If reliability is a true concern, then go commercial.

If not, spend weeks researching. Cross reference text and video reviews from many sources, look into the technologies manufacturers use, look at feedback from people working in the repair industry, etc.

Then, maybe you can get something a bit better than average. At the very least you'll avoid the true lemons.

Well thanks for telling me this. My point was that reliability could be a true concern, but if people believe they can’t shop for it, they won’t bother.

You kinda proved my point too - your suggested steps to follow take weeks, and end in a “maybe you’ll get something a bit better than average”. That truly sounds like “don’t bother even if you want it”.

That's a fair point. If there was an easy "reliability score" slapped via a sticker onto every appliance, and it was reliable, then yes, consumers might care a lot more - especially for the more expensive ones.