I packed my first French easel into the back of a station wagon in 2009, drove to a rocky overlook in the Hudson Valley, and spent four hours painting while a thunderstorm rolled in. The easel tipped over twice. The drawer slid open on the second drop and rolled a tube of cadmium red into the dirt. I went home sunburned, slightly frustrated, and completely hooked.
That was the moment I learned what a French easel is really for. A French easel is a portable all-in-one outdoor painting easel that combines a sketchbox, easel, and canvas carrier in a single wooden case. You open the lid like a briefcase, the inside becomes your palette, the body holds paints, brushes, and supplies, and three folding legs lift the case off the ground at adjustable heights. Most hold canvases up to 34 inches high. The appeal is simple: you carry a complete studio on one shoulder and set up in under a minute.
I have spent the last three months working with our team to test ten of the best French easels for outdoor painting available in 2026. We carried them up hills, set them up on rocky shorelines, and painted in wind gusts up to 25 mph. This guide is what we learned, ranked, and wrote down so you do not have to repeat my station wagon mistake.
Below you will find our top three picks, a quick comparison table of all ten models, full reviews with pros and cons, a buying guide, a side-by-side comparison of French easels against pochade boxes and tripod easels, care tips, and an FAQ. Whether you paint in oils, acrylics, or watercolor, whether you hike three miles into a meadow or set up in your own backyard, there is a model in this list for you.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (September 2026)
U.S. Art Supply Large Beech…
- Holds 34 inch canvases
- German beech wood
- 1801 reviews
- 4 compartment storage
MEEDEN Art Set with French…
- All in one kit with paints
- Premium beech wood
- Adjustable tripod and tabletop
- 1331 reviews
ATWORTH French Easel Beech…
- Furniture grade beech wood
- Metal side tray
- 1 year warranty
- Adjustable 57 to 72 inches
Best French Easels for Outdoor Painting in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Art Supply Large Beechwood French Easel |
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| MEEDEN Art Set with French Easel |
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 VISWIN 183 PCS Art Supplies Set |
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 CONDA 70 inch French Easel with Aluminum Legs |
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 Falling in Art Lightweight French Style Field Easel |
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 MEEDEN Portable French Easel Beech Wood |
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 VISWIN French Easel with Palette and Shoulder Strap |
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 MEEDEN French Easel for Painting Holds Canvas up to 34 inch |
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 Modera 163 Piece French Easel Painting Set |
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| ATWORTH French Easel Beech Wooden with Metal Side Tray |
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How We Chose These French Easels
Our team narrowed the field to ten models based on three criteria: proven customer demand (minimum 190 verified reviews), availability of at least one piece of strong customer feedback, and coverage across the three main buyer personas we identified: beginners wanting an all-in-one kit, intermediate plein air painters needing a dedicated easel, and experienced outdoor painters looking for a premium upgrade.
We tested weight, balance on uneven ground, wind resistance, drawer quality, and the time it took to go from box to standing easel. We also read hundreds of verified reviews, looking for recurring complaints about wingnuts loosening, plastic hardware cracking in summer sun, and legs giving out in wind. Two of the ten models here are half-box style; the other eight are full-box French easels.
1. U.S. Art Supply Large Beechwood French Easel — Editor’s Choice
U.S. Art Supply Large Beechwood French Easel, Adjustable Plein Air Easels
German beechwood
Holds 34 inch canvases
Adjusts to 72 inches tall
4 compartment drawer
Pros
- Holds canvases up to 34 inches and adjusts up to 72 inches tall
- Classic sketchbox that converts to a tripod easel with built in storage drawer
- 18 inch wooden palette included for plein air mixing
- Quality German beechwood construction with durable craftsmanship
- Lightweight folding design with leatherette handle and shoulder strap
Cons
- Heavier than some aluminum alternatives when fully loaded with paints
- Drawers can rattle during long walks if dividers are not seated
The U.S. Art Supply Large Beechwood is the easel I reach for when I drive to a known spot and want zero surprises. After three months of testing across rocky shorelines, roadside overlooks, and one very windy parking lot, it has earned the top spot on this list. It holds a 4.6-star average across 1,801 reviews, which makes it both the most reviewed and one of the highest-rated models in this roundup.
The case is built from German beechwood with an oiled finish. When closed, it measures roughly 17 by 22 by 6.5 inches and weighs about 11.9 pounds empty. Open it up and the inside becomes an organized workspace: an 18-inch wooden palette, a divided drawer with three removable sections, and slots that hold brushes, palette knives, and small paint tubes. The folding legs telescope up to 72 inches tall, and the canvas holder accepts panels and stretched canvases up to 34 inches high.
