Should it be this tough to pick a machine?
 

When I bought my "Cadillac" machine, I looked around, read reviews and decided on the Babylock Ellegante. I love it and it does everything I thought I wanted and more.... but it's in for repair and cleaning and I realized I don't care for the Singer 160 I have as a back up. I started looking for a lower end machine $300-$400 and I am at the end of my rope. Every manufacturer has one, there are conflicting reviews and no dealers nearby to check them out. I think I have narrowed it down to the Janome DC2012 or a comparable Brother machine. Anyone have an opinion on what has worked well for a back up? I am seriously confused at this point and just want some honest opinions. thanks!

I can't say about the Janome but I can say I love my Brother machine. If I were buying another for a backup (my backups are a Singer 401 and 301) I would go for another Brother. The only problem I have here is no dealers near me.

I just purchased a backup machine but I have Bernina's. I wanted to be able to interchange the feet and I like the way they sew. Just get the best you can afford.

Which model Brother do you have? I had a mass produced Brother SE350 that did embroidery too, and I really liked it but I gave it to my DIL and I haven't seen another one for a while.

I would go for the Brother. I've owned several and have never been disappointed.

It would be easier if I was spending more.... it seems like it should be harder to pick a more expensive machine. At the $1500-2000 price point I have two contenders and would find a way to try them out but dealers are few and far between here and they don't have the cheaper machines set up to demo. I don't blame them I would keep my floor space for the "better" models too, but it does make it tougher. I don't want to invest a lot in a back up machine since it hopefully won't get much use!

I was in your same shoes a few months ago.. I went back and forth with both those brands as well.. FINALLY decided on a Brother PC 420 because I got a lot more "bang" for my bucks with a brother! and I LOVE IT!!!! I am stuck on Brother machines now.. I have 2 and think they are wonderful!!

Wow! The Brother PC 420 really received rave reviews everywhere I looked. I have a new contender! Thanks!

I LOVE IT! and it sews like a dream!!!! I do NOT regret the purchase!!! and it comes with soooo much!!!

I have the Janome 3160 as my backup and travel machine. I have had it for a year and I just love it.