The 10 Best Oil Drain Pans – 2022

best oil drain pan

An oil drain pan that is properly designed will hold the oil that you drain and be sturdy enough that it won’t bend and spill when you lift it, saving you time and energy during clean-up.

When you’re trying to decide what oil drain pan to buy, look for one that is large enough to hold the amount of oil that you’ll be draining, but ensure that you have extra room in the pan. If you don’t have a pan with that little bit of extra room, you run the risk of oil over-flowing when you try to move the oil pan from underneath your vehicle.

The purpose of this guide is to make it simple for you to determine which oil drain pan will work best for your job. And we’ve done the research to ensure that we’re providing you with a list of the 10 best oil drain pans.


Updated: January 24, 2022

IN THIS GUIDE

The 10 Best Oil Drain Pans – 2022

SpecsFeatures
Top Overall Pick

ATD Tools 5184 Black Drain Pan – 4-1/2 Gallon Capacity
Weight: .5 lbs
Diameter: 6″ deep x 15.25″ diameter
Capacity: 4 ½ Gallons
– spout for easy pouring
– molded handle for ease of carrying
– anti-splash lip
Runner Up

Neiko 20762A Anti Splash Oil Drain Pan, 2 Gallon (8 Liter) Capacity
Weight: 1.25 lbs
Diameter: 5″ deep x 18″ diameter bowl
Capacity: 2 Gallons
– curled edge to prevent oil from splashing
– 3 handles for easy lifting, emptying, and storage
Top Pick – Oil Drain Pan & Waste Storage

Lumax LX-1632 Black 15 Quart Drainmaster Drain Pan and Waste Oil Storage
Weight: 2.55 lbs
Diameter: 19 x 16 x 5 inches with 8” wide drain opening
Capacity: 15 Quarts (3.75 gallons)
– fully enclosed for storage
– large drain opening can hold dirty oil filters
– includes a basket
Top Pick Large Volume Jobs

Lisle 17922 Drain Pan – 7.5 Gallons
Weight: 2.55 lbs
Diameter: 33″ x 22″ x 8″
Capacity: 30 Quarts (7.5 gallons)
– very large volume up to 7.5 gallons
– sturdy, thick plastic that doesn’t bend
– wide mouth
Top Pick – Small Volume Jobs

Custom Accessories 31118 Oil Drain Pan
Weight: 4.6 ounces

Diameter: 13 x 13 x 4.25 inches
Capacity: 6 Quarts (1.5 gallons)
– durable and sturdy
– affordable price point
Top Pick Low Profile Small Vehicles

OEM TOOLS 87017 Low Profile Oil Drain Pan 2.8 Quart,Black
Weight: 12.8 ounces
Dimensions: 15. 9 inches x 8. 5 inches x 2. ¾”
Capacity: 2.8 Quarts (.7 gallons)
– low profile of only 2 – 3/4 ” high
– gooseneck to extend reach
– chemical resistant plastic
Top Pick – Oil Change Kit

Groz No Mess Oil Change Kit with 4-1/4 Gallon Drain Pan
Diameter: 18” 
Height: 5.25”
Capacity: 18 Quarts (4.5 gallons)
– includes pan, reusable gloves, oil absorbent and blue towels
– large capacity
– 3 handles for easy lifting, emptying, and storage
Top Pick – For Measuring Fluids

OEM TOOLS 87013 Oil Drain Pan Clear with Level Scale
Dimensions: 13. 8 inch x 12. 6 inch Height:  5.1”
Capacity: 4.72 Quarts (1.18 gallons)
– transparent
– scale markings for taking fluid measurements
– filter drain shelf
Lumax LX-1629 Black 5 Gallon Plastic Oil Drain Pan with Wire Loop HandleWeight: 4.6 ounces
Diameter: 18” 
Height: 5.25”
Capacity: 20 Quarts (5 gallons)
– pull-out handle
– sturdy
– drain spout with rubber cap
Capri Tools CP21023 Portable Oil Drain Pan, Anti-FreezeWeight: 4.6 ounces
Diameter: 18” 
Height: 5.25”
Capacity: 18 Quarts (4.5 gallons)
– anti-splash lip edge
– 3 handles for easy lifting, emptying, and storage
– made of tough polyethylene for long-lasting durability

