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Choosing to work with the wrong portable workbench could cost you your sanity.
Having the right portable workbench at your disposal can make your work project go a hell of lot easier, making it a pleasure to work with.
It can become a chore choosing the right one with so many options on the market today.
We have made picking the right one easy. By laying out the most popular ones at different price points.
Quick Picks
Here's 3 products we picked out that thought you would be interested in depending on your budget...
On this page:
The Best Portable Workbench with Reviews 2020
Here's a list of the best portable workbenches we found on the market:
1. WORX Pegasus Multi-Function Work Table
- 300lb max load as worktable
- 1000lb max load as a workhorse
- Connects to additional models to extend
- Includes 4 clamp dogs & 2 quick clamps
- Quick-clamping mechanism
- Easy to carry light weight design
- Weighs about 28lbs
- 3 year warranty
The Good
- Very highly rated.
- Ready to go straight out the box.
- Very lightweight & solid design.
- Nice large work surface.
- One of the models with more height for taller people.
- Clamps & pegs stay locked together when stored.
- Many users appreciated the small tool storage areas which become handy.
Not so Good
- You cannot clamp any clamp as the underside is not flat.
- Black and Decker dogs/pegs will not fit these holes.
- No carry handle when closed.
- May not provide value for those who don’t plan to use it much.
Overview
Our best pick has to go the Worx Pegasus. This workbench gained popularity over the last few years to become a best seller – and rightly so.
It provides everything most people would ask for in a folding workbench, especially the key points:
- Lightweight
- Strong
- Large working surface
- Simple and quick to set up & close
- Ton of extra features
If you’re someone who plans to make use of a folding workbench, then make this a strong consideration. It’s cheaper than some other top end Workmates, with added extra features.
2. Keter Folding Work Station Workbench
- Extendable legs from 30.3" to 34.2"
- Quick opening system
- Sturdy carrying handle
- Includes two adjustable holding clamps
- Strong resin construction
- Adjustable version can has a weight limit of 700lbs
- Non-adjustable version can has a weight limit of 1000lbs
- 2 year warranty
The Good
- Very portable and easy to hold with a carry handle.
- Simple & quick set up.
- Has a second shelve which is very handy to place tools on.
- Largest weight limit of any bench.
- Very sturdy for placing power tools on to.
Not so Good
- No place to store the clamps included
- Users have noted that the legs do not clamp firm when folded which creates a rattle,
- Users also mentioned that the adjustable version does not offer a great range of height increments.
Overview
Our pick of the bunch has to be both of the Keter portable workbenches. The main characteristic of these models is that they fold into a very compact case which you can store in tight places anywhere around the house.
The price difference is due to the adjustable version has extendable legs which give the table more height when required. This allows for an extra 6 inches, in 2-inch increments.
3. Black & Decker WM125 Workmate Workbench
- Max load of 350 lb
- Folds flat for easy storage
- Easy to carry
- Compact & lightweight
- Durable steel frame
- Weighs about 17.8 lbs
- 2 year warranty
The Good
- Extremely cheap makes excellent value.
- Very lightweight. Comes 90% assembled.
- Perfect for the home / casual DIY’er.
Not so Good
- Lacks a lot of features of some of models.
- No clamping system.
- No additional storage.
- Small working surface compared to others.
- Not recommended for larger jobs / more frequent jobs.
Overview
The Black & Decker WM125 Workmate would be our runner up choice as it makes excellent all round value. It is a different type of workbench, compared to the Keter, as it has adjustable jaws to grip whatever item you are working on. The best thing about this model is that it allows you to work on things vertically as well.
Although the manufacturer labelled it as heavy duty folding workbench, reviewers have contradicted this claim and only recommend it for light to medium duty type of work.
This may not be the pick of a handyman working on a whole house project, however, it is still pretty good for people with specific needs, hobbies, and small projects. Yet it is recommended as being suitable for novices even by experienced reviewers.
