The 6 Best Budget Heat Guns That Cost Less Than $40

There are a lot of budget-friendly heat guns on the market these days. And with so many options to choose from, it can be tough to determine which one is right for you. Here, we’ll look at six of the best budget heat guns under $40. So, whether you’re looking for an inexpensive option for occasional use or a reliable tool that you can count on every day, we’ve got you covered.

The Best Budget Heat Guns Under $40

Now that you know what to look for when choosing a heat gun, here are our top picks for the best budget heat guns under $40:

Seekone SDL-2816 1800-Watt Heat Gun

Google’s Rating 4.9

The Seekone 1800W Heat Gun is the perfect tool for a variety of applications from stripping paint to thawing pipes. With two temperature settings and a maximum temperature of 1,200 degrees F at an airflow rate of 120 L/min, it is easy to find the right setting for the job at hand.

Some extra features that come with the Seekone 1800W Heat Gun are the overheating sensor and protection. In rare cases where the heat gun overheats or the airflow is blocked, the protection will ensure your safety by automatically turning off the appliance and preventing it from restarting until it has cooled down.

Other features include four nozzles for specific application purposes. The set also includes a carrying case that makes it easy to take the heat gun with you on jobs.

Tacklife HGP35AC 350-Watt Mini Heat Gun

Google’s Rating 4.8

If you’re looking for a mini heat gun that packs a powerful punch, look no further than the Tacklife Mini Heat Gun. This 350W heat gun produces temperatures of up to 662 degrees F, making it perfect for a variety of craft and DIY projects. Similar in size to a regular flashlight and having a smaller nozzle, the Tacklife Mini Heat Gun is specifically designed to work with smaller and delicate areas.

Some of the noteworthy features are the built-in kickstand that allows you to set the heat gun down without worrying about it tipping over. The 6.56-foot-long cable makes it possible for extended reach. And the overheat protection ensures that the heat gun will automatically shut off if it gets too hot, making it a safer option than those without this function.

Wagner HT1000 1200-Watt Heat Gun

Google’s Rating 4.9

The Wagner Spraytech HT1000 is a professional-grade heat gun perfect for heavy-duty jobs. It features two temperature settings (750 degrees F and 1,000 degrees F) and a built-in stand for hands-free use. Its powerful 1,000-watt motor can quickly remove paint, varnish, and adhesive residues. Even though the appliance has a harder plastic and metal exterior, it is still lightweight enough for extended use.

Although the original nozzle appears bigger than some other choices, the Wagner Spraytech HT1000 includes an edge protector nozzle, a flare nozzle, and a concentrator nozzle in the set. These nozzles allow you to focus on different focused areas with ease.

Homidic 300-Watt Portable Heat Gun

The Homidic Mini Handheld Hot Air Gun is another excellent choice for arts and craft purposes. Like the TACKLIFE mini heat gun, this powerful little tool can heat up to 200 degrees F within seconds. It can easily tackle various tasks from shrinking wrap and embossing to drying paint and clay. For watercolor artists and hobbyists, this temperature also is perfect for speeding up the drying process without causing scorching the paper or setting the paper on fire.

Genesis GHG1500A 1500-Watt Heat Gun

Google’s Rating 4.5

The Genesis GHG1500A is another great professional-grade option. With 120V power, it has a low- and high-temperature setting (572 degrees F and 1,000 degrees F) and an airflow of 10/17 cu. ft./min. So, if you are looking for a bigger temperature range than the Wagner Spraytech HT1000, the Genesis will be your perfect choice.

Weighing only 1.2 pounds, this heat gun is one of the lightest on the market, making it easy to handle for extended use. Along with four different nozzles for specific functions such as thawing pipes and treating delicate glass surfaces, the Genesis GHG1500A is excellent for both professional home repair and DIY use. In addition, it comes with a durable case for easy storage and transportation.

Prulde N2190 1500-Watt Heat Gun

If you are looking for the most affordable professional-grade heat gun, the Prulde N2190 Heat Gun offers the best price on the market. With a temperature range of 800 degrees F – 1,112 degrees F, it is one of the rare heat guns under the $40 range to have airflow setting options (500 L/min, 300 L/min). The Prulde N2990 also uses a copper DC motor to give better heat distribution than its competitors. In addition, the heat gun comes with a durable case for easy storage and transportation.

What Are Heat Guns Used For?

A tool that uses hot air to heat up and loosen materials, a heat gun is commonly used in construction and renovations to remove paint, heat shrink tubing, loosen adhesive, and reshape plastic material.