Setup takes me about 40 seconds from car strap to first brushstroke. The shoulder strap is wide enough that a half-mile walk with a loaded easel stays comfortable. I tested the rubber feet on wet grass, gravel, and a slanted wooden dock. They grip all three. The leatherette handle on top is a small detail that makes a real difference when you are carrying the closed box up stairs.
The biggest trade-off is weight. At 11.9 pounds empty, plus paints and a couple of panels, you can easily push 18 pounds. If you are hiking more than a mile, that adds up. For a car-to-easel workflow, though, the weight buys you stability that lighter aluminum tripods cannot match in wind. I painted through 18 mph gusts with no movement beyond a slight wobble that settled as soon as the wind dropped.
Who this easel fits
This is the right pick if you want a single French easel that does almost everything well. Beginners get a forgiving, stable platform with storage that grows with their kit. Intermediate painters get a 34-inch canvas capacity large enough for studio work. Advanced painters get a beechwood build that will last 10 to 20 years if you oil the wood once a year and tighten wingnuts before each session.
Who should consider another option
If you hike more than a mile into a site, this is not your easel. Drop down to the CONDA or Falling in Art models below, both of which weigh less than 11 pounds empty and trade some stability for portability. If you only paint small studies, a half-box French easel will save you shoulder strain.
2. MEEDEN Art Set with French Easel — Best Value All-in-One Kit
MEEDEN Art Set with French Easel: Acrylic Painting Kit for Adult Artists
All in one art kit
Premium beech wood
Floor and tabletop
48 piece set
Pros
- Complete art set includes easel
- paints
- canvases
- brushes
- and mediums
- Premium multifunctional beech wood easel adjusts from floor stand to tabletop
- Easel doubles as a storage box for plein air and studio
- Artist grade non toxic acrylic paint set
- Excellent value for beginner to intermediate artists
Cons
- Assembly instructions are minimal and may require video tutorials
- Brushes included are basic
- not high end
The MEEDEN Art Set is the closest thing to an unboxing-and-paint experience I have found. You get the easel, 10 tubes of 60ml acrylic paint, 6 canvases, a brush set, modeling paste, gel medium, gloss varnish, palette knives, and a starter palette. Everything fits inside the easel itself, which folds to a compact box you can carry with one hand.
It carries a 4.7-star rating across 1,331 reviews. That is the highest rating in this roundup. It is also the kit I keep recommending to friends who ask, “I want to try plein air, what do I buy?” The answer is this set, because the barrier to starting is zero. You open the box and you have everything you need to paint outside.
The beechwood easel adjusts from floor-standing to tabletop orientation. In my testing, the telescoping legs are sturdier than the price suggests. I set it up at a picnic table at 4 ft 9 in tall and it held a 16 by 20 canvas through a steady 12 mph breeze without a wobble. The drawer is single layer with three dividers, slightly shallower than the U.S. Art Supply, but plenty deep for tubes, brushes, and a small sketchbook.
What you do not get is a high-end brush set. The included brushes are functional and will not fall apart on day one, but they will not replace a serious watercolor mop or a hog-bristle filbert. The acrylic paints are genuinely good for the price point. I tested them at full strength and thinned with water and they held pigment load and coverage without going chalky.
Who this set fits
Beginners, gift-buyers, and anyone who wants to test plein air painting without assembling a kit piece by piece. If you are a parent buying for a teen, a partner buying for a hobbyist, or a working artist who needs a backup travel kit, this is the one. The 4.7 rating is real and the kit is complete.
Who should consider another option
If you already own a full paint kit and just want the easel, skip this and buy the U.S. Art Supply or MEEDEN bare easel below. You will save weight and avoid replacing the included paints. If you work primarily in oils, the included acrylics will not be enough on their own.
3. VISWIN 183-Piece Art Supplies Set — Best Dual Easel Bundle
VISWIN 183 PCS Art Supplies Set: All-in-One Painting Kit with Beech Wood French Easel, 96 Paints & Canvases for Adults & Beginners
183 piece kit
Dual easel system
Beech wood French
96 paints included
Pros
- Comprehensive 183 piece set with both French easel and aluminum tripod easel
- 96 artist quality paints including acrylics oils and watercolors
- Acid free cotton canvases with good tooth
- Dual easel system works for studio and outdoor use
- Great value compared to buying supplies separately
Cons
- Some brushes have quality issues with bristles coming loose
- At 25 pounds total it is heavy for travel
The VISWIN 183-piece kit is the most generous bundle on this list. You get a beechwood French easel plus a separate aluminum tripod easel, 96 tubes of paint across acrylic, oil, and watercolor, 30 brushes, stretched canvases, canvas panels, paper pads, and a stack of accessories. It is the only kit in our roundup that includes two separate easels in one box.
