Just an update, I have used this system for the last year an a half and it has been nothing but spectacular! It is consistent and repeatable. I have yet to see any leaks or any other issues. It's pretty much a plug and play system once it's up and running.
awesome to hear! I have been using mine for just over a month now and so far am in the same boat as you...I'm also amazed at the efficiency... I barely need to sparge and im consistently getting 83-85% with only about 3 gallons of sparge water on a 5.5 batches that were actually 5 gallon kits.
I hit 1.075 og instead og the 1.066 the oktoberfest recipe kit stated on saturday... Next time less sparging I guess.
The herms coil and constant recirculation seems to make a huge difference in efficiency.
I bought components to make a "dirt cheap rims coil" and I'm curious if that will effect anything although I doubt it.
I dont know the OP's final cost
But mine was about $700.00 with everything including new pots/cooler,pumps hoses, connectors ,plate chiller and grain mill......Just the electrical control panel and elements cost me $280.00 for a three pid two element system with timer. So budget builds are certainly possible.