Product review (3 stars): Original knobs were also plastic, but this one is missing the big metal washer, FWIW.
Anyone ordering these knobs knows by now that the original knobs on these Samsung Ranges are a big letdown. For clarification: ALL original knobs on these ranges were and are plastic. The sleeve that contacts the range's control shaft...is plastic. That's why they break. They were never stainless steel, they're just made to look that way. There is a small thin metal liner inside the knob's sleeve, but it's not enough to keep these pieces of crap from breaking. The weight that one feels when holding one of the original knobs comes from a big steel washer glued to the inside. The knob featured here does not include that washer. I'm thinking this might actually increase the life of it, as the added weight of that washer puts a lot of strain on the thing. Maybe being light will help it. At any rate, I'm gradually stocking up on knobs (I've gotten ones with and without the washer), because the rest of the range has been great and we're not planning on replacing it anytime soon. I knew before I bought the range, from reading reviews, that the knobs were plastic. I accepted that, because the rest of the features/price/performance package on this range kicks butt. Also, it warns in the range's manual to not leave the oven door open while hot (because it will melt the knobs). This is another big clue in not thinking these knobs were ever metal. I can deal with that as well. Great range. Crap knobs. Oh well.