The Best Heat Guns for Candle Making (Tools for DIY Needs)
Candle-making is a fun and creative activity that many DIYers have come to appreciate. But what’s the secret behind making perfect candles? You need the best heat guns for candle making. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced candle maker, having the right tools can make all the difference.
Here, we’ll look at some of the best heat guns on the market so that you can find the perfect one for your candle-making needs. Whether you’re looking for something with extra features or just need a reliable tool that gets the job done, you’re sure to find it here. So grab your supplies, and let’s get started.
Top7 Best Heat Guns for Candle Making
With so many heat guns, deciding which one is right for you can be hard. To help make this decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of the 7 best heat guns for candle making.
Genesis GHG1500A Dual Temperature Heat Gun Kit
Power Source: Corded-Electric
Voltage: 120 Volts
Watts: 1500 Watts
Wagner Spraytech 0503008 HT1000 Heat Gun
Power Source: Corded Electric
Voltage: 120 Volts
Watts: 1200 watts
BLACK+DECKER Heat Gun
Power Source: Corded Electric
Voltage: 120 Volts
Watts: 1350 watts
PORTER-CABLE Heat Gun
Power Source: Corded Electric
Voltage: 120 Volts
Watts: 1500 watts
Surebonder Cordless Hot Glue Gun
Power Source: Corded Electric
Battery: Alkaline
Watts: 60 watts
Worx MAKERX WX743L.9 20V Mini Heat Gun
Power Source: Battery Powered
Battery Included: No
Voltage: 20v
Performance Tool W2082 Compact Rechargeable Cordless Heat Gun
Power Source: Battery Powered
Battery: 1 Lithium Ion
Weight: 8 ounces
Genesis GHG1500A dual-temperature heat gun kit
Specification
| Brand | Genesis |
| Power Source | Corded-Electric |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Watts | 1500 Watts |
Genesis is well known for making reliable, high-quality tools; their GHG1500A heat gun is no exception. Your candle-making projects won’t be complete without this durable and powerful tool.
Let’s explore the features.
Power and versatility
This heat gun boasts a powerful 12.5 amp motor which makes it one of the strongest heat guns on the market. The watts are adjustable so you can choose between 1500 and 750 watts depending on your needs. With these two temperature settings, you can work with various materials for your candle-making projects.
For extra convenience, a 3-position rocker allows you to choose between high, low, and off-temperature settings. This makes it easy to switch between effects while working on your candle-making projects without having to stop and adjust the heat gun.
Nozzles and accessories
The GHG1500A has two deflector nozzles and one reflector nozzle, so you’ll have all the tools you need for various candle-making projects. To help protect delicate surfaces such as glass, the deflector nozzles provide extra protection.
The reflector nozzle is designed to speed up the thawing of pipes and can also be used to prevent damage to glass and other surfaces; the deflector nozzles provide a layer of protection. The reflector nozzle is perfect for quickly thawing pipes and melting wax for candles.
The GHG1500A also comes with an air-reduction nozzle which is great for reducing the temperature of hot spots on your candle-making projects.
Quality and safety
The GHG1500A is made from high-quality materials and is designed to provide reliable performance. The motor runs quietly and efficiently, so you can tackle your candle-making projects without distractions or disruptions. Plus, its warm engine feature helps with easy start-ups, even in cold weather.
The heat gun is also designed with safety in mind. It features an insulated shell and a built-in thermal cut-off switch for added protection. This ensures that the tool won’t overheat and cause any damage to your candle-making projects or yourself.
The GHG1500A is a safe and powerful tool for all your candle-making needs. However, the corded design will limit your mobility and may not be suitable for some projects. The GHG1500A is a great option for candle makers who want to achieve professional-level results with their projects.
Wagner Spraytech 0503008 HT1000 heat gun
Specification
| Brand | Wagner |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Watts | 1200 Watts |
Wagner is another reliable brand in the world of heat guns, and their HT1000 model is a great choice for candle makers. This mid-sized heat gun has various features that make it perfect for tackling delicate projects such as wax melting and shaping.
