Best sewing machine brand, is there really a difference?

The best machine is the best one for you!   In order to find out which it is, I suggest getting out there and giving each one you're considering a test drive.  Take along two pieces of scrap fabric and the type of batting you like and quilt on it if that is what you plan to do once you get it.  I have used Bernina, Brother, Singer, White and Kenmore and I love my Brother machine.  You'll know which one is right once you give it a go.  I agree with others about support from a local dealer, someone who is willing to teach you to use it and is patient and knows the machine.  Wishing you the best with your purchase. 

Well, I once had a Pfaff, sold it, bought a Bernina and sold it and bought another Pfaff. I know I will never change. That built in walking foot is the bomb! And for $5-700 you will be able to find a great machine. It is like buying a car, so make sure you take a test drive.

Also, if you buy from a dealer that carries more than one brand they are very good about letting you return it and exchange for another model.

Last, make sure you get lessons with the machine. You will get a lot more out of the machine that way.

Test drive, test drive, test drive.

That being said I am on my second Husqvarna Viking and wouldn't trade it for anything.

I've heard the same thing about Singer.  I actually had an instructor from a nearby design school tell me that materials and construction were outsourced and the machines are nothing compared to their Singer ancestors.

I've got a Kenmore, which, like another poster said, is made by Janome.  I did have some trouble with an earlier machine but it was the fault of the store, not Kenmore.  The machine was cracked and had no power source right out of the box.  You could tell it had been dropped and repackaged.  But, I was able to return and replace it, and I think it is just wonderful.  I have a vintage machine that I use for strong straight stitches, but my Kenmore has never served my poorly in any way.

I use a Singer, but am not sure of the exact model.  It's about 20 years old, as I bought it for high school graduation.  It's a basic machine that has handled the projects I've done okay, but not always great.  I am also searching for a new machine.  My mother has a 20 year old Bernina that's awesome, but the only Bernina dealer near me is awful.  My sister in law just bought the Janome 4900 and loves it.  I am reading more and more about the Janome brand making good quailty machines that are durable (check out Oh Frasson's meme about hers).  Anyway, my suggestion is to surf around for major quilt show locations near you.  At the recent MidAtlantic one near my home, I was able to walk from the Brother booth, to the Bernina, to the Janome, to the Phaff, to the Babylock.  And all the other brands.  The folks there are very knowledgable, machines are set up for test driving and there are usually awesome pricing deals for extra enticement.  You can do instant comparisons and not confuse yourself or forget.  I did research that day, but wasn't in a position to purchase (darn it).  I am saving bit by bit for my Janome.  It's the brand I've decided on.  Bernina's are good, don't get me wrong, but the blogs I've checked show the servicing is often an issue.  Babylock looked awesome, but there is no local dealer for me.  If I have a problem, I'm not driving four hours to have it serviced.  Anyway, check into the shows for ease with research.  And you get to buy fabric at good prices!

I agree about the Singer.  My mom bought me one a few years ago and it is worthless.  The plastic gears are stripped so the timing will not stay put.  I know you said you don't want a Brother, but I recently was talked out of a Janome and into a Brother from a local dealer and I love it!  I think they have 2 levels of machines, the retail versions which are a lower quality (sold at walmart, target, etc)  and the dealer versions, which are much better.  I have the Innovis 40 and it works amazingly well and while not cheap ($400) it was less than the comparable Janome.  Plus, I think Brother makes one of the easiest buttonholers in the biz.  Good luck.

I like Janome because they use high quality internal components. This is one I've used before that I would highly recommend - it's ultra reliable: http://www.top-sewing-machines.com/review/janome-dc2012/9.

Why are you so opposed to Brother? Sure, they make some cheap machines, but they also make some very high quality ones. Here's another one I've used in the past that I have nothing but good things to say about: http://www.top-sewing-machines.com/review/brother-pq1500s/6.

Whatever you decide, just be sure to do your research on the individual model and not the brand. Companies can change over time, and some models can be better or worse than others. Don't always rely solely on a brand name.