Best Oil Drain Pans for DIY Oil Changes in 2024
If you’re looking for the best oil drain pan, consider factors like capacity, material, and design. Changing your oil at home can save time and money, but having the right tools for the job is essential. An oil drain pan is a must have product to catch and dispose of used oil properly. I’ve been changing all my vehicle oil at home for the previous ten years. I have huge experience with all types of oil drain pans from metal, plastic, large, and small, with pump and without a pump, so I’ll give you the best options as per my experience Let’s dive into everything you need to know about choosing the best oil drain pan for your needs.
Here are the top oil drain pans, along with my detailed reviews of each one further down in this article:
- Best Overall Oil Drain Pan 2024: NEIKO 20762A Oil Drain Pan
- Best Affordable Oil Drain Pan: Custom Accessories 31118 Oil Drain Pan
- Best Value Oil Drain Pan: NREOY ATD Tools 5184 Black Drain Pan
- Best Oil Drain Pan for Motorcycles: XMT-MTOT Universal Motorcycle Low Profile Oil Drain Pan
- Best Oil Drain Pan for Home Use: Funnel King 32953 Drain Pan
Best Overall Oil Drain Pan 2024: NEIKO 20762A Oil Drain Pan
NEIKO Oil Drain Pan is a top notch choice for anyone looking to perform oil changes with ease and minimal mess. This pan is constructed from high quality, recyclable polythene plastic, which makes it incredibly durable and resistant to corrosion. Whether you need to carry oil, gasoline, or antifreeze, this pan can handle it without sweat.
One of the standout features of this oil drain pan is its anti-splash curled lip edge. This design innovation helps prevent any splashing that might occur while moving the pan, ensuring your workspace stays clean. The pan’s generous size, measuring 5 inches deep and 12.55 inches across, allows it to hold up to two gallons (8 liters) of liquid, making it an ideal companion for oil changes.
Best For:
- Regular home garage use
- Professional mechanics
- Those needing a durable, high-capacity oil pan
Skip If:
- You need a larger capacity than two gallons
- You require a pan with a lid for extra security
Best Affordable Oil Drain Pan: Custom Accessories 31118 Oil Drain Pan
Custom Accessories Oil Drain Pan is an affordable yet highly efficient solution for keeping your garage floors spotless. With a capacity of 6 quarts, this pan is perfect for catching and storing all kinds of automotive fluids, from oil to coolant. Its universal fit means it can be used for various vehicles, making it a versatile addition to any DIY mechanic’s toolkit.
This oil drain pan excels in reducing spillage and enhancing the efficiency of liquid transfer. Also, Its design ensures that you can pour liquids without making a mess, saving you time on cleanup. The pan is also suitable for cars, trucks, and motorcycles, making it a go-to option for all vehicle maintenance needs.
Best For:
- Budget-conscious DIY mechanics
- General vehicle maintenance
- Users needing a universal fit oil drain pan
Skip If:
- You need a larger capacity than 6 quarts
- You prefer a pan with built-in handles for easier transport
Best Value Oil Drain Pan: NREOY ATD Tools 5184 Black Drain Pan
If you’re searching for a value-packed oil drain pan, the NREOY ATD Drain Pan should be on the top of list. This pan boasts a capacity of 4.5 gallons, which is more than enough for most oil changes and fluid drains. Its round shape and large spout make pouring and transferring liquids straightforward and mess-free. This drain pan is designed for ease of use. The molded handle ensures that carrying, pouring, and storing the pan is as convenient as possible. Whether you’re dealing with motor oil, coolant, or any other automotive fluid, this pan’s robust construction and design features make it a reliable choice.
Best For:
- Value seekers
- Frequent DIY vehicle maintenance
- Those needing a large capacity drain pan
Skip If:
- You need a pan with a lid
- You prefer a different shape for specific applications
Best Oil Drain Pan for Motorcycles: XMT-MTOT Universal Motorcycle Low Profile Oil Drain Pan
XMT-MTOT Oil Drain Pan is the perfect companion for motorcycle enthusiasts. This pan is specifically designed for bikes, making it ideal for bikes from Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and more. Its low-profile design allows it to easily slip under your bike, even when on the side stand. This oil drain pan is highly practical for both home garage use and professional auto shops. Its capacity is sufficient for draining multiple engines before needing to empty it for recycling or waste. The design also reduces the mess and cleanup typically associated with oil changes, making your maintenance tasks more efficient.
