Best Mini Heat Gun — Buyers Guide, Review and Comparison
Top Mini Heat Guns 2023
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
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Best Single Temperature
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Best Single Temperature
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Features
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Check Price at Amazon Engindot HGP35AC Review Engindot HGP35AC Review | |
Best Dual Temperature
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Best Dual Temperature
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Features
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Check Price at Amazon MLife HAG001 Review MLife HAG001 Review | |
Best for Seniors
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Best for Seniors
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Features
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Check Price at Amazon Etepon Mini Gun Review Etepon Mini Gun Review | |
Best for Crafting
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Best for Crafting
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Features
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Check Price at Amazon Mofa D9 Review Mofa D9 Review | |
Best Battery-Powered
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Best Battery-Powered
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Features
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Check Price at Amazon Worx WX743L.9 Review Worx WX743L.9 Review | |
Best Budget
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Best Budget
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Features
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Check Price at Amazon Seekone HG350 Review Seekone HG350 Review | |
Best Cordless
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Best Cordless
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Features
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Check Price at Amazon Milwaukee 2688-20 Review Milwaukee 2688-20 Review |
Mini Heat Gun Buying Guide
Firstly, this makes them ideal for in-house hot air tools — as opposed to the workshop or garage home for the standard DIY machine. Their small nature means you can store them in drawers, hobby boxes, or cupboards — without taking up excessive space.
Secondly, being lightweight and lacking in mass, they’re easier to manipulate and hold — making them ideal for projects that require precision and attention to detail. Whether you’re a crafter or a DIYer — a miniature heat gun can provide the accurate control you require for a perfect finish to your work.
When selecting your perfect small heat gun, consider:
Applications for a Miniature Heat Gun
Unlike other tools, such as screwdrivers, which, well, drive screws — you can utilize mini hot air machines to tackle an enormous range of projects.
Typically, they deliver a temperature output of around 370 degrees Fahrenheit — making them equally suited to the DIY enthusiast and arty hobbyist.
In the home, you can use a small heat gun for DIY applications, such as:
- Shrink tubing.
- Defrosting pipes.
- Stripping small areas of paint.
- Loosening rusted bolts.
- Melting solder.
- Removing broken smartphone screens.
- Softening caulk.
Or, if you are more craft-minded, then the miniature heat gun is ideal for:
- Melting embossing powder.
- Removing stickers.
- Making candles.
- Shrink wrapping.
- Drying acrylic paint.
- Forming foam.
- Softening clay.
- Making soap.
- Decorating cookies.
How to Choose the Best Small Heat Gun

Dual Temperature
If you’re a crafter who mainly completes small and intricate work, a single low heat level will probably be sufficient.
However, if you’re a DIY nut, you will no doubt appreciate being able to crank your unit up another notch — making it ideal for stripping paint or removing lacquer.

Weight
Some users enjoy the feeling of a substantial tool in their hands — with many DIYers considering that a hefty hot air gun is easier to manipulate. That being said, some people may find that if they’re wielding a heavy machine, especially for extended periods, it can lead to hand and wrist fatigue or pain.
Hence, seniors — or those with existing joint issues such as arthritis — may find a lighter unit more comfortable to use.

Cord Length
This increases your freedom — enabling you to tackle larger projects without the use of an extension cord. Admittedly, some DIYers may consider that if the power lead is excessively lengthy, it may be akin to wielding a crazy eel.
However, my view on this is — you can always make a long cable shorter — but not vice versa.

Integrated Stand
These supports enable you to safely put down your hot air machine — whether to adjust your material, nip to the bathroom, or have a cup of coffee — without risk of the hot nozzle burning or scorching your table or workbench.

Rapid Heat Up
I’m like a child at Christmas — ripping open the box and wanting to play with my new toy as soon as possible.
So, if you’re like me, you may welcome a rapid heat-up feature. This enables the mini hot air heat gun to quickly achieve its operating temperature setting — allowing you to get to work as soon as possible.
Furthermore — if you’re tackling numerous projects in a single day — waiting for your unit to warm up wastes precious minutes, which can be an issue if time is limited.

Nozzle Protector
At the ‘business-end’ of the machine, the nozzle channels the heat onto your DIY project. Hence, touching this vital component will lead to scorches and burns.
So, seek out a miniature unit that possesses a substantial nozzle protector — keeping your — and your kids — fingers away from the high temperatures. Many are colored in a different tone to the rest of the machine, clearly demarking the hottest part of the gun.

