Best Dual Temperature Heat Guns in 2024 — Buyers Guide, Review, and Comparison

Whether you’re intending to upgrade from your single-setting machine or looking for an affordable yet flexible power tool to start your hot air journey — variable temperature heat guns are the answer.

Offering a choice of two power settings, these units deliver a wider spectrum of uses than their one-heat counterparts. Happily tackling anything from glass fiber work through to lighting a grill — dual temperature guns are indispensable tools in the casual DIYers and homeowner’s armory.

Our Top Pick
Wagner HT1000
Easy on the pocket, this twin-temperature unit is an ideal general-purpose heat gun for home DIY. A hanging hook allows for safe storage, while an integrated stand gives you the facility to work two-handed, on projects such as pipe bending. Lightweight, it’s unlikely to induce hand fatigue, even on longer jobs.
Features
  • Temperature choice of 750 or 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Respected paint accessory manufacturer.
  • Eight ventilation strips.
  • Hands-free ability.
Product Rating: 4.7/5

Top Dual Temperature Heat Guns 2024

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS
Wagner HT1000
  • Wattage: 1200 watts.
  • Temperature: 750 or 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Weight: 1.55 pounds.
  • Cord length: 6 feet.

Features

  • Integrated stand.
  • Complete with hanging hook.
  • Lightweight.

Product Rating: 4.7/5

Check Price at Amazon Wagner HT1000 Review Wagner HT1000 Review
Wagner Furno 300
  • Wattage: 1200 watts.
  • Temperature: 750 or 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Weight: 1.46 pounds.
  • Cord length: 6 feet.

Features

  • Integrated stand.
  • Safety sidebars — allowing you to lay the gun flat while still in use.
  • Ergonomically designed to reduce hand fatigue.

Product Rating: 4.7/5

Check Price at Amazon Wagner Furno 300 Review Wagner Furno 300 Review
Genesis GHG1500A
  • Wattage: 1550 watts
  • Temperature: 572 and 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Weight: 2 pounds.
  • Cord length: 6.5 feet.

Features

  • Includes four nozzles.
  • Cool-down stand.
  • Textured handle.

Product Rating: 4.6/5

Check Price at Amazon Genesis GHG1500A Review Genesis GHG1500A Review
DeWalt DCE530B
  • Wattage: 1550 watts.
  • Temperature: 500 or 990 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Weight: 1.64 pounds.
  • Cord length: Cordless.

Features

  • Cordless.
  • Includes LED light.
  • Snub designed for confined spaces.

Product Rating: 4.5/5

Check Price at Amazon DeWalt DCE530B Review DeWalt DCE530B Review
Wagner HT400
  • Wattage: 350 watts.
  • Temperature: 450/680 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Weight: 14.4 ounces.
  • Cord length: Six feet.

Features

  • Compact design.
  • Lightweight.
  • Suitable for embossing and DIY.

Product Rating: 4.5/5

Check Price at Amazon Wagner HT400 Review Wagner HT400 Review
Black and Decker HG1300
  • Wattage: 1350 watts.
  • Temperature: 750 and 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Weight: 1.63 pounds.
  • Cord length: 6 feet.

Features

  • Support stand for stable hands-free use.
  • Compact design.
  • Remains cool in the hand.

Product Rating: 4.4/5

Check Price at Amazon Black and Decker HG1300 Review Black and Decker HG1300 Review
Milwaukee 8975-6
  • Wattage: 1500 watts.
  • Temperature: 570 and 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Weight: 1.63 pounds.
  • Cord length: 8 feet.

Features

  • Durable ABS shell.
  • Impact-resistant heating coil.
  • Lengthy mains cable.

Product Rating: 4.0/5

Check Price at Amazon Milwaukee 8975-6 Review Milwaukee 8975-6 Review
Titan 22400
  • Wattage: 1500 watts.
  • Temperature: 572 and 932 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Weight: 1.5 pounds.
  • Cord length: 6 feet.

Features

  • Low price point.
  • Dual fan.
  • ABS shell.

