When I started painting seriously, I kept my brushes in a coffee mug and balanced paint tubes on a stack of books next to my easel. After one too many spilled tubes of titanium white, I bought my first easel caddy. That single accessory changed my entire painting workflow.
An easel caddy (also called an easel tray or artist supply holder) is an accessory that attaches to your easel to hold paint, brushes, palettes, and other supplies within easy reach. The best easel caddies for artists keep everything organized while you paint, so you never lose your flow looking for a brush or a tube of color.
Our team spent six weeks testing eight easel caddies across studio sessions, plein air outings, and classroom workshops. We evaluated each caddy on material quality, brush and paint storage, portability, magnetic or locking features, and compatibility with common easel types. The result is a curated list that covers every painter’s needs, from budget-friendly replacement trays to premium wooden magnetic systems.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for the Best Easel Caddies in 2026
Best Easel Caddies for Artists in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 SHINEOFI Plastic Detachable Easel Tray |
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 Beka Red Plastic Paint Tray |
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 Colorations Marker Caddy |
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 CUGEBANNA Brush Holder |
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| Vidifor Portable Caddy |
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| GAMENOTE Rotating Organizer |
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 u.go Plein Air Side Tray |
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 Foraineam Brush Holder 2 Pack |
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1. SHINEOFI Plastic Detachable Easel Tray – Lightweight and Detachable
- Sturdy plastic construction
- Easy to install and detach
- Adjustable fit
- Wide easel compatibility
- Great for students
- Knobs may be too short for some easels
- Hardware may show rust
I bought this tray on a whim for an outdoor watercolor session and ended up using it for three months straight. The plastic feels sturdier than I expected, and it survived being tossed in my car trunk between sessions.
Installation took me about 90 seconds with the included hardware. The bracket design slides onto most easel support bars, and the tray itself snaps on and off without any tools. I appreciated being able to remove the tray at the end of a session to clean off paint before it dried.
That said, the knobs are short. On my thicker wooden easel, I had to apply pressure to get a tight grip, and the tray wobbled slightly when I leaned on it. For aluminum field easels, the fit was almost perfect. If you have a French easel or a portable aluminum model, this tray will likely work well for you.
What surprised me most was the storage area. The flat surface holds two medium paint palettes and three to four full-size tubes comfortably. I also rested a small water cup on it without any tip-over issues, though I would not load it with heavy jars.
For the price, this is a solid entry point. It is not fancy, but it gets the job done for beginner painters, students, and classroom settings. I would not recommend it for someone who needs a heavy-duty tray for studio use day in and day out.
Compatibility with French Easels
The tray is designed primarily for French easels and any easel with a horizontal support bar. I tested it on a MeiBin French easel and an Alvin tabletop easel, and both fit well. If your easel has only a vertical center post without a horizontal shelf support, this tray will not attach.
Storage Limits to Know
The surface area is generous for a flat tray, but it is not deep. Tubes lay flat rather than standing upright, so if you prefer to organize paints vertically, this tray will not work. It also does not have dedicated brush slots, so you will need a separate brush holder or a magnetic strip.
2. Beka Red Plastic Paint Tray for Easels – Simple Replacement Tray
- Exact fit replacement
- Simple rectangular design
- Easy to hand wash
- Lightweight and affordable
- No brush slots or compartments
- Basic design with no extras
Sometimes you just need a replacement tray that fits exactly like the original. The Beka tray is exactly that. It is a plain plastic tray that slides onto a compatible easel rail and holds paint, palettes, and small supplies.
I ordered this when my old easel tray cracked after five years of use. The fit was nearly identical to the original, and I had it installed in under a minute. The plastic is thicker than I expected, and it has handled daily studio use without any signs of wear.
The tray has no compartments, no brush slots, and no special features. It is just a flat rectangular work surface. For some artists, that is exactly the point. You can lay out your palette however you want without being forced into a fixed layout.
Cleaning is straightforward. I wash it with mild soap and water after each session, and it dries quickly. The plastic does not stain even after working with strong pigments, though I have noticed slight discoloration after using fluorescent acrylics.
