How then do I recognize a product's quality?

There are some ways. The status and name of the company making the product is significant and its geographical location. Several countries are famous for making good amount products and others just the opposite.

The stamp of approval of an internationally known testing organization is a sure means of knowing that the product has been tested and determined built to very high standards. Usually, such laboratories or institutes have follow-up programs which control the manufacturing and quality processes of the manufacturer. This can be said, with a level of certainty, that a machine bearing one or some these stamps has a traceable pedigree and is suitably made.