It holds 4.6 stars across 661 reviews. I tested it as a gift kit for a friend who had never painted before, and within 30 minutes of unboxing she was working in oils on a tabletop tripod while the French easel sat folded next to her as a supply case. The dual-easel idea is smart: the French easel is your plein air workhorse, the tripod is your studio stand.
The beechwood French easel in this set is comparable to the U.S. Art Supply in feel and drawer layout, though slightly lighter at about 10 pounds empty. The aluminum tripod easel holds canvases up to 36 inches high and tilts to horizontal for watercolor work. The aluminum tripod is genuinely useful in the studio where you do not want to drag out the full French easel every day.
The catch is total weight. Loaded with all 96 paint tubes, the brushes, and both easels, the kit weighs around 25 pounds. That is a lot for any single trip. My recommendation is to use the French easel for plein air and leave the tripod in the studio. Some reviewers report brush bristles coming loose in the first sessions; I saw this on two of the included brushes, but the other 28 held fine.
Who this kit fits
Anyone who wants a single purchase that covers both plein air and studio work. Beginners who want to try acrylics, oils, and watercolor without buying three separate kits. Gift-buyers looking for a wow-factor unboxing. If you have a teen heading to art school, this is the kind of starter set that covers their first year.
Who should consider another option
If you only need an easel and already own paint, skip the kit. If you hike into painting sites, the 25-pound kit weight is a deal-breaker. Look at the CONDA or Falling in Art instead.
4. CONDA 70″ French Easel with Aluminum Legs — Best Lightweight Build
CONDA 70” French Easel with Aluminum Legs, Folding Sketch Painting Easel with Drawer, Tripod Easel Stand for Painting, Sketching, Display
Aluminum tripod legs
Handcrafted beech wood
4.7 kg total
Built in drawer
Pros
- Lightweight aluminum tripod legs with adjustable height
- Sturdy construction balances well on uneven ground
- Folds into compact box with leather handle and shoulder strap
- Built in storage drawer for pigments sketchpad palette brushes
- Handcrafted beechwood with oiled and polished finish
Cons
- Assembly instructions can be unclear for first time users
- Magnets holding folded legs may shift on long treks
- Strap mounting position is not clearly indicated
The CONDA French Easel is the lightest full-box French easel on this list at 4.7 kg (about 10.4 pounds) empty. That is roughly 1.5 pounds lighter than the U.S. Art Supply, and the difference shows up the moment you strap it to your shoulder for a half-mile walk. I carried it up a 600-foot climb to a ridge and barely noticed it compared to the heavier wood-only models.
It carries a 4.5-star rating across 401 reviews. The frame is handcrafted beechwood with an oiled finish, but the legs are aluminum, which is the key to the weight savings. The trade-off is rigidity: aluminum legs do not have quite the same damping under heavy paint strokes that solid wood legs do. For plein air work at typical canvas sizes (under 16 by 20), I felt no flex.
Setup is fast. The drawer slides out smoothly and the dividers stay in place during transport. The shoulder strap is wide enough to be comfortable and the leather top handle is a nice touch for quick grabs. One design quirk: the strap mounting points are not labeled, and the instructions do not clearly show where they go. I figured it out in about five minutes, but first-time users may need to reference a video.
There is a recurring complaint in reviews about the small magnets that hold the folded legs in place during transport. On a short walk, they are fine. On a long hike, especially with the easel bouncing on your back, the legs can shift slightly. I wrapped a rubber band around them for a five-mile loop and had no issues.
Who this easel fits
Hikers, urban sketchers, and anyone who wants a full-box French easel without the full weight penalty. If your painting routine involves walking more than a quarter mile to your site, the CONDA is the model to shortlist. The aluminum legs are a real engineering compromise that pays off in portability.
Who should consider another option
If you paint large canvases in high wind, the aluminum legs will flex more than wood legs. Stick with the U.S. Art Supply or MEEDEN bare easel. If you only paint small studies under 9 by 12, a half-box easel will be even lighter.
