When it comes to brand name Singer is a household name. Singer is known for quality and reliability and Singer’s reputation is well deserved. Well, this is certainly true for the all metal sewing machines up to and including the 500 series. Then things started to get confusing… Singer numbered later models such as the 237, 347, 348, etc that are not in the same class of quality as the older model 221 or 201. or the 301, 327, 328, or the 401A, 403A, 404, 411, or the 500A, 503A. These machines are exceptional and top of their class. The later models are not. This is very confusing for you if you are looking for the highest quality machine. The differences are night and day. This said, the later Singers (up to about 1968… when Singer transitioned from steel gears to nylon gears) are good quality machines. So before you decide on a vintage Singer, date of manufacture is the key. The later models began to show Singers attempts to stay competitive with Japanese made machines that offered high quality manufacture and more features. That meant they began cutting costs by using more plastic and manufacturing less precise bobbin assemblies, (In my opinion because I work on these things). This is very confusing for you if you are looking for a high quality machine… the differences are night and day. Before you decide on a vintage Singer, date of manufacture is the key.
Kenmore machines were made by several manufacturers. early model straight stitchers were generally made by White. The 148 and 158 models were made in Japan and are very high quality. Kenmores’ generally feature 1.0 to 1.3 amp motors (compared to Singer .53 amp motors), have a larger selection of pattern cam choices (30 vs 24) for their machines that use cams, and features extra high lift. Kenmore offers probably the best mechanical button hole system of any all metal vintage sewing machine out there. The 148 and 158 series machines are powerful, quiet, and will last for a very long time. If you keep your choices to vintage Kenmore machines made up to 1972, you will probably find a Kenmore machine that has all of the features you want and will run neck and neck with a Singer of the same vintage. Usually for less money too!
Don’t ignore the Kenmore over Singer for a high quality vintage all metal sewing machine!
Professionally Restored Vintage Fine Quality Sewing Machines 