We are raising chicks for the first time and wanted to use a brooder plate instead of a heat lamp because of safety concerns. We chose this one because the brand is well-recognized and the added no-roost top meant we wouldn't need to worry about the chicks getting on top. Within a week, our chicks were already trying to get on top and slipping off, so it has already proven useful and effective!
There are enough 1/4" settings on all four legs to really adjust as you go. We have chicks that are 1.5 weeks apart, and it isn't an issue since we can set one side higher than the other.
The disadvantage is that it is harder to really know if it is hot enough for chicks - especially ones that arrive in the mail and are a lot more fragile. I noticed that they were spending a lot of time under the brooder plate and I was worried they weren't warm enough. Additionally, you can't see the chicks when they are under it, so if any are struggling, you have to lift it to check on them.
I added a plant heat mat underneath to add just a touch of heat the first week. I noticed the chicks were more active after so I do think that helped.