As I've said in other threads I stared with a Bernina 160, traded up for a 180 (which is now my travel machine), bought a 440 on a 48 month no interest, traded it for a 820 because I wanted the large opening for quilting and the large bobbin. Found out hte hard way you had to baby the 820 so got rid of it and got a 550 which is my home macine and I am very happy with both my Berninas.