If you're a serious artist looking to invest in a high quality studio easel, the Mabef M18 is one of the most respected easels on the market. It's made in Italy for a start and usually Italian made means tough and high quality! It's made from solid beechwood and built to last for decades. This easel can often be seen in professional art studios, universities, and ateliers all round the world. In this article, we're going to explore what makes the Mabef M18 so special, how it performs, and why it might be one of the best long-term investments for your artists studio. You can also browse our full range of easels if you're comparing models.

Build Quality and Design

The Mabef M18 is made entirely from oiled, stain-resistant beechwood. The choice of wood is important, beech wood is dense, durable, and less prone to warping over time compared to softer woods. At nearly 15kg, the easel is beefy enough to offer great stability, yet it's still mobile when needed thanks to its smooth wheels and secure wheel locking system.

The overall design is very elegant and practical. Its A-frame (lyre-shaped) construction allows for good space-saving properties while maintaining rigidity and balance. The rear leg is totally adjustable, and allows artists to tilt the easel backward for specific techniques such as watercolour or forward to reduce glare which is always handy.

Functionality and Adjustability

One great feature of the M18 is its crank handle mechanism that raises and lowers the central mast. This allows for easy adjustment of the canvas height and position, even when you're working with large or heavy canvases. The easel supports canvases up to 215 cm (approximately 85 inches!!), which is perfect for large projects and commissions.

Another useful feature is the wide, adjustable canvas holder, which allows for deep canvas profiles and heavy panels. The lower tray also includes a built-in storage shelf which is handy for keeping brushes, palette knives, and cloths etc. close by.

Who Is It For?

The Mabef M18 is honestly really aimed at professional or semi-professional artists, art schools, or anyone who paints regularly and wants a reliable, long-lasting studio easel. It may be a tad over the top for casual hobbyists or artists, especially if they are limited on space. But for anyone with a dedicated studio space, it’s hard to beat. If you're a Mabef fan, you can also check out our full Mabef easel collection.

It’s also perfect for oil, acrylic, and even some watercolour painters who need to work upright. Its tilting feature helps reduce strain on the wrist and neck, and its ability to handle really large canvases makes it perfect for muralists and abstract artists.

Assembly

The easel requires some assembly upon arrival. But don't despair, it comes with clear instructions!. Most users report being able to set it up within 30 to 60 minutes. And once it's assembled, the easel is rock solid and feels seriously well-built.

Pros and Cons

• Pros:
  • Premium beechwood construction
  • Sturdy and long-lasting
  • Crank mechanism for easy height adjustment
  • Holds very large canvases (up to 215 cm)
  • Tiltable for technique flexibility
  • Lockable wheels for mobility
• Cons:
  • Higher price point (~£400)
  • Not ideal for small spaces
  • Requires initial assembly (only an hour max)

Maintenance and Care

Maintaining the Mabef M18 is relatively simple. A quick wipe-down with a dry or slightly damp cloth keeps dust and paint residue to a minimum. Also, oiling the wood every year or two can help preserve its finish and durability.

Value for Money

At around £400, the Mabef M18 is definitely not cheap. However, it needs to be viewed as a long-term investment. Unlike cheaper easels that may warp, break, or become unstable over time, the M18 can last decades with proper care. Its resale value is also strong due to the reputation of the brand.

Customer Reviews

Artists who own the Mabef M18 talk about its reliability, smooth adjustment system, and really solid construction. It consistently gets high rated reviews on retailer websites and artist forums, and many artists mention they’ve used theirs for 10+ years without any issues.

Final Verdict

If you're looking for one studio easel to last you a lifetime, the Mabef M18 is one of the most dependable choices you can make. With its strong features, world class build quality, and ability to handle large projects, it easily earns its place in any professional artist’s studio.