This is my 3rd year brewing with the Anvil 10.5. No regrets. I’ve brewed at least 50 times with no issues. My advise is to get the 18 and read every post you can find on the Anvil and it’s quirks. Then brew and develop your own best practices.
Reading the “my first beer thread”, I have a hankering for a Michelob on tap. Found a clone recipe. 10 lbs of Hana Heritage Malt, with a hops addition of Saaz, Mt Hood, and Fuggle. If nothing else, a fine German lager.