Textured Casing
Many manufacturers have designed casings that are highly textured. Like the tread on a car tire — it increases traction, ensuring that the gun remains firmly between your fingers. By reducing the risk of slippage, you’re less likely to have ‘accidents’ that ruin your work. It also lowers the chance of unwanted burns to your precious skin.
Additionally, heavy knurling elevates airflow around your digits, reducing the likelihood of perspiration.
Best Mini Heat Gun — The Top Five
After researching customer opinion, checking the views of heat gun experts, and utilizing my own DIY knowledge and insight — I believe I’ve found the ultimate five miniature machines on the market.
Our Rating: 4.8
Designed with a strong DIY aesthetic — this single heat setting tool reaches a temperature of 662 degrees Fahrenheit in seconds — allowing you to crack on with your projects without wasting time.
The nozzle is encased by a translucent protector that should keep inquisitive fingers safe from harm. This part of the hot air gun also houses the foldaway stand — allowing you to leave the machine running while you take a well-deserved break.
And, there’s more than just a miniature heat gun in the box.
This tool arrives complete with a spoon reflector nozzle. Attaching effortlessly to the end of the gun, it will ensure even heat distribution around cylindrical materials. Hence, it’s ideal for shrinking wire tubing or molding plastic pipes.
Perhaps the standout feature of this unit is the power cord. Being 6.25 feet in length — it’s more extensive than most of its competitors and should increase working freedom. This may appeal to those DIYers working in difficult-to-reach areas, such as under basins or in car engine bays.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Pros:
Cons:
Our Rating: 4.8
This miniature unit has a dual temperature feature. A rear-mounted rocker switch allows you to move effortlessly between the LOW (392 degrees Fahrenheit) mode and the HIGH (572 degrees Fahrenheit) setting. Hence, for small intricate jobs, keep it on low. For more extensive applications, turn it up to high.
Safety is at the core of this miniature heat gun. A bold, red-colored nozzle shield keeps fingertips free from danger. Furthermore, an integrated overheating protector ensures that neither the delicate heating coil, nor your hands, are exposed to unsafe temperatures.
Weighing 11.2 ounces, this machine shouldn’t cause any undue discomfort, even during extended use. Additionally, it carries enough heft for those who like the feel of a substantial tool in their hands.
Perhaps the only downside to this gun is that it doesn’t incorporate a rapid heat-up feature — which may deter the more impatient types. However, it does include a 6.5-foot power cord — longer than many of its competitors.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Pros:
Cons:
Our Rating: 4.6
Weighing just 9.5 pounds — this machine should suit users such as seniors or those who have trouble manipulating a tool for extended periods of time. And, since the casing of the unit is relatively wide, it may appeal to those who lack the finger dexterity to wield a smaller machine. This outer shell is heavily knurled over its full length, thereby improving grip and reducing perspiration and slippage.
The operation of this small heat gun is remarkably straightforward. Simply click the rocker switch on the rear of the unit into the ON position and, after a few seconds, you’re ready to get down to your DIY or crafting. And, when you need a breather, just unfold the integrated stand.
The solid black body of the machine contrasts with the distinctive red nozzle protector — making it easy for those challenged in the vision department to differentiate between the hot and cool areas of the gun.
My only criticism of this miniature machine is the power cord. Being just three feet long, you need to be fairly near a power socket to operate.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Pros:
Cons:
Our Rating: 4.5
Angled at the hobby enthusiast — this machine features a narrow concentrator nozzle, ideal for precise and accurate crafting work. Furthermore, being encased by a substantial finger protector — the risks of scalds and burns are minimized.
Available in three different colors — you can select the tool that suits your personal aesthetic. And, with a heavily knobbled casing, you’re assured of a firm grip — ensuring that accidental slips don’t ruin your precious artwork.
The unit weighs 7.2 ounces — which may be too light for some — or conversely appeal to those who struggle with hand strength. But, even if it does become too heavy, the fold-down stand allows you to safely take a welcome break.
Ten air vents increase ventilation through the unit, keeping your hands cool during operation and extending the life of the internal heating coil. Bear in mind that the mains lead on this unit is only 3.3 feet long — significantly shorter than many of its competitors.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Pros:
Cons:
Our Rating: 4.5
The WX743L.9 is driven by a Worx 20-volt lithium-ion cell that’s compatible with a plethora of other tools in the brand’s range. However, being a mini-unit, there’s nowhere to incorporate the cell in the machine — meaning you have to connect it via a four-foot power cord, which, in my opinion, somewhat negates the portable battery feature.
