[newaccount74]

I think the problem is that nobody buys hobs with dials anymore. When they have the choice, most people prefer the sleek look and easy cleaning.

And the controls aren't all terrible. We have a cheap electric Ikea hob (non-induction), and the controls are decent. It has digits from 0-9 for each heater, so you can set every heater to the right power with a single touch.

If you spill something it starts beeping, and you have about 10 seconds to wipe the controls with a rag, or it turns off. It's annoying the first time it happens, but it's not a big deal in practice.

I use this hob everyday to cook for 5 people, so it's not like sensor controls are useless.

It also has some advantages, like individual timers for each heater. And the little one can't reach the controls and mess with them.