The Best Hood Can Fail

A hood with bad ducting is like a sports car stuck in traffic—it won’t go anywhere. Even the most powerful ventilation system can fail if it’s not installed correctly. This week we’re covering the biggest mistakes that kill performance: restrictive ducting, incorrect mounting height, and ignored makeup air requirements. Learn how to spot and prevent these issues before they turn into customer complaints.

Top 4 Most Versatile Range Hoods for Installation

This week on Top X, we mention the most installer-friendly range hoods across premium, mid-tier, and budget categories. Whether you’re dealing with complex remodels, tricky ducting, or fast-moving projects, this episode highlights the hoods that deliver clean installs, flexible configurations, and zero headaches.

Wrapping Up Ventilation Install Week

This week on Steel Cod Live!, Tom returns to close the loop with Anthony and Jon on Ventilation Install Week — breaking down the biggest lessons, surprises, and questions from the field. They revisit what makes an install truly smooth, which hood designs consistently deliver, and what pros wish they knew before day one.

Humidity Control

Most crisper drawers don’t preserve anything — they just look like they should. In this episode, we unpack the myth of the humidity slider and show what actually keeps produce fresh, crisp, and structured beyond a few days.

Stability Over Cold

Cold isn’t the goal — control is. In this episode, we break down why temperature swings silently destroy food quality, and how true preservation systems protect structure, flavor, and longevity.

Filtering Isn't Just About Smell

Air that smells clean doesn’t mean food is safe. In the final episode, we expose the real role of filtration in food preservation — and why most systems are just circulating invisible decay triggers.

Do Food Preservation Claims Hold Up?

Anthony, Tom, and Jon wrap the week on food preservation — tackling why so many fridge claims fall flat and what most sales pros still miss when talking freshness. From fake humidity sliders to misunderstood filtration, this episode breaks down what actually preserves food and how to explain it without losing the customer.

Beyond the Blower

A powerful blower isn’t enough. If your customer thinks CFM is the only thing that matters in a range hood, they’re missing the bigger picture. From filter design to hood size and airflow efficiency, the right setup makes all the difference. This week we break down what actually determines hood performance — and why a well-matched system always beats just chasing the highest CFM number.

Top 5 Features to Look For in Range Hoods

Not all range hoods are created equal — and in this episode of Top X, we break down the five most important features to look for when choosing ventilation. From blower efficiency and filter technology to smart automation and ultra-quiet performance, we spotlight the technologies that actually matter in real kitchens.

The Ventilation Deep Dive: What Matters, What Doesn’t, and How to Sell It

This week on Steel Cod Live!, Anthony, Tom, and Jon close the loop on one of the most overlooked categories in appliance sales — range hoods. They dive into what actually makes a ventilation system effective, how different brands prioritize performance versus aesthetics, and why most reps are missing the mark when pitching air movement.

Steam Cycles

Steam isn’t just another setting — it’s a game-changer for cleaning. This week we uncover why steam cycles in laundry, dishwashers, and ovens deliver better stain removal, sanitization, and easier maintenance.

Top 5 Steam Features That Actually Make a Difference

From wrinkle reduction to no-pre-rinse dishwashing, this week’s Top X dives into the steam features that aren’t just marketing fluff — they’re real performance drivers. We’ll break down how steam improves cleaning, protects fabrics, and simplifies oven maintenance, while spotlighting the brands that are putting it to work in smart, practical ways.

Steam Week Wrap-Up: What We Learned, What to Sell

This week on Steel Cod Live!, Anthony and Jon close the loop on steam — breaking down everything we’ve covered across laundry, dishwashers, and ovens. From what steam actually does to where it truly makes a difference, we’re turning product knowledge into real-world selling strategy.

BTU Ratings

This week we challenge one of the most overused selling points in the appliance industry: BTU output. We’ll unpack what those numbers actually mean (and don’t), explore how burner design affects cooking results, and give you the insights you need to shift the conversation from spec-chasing to real performance.

