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The brother vs ricoma embroidery machine debate centers on your specific needs. Both models feature Wi-Fi connectivity and color touchscreens for design editing. The Brother SE700 is a compact home sewing and embroidery combo for beginners. The Ricoma EM-1010 is a commercial-grade, 10-needle machine built for small businesses. One prioritizes versatility and portability, while the other focuses on high-volume production and large work areas.
Intended Use
Beginners, Home Sewing
Small Business, Commercial
Embroidery Area
4" x 4"
12.2" x 8.3"
Needle Count
Not listed
10
Display Size
3.7"
10.1"
Built-In Designs
135
1000
Weight
15.6 pounds
99 pounds
Choose the first if
- You want a lightweight machine for home use
- You need both sewing and embroidery functions
- You are a beginner starting with small projects
Choose the second if
- You run a small business with high volume
- You need automatic thread trimming and color changes
- You embroider large items like jackets or tablecloths
Verdict
Choose the Brother SE700 if you need a versatile, portable combo machine for hobbyist projects. Pick the Ricoma EM-1010 if you require industrial durability, a large embroidery field, and automated features for commercial production.
Brother vs Ricoma Comparison
Embroidery area size
Edge: Ricoma 10-Needle Embroidery Machine
The Ricoma EM-1010 offers a significantly larger embroidery field at 12.2 by 8.3 inches. This spacious area handles jackets, quilts, and tablecloths without requiring you to rehoop the fabric repeatedly. In contrast, the Brother SE700 provides a standard 4 by 4 inch embroidery area. This smaller footprint is suitable for hats, small logos, and basic personalization tasks. The difference in physical space means the Ricoma allows for much larger single-piece designs. You will need to use multiple hoops for larger projects on the Brother. The Ricoma is the clear choice if you plan to embroider large items frequently.
Needle count and speed
Edge: Ricoma 10-Needle Embroidery Machine
The Ricoma EM-1010 features a 10-needle system, allowing for automatic color changes without manual intervention. This setup is designed for efficiency and higher volume production. The Brother SE700 uses a single needle, requiring you to stop and change thread colors manually for multi-colored designs. This manual process slows down workflow significantly. The Ricoma also includes automatic thread trimming and break detection to further reduce manual work. The Brother lacks these automated thread management features. If you value speed and uninterrupted stitching, the Ricoma’s multi-needle capability provides a distinct advantage for complex projects.
Display and interface
Edge: Ricoma 10-Needle Embroidery Machine
Both machines utilize color touchscreen interfaces for design editing and previewing. The Ricoma EM-1010 features a 10.1 inch HD true-color LCD screen, providing a large canvas for detailed design adjustments. The Brother SE700 has a 3.7 inch touchscreen, which is functional but more compact. The Ricoma also supports over 20 languages and stores up to 1000 designs. It retains work automatically during power interruptions. The Brother stores 135 built-in designs and 10 fonts. While both are user-friendly, the Ricoma’s larger display and extensive storage capacity offer better visibility and organization for complex editing tasks.
Included software and tools
Edge: Brother Wireless Sewing and Embroidery Machine
The Ricoma EM-1010 includes a one-year subscription to Chroma Inspire digitizing software. This tool allows you to create, edit, and customize embroidery designs from your artwork. It also comes with a starter kit containing stabilizers, needles, and threads. The Brother SE700 includes Design Database Transfer software for PC connectivity and the Artspira mobile app for drawing custom patterns. It comes with eight sewing feet and an embroidery arm. The Brother is a sewing and embroidery combo machine, while the Ricoma focuses solely on embroidery. The Ricoma provides more immediate hardware supplies, while the Brother offers broader design creation apps.
Physical size and weight
Edge: Brother Wireless Sewing and Embroidery Machine
The Brother SE700 is a compact home machine measuring 16.5 by 7.76 by 12.1 inches and weighing 15.6 pounds. It is easy to move and store in a home workspace. The Ricoma EM-1010 is a commercial-grade unit measuring 22 by 23.6 by 34.1 inches and weighing 99 pounds. It requires a dedicated, sturdy workspace due to its size and weight. The Brother is intended for beginners and light home use. The Ricoma is built for small businesses and high-volume production. Your available space and physical handling capability will dictate which machine fits your environment.
