Need a Heat Gun Recommendation

Kman

My nearly 15 yr old Milwaukee heat gun (aka charcoal starter) finally died and wonder if anyone can recommend a brand/model they've been happy with?
Thanks.

kl8ton

I like a weed burner from harbor freight.  I can balance it on my side shelf, let it run and walk away for a minute.  

Kman

Interesting idea.  I would have to find a place in my table for a 20# tank.  Thanks for the suggestion.  BTW - I used to use a propane "blow torch" as a lighter before switching to the heat gun.  I like the combined effect of the heat gun fan plus heat for a quicker start.

Jstroke

+1–weed burner. Super quick.

The Cen-Tex Smoker

I use the sun Joe 18v most of the time. It’s OK for a cordless. It gets about 2-3 starts per charge. I think it was like $119 so I’m happy it’s it. I use an amazon knockoff looftlighter that I paid $40 for. It works great but requires a an extension cord for me. It’s not super convenient with my new egg set up so Ive been using the sun Joe since Christmas.

The OG Looftlighter is light $69 now that they have the Model X on the market. Can’t go wrong with that one

Sunjoe:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Sun-Joe-24-Volt-iON-Cordless-Charcoal-Wood-BBQ-Fire-Starter-Kit-with-2-0-Ah-Battery-Charger-24V-BBQ-LTE/318197981?mtc=Shopping-BF-F_D28I-B-D28I-028_022_GRILLS-MULTI-NA-Feed-PLA-NA-NA-BASE_SHP&cm_mmc=Shopping-BF-F_D28I-B-D28I-028_022_GRILLS-MULTI-NA-Feed-PLA-NA-NA-BASE_SHP-71700000090522246-58700007651936523-92700069177391126&msclkid=f08e50b64388158348503223237493d5&gclid=f08e50b64388158348503223237493d5&gclsrc=3p.ds#overlay

Knock off looftlighter:

https://www.amazon.com/GGC-Charcoal-Starter-Briquettes-Fireplaces/dp/B07JKCKYC1/ref=sr_1_17?crid=7QF51L3W0M64&keywords=Looftlighter&qid=1653956943&sprefix=looftlighter%2Caps%2C166&sr=8-17

lousubcap

Don't overthink this-If you want quick starts then any fuel rig will get it done as mentioned above. If urgency is not the driver, then any pressed wax offering will answer the call. 
So, I would get a propane weed burner for the speed and the ancillary bonus of frying weeds. Besides the length of the barrel will ensure you have good distance from the point of impact.  FWIW-

Hansm

I use either Fogo or Royal Oak tumble weeds. If I am in pressed for time, the good ole weed burner does the trick.

scdaf

Harbor Freight has a nice 110V heat gun that regularly goes on sale for $9.99.  Roughly 90 seconds to glowing coals.

Mr1egg

If you had a heat gun that lasted 15 years why not buy that again? I used the eggnighter and it’s almost broken and it’s only a year old so I would stay away from that. I recently bought one of those electric heater rod things that u plug in and leave it in the charcoal and love it so far. While it’s heating up the coal I’m usually doing other stuff and come back to a roaring fire. No more standing around waiting. 

The Cen-Tex Smoker

If you had a heat gun that lasted 15 years why not buy that again? 

That is actually an excellent point. I don’t think either one of mine will last 15 years. Or 5 years. 

Kman

Good point.  My old gun was a Milwaukee.  I have no solid proof but I'll bet that gun was made in the USA and suspect that new ones have been outsourced offshore.  Would the quality be the same ????  That's part of the reason I'm weighing buying a Harbor Freight cheapie like scdaf mentioned and treat it as disposable or spend more in the hope that it will last longer.

Mr1egg said:

If you had a heat gun that lasted 15 years why not buy that again? I used the eggnighter and it’s almost broken and it’s only a year old so I would stay away from that. I recently bought one of those electric heater rod things that u plug in and leave it in the charcoal and love it so far. While it’s heating up the coal I’m usually doing other stuff and come back to a roaring fire. No more standing around waiting. 

Botch

From protoolreviews.com:  
 

MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP

Milwaukee Tool has manufactured products in the USA since 1924, so they’ve got a rich American history. The company has manufacturing facilities in Greenwood & Jackson, MS; and Mukwonago, West Bend, and Sun Prarie, WI where they produce a variety of products including LED lights, step bits, corded SawZalls, large drills, SawZall blades, hole saws, bandsaw-and-multi-tool blades, as well as levels and squares.

