Induction hob control query

[surroundsound]

I’m Looking for a 90 cm induction range cooker. Rangemaster seems to be the Mumsnet favourite and the Professional Deluxe model seems to fit the bill. The only problem I have is that the hob controls are dial knobs on the front rather than touch pads on the hob top itself. This seems to me a bit of a ham-fisted design. No reasonably local shops have them on display so I can’t try the controls. I was wondering if anyone had tried both hob types and had a view?

We have a Stoves induction range with touch controls. It means there's less gubbins to get lucky, but I do occasionally turn things accidentally. There's little risk involved if there's no pan on a ring switched on though.

I have a Miele induction and if there’s no pan in the hob it doesn’t work. Miele induction is wonderful. Mine is 90cm too. I think they are ultra responsive, touch controls are great and has a huge array of pan sizes.

I also have stoves range , if its turned on and there is no pan it just flashes at you.
The touch controls are really easy to use , just doesn't work with wet hands ,its number controlled so you get used to knowing what a gentle simmer is etc.
We decided against Rangemaster as we were told we would need to increase our electricity thingy and that would have been a lift the floor job.
I like the fact there are no fiddly bits to get dirty.
Really pleased with it.

Thanks for the responses. I like the clean lines of the induction hobs and would prefer to have a stand alone hob but I can't because I'm having to replace like with like. I was hoping to hear from a Rangemaster owner with their thoughts on the dial controls. Anyone?

I have a smeg induction range rather than a rangemaster (I know smeg isn't liked on here but I love mine!). Anyway it has knobs on the front rather than touch controls on the top almost exactly the same as the range master. It also has an lcd display on the top of the which shows you what ring is on and at what level.

I love the knob controls, I find them really easy to use, they don't beep in an annoying way like some touch controls do, they are so quick to turn on or off (I have used some touch controls where you have to keep pressing to get the temp up or down with the knobs you just turn it round with one finger). You can also easily see if you've left anything on accidentally. I also like the more traditional look of them.

The only downside is that cleaning them is a bit fiddlier. But overall I think they are a definite bonus and if I was choosing an induction hob again I would go for knobs over touch controls any day.

Thanks whitemarble that's very helpful. I currently have a dual fuel Britannia that I've put up with for a long time, but the ovens are so awful that I've now given up. I want to go for as safe a bet as possible to avoid another expensive mistake, hence the Rangemaster fixation. What model is your Smeg and how long have you had it? It's so hard to commit something so expensive that can irritate you every day of your life, without being able to see or touch before you buy!

ah surroundsound I feel your pain re the Brittania , we replaced our dual fuel one as well