google is your friend

1. No, I’ve not experienced any such thing.

2. Presumably specifications, quality of components, brand name and brand reliability, location, warranty or lack thereof, and so on. You as the consumer should equip yourself with information to make your decision.

I’m sorry … but nobody else can do that for you in a forum, but Product Review sites may be a better idea.

Read reviews of different types and brands.

I had one as a student (I don't remember the brand) because I had a small bathroom and I just put it in the shower so when the washing was over the water could drain out there.