
Last updated on June 9, 2022 4:44 am by the writer.
Electric-powered guns that blow heat
The best heat gun for removing paint is powered by electricity on a cord.
If your thinking Milwaukee, Makita, or Dewalt you want to consider its capability with a range of nozzle head attachments for different jobs, cord length, heat settings, and its max power output potential.
You want a heat gun capable of a range of different jobs, good value for money and will last a lifetime.
Best heat gun [corded]
#1 Best value heat gun
DeWalt D26960K 150-1,100 °F, 1,550 W, heat gun kit
- Has a very long cord length.
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver.
- Cord protector prevents tearing.
- A bit slow on the warm-up.
#2 The hottest heat gun
Makita HG6530VK Digital 122-1,202 °F, 2,000 W, heat gun
- This is the most powerful heat gun.
- Also has a high temperature at 1202°F.
- Features 2 airflow settings.
- The LCD screen is a bit small.
#3 Best heat gun for paint stripping
Steinel Silver edition HL2020 120-1,150°F, 1,600 W, heat gun kit
- Excellent cooling capability.
- Features 3 distinct airflow settings.
- The brushed motor is rated to have a relatively short life span.
#4 Best for temperature control
Master PH-1200K 130- 1,000°F, 1,300 W, heat gun kit
- Powerful 1300W output.
- Fast warm-up and easily maintains higher temperatures.
- Questionable cord durability.
#5 Most comprehensive airflow settings
Makita HG6031VK 122-1,022 °F, 1,800 W, heat gun
- Optimized for versatility with 9 distinct settings and 2 airflow settings.
- Comes with a hard carry-case.
- The carrying case design can still be improved.
#6 Highest corded heat gun airflow capacity
Metabo PHT RH650V 120-1,200 °F, 1,500 W, heat gun kit
- Features very high airflow capacity and up to 1,200°F in temperature.
- Variable heat control with 5 airflow settings.
- The cord is a bit stiff.
#7 Best Milwaukee corded heat gun
Milwaukee 8975-6 570-1,000 °F, 1,400W, heat gun
- Simple operation.
- Improved ergonomics for comfort and higher functionality.
- Limited to only 2 temperature options with no extra nozzles.
#8 An insulated corded heat gun
Steinel general-purpose HL 1820 120 °F /750 °F /1,100 °F , 1,400 W, heat gun kit
- Features 3 temperature and airflow settings.
- Has double-insulation overload protection.
- Difficult warranty procedures.
#9 With comprehensive nozzle attachments
Wagner HT4500 120-1200 ˚F, 1,500 W, heat gun kit
- High temperatures up to 1,200°F with acute 20°F increments.
- Comes with multiple nozzles.
- Not the simplest for the casual user.
#10 Powerful Master corded heat gun
Master HG-501D 100-1200 ℉, 1,740 W, heat gun
- Very high airflow capacity thanks to 1,740W of power.
- Quick and efficient heating with 3 variable settings.
- This is the heaviest tool on the list.
#11 Wagner DIY corded heat gun
Wagner Furno 700 25- 1,300 °F, 1,500 W, heat gun kit
- This is the hottest gun here, capable of reaching 1,300°F!
- The high output allows for nearly 101 applications.
- Can be difficult to turn off.
#12 Tacklife corded heat gun
Tacklife HGP72AC 122℉/ 122℉-1,202 ℉, 1,700 W, heat gun kit
- Dual temperature model with 5 airflow settings.
- Wide range of applications thanks to its monstrous 1,700W output.
- Can sometimes be inconsistent in holding temperatures.
#13 Most durable DIY corded heat gun
Black + Decker HG1300 700 °F/ 1,000 °F, 1,350 W, heat gun
- Another dual temperature Black and Decker heat gun with 2 settings.
- Capable and durable for its price range.
- Some models are reported to smoke after initial use.
#14 Best variable speed DIY corded heat gun
Porter-Cable PC1500HG 120-900 °F/ 120-1,150 °F, 1,500 W, heat gun
- This Porter cable heat gun features a 2-speed fan selector and 2 airflow settings.
- Variable control.
- Can get piping hot and requires more caution to use than normal.
#15 A low-cost with high heat capacity
SEEKONE SDL-828 122 -840 °F/ 122-1,200 °F, 1,800 W, heat gun kit
- Same as the Porter Cable with the fans and airflow settings, but capable of hotter temperatures up to 1,202°F.
- Includes 4 nozzle accessories.
- The heat dial is installed inverted.
#16 Craftsman heavy-duty corded heat gun
Craftsman CMEE531, 120-1,200 °F, 1,500 W, heat gun
- An affordable Craftsman heat gun for heavy-duty applications.
