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Ben Kasierski is a North Carolina native who covers the latest automotive and motorcycle products. He has tested hundreds of car detailing products – including tire shines, car wash soaps, and full detailing kits – as well as gadgets to make life easier for the everyday driver like key finders and GPS trackers. Automatic Grease Lubrication
An oil extractor suited for beginners and professionals alike.
An oil extractor with cleanup features that prevent messes.
An oil extractor for those who prefer to do less manual pumping.
A pneumatic oil extractor that can be used with an air compressor.
A lightweight oil extractor for use in the garage and beyond.
Performing a DIY fluid change on your vehicle’s engine can get messy – especially when removing oil. Oil extractors eliminate this stress by pumping out used oil and storing it away so it can be recycled later. Using an oil extractor not only speeds up the fluid extraction process, it also reduces the chances of ruining your driveway or garage with an oil spill.
Our review team has tested and reviewed the best oil extractors available to help you get started on your next oil change. We break down each of our choices based on their portability, ease of use, and more to help you make an informed decision on your next oil extraction tool.
For this review, our team thoroughly tested and evaluated each oil extractor based on each item’s ease of assembly, extraction speed, and potential spillage. The scores in each category are compiled into a single overall rating that ranges from 1.0 to 5.0 stars.
We named the OEMTools, HT Moto, Performance Tool, EWK, and Airpower America as the best-rated oil extractors on the market in 2023.
*Because cost data fluctuates, the prices in the table above are approximate values that our team regularly updates.
After considering factors such as ease of assembly, build quality, customer ratings, and prices, our product testing team ordered the oil extractors that best met these standards. A team member tested each product, taking note of how easily the extractor assembled, how long it took to pump a quart of oil, and how easy it was to empty. Each oil extractor was given a rating out of 5.0 stars based on these criteria.
Learn more about how we tested oil extractors here.
The OEMTools Manual Fluid Extractor is our top choice for the best oil extractor. Not only can it remove engine oil, it’s also safe to use for evacuating transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, gear oil, coolant, and other fluids with low viscosity.
You can see how the OEMTools performed in each of our testing categories below:
This fluid evacuator is designed as a single-piece construction unit with an automatic flow control valve to prevent spills and overflows that can soil your floor. It’s also equipped with an oversized handle for better grip. Below are the pros and cons of OEMTools:
We recommend the OEMTools Manual Fluid Extractor for anyone looking to complete an at-home oil change for the first or 10th time. It’s easy to learn how to use and takes very little time to complete an extraction.
Assembly: We had very little trouble assembling the OEMTools oil extractor. One feature we’re especially fond of is the extractor’s hand pump, which is sturdy and consistent while pumping.
Speed: Using this tool, we were able to pump a full quart of oil in less than a few minutes. Getting the flow started only took a few quick pumps.
Cleanliness: After the draining was complete, we were able to dispose of our used oil with a precise pour thanks to the OEMTools extractor’s lightweight build.
Many positive reviews come from customers who have never owned or used an oil extractor before. These same customers praise this tool for its no-hassle operation. Some negative reviews claim that the hose and dipstick tube work for small engines but are not long enough to reach into larger ones.
The HT Moto Oil Extractor is made entirely of plastic, which makes cleanup a breeze compared to metal extractors. Thanks to its compact size, this device can be used for cars, boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, and much more.
You can see how the HT Moto performed in each of our testing categories below:
A pour spout is included with HT Moto’s extractor to help reduce oil spillage. This extractor also comes equipped with a pour handle for trouble-free transportation. Below are the pros and cons of HT Moto:
Because of its size and intuitiveness, the HT Moto Oil Extractor is a good one to check out if you want to prevent oil spills in your garage. This extractor is perfect for first-time oil extractor buyers as well.
Assembly: The only flaw our review team found with the HT Moto extractor was that its components needed to be manually attached and did not come with a storage bag. Considering how many parts come with this extractor, we saw how it could be easy to accidentally misplace one.
Speed: We were able to pump a quart of oil in slightly over five minutes. We recommend using two hands while pumping, as the handle wobbles after excessive movement.
Cleanliness: Removing and storing the oil was easy thanks to this extractor’s size and pour components.
