The 10 Best Heat Guns of 2023

Photo: Black & Decker

Your DIY life will always be easier with the heat gun as part of your tool arsenal. You might not need it for every other project, but it comes in handy for a wide variety of tasks.

With the best heat gun, you will have a reliable tool that you can use to strip paint, thaw out frozen pipes, solder, and much more. Without a heat gun, these rather simple tasks would look very complicated and tedious.

But, not just any model will do as you need something powerful enough that delivers enough heat. And here we look at some top-rated heat gun models to help you find the perfect one for your projects.

10 Best Heat Guns – Review

IMAGE	PRODUCT	FEATURES
	1. Porter-Cable PC1500HG (Best Overall)	Dual fan settings Integrated hand-free support High-grade cord Versatile application heat gun
	2. Black & Decker HG1300 (Best Value)	More budget-friendly Dual temperature settings Built-in stand Ergonomic grip
	3. DeWalt D26950 (Best Brand)	Well-built top brand heat gun Variable temperature control Overload protection Innovative kickstand
	4. Cartman AH001A (Best for General Purpose)	General-purpose use heat gun 4,000 BTU output 6 accessories provided Carry case included
	5. Wagner Spraytech 0503038 (Best for DIY Projects)	Easy to use for DIYers 3-usage position Built-in stand Compact and uniquely angled design
	6. Seekone SDL-2816 (Most Powerful)	Powerful 1,800-watt motor 4 nozzle accessories Overload protector Variable temperature control
	7. DeWalt D26960K (Top Rated)	Highly rated model with 12 accessories LCD display Hard carry case Built-in overload protection Ergonomic comfort grip
	8. Tacklife PVC-HGP73AC (Powerful Professional Heat Gun)	Powerful 1,600-watt heat gun 4 nozzle attachments Soft rubber handle 7 temperature gears
	9. Master Appliance HG-201A (High Flow Gun)	25 CFM airflow High-speed universal motor Ceramic heating element Simple switch operation
	10. ABN Mini Heat Gun (Reliable for Paint Drying & Shrink Tubing)	Great for drying paint and shrink tubing Built-in safety shield Self-supporting bracket Compact and easy to hold

1. Porter-Cable PC1500HG – Best Overall Heat Gun

Photo: Porter-Cable

• Power: 1,500 watts                
• Temperature Range: 120 to 1,150 °F
• Weight: 2 pounds

Porter-Cable PC1500HG makes the top of our list as it offers a wide temperature setting of between 120 and 1,150 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, this model provides a wide airflow range as you can get between 10 and 19 CFM from the two fan settings.

With the wide speed and airflow range, this will be a more versatile heat gun that you can use for everything from removing paint to bending plastic and even removing adhesive tiles.

Many users will love that this heat gun is designed to allow for hand-free use and that it will come with a perfectly contoured handle for a comfortable and non-slip grip. With the sturdy and flexible 6-foot cord, this is an easy heat gun to maneuver.

Because there are no markings or stops on the speed dial, you should still not have any difficulties choosing your preferred heat setting. All you need to do is just rotate the dial from the highest to the lowest setting and vice versa to get your desired heat setting.

Pros:

• Provides wide temperature and airflow options
• Allows for hand-free use
• Durable and more flexible cord
• Works well for a wider variety of projects
• Comfortable handle

Cons:

• No markings or stops on speed dial

2. Black & Decker HG1300 – Best Value Heat Gun

Photo: Black & Decker

• Power: 1,375 watts                
• Temperature Range: 750 to 1,000 °F
• Weight: 1.63 pounds

For anyone shops for a good and reliable heat gun on a budget, the Black & Decker HG1300 will be a fantastic choice as it is the cheapest option on our heat gun review.

Despite being affordable, this heat gun still has dual heat settings which are 750 and 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit to make it ideal for various applications. Also, it includes an ergonomic grip that makes it easy to hold and more comfortable to use for extended periods.

This is a more compact and lightweight heat gun that weighs only 1.63 pounds, and so you can hold it for extended periods with minimal hand fatigue. The built-in stand helps make this an amazing heat gun as it will ensure easy cool down.

This heat gun will not come with attachments but for its price, this should not be a deal-breaker. What’s more, heat gun attachments are widely available and quite affordable.

