6 Best Heat Guns

Tools and accessories, including heat guns, glue guns, and others, have made our lives much simpler. A heat gun is a handy tool that emits hot air at a temperature ranging between 100 to 550 degrees C. It resembles a gun. Hence, it is designed with an elongated body made using engineered plastic and a trigger. The nozzle is made using metal that is capable of withstanding high temperatures.

There are various types of heat guns, which are widely used in industrial and commercial sectors. A standard size electric heat gun is suitable for repair and crafty work at home. There are several uses of heat guns, making them a must-have device. They are used for welding, shrinking, and drying purposes. You will gain more information about the tool in this article.

Here we have provided a comprehensive buyer’s guide to help every first-time buyer with their choice. You can read through the detailed reviews of the top 6 heat guns available on amazon. We also provide an FAQ section towards the end of the article to help you gain more insight.

Uses of Heat Guns

A heat gun is a handy device that helps in repair work, crafty jobs, and heavy-duty jobs in construction sites and industries. The uses of heat guns are diverse in both homes as well as commercial sectors. Let us take a look at a few of these uses.

  • A heat gun helps in thawing frozen pipes in cold winters.
  • It is capable of peeling off the paint on walls and large surfaces.
  • You can use the tool to remove dents in vehicles. It heats the damaged area and ensures a perfect finish.
  • Industrial and Gas-Powered Heat Guns are widely used for heavy-duty jobs in industrial and commercial sectors.
  • It is capable of loosening rusted nuts, screws, bolts, and more.
  • It helps in shrinking packaging, shrink films, shrinking pipes, etc.
  • The heat gun is capable of softening adhesives.
  • It can dry damp surfaces.
  • It is widely used in construction and building, automotive repair, mass retail, and packaging.

Types of Heat Guns

Electric Heat Guns

Bosch GHG 180 Plastic Heat Gun

There are two types of electric heat guns- corded and cordless. However, most electric heat guns come with power cords since they require electrical current to operate. These guns are popular tools, which are needed for crafts, repair work, home, and industrial use.

You can use an electric heat gun to shrink wrapping, peel off paint, loosen rusted bolts and nuts, thaw frozen pipes, remove dents, and so on. The temperature settings and size of the electric heat gun may vary. Hence, choose a model based on your requirements.

Infrared Heat Guns

Infrared heat gun

Infrared heat guns utilize infrared heat instead of hot air. Most commonly, these guns come with a temperature setting ranging between 400 to 600 degrees C. Infrared heat guns are reasonable, and they help in small projects and tasks.

Industrial Heat Guns

Industrial heat gun

Industrial heat guns are heavy-duty heat guns designed for industrial use. They are ideal for heavy-duty jobs, including mass retail, packaging, construction, and automotive repair. Industrial heat guns may be electric or gas-powered. They are also used for stripping off paint from a large surface.

Gas Powered Heat Guns

Gas Powered Heat Gun

Gas-powered heat guns utilize propane or butane gas as fuel. These heat guns are primarily used for heavy-duty projects, including construction and welding. They ensure efficient operation with more power and speed. Hence, gas-powered heat guns are used intensively by industries.

These guns are cost-effective compared to electric heat guns. They also ensure a better-shrinking effect than electric guns. You can use a gas-powered gun at home, as well.

Buyer’s Guide

Construction

The heat gun should come with sturdy and rugged construction. Ensure that the body is made using high-grade engineered plastic. The nozzle should be an amalgamation of metals.

You can consider going for a heat gun with a copper nozzle. Copper is a good conductor of heat, so it will enable the heat gun to withstand high temperatures.

Temperature and Airflow

Heat guns come with temperatures as low as 32 to 49 degrees Celsius and as high as 593 degrees Celsius. You can adjust the temperature according to your requirements. Most heat guns feature a switch that enables you to set the temperature between high, low, and medium.

Also, check the airflow rate before making a purchase. It should be adjustable between 550 to 750-liter per minute so that you can set it based on your preference.

Safety Features

Safety should be considered as your utmost priority. Ensure that the heat gun comes with safety features like overheat protection in case of airflow blockages.

It should also feature a three-story insulation design to safeguard you from burns. The insulation cap of the nozzle is another safety feature that protects you from burns and injuries in case of excessive heat.

Ergonomic Design

The handle and body of the heat gun must be ergonomically designed. The ergonomic handle ensures a better grip for comfortable use for an extended period.

Also, ensure that the ergonomic nozzle is made with an amalgamation of metals for safe and prolonged use.

Standing Facility

The standing facility, including stands, enable you to put down the heat gun. It ensures comfortable and hands-free use for an extended time. The feature also allows you to use both hands for soldering and bending purposes.