Milwaukee also has plans to expand with a location in Cookeville, TN. In 2020 alone the company invested over $100 million and created 350 new jobs in the US.

In the works, Milwaukee also plans to manufacture hand tools in a new facility in West Bend, WI. This plant focuses on tools for electricians, plumbing & mechanical trades, and utility linemen.

I'm going back to that website later, lotsa cool information.  

RyanStl

That battery powered Sun Joe looks cool. I know OP doesn't want to deal with a propane tank, but I used my new weed burner for the first time and it was glorious.  Also started my fire pit ultra fast. The boys thought I bought a flame thrower 

danhoo

What is a decent propane weed burner on a budget? Is the $25 harbor freight food enough? 

WeberWho

danhoo said:

What is a decent propane weed burner on a budget? Is the $25 harbor freight food enough? 

I'd personally spend the extra $5 for the push button start. 

https://www.harborfreight.com/propane-torch-with-push-button-igniter-91037.html?ccdenc=eyJjb2RlIjoiOTgwMjM0MDciLCJza3UiOiI5MTAzNyIsImlzIjoiMjkuOTkifQ==&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=17305572681&campaignid=17305572681&utm_content=138366570873&adsetid=138366570873&product=91037&store=794&gclid=CjwKCAjwv-GUBhAzEiwASUMm4jSjJ4_yf2fXLSKpQyFoz-s6-p1wpzB5XZvee8MYkVviijd3YdvW6RoCAZoQAvD_BwE

lkapigian

WeberWho said:

danhoo said:

What is a decent propane weed burner on a budget? Is the $25 harbor freight food enough? 

I'd personally spend the extra $5 for the push button start. 

https://www.harborfreight.com/propane-torch-with-push-button-igniter-91037.html?ccdenc=eyJjb2RlIjoiOTgwMjM0MDciLCJza3UiOiI5MTAzNyIsImlzIjoiMjkuOTkifQ==&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=17305572681&campaignid=17305572681&utm_content=138366570873&adsetid=138366570873&product=91037&store=794&gclid=CjwKCAjwv-GUBhAzEiwASUMm4jSjJ4_yf2fXLSKpQyFoz-s6-p1wpzB5XZvee8MYkVviijd3YdvW6RoCAZoQAvD_BwE

I have this with Push Button , works great ...did have to add a piece of insulation by the ignitor cable as it was not sparking in the correct spot all the time 

WeberWho

lkapigian said:

WeberWho said:

danhoo said:

What is a decent propane weed burner on a budget? Is the $25 harbor freight food enough? 

I'd personally spend the extra $5 for the push button start. 

https://www.harborfreight.com/propane-torch-with-push-button-igniter-91037.html?ccdenc=eyJjb2RlIjoiOTgwMjM0MDciLCJza3UiOiI5MTAzNyIsImlzIjoiMjkuOTkifQ==&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=17305572681&campaignid=17305572681&utm_content=138366570873&adsetid=138366570873&product=91037&store=794&gclid=CjwKCAjwv-GUBhAzEiwASUMm4jSjJ4_yf2fXLSKpQyFoz-s6-p1wpzB5XZvee8MYkVviijd3YdvW6RoCAZoQAvD_BwE

I have this with Push Button , works great ...did have to add a piece of insulation by the ignitor cable as it was not sparking in the correct spot all the time 

Good call on the insulation. Once in a blue moon I'll have to reposition the igniter forward as it crawls back overtime. 

RyanStl

WeberWho said:

danhoo said:

What is a decent propane weed burner on a budget? Is the $25 harbor freight food enough? 

I'd personally spend the extra $5 for the push button start. 

https://www.harborfreight.com/propane-torch-with-push-button-igniter-91037.html?ccdenc=eyJjb2RlIjoiOTgwMjM0MDciLCJza3UiOiI5MTAzNyIsImlzIjoiMjkuOTkifQ==&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=17305572681&campaignid=17305572681&utm_content=138366570873&adsetid=138366570873&product=91037&store=794&gclid=CjwKCAjwv-GUBhAzEiwASUMm4jSjJ4_yf2fXLSKpQyFoz-s6-p1wpzB5XZvee8MYkVviijd3YdvW6RoCAZoQAvD_BwE

I totally agree, push button is totally worth a little extra dough