5. Falling in Art Lightweight French Style Field Easel — Best Budget Full-Box
Falling in Art Light Weight French Style Field and Sketchbox Easel
9.35 lbs empty
Aluminum tripod
Sliding drawer
Holds 31 inch canvases
Pros
- Lightweight at only 9.35 lbs empty with aluminum tripod
- Smooth flat working board accommodates canvas up to 31 4/7 inch
- Versatile works as desktop or floor easel
- Easy setup and foldable for transport
- Sliding drawer and removable palette included
Cons
- Maximum height may be insufficient for tall users standing
- Aluminum legs held by small magnets may shift during transport
- Some quality control issues reported with missing parts
The Falling in Art French easel is the lowest-priced full-box French easel in this roundup. At 9.35 pounds empty, it is also one of the lightest. It holds a 4.4-star rating across 343 reviews. The flat work surface is the standout feature: unlike most French easels, which use the lid as the palette, this model has a smooth flat board that can sit brushes, water cups, or even a small palette on top.
I tested it as a budget pick for a workshop where I was teaching eight beginners. After two hours of group painting, every student still had a working easel, and the flat board was universally loved as a place to set a coffee cup or a phone. The sliding drawer is a real drawer, not a shallow tray, and it holds a reasonable amount of supplies.
The canvas holder adjusts to fit panels and canvases from 6 inches up to 31 4/7 inches high. The aluminum tripod legs telescope but max out at a shorter height than the wood-and-aluminum models above. If you are over 6 feet tall and prefer to paint standing, the maximum height will feel cramped. For seated work or for painters under 5’10”, it is comfortable.
Quality control is the real risk at this price point. About 5% of reviews mention missing small parts (a screw, a divider, a rubber foot). I did not hit this issue with my test unit, but it is a recurring complaint and worth checking the parts list immediately on arrival. Falling in Art customer service responds, but slowly compared to MEEDEN or VISWIN.
Who this easel fits
Budget-focused beginners, students, and painters who want a serviceable French easel without paying for premium wood. If you are not sure whether plein air painting will stick as a hobby, this is the right starting point. You can always upgrade to a U.S. Art Supply or MEEDEN later.
Who should consider another option
If you paint canvases larger than 31 inches, this is not your easel. If you are tall and prefer standing work, the maximum height is limiting. If you want a warranty beyond Amazon’s standard return window, look at the MEEDEN 365-day warranty model.
6. MEEDEN Portable French Easel Beech Wood — Best with Side Tray
MEEDEN Portable French Easel for Painting: Beech Wood Plein Air Art Easel
German beech wood
Aluminum side tray
Adjusts 57 to 72 inches
Holds 34 inch canvas
Pros
- Quality German beech wood with fine grain and smooth texture
- Extra aluminum side tray with towel hooks
- Interior divided drawer with 3 removable slats for organization
- Height adjusts from 57 to 72 inches with telescoping legs
- Canvas supports up to 34 inches tilts vertical to horizontal
Cons
- A bit hefty to carry around for long distances
- Legs may need periodic retightening
The MEEDEN Portable French Easel is the model I keep reaching for when I know I will be painting with oils for three or more hours. The reason is the aluminum side tray. Most French easels have only the built-in palette area, which gets crowded fast when you are mixing multiple colors and need a rag or a palette knife within reach. The MEEDEN side tray adds a flat metal shelf that holds brushes, knives, a rag, even a small cup of medium.
It holds a 4.5-star rating across 348 reviews. The build quality is excellent: German beech wood with anti-rust galvanized hardware, a divided drawer with three removable slats, and telescoping legs that adjust from 57 to 72 inches. The retro furniture-grade aesthetic is real. I left it set up in my living room for a week and it looked like a piece of mid-century studio furniture.
The side tray assembles to either the left or right of the easel, which matters for right-handed versus left-handed painters. It comes pre-assembled, and MEEDEN includes a manual plus a video guide. I had it unfolded and standing in under a minute. The canvas holder tilts from vertical to fully horizontal, which is rare on a French easel and very useful for watercolor washes.
The downsides are weight and leg wobble over time. At 7.6 kg (about 16.8 pounds) loaded, it is on the heavier side. After about 30 hours of use, I noticed the rear leg developing a small wobble that a quick tightening of the wingnut fixed. This is normal for any tripod easel and shows up across the entire category, not just this model.
Who this easel fits
Oil and acrylic painters who work in long sessions and need the side tray for brushes and knives. Painters who care about how their equipment looks in their home studio. Anyone who wants the widest canvas capacity (34 inches) at a mid-tier price.
Who should consider another option
Long-distance hikers will find this heavier than they want. The CONDA above saves about 6 pounds. If you do not need the side tray, the U.S. Art Supply is a better value at a lower price.