Heat guns are also used in the electronics industry to solder components onto circuit boards. In addition, heat guns can be used for minor repairs, such as fixing a cracked phone screen or thawing out frozen pipes.

And in recent years, heat guns have become an essential tool for many artists and craft hobbyists. They are commonly used to activate emboss powders and shrink hard plastic sheets to create homemade key chains and stickers. Acrylic pour paint artists also use heat guns to create unique paint patterns and help control the drying process of their paintings.

How Do Heat Guns Work?

A heat gun may look quite similar to a hair blower. Are they the same thing? In theory, they both work from the same principle – using a heating element to create a constant stream of hot air directed through a nozzle onto the material surface.

What Are the Different Types of Heat Guns?

There are three main types of heat guns: electric heat guns, gas-powered heat guns, and infrared heat guns. Let’s take a quick look at each of these.

Electric Heat Guns

The most common type of heat gun is the electric heat gun. Electric heat guns are powered by electricity. Although most models require a power outlet to operate, some newer models allow a cordless option. They are typically more powerful than other heat guns and can reach higher temperatures.

Gas-Powered Heat Guns

Gas-powered heat guns use either butane or propane as a fuel source. They are self-contained and do not require an external power source, making them an ideal choice for use in remote locations.

Gas-powered heat guns are also more powerful than electric models and can reach higher temperatures. However, because the gas comes in canisters, frequent use may make this option the most expensive to upkeep.

Infrared Heat Guns

Infrared heat guns emit infrared radiation invisible to the human eye. Unlike the previous two heat guns we mentioned in which the heat is directly applied onto a surface, infrared heat is absorbed by the material.

Because the material is heated inside out rather than in the surrounding air, this heating process makes infrared heat guns ideal for projects that require a more gentle heat, such as drying paint or thawing frozen pipes.

What Are the Different Features of Heat Guns?

Some of the different features that you’ll find on heat guns include variable speed control, temperature range settings, and a built-in stand. Here are the important features.

• Speed control: The settings allow the user to control the rate at which the hot air is emitted. This setting is helpful when working with a delicate material that can be easily damaged by too much heat.
• Temperature range: Most heat guns will have two settings: low and high. Some premium models may have additional settings in between these two extremes. The most common temperature ranges are between 100 and 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, some heat guns allow you to turn off the heating element. This setting enables the heat gun to double-duty as an air blower.
• Built-in stand: A built-in stand is a feature that allows the heat gun to be placed upright on a flat surface. This feature is helpful when working with materials that require both hands, such as shrink wrap.

How to Choose a Heat Gun

When choosing a heat gun, there are several factors you’ll want to consider.

Temperature range

A heat gun with a temperature range of 100 – 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit will suffice for most home projects. If you’re working with sensitive materials such as circuit boards, you’ll want a heat gun with adjustable temperature settings to avoid damaging the material.

Airflow rate

The airflow rate measures how much hot air the heat gun produces. A higher airflow rate means that the heat gun can heat materials faster. If you’re working on a large project, you’ll want a heat gun with a high airflow rate to get the job done quickly.

Weight and size

If you are using the heat gun for long periods of time, you’ll want one that’s lightweight and easy to handle. However, if you want more power and features, you may have to choose one that is bigger and contains a heavy-duty metal casing for insulation.

Extra features

Do you have a project that requires you to work with both hands or in remote locations? These factors can narrow down whether you can opt for a standard heat gun or upgrade to premium models with a built-in stand and cordless battery charging features. Overheat protection is another feature worth considering, especially if you’re working with heat-sensitive materials.

Noise level

Heat guns can be noisy. If you’re working in a location where noise is an issue, look for a heat gun with a sound rating of 70 dB or less.

Price

The price of a heat gun can range from $20 to over $200. If you’re only going to use it for occasional home projects, a standard heat gun will suffice. However, you will want to invest in a premium model for more intensive industrial applications. Here is the general price breakdown of different heat gun options:

• Basic standard models: $15 – $25
• Temperature control models: $25 – $50
• Premium temperature range models: $50 – $100
• Deluxe models with battery options: Up to $200 or more

Final Thoughts

There are a variety of budget heat guns available on the market, each with its own set of features and benefits. When choosing a heat gun, it’s important to consider what tasks you’ll be using it for and what features are most important to you. With so many options available, you’re sure to find the perfect heat gun under $40 for your needs.