If you read between the lines on some of the tests you can see which are the favorites. I just read a review of portable planers in the "Journal of Light Construction." The three reviewed were the Bosch, PC and the Festool. The Festool got the most praise. PC next. The Bosch had some negative features and these were pointed out, but in a nice way.
In the past year or so, I have seen Festool and Hilti included in reviews. Usually in Tools of the Trade and JLC. Holty hand planes have been reviewed, but in the British magazine, "Furniture and Cabinetmaking." This magazine has also done some reviews on larger machines like Dev refers to. They had a review of a Felder K975 and an Altendorf WA-80. I don't think we'll see a review of a 4000lb Martin T-73 in Fine Woodworking any time soon. I can see the write up now, "Although our testers really liked the T-73, it's $40,000 price tag is a turn-off...our best buy award goes to the BT3000 for $695."
take care,
John