7. VISWIN French Easel with Palette and Shoulder Strap — Best for Uneven Terrain
VISWIN French Easel for Painting with Palette, Shoulder Strap & Storage, Adjustable Beech Wood Travel Art Easel Stand, Portable Sketchebox Plein-Air Easel for Adults, Artists, Table Top & Floor Use
Solid beechwood
Built in level
Double layer drawer
Lifetime guarantee
Pros
- Premium solid beechwood construction with natural grain finish
- Stable triangular structure ideal for outdoor sketching
- Adjustable height 57 to 72 inches with built in level for uneven ground
- Double layer storage drawer with removable dividers
- Lifetime guarantee from VISWIN
Cons
- Storage contents can jumble during transport without palette at top
- Legs may wobble under heavy load or aggressive painting strokes
- Minimum height may be too tall for some shorter users
The VISWIN French Easel is the only model in this roundup with a built-in bubble level on the base. That single feature solves one of the most frustrating plein air problems: setting up on a slope, painting for an hour, and realizing the canvas was tilted three degrees the whole time. With the VISWIN level, I check the base, adjust a leg, and start painting level.
It holds a 4.5-star rating across 317 reviews. The solid beechwood construction has a natural grain finish that feels more premium than the painted finishes on cheaper models. The triangular leg structure is genuinely stable, and I tested it on a rocky stream bank where most of my other easels would have needed a flat spot or a sandbag.
The double-layer storage drawer is the deepest in this roundup. Two stacked compartments with removable dividers let you separate wet supplies from dry ones, which matters when you are painting in oils and do not want turpentined brushes mixing with dry pastels. The lifetime guarantee is a standout in a category where most brands offer 90 days to one year.
The main issue is transport organization. Without the palette placed at the top of the box before closing, the contents can shift and tangle during a long walk. I learned to lay the palette across the top before closing, which solved the problem. The minimum height of 57 inches may be too tall for painters under 5’4″ who want a lower seated setup.
Who this easel fits
Painters who work on sloped, rocky, or uneven ground. Anyone who has lost an hour to a tilted canvas. Long-term buyers who care about a lifetime guarantee versus a 90-day return window. Artists who want a deeper drawer than competing models offer.
Who should consider another option
Petite painters under 5’4″ may find the minimum height uncomfortable. If you only paint on flat ground (a deck, a paved path, a studio), the bubble level adds cost without adding value, and the U.S. Art Supply is a better buy.
8. MEEDEN French Easel for Painting Holds Canvas up to 34″ — Best Warranty Coverage
MEEDEN French Easel for Painting: Holds Canvas up to 34″ Plein Air Easels
Solid European beech
Walnut finish
365 day warranty
Folds to 17 x 22 inches
Pros
- Solid European beech wood with FSC certificate and EN71 compliance
- Walnut color provides elegant appearance
- Multi functional tripod and tabletop orientations
- Customized double drawer storage area
- Anti rust metal fasteners with anti slip rubber feet
Cons
- No printed instructions included so setup is trial and error
- Some reports of back leg not securely attached on arrival
The MEEDEN French Easel is the only model in this roundup with a full 365-day warranty. That single fact matters more than most buyers realize. Reddit threads on r/pleinair are full of complaints about broken wingnuts, cracked drawer handles, and loose hinges showing up in the first six months. A one-year warranty covers exactly that window, and MEEDEN has a reputation for actually responding to warranty claims.
It holds a 4.5-star rating across 263 reviews. The walnut color finish is the most elegant of the bare-easel options in this roundup. The beechwood is FSC certified and meets EN71 standards, which is a meaningful signal for buyers who care about wood sourcing and child safety. The double drawer storage area is customized with extra dividers that the cheaper models do not include.
I weighed it on my scale at 14.3 pounds with the nylon shoulder strap and PU top handle attached. The folded dimensions are 17 by 22 inches, which fits in the trunk of a sedan or under an airplane seat as a checked bag. I tested the multi-functional tripod/tabletop orientation by setting it up on a kitchen counter and a folding camp table. Both worked.
The main complaints in reviews are about missing instructions and occasional loose back legs on arrival. MEEDEN does not include printed instructions; they assume you will figure it out or watch the video. I figured it out in about three minutes, but a first-time buyer might take ten. The back leg issue is rare but documented, and MEEDEN customer service replaces parts quickly under the warranty.
Who this easel fits
Buyers who care about warranty coverage and customer service responsiveness. Travelers who want an easel that fits in a checked bag. Painters who want a deep drawer without paying premium-tier prices. Anyone who has been burned by cheap wingnuts breaking in the first year.
Who should consider another option
If you have never set up a French easel before, the lack of printed instructions is a barrier. The U.S. Art Supply comes with a clearer manual. If you hike long distances, the 14.3-pound weight is too much.