- 2 fan speeds and variable control deliver fast heating with 1500W of power.
- No extra nozzles and no case as advertised.
#17 Most manageable temperature control from Tacklife
Tacklife PVC-HGP73AC 122 ℉/ 122-842 ℉/ 194-1,112 ℉ , 1,600 W, heat gun
- More like a heat sniper with its 7 temperature levels, 3 modes, and 2 airflow settings.
- Features built-in internal cooling and overload protection.
- Can feel underpowered despite a strong motor.
#18 Most affordable corded heat gun
Genesis GHG1500A 572 °F/ 1,000 °F, 750/ 1,500 W, heat gun kit
- Lightweight and boasts a commendable 12.5-amp motor.
- Includes 4 nozzle attachments for precision and damage-reduction.
- You get what you pay for; a specific unit can be hit or miss in terms of functionality.
About heat guns and their use case
The heat gun is the ‘Hair Dryer’ for men. We don’t recommend using it for hair though.
While it makes use of the same rudimentary design in utilizing hot airflow to perform work, these rounded-up hair dryers can easily generate temperatures of up to 1000°F(538°C)!
The heat gun is a handy and flexible little tool that can perform various tasks, ranging from home improvement projects to automobile repairs.
It can even be used to solder, to a certain degree, and doubles as a thawing catalyst for pipes and even circuit boards.
If you’re a technician, electrician, or just a lover of home remodeling, then you’ll definitely appreciate this tool. Interested?
It’s okay if you’re not because our definitive guide on the best heat guns will surely get you fired up.
Features to consider when buying a corded heat gun
- Heat-up and cool-down. You’d want a gun that heats up and cools-down fast. It’ll help maintain a smooth work pace and affect overall run-time.
- Overheat protection. Look for models that have built-in overheat counter-measures. While these may cause the gun to cut out intermittently, it helps prolong its lifespan while also protecting you from possible injury.
- Control. A heat gun with variable controls and a wide temperature range will serve you well, allowing you to use it across a variety of materials and applications.
- Nozzle attachments. You get a big bonus from models that include various nozzles. These allow for more precision and make it easier to access even tighter spaces.
Reasons to buy a heat gun
Cost-effective.
Compared to other tools that utilize heat for work, heat guns are relatively more affordable and no less capable.
Their manageable cost is backed up by their reliability, being especially useful for smaller and more specialized projects.
Damage-control.
One big advantage of the heat gun is the fact that it’s flameless.
The hot air from the tool is a safer source of heat [1] and causes much less damage to the material you are working on, even in the event of an error. It also greatly reduces the risk of starting a fire.
Convenience.
You’d want to go with a heat gun simply because it’s portable; it’s easy to carry and very simple to set up and use. You can work almost anywhere, anytime.
Things to check before buying a heat gun
1. Know your brands.
While we can never deny the prominence of brand leaders like Dewalt, Makita, and Milwaukee heat gun, there are other names in the industry that are less-known, especially to the mainstream users but have surprisingly good track records.
Exercise due diligence and research the particular brand you’re interested in before buying. Reviews, guides, and consumer stories all hint at a brand’s credibility.
2. Check the durability.
Checking for durability is checking for the necessary features that help prolong and protect both the tool and yourself.
Look for built-in overheat protection and check to see if construction was done right and sensibly. (E.G. housing and grip should not be exposed metal).
3. Consider the range.
Keep in mind what temperature range you prefer working with.
A model might have everything else you would like, except for the needed temperatures. What projects do you mostly tackle?
Can your model reach the required temperatures? It’ll be beneficial to get the right tool with the appropriate range.
4. Think about the price.
It always feels better to make a purchase at the right price.
We recommend reviewing this after you’ve done all the checks as those will help justify the cost. More features do add to the price a little, but it shouldn’t be outrageous.
Higher-end models often go for $180 above, so pick something that’s most suited for your budget and needs.
Cordless vs corded heat guns
Most cordless tools nowadays are already comparable to their corded variants in terms of specifications and performance.
Cordless heat guns have access and convenience on their side. If you work more outside or prefer to go to your clients, then a cordless model will suit you better.
If you engage in longer, more demanding projects, then the consistency and up-time of corded heat guns will serve you better.
Not needing batteries means that you can maintain a steady pace without needing to recharge. You can also crank the tool up to higher settings for tougher tasks without worrying about power consumption.
Why cord length matter?
Being a corded tool, cord length matters because it dictates the tool’s reach.
A longer cord is better if you plan on working with a larger area or have limited power outlets.
A longer cord also means higher maneuverability.
You can make more adjustments to positioning before the cord stretches out;
This will prove vital especially when working with uniquely-shaped pieces or interiors.
Always manage the cord for safety and efficiency.
