I've had several machines over the years, starting out with a Stradivaro machine, then a Kenmore, then a Singer, but have had my Janome for several years now and it has served me well. I do have a back-up Brother machine that was a freebee and is my back-up when the Janome goes in for a check-up. At one time I had 7 machines, 2 of which were in cabinets, although I'm down to 2 now, well actually 3, but the Kenmore needs to have a hospital visit, but it was free. I love my Janome, but before that my Kenmore was my work horse machine until I burned the motor out. Seriously LOL. My advice, try out several machines to determine the best fit for you and what you plan to use it for.