Hey Phil. The temp controller on my Jomack is reasonable considering the probe is less than two inches from the element... but I wouldn't trust a mash to it. That's why i still use the stc1000. Dunno about the birko, but assume they'd all suffer the same issue of probe placement.
Another thing to consider is the boil dry cut off circuitry. Some clever clogs on here have figured out how to bypass it, which saves the boil coming and going as it does on my 40 jomack (which is why i boil in the 30 which is older and more carefree and whimsical)