Top Overall Pick – ATD Tools 5184 Black Drain Pan – 4-1/2 Gallon Capacity

Weight:0.5 Pounds
Dimensions:6″ deep x 15.25″ diameter
Capacity:4 ½ Gallon

What We Like:

  • The design of the spout makes it easy for pouring oil without spilling
  • The molded handle makes it easy to hold when pouring the oil and when carrying it
  • Anti-splash lip prevents oil from spilling over the edge
  • A good size that will adequately hold all the oil that’s drained

What We Don’t Like:

Some consumers believe that it could be a bit wider in circumference although, at 15.25 inches wide and 6” deep, it’s a decent size

Summary:

There are many oil drain pans on the market, but not all of them have been designed to make it easy for the user to pour the oil from the pan into another container for disposal.

However, the designers of the ADT oil pan have taken that requirement into consideration and designed a handle and a spout that not only makes it easy to pour the oil into another container, but you can also easily do it without spilling the oil and making a huge mess.

These two features solve a real problem and that’s why we’ve made it our top pick.  

Other great features to keep in mind include the handy and ergonomic handles that make it easy to hold the pan, along with the large molded lip that keeps the oil in the pan when pouring! 

It’s also a thick and rigid container which means it won’t buckle when you fill it with oil.

Runner Up – Neiko 20762A Anti Splash Oil Drain Pan, 2 Gallon (8 Liter) Capacity

Weight: 1.25 lbs
Dimensions: 5″ deep x 18″ diameter bowl
Capacity: 2  Gallon

What We Like:

  • Made of high quality, recyclable plastic that is resistant to corrosion 
  • Curled edge prevents oil from splashing
  • Has 3 handles making it easy to grip and lift without spilling

What We Don’t Like

Smaller than the ATD Tools 5184 Black Drain Pan which has a 4 gallon capacity versus this pan which holds 2 gallons. Good idea to confirm how large of an oil pan you need for your vehicle.

Summary:

The Neiko 20762A oil drain pan is made of high quality, recyclable plastic that is resistant to corrosion which means your pan will remain durable even after being used time and time again for oil, gasoline, or antifreeze.

Because this pan has 3 handles, 1 large rear handle, and 2 front handles, it’s easier to carry when full of oil with less chance of you dropping or spilling it. And these handles work well for hanging the oil pan up when it’s not in use.

Consumers appreciate the anti-splash lip and the spout that makes it easy to pour the oil from the pan, without splashing and spilling.

Top Pick – Oil Drain Pan & Waste Storage – Lumax LX-1632 Black 15 Quart Drainmaster Drain Pan and Waste Oil Storage

Item Weight: 2.55 lbs
Diameter: 19 x 16 x 5 inches with 8” wide drain opening
Capacity:15 Quarts (3.75 gallons)

What We Like:

  • A great choice for collecting, storing, and disposing of oil due to the fully enclosed storage capability
  • Includes a catch-all basket to retrieve drain plugs and filter
  • The drain opening is large enough to hold dirty oil filters

What We Don’t Like:

A few consumers report that it leaks so it’s not wise to transport the oil in the pan but this is not uncommon with enclosed pans. 

Summary:

Some people prefer to have a self-contained oil drain storage pan for their drained oil because it makes it simpler for disposal.

With this type of oil drain pan, you don’t need to pour the oil from the drain pan into another container before taking it for disposal.

One unique feature with the Lumax LX-1632 is that it has two wheels, making it easy to adjust the position of the pan to ensure you’re catching, rather missing all the oil being drained.

This is a great design feature that simplifies what could otherwise be a tricky problem if you need to quickly re-position the pan.

Top Pick – Large Volume Jobs – Lisle 17922 Drain Pan – 7.5 Gallons

Item Weight: 2.55 lbs
Diameter:33″ x 22″ x 8″
Capacity:30 Quarts (7.5 gallons)

What We Like:

  • Large capacity, able to hold up to 7.5 gallons (30 quarts)
  • Very sturdy, thick plastic material
  • A wide mouth makes it easy to catch the oil even if not perfectly lined-up

What We Don’t Like:

This is a great oil drain pan if you need to drain a lot of oil, coolant, antifreeze, or other fluids but if you don’t need a 7.5-gallon capacity, this isn’t the pan for your job.

