4 Best Cordless Heat Guns (Review) In 2021

The level and duration of power you'll get from your cordless heat gun depends on the battery it uses and the wattage. In general, the higher the wattage, the better the device will work at high temperatures and high air flow. Choosing the right battery for your heat gun depends on what you need to use the tool for. If you only need it for a few minutes at a time then practically any tool will work, but if you need one for longer then you'll have to consider the type of battery. Generally speaking, Lithium-ion 5Ah batteries should power most cordless heat guns for up to 20 minutes, while 6Ah batteries could power up to 30 minutes and 8Ah batteries power up to 42 minutes. These examples are estimations based on average power consumption on a low heat/fan setting. To ensure you never get caught out by a dead battery, we recommend keeping a fully charged spare battery with your tools at all times. So if one battery dies while you're working, another one is ready to go immediately.

If there is DIY work you need to complete, the last thing you want is to wait around while your cordless heat gun warms up. Thankfully, most heat guns offer a fast heating feature which you should consider before making your purchase. It takes on average 10 seconds for cordless heat guns to reach an operational temperature. In other words, within 10 seconds, the tool will produce enough heat to do minor tasks but it won't be hot enough for the larger, or more intensive tasks. Unfortunately, this is simply one of the trade-offs that come with having a cordless heat gun which depends on a rechargeable battery. So, if you're using your heat gun for a few different tasks, it's best to start with the lighter, easier ones first to ensure the tool heats up sufficiently before tackling the larger tasks.

Most cordless heat guns have at least one heat setting. Those that have only one temperature and fan speed are better suited to simple tasks such as paint stripping or shrink wrapping plastic. However, more advanced products come with two or more heat settings and fan settings which give you more use for a variety of DIY tasks and repairs. If your heat gun doesn't have temperature controls, don't worry, there's an easy solution to most situations. You can easily lower the temperature simply by pulling the heat gun back a little, giving more air in between the gun and the object's surface. So, if your tools don't feature a completely adjustable temperature management system, you now know exactly how to lower the temperature to the level you need. Make sure to check out our newest buying guide with best angle grinders currently available.

As you might expect, there are some dangers in using a tool that produces a high level of heat and is powered by a large rechargeable battery. That's why all cordless heat guns feature some key protective features to keep you safe and limit the risk of accidents occurring. A thermal cut out is a type of overload protection which automatically switches off the device when the temperature rises too high, causing the device to overheat. Another safety feature found in all cordless heat guns is an automatic switch-off whenever the trigger is released. This crucial feature provides a general level of safety while the tool is being used but it also prevents further damage in case the tool is accidentally dropped.

The ergonomic design of a heat gun is an important feature to consider. While the functional features are fairly similar across mostly all models, the design can change in subtle ways which affects the way you use the device. The device's weight, grip, and size are the most important design aspects as they affect its functionality. When working in tight spaces or in difficult to reach areas, a light, agile tool with a secure grip is essential for making your work as easy as possible. Some other functional features to consider are a hanging hook which makes it easier for storage, an LED light so you always have enough light to complete a task and a hands-free option for tasks that require two free hands (such as bending plastic piping).

Like any high-value appliance you purchase, it's worth looking around to find one that comes with a warranty or guarantee. Although the terms of the warranty vary depending on the supplier and item, it gives you some level of assurance and peace of mind. Since not all cordless heat guns come with a warranty or guarantee or they might not be exactly what you need, it's worth looking around different options to ensure you've found the best one for you.