Motor

Consider purchasing a heat gun with a powerful motor of 1800 to 2000 watts. The high power motor ensures efficient use in various applications, including repair work and crafty jobs.

Also, it allows the gun to heat up instantly.

Top 6 Heat Guns

1. BLACK+DECKER Dual Temperature Heat Gun 

Black+Decker is a popular name for every household because of its innovative and high-quality products. The Black+Decker heat gun is capable of performing creative crafty jobs and repair work.

It ensures an airflow between 550 to 750 liters per minute, which enables you to peel off paint, dry damp surfaces, shrink wrap packaging, loosen rusted nuts, bolts, and more.

The body of the heat gun is made using engineered plastic, while the nozzle is an amalgamation of metals. It can withstand high temperatures of up to 500 Celsius. Moreover, the body and nozzle are ergonomically designed for a better grip for an extended period.

Main Features

  • The body is made using engineered plastic, while the nozzle is an amalgamation of metals.
  • It is capable of withstanding temperatures up to 500 Celsius.
  • It comes with two heat settings: 400 or 550-degree centigrade.
  • It comes with an airflow rate between 550 to 750 liter per min.
  • It comes with an 1800-watt powerful motor.
  • Cord length: 6 feet.
  • It comes with a 6-month comprehensive warranty on the product.
PROS (What we liked)
  • It is ergonomically designed for better grip and extended use.
  • It has a sturdy build. Hence, it can withstand high temperatures.
  • The heat gun helps you peel off paint, dry damp surfaces, loosen rusted nuts, bolts, and more.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • It provides a burning smell during use.
  • It is not durable enough.

2. Bosch GHG 180 Plastic Heat Gun 

Bosch is a leading brand that deals with the manufacture of home and electrical appliances and tools. The Bosch Plastic Heat Gun is tested to meet Bosch standards, ensuring 500 hours of continuous use.

It allows you to choose the temperature and airflow rate according to your requirements. The ergonomically design gun helps you shrink wrapping, remove dents, and shape PVC pipes.

It ensures 100% safe use at all times. The heat isolation cap protects the user from excessive heat. On the other hand, the overheat protection ensures safety in case of airflow blockages.

Main Features

  • Dimensions: 240 mm x 50 mm x 210 mm.
  • It weighs 0.75 kg.
  • The body is made using high-grade plastic.
  • The heat gun is suitable for commercial shrink wrapping, shaping PVC pipes, and removing dents.
  • Heat time: 1 minute.
  • It comes with a 2 m cord.
  • It comes with an 1800-watt powerful motor.
PROS (What we liked)
  • It comes with overheat protection to ensure safe use in case of airflow blockages.
  • The heat gun has been tested by Bosch standards to provide 500 hours of continuous operation.
  • The heat isolation cap protects the user from high heat.
  • It features a 3-stage temperature selection at 60, 350, and 550-degree Celsius.
  • It enables you to choose an airflow rate between 350 to 550 liters per minute.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • It stopped working after a few days of use.

3. iBELL HG20-82 Plastic Heat Gun 2

Every DIY lover knows the importance of having a really good heat gun. Be it a home project or a professional’s project; the iBELL plastic heat gun works wonders at giving one the perfect finish. With its multiple features and benefits, the iBELL HG20-82 is sure to catch your eye.

Main Features
  • iBELL HG20-82 2000 W Heat gun comes with four nozzle attachments that you can choose from.
  • It has adjustable air settings of 250L/Min and 550L/Min for varied uses.
  • It has dual temperature settings of 350 °C and 550°C.
  • It is made of good quality plastic with a great grip for long project hours.
PROS (What we liked)
  • This lightweight gun is easy to hold and use for long working hours.
  • It can be used for household work and industrial work like Labs and Workshops.
  • It is ideal for a Do it yourself project for stripping paint, removing synthetic plaster, door locks, trunk lids, etc.
  • Professionally it can be used for soldering pipes, shrinking PVC, removing rusted bolts, etc.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • No cons were observed.

4. Stanley STXH2000 2000-Watt Variable Speed Heat Gun 

The Stanley STXH2000 two-speed heat gun comes with variable heat control. It ensures maximum control to the user while performing repair work and other tasks.

The ergonomic design and lock-on switch ensure comfortable and hands-free use for an extended period. It also comes with a standing facility, allowing you to use it for soldering and blending operations.

The powerful 2000 motor makes it efficient to use for various applications. It has a sturdy and robust construction, making it a reliable tool to consider buying.