Summary:

Professional and home mechanics have amazing things to say about the Lisle 17922 Drain Pan – 7.5 Gallons, not just for draining oil but it’s great for coolant, antifreeze, transmission oil, and other fluids.

You may not have 7.5 gallons of oil to drain but if you want to be fairly certain that you’ll get most if not all of the oil into the pan, this is a great option.

It’s big, and as long as you have it reasonably positioned, it will catch the fluids.

Although this pan is really large, it has a low profile which makes it easy to maneuver from underneath most vehicles. You will likely have your car jacked up but nonetheless, the low profile gives it a low center of gravity with less of an opportunity for spilling. The low profile also makes it easier for storage, knowing that it’s easy to tuck away.

Top Pick – Small Volume Jobs – Custom Accessories 31118 Oil Drain Pan

Item Weight:4.6 ounces
Diameter: 13 x 13 x 4.25 inches
Capacity:6 Quarts (1.5 gallons)

What We Like:

  • Durable and sturdy
  • Perfect for low volume liquid draining
  • Affordable price point

What We Don’t Like

  • Doesn’t have any handles
  • Only suitable for draining smaller volumes of oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze

Summary:

If you’re looking for a sturdy oil drain pan at an affordable price point that is just large enough for small-ish amounts of fluid, whether its oil, transmission fluid, or antifreeze, this is the oil drain pan for you. 

The Custom Accessories 31118 Oil Drain Pan is simple yet strong enough to hold up to 6 quarts of fluid without bending, making it perfect for draining fluids from a small car, a motorcycle, scooter, or a lawnmower.

It doesn’t have the more admirable design of some other more expensive oil drain pains, such as handles and a lip edge but it’s a great option at a fantastic price point that makes it almost a consumable but you’ll be able to use it many times.

Consumers appreciate this pan for what it is – a great pan that will do the job well and not cost you a fortune.

Top Pick Low Profile Small Vehicles – OEM TOOLS 87017 Low Profile Oil Drain Pan 2.8 Quart,Black

Weight: 12.8 ounces
Dimensions: 15. 9 inches x 8. 5 inches x 2. ¾”
Capacity:2.8 Quarts (0.7 gallons)

What We Like:

  • The low profile of only 2 ¾” will accommodate most vehicles
  • Gooseneck extends your reach
  • Made of heavy-duty chemical resistant plastic

What We Don’t Like:

Doesn’t have a spout to make pouring easier

Summary:

If you have an ATV, motorcycle, or a lawnmower that needs the oil or other fluids drained, the OEM TOOLS 87017 Low Profile Oil Drain Pan will work perfectly.

Consumers who bought this pan and knew how much fluid they needed to drain, are very satisfied because it’s a sturdy, durable product that will last. 

However, if you don’t know the volume of fluid to be drained, you might want to figure that out before you buy this oil drain pan or any other.

This low profile pan is designed to fit under vehicles where a larger scale pan won’t easily fit so although it only holds 2.8 quartz, it does its job well.

Top Pick – Oil Change Kit Groz No Mess Oil Change Kit with 4-1/4 Gallon Drain Pan

Dimensions:18″ diameter x 5.25″ high
Capacity:18 Quarts (4.5 gallons)

What We Like:

  • Includes the oil drain pan, reusable gloves, oil absorbent, and blue towels
  • Large capacity that will handle most jobs
  • Three handles for easy lifting and emptying

Summary:

This is an interesting option because not only do you get the oil drain pan but you also get the gloves, the towels, and the oil absorbent. 

If you don’t have any of these accessories but think they would be handy, it seems like buying this kit would be good value. I mean, who doesn’t want to get more bang for the buck? And if you don’t use anything but the Groz oil drain pan, then you can use the other items another time.

Top Pick – For Measuring Fluids – OEM TOOLS 87013 Oil Drain Pan Clear with Level Scale

Dimensions: 13. 8 inch x 12. 6 inch
Height: 5.1”
Capacity:4.72 Quarts (1.18 gallons)

What We Like:

  • Transparent design to easily see volume levels from the sides
  • Easy to read built-in scale for taking fluid measurements
  • The filter drain shelf makes it easy and mess-free to drain

What We Don’t Like:

Some consumers report that it’s a bit difficult to read the measurements

Summary: 

Consumers who need to know how much fluid has been drained will appreciate the OEM TOOLS oil drain pan because of the measurements. And since it’s transparent, you can actually see the amount of drained fluid.  This is extremely helpful if you need to replace the same amount of fluid.

