If you prefer to do the maintenance on your vehicle instead of trusting the task to someone else, there are some devices that will make the jobs a lot easier. For example, if you prefer to change the oil on your truck, motorcycle, or lawn equipment, it can be quite messy. It’s easy for fluids to drip and spill on your vehicle, the floor, and yourself. You can always go to a repair shop, but it’s less expensive to do the job yourself. Investing in a good-quality oil extractor can make a big difference.
These units can be manually operated or performed with the use of pneumatic or electrical assistance, depending on what suits your needs. We feature some of the best oil extractors available in our buying guide.
We took many factors into consideration when compiling our list of the best oil extractors. We made sure to include units from well-known manufacturers who have a reputation for producing high-quality equipment. We avoided products from unknown brands or those with a lot of negative reviews. We also chose products at a wide range of prices, so they suit a variety of budgets. How they perform in real-world conditions was crucial to their inclusion in this buying guide. We also made sure these extractors were built with high-quality materials, were easy to use, and were relatively clean to operate.
Best Oil Extractors Reviews & Recommendations
1. HT Moto Oil Extractor
The reliable Hydro-Turf Oil Extractor gets the job done. Like many of the other products on this list, it works using a vacuum to trigger suction. It’s designed to be spill and mess proof and can contain up to 6 liters of fluids in its reservoir. You can use it on a car, motorcycle, ATV, snowmobile, or boat, making it a versatile option. It easily drains your oil as long as it’s properly warmed up. Once you get the suction started, it does the rest by itself and drains the oil into the pan. It features a pour spout for less mess and takes at most 20 minutes to get the job done. Afterward, you can detach the pump from the unit, so it’s easier to store.
PROS
- Quick and easy
- Simple to use
- Pump works great
- Removable pump
- Pour spout for emptying
CONS
- Seal under hand pump isn’t durable
- Flawed design
2. Air Power America Topsider Multipurpose Oil Extractor
To avoid engine malfunctions and less-than-ideal performance, consider using the Airpower America Topsider Multipurpose extractor.This device aids in removing oil with the use of a vacuum, and no electricity is required. This budget-friendly oil extractor is portable and easy to take on the go, which makes it one of the most convenient options on our list. Its size makes it simple to use in tight spaces, and yet it still functions as well as larger units. The device has a 12-inch-diameter base, so you don’t have to worry about it being unstable and accidentally spilling. It features an 8-quart reservoir to contain liquid/oil and serves as a good container for disposal. You can use this extractor on automobiles as well as boats. It typically takes just 10 minutes to get the job done.
PROS
- Prevents spills and messes
- Simple to use
- Easily stored
- No electricity required
- Stable and sturdy base
- Portable
CONS
- Won’t work on all cars
- Unsuitable handle
3. Stens LiquiVac Oil Extractor
If you’re looking for efficiency, the Stens LiquiVac Oil Extractor is a great go-to product. The unit has a reliable reputation and won’t leave a mess in your engine bay or on the garage floor. This extractor provides a quick cleanup, and the fluids that you want to dispose of are emptied into a sturdy container. It operates using a vacuum and doesn’t require any electricity. It requires about 40 pump strokes to start functioning, and once the suction starts, it drains small engines in less than 10 minutes. Larger engines can take as long as 20 minutes before they’re completely drained. The extractor has an eight-quart reservoir, yet it’s portable enough to fit in confined spaces. We like that it includes a special narrow suction hose to fit dipstick tubes and is a great option for cars, trucks, and boats.
PROS
- Easy to use
- Easy to store
- No electricity required
- Portable
CONS
- Handle bulb isn’t sturdy
- Reservoir could be more translucent
4. EWK Pneumatic/Manual Oil Extractor
Two modes make this extractor a great option for many users. The EWK Pneumatic/Manual Vacuum Fluid Extractor Pump features both pneumatic and manual modes, giving you two options when it comes to removing oil. Pneumatic mode requires electrical power, which you likely have access to in your garage or workshop. Pneumatic mode quickly extracts fluids at about 1.8 liters per minute. If you prefer manual mode or don’t have access to a power source, it can still get the job done and extract oil within a short period of time. The extractor comes with two extension hoses to complete the task, and since the unit is so small and lightweight, it’s easy to store. It’s compatible with engine oil, transmission fluid, gear oil, coolant, and power steering fluid. You can drain oil on your car, motorcycle, lawn mower, boat, or jet ski with ease.