Product Rating: 4.0/5

Check Price at Amazon Titan 22400 Review Titan 22400 Review

Best Variable Temperature Heat Guns Buying Guide

When a standard one-setting hot air machine doesn’t quite cut it — then it’s time to check out variable temperature heat guns.

Listen up.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with a hot gun that provides a single heat level. These units are the most straightforward to operate (you switch it on and go), easy on the pocket, and ideal for basic projects — such as stripping paint and removing varnish.

But sometimes you want a little more — and a dual temperature heat gun gives you that increased versatility.

These machines empower you with a choice of two heat settings — typically around 700 and 1000 degrees Fahrenheit — enabling you to tackle a wider range of DIY jobs than single-temperature units allow. That said, they are at the lower end of the variable temperature category — a niche ruled by the mighty digital heat guns.

These ultimate tools, incorporating an LCD screen, provide a larger hot air spectrum in increments of just a few degrees. They’re more suited to the professional user than the dual temp units — and also appeal to the keen DIYer who needs more precision — for jobs like circuit board desoldering and plastic pipe welding.

Hence, if you need that aspect of consummate control, I’d advise you to check out the best digital heat guns. However, for an all-purpose household project machine to defrost your fridge or thaw pipes — a dual temperature unit is perfect for the home toolbox.

When selecting your ideal twin-temp heat gun, consider:

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Temperature choice.
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Rocker switch size.
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Additional accessories.
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Ability to be used hands-free.
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Robustness.

Advantages of a Dual Temp Heat Gun

Hot air guns are like washing machines.

Actually, now I think about it, they’re not that similar at all — one melts paint and the other launders clothes — but anyway, just bear with me for the sake of this metaphor.

Once, when my wife was away for a week on an Outward Bound course — I was left to look after the kids and complete the household chores. To be fair, I’m a practical guy and consider myself fairly competent at DIY — but when it comes to the niceties of housework, I’m both clueless and aimless.

Apparently, as my wife loudly informed me later, it’s not a good idea to mix multicolored clothes in the washing machine with white linen — and then crank the temperature up to boiling point. Personally, I quite liked the way her once white pants had turned a murky brown color. Alas, she didn’t agree,

Hence, you need to change the temperature to suit the situation — and that’s the attraction of an adjustable temp heat gun.

These machines allow you to drop down the heat intensity a little. Sure, there are times when you want to go full on and blitz your working material — say, when stripping multiple layers of years-old paintwork. But on other occasions, a slightly lighter touch is required.

For example, turning your heat gun up to eleventy stupid will indeed remove chipped and tired varnish from your dining table — but it may also turn the wood beneath into something resembling grill charcoal. Switching your hot air machine to a lower temperature may mean it takes a little longer to remove the glaze — but you will still have a piece of furniture left to eat your dinner off.

In addition to protecting the base material, dropping the heat setting on a variable temp heat gun allows you to work on a broader spectrum of projects. Jobs such as defrosting the freezer, removing linoleum, and applying window tint, will demand less intense temperatures — which isn’t a choice offered by the standard single-setting guns.

In short, the main advantages of a heat gun with temperature control are:

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Simple to operate — just click a switch to change the heat setting.
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Help to protect base materials.
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Not significantly harder on the wallet than a single temperature machine.
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Increases the number of projects you can tackle with your heat gun.
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Same size as a single temperature unit.

How to Choose the Best Dual Temp Adjustable Heat Gun

Naturally, all dual temp hot air guns share the ability to select between two heat settings — but individual machines offer different characteristics that are worthy of consideration before you make a purchase.

Here’s what I suggest you take a look at:

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Temperature Choice

Generally speaking, a dual heat machine will offer temperature settings of around 700 and 1000 degrees Fahrenheit — it’s unusual to see one with a higher upper limit.

However, there are a few examples available, such as the Wagner HT1000, that offer a significantly cooler lower setting (in the case of the Wagner, it’s 572 degrees Fahrenheit).