Top 5 Burner Performance Drivers

From flame shape to fuel efficiency, this week’s Top X breaks down the five most important factors drive burner performance. We're spotlighting the brands that deliver power with purpose — not just raw BTUs, but smart engineering that makes heat usable. If you're still selling off spec sheets, you're missing the point. This is where real cooking performance begins. [Updated: May 7, 2025 at 2:41pm ET]

Beyond the Burners: What BTU Ratings Don’t Tell You

This week on Steel Cod Live!, Anthony, Tom, and Jon wrap up the burner performance conversation with a real-world look at BTUs, flame design, and what actually matters at the point of sale. From spec myths to simmer stability, this episode brings the whole week into focus — and gives you the talking points to turn raw numbers into smarter sales.

More Watts, More Power

Higher wattage doesn’t always mean better performance — so why do so many customers (and salespeople) assume it does? This week we break down why not all induction cooktops are the same and what truly defines performance.

Top 3 Induction Performance Drivers

There’s a lot of noise in the cooktop and range conversation — wattage claims, boost modes, flashy features. But when it comes to real performance, only a few things actually move the needle. In this episode, we reveal the top 3 core drivers of induction performance.

More Watts, More Sales? Rethinking Induction Power on the Floor

This week on Steel Cod Live!, Anthony, Tom, and Jon close the loop on induction wattage—and put everything we’ve covered into real-world selling context. From how to explain boost modes without getting buried in specs to helping customers understand sustained power versus short-term heat, we’re showing you how to take the mystery out of induction and turn it into clearer, more confident conversations on the floor.

Smart Ovens

Smart ovens promise convenience, precision, and better cooking results, but not every customer is convinced. Some wonder if smart features actually make cooking easier or just add complexity to something that used to be simple. This week we separate gimmicks from game-changers and uncover what truly makes a smart oven worth it.

Top 5 Smart Oven Features That Make Cooking Easier

Not all smart ovens are created equal — and not every “smart” feature makes life easier. In this episode, we cut through the noise and spotlight five smart features that deliver real, measurable value. From temperature sensors that adjust heat in real time to guided cooking systems that set everything for you, this Top X gives you the tools to start better conversations on the floor.

Making Smart Ovens Make Sense

This week on Steel Cod Live!, Anthony, Tom, and Jon close the loop on smart ovens—and are putting everything we’ve covered into real-world selling context. From how to explain precision temp control to decoding the difference between guided programs and gimmicks, we’ll show you how to take what you’ve learned and turn it into stronger conversations on the floor.

Automatic Detergent Dispensers

Most shoppers overlook detergent dispensers — but how detergent is released can make or break cleaning performance. This week we break down why automatic dispensers aren’t just a convenience, they’re essential. Learn how this one feature impacts results, protects clothes, and prevents long-term issues with both fabric and machines.

Top 5 Ways to Sell the Value of Auto Detergent Dispensers

This episode breaks automatic detergent dispensers down into five measurable performance categories — showing where they differ, and which brands stand out in each area. From capacity to rinse results, these comparisons are designed to help salespeople start better product conversations, explain features with confidence, and match solutions to real customer priorities.

Dosing Smarter: Wrapping Up Automatic Detergent Dispensers

This week on Steel Cod Live!, Anthony, Tom, and Jon close the loop on automatic detergent dispensers — and are putting everything we’ve covered into real-world selling context. From common objections to in-store talking points, we’ll show you how to take what you’ve learned and turn it into stronger conversations on the floor.

Speed Ovens vs. Steam Ovens

You’ve heard the debate — speed ovens vs. steam ovens. But here’s the thing: They’re not even designed to do the same job. So why are customers constantly comparing them? This episode reveals why stacking them head-to-head is a huge mistake—and how to guide the conversation the right way.

Speed Ovens & Steam Ovens: Top 3 Places to Start the Conversation

In this episode of Top X, we break down the top three places to start the conversation when it comes to speed ovens and steam ovens. Whether it’s fast, efficient cooking or precision steam performance, these options give you a solid foundation to help customers find the right solution for their needs.

The Speed Oven & Steam Oven Breakdown – What Salespeople Are Saying

This week on Steel Cod Live!, Jon, Anthony, and Tom are recapping the week’s hottest topics: speed ovens and steam ovens. We’re diving into how salespeople are approaching these conversations, what’s working, what’s not, and the biggest takeaways from the week.

