Janome Continental M8 Professional vs Pfaff quilt expression 720
Technical comparison · Electronic and computerised
Two electronic machines at the same level. What decides the choice is the space to the right of the needle: 343 mm on the Janome against 250 mm on the Pfaff.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Awards | — | |
| Identity | ||
| Use tier | F4 — Semi-professional | F4 — Semi-professional |
| Price | ||
| Price | 5499 € | ~5000–11000 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Weight | 17.4 kg | — |
| Voltage | 80 V | — |
| Category specs | ||
| Machine width | 650 mm | — |
| Machine height | 371 mm | — |
| Machine depth | 259 mm | — |
| LED lights | 9 | — |
| Frame material | Aluminium | — |
| Stitch selection | Touchscreen | Touchscreen |
| Maximum speed | 1300 spm | 1050 spm |
| Built-in stitches | 450 | 428 |
| Buttonhole styles | 13 | — |
| Stitch types | Straight stitch, Zigzag stitch, Triple stretch straight stitch, Three-step zigzag, Blind hem stitch, Stretch blind hem stitch, Elastic overlock stitch | — |
| Maximum stitch width | 9 mm | 9 mm |
| Maximum stitch length | 5 mm | 6 mm |
| Needle positions | 91 | — |
| Space to the right of the needle | 343 mm | 250 mm |
| Arm workspace height | 140 mm | — |
| Feed dog pieces | 7 | — |
| Drop feed | — | Yes |
| Dual feed / walking foot system | Walking foot included | Integrated in the machine |
| Needle threader | Built-in | Built-in |
| Automatic thread cutter | Yes | Yes |
| Knee lifter | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic presser foot lifter | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable presser foot pressure | Yes | — |
| Thread tension | — | Automatic |
| Display | Colour touchscreen | Colour touchscreen |
| Display size | 7 in | 3.5 in |
| Start/stop button | — | Yes |
| Independent bobbin winder | Yes | — |
| Thread sensors | Bobbin, Upper thread | Bobbin |
| Connectivity | USB | — |
SewingSpecs Awards
Most capable Semi-professional
Highest technical score among the 6 sheets in the Electronic and computerised category (semi-professional tier): 100/100.
How we assign awards →Best value Semi-professional
Best balance of technical score and price among the 4 sheets in the Electronic and computerised category (semi-professional tier): list price €5499, technical score 100/100.
How we assign awards →Lowest price range Semi-professional
The lowest list price among the sheets in the Electronic and computerised category (semi-professional tier): €5499, as published by the manufacturer.
How we assign awards →No awards in this tier.
The differences that matter
Manufacturer-declared figures.
- Space to the right of the needle: 343 mm against 250 mm → much more of the project fits under the Janome's arm.
- Top speed: up to 1300 against 1050 stitches per minute → the Janome has more headroom on long seams.
- Dual feed: walking foot included against built-in → on the Janome it is fitted when needed, on the Pfaff it is part of the machine.
- Display: 7 against 3.5 inches → the Janome's controls sit on a much larger colour screen.
Which one to choose
Choose Janome Continental M8 Professional if…
For large pieces worked for hours, the Janome adds an upper-thread sensor alongside the bobbin one, a USB port and a wide screen for picking stitches. The trade-off is dual feed: it is a walking foot to be fitted, not a built-in system.
Choose Pfaff quilt expression 720 if…
For regular multi-layer sewing, the Pfaff has dual feed built in and feed dogs that can be lowered. You give up part of the space under the arm and the upper-thread sensor.
Where to buy
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