This may appeal if your planning on completing projects which necessitate a heat setting lower than 700 degrees Fahrenheit — such as desoldering components from circuit boards or removing automotive decals.

Speed Adjustment Button Icon

Selection Switch

On the majority of dual temp heat guns, the temperature switch is located on the front of the handle. Thus allowing you to adjust the heat intensity one-handed while in use.

The issue is — as it sits beneath your fingers — it’s easy to accidentally click and change temperature, which could spell disaster for your project.

Hence, personally, I prefer heat guns with a substantially-sized switch — thus requiring more pressure to flick — and therefore less likely to scorch your working material. Furthermore, seniors and those with little hand dexterity may prefer a more voluminous rocker button for ease of use.

spraying-tips

Additional Nozzles

It’s not just the temperature level that’s important when using a hot air gun — but also how you deliver that heat.

Some jobs — such as desoldering a resistor from a PCB (printed circuit board) — need a concentrated plume of hot air — otherwise, you run the risk of detaching other components on the board. Other projects, like vinyl wrapping a car, need a wider heat jet — allowing you to smooth out any bumps and wrinkles on an expansive film sheet.

Some dual temp hot air guns, such as the Genesis GHG1500A, come with interchangeable nozzles. These allow you to alter the heat distribution on your working material.

accuracy

Hands-Free Feature

How many times have you attempted to complete a DIY project — and wished you had another set of hands? If you have no one around to help you — this usually results in your mouth functioning as an additional set of fingers.

I’m sure that — at some time or another — we’ve all held a Maglite or screwdriver between our teeth. But I seriously wouldn’t recommend this procedure with a heat gun when it’s running at 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Hence, many dual temp machines allow you to up-end the heat gun onto its flattened rear casing. This allows the unit to deliver a vertical plume of hot air — over which you can two-handedly complete projects such as plastic pipe bending or wire sheath heat-shrinking.

Furthermore, some manufacturers have upped the ante by including a kickstand, as in the Black and Decker HG1300. This provides an additional level of support when the heat gun is upturned — giving increased stability and helping to prevent it from being accidentally knocked over.

Fatigue Icon

Durability

Ok, this is somewhat obvious. I mean, who chooses work tools and thinks — yeah, I’d quite fancy one of those flimsy and easily breakable models.

Hence, all of my top picks of the best dual temp guns below are robust — but to misquote George Orwell, some guns are more robust than others.

While all should provide years of use, and stand up to fair usage around the home, a few models have taken durability to the max.

Take, for instance, the Milwaukee 8975-6. This twin-temp gun incorporates a reinforced ABS shell, extensive heat-shielding to protect your hands and the casing, and an impact-resistant heating coil. All this ensures that accidental bumps and drops don’t damage the most crucial part of the unit.

Hence, if you’re going to be using the heat gun on a frequent basis — or it’s exposed to challenging environments such as a construction site — it’s worthwhile considering a machine that’s highly robust.

Our Picks of the Best Dual Temperature Heat Guns

Wagner HT1000

Best Lightweight

Our Rating: 4.7

Simple to operate and ideal for projects from stripping paint to melting glue — this budget-friendly heat gun is a solid choice for the novice or casual DIYer.

Weighing just 1.55 pounds, this machine will not cause fatigue — even on longer projects. Selecting between the two temperature settings is straightforward — just flick a switch. And should you need two hands for your job — the heat gun incorporates an integrated stand.

While perhaps unsuitable for the tradesman or professional — this durable and corrosion-resistant machine is a worthwhile addition to the home toolbox.
Features

  • Dual temperature — 750 or 1000 degrees.
  • Hanging hook.
  • Low price point.
  • Hands-free operation.
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Wagner Furno 300 Heat Gun

Best for Safety

Our Rating: 4.7

Affordable, effortless in operation, and ideal for anything from removing paint to lighting your BBQ grill — this dual temperature hot air gun would suit the general householder and DIYer.

With a handle ergonomically designed for comfort — and with a mass of just 1.46 pounds, it will inhibit hand fatigue, allowing you to complete larger jobs with ease. For work that demands two free hands, such as bending and molding plastic pipes, this unit boasts an integrated stand.

