Coolest Infomercial Gadgets That Actually Work
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Remember the age of infomercials? Who wasn't excited to call in and order something for just three easy payments of $19.99?
Most of us didn't bother to do that, opting to wait until we could order junk we don't need online. And, yes, we do mean junk. The shake weight still hasn't died yet, and it's just as cringeworthy as when it came out.
Surprisingly, not all infomercial products are junk. Some of them have impressively good reviews, including these classics.
The Magic Bullet
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When it was released: 2003
Who invented it: Lenny Sands
Why it’s cool: Thanks to a 20-minute long infomercial in the early 2000s, the Magic Bullet became a household staple.
It's just a blender, but a blender with a high-powered, compact base that effortlessly blends and chops whatever you throw in it.
It's now called the Nutri Bullet, but the new version is just as good as the old one.
Shop now: Magic Bullet 17-Piece Set MBR-1701P, $53.70
OxiClean
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When it was released: 1997
Who invented it: Max Appel
Why it’s cool: OxiClean is impressively good at banishing stubborn stains, and all without a single drop of bleach. The "oxi" part of OxiClean stands for oxygen, which is the secret behind the product's cleaning super powers.
It's not a replacement for detergent, but rather an additional cleaning agent to help bust through set-in stains. It also works on carpets, couches and just about any other soft surface you can imagine.
Shop now: OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Powder, $14.23
Stasher Bags
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When it was released: 2005
Who invented it: Kat Nouri
Why it’s cool: Plastic bags are awful for the environment. Most of them are intended for single use, so they end up piling up in landfills. They can take years to decompose, and they can be deadly to sea life if they end up in the ocean.
Air-tight, reusable silicone Stasher bags offer a simple solution. They work exactly like regular plastic bags, only they can be used over and over again. Toss them in the dishwasher, microwave or freezer without a problem.
Shop now: Stasher Platinum Silicone Food Grade Reusable Storage Bag, $10.01
Wonder Hangers
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When it was released: 2014
Who invented it: Hampton Direct
Why it’s cool: Closet space isn't infinite, but Wonder Hangers might make it seem that way. Wonder Hangers collapse downward, letting your clothes dangle vertically instead of lining up horizontally. In effect, more than twice as many shirts can fit in the same space.
Shop now: Wonder Hanger Platinum, Space-Saving Closet Organizers, $13.99
Snuggie
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When it was released: 2008
Who invented it: Gary Clegg
Why it’s cool: Allstar Products is the one technically responsible for the Snuggie, but it was inspired by a design by Gary Clegg all the way back in 1997.
Initially, it was called the Slanket — the sleeve blanket. Understandably, the name was changed to the (much cuter) Snuggie.
While the Snuggie has been the target of countless jokes, it's actually very cozy. It's nothing but a fleece blanket with sleeves. It's like a backward robe, only better.
Shop now: Snuggie Soft Fleece Blanket with Sleeves and Pockets, $19.88
The Robo Twist
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When it was released: 2016
Who invented it: LS&S
Why it’s cool: Before you make fun of people who need a battery-operated jar opener, remember that it's not all about hand strength. People with arthritis, tendinitis or other painful conditions of the hand or wrist find it painful to open tight jars.
The Robo Twist has all the torque needed to easily open tough lids with minimal effort. It fits almost any sized lid and opens jars in seconds with ease.
Shop now: Robo Twist Electric Jar Opener, $19.99
The Ove Glove
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When it was released: 2004
Who invented it: Joseph Enterprises, Inc
Why it’s cool: Oven mitts are cool, but what if you had an oven mitt that was virtually fireproof? The Ove Glove is made with the same fabric used by firefighters, and it can handle heat up to 540 degrees Fahrenheit. Unless you're intending to take up welding in your kitchen, that's plenty enough heat resistance.
It's also an actual glove instead of a mitt, so you can easily use all five fingers. This is super helpful when picking up heavy pans, and the silicone grip makes it even easier. There's no reason why you'd need to change a lightbulb with the light still on, but you could do it with an Ove Glove if you wanted to.