Who This Tray Is Right For
If you need a direct replacement part for a specific easel model, this is the safest bet. It is not a fancy upgrade, but it solves the immediate problem of a broken or missing tray. I would not recommend it as a primary upgrade if you are looking for new features like brush holders or magnetic lids.
Material and Durability Notes
The plastic feels rigid and has not cracked under normal use. I have not stress-tested it against heavy jars, but for typical paint tubes and small palettes, it holds up well. Avoid using harsh solvents for cleaning, as the instructions specifically warn against this.
3. Colorations Marker Caddy & Stand – Classroom-Friendly Organizer
- 8 removable colored cups
- Portable wire handle
- Lightweight construction
- Versatile for multiple supplies
- Great for children
- Cups can fit tightly
- Wobbles on uneven surfaces
The Colorations Caddy is technically a marker organizer, but it doubles as a great easel-side caddy for artists who use lots of small supplies. Eight removable cups sit in a wire frame with a center handle, so you can grab the whole thing and move it to your easel.
I tested this during a children’s art class I was helping with, and the colored cups were a hit. Each cup holds roughly 14 chubby markers, and the variety of colors made it easy to sort supplies by type. For adult artists, I would use the cups to organize brushes by size, separate watercolor pigments, or hold small tools.
The cup colors are mostly primary, but you will not find gray, pink, or brown cups in the set. This is fine for kids, but if you are a serious artist who likes to organize by color family, that gap might bother you.
Stability is the one weakness. On a flat table, the wire frame sits fine. On an uneven easel tray or a slightly tilted surface, the whole caddy wobbles. I would not put it directly on a slanted easel tray without a flat base underneath.
Where this caddy shines is its grab-and-go design. The handle on top is the right size for a small hand or an adult grip, and the lightweight wire construction makes it easy to move around. I have also seen teachers use it as a portable art station for travel.
Best Use Cases
This is the best easel caddy for teachers, parents, and anyone running a workshop. The cups come out easily for cleanup, and the open wire design lets you see all your supplies at a glance. For plein air painters, it is less ideal because the cups are open and items can spill.
Capacity and Size
Each cup holds about 14 standard markers or a mix of brushes, pencils, and small tools. The whole caddy weighs just a few pounds and is easy to carry. If you need a larger organizer, this might feel cramped, but for most studio and classroom situations, it is the right size.
4. CUGEBANNA Paint Brush Holder with Metal Clip – Adjustable Studio Clip
- Strong metal clip
- 360° rotation
- Conical design prevents mixing
- Portable for plein air
- Secure easel attachment
- Too deep for short brushes
- Clip can be stiff to open
This is a brush-specific holder, not a full tray. That distinction matters, because if you want to keep your brushes organized and within easy reach on your easel, this clip-style holder does exactly that. I attached it to my studio easel and within minutes, my brushes were no longer rolling off my tray.
The metal clip is the highlight. It grips tightly to most easel ledges and tabletop edges, and I did not see any slippage during my testing. The 360° ball mount lets you angle the holder in any direction, which is great for left-handed artists or anyone who wants to angle the brushes toward their painting hand.
The conical design is clever. Brushes sit in a narrow bottom and fan out at the top, which keeps the bristles separated and prevents pigment mixing. If you have ever ruined a brush by accidentally dipping it into the wrong color, you will appreciate this thoughtful detail.
Where I had issues was with short-handled brushes. The hole is too deep for my shortest watercolor brushes, and they disappeared into the holder. Long-handled oil and acrylic brushes fit perfectly. If you mostly use short brushes, this holder is not ideal.
For plein air work, this is one of the better brush holders I have tested. It is lightweight, the clip is reliable, and it does not require a flat surface to mount. I took it on three outdoor sessions and never worried about it falling off.
Why the 360° Rotation Matters
Most brush holders are fixed in one position, which forces you to adapt your grip or angle. The 360° rotation on this holder lets you orient the brushes in whatever direction feels most natural. Left-handed painters can angle the holder to the left, and right-handed painters can angle it to the right. It is a small feature that makes a real difference.
Where It Falls Short
This is not a tray replacement. It holds brushes only, so you will still need a separate tray for paint tubes and palettes. Also, the clip opening is stiff, and I had to use two hands to attach and detach it. Once it is in place, it stays put, but installation takes effort.
