When it comes to rotary tools, Dremel has both corded and cordless ranges.
The corded range features the popular higher performance models like the Dremel 4300 and Dremel 4000.
The cordless range has a higher performance model in the 12 volt lithium ion Dremel 8220.
Apart from the obvious difference of being battery vs cord powered, you might benefit from a full Dremel 8220 vs Dremel 4000 & 4300 comparison.
You might also be interested in reading the guide we’ve already written on the Dremel 4300 review & comparison with the 4000 & 4200 models (and now the 3000, 200 and 100 models as well).
So you don’t have to spend time doing the research yourself, we’ve identified for you in this guide (we reference the above Dremel 4300/4000 guide for convenience):
– TL;DR: Dremel 8220, 4300 & 4000 Tool & Kits – Which Is Better For You?
– What Are The Main Features & Design Of the Dremel 8220, 4300 & 4000
– Dremel 8220, 4300 & 4000 Kit Options
– Dremel 8220, 4300 & 4000 User Experience
– Why Get One Tool Over The Other
– Why Not Get One Tool Over The Other
As we said, you can read the TL;DR below if you are running short on time.
Otherwise, the full guide is packed with lots of valuable information that you can read.
(*Friendly Disclosure – links to retailers or brands on this page may include affiliate links, and we may receive a commission when you purchase through these links)
Dremel 8220 vs 4000 & 4300: TL;DR – Which Is Better For You?
In case you don’t have time to read the full guide, you can check out a summary of the rotary tools and prices here:
You might choose a Dremel 8220 if…
You want the best performance cordless Dremel tool as of January 2017
You want a cordless Dremel tool
You want a cordless Dremel tool that accepts all accessories and attachments
You want a cordless Dremel tool that accepts the flex shaft attachment for performing precision tasks
You are OK with a battery powered tool, and charging the battery
You might choose a Dremel 4300 if…
You want the most power at 1.8 Amps
You want the extra features like the pivot light and 3 jaw chuck (tool free and collet free bit changing)
You want the latest electric Dremel rotary tool
You want kit options with lots of accessories and attachments
You want a new design tool case
- View the Dremel 4300-9/64 Rotary Tool Kit on Amazon
- View the Dremel 4300 5/40 High Performance Rotary Tool Kit on Amazon
You might choose a Dremel 4000 if…
You want a value for money electric Dremel rotary tool
You want a wide range of kit options
You want an electric Dremel tool that only has slightly less power than the Dremel 4300, but still maintains a lot of the versatility
You don’t need the new case, or extra accessories and attachments the 4300 offers
You prefer the EZ Twist mechanism for changing bits of the 4000 over the 3 Jaw Chuck system that the 4300 has
Dremel 8220 vs 4000 & 4300: Comparison Chart
Dremel 4000
Type Of Tool – Electric/Corded Dremel
Amps & Volts – 1.6 Amps, 120 Volts
Number & Range of Speeds (RPM) – Variable Speed, 5,000 to 35,000 RPM
Tool Weight – 2.86 lbs, OR 1.3 kg
Tool Length – 6 Inches
Cord Length – 6 Feet
Accepts Which Accessories/Bits & Attachments? – Accepts all Dremel accessories and attachments
Chuck System – EZ Twist System – button release for tool free bit changes
Warranty – Limited warranty
Other Features – Electronic Feedback Circuitry, 360 degree Grip, Separate On/Off Switch & Speed Dial, Cool Running Ball Bearing Construction, Replaceable Motor Brushes
What’s Tasks Might The Tool Be Designed For? – Anything – as long as you have the bit or attachment for the task
Other Notes – 1) Great value for money as a kit, 2) Very similar performance specs to the Dremel 4200, 3) Button release chuck system is easy to use
