The Best Cordless Heat Guns — Buyers Guide, Review and Comparison

Compact and cable-free, cordless heat guns deliver greater operational freedom and portability than their mains-powered counterparts. While remarkably rare in the hot air niche, a few high-end manufacturers have taken up the mantle to produce machines that run off long-lasting and powerful lithium-ion cells. And, although they lack some of the tailorable functions of AC hot air guns in order to save energy — some DC units offer dual temperature control and feature LED lamp illumination.
Our Top Pick
DeWalt DCE530B
Knocking out dual temperatures of 500 and 990-degrees Fahrenheit, this cordless gun incorporates a trigger-lock function to provide constant, finger-fatigue busting power. And, with an LED lamp, it’s suitable for use in low-light conditions such as in cupboards or engine bays.
Features
  • Respected manufacturer.
  • 42 minutes run time.
  • 6.7 CFM.
  • Complete with two additional nozzles.
Product Rating: 4.7/5

Top Cordless Heat Guns 2024

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS
DeWalt DCE530B
  • Temperature: 500 and 990 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Battery: 20-volt DeWalt Max XR.
  • Weight: 1.64 pounds.
  • LED lamp: Yes.

Features

  • 6.7 cubic feet per minute blow speed.
  • Includes fish tail and reflector nozzles.
  • Trigger-lock function.

Product Rating: 4.7/5

Check Price at Amazon DeWalt DCE530B Review DeWalt DCE530B Review
Ryobi P3150
  • Temperature: 875 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Battery: Ryobi One+ 18-volt cell
  • Weight: 1.4 pounds
  • LED lamp: Yes

Features

  • Trigger lock function.
  • Arrives with two nozzles.
  • Three-year warranty.

Product Rating: 4.4/5

Check Price at Amazon Ryobi P3150 Review Ryobi P3150 Review
Greenworks HGG301
  • Temperature: 1000 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Battery: Greenworks Powerall 24-volt
  • Weight: 1.7 pounds
  • LED lamp: Yes.

Features

  • Nine-second start-up.
  • Safety lock.
  • Complete with three nozzles.

Product Rating: 4.4/5

Check Price at Amazon Greenworks HGG301 Review Greenworks HGG301 Review
Milwaukee 2688-20
  • Temperature: 875 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Battery: 18-volt Milwaukee XC.
  • Weight: 1.7 pounds.
  • LED lamp: Yes.

Features

  • Seven-second warm-up.
  • Incorporated hanging hook.
  • Snub-head design.

Product Rating: 4.3/5

Check Price at Amazon Milwaukee 2688-20 Review Milwaukee 2688-20 Review
Prulde NHG0140
  • Temperature: 875 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Battery: 18-volt Milwaukee XC.
  • Weight: 1.7 pounds.
  • LED lamp: Yes.

Features

  • Seven-second warm-up.
  • Incorporated hanging hook.
  • Snub-head design.

Product Rating: 4.3/5

Check Price at Amazon Prulde NHG0140 Review Prulde NHG0140 Review

Cordless Heat Guns

Cordless drills, drivers, and vacuum cleaners are commonplace — but where are all the cordless heat guns?

Seeking out one of these elusive power tools is more challenging than locating the lost city of Atlantis. It’s as if all the manufacturers as an entire group have forgotten to include these machines in their product lines.

However, battery-powered heat guns are available — if you know where to look.

Sit back, while I reveal why these units are so sparse online and on DIY store shelves — and explain how you can get hold of one of these remarkable machines.

Why Are There So Few Heat Guns Without Cords?

Cordless power tools are nothing new.

It was nearly sixty years ago, in 1961, that Black and Decker introduced the first major cable-free machine, the No.725 drill. Since that time, cordless tools have become commonplace — from vacuum cleaners through to nail guns. Yet, there are very few heat guns with this feature.

The reasons for this are efficiency and practicality.

A typical corded hot air machine is a 1500-watt unit, delivering over 1000 degrees Fahrenheit of heat, and running at around 13 amps.

That, buddy, is a lot of power.

Firstly, this means you need one seriously hefty cell to run the heat gun. And, the larger the battery pack, the heavier the machine and the more difficult it is to wield. A cordless feature is supposed to make use more comfortable and straightforward — not require you to have forearms like Schwarzenegger.