Best For:
- Motorcycle maintenance
- Home garages and professional auto shops
- Low-clearance vehicles
Skip If:
- You need a higher capacity than provided
- You require additional features like built-in handles or a spout
Best Oil Drain Pan for Home Use: Funnel King 32953 Drain Pan
Funnel King Drain Pan is an excellent choice for those who perform their oil changes at home. With a 4-gallon capacity, this pan is large enough to handle oil changes for both cars and motorcycles. Its design features AZ Grip Handles and a Splash Guard Lip, making it easy to pour without spills, ensuring a clean and hassle free experience.
This oil drain pan efficiently contains oil, eliminating the need for expensive cleanups. Because, it made from heavy-duty polyethylene, it’s durable and long-lasting, standing up to frequent use without showing signs of wear. The pan is also easy to clean, further enhancing its convenience.
Best For:
- Home garage oil changes
- Car and motorcycle maintenance
- Those needing a durable, easy-to-clean pan
Skip If:
- You require a larger capacity than 4 gallons
- You need a pan with more advanced features
Best Oil Drain Pan for Cars: Dorman 95-1371 Drain Pan
Dorman Drain Pan is a versatile and practical solution for car owners. This 15-quart oil drain pan is available at a lower price from various sellers, though free Prime shipping may not be included. It’s designed to cater to a wide variety of applications, with different styles and quart sizes available to suit your specific needs.
One of the key features of this drain pan is the splash guard, which helps prevent spills and makes the oil change process much cleaner. It includes handles that enhance its usability, making it easy to carry and pour. Dorman is known for its reliable aftermarket products, and this oil drain pan is no exception.
Best For:
- Car maintenance
- Those needing a versatile and reliable oil drain pan
- Users who appreciate technical support availability
Skip If:
- You require free Prime shipping
- You need a smaller or larger capacity than 15 quarts
Best Oil Drain Pan for Lawn Mower: Chapin 78005 Low Profile Oil Drain Container
Chapin Low Profile Oil Drain Container is a great choice for maintaining lawn mowers, ATVs, tractors, and other low-clearance vehicles. This 12-quart pan is made from 100% recycled polymer, making it an eco-friendly option that contributes to reducing landfill waste. Its low-profile design ensures it can fit under various vehicles with ease.
A standout feature of this oil drain pan is the leak-free gasket. This rubber gasket adds a barrier between the head and the watering can neck, preventing leaks and ensuring no drops of oil are wasted. Made in the USA with global materials, this pan is built to last and comes with US-based customer service and technical support.
Best For:
- Lawn mowers and other low-clearance vehicles
- Eco-conscious users
- Those needing a leak-free, durable pan
Skip If:
- You need a larger capacity than 12 quarts
- You prefer a pan with more advanced features
Best Oil Drain Pan for DIY: Capri Tools CP21021 Portable Oil Drain Pan
Capri Tools Portable Oil Drain Pan is a fantastic option for DIY enthusiasts who perform their own oil changes. This pan is designed for easy cleaning and portability, making it a breeze to use. Its anti-splash lip ensures that fluids are contained while pouring, reducing mess and making the process smoother. Constructed from tough polyethylene material, this oil drain pan is built to last. It has a total capacity of 4.5 gallons (16 liters), making it suitable for a variety of vehicles and maintenance tasks. The molded handle makes carrying, pouring, and storing the pan straightforward and hassle-free. Capri Tools has crafted this pan to provide easier and cleaner oil changes, with a large opening for fluids to drain directly into. Its durable construction and user-friendly design make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain their vehicle at home.
Best For:
- DIY vehicle maintenance
- Those needing a portable, easy-to-clean oil drain pan
- Users looking for a durable, long-lasting option
Skip If:
- You need a larger capacity than 4.5 gallons
- You prefer a pan
Best Oil Drain Pan with Pump: VEVOR Low Profile Oil Drain Pan
VEVOR Low Profile Oil Drain Pan is a highly efficient solution for those who need to collect and dispose of large amounts of fluids, such as oil, coolant, and transmission fluid. This pan boasts a substantial 20-gallon capacity, making it perfect for professional shops and heavy-duty vehicles like trucks, buses, and RVs. One of the standout features of this oil drain pan is the built-in 180W electric pump. This powerful pump is powered directly from your vehicle’s 12V system and can achieve a maximum flow rate of 23 liters per minute, allowing you to quickly and efficiently drain fluids. The pan also features swivel casters for easy movement and two lockable front wheels for stable positioning.