Summary – Great Value For Money High Performance Dremel Rotary Tool & Kit. No major drawbacks
Dremel 4300
Type Of Tool – Electric/Corded Dremel
Amps & Volts – 1.8 Amps, 120 Volts
Number & Range of Speeds (RPM) – Variable Speed, 5,000 to 35,000 RPM
Tool Weight – 2.59 lbs, OR 1.175 kg
Tool Length – 9 Inches
Cord Length – 6 Feet
Accepts Which Accessories/Bits & Attachments? – Compatible with all Dremel rotary tool attachments and accessories (*some applications require the use of a collet system, included in kit)
Chuck System – Universal 3-jaw chuck – allows tool-less and collet-less accessory changes
Warranty – Limited warranty
Other Features – Pivot light to illuminate projects, redesigned airflow system (quieter and cooler operation), electronic feedback circuitry, 360 degree Grip, Separate On/Off Switch & Speed Dial, Cool Running Ball Bearing Construction, Replaceable Motor Brushes
What’s Tasks Might The Tool Be Designed For? – Anything – as long as you have the bit or attachment for the task
Other Notes – 1) Most powerful electric Dremel rotary tool, 2) Good for projects with extra lighting required, 3) 3 Jaw chuck system, 4) Better airflow design (cooler and quieter operation) than any other electric Dremel rotary tool
Summary – Highest Performance and Most Features Of The Electric Dremel Rotary Tool Range
Dremel 8220
Type Of Tool – Cordless/Battery Powered Dremel
Amps & Volts – 12 Volt Battery
Number & Range of Speeds (RPM) – Variable Speed, 5,000 to 35,000 RPM
Tool Weight – 3.5 lbs OR 1.6 kg
Tool Length – 9 Inches
Battery – Battery (12 volt lithium ion battery – 1 hour charger)
Accepts Which Accessories/Bits & Attachments? – Ability to use all current Dremel rotary tool accessories and attachments
Chuck System – EZ Twist™ nose cap – tool free bit changes
Warranty – Limited warranty
Other Features – Cordless, 360-degree grip zone for control in any position, lithium ion battery which has 33% longer run time when cutting screws than the previous highest performance cordless Dremel, Separate on/off switch and speed control, ball bearing construction, comfortable grip,
What’s Tasks Might The Tool Be Designed For? – Anything – as long as you have the bit or attachment for the task
Other Notes – 1) Most powerful cordless Dremel tool, 2) EZ Twist nose cap is easy and quick to use, 3) Battery is quick to charge and you get good run time out of it
Summary – Best Performance cordless Dremel tool. Great for those looking for a cordless rotary tool for finishing and light tasks
Dremel 8220 vs 4000 & 4300: Reviews
Dremel 8220
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Popular Dremel 8220 Kit Options
1) Dremel 8220-1/28 Cordless Rotary Tool Kit
28 accessory bits including Multi Purpose cutting bit, cutting wheel, grinding stones, polishing wheels, and sanding drums and bands.
Attachments included:
Multipurpose Cutting Guide Attachment.
Extras included:
401 Mandrel, 402 Mandrel, 1 x lithium ion battery, 1x 1 hour charger, a hard carry case.
What else you might need:
Some users might like to get the following items with this kit…
Extra Dremel Accessories – Dremel 710-08 All-Purpose Rotary Accessory Kit, 160-Piece (on Amazon)
Keyless Chuck – Dremel 4486 MultiPro Keyless Chuck (on Amazon)
Where to check out this kit:
View the Dremel 8220-1/28 Cordless Rotary Tool Kit on Amazon
2) Dremel 8220-2/28 Cordless Rotary Tool Kit
28 accessories including multipurpose cutting bit, cutoff wheels, grinding wheel, grinding stone, felt wheel, polishing wheels, sanding drums and bands.
Attachments included:
565 cutting guide attachment, A550 shield attachment.
Extras included:
EZ402 mandrel, 401 mandrel, 402 mandrel, 2 x lithium ion batteries, 1 x 1 hour charger, a hard carry case.
