The Steel CodCast
Business & Finance
About
The Steel Codcast is a daily podcast delivering expert commentary, industry insight, and real world perspective for professionals across the appliance industry. Hosted by Jon, VP of Sales, and Anthony, President of Steel Cod, the show blends evergreen education with breaking appliance industry news to help listeners sell smarter, position products more effectively, and stay current in a fast moving market. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Designed for appliance sales professionals, manufacturers, distributors, brand leaders, and independent dealers, The Steel Codcast covers appliance industry trends, sales strategy, and product positioning across every category. Episodes explore everything from small countertop appliances and mass market products to high end luxury appliance brands, built in appliances, and emerging technologies. Released Monday through Friday, the podcast delivers consistent commentary on appliance sales techniques, retail strategy, merchandising, pricing, consumer buying behavior, and manufacturer dealer relationships. Jon and Anthony bring decades of appliance industry experience to discussions on new product launches, brand differentiation, showroom communication, and how to translate technical features into clear customer value. Whether you work in appliance retail, appliance marketing, product management, distribution, or leadership, The Steel Codcast provides practical insights and industry analysis you can apply immediately. If you are looking for an appliance industry podcast that combines daily news, expert opinion, and evergreen sales education, this show is your go to resource for staying informed and competitive in the appliance business.
Episodes
- Speed Queen TC5 vs LG: The Laundry Debate Salespeople Must Understand
This episode of The Steel CodCast, hosted by Anthony and Jon, analyzes the popular Speed Queen TC5 versus LG WT8400CW laundry debate. It examines the emotional responses and perceived benefits of the TC5, contrasting them with modern clean…
- Overloading Dishwashers: The Customer Mistake Salespeople Must Address
This episode of The Steel CodCast discusses why customers overload dishwashers, explaining how overcrowding affects cleaning performance, causes wear on dishes, and leads to user error being blamed on the machine or salesperson. Hosts Anth…
- Features Don’t Sell Appliances (Here’s What Customers Actually Want)
This episode of The Steel CodCast discusses how an overemphasis on appliance features can negatively impact sales. Hosts Anthony and Jon explain that customers often prioritize avoiding mistakes over gaining more features, and how feature-…
- Speed vs Relationship: The Sales Debate Everyone Gets Wrong
In this episode of The Steel CodCast, hosts Anthony and Jon challenge the traditional sales debate of speed versus relationship building. They argue that the real issues are a lack of clarity and control, not the pacing of the conversation…
- Grills vs Griddles: Why the Industry Is Quietly Moving Away from Grills
The Steel CodCast episode "Grills vs Griddles" explains why indoor grills often disappoint, detailing problems with smoke, ventilation, and user experience. It contrasts this with griddles, highlighting their practical advantages and consi…
- Refrigerator Drawers vs Beverage Centers: Why Salespeople Sell the Wrong Appliance
This episode of The Steel CodCast explores the differences between refrigerator drawers and beverage centers. Anthony and Jon discuss why beverage centers are often the default choice in kitchen design and how refrigerator drawers offer di…
- Top vs Bottom Freezer: Why Customers Default to the Wrong Choice
This episode of The Steel CodCast discusses the common decision between top and bottom freezer refrigerators. It explains why customers often choose top freezers and why this choice may not always be optimal, while exploring real-life usag…
- Coyote Grills and the Outdoor Gap (What the Power Index Reveals)
This episode of The Steel CodCast examines the surprising prominence of Coyote grills in outdoor appliance conversations, as revealed by the Steel Cod Power Index. The hosts discuss how Coyote fills a previously undefined middle space in t…
- Why Gaggenau Gets Overlooked (And How to Sell It Properly)
This episode of The Steel CodCast explores why the luxury appliance brand Gaggenau is often overlooked in sales conversations. It details how salespeople can better understand and present Gaggenau to customers, discussing its unique charac…
- Why You Shouldn’t Sell Sub-Zero, Wolf, Cove
This episode of The Steel CodCast discusses the common misunderstandings surrounding luxury appliance brands Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove. It explains that customers often choose these brands based on incomplete information, and emphasizes the…
- Why Manufacturer Reps Don’t Change Sales Behavior (The Real Problem)
This episode of The Steel CodCast discusses why manufacturer representatives may not influence sales behavior. It covers the disconnect between how reps are trained and how sales occur, focusing on the difference between product knowledge…
- The Problem with Château Ranges: Why Salespeople Misposition Them
This episode of The Steel CodCast discusses the mispositioning of La Cornue Château ranges in luxury appliance sales. It highlights why these ranges are often compared incorrectly and how salespeople can better present them to customers.