The VEVOR Low Profile Oil Drain Pan is designed with convenience in mind. The filter mesh reduces oil splash and prevents debris from falling into the fluid, and the detachable design makes cleaning a breeze. The long handle folds for easy storage and transport, and the robust carbon steel construction ensures durability and long-term use.
Best For:
- Professional auto shops
- Heavy-duty vehicle maintenance
- Those needing a high-capacity oil drain pan with a pump
Skip If:
- You require a smaller, more portable pan
- You prefer a non-electric draining solution
Best Oil Drain Pan for Lift: VEVOR Waste Oil Drain Tank
VEVOR Waste Oil Drain Tank is a versatile and efficient solution for draining, transferring, and evacuating oils and fluids from vehicles on lifts. This tank has a generous 20-gallon capacity, making it suitable for collecting waste oil from multiple cars. The air-operated design allows for quick and easy emptying of the tank, reducing downtime and increasing efficiency in your workspace. One of the key features of this oil drain tank is its adjustable height, which ranges from 38 inches to 65 inches. This allows it to be used with a variety of lift heights, making it a versatile tool for auto repair shops and home garages. The large diameter funnel (15 inches) ensures that oil is easily captured and transferred, minimizing spills and mess. It features two 4.5-inch rigid wheels and two 2.76-inch swivel casters, allowing for easy maneuverability in tight spaces. The tank is constructed from premium steel with a powder coated surface, ensuring durability and resistance to rust.
Best For:
- Auto repair shops with vehicle lifts
- Home garages with lifting equipment
- Those needing a high-capacity, adjustable height oil drain tank
Skip If:
- You don’t have a vehicle lift
- You need a smaller, more portable solution
What to Look for in an Oil Drain Pan
- Capacity: Choose a pan that can hold at least as much oil as your vehicle requires. Common sizes range from 7 to 16 quarts.
- Material: Durable materials like heavy duty plastic or metal can handle the weight and heat of the oil.
- Design: Look for features like anti-splash rims, built-in spouts for easy pouring, and handles for better grip and control.
- Ease of Use: Consider a low profile design if you have a vehicle with low clearance.
Why You Need a Good Oil Drain Pan
Having a good oil drain pan makes oil changes cleaner and more efficient. It helps prevent spills that can damage your garage floor or driveway. A well designed pan also makes it easier to transport used oil to a recycling center.
What is the Best Oil Drain Pan?
The best oil drain pan is one that suits your vehicle’s needs and makes oil changes easy and mess-free. Some top options include the FloTool 16 Quart Drain Pan, which is durable and has features like an anti-splash lip and molded handle, and the Chapin 78005 Low Profile 12 Quart Oil Drain Container, which is perfect for vehicles with low clearance.
What Size is an Oil Pan Drain?
Oil drain pans come in various sizes, typically ranging from 7 quarts to 16 quarts. The size you need depends on your vehicle’s oil capacity. Most passenger cars require a pan that can hold around 7 to 10 quarts of oil. For larger vehicles, like trucks and SUVs, you might need a pan that can hold up to 16 quarts or more.
How to Make an Oil Drain Pan?
While making an oil drain pan using household items is possible, it’s generally not recommended due to potential leaks and spills. Still, if you want, you can use a large, shallow plastic container, but ensure it’s clean and can hold hot oil without melting. For long term use, it’s best to invest in a professionally designed oil drain pan.
Are Oil Drain Pans Reusable?
Yes, oil drain pans are designed to be reusable. After draining the oil, clean the pan thoroughly with soap and water. Dry it completely before storing it to prevent rust or damage. With proper care, a good oil drain pan can last for many years.
What Does an Oil Drain Pan Do?
Oil drain pan helps you catch the oil cleanly, preventing spills and making the disposal process easier. It’s a crucial tool for any DIY mechanic or car enthusiast.
Oil Drain Pan with Pump
Some oil drain pans have a pump to make transferring used oil easier. This feature is useful for large capacity pans, as it helps you move the oil without spilling. You can check GarageBOSS GB150 12.5 Quart Oil Drain Pan for mess free experience.
Tips for Using an Oil Drain Pan
- Warm Up Your Engine: Warm oil drains faster and more completely.
- Position the Pan: Place the pan under the drain plug before you remove it.
- Pour Carefully: Use the built in spout or lip to pour the used oil into a disposal container.
Choosing the right oil drain pan allows you to make your DIY oil changes quick, clean, and hassle-free. Whether you need a basic pan or a high capacity container, there’s an option that fits your needs perfectly.