Customers say the pump takes more than the manufacturer-recommended amount of strokes in order to create a steady vacuum. Besides this, most reviews compliment this extractor for its tidiness during cleanup and straightforward operation.
With its 12.0-volt DC motor, the Performance Tool Electronic Oil Extraction Pump can remove up to 3.0 quarts of motor oil per minute. Because it’s electric, this extractor’s motor doesn’t need to be primed and can run for minutes at a time.
You can see how the Performance Tool performed in each of our testing categories below:
For power, the Performance Tool extractor relies on its attachment cables to connect to a vehicle’s battery. It’s a handheld-sized device, so storage and cleaning take little time compared to larger pumps.
The Performance Tool Electronic Oil Extraction Pump is recommended for those who prefer speed over manual labor. The only major downside is that this pump requires other accessories to be used to its full potential.
Assembly: Assembling this oil extractor wasn’t very difficult for our product tester, but it did require us to hook the device to our car’s battery. This extractor doesn’t come with any sort of storage, so we had to reuse one of the storage gallons from the other extractors in this roundup to collect our used oil.
Speed: The Performance Tool device was the fastest of our extractors when it came to pumping oil. It removed a full quart in less than a minute.
Cleanliness: We were able to dispose of our oil but this required using a separate container, so be prepared to have one ready.
A few of the most shared reviews claim that this device works well for changing oil on boats and small watercraft. Many customers commend this pump’s flow rate. A frequent complaint from dissatisfied customers is that this extractor doesn’t work well for removing other engine fluids.
Complete with both air-powered and manual modes, the EWK Pneumatic Oil Extractor Pump can use compressed air to speed up the extraction process. It’s also equipped with an eagle-mouth-shaped spout to make pouring more efficient.
You can see how the EWK performed in each of our testing categories below:
EWK’s extractor comes with two different-sized hoses that both reach deep into the bottom of storage tanks. The sealing cap on the extractor is attached to the storage compartment to prevent spilling during transport. Below are the pros and cons of EWK:
Take a look at the EWK Pneumatic Oil Extractor Pump if you own an air compressor and want to speed up your oil change. It’s also a great addition to any professional mechanic’s garage.
Assembly: It took very little time to set up the EWK extractor since most of it came pre-assembled. Attaching the hose extenders took extra effort since they didn’t want to stay connected to the main tube.
Speed: We used the EWK on manual mode for pumping and found that it had a decent flow rate. We were able to extract a quart of oil in about four minutes.
Cleanliness: Pouring the oil from this extractor without spilling any was very difficult due to its size.
EWK Pneumatic: What Customers Are Saying
There are multiple reviews that say this extractor pairs well with almost any compressor for a quick extraction process. Customers are also fond of the sturdy build of the EWK device. A few customers complain that the extension hoses don’t connect properly.
While most oil extractors are designed to sit in the garage, the Airpower America FloTool Topsider Pump is made to fit in the back of your car. Its 8.0-quart tank is light and mobile, plus the canister has a carrying handle and lid for easy transport.
See how the Airpower America performed in each of our testing categories below:
This oil extractor has a wide 12.0-inch base to prevent spills. Attached to the hose is a manual shutoff valve that can be activated in seconds. Below are the pros and cons of Airpower America:
Consider checking out the Airpower America FloTool Topsider Pump if you need an on-the-go oil extractor for road trips or other long journeys away from the garage. This extractor also works well for changing the oil in boats.
Assembly: Our product tester was able to assemble this oil extractor in less than a few minutes thanks to its limited design.
Speed: Its flow rate was relatively low and required more strokes than the other pumps we tested to prime.
Cleanliness: Getting a clean pour from the Topsider extractor was also a challenge. Its mouth port is awkwardly poised on the canister, which made us unsure when the oil would actually pour and at what rate.
Some customers warn that the Topsider’s hose disconnects easily, which creates spills or gets the hose stuck in the oil compartment. Others recommend tightening the pump with a wrench to get the best seal and reduce the number of pumps for priming.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or purchasing a replacement pump, keep reading for more information on oil extractors and their functions.
What Is An Oil Extractor?