Quality and power
This heat gun packs a powerful 1200-watt motor, enough to get the job done quickly and efficiently. With two fan speeds, you can choose between high or low settings depending on your needs. This allows you to achieve different effects while working with wax or other materials for your candle-making projects.
The HT1000 also comes with a corrosion-resistant nozzle, which helps protect delicate surfaces such as glass. The temperature switch is conveniently built into the handle, allowing you to quickly and easily adjust the heat settings while working on your projects.
Convenient accessories
For added convenience, the HT1000 includes a hanging hook and integrated stand. This makes it easy to store your heat gun when not in use and helps keep the nozzle and other accessories easily accessible. This is great for candle makers who want to quickly access all their tools and materials while working on their projects.
Overall, the Wagner HT1000 Heat Gun is a great option for anyone who needs precise control with wax-melting delicate tasks. With its powerful motor and adjustable temperature settings, you can complete your projects quickly and safely. However, it has a single nozzle and no other accessories, so you might have to purchase additional items for some projects.
Black+Decker heat gun
Specification
| Brand | BLACK+DECKER |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Watts | 1350 Watts |
The leading brand in power tools, Black+Decker, offers a great heat gun for candle makers. You’ll find the HG1300 model to be a great choice for all your melting projects.
Power and Safety
For the powerful motor and adjustable temperature settings, the HG1300 is a top choice for candle makers. Its 1300-watt motor provides plenty of power to handle various tasks quickly and efficiently. Its adjustable temperature settings range from 375°F to 1000°F, allowing you to customize the heat output for delicate wax melting tasks.
Safety is also a priority with the HG1300. It features an insulated shell and overheat protection, so you don’t have to worry about the tool getting too hot. Additionally, it comes with a built-in stand so you can easily store the heat gun when not in use or quickly access all its accessories.
Design and portability
In terms of design, the HG1300 is lightweight and compact for easy use. It also comes with a comfortable 3-position side handle that helps you maintain precision and control while working on your projects. Additionally, the corded design gives you good mobility without worrying about batteries dying or losing power.
The compact size and lightweight design make the HG1300 an excellent choice for candle makers who can’t or don’t want to lug around a bulky heat gun. It’s great for those needing something to store and transport between projects.
Overall, the Black+Decker HG1300 Heat Gun is an option for people who need precise heat control and power. With its adjustable temperature settings, comfortable handle, and lightweight design, you can quickly and easily complete all your wax-melting projects. However, the corded design limits mobility and might not be suitable for some projects.
Porter-Cable heat gun
Specification
| Brand | Porter-Cable |
| Power Source | Corded-Electric |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Watts | 1500 Watts |
The Porter-Cable is also a top-of-the-line manufacturer of power tools. The PC1500HG heat gun has all the features to tackle wax-melting projects. The features of the PC1500HG make it a great choice for candle makers.
Power and heat settings
The PC1500HG is powered by a 1500-watt motor, so it has plenty of power to quickly and easily melt the wax—the temperature switch offers adjustable settings to customize the heat output for any project. You can adjust the temperature from 130°F to 1150°F, so you have a wide range of options for melting wax.
The PC1500HG also features a dual fan speed switch so you can customize your airflow for projects that require more precise control. You can choose between the high and low-speed settings for more delicate tasks.
Design and portability
The design of the PC1500HG heat gun is also compact and lightweight, making it easy to use and transport. Its handle provides a comfortable grip for precision control during projects. Additionally, the integrated support stand keeps your work surface stable and allows you to store or quickly access all its accessories easily.
For portability, the PC1500HG is an excellent choice. Its lightweight and compact size makes it great for candle makers who must move between projects quickly and easily. Moreover, its corded design ensures that you have a steady power source while working on your wax-melting projects.
The max power and adjustable temperature settings of the Porter-Cable PC1500HG make it a great choice for those who need precision control for difficult projects. With its lightweight design, comfortable handle, and integrated stand, you can quickly complete all your projects with ease. However, the nozzle could be a bit large for smaller projects.
