Buying a new sewing machine is much like buying a new car. People can recommend their personal favourite but only you can make the determination about what you need in a machine. Now a days only a couple of manufacturers are making the different brands of machines so for me a brand name is not important. Make a list of the stitches you need now and ones you think you may try in the future. Ditto with the features you can't live without. Check around for a reliable dealer that will talk to you and help you not try and sell you what you don't need or talks about how poor the other company's machine is. Try them out even the ones you didn't consider at first as they may surprise you. Don't ignore factory refurbished machines as they come with a full warranty like the brand new counter part but has been run through the paces and checked over more thoroughly then a new one. This may save you a few dollar and may mean more features in your price range.