Furthermore, Wagner’s proprietary side-mounted safety fins ensure the nozzle doesn’t touch your workbench when laid down — preventing no unwelcome burns and scorches to your furniture.

Features

  • 1200 watts.
  • Integrated hands-free stand.
  • Designed to inhibit the onset of hand fatigue.
  • Temperature settings of 750 and 1100 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Genesis GHG1500A Heat Gun

Best for Accessories

Our Rating: 4.6

Extremely competitively priced for a dual-temperature heat gun, this machine would suit the low-intensity user or those starting out on their DIY journey.

With a choice of two temperatures, and arriving complete with four additional nozzles, this heat gun has the versatility to thaw pipes, strip paint, and defrost freezers.

A textured handle with base buffer elevates stability in the hand, while a six-foot mains cable increases working freedom.

Although it’s not suitable for large projects or long operating times — therefore making it unappealing for the tradesperson or hardcore DIYer — this heat gun offers a price-friendly solution to the hot air newbie.

Features

  • 1500 watts.
  • Temperature range of 572 to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Four additional nozzles.
  • Cool-down stand feature.
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

DeWalt DCE530B

Best Cordless

Our Rating: 4.4

If you’re feeling hampered and restrained by being tethered to the wall with a power lead — this is the solution. Working from a 20-volt lithium-ion cell — this cordless hot air gun increases your working freedom.

It offers a choice of two temperature settings — 500 or 990 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus meaning, it’s perfectly comfortable stripping paint, desoldering components from PCBs (printed circuit boards), and heat shrinking wire sheaths. Incorporating a novel LED light — it’s perfect for use in dimly-lit areas — such as in cabinets, under floorboards, and in motor engine bays.

A useful trigger lock feature permits you to use this machine hands-free. And, two additional nozzles gives heat distribution flexibility, depending on your working medium. What’s more, its snub-head enables this unit to squeeze into confined spaces.

Features

  • Temperatures of 500 and 990 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Around 40 minutes of use on one charge.
  • Delivers 6.7 CFM.
  • Lock-off trigger function.
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Wagner HT400 Heat Gun

Best Compact

Our Rating: 4.4

Whether you’re looking to tackle small DIY jobs or fancy yourself as an artistic crafter — the compact design of this heat gun may ignite your interest.

Offering dual temperatures — unusual in a mini hot air machine — this unit is equally at home with powder embossing as it is with decal removal or low-scale paint stripping. Furthermore, a choice of either pencil or pistol grip manipulation allows you to choose the appropriate method for your current project.

An integrated stainless steel stand facilitates hands-free use — and Wagner’s bespoke Cool-Touch sidebars ensure safe and comfortable wielding.

Its novel angled construction permits you to access locations that are inaccessible by standard-DIY unit machines — and its six-foot mains cable increases operational freedom.

Features

  • 350 watts.
  • Choice of 450 or 680 degrees Fahrenheit temperatures.
  • Can be wielded in a pistol or pencil hold.
  • Angled head.
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Black and Decker HG1300

Best Hands-Free

Our Rating: 4.4
Simple to operate and smaller than many of its competitors — this dual temperature heat gun is suitable for applications from removing adhesives through to loosening rusted bolts.

Boasting an integrated stand, this machine makes hands-free operation simple. An ergonomic handle should enable fatigue-free use, while its lengthy six-foot cord increases your operating freedom.

Rear vents prevent overheating, which elongates the life of the delicate heating coil. Furthermore, by increasing airflow, they ensure that your hand remains cool during operation.

Features

  • 1350 watts.
  • Temperature range of 750-1000 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Hands-free operation.
  • Compact design.
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Milwaukee 8975-6 Heat Gun

Best Heavy Duty

Our Rating: 4.0
With a robust ABS shell and an impact-resistant heating coil — this heat gun is ideal for heavy-duty applications and on-site construction work.

