I have a Brother as a backup. It is easy to use, easy to maneuver, easy to clean, easy to fill and load bobbin, and it has great stitch quality. When the stitch quality gets wonky it is an indicator that I haven't cleaned it or that it needs a new needle. It is also not temperamental with threads.
My other machine is a Baby Lock which is really just an upgraded Brother. I can endorse the brand from my experience.
What I would NOT buy is Pfaff, Viking, or Singer.