Going to a big show where you can test many brands on the same day is a great way to start.Some machines are old style-meaning you have to oil them-others are new style-like our home machines and do not need to be oiled-my preference is these.All long arms need the hook oiled after bobbin changes.Feel how easy they are to move-varies from makers.will it take the larger bobbin-some do not.How good is the warranty?how good is tech support-very important.We test drove many and ended up with the Innova and love it.they are many beginners learning curves and Innova has 24-7 tech support always-and they are very nice even on a holiday.Price is important-but you get what you pay for also.good luck on your search and have fun trying them all-some vibrate way more than others when quilting also-a problem for me.