An Easel can mean different things to different people, it can be the preparation area before you begin to paint, it can make painting more comfortable, for some a necessity.
 

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There are large wooden or metal easels for those who work indoors.
Smaller lightweight wooded or metal field easels for use outside.
Sit at "box easels" for seated indoor or outdoor use.
Table easels, both large and small, for indoor use and "steering wheel" easels which can be very useful.

So how do you choose an easel that is right for you?
First of all decide why you want an easel? Where and when you are going to use it? How it is going to help you?
These may seem obvious questions, but not always though about before purchase!

Hopefully the information below will help you arrive at some answers, you can then make an informed decision on the type of easel that serves your purpose.

If you paint on canvas it may be best not to have an easel with a lip top and bottom, this lip can prevent you from painting the whole canvas!
The easel also needs to be sturdy enough to take your largest canvas and the area that hold or 'clamps' the canvas needs to be large enough also.

Your easel needs to be your 'friend' to help you paint in comfort, with ease and the right mental attitude.
A note about wooded easels -  they are best made from 'hardwood' with fixings of brass or steel.

Buying your easel, drawing or calligraphy board can be from an art retailer is often best because you can actually have a close look and feel of the easel or board before purchase.
(The images are from art-drawingboards)