Brother ST150HDH vs Elna 3230
Technical comparison · Electronic and computerised
Two mid-range electronic machines with a one-step buttonhole. The Brother has twice the stitches (50 against 25) and a wider stitch (7 mm against 6.5 mm); the Elna declares adjustable presser-foot pressure and automatic thread tension.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price | ~200–450 € | — |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 41.3 × 17.8 × 31.7 cm | — |
| Weight | 4.6 kg | — |
| Category specs | ||
| Machine weight | 4.6 kg | — |
| Machine width | 413 mm | — |
| Machine height | 317 mm | — |
| Machine depth | 178 mm | — |
| Power supply | 110-120 V | — |
| Maximum speed | 850 spm | — |
| Built-in stitches | 50 | 25 |
| Buttonhole type | One-step | One-step |
| Buttonhole styles | 5 | — |
| Stitch types | — | Straight stitch, Zigzag stitch, Triple stretch straight stitch, Three-step zigzag, Stretch blind hem stitch, Elastic overlock stitch |
| Maximum stitch width | 7 mm | 6.5 mm |
| Maximum stitch length | 5 mm | 4 mm |
| Space to the right of the needle | 162.6 mm | — |
| Arm workspace height | 104.1 mm | — |
| Hook type | — | Horizontal rotary |
| Feed dog pieces | 7 | — |
| Drop feed | — | Yes |
| Dual feed / walking foot system | Walking foot included | — |
| Needle threader | Automatic | — |
| Adjustable presser foot pressure | — | Yes |
| Free arm | — | Yes |
| Thread tension | — | Automatic |
| Display | LCD | LCD |
| Start/stop button | Yes | — |
| Independent bobbin winder | — | Yes |
| Included presser feet | 9 | — |
| Presser foot attachment | — | Low shank, snap-on |
The differences that matter
- 50 vs 25 stitches → the Brother has twice the choice on the panel
- 7 vs 6.5 mm stitch width → a zigzag half a millimetre wider on the Brother
- Adjustable presser-foot pressure on the Elna → it adapts to the fabric without changing the foot
- Automatic thread tension on the Elna → fewer manual adjustments when the thread changes
Which one to choose
Choose Brother ST150HDH if…
you need more basic stitches and a zigzag up to 7 mm: 50 stitches, an automatic needle threader and 9 presser feet supplied. You leave behind the adjustments the Elna declares, namely presser-foot pressure and automatic tension.
Choose Elna 3230 if…
you sew fabrics that call for adjusting presser-foot pressure: the Elna adjusts it, and has automatic thread tension, an independent bobbin winder and drop feed dogs. You get 25 stitches and a zigzag up to 6.5 mm.
Where to buy
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