You should always have it beside or behind you, this limits the risk of tripping and entanglement.
Keeping this in mind allows you to work fast and keeps the work area looking neat.
What are the heat requirements for different heating jobs?
Job | Temperature |
---|---|
Paint stripping | 60 - 80°F (16 - 27°C) |
Paint drying | 40 - 90°F (4 - 32°C) |
Adhesive and wallpaper removal | 250 - 325°F (121 - 163°C) |
Shrink wrapping | 30 - 77°F (At least 25°C) |
Heat shrink plastic tubing | 194°F (90°C) |
Plastic and tarpaulin welding | 450 - 750°F(230 - 400°C) |
Pipe thawing | 55 - 75°F (13 - 24°C) |
Restore faded car trim | 100 - 120°F (38 - 49°C) |
Choosing the top corded heat gun
#1 Best value heat gun
The DeWalt D26960K is the best-corded heat gun because of its optimized combination of weight, temperature range and control, nozzle accessories, and of course performance.
With a premium brand, you also pay a premium price, which in all honesty is not too bad for such a flexible tool.
One of the key features that will make you want this heat gun is the solid construction of its already lengthy cord.
The long-reaching 10-foot cord allows you to reach far places and make some tight twists and turns. Capable of generating up to 1,100°F, this is the ideal all-purpose choice.
#1 Best Makita heat gun
The Makita HG6530VK is the best corded Makita heat gun. Besides having the name, of course, this tool has some serious firepower behind it.
Not only is this the only tool on the list to run on 2,000W of power, but also achieves the highest temperature output at 1,202°F!
Achieve masterful control with 2 airflow settings and a push-button variable switch.
Take on the most demanding of projects with ease and turn the heat up with this Makita.
#1 Most affordable corded heat gun
If you want something a little more price-friendly, then the Genesis GHG1500A is the ideal choice.
If you need something for a rush project or just a handy tool for casual use, then you’ll get the most out of this heat gun.
12.5 amps of power are plenty enough and being able to reach 1000°F on a budget tool is nothing to scoff at. Minus the LCD screen, this tool pretty much has you set.
What jobs can be done with a heat gun?
- Paint application and removal. Easily apply new paint or remove old coat or paint by using a heat gun and a chisel. Generally, you’ll need to finely polish the surface before any varnishing or painting job; so you might as well get a random orbital sander or for quick painting old furniture, or you may opt for a belt sander like Makita 9403.
- Adhesive removal. Remove adhesives and binding agents to easily remove stickers and even old floor tiles. However, do not use this when removing flex tape. There are more effective methods to remove it.
- Wallpaper removal. Work faster and cleaner with a heat gun to either remove the adhesive or burn away wallpaper at higher settings.
- Shrink-wrap. A heat gun is probably the fastest way to shrink-wrap all kinds of things, from food to books.
- Work with metal. Loosen old and rusted screws or fix car dents with a heat gun. Applying heat allows the metal to expand and be easier shaped.
- Material restoration. Repurpose old silverware or restore faded car paint trim.
- Thawing. Thaw frozen pipes and circuit boards faster and more efficiently by using a heat gun.
- Limited culinary application. You can use the heat gun in the kitchen too; light a grill, roast coffee beans, and even glaze desserts!
And if you’d rather have a tool that can get more things done, here’s a list of another multi-functional tool you can get yourself to partner with your corded heat gun for these tricky jobs.
Tips for using a heat gun
Dos
- Do make use of a kickstand or any included holster when not in use.
- Do make your passes in a consistent manner; go in only one direction when working.
- Do be mindful of the minimum and maximum settings of your heat gun. Work within an adjustable 30% margin of whatever is the required temperature of the application.
Don’ts
- Don’t just set the heat gun down, especially where it will come in contact with other substances/surfaces.
- Don’t treat it like a hairdryer and quickly wave it back and forth to close; certain materials might be deformed this way.
- Don’t always make contact between the gun and a surface. You can, but it depends on the task and the material you’re working with.
Safety concerns
- Always wear the proper protective gear, especially heat-resistant/absorbent gloves. Wear goggles as these tools can emit high levels of heat that can cause slight stinging in your eyes. When working with paint, it would also be best to wear a mask to protect from harmful paint fumes.
- Always be aware of your work area and surroundings, especially when working indoors. Always keep the heat gun away from easily flammable objects [2] and substances and clear the workspace of valuable objects that may get damaged.
- NEVER point or direct it at your’s or anybody else’s skin. These are extremely hot tools and will cause serious burning if contacted.
How to use a heat gun for paint removal?
To remove or strip paint, hold the heat gun away at a distance from the target area; around 3 to 4 inches will do.
Move it around slowly, preferably in a circular manner to loosen the paint.