Lumax LX-1629 Black 5 Gallon Plastic Oil Drain Pan with Wire Loop Handle

Weight: 4.6 ounces
Dimensions:Diameter: 18” Height: 5.25”
Capacity: 20 Quarts (5 gallons)

What We Like:

  • Handy pull-out handle for easy sliding or pulling from under your vehicle
  • Extremely sturdy and won’t easily bend
  • Drain spout with rubber cap

What We Don’t Like:

No place to put the oil filter when draining

Summary:

Consumers appreciate the simplicity of the Lumax LX-1629 oil drain pan and some have gone far enough to say that it’s the most durable on the market. Wow, these must be some serious professional mechanics and DIYers!

It will hold up to 5 gallons which is most likely enough volume for most jobs and the drain spout simplifies draining the oil out of it when it comes time for disposal. 

And the wire handle makes it easy to slide or remove from under your vehicle, with less chance of spillage happening. 

Capri Tools CP21023 Portable Oil Drain Pan, Anti-Freeze

Item Weight: 4.6 ounces
Dimensions:Diameter: 18” Height: 5.25”
Capacity: 18 Quarts (4.5 gallons)

What We Like:

  • Anti-splash lip edge
  • Large rear handle with two smaller handles at the front
  • Made of tough polyethylene material for long-lasting durability

What We Don’t Like:

The drain spout is square which may not fit inside a drain container

Summary:

The Capri Tools CP21023 oil drain pan is sturdy, doesn’t flex or bend, and has a drain spout that makes pouring easy and mess-free. 

Consumers rave about this oil drain pan (didn’t know people could get so excited about an oil drain pan but they do) because it’s large enough for most jobs and although it’s probably a bit too large for many jobs, consumers appreciate that they can move the pan around without the oil splashing out because the 5.25” height with an 18” diameter, allows for plenty of movement of fluids.


Best Oil Drain Pan Buyer’s Guide

What Is An Oil Drain Pan And Why Do You Need One?

An oil drain pan is a container that is specifically designed to catch the oil as it’s being drained from your vehicle.

It has specific features, depending on the style, such as handles and a spout, making an oil drain pan a great tool that will help make your oil drain job simpler.

An oil drain pan that is properly designed will hold the oil that you drain and will be sturdy enough that it won’t bend when you lift it, saving you tons of time and energy in clean-up. 

Just be sure that you check your owner’s manual to know how much oil will drain and then buy a pan that is large enough with a bit of extra room for movement for when you’re sliding the pan around or lifting it up.


5 Benefits Of Using Oil Drain Pans

When you buy an oil drain pan you’ll get these 5 benefits:

1.Little to no spillage if you buy the right volume capacity  – If you buy an oil drain pan that can hold the entire volume of oil that your draining, you are less likely to have spillage.

2.Less chance of missing the pan, if you buy the right diameter – It’s all about choosing an oil pan that is the right diameter so that actually draining the oil into the pan is easier and you have a 99% chance of getting 99% of the oil into the pan.

If in doubt, look for a pan with a wide diameter so you improve your chance of placing the pan in a location that will catch the majority of the oil.

If you don’t have a large volume of oil to drain, a really large pan might seem like overkill but it should make draining the oil simpler with less mess.

3.Easier Disposal – There are oil drain pans that have a drain or pour spout and either one will make it easier to pour the oil into a container for disposal.

4.No need to buy and use oil extractors – I’m not sure why someone would choose to not buy an oil drain pan, and use an oil extractor instead-but draining is a better strategy for ensuring proper removal.

5.Reusable – If you buy a good quality oil drain pan, you will get plenty of use out.


5 Things To Look For In A Good Oil Drain Pan

Here are 5 things to look for when choosing a good oil drain pan:

1. Handles: There are many oil drain pans that don’t have handles but if you can find a model that has at least one handle, then sliding or picking up the pan will be much easier with less chance of spilling oil or dropping the pan.

