How to Choose the Right Waste Oil Heater for Your Shop

A waste oil heater is a game-changer for any auto shop. It keeps your space warm in the winter while cutting down on waste oil disposal costs. But not all waste oil heaters are built the same. You need one that fits your shop’s size, waste oil supply, and heating needs without overpaying or dealing with constant maintenance.

Let’s break down what you should look for to get the best waste oil heater for your shop.

How Big Is Your Shop?

Size matters when it comes to picking the right heater. Go too small, and you’ll be freezing all winter. Go too big, and you’re wasting oil and money.

Waste oil heaters are rated by BTUs (British Thermal Units)—the higher the BTU, the more heat it puts out. Here’s what you need based on your shop size:

XT-75 (75,000 BTU) – Heats up to 1,700 sq. ft. → View Here
XT-150 (150,000 BTU) – Heats up to 3,500 sq. ft. → View Here
XT-200 (200,000 BTU) – Heats up to 5,000 sq. ft. → View Here
XT-250 (250,000 BTU) – Heats up to 8,500 sq. ft. → View Here
XT-300 (300,000 BTU) – Heats up to 10,000 sq. ft. → View Here

Need a ductable option to push heat where you need it? Check out the XTD-Series Ductable Heaters → View Here.

If your shop has ceilings higher than 14’ or poor insulation, you may need to size up to keep things warm.

What Features Matter Most?

Not all waste oil heaters come with the same features. Some make life easier, while others are must-haves for efficiency and reliability.

Automatic Fuel Flow & Preheaters
Waste oil thickens in cold weather, making it harder to burn. A built-in preheater warms up the oil before combustion, ensuring it burns cleanly and consistently. This prevents clogs and burner shutdowns in freezing temperatures. Heaters with automatic fuel flow adjust the oil intake based on demand, keeping performance steady without manual adjustments.
Large Ash Pan & Easy Maintenance
Burning waste oil produces ash and carbon buildup, which needs regular cleaning. A large ash pan reduces how often you need to empty it, saving time and hassle. Models with tool-free access panels make it easy to clean out the combustion chamber and keep the burner running at peak efficiency. Some higher-end models even have self-cleaning features to further cut down on maintenance.
Multi-Oil Compatibility
Not all waste oil heaters can handle different oil types. If your shop collects used motor oil, hydraulic oil, transmission fluid, make sure your heater is rated for mixed fuels. A good multi-oil-compatible heater prevents clogging and ensures a steady burn, regardless of the oil type.

Lanair Waste oil Heaters burn a mix of fluids including fully synthetic oil.
Built-In Air Compressor
Some waste oil heaters require an external air compressor to regulate the fuel-to-air mixture for combustion. If your shop doesn’t already have one, consider a heater with a built-in air compressor. This feature ensures consistent fuel atomization for cleaner, more efficient burns without needing extra shop equipment.
UL-Listed & EPA-Approved
Safety and compliance are essential. A UL-listed heater meets strict fire safety standards, ensuring it won’t pose a hazard in your shop. EPA-approved models meet environmental regulations, keeping your shop compliant with waste oil disposal laws. All Lanair heaters meet or exceed these safety and efficiency standards.
Ductable Options for Better Heat Distribution
If you have a large or oddly shaped shop, a ductable waste oil heater can help push heat where you need it most. The Lanair XTD-Series offers ductable options, allowing you to route warm air to multiple areas without needing multiple heaters. This setup is perfect for larger facilities or shops with separate workspaces.

Where Will You Install It?

Your heater needs proper ventilation, clearance for safety, and easy access for maintenance. It also requires a vertical vent through the roof to ensure proper draft and prevent exhaust buildup. Some models allow for side venting through a wall, but always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to keep things running safely.

If you need to push heat to multiple areas in your shop, ductable systems like the XTD-Series are a great option.

What’s Your Budget?

Waste oil heaters pay for themselves, but the upfront cost varies based on size and features. Here’s what to expect:

XT-75 (75,000 BTU) → ~$3,500 – $4,500
XT-150 (150,000 BTU) → ~$4,500 – $6,000
XT-200 (200,000 BTU) → ~$6,000 – $8,000
XT-250 (250,000 BTU) → ~$8,000 – $10,000
XT-300 (300,000 BTU) → ~$10,000 – $12,000

Factor in installation materials (venting, fuel lines, storage tanks, etc.) and any optional accessories. If you don’t want to pay all at once, Lanair offers financing to spread out the cost.

Why Choose Lanair?

Lanair has been the go-to brand for waste oil heaters for nearly 50 years. They’ve built their reputation as the preferred choice for DIY shop owners because their heaters are designed for easy installation and maintenance.

Here’s why shop owners trust Lanair:

Factory Direct Pricing – No middleman, just the best deal straight from the manufacturer.
DIY-Friendly – Everything you need for setup comes in the box, no expensive contractor required.
Lifetime Phone Support – Got a question? Call anytime. Their team is ready to help for the life of your heater.
Industry-Leading Warranty – One of the best warranties out there, so you know your investment is protected.

Lanair’s XT-Series heaters are cost-effective, easy to install, and built to last. If you need to heat multiple areas, their XTD-Series ductable heaters are a great option.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right waste oil heater is simple—just match your shop size, oil supply, and heating needs to the right model. A properly sized heater will keep your shop warm all winter without wasting oil or money.

A waste oil heater pays for itself in a few seasons, keeping your shop comfortable while cutting down on heating costs. Once you’ve picked the right one, check out our Waste Oil Heater Installation Guide to make sure your shop is ready to go.