The 5 Best Mini Hot Glue Guns in 2023 (October)

Best Overall

Gorilla Mini Glue Gun

1
A highly-rated, versatile mini glue gun with dual temperature functions and precision nozzle, ideal for a range of indoor and outdoor projects.
Best Cordless

WORKPRO Hot Glue Gun

2
A cordless, high-temperature glue gun featuring a safety auto-off switch and a lithium-ion battery, perfect for on-the-go crafts and DIY projects.
Best with Cord

Gluerious Mini Hot Glue Gun

3
A reliable, corded hot glue gun equipped with a precision silicone nozzle and on/off switch, designed for heavy-duty projects requiring exact amounts of glue.

The Best Mini Hot Glue Guns

Hot glue guns are one of the most essential tools for arts and crafts, and a mini hot glue gun that can handle small projects like DIY crafts is especially useful.  They are perfect tools for tasks such as making picture frames, Christmas or other holiday decorations, and different home projects that use delicate materials. The best feature of using a hot glue gun is that the glue dries in minutes as opposed to other types of glue that could take several hours to dry, or are toxic and not fit for home crafts.

While looking for the best glue gun for your next DIY projects, be sure to examine if the glue gun is dual temperature or has temperature control, a built-in stand and a stand-up base, an on/off switch, an ergonomic trigger, a narrow nozzle, and automatic shut off. Read on to discover the five best hot glue guns, including cordless, corded, and different temperature controls.

Types of Hot Glue Guns

Depending on the size of your project, there are three types of glue guns to choose from– low temp, high temp, and dual temperature. We have reviewed our top five choices below.

Full-size Hot Glue Guns

Full-size guns are optimal for heavy-duty projects. They are larger and less easy to store than a mini hot glue gun, but they are a must-have for heavy-duty crafts. Like mini hot glue guns, a full-sized glue gun can include adjustable temperature control such as dual temperature. Another plus about buying a full-size gun is that some are available with a copper tip or copper nozzle that holds heat better.

Mini Hot Glue Gun

A mini glue gun is the best hot glue gun for smaller crafting projects. The more expensive ones come with adjustable temperature control with dual temperature.

Low-Temperature Hot Glue Gun

Note that low temp glue guns are best as entry-level glue guns as they are less likely to cause burns. In addition, a low-temp glue gun usually reaches up to 250°F and is better when working with children. This hot glue gun works for small projects with more delicate materials such as thin fabric, ribbon, or foam or working with paper and sequins. This hot glue gun doesn’t have various temperature control options, so adults should still supervise kids.

High-Temperature Hot Glue Gun

A high-temperature gun can reach extremely high temperatures at 380°F. Many hot glue guns can melt most glue sticks made from thermoplastics, acrylic additives, or polymers, making them the best glue gun for heavy-duty projects. Heavy-duty jobs include working with wood, glass, or thick fabrics.

Dual-Temperature Hot Glue Gun

A dual temp hot glue gun has different heat settings that allow users to switch between low and hot temperatures. While more expensive than other glue guns, this might be the best mini glue gun to choose for its versatility in various projects.

Hot Glue Sticks

Buying the right glue sticks for the right glue gun is essential. Full-size glue guns require thicker sticks, and each manufacturer will suggest longer or shorter sticks, depending on the temperature of the glue gun. Mini guns use thinner glue sticks. Keep in mind that a low temp hot glue gun can only use silicone-based glue sticks.

Our Product Recommendations

  1. Best Mini Hot Glue Gun Overall: Gorilla Mini Glue Gun
  2. Best Cordless Glue Gun: WORKPRO Cordless Hot Glue Gun
  3. Best Corded Hot Glue Guns: Gluerious Mini Hot Glue Gun
  4. Best High-Temperature Glue Guns: AdTech Mini High-Temperature Glue Guns
  5. Best Low-Temperature Glue Gun: AdTech Low-Temperature Glue Guns

1. Best Hot Glue Gun Overall – Gorilla Mini Glue Gun

gorilla mini glue gun

  • Price – ~$12.49 – Our score: 9/10
  • Wire Stand – Plastic Stand – Our score: 10/10
  • On/Off Switch – No – Our score: 8/10
  • Trigger Type – Easy – Our score: 9/10
  • Nozzle – Precision – Our score: 10/10
  • Auto-Off – No – Our score: 7/10

This is the best hot glue gun on our list and is one of the most highly rated on the internet. This mini glue gun heats up to low and high temperatures with its dual temperature function. Its ergonomic trigger and easy squeeze trigger make it easy for even small hands to use. In addition, unlike other glue guns, the precision tip reduces large amounts of melted glue from getting stuck to the hot tip once dried.

This hot melt glue gun can easily handle indoor and outdoor projects due to the water-resistant glue stick. The quick heating feature means the gun is ready to glue even heavy-duty materials in minutes. What’s more, this hot glue gun comes with 30 easy glue sticks.

Pros

  • Quick heating glue gun
  • Thick and durable stand
  • Glue sticks are water-resistant
  • Has both low and high temperatures

Cons

  • No safety fuse auto-off switch
  • No on/off switch

2. Best Cordless Glue Gun – WORKPRO Mini Glue Gun

WORKPRO Mini Glue Gun

  • Price – ~$31.99 – Our score: 7/10
  • Wire Stand – Yes – Our score: 10/10
  • On/Off Switch – Yes – Our score: 10/10
  • Trigger Type – Easy – Our score:8/10
  • Nozzle – Thin – Our score: 8/10
  • Auto-Off – Yes – Our score: 10/10

Powered by a lithium-ion battery, this cordless glue gun is one of the best hot glue guns for its cordless feature. This awesome glue gun heats up in two minutes and can run for about 35 minutes on a single charge. This high-temperature hot glue gun has a safety switch that shuts off after 15 minutes of no use.