Secondly — despite modern technological advancements — by their very nature, cable-free heat guns are rather inefficient.

Take your cordless drill as an example. This machine turns chemical energy (in the battery) into mechanical energy (driving the motor and subsequently the drill bit). This results in low power wastage — and once you’ve finished drilling, the draw on the battery ceases.

Hot air guns, however, spend energy like a beast.

Turning chemical energy into heat is wasteful. Ok, you may be warming up paint ready for stripping — but much of the heat is absorbed into the gun shell, nozzle, and dissipated into the air around your working material. This creates a massive draw on the cell — running it down quickly. This is the reason why your house has central heating — and isn’t warmed by an electric heater that runs off a few AAA batteries.

Hence, the majority of DIY brands took the view that a cordless heat gun was neither practical nor efficient enough for the market. Yet, there were some maverick renegade companies who refused to accept this situation — and looked for methods to create a cable-free machine.

Features of a Cordless Hot Air Blower

The manufacturers who took on the challenge of building a user-friendly cordless heat gun had one main priority. This was to increase the efficiency by eliminating as much power dissipation as possible.

They achieved this through the following means:

Removing Extraneous Functions
Cord-free heat guns are back to basic units. There are no multifunction dials or LCD screens, which — although they increase usability — suck the battery juice. Temperature is typically controlled by one rocker switch.
Limiting Temperatures
The higher the temperature setting — the greater the draw on the power cell.

Hence, a typical battery powered heat gun will have a maximum level lower than 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. Furthermore — as the manufacturer has reduced the number of functions — these machines only have one or two heat settings. Some mains-cable varieties have a plethora of options.

Trigger Function
In an effort to conserve power, cordless hot air guns often feature trigger activation — meaning that the machine only emits heat while it is depressed. This prevents needless use and reduces battery drain. With a cabled unit, there is an on/off switch. Hence, even if you lay the gun down to take a break, the machine still produces hot air.

That said, some cordless guns have a ‘trigger-lock’ feature to keep the unit running continually — should you wish.

Snub Head Design
The head of a cordless heat gun is more compact than that of a standard mains unit. This reduces the distance that the internal fan has to push the hot air — meaning it requires less power.
Utilizing High-Performance Batteries
Gone are nickel-cadmium rechargeables. Instead, cordless hot air machines utilize more efficient and powerful lithium-ion cells. Furthermore, manufacturers such as DeWalt ensure that these batteries are compatible across their other products. Even if you already own a cordless DeWalt tool, you don’t need a multitude of different power packs.

Advantages of a Cordless Heat Gun

So, is a cable-free hot air machine right for you? Here are some benefits of ditching the mains lead.
Safety
Wielding a corded heat gun, especially with an additional extension cable, can be hazardous. Feet upon feet of power lead can cause trips and falls, or simply become tangled around your neck. Not an issue with cordless types.

Furthermore, the trigger feature of a cordless hot air gun means that the unit will cease to produce heat when you lay it down. Conversely, a cable-powered unit could cause accidental burns to furniture or drapes if you forget to switch off after use.

Compact Design
As mentioned above, a cordless heat gun typically has a snub-head design, to conserve energy. This compact build also allows you to reach into areas typically inaccessible by a standard size unit. Working under sinks or in car engine bays is possible with this tool.
Portability
With no cord, you can use your heat gun ‘out in the field,’ where there’s no access to a power outlet. This may appeal to those who will use their unit outside, or away from home.
Enhanced Freedom
Not being tethered to the wall enhances freedom and negates the requirements for extension cables. If you’re stripping a stair banister, a standard six-foot cord will be too short to reach an electrical socket at the top or bottom of the steps. However, a cordless model means that you don’t have to worry about running a four-gang.

Disadvantages of a Cordless Heat Gun

While cable-free hot air guns are remarkably versatile — they’re not suitable for everyone. Here are some of the downsides of dropping the power cord.
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Lack of Temperature Choice

As cordless hot air guns only have one or two temperature settings, this can restrict their number of applications — especially in the lower heat range. This makes them unsuitable for projects like removing screens from smartphones or vinyl floor lifting.