What else you might need:
Some users might like to get the following items with this kit…
Extra Dremel Accessories – Dremel 710-08 All-Purpose Rotary Accessory Kit, 160-Piece (on Amazon)
Keyless Chuck – Dremel 4486 MultiPro Keyless Chuck (on Amazon)
Where to check out this kit:
View the Dremel 8220-2/28 Cordless Rotary Tool Kit on Amazon
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Dremel 8220 User Experience
Good things:
Charges fast
Great battery life for a range of tasks, including cutting steel screws
Good power for a cordless tool
Good for someone who travels for work from place to place – no cord
Variable speed is good if you need either low, medium or high speeds
Can even be used for trimming dog nails
Potential Improvements:
The tool is a little bulky for precision work – consider a flex shaft attachment
The battery is slightly heavy, making the battery end of the tool slightly heavier than the front end
Even though the battery has a good life in general, it can run out quickly if you are consistently using it for heavier duty activities > consider a second batttery in this case
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Why Get A Dremel 8220 & Not A 4300 or 4000
Being cordless means the tool is highly portable – better for those who need a portable tool or cordless tool
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Why Get a Dremel 4300 or 4000, and not an 8220
The electric tools don’t run out of battery and don’t need to be charged
The electric tools feel like they have more power
Some of the electric Dremels are more affordable with the same amount, or more accessories in the kit
The Dremel 4300 comes with a 3 jaw chuck which is collet free and tool free for bit changing
The Dremel 4300 comes with a pivot light for lighting up work areas
The Dremel 4000 and 4300 both come with a wider selection of kits with more bits and attachments
The Dremel 4300 premium kit comes with a premium carry case
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Dremel 8220 Summary
The Dremel 8220 is one of the only finishing type cordless rotary tools on the market – and it performs very well.
It’s suited to either a home DIY’er, or a professional looking for a light rotary tool for the workshop or site.
It’s very unlikely to disappoint you if you are performing light to medium tasks, and you don’t mind charging the battery
Dremel 4300
You can find the Dremel 4300 kit options and a breakdown of user experience in:
Dremel 4300 Review & Comparison with Dremel 4000 & 4200
Electric Dremel Rotary Tool Guide
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Why Get A Dremel 4300 & Not A 4000 or 8220
The Dremel 4300 has the most power of any of the 3 models
The Dremel 4300 has the most features of any of the 3 models
The Dremel 4300 has a pivot light on the front of the tool for illuminating work projects
The Dremel 4300 has the 3 jaw chuck for tool free and collet free bit changing
The Dremel 4300 has large kit options
The Dremel 4300 has an option to get a kit with a new design tool case/box
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Why Get a Dremel 4000 or 8220, and not a 4300
A Dremel 4300 has a cord – it is not portable like the Dremel 8220
The Dremel 4300 is not as affordable as the 8220 or 4000 kit options
Some prefer the EZ Twist nose cap of the Dremel 8220 and 4000 over the 3 jaw chuck of the 4300
Some people don’t need all the accessories and attachments you get with the Dremel 4300 kits
Some people don’t think the new design case is worth the extra money in terms of the quality it offers
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Dremel 4300 Summary
The highest performance Dremel rotary tool – in terms of power (1.8 Amps) and amount of features.
Good for DIY’ers or professionals looking for a finishing type rotary tool.
Make sure you are aware of the return policy in case you have any issues with the tool over the first month or few months – you want to make sure you cover your purchase risk.
- View the Dremel 4300-9/64 Rotary Tool Kit on Amazon
- View the Dremel 4300 5/40 High Performance Rotary Tool Kit on Amazon
Dremel 4000
You can find the Dremel 4000 kit options and a breakdown of user experience in:
Dremel 4000 vs Dremel 4200 Reviews & Comparison
Electric Dremel Rotary Tool Guide
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Why Get A Dremel 4000 & Not A 4300 or 8220
The Dremel 4000 might be the most popular Dremel rotary tool
The Dremel 4000 is one of the best value for money Dremel rotary tools with it’s wide selection of kits
The Dremel 4000 still maintains alot of the versatility of the Dremel 4300 – being able to accept all Dremel accessories and attachments
Don’t need to charge the Dremel 4000 like you do the Dremel 8220
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Why Get a Dremel 4300 or 8220, and not a 4000
Dremel 4300 is higher performance
Dremel 4300 has more features
Dremel 4300 has a 3 jaw chuck system – which some prefer over the EZ Twist nose cap which has collets you might need to change
Dremel 8220 is cordless and portable, whereas the Dremel 4000 has a cord and needs a power outlet
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Dremel 4000 Summary
A very versatile and popular Dremel rotary tool.
One of the best value for money electric Dremel rotary tools if you are ok with slightly less power and features compared to the Dremel 4300.
View the Dremel 4000 6/50 Kit on Amazon
Dremel 8220 vs 4000 & 4300: Resources
1. https://www.dremel.com/en/
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