Counter Depth Refrigerators

This week we’re tackling one of the biggest misconceptions customers have about counter depth refrigerators: capacity. While everyone’s focused on storage space, there’s a lot more to consider. We’re breaking down what truly matters when guiding capacity-focused customers and how to steer the conversation toward what really makes a difference.

Top 4 Features in Counter Depth Refrigerators

In this episode of Top X, we’re breaking down the top 4 features customers should be looking for when shopping for counter depth refrigerators. From food preservation to smart connectivity, we’re giving you the essential talking points to start the conversation and guide your customers to the right choice.

The Week That Was: Unpacking Counter Depth Refrigerators

Anthony, Tom, and Jon break down everything we covered about counter depth refrigerators: from the features that truly matter to why capacity isn’t the only thing customers should care about. Plus, during The SoundOff, we highlight your best insights from this week’s survey and dive into the Pro Perspective to showcase how you’re handling these conversations on the sales floor.

Washing Machine Cycles

Most customers think all washing machines work the same, but cycle selection directly impacts cleaning performance, fabric care, and efficiency. In this episode, we break down how cycles actually work, why most people use them wrong, and how understanding them can transform customer perception—and sales.

Top 6 Washing Machine Cycles

With so many models and features on the market, it’s not always clear which machines offer which cycles—or where to start the conversation. In this episode of Top X, we follow up on this week’s The Inside Edge by breaking down six key wash cycles, highlighting examples of front load, top load, and compact washers that feature specialized settings. Instead of broad comparisons, we focus on standout innovations in each category, giving sales professionals a clear reference point to confidently guide customers.

Washing Machine Cycles

Jon, Anthony and Tom wrap up the week by answering all your burning questions about washing machine cycles!

Dishwasher Cycles Uncovered

Customers blindly pick cycles without understanding how modern dishwashers optimize cleaning based on load type. The problem? Salespeople aren’t explaining it either. In this episode, we’ll help you decode dishwasher cycles, educate customers, and prevent post-purchase complaints.

Top 6 Dishwasher Cycles

Understanding dishwasher cycles can be overwhelming — for both customers and sales professionals. In this episode of Top X, we follow up this week's The Inside Edge by presenting the top six dishwasher cycles with highlighted examples of premium, mid-tier, and budget dishwashers that feature specialized cycles.

Dishwasher Cycles Uncovered

Customers blindly pick cycles without understanding how modern dishwashers optimize cleaning based on load type. The problem? Salespeople aren’t explaining it either. In this episode, we’ll help you decode dishwasher cycles, educate customers, and prevent post-purchase complaints.

Microwave Myths Exposed

Microwaves are always bought on price — because no one has ever told customers why they shouldn’t. Wattage, sensor cooking, and inverter technology completely change performance. We’re breaking down how these features impact daily use and why selling beyond price is easier than you think.

Microwave Myths Exposed

This week Jon, Anthony and Tom talked more about inverter technology -- what it is and what it isn't -- and their earliest microwave memories. Grab your popcorn for this one!

Heat Pump Dryers

Most customers don’t know what a heat pump dryer is — let alone why it could be a game-changer for efficiency, fabric care, and energy savings. If you’re not selling them, you’re missing out. We’ll show you exactly how they work and how to make customers see their value — fast.

Heat Pump Dryers

Is the water captured in the closed-loop system of a heat pump dryer actually potable? Find out as Jon, Anthony and Tom discuss that and more in this week's review of heat pump dryers! (Spoiler: it's not potable! Don't drink it!)

Oven Settings Decoded

Bake, broil, convection—oven settings aren’t all the same, and neither are the results. Yet most salespeople skip over them, assuming “bake is bake.” It’s not. Learn how oven modes truly impact cooking and why educating customers on heat distribution can drive bigger sales.

Oven Settings Decoded

Fans of prop comedy will love our helpful chart for remembering the characteristics of each oven cycle, this week on an all-new Steel Cod Live!

The Sound of Silence

Customers chase the lowest decibel number, but do they really know what it means? In this episode, we expose the myths behind sound ratings, what actually impacts noise levels, and how to shift the focus to what truly matters.

The Sound of Silence

What are the tradeoffs between noise and speed when it comes to dishwashers? Is noise-cancelling technology the next step in making your kitchen even quieter? Jon, Anthony and Tom discuss that and more on this week's Steel Cod Live!