Product review (5 stars): Awesome!!!
I've been home brewing for 5 years and this is by far the coolest system I've ever seen. It's awesome! I was hesitant to buy such an expensive piece of equipment but I can honestly say, after brewing 6 batches, I have no buyers remorse. There are some reviews that say the North American version (110v) isn't powerful enough. Those folks must have received a defective unit or aren't plugging it into a 20 amp circuit. Yes, it takes a little while to heat up 5 gallons of water. However, it takes time to heat water with a 100,000 BTU propane burner too and don't forget to fill up that tank before you start.
The thing I like most about this unit is how easy it is to use. There is no guess work hitting mash temps, no screwing around with gas burners, no standing outside sweating, no giant tiered beer sculpture and no waisting time because your equipment failed. It just works. The recirculating mash is very efficient, the pump works well, the counter flow chiller cools the wort to whatever your tap water temp might be and cleanup is easy with some PBW.
I've been experimenting with step mashing. Why not if you can? Brewed an export stout with a medium/fine grist and BeerSmith says I got over 86% efficiency. Never thought I'd say that as a home brewer.