- LG vs Bosch: What the Power Index Reveals About Customer Decisions
This episode of The Steel CodCast analyzes customer decisions between LG and Bosch counter-depth refrigerators using data from the Steel Cod Power Index. It explores how LG focuses on capacity and space, while Bosch emphasizes food preserv…
- LG vs Electrolux Washer Comparison: Performance, Features, and Value
This episode of The Steel CodCast compares LG and Electrolux laundry appliances. It covers the core build philosophy of each brand, how that translates into real-world use, and where each platform wins. The hosts also discuss how to proper…
- Compact Laundry Explained: Why Salespeople Get This Wrong
This episode of The Steel CodCast explains compact washers and dryers. It covers why the category is confusing, what salespeople often miss, installation challenges, capacity, and performance expectations.
- Fisher & Paykel vs Viking: Reputation vs Reality
This episode of The Steel CodCast compares Fisher & Paykel and Viking gas ranges. It discusses brand recognition, cooking experience, and post-sale considerations for both brands.
- If Retail Doesn’t Support You, You Won’t Sell (Manufacturer vs Retail Reality)
This episode of The Steel CodCast examines the issues between appliance manufacturers and retailers, focusing on how a lack of retail support impacts product sales. It explores why products struggle to move and what needs to change for imp…
- Why Salespeople Struggle to Sell Luxury Appliances (And How to Fix It)
This episode of The Steel CodCast discusses why salespeople struggle to sell luxury appliances, focusing on mindset, hesitation due to price, and unfamiliarity with high-end products. Anthony and Jon explain how to shift approach, control…
- Are Color Appliances Worth It for Customers? Trends, Risks, and What to Know
This episode of The Steel CodCast discusses the rise of color appliances, examining whether they are a lasting trend. It covers the demand from designers and manufacturers, and addresses concerns salespeople and customers have regarding du…
- DCS vs Wolf Grills: Brand vs Performance (They’re Not the Same)
This episode of The Steel CodCast discusses the comparison between DCS and Wolf grills. It explores how customer perception of brand often influences purchasing decisions, particularly when moving from indoor to outdoor appliances, and emp…
- Convection vs Air Fry: Helping Customers Understand the Difference
This episode of The Steel CodCast discusses the difference between convection and air fry in ovens. It explains why customers are often confused and how to clarify the functions of each.
- U-Line vs Marvel: Why Specs Won’t Help You Choose
This episode of The Steel CodCast discusses the difficulties in comparing U-Line and Marvel undercounter refrigeration. It explains why relying on product specifications for comparison is unhelpful and instead focuses on understanding prod…
- Artisan vs Alfresco Grills: Same Company, Very Different Buyer
This episode of The Steel CodCast discusses the differences between Artisan and Alfresco grills, which are made by the same company. It explores their build philosophy, cooking performance, and how salespeople can effectively differentiate…
- Why Appliances Don’t Sell Themselves (Manufacturer vs Retail Reality) Ft. Jonathan Basalyga
Jonathan Basalyga joins The Steel CodCast to discuss the relationship between appliance manufacturers and independent appliance retailers. The episode explores factors influencing product sales, including consumer demand, salesperson train…
- Elite Salespeople Don’t Sell Appliance Packages (Here’s What They Do Instead)
This episode of The Steel CodCast, with hosts Anthony and Jon, focuses on why elite salespeople do not sell appliance packages. They explain that successful sales involve understanding customer kitchen behavior, priorities, and desired out…
- Your Appliance Package Won’t Match (And Nobody Tells You This)
This episode of The Steel CodCast explains why appliance packages from a single brand often do not match. Anthony and Jon discuss how appliances are built by category, leading to inconsistencies in design and performance across different p…
- Why Your Induction Cooktop Scratches So Easily (And It’s Not a Defect)
This episode of The Steel CodCast discusses why induction and electric cooktops scratch easily, explaining that it is a natural result of their design and use. It covers what cooktops are made of, how everyday use causes scratches, and how…
- Stop Using Pods: Why Liquid Detergent Works Better
This episode of The Steel CodCast explores why liquid detergent works more effectively than pods or powder in modern appliances. It explains how proper detergent activation is crucial for cleaning performance and addresses issues like resi…
- Front Load vs Top Load Washers: This Isn’t a Fair Fight
This episode of The Steel CodCast discusses the differences between front load and top load washing machines. It covers how each platform cleans, water usage, spin speeds, drying efficiency, and fabric care, as well as common misconception…
- Why Fridge Ice Makers Keep Breaking (And It’s Not the Brand)
This episode of The Steel CodCast explains why refrigerator ice makers frequently break. The hosts discuss common problems, design limitations, and compare door-mounted versus internal ice maker systems.
