Reccomendations for new sewing machine

[squashyhat]

The motor on my my sewing machine (a 50 year old Singer inherited from my Mum) burnt out yesterday. Assuming it can't be fixed I'll be looking for a new one. I make curtains, cushion covers etc so it needs to be robust but other than that mostly plain mending - nothing too complicated. There are so many to choose from! Can anyone recommend a make or model?

What's your budget? Decent non computerised machines go up to about £300. How about a Husqvarna Emerald?

www.artisanstitch.co.uk/best-sewing-machine/

Helpful review

Thanks that review is really useful. I was thinking of a budget of about £200 but may have to revise that!

I learned to sew on a singer from 1963! Damn they're sturdy! I've had three new Janome in my lifetime, one in 84 (bells and whistles), one in 1992 (compact and basic) and one in 2000 (sturdy and all the extras second hand it's still worth near what I paid- £250). They've all been good but need looking after - good cleaning & maintenance regime.
At very least you would want an convertible flatbed to freearm, really good buttonholes and twin needle capability as well as dog- free darning
I wouldn't care much about embroidery stitches but you might you need to look at the top of the range and go "ooh" at every feature then knock off all the expensive ones til you get to your level.
Be aware that in this market place different brands are owned by same company. So the all singing and dancing super sturdy features of top of line brand X model SL may be also available in their midline brand Z model ST at a cheaper price with just a couple fewer features. Think buying a Skoda instead of VW
Once you've found your model of choice you can go online to eBay - lots of smaller brick shops wouldn't survive if they didn't have an online shop. My janome xc50 came from a little mom'n'pop in Lancashire on eBay and they were helpful with questions before and after sale- I got it £100 less than RRP at the time. (I made my wedding dress on it, children's clothes and costumes, upcycling and repairs, lingerie, tailoring, curtains and upholstery and now doing scrubs very versatile) I can also recommend Jaycotts in Chester for helpfulness with selection - they have a website.

If you are experienced at sewing you might find an entry-level machine a bit lightweight.

To be honest there seems to be a national shortage developing in sewing machines during lockdown, looking at a lot of the usual suppliers, so if you want to buy now, you may be limited anyway.

@NotMeNoNo yes I have discoverd that. A combination of lockdown and a new series of the Great British Sewing Bee seems to be impacting stock levels. @Menaimum thanks for your advice.