Sewing Machine Recommendations?

Caroline has expressed an interest in learning to sew. I know the fundamentals and have an older portable Singer that does all the basics. (And by older I mean I inherited it from my grandmother and the thing is like a brick. It’s probably from the 1970s.)

If I were to look for a newer machine that did more and might appeal to a young lady that would use it to make crafts (and maybe clothing), what would you recommend and why? Which brands to avoid or prefer? Features?

Any suggestions are appreciated!

The Reddit r/sewing forum has a Machine Buying Guide under their Wiki/FAQ on the sidebar. Out of their recommended brands, I think Brother and Janome are the most affordable ones.

I’d avoid mini sewing machines, because of past experience with a cheap one that jumped all over the place dangerously every time it sewed.

Vintage Singer Featherweights are popular with the quilters at my church, but they are collectibles and can cost more than a new machine.