Kitchen Large Electric Appliances - 1985 electric cooktop vs 2009 version

Wondering if there is any reason to replace a functioning 24 year old electric cooktop with a new version. Other than smooth tops and easier cleanups, do "modern" cooktops (not the high priced induction types) do any better job of temperature control than the old open coil type? I noticed that the current Consumer Reports rates electric cooktops with as having as good or better high and low temp heating performance as gas cooktops.

Newer cooktops don't generally perform any better than older ones, but cooktops do wear out and eventually begin to have problems. Performance and control sensitivity vary from brand to brand (as you've noticed by CU's ratings...), but overall mechanical design has changed very little since 1985. Smooth tops look better and are usually easier to keep clean (although you should clean after EVERY use which may be added work depending on your current cleaning habits...) but they are less tolerant of pan deformities, don't offer options like heavy duty canning burners (haven't seen one of those in years...) and can be much more expensive to repair if they break.

Doug M.