I think it depends on the budget and what it is to be used for. After many years of having just one machine, I now have 3, all Janome. I have a small portable to take to group, a really heavy duty straight stitch machine for almost everything and a higher level machine with lots of fancy stitches. IMHO, quilters' machines are not a one size fits all situation. For a very limited budget, I'd suggest a garage sale hunt.