4. Kreg KWS1000 Mobile Project Center Workbench
- 350 lbs max load
- Weighs 40 lbs
- Workbench & Sawhorse design
- Connects to multiple tables
- Second shelve for storage
- Solid metal frame construction
- Quick clamping system
- 3 year warranty
The Good
- Great to connect multiple tables together.
- Large working surface.
- Very easy clamping system included.
- Heavier metal design could suggest an even more durable build.
- Designed for the professional / frequent user.
Not so Good
- Compared to the similar Worx it’s heavier and more expensive.
- Can be difficult to carry around.
- Not sure the price difference can be justified.
- There is known hazard when opening that pinches your hand.
- Clamps are loose and not locked to the table when folded.
Overview
It was a close call between the Kreg and Worx portable workbenches as they are very similar, however the only reason we didn’t give it to the Kreg was because of the price and weight. Other than they both provide an excellent workbench for the modern worker.
5. Black & Decker WM1000 Workmate Workbench
- Max load of 550lb
- Robust steel frame
- 670 x 450mm solid bamboo plate
- Quick-clamping mechanism
- One hand quick folding
- Easy to carry
- Weighs about 40lbs
- 2 year warranty
The Good
- New workmate model
- Easy transportation and versatile storage options
- Set up is straight forward – comes half assembled
- Very solid design
- Speed crank is handy
Not so Good
- Price
- People over 6’5″ may find themselves hunching over,
- Does not have the vertical & horizontal clamping like the WM425
- Crank belt has been known to slip off occasionally
Overview
Overall this portable workbench is both sturdy and compact. The work surface is made of bamboo and you can turn it into a clamping mechanism when the project requires it.
It is a highly versatile work table which allows for a wide range of projects to be carried out with great ease. It has a reliable structure and a solid built. It really deserves the heavy duty feature as it allows ample projects to be done.
6. Black & Decker WM425 Workmate Workbench
- Max load of 550lb
- Heavyweight steel design
- One-handed clamp system
- Quick-clamping mechanism
- Vertical clamping
- Includes four swivel pegs, extra block, and vise-to-workbench converter insert
- Easy to carry
- Weighs about 40lbs
- 2 year warranty
The Good
- Strong solid design
- Vertical clamping vise is great for wider pieces of wood
- Large working space compared to other Workmate models
- Easy store and transport
Not so Good
- Difficult to assemble
- Users noted the assembly instructions are not clear
- Reviewers complain that the moving of production from the US or Canada to China equaled a decrease in quality
Overview
The Black & Decker WM425 Workmate folding workbench is on the higher end in terms of price, however, the good thing about the Black & Decker WM425 is that you can use the top as a vice or as a workstation, as the jaws are wide enough to allow it.
It is the perfect mix between a space saving item and fantastic features that let you work on bigger projects. This takes the model out of the hobby and novice categories and justifies the price.
7. Performance Tool W54025 Portable Workbench
- Max load of 200 lb
- Folds flat for easy storage
- Easy to carry
- Compact & lightweight
- One-handed clamp system
- Jaws can be angled
- Weighs about 18 lbs
- 1 year warranty
The Good
- Excellent value
- Easy to assemble
- Sturdy
- Great bench for light work
- Perfect for the home/ casual DIY’er
Not so Good
- Small working surface
- Printed measurements fade pretty quickly
- Instructions not great
- Not recommended for larger jobs / more frequent jobs
Overview
An alternative to the WM125 is the Performance Tool W54025 portable workbench. This is a reliable workbench; it is foldable, and it is sold a low price point.
As far as built goes, this is a minimum requirement, minimum investment workbench. It does its job with basics like stamped metal and plastic parts. It is good for the money you pay for it and nothing more. This is a simple case of what you see is what you get.
