10 Infomercial Products That Actually Worked
Most of us have laughed at late-night infomercials—the over-the-top acting, the wild claims, the “But wait, there’s more!” energy. However, hidden among the flops and gimmicks were a few gems that actually lived up to the hype. Some of these products were so useful that they earned a place in homes for years.
- Tricia Quitales
- 3 min read
Infomercials were once the kings of TV advertising, selling everything from kitchen gadgets to miracle cleaners. While many ended up in junk drawers, a handful became surprisingly reliable tools. Whether it was clever design or just plain convenience, these items proved the doubters wrong. Let’s look back at 10 infomercial products that weren’t just hype—they actually worked!
1. George Foreman Grill
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It claimed to “knock out the fat,” and millions of people bought it. The George Foreman Grill really cooked meat fast and drained the grease into that little tray. It made weeknight dinners easier and became a kitchen staple.
2. OxiClean
Church & Dwight Co., Inc. on Wikimedia
Thanks to enthusiastic pitchman Billy Mays, everyone knew OxiClean. The stuff actually worked, especially on stains other detergents couldn’t touch. It earned a spot in laundry rooms for a reason.
3. ShamWow
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It looked too good to be true: a cloth that could soak up spills like magic? However, the ShamWow lived up to the hype, especially for car cleaning or pet messes. Even critics admitted it absorbed like a champ.
4. Snuggie
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The “blanket with sleeves” seemed silly at first, but then winter hit. People realized Snuggies were actually warm, comfy, and great for couch marathons. It went from meme to must-have faster than you’d expect.
5. PedEgg
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Foot care isn’t glamorous, but the PedEgg worked wonders on dry heels and calluses. It gently removed rough skin without the mess of traditional scrapers, gross but effective and oddly satisfying!
6. Magic Bullet Blender
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This little blender was perfect for smoothies, sauces, and even chopping onions. It didn’t take up much counter space and was super easy to clean. The Magic Bullet made quick food prep truly quick.
7. Sweatin’ to the Oldies (Richard Simmons)
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Not a gadget, but a workout series that actually got people moving. Richard Simmons brought energy, fun, and real results to those trying to get active at home. Many still credit it for helping them stay motivated.
8. Flex Tape
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“That’s a lotta damage!” became a meme, but Flex Tape really did seal leaks in a pinch. It stuck to everything from pipes to boats, just like in the commercial. Thanks to this sticky solution, emergency fixes were made easier.
9. GreenPan Nonstick Cookware
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Marketed as a healthy, ceramic-coated nonstick pan, GreenPan impressed home cooks. Unlike cheap Teflon pans, it held up and made cleanup simple. It became a go-to for anyone who wanted to ditch the oil but keep the flavor.
10. Chop Wizard
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With one push, it could dice veggies evenly and safely, and people loved it. The Chop Wizard cut down on prep time (and band-aids). For meal preppers and salad fans, it was a total win.