Induction Hobs - Why no knobs?

Ahleckz

Ahleckz

Ahleckz

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We are getting a 90cm range, and we wanted gas but it looks as though It’s a no go because it’s too close to a window.

I’m happy with induction, but why do none of them have knobs to control the heat? They all seem to be touch buttons.

Are these a nightmare like I imagine? I envisage me jabbing the screen like a Karen on an aeroplane trying to watch Bridesmaids for the tenth time and shoving the seat the tv is mounted on forward with every jab.

There’s a Smeg with knobs but it’s £1900. We only really want to spend £1100-£1300.

I’ve only really looked at AO and Currys but reckon that’ll cover most.

My question, are these induction press control thing good or a complete faff like I imagine. Why are there no knobs?
Should I spend £500 on five knobs?
Do any shops have plugged in hobs I can have a play with?
Does anyone want to give me the extra cash for the knobby Smeg…

Knobby Smeg I like - https://ao.com/product/c92ipx9-smeg-classic-electric-range-cooker-stainless-steel-70186-15.aspx

Knobless Belling I can afford - https://ao.com/product/farmhouse90ei-belling-electric-range-cooker-silver-44538-15.aspx
 
Ahleckz said:
We are getting a 90cm range, and we wanted gas but it looks as though It’s a no go because it’s too close to a window.

I’m happy with induction, but why do none of them have knobs to control the heat? They all seem to be touch buttons.

Are these a nightmare like I imagine? I envisage me jabbing the screen like a Karen on an aeroplane trying to watch Bridesmaids for the tenth time and shoving the seat the tv is mounted on forward with every jab.

There’s a Smeg with knobs but it’s £1900. We only really want to spend £1100-£1300.

I’ve only really looked at AO and Currys but reckon that’ll cover most.

My question, are these induction press control thing good or a complete faff like I imagine. Why are there no knobs?
Should I spend £500 on five knobs?
Do any shops have plugged in hobs I can have a play with?
Does anyone want to give me the extra cash for the knobby Smeg…

Knobby Smeg I like - https://ao.com/product/c92ipx9-smeg-classic-electric-range-cooker-stainless-steel-70186-15.aspx

Knobless Belling I can afford - https://ao.com/product/farmhouse90ei-belling-electric-range-cooker-silver-44538-15.aspx
Click to expand...

Generally not a nightmare, I think it's mainly because they want to minimise things that can break with getting dirt and grease etc in it. Imagine it like a mobile phone, works with a bit of dirt on it, but if you get water on it it gets annoying. I have a neff with the little twisty knob that is magnetic and it generally works very well. Much like mobiles they've improved over the years as my parents one (De Dietrich) which is probably 10 years old is noticably more annoying and less responsive than my Neff to use. I had an AEG in my old house which was about 2 years older than the Neff and the improvement in the controls was less but still noticable.
 
The Samsung one I have is very responsive so it atleast feels like you're getting somewhere when pressing it.

But, and this is probably an annoyance in most of these style hobs, is you have to turn it on, select the hob and then select the power. Can't just walk up and turn the hob on. I'm guessing due to safety or something?

Easier to keep clean though which is a bonus.
 
robj20 said:
These look like knobs to me.

https://toplex.co.uk/products/home-...95aS6ojJsQG8ijbd-SmJxxKexZa9wNwsaAgv0EALw_wcB
Click to expand...

That's a ceramic hob, not induction.

Closest induction hob (not range) with a control knob is this:

MCSA01795602_T59FT50X0_ElectricHob_Neff_PGA1_def.png
 
I have an AEG induction hob, and the touch buttons and sliders work great.
In fact, coming from ceramic, the upgrade was night and day. Have not regretted it once.
 
gailjon said:
That's a ceramic hob, not induction.

Closest induction hob (not range) with a control knob is this:

MCSA01795602_T59FT50X0_ElectricHob_Neff_PGA1_def.png
Click to expand...

Whilst that does look nice, i'd imagine after a few years of use you'd end up with all sorts under the knob and it'd be a nightmare to clean.

(Yes we're still talking about hobs, after just reading that back).
 
I have a Siemens hob -Do no get one where you have to tap a icon for the ring you require.

Get one with controls for each ring - when you have three on the go and one is boiling and you turn it down only to find it wasn't the one you wanted and that ring is throwing water all over the hob.

If you can get proper knobs do so no matter the cost - You will forever be gratefull.
 
Just bought an AEG. It does not have knobs either. But I preferred the option of being able to hold my finger on the controls to change them, including sliding along a scale. Rather than jabbing + and - constantly.
 
Semple said:
Whilst that does look nice, i'd imagine after a few years of use you'd end up with all sorts under the knob and it'd be a nightmare to clean.

(Yes we're still talking about hobs, after just reading that back).
Click to expand...

It's magnetic so just pops off to clean, thats the model I have and it's been great.
 
physical knobs can indicate they have finer granularity of control/power-levels too -
accurate control to simmer stuff is one of my concerns for going induction.

but agree the simens washer we have is a right pain to operate if you have any dampness on fingers, feelslike you need a stylus like for mobile.
 
Given the choice I think I would want to control the heat on ours with something resembling startrek TNG transporter sliders
 
gailjon said:
That's a ceramic hob, not induction.

Closest induction hob (not range) with a control knob is this:

MCSA01795602_T59FT50X0_ElectricHob_Neff_PGA1_def.png
Click to expand...

I really like this.

I agree.

Having a traditional range master with gas I do like the chunky knobs (oooh matron)

But they are annoying to clean. But having said that I prefer that to pure touchscreen.

The one above looks great. Looks practical yet tidy.
 
Uhtred said:
Given the choice I think I would want to control the heat on ours with something resembling startrek TNG transporter sliders
Click to expand...

Yes! Obviously you would need to use multiple sliders for the same job for canon
 
Interesting that you don't get many induction hobs with knobs (or other 'physical' control. It's like new cars - touchscreen only.
 
gailjon said:
Interesting that you don't get many induction hobs with knobs (or other 'physical' control. It's like new cars - touchscreen only.
Click to expand...

It's likely because they usually have additional features like timers which turn off the hob, or reducing the heat automatically once at a high/boost temperature. It could be done with knobs like the one posted above that has the magnetic one, but I imagine that implementation is more expensive than some capacitive buttons.
 
what kind of warranty do you get on these touch screen designs too ? and induction hobs generally
with the experience on washing machine ones, and the additional heat that the hob screens could be subjected too - I'd want 5 years ..
and am a bit concerned by premature obsolescence for induction generally, with, cost effective, availibility of parts.
 
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