1st batch was partial boil then ice bath in the sink.
From 2+ Therminator and pond pump in ice bath
I've tried immersion, counterflow, and no chill. All have their pros and cons.
Therminator has cleaning and clogging issues, but are easily overcome.
Counterflow seems to be the best overall, but does not perform as efficiently as the Therminator.
Immersion is pretty slow due to high ground water temps
No chill affected late hop schedule and started to notice cracks around the bottom edge of ferm buckets.
IMHO nothing touches plate chiller + pump in ice bath + recirculation as far as performance, time, separation of cold break, and water usage.
But you can't go wrong with counterflow, and they are pretty easy to build.