Featuring a generous-sized eight-foot cable and ergonomically designed handle, this unit should deliver the freedom and ease of use you require on extensive projects. Furthermore, integrated heat shields ensure your hand remains cool during operation.

Dual temperatures of 570 and 1000 degrees Fahrenheit should provide sufficient versatility for the keen DIYer. Plus, a handle-mounted hanging loop provides a simple storage solution.

While not including any additional nozzles — there are many branded and third-party accessories that are compatible with this heat gun.

Features

  • Temperature range of 570 and 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Eight-foot cable.
  • Impact-resistant heating coil.
  • Extensive heat shielding.
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Titan Heat Gun

Best Budget

Our Rating: 4.0

Down-to-earth, no-frills, robust, and with just a single rocker switch to operate — this hot air gun may meet the relaxed demands of hot air new-kids-on-the-block and intermittent users.

Boasting a dual-temperature feature — this unit will address the more basic of home DIY jobs, such as thawing pipes and removing paint. Furthermore, an in-built cord protector prevents wear on the end of the cable — and reduces the risk of being pulled from the machine when overstretching.

Relatively lightweight for a heat gun, this unit should be effortless to wield on larger projects. And — featuring double-insulated walls — you have the peace of mind of being protected from electric shocks and heat seepage.

Features

  • A temperature choice of 572 and 932 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Six-foot cord.
  • Twin-speed air fan.
  • Robust construction.
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Conclusion


If you want the consummate home hot air machine — you need a dual temperature heat gun.

More versatile than single setting models — these units are ideal for homeowners, renovators, and casual DIYers. With a choice of temperature settings, these guns are equally at home stripping paint and softening caulk as they are bending Formica and drying spackle.

Admittedly, they may not suit the hardcore DIYer who demands precise heat control — or has a requirement for much lower temperatures than these units can provide. In that case, I recommend looking at a digital heat gun.

However, for the general householder who just wants a flexible and reliable machine for their toolbox — variable temperature heat guns are the answer.

 

 


 

 

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Dual Temperature Heat Guns FAQs

Q: What Is a Dual Temperature Heat Gun?

A dual temperature hot air gun offers a choice of two heat settings — typically around 700 and 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that they are more versatile than single-temperature units — although not as flexible as a digital heat gun.

Q: What’s the Difference — Dual Temperature Heat Gun vs Digital Heat Gun?

A dual temperature hot air gun gives you the choice of two heat settings. Digital heat units offer a greater degree of flexibility — allowing you to select your temperature level on an LCD screen in 10, 20, 50, or 100-degree increments — depending on the model.

This means a digital hot air machine possesses 10-plus temperature settings. Furthermore, they also have much lower bottom-end heat levels — typically around 150 degrees Fahrenheit — compared to 700 degrees on a dual temp unit.

Q: How Hot Is a Variable Temperature Heat Gun?

Although the upper heat setting can vary between models and brands — generally speaking, a dual temperature hot air machine will reach 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Q: How Much Does a Variable Temperature Gun Cost?

Twin temperature heat guns are easier on the wallet than their digital LCD counterparts — while comparably priced to single-heat machines. One of the best value for money examples on the market is the Wagner HT1000. To check out the current cost of the Dual Temperature Heat Guns.

Q: Can I Remove Putty From Windows With a Variable Temperature Heat Gun?

Yes! Dual temperature heat guns are ideal for a plethora of home DIY projects, including removing putty.

When using your hot air machine — make sure it’s on the lower heat setting, and ideally use a glass protector nozzle, to prevent the window glass from becoming too warm. Once the putty begins to soften, you can gently remove it with a hand scraper.

Q: How Heavy Is a Dual Temp Heat Gun?

Usually, variable temperature heat guns weigh between 1.5 and 2 pounds. If you have strength issues or suffer from hand fatigue when using power tools, it might be worth considering a lightweight model, such as the Wagner HT1000.

Q: Can I Weld Steel With a Dual Temperature Heat Gun?

No. A variable heat gun will not reach a sufficiently high temperature to weld steel. However, you can use this hot air unit for soldering or welding plastics.