Pros:

• Relatively more affordable
• Easy cooldown
• Comfortable and non-slip grip
• Compact and lightweight
• Two temperature settings

Cons:

• Does not come with attachments

3. DeWalt D26950 – Best Heat Gun Brand

Photo: DeWalt

• Power: 1,550 watts                
• Temperature Range: 120 to 1,100 °F
• Weight: 2.1 pounds

DeWalt D26950 is a well-built and reliable heat gun from DeWalt, one of the most reliable power tool manufacturers out there. This 1,550-watt heat gun will provide a wide temperature range of between 120 and 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit to allow it to handle different applications.

With the built-in overload protection, you can be confident of getting a safer operation. With the more ergonomic handle, you can be assured of a comfortable and non-slip grip for minimal hand fatigue.

There is a nice kickstand that will ensure greater stability and prevent tip over and a hanging ring that will make storing this heat gun more effortless. Besides having a long and thick enough cord, the cord has a nice protector that will ensure it does not tear away from its housing.

Although this heat gun can be quite loud, it is still not too loud to necessitate wearing earplugs. And the relatively longer cool down is something that most users can live with given the superior performance of this heat gun.

Pros:

• Reliable and well built
• Safer operation
• Comfortable ergonomic grip
• Convenient hang ring
• Nice kickstand

Cons:

• Can be quite loud
• Takes longer to cool down

4. Cartman AH001A – Best General Purpose Heat Gun

Photo: Cartman

• Power: 1,500 watts                
• Temperature Range: 750 to 1,000 °F
• Weight: 1.9 pounds

If the best heat gun for you is one that you can use for a wide variety of projects, the Cartman AH001A will be a perfect pick as it has been designed for multipurpose use.

This gun will come with 6 different attachments that will make it ideal for general purpose use from loosening tiles to stripping paint and thawing pipes. With the higher heat output of up to 4,100 BTU, this will be a handy tool for removing several layers of paint at a go.

You will never have to wait long for the gun to heat up as it has been designed to reach the desired temperature super-fast. Also, using it will be more effortless as you can set it on a table for hands-free use. Because the heat gun will come with a nice carry case, you can easily pack and carry it anywhere.

This heat gun seems to emit a little smoke when new, but this is typical of these tools, and should hence not be a big concern. Also, the provided attachments are not the best quality, but they still do a fantastic job.

Pros:

• Handy for various projects
• Higher BTU output
• Easy to pack and carry
• Several accessories provided
• Heats up super-fast

Cons:

• Emits a little smoke when new
• Included attachments look thin and cheap

5. Wagner Spraytech 0503038 – Best Heat Gun for DIY Projects

Photo: Wagner Spraytech

• Power: 350 watts
• Temperature Range: 450 to 680 °F
• Weight: 0.7 pounds

The small and portable Wagner Spraytech 0503038 is a perfect heat gun for DIY projects as it will come in handy for a wide variety of projects including different crafts. The easy to control and more user-friendly design is just what every DIYer wants.

With its small size, it will be easy to get into hard to reach places when using this heat gun, and this size allows for more precise control. At just 0.7 pounds, it is the lightest on our heat gun review, and this will ensure minimal hand fatigue no matter how long you have to hold it.

The dual temperature setting with high and low makes this an even more versatile heat gun. Many users will love that it can be used hands-free and from both the pencil and palm grips, which is quite convenient.

This 350-watt heat gun might not be very powerful and the 680 degrees Fahrenheit maximum heat output is also not very high, but for the typical uses of a heat pen, both are still more than enough.

Pros:

• Ideal for many DIY projects
• Easy to control precisely
• Allows for hands-free operation
• Adjustable temperature setting
• Lightweight and highly portable

Cons:

• Less powerful heat gun
• Maximum temperature is not very high

6. Seekone SDL-2816 – Most Powerful Heat Gun

Photo: Seekone

• Power: 1,800 watts
• Temperature Range: 122 to 1,202 °F
• Weight: 1.98 pounds

The 1,800-watt Seekone SDL-2816 is the most powerful heat gun on our list, and it will hence be perfect for the more heavy-duty applications. Better yet, it can deliver up to 1,202 degrees Fahrenheit to allow it to handle almost any job.

Also, unlike many other models that will only have a low and high-temperature setting, this one will have variable temperature control to allow you to get a more precise temperature setting for your specific project.

Because this model is designed for multiple applications, it will come with 4 nozzles that include the deflector, reflector, and concentrator nozzles to allow you to use it for different jobs.

And you can be sure that your heat gun will be adequately protected no matter how high the temperature gets as this model has effective overload protection.

