I would think knobs would be easier to grasp and the handle for lack of a better term, of the knob also serves as a visual pointer to the heat level selected.

Another thing I care about -- are the knobs easily removed for a trip through the dishwasher? My 2 cents.

Just a thought, but when the knobs are in front like that, are they easy to accidentally turn when you are working right there?

My vote is for knobs.

My new Kitchenaide is big knobs and I like it, they must be pushed in to turn on. I am so happy to have front knobs it's such a burn hazzard to have controls on the back panel for those in wheelchairs.

If you're in your 20s it probably doesn't matter which you choose, but the older you get the more you'll appreciate something easier to grab than those dials.

raven- my controls are to the side and I would never want a cooktop that I had to reach over a flame. Yikes!

Just to clarify - in the OP, the upper picture shows knobs and the lower one dials.

bpathome :both the knobs and the dials need to be pushed in slightly and then turned, so no, there will be no accidental turning ons.

Writersblock: I would have thought the dial gives a better grip than the knob. Or am I wrong?

Annz3 - :-) talk of a dual control range. Which does he prefer?

Ergonomically speaking (for people with sever arthritis, etc) the knob is much, much better.

The bigger the better, too.

I would have thought the dial gives a better grip than the knob. Or am I wrong?

The dial is very hard to grip. As mimi said, knobs are far superior ergonomically. You have to be able to spread your hand wide and still grip with it that way in order to turn the dials. If your range of motion is restricted for any reason you are much, much better off with knobs.

Levers would be even better.

Bottom picture - which I would call knobs, but I think you're calling dials?

I thought it was the other way round--top are dials, bottom are knobs, no?

If not, there's a lot of disconnect in this whole thread.

It's a bit confusing since both photos are knobs which you dial. The bottom one is better.

The top is a dial (round all around) and the bottom are knobs because they have the vertical part that can be gripped and don't require you to grab a fully round object. That is my understanding. The bottom controls are better.

Annz3,

I love your dad already. Nothing will keep him from using his stove. Necessity being the mother of invention and all :-)

Good luck!

Re knobs vs dials, I thought it was the other way round. To sum up what is being said

Top picture all round is dial.

Bottom picture with the grip is knob. Knob is better ergonomically.

Substance over style. Thanks everyone for your thoughts. Much appreciated.

Yeah... my Dad. He has that knob dialed in. He is 91 and does the cooking for himself and his wife. My daughter took the picture when she was there. She thought it was funny. I'm used to him :)

Almost all the knobs on my Bosch stove broke. I found inexpensive replacement knobs online so the issue is resolved, but nonetheless I was not impressed with the durability.

I like my knobs on the front, but I'm on the shorter side (5'4") and when I'm cleaning the backsplash behind the stove, sometimes I will lean against the knob and make it click.

They are easy enough to swap out if you decide you don't like whichever you choose. Are the ranges otherwise so close in properties that the controls are the determining factor? I'd prefer the more obvious visual indication of position that the "knob" provides.