Some of the top heat gun options for 2024 include top-selling models from Makita, DeWalt, and Wagner Furno. Featuring various nozzles, cordless designs, and rapid heating, you’ll find the perfect heat gun for your needs with these brands.

Whether you’re tackling a DIY project that involves stripping paint, bending plastics, or even thawing frozen pipes, a heat gun can handle a wide range of tasks, making it a must-have in any toolbox. Here are our top picks for your new “best friend.”

5 Best heat guns for 2024

Best for versatility: Makita Variable Temperature Heat Gun Kit 

What we love	Things to consider
– Variable temperature control for precise heat settings – Comes with multiple nozzles for different applications – Ergonomic design for comfortable use – Durable construction – Long 6.6-foot cord for added mobility – LCD screen for easy temperature adjustment	– Higher price point compared to some competitors – Corded, which may limit mobility – Plain design without flashy aesthetics

The Makita Variable Temperature Heat Gun Kit is a versatile and powerful tool designed for both professional and serious DIY users. With a wide temperature range from 122°F to 1,202°F, it handles applications such as paint stripping, thawing frozen pipes, and vehicle wrapping. Its ergonomic design and non-slip rubberized handle ensure comfortable use during prolonged tasks, while its durability and robust construction make it ideal for heavy-duty projects.

A standout feature is the precise temperature control via an LCD screen and push-button adjustments, allowing users to set and monitor temperatures easily. The kit enhances versatility with four nozzles: a wide slot, a reflector, a glass protector, and another reflector nozzle.

Appreciated for its long cord, the heat gun offers extra mobility and can stand upright on its rear end, making nozzle changes easy and reducing accidental burn risks. While the corded design may limit mobility compared to cordless models, it ensures consistent power output, perfect for intensive tasks.

Key specs

• Temperature range: 122°F – 1,202°F
• Power: 2,000 watts
• Airflow: 7 and 14 cubic feet per minute (CFM)
• Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Cord length: 6.6 feet

Best cordless option: DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Heat Gun 

What we love	Things to consider
– Cordless design for maximum portability – Compact and lightweight – Fast heating element	– Limited battery life – Lower maximum temperature compared to corded models – Expensive, especially when including batteries and chargers

The DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Heat Gun is crafted for maximum portability, enabling work in tight or remote areas without the hassle of cords. It features two heat settings, with the low setting reaching 550°F and the high setting peaking at 990°F. The rapid heating element minimizes wait time before starting tasks. 

Two nozzles are included: a flat nozzle for concentrated heat and a hook nozzle for wrap-around heat applications. The battery offers up to 42 minutes of runtime per charge on the low setting, though high setting usage reduces this time. Additionally, an integrated LED light illuminates the workspace, especially useful in dimly lit areas.

Users appreciate its lightweight and compact design, making it easy to handle and maneuver during various tasks. The cordless feature is particularly praised for allowing freedom of movement without being tethered to a power source. However, the limited battery life and lower maximum temperature compared to corded models can be drawbacks for more intensive tasks. The tool’s portability makes it a favorite among DIY enthusiasts and professionals needing a reliable heat gun on the go.

Key specs

• Temperature range: Up to 990°F
• Power: 20V battery
• Airflow: 6.7 cubic feet per minute (CFM)
• Weight: 2.2 pounds

Best for quick heating: SEEKONE Fast-Heating Heat Gun 

What we love	Things to consider
– Rapid heating in seconds – Dual temperature settings – Overload protection for safety	– Shorter cord length – Basic design with fewer accessories

The SEEKONE Fast-Heating Heat Gun is renowned for its rapid heat-up time and user-friendly operation. It offers dual temperature settings, providing versatility for tasks ranging from heavy-duty paint stripping to delicate electronics repairs. The built-in overload protection feature enhances safety by preventing overheating during extended use.

Despite having a shorter cord length compared to some competitors, this heat gun’s overall performance and reliability make it a favored choice among users. Its straightforward design, while lacking additional accessories, focuses on delivering powerful and consistent heat. The SEEKONE Fast-Heating Heat Gun offers excellent value with its quick heating and safety features, making it a dependable tool for various DIY and professional applications.

Key specs

• Temperature range: 572°F and 1,112°F
• Power: 1,800 watts
• Airflow: 250-500 liters per minute (L/min)
• Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Cord length: 5.2 feet

Best budget option: Wagner Furno 300 

What we love	Things to consider
– Affordable – Easy-to-use design – Suitable for light to medium-duty tasks	– Limited temperature range – No digital display

The Wagner Furno 300 is an economical heat gun designed to deliver solid performance for light to medium-duty tasks, making it ideal for beginners and casual users. This heat gun is perfect for tackling various household projects without breaking the bank.