Surebonder cordless hot glue gun
Specification
| Brand | Surebonder |
| Power Source | Corded-Electric |
| Battery | Alkaline |
| Watts | 60 Watts |
The Surebonder cordless hot glue gun is a great option for those who need flexibility and portability in their projects. The cordless design makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use without the hassle of tangled cords or limited power sources.
Power & heat settings
The Surebonder cordless hot glue gun has adjustable temperature settings ranging from 250°F to 380°F, so you can customize the heat for your projects. This 60w att tool uses a rechargeable battery and heats up quickly, giving you plenty of power to complete your projects quickly.
A 6V battery powers it, so you can work on projects for extended periods without worrying about losing power. It allows instant use with a cord and 3 minutes of cordless operation due to the rechargeable battery.
Design & portability
The design of this cordless glue gun is lightweight, making it perfect for those who need to move around quickly between projects. Additionally, the ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip during use. The base of the gun is also non-stick to prevent any mess and make cleaning up easier.
The portability of this hot glue gun is also unmatched. With its rechargeable battery and cordless design, you can easily take it on the go without worrying about power sources or tangled cords. Additionally, the lightweight construction makes it easy to transport between projects.
Worx Makerx WX743L.9 mini heat gun
Specification
| Brand | Worx |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Voltage | 20v |
| Battery Included | No |
The crafting tools from Worx Makerx are renowned for their quality, and the WX743L.9 mini heat gun is no different. This small and lightweight hot air tool is perfect for those who need precision in their projects.
Here are some of the features of this heat gun:
Power & heat settings
This heat gun has a powerful 20V battery and can reach temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. It also has adjustable power settings that let you choose the intensity of the heat output for different tasks. The quick heat-up feature makes it even more convenient, as you don’t have to wait around for long before starting the project.
Precision & focus
The Worx Makerx WX743L.9 mini heat gun also has a narrow focus nozzle that lets you concentrate the heat on a specific area or item. This helps ensure accuracy and precision when working on intricate projects. The built-in cradle is great for hands-free operation as well, so you can have both hands free to move and position the material during the heating process.
Quality & convenience
This heat gun also offers great portability, with its 4-foot-long cord allowing you to move around the workspace with ease. The sturdy construction of the tool ensures that it can withstand wear and tear, making it a reliable option for many projects. Additionally, the ergonomic design ensures comfortable use even during extended periods.
Overall, the Worx Makerx WX743L.9 Mini Heat Gun is a great choice for precision and accuracy in projects. However, for larger melting projects, you might consider a more powerful heat gun. So if you’re looking for a reliable tool to help with small projects around the house, this could be the perfect choice.
Performance Tool W2082 compact rechargeable cordless heat gun
Specification
| Brand | Performance Tool |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Voltage | 3.6v |
| Style | Cordless |
Performance Tool is also known for its quality work tools, and the W2082 cordless heat gun is no exception. If you’re looking for a powerful and versatile cordless heat gun, this is worth considering.
Here are some of the features of this heat gun:
Power & heat settings
This powerful device has an impressive maximum temperature of 600 degrees Fahrenheit, making it perfect for even the most demanding projects. It also has two power settings, allowing you to fine-tune the heat output for whatever task. Plus, it heats up in an impressive 10 seconds, so you don’t have to wait around.
Design & portability
The W2082 is designed with ultra-compact convenience in mind, with a lightweight design that makes it easy to work with and store. Its lack of flame output also adds to its convenience, allowing you to use it in any working environment without worry.
Power source & charging
You can also take it on the go without any hassle, thanks to its built-in 3.6v, 2.0Ah Lithium-Ion battery and USB charging source. With an impressive runtime of up to 15-20 minutes on a full charge, you won’t ever have to worry about being stuck in the middle of a job.
Overall, the Performance Tool W2082 cordless heat gun is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and powerful tool. Its compact design makes it easy to store and take on the go. However, for larger projects, it may be worth investing in a full-sized corded heat gun.