Shop now: The Ove Glove, 2 Pack, $19.99
Alien Tape
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When it was released: 2000s
Who invented it: E. Mishan & Sons
Why it’s cool: How many different kinds of tape need to exist? A lot, it turns out.
You've got duct tape, packing tape, electrical tape and now Alien Tape. It's double-sided acrylic tape that can be used to mount anything up to 17.5 pounds on a wall. It's weatherproof, bonds instantly and can be used over and over again.
Simply wash it off, let it dry and reapply it as needed. Just don't apply it to dry-painted surfaces, as it may peel off paint. Glass, plastic and metal surfaces are all fair game.
Shop now: Alien Tape Multipurpose Removable Adhesive Transparent Grip Mounting Tape, $17.95
Ped Egg
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When it was released: 2008
Who invented it: AJ Khubani
Why it’s cool: This is one infomercial gadget that left us all grossed out, yet intrigued. The Ped Egg is a foot file with tiny micro-files that work to remove rough skin and calluses from heel to toe.
It doesn't hurt, and the ergonomic shape makes it easy to use. The gadget traps gunk inside, so you won't make a mess during your DIY pedicure.
Shop now: Ped Egg Pedicure Foot File, $16.88
Vanity Planet Face Brush
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When it was released: 2000s
Who invented it: Vanity Planet
Why it’s cool: Washing your face with your hands is fine, unless you want to exfoliate while you're at it.
This clever infomercial gadget powers through makeup, dirt and oil and polishes away dead skin cells without causing any irritation or redness. It makes your morning self-care routine feel more like a spa treatment, and there are even three different brushes to try on for size.
Slow down the spinning speed for a softer treatment or speed it up for some serious cleaning power. When you're done, just rinse it off and set it aside for next time.
Shop now: Vanity Planet Spin for Perfect Skin Face and Body Cleansing Brush, $15.99
The ShamWow
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When it was released: 2008
Who invented it: Offer Shlomi
Why it’s cool: Is the ShamWow just a towel, or is it something more?
The original ShamWow infomercial made it seem like something everyone had to have, and it wasn't too far off base. Each ShamWow can absorb up to 10 times its own weight, so drying the car, polishing silverware and cleaning up messes is faster than ever.
After you've soaked up all the red wine from the carpet, just bleach the ShamWow in the wash. It's basically just a super absorbent towel, but it works like a dream and can be used for years. It's also more environmentally friendly than paper towels by a mile.
Shop now: The Original ShamWow, $19.95
Debbie Meyer Green Bags
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When it was released: 2003
Who invented it: John Mazurski
Why it’s cool: Show us a person who has never thrown away forgotten veggies from the back of the fridge, and we'll show you a liar.
While we're all a little suspicious of foods that never go bad, eating fresh food requires remembering it's there. It also requires choosing a green smoothie over microwavable mac and cheese, and that's a decision that's not always within our power to make.
This infomercial gadget extends the life of fresh fruits, veggies and cut flowers, both in the fridge and on the countertop. They're totally BPA-free and can be used up to 10 times. They have mixed reviews, but enough people swear by them to give them a try.
Shop now: Debbie Meyer GreenBags, Various Sizes, 20-Pack, $28.78
Drop Stop Gap Filler
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When it was released: 2017
Who invented it: Marc Newburger and Jeffrey Simon
Why it’s cool: Drop Stop is a gadget invented after one of its inventors almost got in a serious car wreck. He dropped his phone in the gap between the car seat and the center console, tried to grab it and nearly crashed. While it could be argued that not even lost GPS is worth swerving for, the Stop Gap makes it a nonissue.
It's a simple neoprene gap filler that fits in almost any vehicle, taking up the annoying space next to the car seat that's a magnet for crumbs and dropped devices. Each set comes with two Drop Stop fillers, one for the driver's side and one for the passenger side.