An oil extractor is a device used to drain engine oil and other fluids from your vehicle. This device works by sucking the oil from the crankcase through a thin tube inserted into the dipstick opening. The pump creates a vacuum that pulls the warm oil into a separate container, which can then be recycled properly.
Different Types Of Oil Extractors
Manual oil extractors require users to pump a handle that creates vacuum pressure, which pulls oil from the engine. Some only require a few pumps for a steady flow while others require constant pumping. These pumps are highly portable and tend to store a tank’s worth of oil, but can be tiresome for daily use.
Electric oil extractors require 12.0 volts of power to function, which can typically be used from a vehicle’s battery (many electric pumps come included with attachment cables). They efficiently pump oil, but can struggle with large quantities and usually require an external storage container for the oil.
Pneumatic oil extractors are attached to an external air compressor in order to pump oil. Although they pump quickly, using these devices requires access to a large air compressor, as smaller ones won’t do. They’re good for everyday use in a shop but are not portable.
Storage: In order to ensure a clean extraction, oil must be safely stored. Certain features such as a flow control valve and automatic shutoff can stop oil from flowing to prevent an overfill. A pour spout can also make for clean transferring of used oil.
Portability: Oil extractor pumps must be lightweight and easy to move so the oil in them can be moved. Cylindrical pumps may be taller than spherical pumps, but that doesn’t always mean they have more capacity. Most portable pumps tend to be manually powered.
In this article, along with sharing helpful purchasing tips for those interested in purchasing an oil extractor, we reviewed the top five oil extractors in 2023:
Below are some common frequently asked questions about oil extractors:
Oil extractors remove almost all of the oil, but the oil drain method tends to leave the least amount of oil sitting in your vehicle’s engine. The oil drain method takes more careful planning and makes collecting used oil more difficult than using an extractor.
A warm engine’s worth of oil takes about five minutes to be fully evacuated when using an oil extractor. This time varies depending on the oil, extractor, and amount of oil in your vehicle.
Most modern lubricants should be replaced every 5,000.0 to 7,500.0 miles. Some full synthetic oils can last up to 15,000.0 miles depending on how frequently your vehicle is driven.
No, extracting oil from your engine will not damage it. The extractor’s low vacuum pressure is not enough to affect the quality of your oil tank, or the drain tube. If you want to be extra cautious, readjust the oil fill cap while extracting to equalize the pressure of the oil compartment.
Other than an oil pan and oil extractors, you can also use items like straws, corncobs, and peat moss to soak up oil from a spill.
The best oil extractors are relatively inexpensive with most clocking in around $50 to under $100, with one of our top picks priced under $30. Of course, prices can fluctuate depending on features and capacity.
Each oil extractor was assembled according to the manufacturer’s instructions. We then used each extractor to pump 1.0 quart of warmed synthetic oil and timed how long it took to empty its contents. After being filled, each pump was emptied and cleaned according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Assembly: The first step to using any oil extractor is putting it together. We tested each oil extractor by putting them together properly, determining both difficulty and time elapsed, while using the manufacturer’s instructions if included in our purchase. The oil extractors that were easiest to assemble and put together scored highest in this category.
Speed: When using an oil extractor, you want a quick and easy process to get the job done in no time. By comparing how quickly each product extracted oil during our testing process, we could accurately rank each oil extractor according to speed. The oil extractors that performed the quickest scored highest in this category.
Cleanliness: When handling oils and other liquids in your car, the process should be clean and not require much tidying up afterward. The oil extractors that were easiest to clean up and pour oil out of for proper disposal scored highest in this category during our testing process.
We want to honestly evaluate and compare each oil extractor and all products in our reviews. To do this, star ratings help us rank and differentiate between the top products on the market. For the oil extractors in this review, we calculated an average of 4.5 out of 5.0 stars.
Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.
We publish hundreds of product and service reviews to bring car enthusiasts detailed guides on automotive tools, detailing kits, car seats, pet products, and much more. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here .
*Data accurate at time of publication. Products subject to availability.
Ben Kasierski is a North Carolina native who covers the latest automotive and motorcycle products. He has tested hundreds of car detailing products – including tire shines, car wash soaps, and full detailing kits – as well as gadgets to make life easier for the everyday driver like key finders and GPS trackers.
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