Buying Guide: What to Consider When Buying the Best Heat Guns for Candle Making
If you’re ready to take your candle-making to the next level, a heat gun could be just the tool you need. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which is best for your needs?
Here’s what to consider when shopping for a heat gun for a candle maker:
Temperature range for wax melting
You’ll want to choose a heat gun with an adjustable temperature range that meets your wax melting needs. Look for one that can reach a high enough temperature to melt all kinds of wax, including paraffin and beeswax.
Models with adjustable temperature settings are great if you need to change the intensity of your gun depending on what type of wax you’re using. This way, you won’t risk over-melting the wax or causing damage to the surface of your candle.
Is safety a priority?
Heat guns can get hot, so safety should be your top priority when choosing one. Look for a model with features such as adjustable temperature control and an air-flow regulator that help you keep the temperature at the desired level. Safety guards are also important to ensure that the gun doesn’t overheat and cause harm to you or your workspace.
For extra safety, choose a model with an automatic shut-off feature that will turn the gun off if it gets too hot. This will help protect you and your candle-making supplies.
Ease of use
When shopping for a heat gun, look for one that’s easy to use. Consider whether it has an ergonomic design with a comfortable grip and adjustable settings that make it easy to control the temperature. A lightweight model is also ideal, making handling the gun easier and more comfortable.
Cordless or corded option
Consider whether you want a cordless or a corded model. A cordless heat gun allows you to take it anywhere, but they tend to have shorter battery life and are more expensive. On the other hand, a corded model may not be as portable, but it is usually cheaper and has better power.
For smaller projects, a cordless model can be ideal, but if you’re doing bigger ones, then a corded option is likely the better option.
Will you need additional features?
Finally, decide if you’ll want extra features when shopping for your heat gun. For example, some models come with attachments such as flame spreaders and wax-melting dishes to make the process easier. Also, consider whether you’ll need additional accessories, such as spare nozzles or extra filters.
How much are you willing to spend?
Price is another important factor when shopping for a heat gun. Consider how much you’re willing to spend upfront and what kind of features you need for the money. High-end models may be more expensive, but they have better performance and last longer than cheaper ones.
By considering these factors, you’ll be sure to find the best heat gun for candle making.
Frequently Asked Questions
A heat gun can be helpful when working with candles, as it can help to smooth down the wax and create an interesting texture. However, for a basic candle-making process, a heat gun is not necessary. You can melt the wax over low heat on your stove, use a double boiler, and then pour it into your molds.
A hair dryer may seem like a more accessible option than investing in a heat gun, but it is not recommended. The temperature and airflow of a hair dryer are not powerful enough to create the desired effect on wax. Additionally, using too much heat from a regular household appliance can make the wax brittle or brittle-like.
You want to use wax heated to a temperature of between 150-170°F (65-76°C). This temperature ensures that the wax will stay in liquid form and release its scent. Any higher than this could cause burning or smoke, and any lower may not be hot enough to create a good candle.
If you do not have a heat gun, there are still ways to create a smooth surface on your candles. Use a spoon or butter knife to gently scrape off excess wax, and then dip the cooling candle into hot water for a few seconds. This will help to even out the top of your candle before it cools completely. You can also wrap a damp cloth around the base of your candle to help smooth it out.
Heat guns typically reach temperatures of between 200-1400°F (93-760°C), while hair dryers only reach temperatures of up to 140°F (60°C). The higher temperature of the heat gun is necessary for candle making, as it allows the wax to take on different textures and shapes. A hairdryer simply does not provide the same level of heat and is therefore not suitable for candle making.
Conclusion
With this guide, you can’t go wrong when choosing the best heat gun for candle making. Whether you opt for an entry-level model or one with more professional features, the key is ensuring it meets your needs. Heat guns are relatively inexpensive and easy to use, but they come in all shapes and sizes, so take some time to read reviews and compare models before making a purchase.
With the right heat gun, you can make high-quality candles without breaking the bank. Now that you know what to look for in a heat gun, all you can do is get out there and start creating. Happy candle making.
