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Head-to-head · Best Sewing Machines

Baby Lock Zest Sewing Machine vs Brother CP100X Computerized Sewing Machine

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Baby Lock Zest Sewing Machine comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.5 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about travelers and beginners seeking portability — read the strengths below before deciding.

Baby Lock Zest Sewing Machine
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Sewing Machines
Baby Lock Zest Sewing Machine
2 sourcesall derived$209as of Aug 1

The Baby Lock Zest gets called an excellent entry-level machine that brings the build quality and feature set of pricier models. YouTube reviewer Kelly from ABQ Sewing Studio focuses on how easy it is to use, especially for beginners and children, and covers the 15 built-in stitches, front-load bobbin system, and a light body that travels or teaches well. It isn't computerized and only ships with four presser feet, but as a mechanical sewing machine it's good value.

Strengths
  • — Built with quality standards typically found in higher-end machines
  • — 15 built-in stitches including a four-step buttonhole
  • — Easy to thread with front load bobbin system
Watch-outs
  • — Limited to mechanical operation without computerized features
  • — Only includes four presser feet in the box
$209 · Buy at meissnersewing.comFull review →
Brother CP100X Computerized Sewing Machine
Ranked #4 in Best Sewing Machines
Brother CP100X Computerized Sewing Machine
2 sourcesall derived$259.99as of Jul 31

The Brother CP100X is a computerized machine built for beginners, with 100 built-in stitches and an automatic needle threader. YouTube reviewer Ken Sewing Center praised its portability at 12 lbs and a strong motor that gets through denim and stretch fabrics. A large wide table, hard case, and 10 sewing and quilting feet come with it. Embroidery features are absent, but basic quilting and garment construction are well within reach.

Strengths
  • — 100 built-in sewing and utility stitches
  • — One-step automatic needle threader with threading diagrams
  • — Quick-Set bobbin system for easy bobbin replacement
Watch-outs
  • — Limited to basic embroidery features without external embroidery module
  • — Weight of 12 lbs, which may be cumbersome for travel
$259.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Baby Lock Zest Sewing Machine

The Baby Lock Zest is more portable and beginner-friendly than the Singer Heavy Duty 6800C, which is heavier and more robust. However, it lacks the 300+ stitch options of the Singer Heavy Duty 6800C and the advanced features of the Brother CS7000X.

Brother CP100X Computerized Sewing Machine

The Brother CP100X offers 100 built-in stitches and a quick-set bobbin system, surpassing the Brother CS7000X in stitch variety. However, it's less robust than the Singer Heavy Duty 6800C and lacks the automatic thread cutter found in the Brother XM2701.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBaby Lock Zest Sewing MachineBrother CP100X Computerized Sewing Machine
Stitch Count15 built-in100 built-in
Bobbin SystemFront loadTop drop-in
Included Accessories4 included10 sewing and quilting feet, large wide table, and a hard case
Weight13.0 lbs12 lbs
Stitch Width—7mm
Stitch Speed—Adjustable
Needle Threader—One-step automatic
Material—Metal, Plastic
Dimensions—12"D x 20"W x 17"H
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