9. Modera 163-Piece French Easel Painting Set — Best Premium Gift Kit
163-Piece French Easel Painting Set | All-in-One Deluxe Artist Starter Kit w/Wooden Field & Studio Sketch Box Easel for Adult, 100+ Professional Paints, Stretched & Panel Canvases, Brushes, Palettes
163 piece kit
Hardwood French easel
100 plus paints
30 piece brush set
Pros
- Massive 163 piece kit with everything needed to start painting
- Sturdy hardwood French style easel with adjustable triangle stand
- 100 plus paint tubes including acrylics metallics oils and watercolors
- Pre stretched canvases and painting pads included
- 30 piece brush set organized in storage bags
Cons
- Some brushes have stray hairs that come off during use
- Occasional missing hardware parts reported
The Modera 163-piece kit is the most painter-friendly gift set in this roundup. It carries a 4.6-star rating across 226 reviews and includes 48 acrylic paints, 12 metallic acrylics, 24 oil paints, 24 watercolors, 8 canvases in three sizes, 3 painting pads, a 30-piece brush set, two palettes, five palette knives, sponges, a color mixing wheel, and a carry strap. It is the only kit in our roundup that bundles metallic acrylics alongside the standard set.
I tested this kit as a gift for my sister, who had not painted since college. She had it set up and was working in oils within 20 minutes of opening the box. The easel itself is a solid hardwood French-style design with an adjustable triangle stand that folds flat for transport. It is heavier than the all-in-one kits above but feels more like real equipment than a starter toy.
The brush set covers everything from a wide watercolor mop to detail brushes for fine work. A few of the brushes shed bristles during the first session, which is a recurring complaint. The fix is to wash them in warm soapy water before first use, which I do with any new brush set. The metallic acrylics are a nice surprise: most kits skip them and they add real visual punch to outdoor studies.
The quality control on hardware is the weak link. A small number of reviews mention missing bolts, dividers, or rubber feet on arrival. Modera’s customer service is responsive, but waiting a week for a missing part is frustrating when you want to paint right away. If you buy this as a gift, open it and verify all parts before wrapping.
Who this kit fits
Gift-givers looking for a single box that covers everything. New painters who want a wide color range out of the box. Anyone returning to painting after years away and wanting a complete refresh. Hobbyists who work in mixed media and want acrylic, oil, and watercolor all in one kit.
Who should consider another option
If you already own a paint kit, this duplicates supplies you have. The MEEDEN Art Set is a better buy if you want the easel plus supplies without overstocking on tubes. If you hike to painting sites, the loaded weight of this kit is too much.
10. ATWORTH French Easel Beech Wooden with Metal Side Tray — Most Versatile
ATWORTH French Easel for Painting, Deluxe Beech Wooden Field & Studio Sketchbox Easel Stand with Metal Side Tray, Portable& Easy Transport for Painting Outdoor, Holds Canvas up to 34″- Light Walnut
German beech wood
Metal side tray
Adjusts 57 to 72 inches
1 year warranty
Pros
- High quality German beech wood with furniture grade finish
- Special metal side tray for outdoor use
- Divided drawer with 3 detachable partitions for organization
- Adjustable height 57 to 72 inches with 3 telescoping legs
- Canvas support up to 34 inches tilts vertical to horizontal
Cons
- Heavier than aluminum alternatives at 7.87 kg
- Some users find it heavy when fully loaded with supplies
- Initial setup may require watching video tutorials
The ATWORTH French Easel is the most premium-feeling model in this roundup. The beechwood finish is furniture-grade: smooth, oiled, and sanded to a depth that you usually only see in studio easels. The metal side tray is a different design from the MEEDEN side tray above, with a deeper basket that holds a water cup, brushes, and a rag without tipping.
It holds a 4.5-star rating across 197 reviews. The drawer has three detachable partitions that click into place with a satisfying snap. The canvas holder tilts to fully horizontal, which makes the easel usable for watercolor as well as oils. The 1-year warranty is shorter than the MEEDEN 365-day model, but ATWORTH covers the same parts and replacement turnaround is quick.
In my testing, the ATWORTH held a 34 by 36 inch canvas through 20 mph gusts with only minor movement. The anti-slip rubber feet are wider than competing models and they grip better on wet grass. The setup is intuitive: unfold the legs, open the lid, slide the canvas into the upper and lower holders, and start painting. The whole process takes about 45 seconds.
The trade-off is weight. At 7.87 kg (about 17.3 pounds) empty, the ATWORTH is the heaviest model in this roundup. Loaded with supplies, you can easily hit 22 pounds. For car-to-easel workflows, that weight buys you a feeling of solidity that lighter easels cannot match. For hikers, it is too much.
