The Best Heat Guns for 2021
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Best Heat Gun
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For this post, I have put together a collection of the best heat guns currently available.
UPDATED: July 8, 2021.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the DEWALT D26950 because it features a lightweight compact design and a variable temperature control with a wide range from 120 up to 1100 degrees Fahrenheit.
A heat gun is a hand-held device for blowing hot air, similar to a hairdryer but operating at much higher temperatures. The method of operation is quite simple, a fan blows over a heating element powered by a standard plug or battery.
Heat guns can be used to strip paint, heat shrink tubing, desolder circuitry before using a soldering iron, thaw pipes, dry damp surfaces (see moisture meters), bend plastic, and soften glue.
Check out this quick video to see the process for removing paint:
Most models provide either a dial, switch, or digital display to adjust the output airflow speed and temperature. The output temperatures are typically up to around 1000°F depending on the manufacturer.
Use caution when operating these tools as the extreme heat emitted can be very dangerous. Be sure to wear proper safety equipment including safety goggles and work gloves.
So here is my list of The Best Heat Guns for 2021.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: DEWALT D26950 Heat Gun
The DEWALT D26950 Heat Gun features a compact and lightweight design with a large temperature range.
Offers a variable temperature control for customizing to a particular application.
Equipped to provide heat between 120 and 1100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Features a large temperature knob on the rear of the unit.
Features built-in overload protection shuts the heating element down and prevents burn up.
Comes with a built-in kickstand and a 10-foot power cord.
Features a lightweight design at just 2.1 pounds
Runner-up: PORTER-CABLE PC1500HG Heat Gun
The PORTER-CABLE PC1500HG features a dual-fan speed selector that offers high and low fan speed settings.
Features a variable temperature control dial quickly customize the output based on the application.
Includes a support stand that allows for convenient hands-free use.
Features a hanging hook for wall or pegboard storage.
Features a lightweight design at just two pounds for ease of use and transport.
Powered by a 1500-watt element and comes with a six-foot cord.
Best Compact Option: Chandler Tool HG603D Heat Gun
The Chandler Tool HG603D features two heat settings, a high of 300 degrees C (572℉) and a low of 200 degrees C (392℉) for a range of applications.
Equipped with nozzle shield for safety.
Features an insulated body to reduce potential heat transfer.
Includes a stand for convenience when not in use.
Comes with a six-foot cord to increase the potential work area.
Best Value: SEEKONE Heat Gun
The SEEKONE heat gun features a temperature range from 120℉ to 1200℉.
Features two modes for temperature and fan speed:
I: 50-450℃, 190-210L/min
II: 50-650℃, 250-500L/min
Equipped with a dial that provides rheostat-type heating.
Features a High / Low switch on the handle to control airflow control.
Includes four accessory nozzles:
Deflector nozzle directs a long, narrow heat pattern to the work surface.
Two concentrator nozzles direct a concentrated heat flow to the work surface.
Reflector nozzle disperses heat flow evenly around the whole work surface.
Equipped with overload protection.
Best Kit: Wagner Spraytech 2417344 HT1000 Heat Gun
The Wagner Spraytech 2417344 HT1000 features two temperature settings: 750°F and 1000°F.
The kit includes three nozzles for a range of project applications:
concentrator nozzle to focus the heat in a confined area for maximum effect.
edge protector nozzle to protect adjacent areas that do not need to be heated.
flare nozzle that diffuses the heat over a restricted width.
Features a stand that allows for hands-free operation to allow for heating while working with small items or projects that need to be moved.
Features a lightweight design at approximately two pounds.
Best Budget Option: Genesis GHG1500A Heat Gun
The Genesis GHG1500A features a powerful 12.5 Amp motor that delivers heat with two settings: 1500 and 750 Watts.
Includes an integrated stand for convenient hands-free use.
Offers the ability to stand the unit up on the back side with the exhaust end pointed upward for tasks such as heat shrinking wire insulators.
Includes two deflector nozzles, reflector nozzle, and air reduction nozzle.
Best Nozzle Options: PRULDE HG0080 Heat Gun
The PRULDE HG0080 features high-powered turbofans for fast heating.
Equipped with ceramic heating elements.
Features a compact and lightweight and design for easy operation.
Equipped with a non-slip handle.
Includes four nozzle options for a range of applications.
Features built-in integrated overload protection for safety.
Best Cordless: DEWALT DCE530B 20V MAX Heat Gun
The DEWALT DCE530B 20V Max features a portable cordless design.
Provides up to a 990 degrees F maximum output temperature.
Includes a lock on and off operation for hands-free use.
Includes flat and hook nozzle attachments.
Equipped with two temperature settings.
Note: it does not include the battery and charger, these are sold separately or can be shared with DEWALT’s 20V batteries from their other cordless tools.
Best Lightweight Design: Wagner 0503038 Heat Gun
The Wagner 0503038 is the updated version of the HT400 Precision Heat Tool.
Features a compact design that is ideal for getting into hard to reach places and working on enclosed projects.
Features a simple design with dual temperature settings of 680ºF and 450ºF.
Equipped with an integrated retractable stand that allows for hands-free work.
Easy to Use: BLACK+DECKER HG1300 Heat Gun
The Black & Decker HG1300 features two temperature settings: 750 and 1000 Degrees F for a range of applications.
Features a lightweight and compact design for ease of use.
Designed to perform most standard heat gun tasks such as stripping paint and thawing frozen pipes.
Equipped with a built-in stand.
I hope this list of the best heat guns was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