Renowned for its straightforward operation and reliable performance, the Wagner Furno 300 is highly regarded for home projects. Users appreciate its dual temperature settings, which offer the flexibility needed for different applications. Its ergonomic design helps reduce user fatigue, making it comfortable for extended use.

While the heat gun’s limited temperature range may not suit more demanding tasks requiring precise heat control, and the absence of a digital display could make monitoring the exact temperature challenging, these drawbacks are minor. Its affordability and ease of use make it a popular choice among DIY enthusiasts.

Overall, the Wagner Furno 300 provides solid value for its price, offering dependable performance for a variety of light to medium-duty tasks around the home.

Key specs

• Temperature range: 750°F and 1,100°F
• Power: 1,200 watts
• Airflow: Two settings: 8.5 and 11.6 cubic feet per minute (CFM)
• Weight: 1.6 pounds

Best for accessories: Genesis GHG1500A Dual-Temperature Heat Gun 

What we love	Things to consider
– Affordable price – Includes four nozzles – Easy to use – Lightweight and stable	– Not suitable for large projects – Limited temperature range

The Genesis GHG1500A Dual-Temperature Heat Gun offers two temperature settings—572°F and 1,000°F—making it versatile for various tasks. It includes four nozzles: a reduction nozzle, two deflector nozzles, and a reflector nozzle, allowing precise heat application where needed. Its lightweight design ensures easy handling, and the built-in stand facilitates hands-free operation, adding to its convenience. While it may not be suitable for heavy-duty professional use, it excels in regular household applications.

The Genesis GHG1500A strikes a great balance of performance, ease of use, and affordability, making it a valuable addition to any DIY toolkit.

Key specs

• Temperature range: 572°F and 1,000°F
• Power: 1,500 watts
• Airflow: Variable, depending on the temperature setting
• Weight: 1.5 pounds

How to pick the right heat gun for the job

Choosing the right heat gun can be crucial for achieving the best results in your projects. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a heat gun.

Power and watts

The power and wattage of a heat gun determine how quickly it can heat up and the maximum temperature it can reach. Higher wattage heat guns typically offer more powerful and faster heating, making them suitable for more demanding tasks.

• Low Power (150-1,000 watts): Ideal for light tasks such as shrink-wrapping, drying paint, or crafts. These heat guns are usually sufficient for household projects and small DIY jobs.
• Medium Power (1,000-1,500 watts): Suitable for medium-duty tasks like stripping paint, bending plastics, and loosening adhesives. These are versatile and can handle a broader range of applications.
• High Power (1,500+ watts): Best for heavy-duty tasks, such as removing old paint and varnish, thawing frozen pipes, and welding plastics. These heat guns provide quick heating and can maintain high temperatures for extended periods.

Temperature

Adjustable temperature settings allow you to control the heat output, making the heat gun more versatile for different tasks. Certain materials and applications require specific temperature ranges to avoid damage.

• Low Temperature (100-400°F): Suitable for tasks like drying paint, thawing frozen pipes, and softening adhesives.
• Medium Temperature (400-800°F): Ideal for removing paint, bending plastic, and general DIY projects.
• High Temperature (800-1,200°F+): Necessary for more intensive tasks like welding plastics, stripping heavy paint layers, and detailed craft work.

Display

A digital display provides precise control over the heat settings, allowing you to select the exact temperature needed for your task. This precision is beneficial for sensitive applications where even a slight temperature variation could cause damage.

• Digital displays: Offer precise temperature control, easy readability, and often include memory settings to quickly return to previously used temperatures. They are ideal for tasks requiring exact heat control.
• Analog displays: Typically feature a dial to adjust temperature settings. They are simpler and more durable but lack the precision of digital displays. These are suitable for general use where exact temperature is less critical.

Airflow

Selecting a heat gun with adjustable airflow settings can enhance its versatility and effectiveness for various applications. Controlling the airflow allows you to adjust the intensity and spread of the heat. This is particularly important for tasks that require concentrated heat on a small area or gentle heat over a larger surface.

• Low airflow: Provides concentrated heat, making it suitable for precision work like electronics repair or shrink-wrapping.
• High airflow: Distributes heat over a larger area, ideal for tasks like paint stripping and drying large surfaces.

Final thoughts

Choosing the right heat gun can make all the difference in the success of your DIY projects. When selecting a heat gun, think about the power and wattage needed for your specific tasks. Ensure it has adjustable temperature settings for versatility, and consider a digital display if precise control is essential. Look for models with adjustable airflow settings to match the requirements of your project. By focusing on these features, you’ll find the perfect heat gun that meets your needs, making your work more efficient and enjoyable.