For certain crafts, a heat gun is an essential tool to have. It can be used for a few different crafts, but a heat gun is a common tool used in embossing. Choosing the right heat gun can be a bit confusing, as there are quite a few options on the market, and you would want to choose the right one for your project.
What is the best heat gun for crafting? The best heat gun for crafting will depend on the craft you are wanting to do, and the project you are taking on. The heat gun should provide a high enough heat to suit the project, and it should be easy to use and easy to hold, preventing possible injury.
You will be able to find many different heat gun options on the market, but to ensure your project turns out in the best possible way, you should only go for reliable, high-quality options.
To help you, we have created a buyer’s guide on how to choose the best heat gun for crafting and a list of our top 9 recommendations!
Buyer’s Guide – Heat Gun For Crafting
A heat gun works as a multi-functional tool, and for this reason, you need to consider a few different factors to ensure that you are picking out the heat gun that is best for you and your crafting needs.
Below are a few considerations to keep in mind, to ensure you choose a heat gun that is of high-quality and easy to use, and which will help you with your crafts!
Temperature Range
It definitely helps to choose a heat gun that offers temperature control, which is especially important if you are going to be using it for different crafts.
A good temperature control range is around 400°F and up to 900°F, and anywhere in between this depends on the crafts you are doing. The higher temperature heat guns are better suited to heavy-duty projects, and the lower temperatures are better for home DIY.
Ergonomic Handle
The heat gun should have an ergonomic design that makes it easy and comfortable to hold, which is very helpful if you need to use the heat gun for an extended period. Not only does it mean you can complete a task comfortably and with no wrist or hand discomfort, but it increases safety too.
Heat guns can produce very high heat, and you would not want to drop or mismanage the heat gun while in use due to an uncomfortable handle, as this could lead to some serious burns and injuries, or lead to a ruined project.
A safe, comfortable handle is very important, for ease of use and for safety.
Included Accessories
It does help to look for a heat gun that comes with added accessories, which makes it a more versatile tool for many different purposes.
Some included accessories to look for are different nozzles, which direct heat differently, and scrapers too. The nozzles are very important as different projects call for different intensities of heat, and also for heat to be concentrated in one area more than another.
You might only need a heat gun for one project right now, but there might be other projects in the future where included accessories might be a real help!
Warranty
You should look for a heat gun which comes with an included warranty. The heat gun should be durable and of high quality, but having a warranty just gives you that peace of mind that if something does go wrong, you are covered.
Versatility
Once you start using a heat gun, you will find out how much a heat gun can actually be used for! Make sure that the heat gun you choose can be used for different purposes, which means having a temperature range and different accessories included.
A heat gun can be used for so many different things, such as crafting, embossing, shrink wrapping, and even painting.
Cord Length
It helps to choose a heat gun that has a decent cord length. You never know where you might need to use the heat gun, and you do not want to be limited by the length of the cord or where your plug points are, especially if the project will be messy and you don’t want to mess indoors.
Safety Features
Safety is essential when using a heat gun, and it does make sense to look for a heat gun that has some additional safety features. Many have overheat-protection, which will shut the heat gun down when the heat gun becomes too hot, preventing it from overheating.
Another safety feature to consider is how the heat gun is designed and what it is made out of – as the material used to make the body of the heat gun should not become too hot to the touch and should still be cool enough for you to hold without much worry.
What Is The Difference Between A Heat Gun And An Embossing Gun?
Heat guns and embossing guns are often confused for one each other, and this is completely understandable as the two function in a very similar way. The difference between the two however is that embossing guns produce a lower heat, and heat guns produce a higher heat.
Embossing requires a lower heat than the projects that call for a heat gun, so these are often limited to a lower heat range. If you are needing to do embossing and possibly other projects which need higher heat, then a heat gun with a decent temperature range would be the best option.
The Best Heat Guns For Crafting
There are quite a few different crafts and projects that might call for a heat gun, and you want to ensure you have the best tools available to finish your projects.
Below are our top picks for the best heat guns to use for crafting, which are all reliable and effective, and which will become valuable tools in your crafting kit!
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Mini Dual Temp Hot Air Heat Gun | High speed and high heat, up to 572°F |
| 2. | Black + Decker Heat Gun, Dual Temperature | Up to 1000°F, 3 position hand grip |
| 3. | Genesis Dual-Temperature Heat Gun | Extra long cord, versatile temp settings |
| 4. | Amenker Heat Gun For Crafts | Up to 572°F, automatic shut off |
| 5. | Wagner Spraytech Craft Kit Heat Gun | Up to 680°F, inclues silicone mat |
| 6. | Seekone Heat Gun | Up to 1200°F, even heat distribution |
| 7. | Bubble Buster Tool Mini Heat Gun | Up to 400°F, compact, non-slip |
| 8. | Sizzix Heat Tool | 2 speed settings, compact |
| 9. | Batavia Heat Gun | 480°F or 850°F, automatic shut off |
1. Mini Dual Temp Hot Air Heat Gun
This Mini Dual Temp Hot Air Gun from the Chandler Tool Store will become your best friend when crafting!
