Comparison STEINEL MH 5 vs STEINEL HL 2020 E 008192

The power normally consumed by the building dryer during operation. This parameter primarily determines the scope of the tool, as well as its performance, temperature and heating rate: more powerful models are better suited for large volumes of work, they produce a more intense air flow (see "Maximum Productivity") can be heated to higher temperatures and heating up is faster. At the same time, it must be taken into account that high power also has a downside: heavy weight, large dimensions and high cost of the tool, as well as a serious load on the power grid and significant electricity consumption. Therefore, when choosing by this parameter, it is worth proceeding from what work it is planned to use a hair dryer for and how important high power is for them. And don't forget about other features. After all, even the most powerful tool will be useless if it cannot provide, for example, the required temperature.

The number of fan speeds provided for in the adjustments of the heat gun. The intensity of blowing the workpiece, or rather the amount of air supplied and the pressure of the air flow, depends on the fan speed. And since different jobs require different intensities of air supply, the more speeds a hair dryer has, the more versatile it is, the easier it is to adjust its parameters for certain tasks. Most modern models have 2 – 3 speed adjustments, however, there are also very simple single-speed options, and even advanced devices with smooth adjustment, which allows you to select the fan speed as accurately as possible for a specific purpose.

The maximum amount of air that a heat gun can pass through during operation. The higher the performance (at the same temperature), the more intensively the workpiece can be heated and the better the hair dryer is suitable for large-scale work related to blowing large surfaces. On the other hand, high performance usually requires corresponding power, with all the ensuing consequences (see "Power consumption"), and the need for large volumes of air is not always there. Therefore, when choosing, you should not chase maximum performance — first of all, you need to take into account the specifics of the tasks for which you plan to use a hair dryer.

This option assumes that the volume of air supplied is regulated steplessly. The regulator is most often represented by a classic slider that directly changes the level of fan resistance, affecting the speed of rotation of the impeller. Smooth flow control is necessary for a wide range of process operations, during which it is extremely important to avoid sudden (step) temperature changes.

The lowest air temperature that a heat gun can produce when operating in normal mode, in other words, the lower limit of the operating temperature range. Accordingly, the lower this limit, the wider the range, ceteris paribus, and the more versatile the tool: after all, for different jobs and temperatures, you need different ones. Some modern hair dryers have the ability to "cold" blowing, without heating.

The highest outlet air temperature that a hair dryer can provide. As with the minimum temperature, this parameter determines how wide the operating range of the tool is and for what range of work it can be used. High operating temperatures are important not only for refractory materials — they can significantly speed up the processing of large surfaces. On the other hand, it is worth considering that for strong heating, appropriate power is required, which affects the weight, energy consumption, and often the price of the hair dryer.

This option allows you to completely turn off the heating element, leaving only the fan running, or reduce the heating temperature to a minimum of 50 °C. The cold air mode is necessary for cooling heated parts. For example, a stream of cold air will allow you to quickly cool the seams of hot melt adhesive. Most often, the cold air mode is represented by a separate position on the temperature mode switch, while cold air will be carried out at one single speed. But some models allow you to turn off the heating element by hardware, in which case cold blowing can be carried out in a wide range of speeds.

The power source for construction hair dryers in most cases is represented by a 230 V power supply. However, there are also battery-powered models. The main advantages of this option are mobility, the ability to work independently of outlets and the absence of a power cord that can interfere with work. On the other hand, such power supply is not suitable for high power. Also, a cordless tool, all other things being equal, turns out to be noticeably heavier and more expensive than a mains tool, and the operating time is limited by the battery charge.

Features of the battery heat gun, regarding the presence of a battery in the kit. For normal full-fledged operation of the device, 1 battery is enough right out of the box. But even this equipment is not always available. Heat guns without batteries are relevant when updating your power tool kit, when the same battery can fit many devices. At the same time, models without a battery are cheaper and allow the user to independently purchase the required battery capacity, based on their needs. Well, heat guns with extended configuration for 2 batteries allow you to increase the time of continuous operation, and in some cases bring it to indecently high. After all, while one is charging, the second can safely continue to work.