Brother SE400 Vs PE500 Comparison In Detail
Brother SE400 and PE500 are two popular beginners' embroidery machines. Let us have a closer look at both models, so that you can make a choice.
Brother SE400 Vs PE500 - Major Difference In Features
When you look at both machines from a distance, you get a feeling that both are identical. But only a closer look reveals the differences. First of all, we will be taking about the areas where these two machines differ. We will have a look at all other features later on.
Basic Functioning
9 out of 10 times, this is where the decision is made. PE500 is an embroidery only machine, whereas SE400 is a sewing & embroidery combo machine. SE400 has all the features of PE500 plus the capability of regular sewing. So SE400 would be a good choice for those who don't own a regular sewing machine, as they can do sewing and embroidery all in one machine.
Built-in Stitches
SE400 comes with 67 sewing stitches (including 10 one-step buttonholes), 70 embroidery designs, 120 frame pattern combinations and 5 embroidery lettering fonts.
PE500 comes with 70 embroidery designs, 120 frame pattern combinations and 5 embroidery lettering fonts. The only thing missing is the sewing stitches.
Embroidery Features
Absolutely no difference here. Both machines come with a maximum embroidery area of 4"x4". The embroidery speeds are also the same, at 400 stitches/min. There are layout function and pattern rotating on both machines. Computer connectivity on both machines lets you download unlimited number of designs from iBroidery.com and other websites. So the room for creativity is virtually limitless.
Machine Weight
Brother SE400 is 4.44 lbs lighter than PE500. Consider it as important, if you want to take your machine to sewing classes.
Side by side comparison
| Feature | Brother SE400 | Brother PE500 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Sewing & Embroidery Combo Machine | Embroidery Only |
| Max Embroidery Area | 4" x 4" | 4" x 4" |
| Built-in Stitches | 67 Sewing Stitches | |
| Embroidery Hoop | 1 hoop, 4" x 4" | One 4" x 4" |
| Sewing Start/Stop Button | Yes | Yes |
| Embroidery Speed | 400 Stitches/min | 400 Stitches/min |
| Speed Control Slider | Yes | No |
| Built-in Embroidery Designs | 70 | 70 |
| Automatic Needle Threader | Yes | Yes |
| Layout Function | Yes | Yes |
| Buttonhole Styles | 10 One-step | |
| Pattern Rotation | 1, 10, or 90 Degrees | 1, 10, or 90 Degrees |
| Top Drop-in Bobbin | Yes | Yes |
| USB Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Stitch Selection | LCD Touch Display | LCD Touch Screen |
| Embroidery Card | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable Stitch Length & Width | Yes | |
| Built-in Memory | Yes | Yes |
| Stitch Width | 7mm | |
| Stitch Length | 5mm | |
| Programmable Needle Up/Down | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Monogramming Font | Yes 5 | Yes 5 |
| Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure | No | No |
| Motor Power | 710 Stitches/min (For regular sewing) | |
| On Board Storage | Yes | Yes |
| Work Light | Yes 1 LED | Yes 1 LED |
| Feed Dog | 7 | |
| Included Feet | Buttonhole foot, Overcasting foot, Monogramming foot, Zipper foot, Blind Stitch foot, Button Fitting foot, Embroidery foot | Embroidery foot |
| Machine Weight | 13.66 lbs | 18.1 lbs |
| Warranty | 25 Year Limited | 25 Year Limited |
| Automatic Thread Cutter | Yes | Yes |
| On-screen Help Tutorials | Yes | Yes |
| Independent Bobbin Winding Motor | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Tension | ||
 |
Editor comment
You really can't see a difference in performance either. Both are excellent machines for embroidery. In fact, these two have one of the best customer feedback for beginner embroidery machines. You can say that SE400 is slightly better for beginners as you don't need to switch machines for embroidery and sewing tasks (that's what we feel).
PE500 is an embroidery only machine and SE400 is a sewing & embroidery combo machine, that says all. If you take the sewing features of SE400 alone, you will see that it packs all the features that you normally get on a beginner Brother computerized sewing machine.
Our recommendation will always be Brother SE400 because of the versatility it offers. Moreover, SE400 is the upgraded version of PE500. You can even write the comparison as an equation,
Brother PE500 + Sewing Features = Brother SE400.
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