How do I assess a $35 service plan for a $110 appliance without guessing whether it will break?

The sales assistant asked, "Do you want two years of peace of mind for thirty-five dollars?" I had a $110 coffee maker in my basket and three people waiting behind me.

I said I'd think about it. The leaflet says the paid plan covers certain faults for two years, but I haven't compared it with the warranty included with the machine. I also haven't checked whether sending it for repair would cost extra. I don't have evidence that this model fails often or that it reliably lasts.

My partner says I should skip the plan because replacing a $110 item wouldn't wreck our budget. I understand that. But the phrase 'peace of mind' still makes declining feel like volunteering for a problem, even though buying a contract doesn't tell me what would happen later.

What information would make this a real comparison for you? I don't want a long rule for every checkout. I'd like to know which uncertainty matters here and which uncertainty simply belongs to owning an appliance.