatible with stripping paint, soldering pipes, shrinking PVC, welding and bending plastics, and even for thawing purposes. Likewise, the Solder-It MJ600 has a maximum temperature of 1300 degrees Fahrenheit. Apart from the high-range temp, this one is also perfect for every getaway during the winter season because you can actually fit it in your pocket.
versatility

Just like the power and temperature, the heat gun’s versatility is also an essential factor to consider before a purchase. Whether you are doing a DIY or professional project, it is important to determine if the heat gun can adjust to the needs of your projects. In this case, try to find a heat gun that offers the best controls in terms of temperature. If you are into DIY, try purchasing the Chandler Tool CTHG150D heat gun. It has a stylish design and a featured dual heat setting (200 and 300 degrees Celsius) for easy control. Meanwhile, for professional projects, we recommend the heavy-duty Seekone SDL-2816 and the compact Dewalt D26960K.

ease of use

Heat guns may incur danger when not used properly. Therefore, easy and comfortable ergonomics is a need. In any type of heat gun, there is a trigger button that activates the heated air to squeeze out of its vent. Nonetheless, besides this, it is best to check for additional safety features. You can find some in the Seekone SDL-2816 that sports additional temperature control and airflow control. It means, of course, a learning curve but for the efficiency and safety you’ll get, they are worth having.

safety features

We are surely aware that heat guns can cause severe burns and damage to any surface and skin if it is left unattended. That’s why the tool’s safety feature must always be present. Some of these include the integration of a hanging hook, a nose or nozzle cover, and a kick-off stand. All these contribute to the degree of protection that a heat gun may offer.

Best Heat Guns - FAQs

How to stay safe while using a heat gun?

Heat guns may overheat if they are used excessively. This might cause unnecessary burns and dangerous explosions. Therefore, wearing proper PPE and following the recommended usage time and environmental conditions of the heat gun will save you from hazards.

Are fumes emitted by heat guns dangerous?

Yes, they are dangerous. Fumes are released when a heat gun is used to strip paints. The heat gun melts the paints, thereby suspending the fumes in the air. When inhaled, they may cause damage to the respiratory and other systems of the body. Therefore, wearing face masks or maintaining a significant distance to the nozzle of the heat gun may serve as a precautionary measure to avoid this danger from happening.

What are the other uses of heat guns?

It is interestingly true that heat guns are very versatile because they are not only limited to stripping paints and bending plastics and PVCs. They can also be used to repair phone screens, game consoles, mold hockey skates, remove crayons from the walls, or even for waxing jackets and cleaning a grill. However, take proper precautions when using heat guns on sensitive items.

Can I use a hairdryer instead of a heat gun?

You can use a hairdryer instead of a heat gun, but for some purposes only. For instance, you may use a hairdryer to remove a label or a sticker on a certain surface and for some simple wax removal, too. However, for more complex and sensitive applications such as those mentioned above, a heat gun is the right tool to use.

Author

Jimmy Black started his career as a construction and carpenter foreman. After years of hard work, he decided to go on his own. Now, Jimmy is one of the trusted experts at SolidSmack who knows at first glance whether your hammer would do a great job or not. He still involves himself in various construction projects and works for individual clients. Behind formalities, he enjoys being a father to two lovely kids who keep on asking him why they can’t quit school and travel the world like Dora The Explorer.