Electronic technicians perform a crucial role in a world where electronics and contemporary technology predominate. Many experts are able to adapt or enhance defective gadgets in addition to repairing broken ones. A few fundamental equipment, most crucially a heat gun, are required in any kit for both industry technicians and individuals just beginning to play with electronics.
Best Heat Guns for 2023
There are many applications for heat guns, from the do-it-yourself heat gun that homeowners can use to defrost frozen pipes to the commercial heat guns that an auto body specialist might use to apply the vinyl wrap. By using an internal fan that pushes air via a heated element, heat guns generate hot air. It is possible to heat the substance using infrared, gas, or electricity.
Particularly used in electronic repair, modification, or improvement are electronic heat guns. On a circuit board, they are most frequently used to desolder chips and other components so they can be fixed, modified, or removed. To keep wire tubes insulated, a shrink wrapper can also be used with an electronic heat gun.
The size, style, and features of hot air guns can vary greatly, including their source of power and operating temperature range. Since a technician’s or hobbyist’s work can be so varied, it is difficult to say which of these makes for the best heat guns. The goal of this article is to assist both novice and seasoned technicians in choosing the best heat gun for electronics they will use in projects or on the job.
Read on to learn more about the best heat guns to buy for your electronic projects:
Seekone 1800W Heat Gun
Key Features
- Dual-Airflow Settings
- Adjustable Temperature
- Multiple Nozzles Included
- Versatile
Overview
Check out the Seekone 1800W if you want a top-notch heat gun that can handle almost everything. We adore how adaptable this full-size model is, which has one of the greatest power ratings of the entire bunch. The Seekone has two different airflow settings in addition to having one of the largest temperature ranges in the group. It is easy to use and pleasant to hand. Along with a range of different diffuser nozzles for various purposes, it has a pedestal for hands-free operation and a hanging loop for easy storage.
The cord for this heat gun is noticeably shorter than that of some of the other products. The stand for cooling or hands-free operation also directs the hot end of the gun straight up, making it a little more difficult to use than other products and more prone to being knocked over. However, we believe this is one of the best overall options available today, especially for those looking for heavier-duty applications.
Homidic Mini Handheld Hot Air Gun
Key Features
- Inexpensive
- Long Cable
- Grippy Handhold
- 300 Watts Power
Overview
If you are more interested in crafts or smaller projects and want to spend as little money as possible on a heat gun, we believe the Homidic Mini Handheld Hot Air Gun is the best option for you. This compact product is ideal for crafts and smaller projects that require lower temperatures, such as shrinking plastic, removing bubbles, or setting up embossing powders. It’s lightweight, fairly comfortable to hold, and has one of the longest power cords in our test group for maximum versatility. It also has a fold-down metal stand for elevating the hot end while cooling or for hands-free operation.
Unfortunately, the Homidic is not suitable for high-heat or heavy-duty applications. It has a lower maximum temperature of 200°F and can only be used for a maximum of 10 minutes at a time. We highly recommend it to anyone looking for a low-cost solution for small projects, but we recommend upgrading if you need a heat gun frequently.
Wagner Spraytech HT1000
Key Features
- Dual-Temperature
- Built-in Storage Hook
- High and Low Airflow
- 1200 Watts Power
Overview
The Wagner Spraytech HT1000 is an excellent choice for a low-cost heat gun. This low-cost tool has two temperature settings and two blower settings, giving you more control for different projects. With a standard length cord and an integrated hanging loop for storage, it’s about average to hold.
The HT1000 does not come with any accessories, such as different nozzles or diffusers. It also lacks stability in hands-free mode, as it only balances vertically. It’s also about average in terms of comfort, with no grippy material on the handle to make it more ergonomic. However, it’s an excellent mid-range product for those looking for a heat gun for occasional use that won’t break the bank.
Genesis GHG1500A
Key Features
- Relatively Inexpensive
- Multiple Reflector/Reducer Nozzles
- 1500 Watts Power
Overview
The Genesis GHG1500A is a good option if you want a medium-weight heat gun that is inexpensive. This middle-of-the-road product is less powerful than the heavy-duty models but can produce significantly more heat than the miniature model. It comes with a variety of diffusers and is fairly simple to use.
This heat gun lacks the heft necessary to balance in the most stable manner when used in hands-free mode. It only has two temperature settings that are linked to different airflow amounts, giving you significantly less adjustability for your projects. Overall, we believe this is a good choice for the occasional DIYer on house projects, but it isn’t ideal for crafts or heavy-duty use.
Porter-Cable Heat Gun
Key Features
- Dual Fan Speeds
- Variable Temperature Dial
- Very Stable
- 1500 Watts Power
Overview
Do you require a heavy-duty product for a more serious project? The Porter-Cable PC1500HG, then, is one of the better options available. This hefty model has an impressively wide temperature range, and we like that you can adjust it with a dial, allowing you to fine-tune the output for your specific project’s needs. We believe this is one of the most stable pistol-grip style products when balanced for hands-free mode, and it has a handy loop for storage.
This is an excellent choice for a high-quality heat gun for heavy-duty applications. The PC1500HG is one of the larger and heavier products we’ve tested, so it’s not ideal for doing smaller or more delicate tasks. This item also lacks diffusers and nozzles, though compatible ones can be purchased separately.
Chandler Tool Heat Gun
Key Features
- Dual-Temperature Settings
- Fantastic Integrated Stand
- 300 Watts Power
Overview
If you want a heat gun primarily for smaller crafts, such as embossing or shrinking plastic, but still want some temperature and airflow adjustability, we believe the Chandler Tool is the product for you. Unlike many miniature models, this one comes with two temperature/airflow settings, giving you a little more versatility for your crafts. We like how the included stand not only keeps the tool stable but also keeps it at the ideal angle for hands-free use.
