Best Waste Oil Heaters for Auto Shops
Auto shops drain out gallons of used oil, then brace for winter and the heating costs that come with it. Those two problems are more connected than they look. A waste oil heater links them and turns the oil you’re already collecting into the heat your shop keeps losing.
Lanair’s XT-Series covers just about every auto shop setup: small bay, mid-size, busy garage, big open building. Knowing which one lines up with yours makes the whole decision much easier and more successful in heating your space.
Lanair XT-75 – For Small Shops or Single Bays
The XT-75 is the smallest unit in the XT line and is used in shops that only need heat in a localized area or when oil volume is modest. It fits into tight corners without cutting any!
- 75,000 BTU
- 1,700 sq. ft. heating capacity
- Fuel input (GPH): 0.54
- Burns mixed waste oils
- Lower airflow appropriate for single-zone heat
Lanair XT-150 – Mid-Size Shop Starter Option
The XT-150 is sized for two-bay and similar mid-size layouts where a single small heater will not cover the area. It doubles the BTU output of the XT-75 but keeps the same physical dimensions and service layout.
- 150,000 BTU
- 3,500 sq. ft. heating capacity
- Fuel input (GPH): 1.07
- Mixed-waste oil compatible
- Moderate airflow for mid-size rooms
Lanair XT-200 – Best for Busy Mid-Size Garages
Shops choose the XT-200 when doors open frequently and the building loses heat fast. Access panels are wider than the smaller units, which cuts down on cleaning time.
- 200,000 BTU
- 5,000 sq. ft. heating capacity
- Fuel input (GPH): 1.44
- Larger clean-out access
- Same fuel compatibility across the XT line
Lanair XT-250 – Best Value for Larger Auto Shops
The XT-250 is sized for larger, more open floor plans where warm air needs to reach multiple bays. Airflow is the main advantage here; it pushes heat farther than the models below it.
- 250,000 BTU
- 8,500 sq. ft. heating capacity
- Fuel input (GPH): 1.79
- Higher airflow for wide room coverage
- Burns mixed waste oils, including heavier weights
Lanair XT-300 – For Large Shops and High Ceilings
The XT-300 is selected for tall or wide buildings that lose heat faster than standard shops. It provides the highest output in the XT line while still running on a simple 120V, 20A circuit.
- 300,000 BTU
- 10,000 sq. ft. heating capacity
- Fuel input (GPH): 2.14
- Higher airflow for large and open layouts
- Burns mixed waste oils up to 50-weight
Which One Is “Best”?
Square footage and heat loss drive the choice of which heater is truly "best" for your auto shop. The XT models are separated by output levels that match those capacities.
- XT-75: single bay or small enclosed room
- XT-150: mid-size two-bay layout
- XT-200: mid-size shop with steady door activity
- XT-250: large open floor with long heat reach
- XT-300: tall or wide structure with higher heat loss
Check your square footage and ceiling height, note how the space behaves in winter, and the correct unit should become obvious.
Equip Your Shop With the Right Lanair Unit
A waste oil heater changes the economics of winter inside an auto shop. Rather than paying for fuel and paying again to dispose of used oil, you run one system that handles both. Lanair’s XT-Series keeps the selection process uncomplicated: five sizes, shared service layout, consistent fuel compatibility, and output levels calibrated to real shop dimensions.
If you want a unit matched to your building’s layout and oil volume, or you need help comparing XT models directly, Lanair will size the heater for you and walk you through installation and maintenance details.