Find a vendor that targets customers who lose money if the appliance fails, and is unable to be quickly repaired.
So far, this has been a good way to locate Vulcan Ranges, SpeedQueen washers/dryers, and True refrigerators.
Now...there are drawbacks to this approach. Many of these brands don't target the price-point, convenience features, or aesthetic that consumer brands do. But, if the price is right, you may find something reliable you can live with.
>https://true-residential.com/
You don't say. I checked one of their basic refrigerators ("REFRIGERATOR WITH BOTTOM FREEZER") and the quote came out to $18,499. At that price, I have to wonder, is the increased reliability worth it? For a refrigerator that lasts twice as long, I'd only be willing to pay 50% more compared to a regular refrigerator.
If, for some reason, you lose $10,000/day when a refrigerator fails, yes. (maybe, judging from the marketing materials, because you can't AirBnB your château without a working freezer). In a residential situation, I guess that would be some Imperial caviar or life-saving medicine... worth it to someone out there I suppose
There aren't any apartments that compete based on "Our super reliable appliances won't fail!" so any tenants unhappy about this have no marginal benefit to moving somewhere else.
Therefore, apartments usually provide the cheapest appliances which fit the aesthetic of the rest of the build. Or, these days, whichever appliance is available for purchase because there's been a massive shortage of durable goods.