How then do I recognize a product's quality?

There are a number of ways. The name and status of the company making the product is important and its geographical location. Some countries are famous for making good quality products and others just the opposite. 

The stamp of approval of an internationally recoginzed testing organization is a sure way of knowing that the product has been tested and found built to very high standards. Generally, such intitutes or laboratories have follow-up programs that control the manufacturing and quality processes of the manufacturer.

It can be said, with a level of certainty, that a machine bearing one or serveral such stamps has a traceable pedigree and is well made. 

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