I do a bit of steady state cardio every day but go as hard as I can for the time that I have allotted. I could not possibly have a conversation and after 30 minutes seriously look like I just got out of the shower. I find this very effective.
Very effective at what?
Steady state cardio serves the purpose, if done intensely, to improve that modes energy pathway. Yes it also burns calories BUT not as effectivly as other shorter forms of "cardio".
One has to ask themselves "Why am I doing cardio?", whats the purpose? Then plan and perform cardio to serve that purpose.
If you want to improve your 1-5 mile times, sure get on a treadmill or run 5 miles. But aside from marginally helping your 5 mile times its NOT the most effective way to burn calories and I would argue that steady state alone is also NOT the best way to improve your 5 mile times.
If you want to train for all around cardio endurance the occasional steady state cardio has its place but if your goal is improving overall cardio then you wouldnt just do only 30-60 minute steady state cardio.
The biggest problem people have is they dont train with a purpose or goal in mind which means the methods they use are generally inefficient because they arent goal oriented.
In the case of the OP, burning calories seemed to be his goal and with that goal in mind an hour of steady state cardio is NOT the most efficient way to get the job done.
At the end of the day if people want to continually wade in a sea of mediocrity thats fine, its their life. I love training but I have a life. I want to get the most out of the least amount of time training.