The absolute best machine is Bernina. If you are looking for free motion and throat space, the answer is clearly Bernina. All top machines sew well, and do great things. After 5 years of servicing all brands of machines Ive seen them all on the inside. This is where Bernina wins hands down. Berninas come with a 20 year mechanical warranty. When people say Bernina's are expensive, See how many old machines are out there and still being used. Bernina is the last family owned company, and still makes all the replacement parts. Pfaff was the last company to be bought out. Pfaff is not what it once was.