I don't know about all brands of machines, but I've owned Singer machines and a Janome.... And then I bought my first Bernina..a 153 QE.....that did it for me. I still have it and won't part with it. Since then I've bought a Bernina 440 QEE and a 530 as well as a Bernina Serger. I love these machines and believe me they area workhorses. They never cause any problems for me. My advice would be to go to a Bernina Store and try some of their machines out. I think you'll find that they are worth the money.... at least they are to me.