I think it depends on what you want to do. Some years back I got a Pfaff (higher-end than anything I'd had). I like the dual feed and use that a lot but I've not had occasion to use any of the special stitches, buttonholes, etc. on it. My workhorse is an old Singer 301A -- we have two in this house and you can't beat 'em for straight stitching and ease of use.