A cycle selector knob to rotary encoder user interface for the operation of an appliance has a knob for rotating a shaft of a rotary encoder wherein the shaft is received by a control panel barrel to provide radial and thrust bearing surfaces. The knob has an axial boss dimensioned to affix to the shaft and bear against the radial bearing surface of the barrel and a shoulder to bear against the thrust bearing surface of the barrel. The control panel is secured to a console so that radial and thrust forces of the knob are directed via the radial and thrust bearing surfaces only to the console through the control panel.