This handheld product is more expensive than many other handheld models, so make sure that the dual-temperature settings are truly worth it to you before purchasing. It also has a lower maximum temperature than most pistol-grip models, so we recommend avoiding it if you are looking for higher-heat applications of these products. Overall, we believe this is a good choice for crafts or other delicate work, but it may not be suitable for everyone.
Prulde N2190
Key Features
- Hand Guard
- Wide Variety of Included Nozzles
- 1500 Watts Power
- Two Distinct Airflow Settings
Overview
If your heat gun projects could benefit from a wide range of different nozzles, the Prulde N2190 could be a good choice. This pistol-grip model comes with four different nozzles, one of which is designed specifically for lighting briquettes. It has a stable integrated stand and an integrated handguard that can be useful when heating up large areas. It also runs on the hotter side for these products, all at one of the group’s lower prices.
You won’t be able to fine-tune the temperature and blower settings for each project because you only have two distinct temperature/airflow settings. As previously stated, this product runs hotter, making it unsuitable for some of the smaller and more delicate craft projects. It’s far superior for tasks like stripping paint or loosening a seized bolt. It’s not our favorite, but it’s a good middle-of-the-road option at a reasonable price.
Black + Decker HG1300
Key Features
- Fairly Ergonomic
- Dual-Temperature Settings
- 1350 Watts Power
Overview
Overall, we weren’t crazy about the Black+Decker HG1300. It’s a fairly standard product with a few nice features. It has dual temperature settings and a molded plastic grip that makes it relatively comfortable to hold. It also has an integrated fold-out stand for hands-free use and a power cord that is typically more than 6′ long, making it one of the lighter-weight gun grip models.
Unfortunately, when balanced on the fold-out stand, we found it to be a little more wobbly than we would have liked. There are no nozzles or diffusers on the HG1300. However, it was the switch that we disliked the most. It just doesn’t feel user-friendly or simple to use. This product does the job, but we generally preferred other options far more.
Xpeoo Heat Gun Kit
Key Features
- Hands-Free Design
- Wide Temperature Range
- Safe to Use
- Comes with Extra Attachments
Overview
The heat gun kit from Xpeoo is a versatile option with 10 multi-purpose attachments for a variety of applications. It comes with five nozzles, one paint shovel, and four paint shovel attachments. The heat gun has a free-hand operation design with a flat and blacket rear cover that allows it to stand upright on its own while working. This prevents the heat gun from falling off and burning nearby objects.
The heat gun has two gears to control the temperature settings and a power rating of 2000W. Depending on the application, you can heat the tip at temperatures ranging from 572F to 1022F. The heat gun will heat up in a matter of seconds, allowing you to complete all of your DIY home improvement projects. It is ideal for shrink wrapping, shrink tubing, epoxy resin, cell phone repairs, electronics repair, pipe thawing, vinyl wrap removal, and paint removal.
Milwaukee Electric Tool Heat Gun
Key Features
- Efficient Heating Time
- Wireless Capabilities
- Illuminating LED Light
- Kickstand for Hands-Free Use
Overview
There are very few cordless heat guns that can compete with their wired counterparts in terms of power and versatility. If you’re looking for premium heat guns that are portable, the Milwaukee Electric Tool 2688-20 is one of the best options.
The first thing you’ll notice about the Milwaukee heat gun is its premium build quality and illuminating LED, which allows you to work even in low-light conditions. It is one of the best high-end products available, complete with customizable temperature settings and other necessary features.
One of the best features of 2688-20 is its ability to switch between dual temperature settings quickly. It only takes 7 seconds to heat up, which is very impressive considering most heat guns can take up to a minute to heat up before use.
The 2688-20 heat gun’s lightweight and portable design is very impressive. The airflow in the tool is excellent, and despite its portability, the battery does not overheat even when used for extended periods of time. The kit includes a carrying case and some of the best quality nozzles you can interchange for easy access.
Final Words
There are many various kinds of best heat guns available, and each one has characteristics that are specifically designed for that use, making them better suited for delicate crafting or more involved home improvement jobs. In order to assist you choose the ideal tool for your lifestyle, whether you are a DIY weekend warrior or a seasoned expert, we put all the top heat guns to the test in a head-to-head competition. In an effort to provide you with the knowledge you need to choose the ideal solution for you, we listed a variety of products.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Heat Does a Heat Gun Emit?
Different types of heat guns produce varying degrees of heat. Infrared guns, for example, are ideal for small tasks and can emit heat ranging from 400°F to 600°F (safer than other heat gun types). While industrial heat guns are more powerful and can reach temperatures of around 1800° Fahrenheit. Electric heat guns can operate at temperatures ranging from 600° to 1000° Fahrenheit, while gas-powered heat guns can operate at temperatures ranging from 800° to 1100° Fahrenheit.
Are These Heat Guns Noisier?
Heat guns are typically loud, comparable to the noise level of a standard or much quieter hairdryer. The estimated noise frequency is determined by the heat gun’s solidity and operation. Although different models have different heat levels, using the gun at higher settings will make it louder. As a result, the noise level of a specific heat gun is determined by your operating level.
Why does a Heat Gun Smokes While Operating?
Smoke is commonly produced as a result of the burning of manufacturing oils (or residual oil) during the initial start-up of a tool. This smoke clears in about a minute or two. If the smoke persists after each application, it’s time to return the product to the store or notify the manufacturer of the problem with your heat gun tool.