| Bernina:830LE (Sewing Machine) | | Viewed 2257 time(s) |
1 more reviews for this machine | Review rated Helpful by 6 people Very Helpful by 5 people | | Reviewed by: | lgrande | 
 | About lgrande | | MT USA | | Member since: 1/18/12 | | Reviews written: 7 | | Sewing skills:Advanced Beginner | | Favored by: 3 people | | sewing machines reviewed: 6 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 11/30/12 4:42 PM | | Approx price paid: | $9900 | | Had this machine for: | 9 months | | Recommended? | Yes | | Online Merchants: | Amazon.com | Features
- Computerized
- Needle Threader
- Needle Up/Down Setting
- Embroidery Stitches
- One step buttonhole
- Free Arm
- Adjustable Stitch Length and Width
- Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure
- Adjustable Needle Position
- Embroidery Machine
- Auto Threading
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Discuss Sewing Machines with PR members Sewing Machine Forum | | What lgrande likes about this machine
This review is for the 830LE which I got to replace the 830E
I purchased in January of this year and had a number of issues with. The auto needle threader constantly malfunctioned, it gathered my stitches and the needle was off-center. I struggled with it for several months and returned it to Bernina for adjustment but still could not get the auto-threader to work consistently. In frustration, because I had such a big investment in the machine and because the local tech was not trained to service the 8-series, I opted to trade my 830E in for the LE after a few months. I simply had lost all confidence in the machine and every malfunction reinforced my dissatisfaction. I had fantasized about waiting for the new 830s to be released but was afraid that could be a long wait and didn't want to wait to be able to enjoy my machine, so trading was the about my only option. My dealer allowed me my full purchase price and I paid an additional $900 for the LE upgrade.
With the LE that I now have a machine that is a pleasure to use.
After sewing with the new model for a few months I am truly happy again and excited to work on it. Everything I've tried has worked extremely well. I don't have any of the problems that some owners experienced with the firmware update(s). I'm beginning to try some embroidery projects which is a new experience for me. My results so far have been really nice. I am now grateful each time my threader threads the needle for me.
My dealer has also recently added an additional tech who is skilled at maintaining this model. This has given me a huge boost in confidence since I now have someone local who can tweak it when it needs it.
It took some time for me to get comfortable with the 830. It was a giant leap forward from the machines I've owned previously as I'd never sewn on a Bernina or any machine this sophisticated. But now that I understand it better and know better what to expect from it, I'm convinced that this is the right machine for me.
Some of the things to really love about the 830 are the auto-threading (which I already mentioned - because I love it so much!), the hover is amazing, the thread cutter, the extra long basting stitches, big bobbin, gorgeous dec. stitches, security features, fabulous feet, big harp, runway lighting and virtually customizable EVERYTHING!
I truly believe that I own 'the' dream machine.
(My original PR review of the 830E was posted on 6/17/12.) What lgrande does not like about this machine
Very minor issues:
The on/off switch is in an awkward position. Also, the usb ports are low on the side. My machine sits in a well most of the time and this makes the upper port unusable and the lower port difficult to access..
The 830 manual leaves a great deal to the imagination. Often the terms for stitches or directions that are found in Bernina designs are not found in the manual. And the online manual needs a search option. Fortunately there are online tutorials and videos that are more helpful.
This particular Bernina model is massive and heavy. I tend to avoid classes where I have to take the machine in since it is so difficult to pack up and move. The embroidery and mastery classes at my dealer's require the bringing in of the machine so I do most of my classes online. | *LOGIN to add a comment to this review
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11 Comments
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Thanks for a good, honest review. I'm glad you now have a machine that works for you.
11/30/12 4:46 PM
I am glad you were able to trade and now love your time with your machine. It is important to like the machine for sure! :) it does sound like a wonderful machine.
11/30/12 8:56 PM
hi, can i ask where u r located? i have a never removed from box 820. want to trade it in for an 830LE. 830LE prices where i am are more than u quoted.
11/30/12 11:11 PM
I'm glad you have bonded with your LE. :) What sewing features (other than the automatic threading) do you like?
12/1/12 9:17 AM
Love my LE too!
12/1/12 9:58 AM
aj, My LE was an out-of-the-box machine and I paid $900 in addition to my 830 trade-in (I had paid $9000 for my floor-model 830E). There were no brand-new LE's available here but mine had very few stitches on it and it's very close to brand-new. I live in W. Montana and there are few dealers around...hence no negotiation goes on.
12/1/12 12:38 PM
Happy you were able to resolve your machine issues, and the machine sounds amazing.
12/1/12 3:35 PM
Igrande, Thank U for your response. i'm Happy to hear that u r Happy with the LE. Happy to hear everything works as it should. Gives me a bit more confidence to go ahead and do the deal :-) Enjoy. A
12/1/12 8:50 PM
Nice to get an honest review... especially at that price point. And glad to hear you finally got your dream machine.
12/2/12 4:33 PM
It's a shame your dealer couldn't fix it or immediately get you the same model and return this one as a lemon. But I'm glad you are happy with your new machine
12/5/12 1:03 AM
I am glad you got a good machine. I am getting ready to do a review of it. I bought the 830LE straight out if the box, and it had issues. I will post the review tomorrow. These are great machines.
12/9/12 0:19 AM