Shop now: Drop Stop Automotive Car Seat Gap Filler, $12.80
Scrub Daddies
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When it was released: 2008
Who invented it: Aaron Krause
Why it’s cool: A sponge is a sponge, except when it's more than that. The Scrub Daddy's name is pretty cringeworthy, but the product design is sound.
The Scrub Daddy sponge is an infomercial win for sure. It's like an ordinary sponge on steroids, changing the level of abrasiveness depending on the temperature of the water used for cleaning. Warm water offers a gentler clean, while cold water helps the sponge scrape off tough grease and baked-on grime.
The Scrub Daddy is safe to use on over a dozen different surfaces without leaving behind a single scratch. Better yet, it doesn't stink. Keep each Scrub Daddy for up to two months without noticing any unpleasant odors.
Shop now: Scrub Daddy Sponge Set, $18.72
The Rocketbook
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When it was released: 2015
Who invented it: Joe Lemay and Jake Epstein
Why it’s cool: Students go through so many notebooks each school year, but the Rocketbook cancels wasted paper. Each of the infomercial gadget's 42 pages is reusable. Just write using any Pilot Frixion pen, marker or highlighter, then wipe clean when you need a fresh page.
Want to save your notes? No problem. Just send your notes directly to your favorite cloud-based app, like Google Drive, OneNote, Slack or Dropbox. It's compatible with both iOS and Android devices, and it comes in several sizes.
Some versions even have multiple page layouts to pick from.
Shop now: Rocketbook Fusion Smart Reusable Notebook, $33.40
Vibes Noise-Cancelling Ear Plugs
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When it was released: 2015
Who invented it: Jackson Mann
Why it’s cool: Concerts are fun. Ruptured eardrums, not so much.
Vibes Reusable High Fidelity Earplugs don't block sound entirely, because what would be the point of going to a concert without hearing the music? Instead, they filter out specific frequencies to lower the overall volume and protect hearing without wrecking the sound quality.
Each pair is reusable and comes with three different size tips for optimal use. The plugs are almost invisible during use, so no one will even know you're wearing them.
Shop now: Vibes High Fidelity Earplugs, $21.71
The Turbie Twist
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When it was released: 2006
Who invented it: Angela Carr and Christina Cummings
Why it’s cool: Some of the best infomercial gadgets are the simplest. This microfiber hair towel absorbs water insanely fast to drastically shorten drying time without causing any damage to your precious locks.
Regular towels damage the cuticle of the hair, causing frizziness and dryness. Blow-drying hair is even worse. The Turbie Towel makes it easy to skip the hairdryer altogether, or at least reduce the amount of drying time needed.
It's also super light and stays securely on your head, so you don't have to fight to keep it on while you get ready for work. It's one-size-fits-all, so kids can use it too.
Shop now: Turbie Twist Super Absorbent Microfiber Hair Towel Wrap, 2 Pack, $16.97
The Beebo
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When it was released: 2015
Who invented it: Martin Hill
Why it’s cool: Is a gadget to hold your baby's bottle for you really necessary? Probably not, but it does come in handy. Literally, the Beebo frees up one of your hands so you can multitask more easily.
It was invented by a dad who was frustrated that he couldn't feed his youngest while reading to his older child. The Beebo fits virtually any bottle, so busy parents can bottle feed their infant while leaving a hand free to eat with the fam or browse the web.
The only downside is that it works better for men than women, just because of obvious anatomical differences.
Shop now: The Beebo - Free Hand Baby Bottle Holder, $29.98
Smart Carts
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When it was released: 1998
Who invented it: Richard Elden
Why it’s cool: Like we said, simplicity reigns supreme with infomercial inventions. The Smart Cart is just a heavy-duty canvas tote on wheels, like a cross between a suitcase and a basket.
It's perfect for toting groceries, books or laundry with ease. When not in use, it folds up to stow it away in your trunk or closet.
Those who live in wet climates might prefer the larger smart cart, which is weatherproofed and ready to pull home fresh produce even in the rain.