There are some models that have three handles, a large one at the back and two smaller ones at the front. This type gives you a few different choices for easily maneuvering the pan and then the handles can be used to hang the pan up when it’s not being used.

2.Built-in Storage: Some oil drain pans have a shelf which makes it very convenient for draining the oil filter. If you plan to remove your filter and drain it (which you probably should), then an oil drain pan with a shelf will make this a simpler process. You can remove the filter, leave it on the shelf, and let it drain.

3.Sturdy and Durable Material – When looking to buy an oil drain pan, look for one that is very sturdy and will hold a large volume of oil without bending. Most cars hold at least 5 quarts of oil which will weigh 10 pounds. Not overly heavy but heavy enough that you want to ensure you have a pan that will not give out on you.

Many pans appear to have a thick base and sides which suggests that it will be very sturdy but this is not always the case. Remember that you don’t want a pan that has any flex to it. Once it’s full of oil, it will be heavy and you don’t want to risk the pan bending and the oil spilling out. 

4.Size And Capacity – Check with your vehicle’s owner manual to confirm how much oil your car holds and then ensure that you buy an oil drain pan that will easily hold the oil and allow some extra room at the top.

If the pan holds just the right volume, then you might find that the oil spills out over the top as you try to slide it out from underneath your car, truck, or SUV.

Another factor to consider is the actual depth of the pan. Unless the pan is really large in diameter for the volume of oil that you need to drain, consider choosing a pan that is at least 5.5 or 6” deep.

5.Spout: Another great feature of an oil drain pan is a spout. Although there are plenty of pans without a spout, it just makes sense to have one with a spout of some sort whether it’s a drain or pour spout.

A drain spout looks similar to a tap with a cap. You remove the cap and oil drains out.

A pour spout looks similar to a spout on a jug where you actually lift the pan and pour the oil out.


How To Clean Oil Spills Off Your Driveway

Here are 3 different methods that explain how to clean oil off your driveway:

  1. For fresh or particularly stubborn stains: Use the poultice method
  2. For small stains: Use the common household detergent method
  3. For large stains: Buy a degreaser or a microbial cleaner

Learn more about how to remove oil from your driveway


FAQs

How long does it take for oil to drain into the oil pan?

How long it takes for the oil to drain into the oil pan partially depends on how much oil you are draining. Expect it to take anywhere from 5 – 10 minutes, knowing that if you have a large vehicle with a lot of oil, it will take longer.

How do I know if my car has an oil leak?

You’ll know that your car has an oil leak if:

1. Dark brown or yellow stain, that don’t evaporate, where you’ve park your car
2. Smoke from the engine
3. The dashboard oil light is on
4. Engine is overheating
5. Burning oil smell

What causes engine oil leaks?

Most engine oil leaks are caused by degraded engine gaskets, oil pan leaks, oil seals, or bad connections. You can further determine where an oil leak is coming from by checking the oil pan seals, the oil drain plug, the timing cover seal, and the valve cover gaskets. It’s also possible that an engine oil leak is being caused by an old oil filter that has become clogged.


How to change your engine oil

This video provides 5 tips for changing your oil:

Don’t forget to read your owner’s manual to understand any special instructions, learn where the oil cap is located, and to find out how much oil you’ll be draining.

You’ll want to be sure that you’ve bought an oil drain pan that will be large enough to hold all the oil without overflowing or spilling when you move the pan.


Summary – The 10 Best Oil Drain Pans

We’ve provided you with a list of the 10 best oil drain pans.

Determining which is the best oil drain pan for your job will depend partly on your budget but it will also largely on how much oil you need to drain and whether you need it to be easily lifted and moved around.

If you don’t have a lot of oil to drain, somewhere below 5 quarts, then the Custom Accessories 31118 pan will work well.

But, if you have a large amount of oil to drain, an oil drain pan such as the Lisle 179222 is a sure bet because of it’s extremely large holding capacity of 30 quarts.

Our Top Overall Pick, the ATD Tools 5184 is a great choice because it holds 18 quarts which is plenty of room for most oil drain jobs. It also has 3 handles and a pour spout to help when it’s time for emptying the pan into a container for disposal.