Very true, however, unless you have a job that will just pay and pay and let you work all night, you can't compare that against the cost of a hobby. It's not like you were going to MAKE money instead of spending it...
To me, better means cheaper AND more functions. This is all manually set meaning you have to walk over and change the temperature each time. Google Arduino and see the projects out there where you can just program it to run a multi-step mash with timed intervals. Yes, to me, being able to start my mash and have it run through steps automatically is better than spending $600 AND having to walk over and set each temperature. Mine will also not set off a siren every time it lights the burner.
ok ok so 20% is a bit low. STILL, at $1100 for a stand and a very basic automation system, it's VERY expensive. I'm glad for the people on here mocking the DIY people that you have that much disposable income to go dropping cash on a sticker that says Blichmann...
Never discouraged anyone from buying this. Rant over. RDWHAHB