Shop now: Dbest Products Bigger Smart Cart, Black, $54.38
The George Foreman Grill
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When it was released: 1994
Who invented it: Michael W. Boehm
Why it’s cool: Cooking healthy meals on the go is tough, and that's where the George Foreman grill comes in. It comes in multiple sizes to serve just one or an entire family.
Every grill is coated with a durable, nonstick material, so there's no need to add lots of fattening butter or oil. Quick, simple, healthy and tasty.
Plus, newer models heat up 35 percent faster than the original.
Shop now: George Foreman Four-Serving Removable Plate Grill and Panini Press, $38.52
Squatty Potties
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When it was released: 2010
Who invented it: Judy Edwards
Why it’s cool: We're not going to get into the list of reasons why you need a Squatty Potty, but trust us. You do.
To put it simply, the Squatty Potty is a footstool to optimize your sitting position while doing your, ahem, business. It's proven to reduce straining and make the "process of elimination" more comfortable, and it has a substantial weight capacity of 250 pounds.
It might be one of the most embarrassing as seen on TV gadgets, but it's also one of the most useful.
Shop now: Squatty Potty Ecco 7" Stool, $20.33
Moki Car Door Step
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When it was released: 2017
Who invented it: Zach Brown
Why it’s cool: Where are my vertically challenged people at? Heck, even tall people have a hard time getting kayaks, bikes or skis onto the top of an SUV's roof rack.
This ingenious infomercial gadget hooks on to virtually any vehicle's door frame to give you an easy leg up — just what you need while cleaning the moon roof or strapping down luggage.
The Moki Door Step is made of strong, lightweight aluminum that can hold up to 400 pounds. Its rubber bumper won't damage your paint, so you can load up your car without worrying about scratching the finish.
Shop now: Rightline Gear Moki Door Step, Extra Long, $44.95
Michel Mercier Detangling Hairbrush
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When it was released: 2013
Who invented it: Kampalook
Why it’s cool: For the most part, growing Rapunzel-length hair isn't recommended if you don't plan on spending a good amount of time carefully brushing it out. Long hair gets tangled. Beauty has a price, and it's annoying.
This fun gadget makes the price a little less painful and a lot less time-consuming. The Michel Mercier detangling brush has 428 bristles of 32 different heights to easily untangle hair without causing breakage or hurting the scalp.
We're curious if they really counted out all 428 bristles, but regardless of just how many there are, the brush has tons of great reviews. It's definitely worth a try if you have a sensitive scalp or a little girl who can't stand getting her long hair brushed out.
If you don't like it, just return it for free. One hundred percent satisfaction guaranteed.
Shop now: Michel Mercier Spa Brush $9.57
The Bug Bite Thing
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When it was released: 2019
Who invented it: Lori Greiner
Why it’s cool: There are many beautiful, joyful experiences of summer. Ice cream trucks. Beach days. No school. But then, just as you're drifting off to sleep, you hear the high-pitched whine of a murderous, blood-sucking maniac: a mosquito.
Bug bites are universally hated, and this handy infomercial gadget is here to help. It works by suctioning out some of the irritating, itchy saliva or venom of whatever obnoxious pest has chomped down on you. It's not a perfect solution, but it does make bug bites less uncomfortable, especially when used shortly after the bite.
Bonus: The Bug Bite Thing doubles as a splinter remover. Just place the opening over the splinter and pull to painlessly remove the invading sliver, sans tweezers.
Shop now: Bug Bite Thing Suction Tool, $10.48
Benjilocks
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When it was released: 2017
Who invented it: Robbie Cabral
Why it’s cool: Gone are the days when we had to memorize everyone's phone number or write them down in an address book. Now, the days of memorizing a padlock code may soon be behind us, too.
The BenjiLock, as seen on TV, is a rechargeable padlock that recognizes the fingerprints of up to 10 people. Easily keep your belongings safe without carrying around keys or worrying about remembering a combination. It has five brass pins for extra security.
Shop now: BenjiLock 43 mm Fingerprint Padlock, $69.99