I have a CPE2+ with lift.(posted 8670 days ago)I use it for E-6 processing and color printing.
For B&W, I use either a Patterson or Jobo tank, but with normal hand inversion. Mainly just tradition, and I only do a couple of rolls at a time.
For C41, I take it to a lab. But I have a good, fairly cheap lab that I pass twice a day (actually across the street from work).
The only real difference between the CPE2 and the larger CPA/CPP models (other than the capacity) is that the larger models actively circulate the water, versus using the motion of the drum with the CPE. In reality, this is not a problem, in the the bath is small enough that the drum motion keeps the temps +/- a couple of tenths of a degree.
I know of no other system that is comparable at a reasonable price.
If you take a reasonable amount of care, you will not have any problems. Handling and exposing your contact sheets will require some work, but the Jobo works very well anywhere you can set it up.
I have not bothered with C41 color film, but have had excellent results with E-6 processing. I did a test suggested by Ctein that consisted of a roll shot of a gray card then processed. The results, on a densitometer are very consistent across the roll, much less variation than is allowed in E-6 processing.