We include the Singer M1500 because it is genuinely popular and very cheap, and many new sewists are tempted by it. We did not certify it, and that honest result is the best proof that the badge on the other machines means something. It scores 3.4 out of 5.
Our method has a floor rule: a machine must score at least 3 out of 5 on every criterion. The M1500 falls below that on versatility. Six built-in stitches and a front-loading bobbin that takes real practice to load mean most beginners outgrow it or get frustrated within months. For a young child or a very occasional mender it is fine, but anyone who actually wants to learn to sew is better served by the Brother XM2701 for a little more.
