Induction Hobs - Why no knobs?

Ahleckz

Ahleckz

Ahleckz

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Joined
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Glasgow
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
 
Kitchen fitter came round today and advised there'll be 200mm before the window. Looking at the brochure for the dual fuel range we want, it needs 150mm clearance so it looks like we're good to go for gas. Fitter is going to double check with the gas man but I think it'll be fine. So, we're going to buy this:
https://ao.com/product/cg92px9-smeg-dual-fuel-range-cooker-stainless-steel-41229-16.aspx

It's absolute overkill, it's just the two of us. I roast meat once or twice a year (Christmas time), otherwise it's pretty much always hob based dinners with the odd oven thing (pizzas/roasted veg). I have no idea why we need two ovens. But, the wok burner will be useful. And it looks cool. And, the oven cleans itself. So that'll be handy, when we never use it.
 
bloodiedathame said:
Knobs get dirty very quickly. Ideally, you need to wash them every day and make sure to get right in there, underneath, in between etc. They can harbor germs and can begin to smell really bad, which can be offputting to others. If you do have a knob make sure you give it a good polish every now and then, a bit of spit and elbow grease will get it gleaming.
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Yea, I have knob functionality at the minute and I'm always asking her to give it a good clean. She sometimes provides a cursory wipe but I keep telling her to give it some welly and really get in there. Don't be afraid to be firm, you won't break it. It means I just have to keep on top of the cleaning myself. I often do it when she's gone to bed, so I don't disturb her with all the huffing and puffing to get it gleaming.
 
jpaul said:
I subsequently scanned a range thread which has the interesting form over function comment -suggesting ranges often have poorer insulation, from the asthetics, resulting in less ability to keep high temperatures - looks like electricity prices won't be dropping so efficiency might be important.

e: even getting a hybrid hob if electrc hobs are now cheaper to run - 2gas +2induction would be versatile.
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A hybrid would be perfect. Four induction, two on each side, and a large wok burning gas ring in the middle. That would be the dream…

I’ve seen a few hybrid hobs but they are very expensive. I imagine from an energy point of view, you’d have to have it for years and years to recoup your investment. Also, you also need an upgraded supply for most induction so again more outlay.
 
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