A Baby Lock fan here. Several of the ladies in the quilt guild have Brother machines. I have not heard any complaints about either brand. Both have good dealers within about 20 miles (or less) so service and classes are handy. Both offer free classes if you purchase a machine from them. I don't know about whether they have plastic parts or not. I do know mine are extremely heavy. Both are about the same and the most important is they are user friendly.