Connectivity options
Edge: Ricoma 10-Needle Embroidery Machine
Both machines support Wi-Fi and USB connectivity for transferring design files. The Ricoma EM-1010 adds LAN port support, offering wired network connectivity for stable file transfers in a business environment. It is compatible with DST, DSB, and TBF design formats. The Brother SE700 relies on Wi-Fi and USB for transferring files from PC or mobile devices. It supports wireless transmission via the Artspira app. Both connect to their respective software ecosystems. The Ricoma’s additional LAN port provides versatility for networked workspaces, while the Brother’s mobile app integration offers flexibility for on-the-go design creation.
Which machine fits your needs best
Beginner home sewers wanting a combo
Our pick: Brother Wireless Sewing and Embroidery Machine
The Brother SE700 combines sewing and embroidery in one compact unit. Its 4 by 4 inch field suits smaller projects like shirts. You get 135 built-in designs and a 3.7 inch touchscreen for easy editing. The wireless LAN and Artspira app let you transfer custom patterns from your phone. It weighs just 15.6 pounds, making it easy to move around your home workspace.
Small business owners needing high volume
Our pick: Ricoma 10-Needle Embroidery Machine
The Ricoma EM-1010 features ten needles for faster production and a large 12.2 by 8.3 inch embroidery area. This size handles jackets and tablecloths without rehooping. You can store 1000 designs and 100 million stitches. Automatic thread trimming and color changes reduce manual work. The 10.1 inch touchscreen and LAN connectivity streamline your workflow for commercial garment decoration tasks.
Cap and hat customization specialists
Our pick: Ricoma 10-Needle Embroidery Machine
The Ricoma EM-1010 includes a 220 degree cap system designed for smooth embroidery on hats and visors. Its large hoop area accommodates various headwear sizes. You also get Chroma Inspire digitizing software for a year to create custom cap designs. The automatic thread trimmer and break detection ensure consistent results on curved surfaces, which is essential for professional hat branding.
Users wanting lightweight portable equipment
Our pick: Brother Wireless Sewing and Embroidery Machine
The Brother SE700 weighs only 15.6 pounds, compared to the Ricoma's 99 pounds. Its compact dimensions allow it to fit on standard home desks. You can easily store it away when not in use. The built-in USB port and Wi-Fi support wireless file transfers without needing a dedicated computer station. This portability makes it ideal for crafters with limited space.
Brother Wireless Sewing and Embroidery Machine
Best for: Beginners needing a compact home sewing and embroidery combo
- Embroidery Area
- 4" x 4"
- Display Size
- 3.7"
- Connectivity
- Wi-Fi, USB
- Built-In Designs
- 135
- Intended Use
- Embroidery, Beginners
- Display Type
- Touchscreen
The Brother SE700 is a home sewing and embroidery machine designed for beginners. It features a 4" x 4" embroidery field and a 3.7" touchscreen for on-screen editing. You get 135 built-in designs and 103 sewing stitches. Wireless LAN and USB connectivity allow you to transfer files easily. At 15.6 pounds, it is a compact unit for light personal projects.
- 135 built-in embroidery designs and 10 lettering fonts
- 3.7-inch LCD color touchscreen for design preview
- Wi-Fi and USB connectivity for file transfer
- Automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin
- 4" x 4" embroidery area is smaller than commercial 10-needle machines
- 15.6-pound weight limits portability compared to lighter travel units
- 135 built-in designs offer fewer options than high-end industrial models
- You want to combine sewing and embroidery in one device
- You are a beginner looking for built-in design tutorials
- You need wireless file transfer via the Artspira app
- You require large-scale commercial embroidery production
- You need an embroidery field larger than 4" x 4"
- You prefer manual mechanical controls over digital touchscreens
Verdict: Brother SE700 Combo Sewing Embroidery is a capable starter machine for hobbyists who need basic digitizing and sewing functions. It suits you if you prioritize ease of use and wireless connectivity over high-volume output.