- The “Bad Customer” Myth: The Hardest Customers to Handle (Part 2)
In this episode of The Steel CodCast, Anthony and Jon discuss difficult customer dynamics that arise during the sales process. They cover four scenarios: the comparison spiral customer, the overwhelmed project customer, the defensive custo…
- The “Bad Customer” Myth: You’re Looking at This All Wrong (Part 1)
This episode of The Steel CodCast, Part 1, explores the \"bad customer\" myth in retail, specifically in appliance sales. Anthony and Jon analyze four customer types: the \"just looking\" customer, the internet expert, the price shopper, a…
- Why Your Appliance Keeps Tripping the Breaker (It’s Not What You Think)
This episode of The Steel CodCast discusses why appliances trip breakers. It covers topics such as startup power spikes, shared circuits, and the sensitivity of modern electrical panels like AFCI and GFCI. The hosts explain how to diagnose…
- Beverage Center vs Wine Unit: Why This Decision Gets Messed Up
This episode of The Steel CodCast discusses the differences between a beverage center and a wine unit. It covers critical distinctions such as temperature control, humidity management, vibration reduction, and UV protection, as well as sto…
- BlueStar vs Thermador: Raw Power vs Controlled Cooking
This episode of The Steel CodCast discusses the differences between BlueStar and Thermador gas ranges. It explores their distinct approaches to cooking performance and oven technology, and how these impact user experience.
- Electric vs Gas Dryers: Why It Matters Less Than You Think
This episode of The Steel CodCast discusses the differences between electric and gas dryers. It explores operating costs, installation, and how the choice between them is becoming less significant.
- Weber vs Napoleon: The Grill Leader Isn’t Who You Think
This episode of The Steel CodCast discusses the changing landscape of gas grills, comparing Weber and Napoleon. It explores factors like burner design, heat control, and manufacturing changes that influence current buying decisions.
- Why Salespeople Struggle With Silence (And Why It Matters)
Anthony and Jon discuss why salespeople struggle with silence and how learning to use it can change the outcome of a conversation. They explain how silence can be an active tool for observation, listening, and understanding, and provide a…
- Vent-A-Hood vs Best: Why CFM Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story
This episode of The Steel CodCast compares Vent-A-Hood and Best range hoods, focusing on why CFM can be a misleading metric. The hosts discuss differences in blower design, capture strategy, and other factors that contribute to effective k…
- Sub-Zero Classic vs Designer: Why This Choice Matters More Than You Think
This episode of The Steel CodCast discusses the differences between Sub-Zero Classic and Sub-Zero Designer refrigeration. It covers mechanical layout, serviceability, long-term ownership, ergonomics, and kitchen integration of both platfor…
- Miele 5000 vs 7000 Dishwashers: More Features Doesn’t Mean Better
This episode of The Steel CodCast compares the Miele 5000 and 7000 series dishwashers, highlighting that more features do not always mean better performance. It delves into the core wash system, automation, interface complexity, and the ut…
- Gas vs Charcoal Grills: Flavor vs Convenience Isn’t the Real Debate
In this episode of The Steel CodCast, Anthony and Jon discuss gas vs. charcoal grills. They explore topics such as heat control, consistency, and startup time, offering insights beyond typical arguments of flavor and convenience.
- Why Your Clothes Feel Damp After Drying (And Why That’s Normal)
This episode of The Steel CodCast explains why clothes may feel damp after drying due to modern dryer design and moisture sensors. It differentiates between normal dampness and actual dryer issues, offering insights for appliance sales pro…
- Why Appliance Sales Break Down After the Sale | Natalie Rotem
This episode of The Steel CodCast features Natalie Rotem, who explains why appliance sales often fail after the initial transaction. She highlights the disconnect between sales and operations, emphasizing that successful sales require coor…
- The Most Dangerous Question in Appliance Sales (And How to Answer It)
Anthony and Jon discuss strategies for appliance sales, focusing on how to handle the question "What's the difference?". They introduce a five-step framework to navigate this common sales challenge and improve sales conversations.
- Why Your Washing Machine Gets So Loud (And When It’s a Problem)
This episode of The Steel CodCast discusses common reasons for washing machine noise during spin cycles, including high spin speeds, installation factors, and load imbalance. It also provides guidance on distinguishing normal operation fro…
- Do You Need Make-Up Air? The Truth About High CFM Range Hoods
This episode of The Steel CodCast discusses makeup air for high CFM range hoods. Anthony and Jon explain its purpose, impact on safety and performance, and relevant building codes.
- Is Induction Cooking Safe? How to Answer Without Fear or Confusion
This episode of The Steel CodCast explores the safety of induction cooking. It compares induction to gas and electric, addresses concerns about electromagnetic fields and medical devices, and discusses how to communicate this information t…
- Smart vs “Dumb” Appliances: The Only Features That Actually Matter
This episode of The Steel CodCast explores smart versus traditional appliances. The hosts discuss effective ways for salespeople to position smart technology, emphasizing features that enhance ownership such as remote diagnostics and proac…
- True vs Sub-Zero Ice Maker Comparison: Which is better?
This episode of The Steel CodCast compares True and Sub-Zero ice makers. It covers factors such as ice clarity, production rates, storage design, water quality, and long-term maintenance.