It has variable speed and heat settings, so you can combine low speed and low heat for detailed and intricate work, and high speed and high heat for more heavy-duty projects.
While being a mini heat gun, it still offers the heat and speed of a heavy-duty heat gun, so you can enjoy all the benefits, just in a smaller package.
This heat gun has the perfect balance of compact size and low weight, as well as high heat and low noise. You can enjoy comfortable use for longer projects, without the heat gun becoming too heavy as other bigger heat guns might.
The heat settings range from 392-572°F, and the heat gun works on a 150-300-watt motor. It has an insulated body, protective nozzle, and kickstand for extra safety and comfort while in use.
A 5ft long cord means you can work freely, and not be restricted by a short cord. This is an all-in-one mini heat gun that will see to all of your crafting needs when it comes to heat!
2. Black + Decker Heat Gun, Dual Temperature
Black + Decker is a trusted tool brand, which is why their heat gun is high up on this list, as it matches the quality that the brand is known for.
Enjoy versatile use with the heat gun, which is powered at 1350W, making it useful for a variety of applications, such as stripping paint, DIY crafts, and more.
The dual temperature settings allow you to switch between 750° and 1000°F, which are considerably high, but consistent heat is sent out through the gun.
A built-in stand makes heat up and cool down easier and safer, so you don’t have to hold the heat gun in your hand waiting for it to become hot enough to use, or cool enough to set back down.
A 3-position side hand provides a comfortable grip and great control of the heat gun, which is so important for comfort when using the heat gun for longer periods, and to ensure safety as there is less chance that the gun can slip or be dropped.
While powerful and offering high heat, the heat gun is still lightweight and compact, making it easy to maneuver, which helps to reduce muscle fatigue. This will very quickly become your go-to tool in your craft toolbox!
3. Genesis Dual-Temperature Heat Gun
The Genesis Dual-Temperature Heat Gun is powered by a reliable 12.5 amp motor, at 750/1500 watts. There are high and low-temperature settings that allow for better versatility, suiting different crafts and projects at home.
Included with the heat gun are two deflector nozzles, one reflector nozzle, and an air reduction nozzle. These all help make the gun even more versatile and help it work in specific ways, which different crafts might call for.
The deflector nozzle helps to protect glass and other surfaces, while the reflector nozzle helps to speed up the thawing of objects.
A rocker switch found on the handle helps you navigate between high and low temperatures, and between on and off.
The cord of the heat gun is extra-long, measuring 6.5ft, which means you don’t have to worry about finding a plug point right where you are working on your project, and you have some length to work with.
This gun can help tackle projects big and small, and is as reliable as a heat gun can be!
4. Amenker Heat Gun For Crafts
This heat gun from Amenker is ideal for crafting. It has a dual temperature range of 392-572°F, which are suited for different crafts such as embossing, shrink wrapping PVC, paint drying, and other DIY crafts.
To make the heat gun safe to use, it has an overheat shut-off feature. If the heat gun reaches an abnormally high temperature, it shuts off straight away.
The body of the heat gun is made from ABS, which is heat resistant, and which will stay cool to the touch when you are holding and using the heat gun. The outlet of the gun is made with stainless steel, which is durable and reliable.
An extra-long 6.6ft cable allows you to use the heat gun flexibly where you like, with little restriction. The bracket on the heat gun can rotate, so you are able to safely put the heat gun down onto the table with no burning.
Powered by a 300W motor, the heat gun offers consistent heat that does not falter, and with the comfortable handle and safety features, it is a great option for home DIYs and crafts.
5. Wagner Spraytech Craft Kit Heat Gun
The Wagner Spraytech Craft Kit Heat Gun is great for many different applications, for home, craft, workshop, and hobby projects. It is great for shrink wrapping, jewelry making, embossing and so much more.
There are two temperature settings on the heat gun, so you can choose between a high 680°F and a low 450°F.
These two heat settings cater to different projects and allow you the versatility to attempt different crafts.
The heat gun comes with a few different accessories to make crafting projects that much easier for you.
A flare nozzle helps to distribute heat in an even, wide pattern, a reflector nozzle shields sensitive materials against heat, and also included is an 8″ x 8″ silicone mat on which you can place your craft projects.
Enjoy three different operating positions with the heat gun, either palm, pencil, or hands-free. Only weighing 0.7lbs, the heat gun is lightweight and very comfortable to hold, reducing hand fatigue. When not in use, the heat gun can be placed on the retractable stand, which can also allow for hands-free operation.
