DOTTYMO

When I purchased my 440nq last year I was informed the 550nq just a face change. I would have purchased it if the throat had been enlarged. I decided on the 440nq well before that having been using a friends and loved it especially the BSR which made free motion so easy. . If you can get the 440 with walking feet and BSR all in one package I'd say have it. Bernina sites do downloads of leaflets of machines.

SuzieQuilts

Twenty seven years ago, when I decided I was ready for a better machine then my Kenmore, I went with a Bernina instead of a Phaff because of the customer service, and the Dealer was 45 miles away, not 100. It was the best decision I have made with sewing machines. I still go to the same dealer. Try out the machines, you will know, there will be one that "talks" to you, and lets hope it is in your price range. Just like wedding dress shopping, don't try out any machines you can not afford. As far as a serge protector, you need a serge protector/ battery pack, and plug your machine into the battery outlet on it. I learned the hard way, but it was under warranty.

pllboyer

I've had 3 Bernina's and have been very satisfied with each. Currently have the 430 with embroidery module. It sews beautifully - like others service is so important. I don't skimp on getting mine cleaned at least once a year and am very faithful at cleaning and oiling. Our dealer offers mastery classes that you can take as many times as you want if you purchase the machine from them. Also have a wonderful fabric, notions, etc. store. I've had Pfaff's before and they are not made as well. Well worth the extra $'s/

mckwilter

I have the Bernina 440QE without the embroidery module, and I love it. It does everything I need for both quilting and non-quilting projects and for garment construction. I plug my machine into a surge protector extension cord, along with my iron, light and fan, and I always unplug it at the wall, making sure (1) everything is off and (2) if there was any kind of electrical surge, my machine would not be affected. My Singer serviceman suggested that over 40 years ago, when I bought my first machine, long before I even knew what Bernina was, and I have been doing it ever since. The nice thing about the Bernina is that you can just unplug the power at the machine instead of at the wall.

ghostrider

I can't help you with any of the machines you mentioned (I have a 153QE), but I can help you pinpoint your search results.

Go to Advanced Search up at the top of the page, click it.
Enter the name of the machine you want info on and put it in quotation marks. That will keep the entire group of words together so you don't get just Bernina or just the number.
Make sure the drop down box says "Search Entire Posts".
Hit enter.

The result will be a list of threads that only have the exact phrase you typed in the box somewhere within a post.
Your keywords will be highlighted in yellow so you can skim quickly through the pages to catch every mention of the machine you are looking for.
Be aware that if you enter "Bernina 153QE" you will not get results that contain "Bernina 153 QE". They are exact matches only.

Hope that helps.

Battle Axe

I have a Bernina 1020. It is not computerized. I guess it is the last one before they put computers in them. It has the needle up all the time when you stop. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

nancyw

I have the Bernina 550QE and love it. I have been a Bernina user since 998 and have loved every one I've had. 165, 18, 440E, 550QE. Kept trading up. When I got my 550QE it not only came with the BSR, but it came with the waking foot with three interchangeable feet. Needless to sat over the yearsT have bought a drawer full of feet and they all fit the 550QE.

IraJane

I also have this machine and have bought a second one used to keep in the cart I take for classes. It had been a floor model when I purchased it 16 years ago. It has only been in the shop for cleaning. I am an avid sewer and sew a good bit about every day. As a home economics teacher I had other models in my classroom with very little repair ever needed. They were an easy machine for students to learn to sew with. Anyway, I have lots of experience with Berninas and recommend them. Most important is having service local.

ghostrider

oops...didn't work right...sorry.

connietoo

I bought a 350 four months ago and I LOVE IT, But, I wish I had the 550 because it has the stitch regulator! I have had other makes of machine and I am so in love with the quality of bernina. I would never go back to anything else.