I have the pivot feature on my machine so don't use a knee lift although my machine comes with one. I used to use it and loved it at the time, but stopped using it and didn't even notice so for me it could not be that important. my machine automatically lifts the presser foot with needle down when you let up on the pedal when you have the pivot feature on, and the foot goes back down when you start sewing again. If pivot feature is turned off you have to use the button or lift, so for me the lift is completely unneccessary .