Furthermore, for those DIYers who require precise control — they lack the ability to make small temperature adjustments. If that’s what you need, I’d suggest checking out digital heat guns instead.

accuracy

Price

Cable-free machines can be tough on the wallet — often costing three times more than a mains-powered unit.
power

Lacking Power

It’s unusual for a cordless model to reach 1000 degrees Fahrenheit — standard on a cabled variety. Hence, if you’re trying to strip multiple layers of years’ old paint — a job that requires high temperatures — a cord-free machine may struggle,
Speed Adjustment Button Icon

Restricts Working Time

While lithium-ion batteries are powerful — they’re not miracle workers. Even on a low, 500-degree setting, you will struggle to achieve longer than 40 minutes of use on one charge.

Admittedly, if you’re on a small project, such as melting glue, this may not be an issue. However, tackling a more extensive job, such as stripping your living room baseboards, is a different ball game. You will need to take frequent breaks to allow your battery to recharge — or alternatively purchase additional power cells.

The Best Battery Powered Heat Guns 

While some of the rarest tools on the market — through some serious and extensive research, I’ve found what I consider to be the two most impressive cordless hot air machines available.

DeWalt DCE530B


Our Rating: 4.7
Admittedly the cordless heat gun niche is limited — but this is perhaps the ultimate battery-powered hot air machine currently available.

It’s fuelled by a 20-volt lithium-ion cell that’s compatible across the DeWalt cordless power tool range. So, if you have a drill or driver from this manufacturer — you already have a backup battery.

Unlike the majority of other cable-free units which only offer a single temperature setting, this machine has two — 500 or 990 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus making it ideal for paint stripping, car wrapping, Spackle drying, and glue removing.

Particularly noteworthy is the inclusion of an LED lamp in the gun head. This can provide welcome illumination when working in lofts, under floorboards, or in car engine bays.

While the battery should last for around 42 minutes on a single charge — you still want to ensure that it’s not used unnecessarily. Hence, it’s pleasing to see that this heat gun is activated by a trigger — release, and the heat ceases — ensuring that you don’t leave the unit on and waste vital juice.
Features

  • A choice of either 500 or 990 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Trigger lock function.
  • Compact design allows access into confined spaces.
  • Delivers 6.7 CFM.
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Ryobi P3150


Ryobi P3150


Our Rating: 4.4

Featuring a foot-mounted LED lamp, this is an excellent cordless hot air machine for working in dimly lit locations — providing welcome illumination without the requirement for a secondary work lamp.

Powered by a One+ 18-volt cell (not included, nor is the charger), it may appeal to existing users of Ryobi cord-free machines — who can utilize the same powerpack across over 260 of the brand’s tools.

Despite requiring a separate purchase for the cell, the unit does arrive with a couple of nozzles — a concentrator to focus intense heat on demanding applications, and a deflector for thawing and bending pipes, molding circular plastics, and shrink tubing.

The heat gun reaches a respectable maximum temperature of 875 degrees Fahrenheit — achieving this upper limit within 10 seconds of powering up the unit. Weighing just 1.4 pounds, it’s unlikely to cause excessive operational fatigue — and an output rate of 6 CFM promises pleasing heat delivery.

Features

  • 875 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Trigger lock function.
  • In-built LED lamp.
  • Arrives with two nozzles.
  • Three-year warranty.
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Greenworks HGG301


Our Rating: 4.4
An impressive budget machine that, despite its welcome price point, still delivers 20 percent more grunt and 35 percent longer running times from a 24-volt cell (not included) — compared to 18-volt units.

Reaching 1000 degrees Fahrenheit in just nine seconds — this cord-free heat gun can tackle hardcore applications while offering rapid switch-on use to reduce downtime. Furthermore, a head-mounted LED lamp promises more targeted illumination than its foot-mounted competitors.

An in-built rear hanging hook guarantees fuss-free storage and allows you to safely rest the machine mid-project. And, including diffuser, concentrator, and fishtail nozzles — this heat gun has the capability to deal with the most common DIY and trade jobs.

Featuring a lock-off trigger, this machine protects you and your surroundings from accidental start-up — while a rubberized over-molded grip promises user comfort.