Main Features

  • The two-speed heat gun comes with variable heat control.
  • It comes with a lock-on switch.
  • The handle is designed ergonomically for a better grip.
  • It comes with a 2000-watt powerful motor.
  • The standing facility enables you to use both hands for soldering and blending operations.
  • It comes with a 1-year warranty.
PROS (What we liked)
  • The ergonomic design ensures comfortable and hands-free use at all times.
  • The variable heat setting enables you to use it for broad applications.
  • It ensures maximum control to the user.
  • Sturdy and durable construction.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • It heats up during continuous use.

5. Inditrust 2000 Watt Professional Hot Air Gun 

The Inditrust Professional Hot Air Gun is ideal for performing various functions. It is capable of shrink wrapping, thawing frozen nozzles, lighting barbecues, peeling off paint, loosening rusted nuts, bolts, and more. The sturdy and ergonomic heat gun comes with a round copper nozzle.

The high power motor allows the heat gun to heat up quickly. You can also adjust the temperature between high and low using the premium and rugged switch. Hence, it is a light-weight heat gun that is easy to use.

Main Features

  • It comes with two heat settings: 420 and 560-degree Celsius.
  • The heat gun comes with a powerful motor of 2000-watts.
  • It is suitable for shrink wrapping, heat shrink tubing, paint stripping, loosening rusted nuts, bolts, and more.
  • It comes with an airflow rate of 550 to 750 Liters per minute.
  • Length of cable: 1.25 m.
  • The nozzle features a copper element.
PROS (What we liked)
  • It comes with a rugged and premium build quality.
  • The heat gun heats up quickly.
  • It is easy to operate.
  • The heat gun features a light-weight design.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • The quality of the product could be better.

6. JPT INGCO 2000 W Plastic Heat Gun 

The JPT INGCO 2000 W Plastic Heat Gun comes with two-speed settings and four different nozzles. It features a three-story insulation design that protects users from burns. The air supply fan ensures a strong airflow of 250 liters per minute and 550 liters per minute.

It is suitable for various applications, including peeling paint, shrink wrapping, and others.

The energy-efficient heat gun is made using high-quality materials. Moreover, it saves energy and protects the tip from getting damaged due to high temperatures. Hence, it is built to last.

Main Features

  • It features a two-speed setting.
  • The heat gun comes with four different nozzles.
  • It is made using high-quality materials.
  • It comes with a three-story insulation design to keep users away from burns.
  • It features an airflow rate of 250 Liters per minute (step 1) and 550 Liters per minute (step 2).
  • The display shows real-time temperature.
PROS (What we liked)
  • It is energy-efficient. Hence, it saves energy and protects the tip of the nozzle from damage.
  • The air supply fan with a turbo structure ensures strong airflow.
  • It is easy to use.
  • The double heating wire ensures fast heating.
  • It has a sturdy and robust build.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • No such negative points were seen.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are heat guns used for?

You can use various types of heat guns at different temperatures to perform repair work and crafty jobs. It is capable of peeling off paint, shrink wrap packaging, shrink heat shrink tubing, shrink film, thaw frozen pipes, dry damp surfaces, bending and welding, loosening rusted nuts and bolts, and soften adhesives.

2. Is a heat gun dangerous?

Heat guns pose a severe spark and ignition hazard as a naked flame. It also leads to overheating, which may burn the user. Hence, it is crucial to check for safety features like overheat protection. Thus, a heat gun can be dangerous, so you must be careful while using handy-tool.

3. What is the best heat gun to buy?

There are various heat guns available in the market. We have reviewed the five best heat guns available in amazon, including BLACK+DECKER Dual Temperature Heat Gun and Bosch Plastic Heat Gun.

4 .How does a heat gun work?

The working mechanism of a heat gun is similar to a hairdryer. It comes with a fan that draws air into the body of the tool. The fan drives the air across an electric heating element, which heats the air. The hot air is released through the nozzle for various functions, including stripping paint, shrink wrapping and others.

5. How hot will a heat gun get?

Most heat guns come with a minimum temperature of around 32 to 49 degrees Celsius. It reaches a maximum temperature of about 593 degrees Celsius. There are heat guns, which get even hotter.

Conclusion

Heat guns are available in various temperature and speed control settings. You can choose a heat gun based on your needs and preference. However, buying the right heat gun may be a tedious task for a first-time buyer. It explains all the essential factors one must consider before making a purchase.

You can consider buying the BLACK+DECKER Dual Temperature Heat Gun since it is our number one choice. The Bosch Plastic Heat Gun is also an ideal option, primarily because of its safety features.

We hope the article helps!

Anaida Sutherland
 

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