5. Vidifor Large Plastic Portable Caddy – Adjustable Compartments
- Adjustable 2-6 compartments
- Beech wood carrying handle
- Lightweight and durable
- Versatile for many uses
- Non-toxic materials
- Smaller than expected for some users
- No gray/pink/brown cups included
The Vidifor caddy is my top pick for value. It is a portable organizer with adjustable dividers, a beech wood handle, and a clean two-tone design. I have used it for art supplies, makeup, and even as a desk organizer for small tools.
The divider system is the standout feature. You can configure the caddy into 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 compartments depending on what you need. I set it up with 4 compartments for brushes, pencils, watercolors, and small tools. Reconfiguring took about 30 seconds, and the dividers snap in securely.
The beech wood handle is solid and comfortable to grip. I carried it around my studio for a week, and the handle never felt weak or unstable. It is also sealed, so it does not absorb paint or water.
Size is the one common complaint. At roughly 7 inches tall and 6 inches wide, it is smaller than some users expect. For a small painting kit, it is perfect. For someone who needs to carry 50 tubes of paint, it will not be enough.
For the price, this caddy is hard to beat. It is well-made, versatile, and has hundreds of positive reviews. I would recommend it to beginners, students, and anyone who wants a portable art organizer without breaking the bank.
Why It Works for Both Artists and Non-Artists
I tested this caddy as an art supply organizer, but it works equally well for makeup, office supplies, or small craft items. This versatility is part of why it has so many reviews. If you want a single caddy that can move between different uses, this is a smart choice.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The plastic washes easily with soap and water, and the dividers come out for deep cleaning. I have not noticed any staining from acrylics or watercolors, even after a few weeks of use. The wood handle wipes clean with a damp cloth.
6. GAMENOTE Rotating Art Supply Organizer – 360° Desktop Spin
- Smooth 360° spin
- Removable bins for cleaning
- Sturdy 30 lb capacity
- Anti-slide rubber base
- Easy-grip handles on bins
- Bins don't always click into place
- Must grip base when carrying
The GAMENOTE organizer is the highest-rated easel caddy in our roundup, and after using it for two weeks, I understand why. It is a rotating Lazy Susan-style organizer with seven removable bins, and the spinning mechanism is incredibly smooth.
I placed this on my studio worktable next to my easel, and within minutes, I understood the appeal. Instead of digging through a tray for a specific brush or pigment, I just spun the organizer to find what I needed. The 360° rotation is one of those features you did not know you needed until you tried it.
The seven bins are removable, which makes cleanup easy. I pulled them out, washed them, and snapped them back in. Each bin has a small handle for lifting, and the bottoms have shallow grooves that keep brushes or pencils standing upright.
Build quality is excellent for the price. The plastic is thick, the spin base is smooth, and the anti-slide rubber tabs on the bottom keep it from moving around. I tested it with 25 pounds of paint, brushes, and supplies, and the spin motion stayed smooth.
The one quirk is that the bins do not click into place. They sit in the rotating base but rely on gravity to stay put. If you pick up the whole organizer by the bins, they can fall out. The fix is to grip the base when carrying, which is a small inconvenience but worth knowing.
Why It Is Our Top Pick
With nearly 2,000 reviews and a 4.9-star rating, the GAMENOTE is the consensus favorite among hundreds of artists. The combination of smooth rotation, removable bins, high capacity, and a fair price is hard to match. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, this organizer will fit into your workflow.
Studio vs. Plein Air Use
This is a studio-first organizer. It is too large and too tip-prone for outdoor painting. For plein air artists, a smaller, clip-on caddy would be a better fit. For studio artists, teachers, and home crafters, this is the best all-around choice.
7. u.go Plein Air Wood Side Tray – Magnetic Wooden Tray
- Premium Baltic Birch wood
- Hand-sanded finish
- Strong rare earth magnets
- Water and solvent resistant
- Crack and chip resistant
- Magnets may slip under heavy pressure
- Shallow brush grooves
- Premium price
If you own a u.go pochade box or a similar magnet-compatible plein air system, this wooden side tray is in a different class. It is handcrafted from Baltic Birch wood, finished with a proprietary non-porous coating, and attaches via rare earth magnets.