The machine promises to have the fastest start-up in the mini arena — almost instantaneously reaching its maximum operating temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit. And, with an incorporated rest stand, your workbench or desk is shielded against the risk of accidental burning.
This hot air machine features an integrated narrow focus nozzle — permitting precise and intense targeting of the heat output. However, with no interchangeable heads, your jobs are restricted to the typical home and craft applications of lock thawing, shrink wrapping, and adhesive removing.
The outer casing build is basic — with no additional grips or ergonomic shaping to enhance user practicality and comfort. But, available at a relatively modest price point, it holds a respectable quality to value ratio.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Pros:
Cons:
Our Rating: 4.5
Its integrated 3.0-amp motor drives out a welcome 300 lpm of hot air and reaches a satisfactory 662 degrees Fahrenheit — making the unit suited to a plethora of home applications such as card crafting, wax melting, decal removal, and wire sheath shrinking.
The rear of the heat gun features substantial ventilation slits — allowing for impressive heat dissipation when in use. Not only will this keep the body of the tool cool and comfortable to hold, but also safeguards the internal components from overheating — elongating the unit’s lifespan.
Focusing on the traditional pencil barrel design, and incorporating a rear, not side-mounted, mains cord — the tool promises fuss-free and accurate wielding for both left and right-handers. And, with an ergonomic anti-slip casing design, it delivers reassuring stability even with perspiring hands.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Pros:
Cons:
Our Rating: 4.3
At first sight, this hot air unit seems out of context with other tools in this rundown — not being the typical pen shape of a miniature machine. However, when you consider its compact dimensions (7.4 by 8.9 inches) and its category-comparable 360-watt output — it deserves to be included.
Admittedly, it’s more suitable for the DIYer than the crafter, due to its wide nozzle. However, you can purchase accessories for the gun, to concentrate the heat plume, making it useful for art projects.
Unlike the other miniature hot air machines — there’s no integrated stand. However, it’s flattened-rear head and handle allows you to lay the machine pointing upright when not in use.
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.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Pros:
Cons:
Conclusion
Bigger isn’t always better.
Mini hot air guns offer a compact and space-saving alternative to their larger DIY counterparts. Their relatively small size allows for intricate work and a precise finish — whether you’re heat shrinking cable sheaths, unsticking glue, or melting embossing powder.
Admittedly, if you’re planning on large projects — such as stripping a banister — they’re not the ideal tool for the job. In those circumstances, opt for a more heavy-duty unit, such as one of the best heat guns for paint removal.
However, for DIY or crafting work, where you need a little finesse, they’re tough to beat.
When selecting your ideal miniature hot air gun, consider what you need from your unit. If you’re planning on mainly using it for DIY, a dual temperature machine may be more suitable. If you’re completing larger jobs — a lengthy cord or even a cordless model could be the answer. Alternatively — if you lack hand or wrist strength — look at those guns that are lightweight and have substantial case texturing.
The best mini heat gun proves that good things do come in small packages
Mini Heat Guns FAQs
Q: How Hot Does a Mini Heat Gun Get?
Typically, the minimum temperature of these compact heat guns is around 372 degrees Fahrenheit. Although, some units offer settings in excess of 600 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q: Can I Use a Mini Hot Air Gun for Paint Removal?
You can, but only on small sections of work. Compact heat guns possess sufficient heat to melt paint. However, as the hot air plume is concentrated on a limited area, they are unsuited to heavy-duty stripping projects.
Q: Should I Use a Mini Gun for Embossing?
Miniature heat guns are the perfect tool for craft embossing. Unlike hairdryers, they will not blow your embossing powder across the room.
Q: Will Mini Heat Guns Tint Car Windows?
Not really. The heat plume emitted from a miniature heat gun isn’t sufficiently broad to tint windows. However, they are useful for other automotive applications, such as removing decals and shrinking cable wraps.
Q: Can Children Use Mini Heat Guns for Art Projects?
Yes. But take some precautions.
Before use, explain the dangers of heat guns to your children and why safety is crucial. Never leave kids unsupervised with a hot air machine — end ensure you choose a unit that has a nozzle protector.
Q: How Heavy Are Miniature Heat Guns?
A typical mini hot air gun weighs around 9-12 ounces. This is lightweight when compared to the full-size machines, which usually have a mass of 1.5 pounds and above.
Q: Can I Char Meat With a Mini Hot Gun?
No. These machines are not designed for food applications.