The temperature knob seems to be marked backward, which can be a little confusing, but this only takes some getting used to. Despite being all plastic, the housing still feels heavy-gauge and should be durable enough.

Pros:

• More powerful motor
• Precise temperature control
• Provides different nozzles for different applications
• Effective high-temperature protection
• Ergonomic and comfortable handle

Cons:

• Temperature knob marking can be a little confusing
• All plastic housing

7. DeWalt D26960K – Top Rated Heat Gun

Photo: DeWalt

• Power: 1,550 watts
• Temperature Range: 150 to 1,100 °F
• Weight: 2.3 pounds

This top-rated heat gun by DeWalt has a lot to offer, and it is the kind you can be certain will give you an exceptional service. The heat gun is designed for a wide variety of applications as it will come with 12 common accessories for different jobs.

Also, it has a nice LCD screen that will make the temperature adjustment easy and more precise with 50 degrees increments from 150 to 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit.

With this heat gun, you can be confident that the unit will not burn up no matter how high the temperature gets as it has built-in overload protection. With the more ergonomic handle, you get a comfortable grip for minimal hand fatigue.

There is a convenient hang ring on this heat gun that will make it easy to store, and it will come with a hard carry case for even easier storage and carry.

When you compare this heat gun to others on our list, it seems a little pricier. However, the good news is that it will make up for the few extra bucks with the superior build quality and performance.

Pros:

• Nice LCD display
• Safe overload protection
• Convenient hang ring
• Complete with a dozen accessories
• Comfortable and ergonomic handle

Cons:

• A little pricier

8. Tacklife PVC-HGP73AC – Powerful Professional Heat Gun

Photo: Tacklife

• Power: 1,600 watts
• Temperature Range: 122 to 1,112 °F
• Weight: 2.64 pounds

The powerful 1,600-watt Tacklife PVC-HGP73AC has been designed for professional use, and it will provide enough heat for outstanding performance and wide applications.

This heat gun is designed to give you a long working life as you can be confident of using it for over 500 hours. Operation is easy and comfortable thanks to the ergonomic grip.

This heat gun will come with several accessories including 4 nozzles for different applications. When it comes to the temperature adjustment, you get a nice dial for more precise adjustments. Better yet, there are three different airflow modes for increased versatility.

While some users might find that this heat gun feels a little cheap, and this is more so when compared to units that cost much more, for its price, it still offers excellent value.

Pros:

• Powerful, professional-grade design
• Ergonomic and comfortable grip
• Precise temperature control
• Several nozzles for different applications
• Super long working time

Cons:

• Feels a little cheap

9. Master Appliance HG-201A – High Flow Heat Gun

Photo: Master Appliance

• Power: 600 watts
• Temperature Range: 150 to 300 °F
• Weight: 2.95 pounds

With an airflow of up to 23 CFM, the Master Appliance HG-201A provides one of the highest flows on our list, and it will hence ensure that you always get the job done much faster than when using the heat guns.

This professional-grade heat gun has a temperature range of between 150 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit and adjusting the temperature is super easy thanks to the simple switch operation.

The high-speed universal motor delivers reliable performance, and it will include externally accessible carbon brushes for easy maintenance. Also, the heat gun has an efficient ceramic heating element with mica-insulation for efficient heating and long service life.

At 2.95 pounds, this is the heaviest heat gun on our list. However, the good news is that it still feels well-balanced on the hand, and so you can be sure of minimal hand fatigue. And the price is also okay for a professional-grade heat gun.

Pros:

• Higher airflow
• Powerful motor
• East to-use switch
• Compact for use in tight spaces
• Efficient heating element

Cons:

• Relatively heavier
• More expensive

10. ABN Mini Heat Gun – Reliable Heat Gun for Paint Drying and Shrink Tubing

Photo: ABN 

• Power: 300 watt
• Temperature Range: 100 °F
• Weight: 0.8 pounds

ABN Mini Heat Gun is the perfect choice for DIYers and hobbyists looking for a reliable tool for drying paint and for heat shrink tubing. Also, this 300-watt heat gun with a 100 degrees Fahrenheit temperature delivery can work for other things like embossing.

At just 0.8 pounds, this is a lightweight heat gun that you can easily carry around and hold for extended periods with minimal hand fatigue. Because it is more compact, it will be easy to hold when working.