The displays on this hot glue gun show the battery life and whether the gun is heated enough for use. The battery can be charged with an included charging cable.

Pros

  • Auto-off feature
  • Cordless
  • Ergonomic handle

Cons

  • Battery life could be better

3. Best Corded Glue Gun  – Gluerious Hot Glue Gun

Gluerious Hot Glue Gun

  • Price – ~$12.79 (Was $16.99) – Our score: 9/10
  • Wire Stand – Yes – Our score: 8/10
  • On/Off Switch – Yes – Our score: 10/10
  • Trigger Type – Easy – Our score: 8/10
  • Nozzle – Precision – Our score: 10/10
  • Auto-Off – No – Our score: 7/10

This Gluerious is one of the best glue guns around for heavy-duty projects. This hot glue gun comes with an anti-hot cover, a stand-up base with a detachable stand, and an on/off switch for easy use. The silicone nozzle prevents burns, is heat resistant, and is designed for projects that require precise amounts of glue with its fine tip.

This hot glue gun’s comfort grip and easy trigger make this glue gun easy for long projects that won’t tire your hands. This hot glue gun comes with 30 glue sticks.

Pros

  • Has a silicone nozzle that reduces burns
  • Includes a rubber protector cover to reduce burning
  • Designed with a ceramic heating system to release hot glue easier
  • Long cord
  • Hot enough for heavy-duty projects, such as gluing ceramic, glass, or wood together

Cons

  • No auto-off
  • Could be heavier

4. Best High-Temperature Glue Gun  – AdTech Hot Glue Gun

adtech hot glue gun

  • Price – ~$13.99 – Our score: 8/10
  • Wire Stand – Yes – Our score: 10/10
  • On/Off Switch – No – Our score: 7/10
  • Trigger Type – Medium – Our score: 7/10
  • Nozzle – Thick – Our score: 7/10
  • Auto-Off – No – Our score: 8/10

A high-temperature glue gun is a must-have for heavy-duty projects such as gluing birdhouses together, making lampshades, headboards, or other thick fabrics. A good glue gun like this AdTechmodel includes a stand that allows users to rest the glue gun upright while not in use.

This glue gun gets hot, and to avoid scalding, even adult fingers, with hot glue, we recommend using either silicone finger protectors or a wooden craft stick with a sharp point. Remember that children should not use most hot glue guns that run at high temperatures. If children must use a high-temperature glue gun, they too can protect their fingers with silicone finger protectors.

Pros

  • Has a five-foot cord
  • Does not drip
  • Heats up quickly
  • Includes 10 glue sticks

Cons

  • Uses a lot of glue
  • Is very hot, so caution must be exercised when using

5. Best Low-Temperature Glue Gun  – AdTech Mini Glue Gunadtech mini glue gun

 

  • Price – ~$5.92 – Our score: 10/10
  • Wire Stand – Yes – Our score: 10/10
  • On/Off Switch – No – Our score: 8/10
  • Trigger Type – Easy – Our score: 8/10
  • Nozzle – Not exposed – Our score: 7/10
  • Auto-Off – No – Our score: 7/10

Most glue guns aren’t perfect for crafting with kids, but with this low temp AdTech glue gun, you can be sure your little ones won’t get burned with hot glue. Designed for working with children, this six-watt glue gun is ideal for small crafting projects like scrapbooking, gluing craft paper together, or thin fabric.

Due to its low temperature, this glue gun can even glue balloons without popping them. What’s more, the metal tip of this melt glue gun isn’t exposed, so there’s no chance of getting burned with hot glue. This hot melt glue gun is compatible with any glue stick made for a mini glue gun.

Pros

  • Includes 10 hot melt glue gun sticks
  • Can safely be used by children
  • Ideal for small projects

Cons

  • Doesn’t have an auto-off feature

Conclusion

This wraps up our guide to the best mini hot glue guns. Not only have we discussed how you could identify different kinds of hot glue guns, but we’ve also shared our recommendations in various contexts.

We’ve discussed how you can choose a hot glue gun and why price, stand, safety switches, trigger types, nozzle, and auto-off features are key deciding factors. We’ve outlined them thoroughly to help you understand them easily.

Lastly, we’ve combined our recommendations in different situations. So whether buying a cordless melt glue gun, a low-temperature hot glue gun that’s safe for kids to use, or a dual-temperature glue gun, we’ve discussed it all.

Thanks for reading; we hope our suggestions help you purchase the safest and most useful hot glue gun for your next art project.

About Lauraine Velez

Lauraine is a freelance writer with a strong background in the arts. Lauraine is currently finishing her novel and has been exploring different art mediums for over two decades. Her favorite art activities include drawing, painting (especially watercolor painting), designing haute couture clothes, photography, and designing and creating gifts for family and friends.

In addition to Lauraine's expertise in art, she has experience in commerce content, grant writing, and health and wellness. Before becoming a freelancer, Lauraine held various positions in large and grassroots organizations locally and abroad.