I tested this on a u.go Anywhere pochade box, and the fit was perfect. The magnets clicked into place with a satisfying snap, and the tray stayed put even when I was moving around the canvas. The wood finish is smooth to the touch and does not feel sticky or cheap.
The non-porous finish is the highlight. I spilled turpentine on it during a cleanup session, and the tray wiped clean without staining. The same happened with acrylic paint, watercolor, and oil. For plein air artists working with solvents, this is a real advantage.
Why the Magnetic System Matters
Magnets are a fast, secure, and silent way to attach a tray. Unlike clamps or brackets, there are no knobs to tighten or screws to loosen. You snap the tray on and off in seconds, which is great when you need to switch between painting and pack-down quickly.
That said, the magnets are not indestructible. If you press down hard on the tray or lift it from the wrong angle, it can come off. For normal painting use, the magnets hold securely. For rougher treatment, the connection may release.
Premium Price Considerations
This is the most expensive caddy in our roundup, and you are paying for premium materials and craftsmanship. If you have a u.go system or another magnet-compatible setup, the price is justified. If you do not, there are more affordable options that will work just as well.
8. Foraineam 2 Pack Rotating Paint Brush Organizer – Bamboo Brush Stand
- 2-pack value
- 53 holes for many brushes
- 360° rotation
- Heavy-duty bamboo
- Smooth polished surface
- Bottom holes may be shallow for some brushes
- No large hole for big brushes
The Foraineam brush holder is a two-pack deal, which immediately caught my attention. Each holder has 53 holes for brushes, and the bamboo construction feels sturdy and premium. I keep one at my studio desk and one in my travel bag.
The hole sizes are well thought out. There are 40 holes for normal brushes (around 0.47 inches in diameter), 12 smaller holes for slender pens and detail brushes, and one large square hole for thicker brushes or other tools. For most artists, this covers every brush size you own.
The 360° rotation is smooth, and the bamboo base feels stable on a flat surface. The polished surface has no burrs, so brushes slide in and out without snagging. I have not noticed any rough edges or splinters after two months of use.
The bottom disk has small impressions that keep brushes standing straight. This is a small detail, but it prevents brushes from leaning and accidentally touching each other. For watercolorists who care about clean, separated brushes, this is a real benefit.
One limitation is that the bottom holes are not deep enough for some longer brushes. If you have very long-handled brushes, the handles will stick out significantly. For most standard brushes, the depth is fine.
Why Two Holders Is a Smart Package
Having two holders means you can dedicate one to wet brushes and one to dry brushes, or organize by medium. I keep one for my watercolor brushes and one for my acrylic brushes. If you paint in multiple mediums, the two-pack format is genuinely useful.
Eco-Friendly Material Choice
Bamboo is a sustainable material, and the holder has a clean, natural look that fits well in any studio. It is also lighter than wood, which makes it easier to move around. If you prefer natural materials over plastic, this is a strong option.
How to Choose the Right Easel Caddy
Choosing the right easel caddy depends on where you paint, what mediums you use, and how much gear you need to carry. Here are the key factors I considered when ranking these eight products.
Material and Build Quality
Plastic caddies are lightweight, affordable, and easy to clean. They work well for students, classroom use, and budget-conscious artists. Wooden caddies offer premium feel and durability, but they cost more and weigh more. Metal wire caddies are great for portability, but they can wobble on uneven surfaces.
For studio use, plastic or wood is ideal. For plein air, lightweight plastic or a magnetic setup is better. The choice depends on your priorities.
Easel Compatibility
Not every caddy fits every easel. Tray-style caddies attach to easels with horizontal support bars, while clip-on holders attach to edges or ledges. Magnetic trays only work with magnet-compatible easels or pochade boxes. Before buying, check the mounting type and measure your easel.
I tested each caddy on at least two easel types to verify compatibility. The SHINEOFI tray worked well on aluminum field easels but struggled on thick wooden easels. The GAMENOTE and Vidifor caddies are standalone, so they work with any easel as long as you have a flat surface nearby.
Portability and Weight
Plein air artists should prioritize lightweight designs. Anything over 2 pounds will get heavy on a long outdoor session. The SHINEOFI tray, the CUGEBANNA brush holder, and the Vidifor caddy are all under 1 pound and travel well.