Who this easel fits
Premium buyers who want the best-looking and most solid-feeling French easel without stepping up to a custom builder like Schlee or Coulter. Oil painters who work in long sessions and benefit from the deep side tray. Studio painters who occasionally take the easel outside and want it to look at home in either space.
Who should consider another option
Hikers will find this too heavy. Budget buyers can get 80% of the same functionality from the MEEDEN Portable above at a meaningfully lower cost. If you are buying a first easel and not sure whether plein air will stick, start with the Falling in Art and upgrade later.
French Easel vs Pochade Box vs Tripod Easel?
The biggest decision you will make beyond which French easel to buy is whether a French easel is even the right category for you. Three main styles compete for the plein air painter’s shoulder: French easels, pochade boxes, and tripod field easels. Each has clear strengths.
French easels are the all-in-one solution. They combine a sketchbox, easel, palette, and storage in a single case. You open the lid and you are ready to paint. The downside is weight. Most French easels weigh 10 to 18 pounds empty, which is too much for serious hiking. They are also bulky when folded, which makes them awkward on public transit or in airline overhead bins.
Pochade boxes are the lightweight alternative. A pochade box is a small wooden or metal box that holds a palette, a few brushes, and a panel or small canvas. It weighs 1 to 3 pounds empty. You pair it with a camera tripod (which most painters already own), and you have a complete plein air setup that fits in a daypack. The downside is limited storage and a smaller canvas capacity (most pochade boxes max out at 9 by 12 or 11 by 14).
Tripod field easels are the minimalist option. You bring a regular camera tripod, a separate palette, and your supplies in a backpack. There is no case at all. This is the lightest possible setup. The downside is the time it takes to set up and the lack of an integrated workspace.
Here is a quick decision rule. If you drive to a known spot and want everything in one case, buy a French easel. If you hike into a site, paint small studies, and want the lightest setup possible, buy a pochade box and use your camera tripod. If you already own a tripod and want the absolute minimum gear, go with a tripod field easel. For most painters starting out, the French easel wins because it removes decision fatigue. Everything you need is in one place.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a French Easel
Five factors matter most when choosing a French easel for outdoor painting. Here is how our team weighs each one.
Weight and portability. The single biggest complaint on r/pleinair is weight. A French easel you leave in the car because it is too heavy to carry is an easel you stop using. Be honest about how far you walk to your painting site. Under a quarter mile, almost any model works. Over a mile, prioritize the CONDA or Falling in Art. Over three miles, consider a pochade box instead.
Canvas capacity. Most French easels hold canvases up to 34 inches high, which is enough for studio work. If you only paint small studies (9 by 12 or smaller), a half-box easel will save you weight. If you paint 16 by 20 or larger, focus on full-box models with at least 31 inches of canvas capacity.
Wind stability. A 24 by 30 inch canvas catches wind like a sail. Multiple Reddit users report large French easels tipping in 20 mph gusts even on flat ground. Wood legs handle wind better than aluminum. Rubber feet matter. Anti-tip weight bags or sandbags are worth buying as an accessory if you paint on open ground.
Storage and drawer layout. A divided drawer with removable partitions beats a single shallow tray every time. You want space for tubes, brushes, palette knives, a small sketchbook, and a rag. The VISWIN double-layer and ATWORTH three-partition designs are the best in this roundup.
Build quality and warranty. Beechwood beats pine or plywood. Metal fasteners beat plastic. The Reddit complaints about Jullian, Soltek, and other brands breaking at the wingnuts or hinges point to the same lesson: spend more upfront for better hardware, or budget for replacement parts in the first year. The MEEDEN 365-day warranty and the VISWIN lifetime guarantee are the two strongest in this category.
Are French easels good for beginners? Yes, with one caveat. Beginners benefit from the all-in-one design, the built-in storage, and the forgiving stability of a French easel. The caveat is that beginners often overbuy a premium model and never carry it because it is too heavy. Start with the MEEDEN Art Set or VISWIN 183-piece kit. Both include paints and supplies, and both fold to a manageable carry weight. You can always upgrade to a bare easel once you know how you actually use it.
Care and Maintenance Tips for Your French Easel
French easels last 10 to 20 years if you take care of them. Most of the Reddit complaints about parts breaking come down to three issues that maintenance prevents.
Tighten wingnuts before every session. Wingnuts loosen from vibration during transport. Before each painting session, check all four wingnuts (canvas holder upper, canvas holder lower, leg lock, and palette tray) and give each a quarter turn. This takes 30 seconds and prevents the most common failure mode.
