The Samsung and Gaganau both have (or had) induction cooktops with a single magnetic knob that operates the different burners. But I'm not sure how well or efficiently the knob changes the temperature settings, compared to a regular knob, so I would advise seeing live units in person, or at least reading reviews that address this. I liked the way the Gaganau selected the the burner to control, but I don't remember how well the knob worked otherwise.

One of the issues I've had in choosing an induction cooktop for my remodel is the touch screen control layout and how efficient it is to control the burners and how well the touch controls make the changes you want to make and the steps you need to take to make changes to the burner. The Samsung is rated #2 with a 96 score by Consumer Reports, but I would research the knob control. The two negative reviews said the magnetic knob took a long learning curve to get the correct temperature and that it was gimmicky and easier to use without the knob, which leads me to the Monogram, which I've tried.

The Monogram induction has a good design with round, knob-like touch screen controls, one for each burner, that work very well. It's also highly rated. The 30" got a 99 rating by Consumer Reports. (It's worth it to get an online subscription to CR to help with decisions like this, but I would do additional research as well.)

I'm also considering the Wolf induction and the Thermador Freedom which doesn't have burners and allows 6 pans to be placed anywhere on the cooktop and has other nice features. But the Thermador reliability is lower rated... I don't know anything about the Blue Star or the Viking which is rated by CR at 82 for the 30". Good luck!

Greg Rubinstein -Thank you. I have seen both the Samsung and the Gaggenau and the knob was not intuitive at all. I want a knob that turns quickly and without thought, hence my top contenders are the Blue Star and the Viking. I have seen the Thermador Freedom, which I've been told only allows 5 pans (not a deal breaker for me), but the controls are ridiculous. The scrolling function is cumbersome at best, allowing one to easily scroll past the desired temperature then having to double back. Not for me. I've also read that if your fingers are wet or dirty, that the touch controls often don't register. If I was to HAVE to get one without knobs, I think I'd select the Wolf, in which you turn on the burner and then the numbers are displayed in a horizontal line and you push down where you want. The Monogram is too funky looking for me. The Frigidaire has a nice looking cooktop with knobs, but I'm looking for something a little more high end. For me it will either be the Blue Star or the Viking ( and I will get the extended warranty). Both are nice looking and have hefty knobs that resemble those on a high end gas range. Good Luck - it's trade off on everything.

Kaseki - Exactly why I find knobs to be a necessity for ME - Others may find the touch controls fine for them, but I prefer an easy quick way to control the hobs.

I have the Frigidare and it has been a good Cook top with no issues. I purchased because I wanted knobs as well. Not as "High end" as some would want, however as you are discovering not many options for knobs. The other models I actually did not like at all, especially the Viking which IMO is very ugly and has all the same size hobs. Think of it this like this, it is at a price point that if you really don't like it, you can always replace it. One knob that controls all I was not really feeling either. Good luck with the hunt.

Thanks keninande - I actually think the Viking is very pretty -I really like the grey glass. Everyone has a different aesthetic. Yes, you can replace a cooktop that is at a lower price point, but need to find one to fit the cut out of your countertop. It's not always that easy, especially when changing brands. It's good to know that you are enjoying yours and have not had any problems.