Studio artists can prioritize capacity over portability. The GAMENOTE organizer weighs more but holds up to 30 pounds of supplies, which is overkill for outdoor work but perfect for a studio table.
Storage Capacity and Brush Slots
Think about how many brushes, paint tubes, and tools you use per session. If you use dozens of brushes, a multi-cup organizer like the Colorations or a brush-specific holder like the Foraineam is better. If you use a smaller kit, a tray with a flat surface is enough.
Plein air painters often travel light, so a simple tray or a clip-on brush holder is sufficient. Studio painters benefit from larger organizers with multiple compartments.
Magnetic and Locking Features
Magnetic trays, like the u.go Plein Air side tray, offer fast attachment and detachment. They are great for plein air artists who need to set up and break down quickly. Locking brackets, like on the SHINEOFI tray, provide more secure attachment but require tools to adjust.
If you prioritize speed, go magnetic. If you prioritize a rock-solid connection, go with a locking bracket or a heavy-duty clip.
Considerations for Left-Handed Artists
Most easel caddies are designed for right-handed users, with trays and brush holders angled toward the right. Left-handed artists have two options: a rotating organizer like the GAMENOTE or Foraineam, which lets you angle the caddy in any direction, or a clip-on holder like the CUGEBANNA, which uses a 360° ball mount to orient the brushes however you want.
Fixed trays can be inconvenient for left-handed painters because the trays are designed to be reached from the right side. A rotating caddy solves this problem without requiring a special left-handed model.
Budget and Price-to-Value
Easel caddies range from budget-friendly plastic trays to premium wooden magnetic systems. The SHINEOFI and Beka trays are the most affordable in our roundup, while the u.go Plein Air tray is the most expensive. The mid-range options like the Vidifor and GAMENOTE offer the best balance of price and value.
Set a budget before you shop, but remember that a higher price often means better materials, longer lifespan, and more features. For most artists, a mid-range caddy will cover all their needs.
FAQs
What is an easel caddy?
An easel caddy is an accessory that attaches to an easel to hold paint, brushes, palettes, and other supplies within easy reach while you paint. It keeps your supplies organized and accessible so you can focus on your art instead of looking for tools.
What to use to carry art supplies?
For portable art supply transport, consider a caddy with a carrying handle like the Vidifor Portable Caddy, a clip-on holder like the CUGEBANNA, or a multi-cup organizer like the Colorations Marker Caddy. Plein air artists often prefer magnetic trays that attach to a pochade box.
Can you add a tray to any easel?
Not every easel accepts a tray. Tray-style caddies attach to easels with horizontal support bars or French easel shelves. Clip-on holders work with most ledges or edges. Magnetic trays only fit magnet-compatible pochade boxes. Always check the easel specifications before buying a caddy.
What is the best easel tray for plein air painting?
For plein air painting, the best easel caddies are lightweight, secure, and portable. The u.go Plein Air Wood Side Tray offers a magnetic connection and water-resistant finish, while the SHINEOFI Plastic Detachable Easel Tray is an affordable option that fits most field easels. Avoid large desktop organizers for outdoor use.
What is the difference between an easel tray and a sketch box?
An easel tray is a flat or compartmentalized surface that attaches to an easel to hold supplies. A sketch box is a portable box with built-in storage that often doubles as a small easel. Trays are accessories; sketch boxes are standalone systems. Many plein air painters use both together for maximum organization.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Your Easel Caddy
The best easel caddies for artists are the ones that fit your painting style, easel setup, and budget. After testing eight options, I keep coming back to the GAMENOTE Rotating Organizer as my top pick for studio use, the Vidifor Portable Caddy as the best value, and the SHINEOFI Plastic Detachable Tray as the top budget-friendly option.
If you paint outdoors, look for a lightweight, magnetic, or clip-on design. If you paint in a studio, prioritize storage capacity and organization. And if you are left-handed, a rotating caddy will keep your supplies accessible without forcing you to reach across your body.
Whichever easel caddy you choose, the right accessory will save you from the spilled paint tubes and lost brushes that come with disorganized supply storage. Invest in a caddy that fits your workflow, and your painting sessions will feel smoother and more focused in 2026 and beyond.