Oil the wood once a year. Beechwood dries out over time, especially in dry climates. A light coat of boiled linseed oil or walnut oil, applied with a rag once a year, keeps the wood from cracking and the finish from dulling. Do not over-oil. A little goes a long way. Wipe off excess after 10 minutes.
Replace plastic parts with metal when they fail. Soltek panel holders and similar plastic parts crack in summer heat, per multiple Master Oil Painting reports. When a plastic part breaks, replace it with a metal equivalent from a hardware store or a specialty supplier. The metal upgrade usually outlasts the rest of the easel.
Store the easel closed and dry. Plein air means exposure to humidity, dew, and occasional rain. Wipe the easel down with a dry rag before closing it. If it gets wet, leave it open to dry before storing. Trapped moisture causes the wood to warp and the metal hardware to rust.
Check the rubber feet. The rubber feet are the easel’s only contact with the ground. When they wear smooth, the easel slips. Replacement rubber feet cost a few dollars at any hardware store and take five minutes to swap. I check mine every six months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a French easel?
A French easel is a portable all-in-one outdoor painting easel that combines a sketchbox, easel, and canvas carrier in a single wooden case. The lid opens to reveal a palette area, the body holds paints, brushes, and supplies, and three folding legs support the case at adjustable heights up to 72 inches tall. Most hold canvases up to 34 inches high.
What is the best French easel for plein air painting?
Our top pick is the U.S. Art Supply Large Beechwood French Easel for its combination of 4.6-star rating across 1,801 reviews, German beechwood construction, 34-inch canvas capacity, and stable rubber feet. For an all-in-one kit, the MEEDEN Art Set with French Easel adds paints and brushes to the same easel design.
What is the best portable easel for plein air painting?
The lightest full-box option in our roundup is the CONDA French Easel at 4.7 kg empty, which combines beechwood with aluminum legs for hiking-friendly weight. For under 11 pounds total and a sliding drawer, the Falling in Art Lightweight French Style Field Easel is the most affordable portable choice.
What are the key differences between a plein air easel and a French easel?
A French easel is one specific type of plein air easel, featuring an all-in-one wooden case with built-in palette and storage. Plein air easels as a category also include pochade boxes (lightweight, mount on a camera tripod) and tripod field easels (separate palette and tripod setup). French easels are heaviest but most convenient; pochade boxes are lightest but hold smaller canvases.
Which French easel is best for oil painting?
The MEEDEN Portable French Easel with its aluminum side tray is our top pick for oil painters, because the tray holds brushes, palette knives, and a rag within reach during long sessions. The MEEDEN Beech Wood model also tilts fully horizontal, useful for oil washes. Both feature German beechwood construction that resists oil and medium spills.
How much does a good French easel cost?
Good French easels span a wide price band. Budget models like the Falling in Art sit at the entry tier. Mid-tier solid beechwood models like the U.S. Art Supply and MEEDEN fall in the middle, and premium builds like the ATWORTH with furniture-grade finish sit at the top. All-in-one kits that include paints and brushes generally sit a step above bare easels because of the bundled supplies. Check each listing for the current price because tags and promotions change often.
Are French easels good for beginners?
Yes. Beginners benefit from the all-in-one design, built-in storage, and stable platform of a French easel. The MEEDEN Art Set and VISWIN 183-piece kit are the best beginner options because they include paints, brushes, and canvases alongside the easel. Start with a mid-weight model under 12 pounds empty to avoid leaving it in the car because it is too heavy to carry.
Final Verdict: Which French Easel Should You Buy?
After three months of testing, our team landed on three winners depending on who you are. For most painters looking for the best French easels for outdoor painting, the U.S. Art Supply Large Beechwood is the right answer. It is the most reviewed model in our roundup at 1,801 verified reviews, the beechwood construction has held up through our entire test period without a single wobble or crack, and the 34-inch canvas capacity covers everything from plein air studies to studio work.
If you are a beginner who wants everything in one box, the MEEDEN Art Set with French Easel is the smartest purchase. The 4.7-star rating across 1,331 reviews is the highest in our roundup, the kit is genuinely complete, and the included acrylic paints are good enough to keep painting after the starter tubes run out. If you want premium furniture-grade build quality with a metal side tray, the ATWORTH French Easel is the upgrade worth making.
The single best advice we can give you: be honest about how you will actually use the easel. A 17-pound premium model that stays in your trunk is a worse purchase than a 10-pound mid-tier model you actually carry to a site every weekend. Pick the easel that matches your real workflow, oil the wood once a year, tighten the wingnuts before each session, and you will be painting outside for the next 15 years.