Not so very new. I don't have Miele. Have GE with touch controls under glass. About four years now. They're wonderful. I never want to see a dial again.

I personally prefer knobs-- heck, I even bought a microwave with a knob instead of buttons: each 'click' adds 10 seconds.

I can see wanting a knob on a microwave or oven even, as often times there are just so many button options that it really does add time, as oruboris mentioned.

However, I LOVE the sleek clean look on the cooktop. Great looking, easier to clean, more precise temperatures... wouldn't do it any other way. Just my two cents. :)

thanks for replying to my post. i may have to go with touchtronic since the 30" cooktop with dials is not compatible with the miele single oven (grrr). being a very "manual" person, it will take some time getting used to, but i suppose this is the trend of the future and i may as well get used to it now...