A 6ft power cord is long enough to not restrict your work, so you can enjoy using the heat gun comfortably!
6. Seekone Heat Gun
The high-impact, multi-use, and versatile heat gun from Seekone has been designed to tackle many different DIY tasks and crafts, being as versatile as a heat gun can be.
Ergonomically designed, the heat gun has a multi-grip handle that offers optimal weight distribution, which reduces fatigue over long periods of use.
There are also two pre-set heat and airflow settings to choose from, between 840 and 1200°F, giving you better control.
The heat gun also features built-in overheating protection, which switches the tool off if an abnormally high temperature is reached.
Other than the two pre-set temperatures offered, the heat gun has a temperature range of 120 to 1200°F, seeing to so many different needs.
Included with the heat gun are four different nozzles. The first is a deflector nozzle that directs a long and narrow heat pattern to a surface, next are two concentrator nozzles that direct a concentrated heat to a work surface, and a reflector nozzle that distributes heat evenly across a whole work surface.
The heat gun and the accessories will help you accomplish many different craft and workshop projects!
7. Bubble Buster Tool Mini Heat Gun
This Bubble Buster Tool Mini Heat Gun is made from high-quality ABS plastic, as well as stainless steel, and is durable and reliable while being small enough to pack away neatly in your craft kit.
It is a lightweight heat gun that is easy to hold, and which allows for comfortable use over longer periods.
The compact design does not take away from the heat capabilities of the heat gun, which can reach a temperature of 400°F, which is ideal for many craft projects.
The outlet of the gun is constructed of stainless steel, which stays resistant to high heat and which will not rust. The body is made from a non-slip material, so the heat gun can safely be held in your hands.
A built-in stainless steel stand gives your hands a rest while drying a stationary object, making the drying or heat process so much easier. A nozzle safety shield can help to prevent any accidental burns and just adds to the safety of using a heat gun.
8. Sizzix Heat Tool
The Sizzix Heat Tool is lightweight and easy to use, which makes it a must-have for every crafter’s toolbox.
It features two-speed settings, with the lower heat being suited for drying paint, ink, and glues, and the higher setting being ideal for embossing and shrinking plastics, as well as for many other DIY and craft projects.
A precision nozzle directs heat to where you want it to go, making the heat gun very effective. On top of the precision, the nozzle is a protective nozzle, which helps to prevent burns and any accidents.
A stand is built-in to the heat gun, which can be flipped out and used to place the heat gun down on the table, either while the gun is heating up or cooling down, or if you want to enjoy hands-free heating.
This heat gun is best suited for embossing and is a very trusted tool that many embossers use, but it is suited to other crafts too.
Small, versatile, lightweight, yet powerful, this is a portable and handy heat gun that is able to see to many crafting needs, and which will last a long time in your crafting tool kit!
9. Batavia Heat Gun
The Batavia 380W high-power mini heat gun has 2 different temperature settings, either 480° or 850°F, making it versatile for different projects and crafts.
The body of the heat gun is comfortable to hold, made from smooth, high-quality materials.
The ergonomic design also includes a retractable stainless steel stand, giving you the option of hands-free operation. Ventilation holes on either side of the heat gun help to dissipate heat quickly.
You can choose to hold the heat gun either in a pen grip or a palm grip, depending on what is most comfortable for you and what suits your project best. The heat gun also has a 6.8ft power cord which is not restrictive at all.
To make the heat gun more versatile, there is an accessory nozzle included, which helps to focus the heat in a smaller area, if you need a more directed heat flow.
Overheat protection will shut the machine off as soon as it reaches too high a temperature, so you can rest assured that there will be a very low chance of accidents happening when working with this heat gun!
Final Thoughts
Above are the 9 best heat guns for crafting, as well as some tips on what to look for when choosing the best heat gun for you and your crafts.
Keep in mind what you will be using the heat gun for the most, and then make sure that the temperature range and the nozzle included with the heat gun are suited to your projects.
Related Questions
How do you use a heat gun for candle making?
If you’ve picked out your heat gun and plan to use it for candle making but you’re still not sure how to use it, we’ve found a great video below from Memory Box Candle Company on YouTube.
Can you use a hairdryer instead of a heat gun?
You can use a hairdryer in place of a heat gun for certain projects, such as for shrinking plastic, but for other projects and crafts that require a higher and more directed heat, you would need a proper heat gun.
How long can you run a heat gun for?
How long you can run a heat gun for depends on the heat gun itself. Some heat guns can only be run for up to 3 minutes before becoming too hot, while others can be run for 15 minutes or longer. Make sure to read the manual and instructions to find out all of this information first.
Can heat guns overheat?
Lower-quality heat guns can overheat, but high-quality heat guns usually don’t, and most have overheat protection features, where the tool will switch off once a high enough temperature has been reached.
Up Next: Best Heat Guns For Candle Making