Features

  • Maximum 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Nine-second start-up.
  • Safety lock.
  • Complete with three nozzles.
  • Three-year warranty.
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Milwaukee 2688-20


Our Rating: 4.3

Powered by an 18-volt battery, one charge should provide around 45 minutes of continuous operation when used on its sole temperature of 875 degrees Fahrenheit.

An ergonomic handle enables you to hold this power tool in a pistol grip position — activating the delivery of heat by pulling a trigger. And, to save finger fatigue, you can lock off this trigger — making extended use comfortable.

Compact dimensions of 7.4 by 8.9 inches allow this gun to access confined areas. A flattened rear head and handle allows you to lay the machine pointing upright when not in use, or enabling hands-free operation.

Features

  • LED illuminator light.
  • Single 875 degrees Fahrenheit temperature setting.
  • Hands-free use.
  • Ergonomic handle.
  • Pistol grip.
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Prulde NHG0140


Our Rating: 4.3
High heat outputs are rare on cordless guns — due to the power limitations presented by their lithium cells. Hence, it’s impressive to see that this unit knocks out a mighty single temperature of 1022 degrees Fahrenheit — ideal for temp-demanding projects such as stripping paint and lacquer.

The machine arrives with four interchangeable nozzles — fishtail, two diffusers, and a pipe bender — permitting the tool to be utilized for a plethora of applications from car wrapping through to plumbing installation.

Coming complete with a rapid charger and 20-volt cell, you can wield this machine straight after unboxing. And, boasting an ergonomic handle and trigger-lock function, this heat gun should reduce hand and finger fatigue — boosting working stamina.

Reaching operational temperatures within just 10 seconds, it’s ideal for time-pressed contractors who need to crack on with their work. Furthermore, with a novel cellular primary nozzle design, it guarantees both rapid and even heat distribution.

Features

  • Four interchangeable nozzles.
  • Maximum temperature output of 1022 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Compact design.
  • Trigger-lock.
  • Includes charger.
  • Pistol grip.
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Conclusion


Although rarer than an accountant with personality — cordless hot air machines can increase your working freedom.

These innovative units free you from the shackles of mains cable tethering. They allow you to complete projects without tripping over cables and enable you to access harder to reach areas.

Admittedly, the lack of temperature choice can restrict their application flexibility, If this is important, you should consider a digital unit instead. Furthermore, being powered by a battery, your working times are restricted. If that’s an issue, think about a corded dual temp gun.

However, if you want to own the Holy Grail of hot air tools — check out the two cordless heat guns above.

Cordless Hot Air Gun FAQs

Q: What Is Better — Cordless Heat Gun vs Corded Heat Gun?

It depends on your requirements. Cordless units increase safety, allow you to work in confined areas, and enable you to complete projects away from power sources.

Corded guns have a wider choice of temperatures and a higher upper heat level. They ensure you can finish your job without having to wait for a battery to recharge.

Q: Will Dewalt Make a Cordless Heat Gun?

They already do! One of their latest hot air machine models is the DeWalt DCE530B. This is a dual temperature cordless heat gun that comes complete with two nozzle attachments. To check out this impressive unit, take a look here.

Q: How Hot Does A Cordless Heat Gun Get?

While not achieving such high temperatures as a mains-powered unit, a cordless hot air machine will typically reach around 900 degrees Fahrenheit.

Q: Is a Cordless Hot Air Gun Expensive?

Cable-free heat guns are somewhat harder on the pocket than their corded counterparts. However, examples such as the DeWalt DCE530B remain affordable and come with the backing and experience of a major industry player. To check out the current cost of the Cordless Heat Guns.

Q: Why Are There No Cordless Heat Guns?

The energy demands of a heat gun make it challenging for manufacturers to design such models. They need sufficient battery power to warm the heating coil, while keeping the overall weight low.

However, some brands have circumvented these issues by making cordless guns with restricted temperatures. They have a more compact design, and incorporate a power-saving trigger function.

Q: How Long Does the Battery Last on a Cordless Heat Gun?

One charge of a standard 20-volt lithium-ion battery typically delivers around 40 minutes of continuous hot air gun use.