8. Black & Decker WM225 Workmate Workbench
- Max load of 450 lb
- Folds flat for easy storage
- Easy to carry
- Compact & lightweight
- Durable steel frame
- Includes four vise attachments
- Weighs about 28 lbs
- 2 year warranty
The Good
- Easy to use
- Solid design
- Very handy vise and bench dogs
- Perfect for the home/ casual DIY’er
Not so Good
- Small working surface
- Many users of the older models state the quality is as good
- Not recommended for larger jobs / more frequent jobs
Overview
The WM225 Workmate workbench is mid-priced that is meant to be step up from the WM125 model. It is convenient to use, of good quality, solid built, and light weight. This is a product good for both DIY beginners.
Worx Pegasus vs Keter
The Worx Pegasus and Keter workbench offer a similar product, however, there are some key differences within some of the differences we think are worth noting…
- The Worx is taller by about 2 inches which can make a difference to some taller people over 6ft, especially as users have mentioned this in the reviews. However, having said that, the Keter does offer a more expensive version with extendable legs but at a reduced weight load capacity.
- The Worx is slightly more expensive compared the Keter. Around about $20 difference.
- The Worx has a slightly larger working surface vs the Keter.
- Keter surface = 33″ x 21″
- Worx surface = 31″ x 25″
- Keter has a much heavier workload of 1000 lb compared to Worx’s 300 lb max load.
- Worx has a larger clamping capacity compared to the Keter, and can also be used on both sides. Where as the Keter can only be used from one side of the table.
- Worx allows to connect multiple tables together if you have 2 of more which helps extend the length of the working surface – The Keter does not have this feature.
- The Worx workbench has the option to work as saw horse as well as a work table thanks to the folding sides.
Overall, for most people, the Worx weight capacity is more than enough and has more features than the Keter. However if you need that extra weight capacity and can do without the extra features then the Keter may provide you with better value.
Buy the Worx Pegasus here or the Keter Folding Workbench from here
Kreg vs Worx
The main differences between the Worx Pegasus vs Kreg kws1000 is the weight and price of both models.
The Worx weighs 15lbs less than the Kreg thanks to the high impact plastic material, where as the Kreg uses a metal construction. Some people may prefer the heavier metal feel, however we value the weight making it easier to carry around.
The Work also costs around $40 less which is quite a huge saving considering there is not much between these.
For these two main reasons we decided the Worx provides the best value and would be our pick between the two.
Conclusion
It is no longer wise to choose a portable workbench you want to work on intensively based on one factor alone. This factor may be the brand you trust in, a price you expect to reflect a model’s specifications or the quality of the work table as resulting from its build.
The best way to pick a workbench is to choose a mix of specs you decide on, starting from your needs. Keter has put some great products on the market, yet Black & Decker, with their famous Workmate, are still a name to be reckoned with and their jawed grips are a great feature. The performance is a segment in itself, offering the basic product for a decent price.
You can look at this purchase as an investment, or you can see it as a trial. The good news is that you have a lot to choose from in all areas. You have a wide price range – $ 30 – $ 150, a wide weight load range – 200 pounds to 1000 pounds, different folding mechanisms and different clamping systems at your disposal.
The important thing is to know what you are looking for and you will find the perfect match for you.
However, for us, the best portable workbench award goes to the Worx Pegasus.
Resources
- https://www.keter.com/en/folding-work-table-ex
- http://www.wilmarcorp.com/item.aspx?iid=7042
- https://www.blackanddecker.com/en-us/products/power-tools/project-solutions/workbenches/workmate-1000-portable-work-center-and-vise/bdst11000
- https://www.blackanddecker.com/en-us/products/power-tools/project-solutions/workbenches/workmate-p425-portable-project-center-and-vise/wm425
- https://www.worx.com/pegasus-work-table-sawhorse-wx051.html
FYI. The keeter has cutouts on the lower level to store the clamps that are included with the bench.
Bought mine with adjustable legs for $39 at SAMs Club on sale. Regular price is $57. Can’t beat it for the price.
My keter bench looks just like the one in this article and it does have recessed clamp storage on the second shelf. May be a different model?