With a scraper or chisel on the other hand, carefully hack it against the loose paint and progress slowly along the area you wish to strip.
If you found the best heat gun for removing paint, you know that repainting a scraped surface needs a bit of finishing.
So here’s how to smoothen, shape, or polish the surface before repainting.
How to use a heat gun to bend plastic pipes?
To bend a PVC pipe using a heat gun is to focus on the area you wish to bend and to evenly spread the heat out by constantly rotating or moving the pipe back and forth. A distance of 10 to 12 inches away is good here.
Once you feel that the area is soft enough, gently bend to the desired degree and allow it to cool. Here’s a more detailed guide to bend PVC pipes.
Comparing corded heat guns
DeWalt D26960K | Makita HG6530VK Digital | Steinel Silver edition HL2020 | Master PH-1200K | Makita HG6031VK | Metabo PHT RH650V | Milwaukee 8975-6 | Steinel General purpose HL 1820 | Wagner HT4500 | Master HG-501D | Wagner Furno 700 | Tacklife HGP72AC | Black + Decker HG1300 | Porter Cable PC1500HG | SEEKONE SDL-828 | Craftsman CMEE531 | Tacklife PVC-HGP73AC | Genesis GHG1500A |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Verdict: | Top performing corded | Best Makita corded | Most affordable corded | |||||||||||||||
Weight: | 2.3 lbs | 2 lbs | 2.19 lbs | 1.6 lbs | 1.5 lbs | 1.74 lbs | 1.8 lbs | 2.18 lbs | 5.36 lbs | 3.5 lbs | 2.72 lbs | 2.91 lbs | 1.63 lbs | 2lbs | 2 lbs | 2.66 lbs | 2.64 lbs | 2 lbs |
Cord length: | 10 ft | 6.6 ft | 6 ft | 6 ft | 6.6 ft | 8 ft | 6 ft | 6 ft | 6.5 ft | 6 ft | 6 ft | 5.25 ft | 6 ft | 5.9 ft | 6.5 ft | |||
Power: | 1550 W | 2000 W | 1600 W | 1300 W | 1800 W | 1500 W | 1400 W | 1400 W | 1500 W | 1740 W | 1500 W | 1700 W | 1350 W | 1500 W | 1800 W | 1500 W | 1600 W | 750/ 1500 W |
Airflow capacity: | 18 cfm | 10/ 7.6 cfm | 4 / 4-8 / 6-13 cfm | 16 cfm | 7/ 14 cfm | 8.8/ 17.7 cfm | 14.8 cfm | 4/ 7/ 13 cfm | 27 cfm | 250 lpm/ 500 lpm | 12 cfm | 10-11 cfm/ 16-19 cfm | 190-210 lpm/ 250-500 lpm | 250 lpm/ 500 lpm | 10/17 cfm | |||
Temperature: | 150-1,100 °F | 122-1,202 °F | 120-1,150 °F | 130- 1,000 °F | 122-1,022 °F | 120-1,200 °F | 570-1,000 °F | 120 °F /750 °F /1,100 °F | 120-1,200 ˚F | 100-1,200 ℉ | 25- 1,300 °F | 122 ℉/ 122 ℉-1,202 ℉ | 700 °F/ 1,000 °F | 120-900 °F/ 120-1,150 °F | 122 -840 °F/ 122-1,200 °F | 120-1,200 °F | 122 ℉/ 122-842 ℉/ 194-1,112 ℉ | 572 °F/ 1,000 °F |
Out best pick: Heat guns for added power
Go with the DeWalt D26960K if you’re looking for a tool that’s a long-term investment.
This DeWalt heat gun lightweight and has a sturdy, long cord.
It’s good for light and heavy applications.
If you engage in more demanding work and prefer something that’s better suited for the grind, then you won’t go wrong with the Makita HG6530VK – the most powerful and the hottest.
The Genesis GHG1500A will save you if you find yourself in financial straits, it’s affordable and duly capable. It has some nice accessories to help aim heat a little better.
That’s about it for our best heat gun guide! We hope the information we shared has made you more knowledgeable about these spicy power tools.
If we have piqued your interest, check out our best cordless heat gun guide too. It’s sure to speak about a ‘hot’ topic.
DeWalt D26960K review
Pros:
- Has manageable long cord with a protector that prevents tearing.
- Lightweight and user-friendly.
Cons:
- Heats up a bit slow.
#1 Best Dewalt heat gun
More information:
- Electric heat guns are safer than gas when used correctly, also mentioned at https://home.howstuffworks.com/what-is-heat-gun.htm
- Safety tips also mentioned for using a heat gun, published on https://blog.masterappliance.com/packing-a-different-kind-of-heat-heat-gun-safety-tips/

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