Ricoma 10-Needle Embroidery Machine
Best for: small businesses and cap embroidery
- Needle Count
- 10
- Embroidery Area
- 12.2 x 8.3 in
- Display Size
- 10.1"
- Connectivity
- USB, LAN, Wi-Fi
- Cap Support
- 220°
- Intended Use
- Embroidery
The Ricoma EM-1010 is a commercial embroidery machine built for small business use. It features a 10-needle head and a 12.2 x 8.3 inch embroidery area. The 10.1 inch touchscreen simplifies design editing and management. You get automatic thread trimming and color changes. The 220° cap system handles curved surfaces easily. This unit suits users needing high-volume output and automated features.
- 10-needle head for high-volume production
- 12.2 x 8.3 inch spacious embroidery area
- 10.1 inch HD touchscreen for easy operation
- 220° cap system for curved items
- Automatic thread trimming and color change
- Heavier build at 99 pounds
- Limited to 1000 design storage capacity
- Requires manual stabilizer selection for different fabrics
- You run a small business needing high output
- You embroider on caps and curved items
- You want automated thread management features
- You need a sewing and embroidery combo
- You require wireless LAN connectivity
- You prefer a lighter, portable machine
Verdict: The Ricoma EM-1010 10-Needle Commercial Embroidery Machine fits small business owners who need a dedicated, high-capacity embroidery solution with automated features.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Brother Wireless Sewing and Embroidery Machine | Ricoma 10-Needle Embroidery Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Needle Count | – | 10 |
| Embroidery Area | 4" x 4" | 12.2 x 8.3 in |
| Display Size | 3.7" | 10.1" |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, USB | USB, LAN, Wi-Fi |
| Built-In Designs | 135 | – |
| Cap Support | – | 220° |
| Intended Use | Embroidery, Beginners | Embroidery |
| Display Type | Touchscreen | Touchscreen |
| Suitable For | – | T-Shirts, Hats & Caps, Small Business |
| Application | – | Hats |
| Dimensions | 16.5 × 7.76 × 12.1 inches | 22 × 23.6 × 34.1 inches |
| Weight | 15.6 pounds | 99 pounds |
| Size | SE700 – Machine Only | 23.6" Dx 22"W x 64"H |
| Color | White | White |
| Model | SE700 | EM-1010 |
Frequently asked questions
Which machine is better for small business owners?
The Ricoma EM-1010 is the better choice for small business owners. It features a 10-needle system designed for high-volume output. The machine is suitable for hats and t-shirts, making it ideal for commercial cap embroidery. Its larger size supports dedicated, high-capacity production needs.
Can I sew as well as embroider with the Brother SE700?
Yes, the Brother SE700 is a combo unit that handles both sewing and embroidery. It is designed as a capable starter machine for hobbyists. You get basic digitizing functions alongside standard sewing tasks. This makes it a versatile option for those needing a single compact device for home use.
How large is the embroidery area on the Ricoma EM-1010?
The Ricoma EM-1010 offers a large embroidery field of 12.2 by 8.3 inches. This spacious area allows you to embroider larger items like jackets and tablecloths. You will not need to rehoop the fabric repeatedly for standard commercial projects, which saves time during production runs.
Does the Brother SE700 have wireless connectivity?
Yes, the Brother SE700 includes Wi-Fi connectivity. This feature allows you to transfer designs wirelessly to the machine. It suits users who prioritize ease of use and modern connections. The wireless capability simplifies the workflow for hobbyists working on smaller, personal projects at home.
Which machine is lighter and easier to move?
The Brother SE700 is significantly lighter and more portable. It weighs 15.6 pounds and measures 16.5 inches in length. In contrast, the Ricoma EM-1010 weighs 99 pounds. The Brother model is designed for home use, while the Ricoma is a heavy, stationary commercial unit.
Is the Ricoma EM-1010 suitable for beginners?
The Ricoma EM-1010 is not designed for beginners. It is a commercial-grade machine built for small business owners. The unit requires a dedicated space due to its large footprint. Beginners should look for a combo machine with a smaller footprint and simpler operation, like the Brother SE700.
What display type do these machines use?
Both machines feature color touchscreens for design editing. The Brother SE700 has a 7-inch touchscreen for easy navigation. The Ricoma EM-1010 also uses a touchscreen interface. This common feature allows you to manage designs and settings directly on the machine without external computers.