There is a built-in self-supporting bracket that will help keep the heat gun stable on the table for comfortable use. This heat gun will not burn the workpiece when working as it will include a built-in safety shield to keep the surfaces safe.

The 300-watt motor on this heat gun is the least powerful on our list. However, for simple heat gun tasks, this heat gun will still be up to the task.

Pros:

• Great for heating and drying
• Lightweight design
• Compact and easy to grasp
• Safety shield prevents surface damage
• Stable tabletop use

Cons:

• Less powerful motor

How to Buy the Best Heat Gun

Photo: SEEKONE

1. Electric or Gas Heat Gun

As you embark on your search for a good heat gun, one of the first decisions that you will need to make is the type to buy. Here you will typically need to decide whether to buy the electric or gas heat gun, and it is important to know that each will have its merits and shortcomings.

Electric Heat Gun

Electric heat guns are the more popular of the two types. These heat guns will be powerful enough and will deliver a consistent and reliable power supply.

However, when buying them you need to make sure that the model you choose has a long enough cord to provide a good reach.

Also, some electric models are battery-powered for portability and will not require a plug-in to work. But, these battery-powered models tend to be less powerful, cannot produce a lot of heat, and will have limited run times.

Overall, the electric heat guns will be more ideal for regular use in the workshop and at home by both DIYers and professionals.

Gas Heat Guns

Gas-powered heat guns are not very common but unlike the electric ones, they will not have cords and will hence be more portable.

Also, gas heat guns will come in different sizes and will vary in power and temperature capability. These heat guns are commonly used in construction sites where there is no access to electricity. Most DIYers will hardly find any need to use gas heat guns.

2. Temperature

The temperature that the heat gun can provide matters a lot. And here the best heat gun for you is not just one that produces the highest heat output. Instead, a good model should give you a wide heat range or more heat output options to allow you to use it for different applications.

That said, the temperature range that you will need depend on how you intend to use the heat gun because different projects will require a different amount of heat.

For example, drying paint requires as little as 86 degrees Fahrenheit while welding plastic will require as much as 752 degrees Fahrenheit.

A model with two temperature range options like Porter-Cable PC1500HG will be a perfect buy as it will be more versatile as it can produce heat for a wide variety of uses.

3. Nozzles

Heat guns will force out the hot air through their nozzles, and so the nozzle plays a crucial role, and will hence have a huge effect on the overall performance of the gun.

Nozzles will come in different styles and sizes, these different options will have a varying effect on how the hot air is released and can make the hot air more or less concentrate.

While these heat guns will come with a standard nozzle, some will include a few different nozzle types for different applications.

Hence, if you are buying the heat gun for a specific application, you need to know what nozzle type works best for that purpose. Flat nozzles are ideal when you want to spread the heat over a wide area and scraper nozzles are for stripping paint.

A heat gun model like Seekone SDL-2816 comes with 4 different nozzles, which are 2 concentrator nozzles, one deflector nozzle, and one reflector nozzle, which makes this a more versatile heat gun.

4. Air Flow

The airflow measures how much air is coming out of the nozzle, and it will be typically indicated in CFM. Like everything else concerning heat guns, the right airflow for you will depend on how you intend to use the heat gun.

For bigger jobs, you will need to have a higher flow while a low airflow might be enough for simpler tasks. But, a model that gives you greater control over the airflow like the Porter-Cable PC1500HG is always more ideal.

That said, with most of these guns, you will get an airflow of between 10 and 25 CFM depending on the fan setting, which should be good for most projects. But, some can have an airflow greater than this, and this is more, so those meant for heavy-duty industrial applications.

5. Price

You can get a heat gun for as little as $10 or even less depending on the power, temperature range, and size. But, some models will still retail for hundreds of dollars if not more. What this means is that there is something for everyone out there.

When considering the price, the most important thing is to match your needs and budget to ensure you get something that will give you the best value for your money.

And it is important to note that budget models like Black & Decker HG1300 still do a fantastic job and have a lot to offer. Hence, spending less money does not always mean you end up with a substandard heat gun.

Conclusion 

There is something for everyone shops for the best heat gun on our list. Whether you want a model for professional or DIY use, you can be sure there is at least one product that will work well for you.

That said, the Porter-Cable PC1500HG is our best overall as it will be powerful and with a high enough heat output, and it is also made to be more comfortable to use.

But if you are looking for a cheap heat gun, the Black & Decker HG1300 will be perfect as it will also offer a dual temperature setting for versatility and has a nice built-in stand.