13 Infomercials That Made Us Think We Needed Everything
These over-the-top infomercials convinced an entire generation that life wasn’t complete without some pretty questionable gadgets.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Long before online shopping, infomercials ruled late-night TV. These products had us reaching for the phone with wide-eyed wonder. Let’s look back at 13 unforgettable infomercials that convinced us we had to buy now — or regret it forever.
1. The Magic Bullet
Mack Male onWikikedia Commons
This compact blender promised full meals in seconds and looked way cooler than a regular blender. With its catchy hosts and endless recipe ideas, it seemed like a miracle machine.
2. OxiClean
ajay_suresh on Wikimedia Commons
Billy Mays yelling about OxiClean made dirt look like the enemy of mankind. Stains didn’t stand a chance, and even old laundry seemed to sparkle with this magic powder.
3. Snuggie
David Shankbone on Wikimedia Commons
A blanket with sleeves? It sounded ridiculous, yet somehow became a cultural phenomenon. The infomercial showed entire families looking cozy and strangely content.
4. ThighMaster
Mario A. P. on Flickr
Suzanne Somers had us believing that toned thighs were just a squeeze away. The demo looked simple enough, and the results seemed instant.
5. George Foreman Grill
Zeamays on Wikimedia Commons
Lean meats and fewer fats? Yes, please. This grill was pitched as a health revolution and a space-saver in one. Watching the grease drip off made it feel like a win.
6. ShamWow
daves cupboard on Flickr
This towel could soak up a gallon of liquid in seconds — at least, on screen. The spokesman’s enthusiasm was contagious, and the demo seemed unreal.
7. Chop-O-Matic
Amy Syiek on Unsplash
Slice, dice, and never cry over onions again — so they said. The plastic dome and push-down action made it look fun and effortless. It made every veggie look like a snack.
8. The Clapper
Lisa from Pexels on Pexels
“Clap on, clap off” became a household jingle overnight. Controlling your lights by sound felt like living in the future. It never worked quite like the commercial, but the concept was gold.
9. Hairagami
Sound On on Pexels
This bendable hair tool promised perfect buns and twists in seconds. The models flipped their hair flawlessly with one flick. In reality? It took 10 tries and still looked weird.
10. Ginsu Knives
alexandre nakonechnyj on Flickr
These knives could slice through cans, bones, and tomatoes without blinking. The dramatic demonstrations made your kitchen knives look like butter knives.
11. Topsy Tail
Edgar Martínez on Pexels
It claimed to revolutionize ponytails with a simple twist and pull. The ad made hair styling look like an Olympic sport. Every kid wanted one in their birthday goody bag.
12. Ab Roller
MART PRODUCTION on Pexels
This compact contraption promised abs in minutes a day — no crunches needed. The slow-motion models looked like fitness pros. It took up half the living room, but we swore it was worth it.
13. Slap Chop
vxla on Flickr
“You’re gonna love my nuts,” said the fast-talking host with a grin. It was like Chop-O-Matic’s wild cousin — flashy, quick, and loud. The chopping looked fast and fun, and we wanted to be part of the club.