I have the Kenmore and waited for them to go on sale. It has the things that are most important to me. Speed (slow-fast), needle down and needle threader. It's a tough little baby, easy to take to retreats and has never broken down in 4 years. Doesn't have a million bells and whistles - but certainly enough for my needs. This model (second from the bottom cheapest) was suggested by a well known guest speaker and she does beautiful work. Now at retreats, it is the most used machine!!