PROS
- Fast evacuation speed
- Heat-resistant tank
- Great for cars, trucks, lawn mowers, and boats
CONS
- No cap from the opening
- Does not include instructions
5. Mityvac Manual Fluid Evacuator Plus
The Mityvac Fluid Evacuator Plus is one of the best options for draining oil and transmission fluid. Even if you are inexperienced at car maintenance, it will take just minutes to change the oil. The unit has a 2.3-gallon capacity and does more than just extract fluid and put it into a suitable dispenser. It also puts new fluids into the vehicle.
The device has a rust- and corrosion-resistant polyethylene reservoir. It comes with dipsticks for smoother operation, and it features an automatic flow control valve that closes when the fluid has filled up the reservoir. It’s designed to clear out your oil tank and remove impurities that may cause problems for the motor. The pump is operated manually, so you don’t need compressed air or electricity for it to function.
PROS
- Cleans without mess
- Durable, rust-free reservoir
- Simple to operate
- Large container
- Three dipstick tubes
CONS
- No pressure gauge
- Plastic parts are not sturdy
- Instruction manual unclear
6. Jabsco DIY Oil Changer
The Jabsco DIY Engine Oil Change System is another great pick for personal use. This DIY unit can be used on boats as well as motor vehicles, snowmobiles, and lawn equipment. It’s easy to use the bucket, and the process is fairly clean with little mess. It takes just a few minutes to extract oil, and even though it’s best to do so when the fluid is warm, it can also do the job when it’s cold. Overall, it will save you time compared to some rival products, and since it’s so simple to use, it makes the chore less of a hassle. The unit can feel a little top heavy when it’s empty, however, and the wires may be a little too short for some applications.
PROS
- Pump works great
- Clean and tidy
- Powerful suction
- Heat-resistant
- Wide range of applications
CONS
- Wires too short
- Stiff copper tubes
Our Verdict
Our pick for the best oil extractor is the Mityvac Oil Extractor. You can use it to drain engine oil as well as transmission fluid, and it takes just minutes to complete the task. It also has an automatic control valve for safety once fluid fills the reservoir. For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Air Power America Topsider Multipurpose Oil Extractor.
What to Consider When Buying Oil Extractors
Oil extractors are available in three types: manual, pneumatic, and electric. Manual ones involve pumping a handle and the use of a vacuum for suction. You can use these devices nearly anywhere, but they would be a bit of a hassle if you needed to use them every day. Pneumatic devices operate using compressed air, making them ideal for professional use. Electrical extractors can be hooked up to a vehicle’s battery and are common in boats but can also be used in cars and trucks. Once you determine what type of extractor you need, you should consider the following factors before making a purchase.
Oil Extractors Key Features
Ease of Use
Extracting oil should not be a complicated task. The unit you purchase should be easy to use, particularly if it’s your first time completing the job. In addition, you may want an extractor that doesn’t have a big footprint or takes up a lot of storage space. The more portable it is, the better, so you look at its size and weight. This is important if you’re going to take the unit with you to another location.
Reservoir Size
If possible, choose an extractor that will allow you to empty all of your vehicle’s oil into the reservoir at once. Otherwise, it can get a little messy and become a bit of a hassle.
Safety
The best oil extractors have fail-safe features such as a flow control valve or automatic shutoff response. These features instantly cut off the oil flow in order to prevent the device from spilling. In other words, once the reservoir is filled, the extractor will no longer keep pumping oil into it. Also, look for extractors with a suction pipe that moves the oil from the engine into the disposal unit. Some require you to pour out the oil instead, which can be messier and cause spills.
Pricing
Many oil extractors are fairly affordable and cost between $50 and $80. Most of the less-expensive options are operated manually, so keep that in mind. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a good device. Those on the higher end (more than $100) may have larger reservoirs to contain more oil and maybe pneumatic or electrical, which makes them quicker and easier to use. If you only need the extractor for occasional use, you can get by with a less-expensive option because it can get the job done, albeit a little slower than some premium options.
