The Best Cordless Heat Gun
1. DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Heat Gun
Key Features
990°F maximum temperature
LED light for easy use in dark areas
Up to 42 minutes of battery life
Lightweight heat gun (1.4lbs)
If you’re looking for a durable, long-lasting battery powered heat gun then DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Heat Gun might be the best option for you. Despite its high-quality features, the heat gun comes in at a reasonable price, offering an affordable rival to high-end competitors. The guarded nozzle provides more protection to you and nearby surfaces and accommodates the hook or flat nozzle attachments. For even more versatility, choose between the two temperature settings which offer 500°F or 990°F, ideal for practically any DIY repair. And if you need two free hands while using the heat gun then make the most of the trigger lock. Another useful feature is the convenient LED light which helps to keep you safe by lighting up dark or tight spaces where visibility would otherwise be an issue. What’s perhaps most impressive is the 42-minute battery life potential when it’s used on a low heat setting with a high power battery (6Ah+). With all these impressive features it’s really no surprise that the DEWALT 20V heat gun is our best choice.
Pros
Sturdy, reliable cordless heat gun
Lock trigger for hands-free use
2 nozzle attachments for versatile use
2 temperature settings
Cons
Battery and charger sold separately
Low fan speed
2. Milwaukee Electric Tool Cordless Heat Gun
Key Features
Up to 30 minutes battery life
Compact design (6.4″H, 1.7lbs)
LED light for better visibility
Reaches operational temperature in 7 seconds
The Milwaukee Electric Tool Cordless Heat Gun easily rivals its corded counterpart due to its compact yet highly functional construction. The heavy-duty gun features a guarded nozzle for your protection and makes it easier to lay it down after use without worrying about burning the surface beneath it. The storage hook also makes it easy to hang the gun in a convenient location in between different tasks or when you have finished using it for the day. When powered by an M18 9Ah battery (not included), you can expect up to 30 minutes of use from this compact device. It even heats to an operational temperature within 7 seconds of being switched on! With all these features and its sleek compact design, this durable device easily earns the title of our premium pick.
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Pros
Works best with M18 9Ah battery
Hanging hook for easy storage
Guarded nozzle for added safety
Convenient for intricate work in tight areas
Cons
Battery not included
3. Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ Lithium-Ion Cordless Heat Gun
Key Features
LED light for increased visibility
870°F maximum temperature
Maximum heat in 10 seconds
Small device – 1.75lbs
10-minute max battery life
This budget-friendly Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ Lithium-Ion Cordless Heat Gun comes with some high-quality features despite its affordable price tag. Although this cordless option doesn’t arrive with a battery or charger, they can be purchased from the supplier and, after a full charge, will give you 10 full minutes of power. After switching on the device it only takes 10 seconds for the heat to reach the max temperature (875°F), making it easier to get working immediately. Another neat feature with this model is the included nozzles (deflector and concentrator) which help with almost any jobs that need to be completed, including stripping paint, thawing frozen pipes, or practically any other DIY project. While the temperature is fixed at 875°F, the heat can effectively be lowered or increased by moving the heating element further or nearer the object respectively.
Pros
Compact design
Budget-friendly price
Versatile deflector nozzle used for various jobs
Concentrator nozzle intensifies heat
Cons
Battery not included
Temperature not adjustable
4. PRULDE Lithium-ion Battery Cordless Heat Gun
Key Features
4 metal nozzle attachments
Up to 1022°F max temperature
Heats up within 10 seconds
15 minute battery life
The PRULDE Lithium-ion Battery Cordless Heat Gun boasts high-quality features and safety mechanisms which make it a reliable and versatile tool. The safety features are perhaps most impressive, such as the trigger’s double safety mechanism which prevents accidental switch on. The overheat protection and over-discharge protection add an additional level of safety to the device while helping it conserve battery by preventing overuse. If you think that’s good then you’ll love the many other functional features found in this tool. After switching it on, you can expect heat within 10 seconds and (after a little longer) a maximum temperature of 1022°F. With its lock-off setting, you can use both hands to work while the device continues. While using the device, a soft rubber grip gives you greater control and 4 attachable nozzles cover every base you might need. For example, the nozzles make it easy for heat shrinking plastic, stripping paint, tech repairs and so much more!
Pros
Lock trigger for hands free use
Uses double safety mechanism
Overheat protection
Ergonomic soft-grip handle
Cons
Short battery life
Higher price tag than others
Features To Consider With Cordless Heat Guns
Power
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.
Fast Heating
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.
Temperature Control
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.
In-build Protection
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.
Ergonomics
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).
Warranty
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.