15 Infomercial Products That Were Surprisingly Brilliant
Not all infomercial products were gimmicky junk—some were actually genius inventions that stood the test of time.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Infomercials have given us plenty of laughably bad products, but every once in a while, they struck gold. From clever kitchen gadgets to life-changing tools, some of these late-night TV specials actually delivered on their promises. If you ever rolled your eyes at an infomercial, you might be surprised to learn that some of these products are still household staples today.
1. George Foreman Grill
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This wasn’t just a gimmick—it became a kitchen essential. It cooked food evenly, reduced grease, and made cleanup ridiculously easy. Over 100 million units have been sold since its 1994 debut. Even George Foreman himself made more money from this grill than from boxing!
2. OxiClean
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Billy Mays wasn’t just yelling—this stuff really works. OxiClean’s oxygen-based formula lifts stains from clothes, carpets, and upholstery without harsh chemicals. It’s still a household staple decades later. If you’ve ever spilled red wine, you know why this is a lifesaver.
3. Magic Bullet
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The infomercial made this mini blender look almost too good to be true—but it delivered. It whipped up smoothies, sauces, and dips in seconds with minimal cleanup. The compact design made it perfect for small kitchens. Who knew making salsa could be so effortless?
4. The Snuggie
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At first, people laughed at the “blanket with sleeves,” but it became a cultural phenomenon. It kept you warm while letting you use your hands for snacks, remotes, or scrolling your phone. Millions were sold, proving it was actually practical. Plus, who doesn’t love being cozy?
5. ShamWow
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It looked like a gimmick, but this ultra-absorbent cloth soaks up 12 times its weight in liquid. Perfect for spills, drying cars, and cleaning up pet messes, it outperformed standard towels. It was so good that people actually forgave the ridiculous commercial. Just don’t put it in the washing machine!
6. ThighMaster
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Suzanne Somers made this look silly, but it actually worked. Its resistance-based design helped tone inner thighs, legs, and even arms. Simple, portable, and effective, it’s still used by fitness fans today. Who knew squeezing a metal spring could be so beneficial?
7. Slap Chop
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Is chopping veggies by hand too slow for you? The Slap Chop made dicing onions, garlic, and nuts easy—just slap the plunger, and boom, perfectly chopped food. It wasn’t just fun to use; it saved time and reduced mess. Plus, no more onion tears!
8. Ginsu Knives
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These knives could cut through a soda can and still slice a tomato paper-thin. Over-the-top commercials aside, they were actually sharp, durable, and affordable. Many people still swear by their Ginsu sets decades later. Not bad for an “As Seen on TV” product!
9. The Clapper
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Clap on, clap off—the Clapper turned lights on and off with just a sound. It was a game-changer for people with mobility issues or anyone who hated getting out of bed. While smart home tech has taken over, the Clapper paved the way. Plus, it made you feel like a wizard.
10. Flex Seal
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Phil Swift made it look like this stuff could fix anything, and honestly? It kind of can. This rubberized waterproof sealant works on leaks, cracks, and even a boat with a hole in it (yes, they actually did that). It’s now a must-have for DIY repairs.
11. Chia Pet
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“Ch-ch-ch-Chia!” This goofy plant-growing novelty is still going strong. Despite its quirky appeal, it actually works, growing lush green sprouts on fun-shaped clay figures. Whether you got one as a gift or just for fun, you must admit it’s kind of cool.
12. Ab Roller
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Unlike other gimmicky ab machines, the Ab Roller actually helped people do sit-ups with better form. It supported the neck and back while engaging the core, making ab workouts more effective. Simple yet smart, it’s still a popular fitness tool. It turns out that six-packs weren’t just for commercials.
13. Miracle Blade Knives
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These knives promised restaurant-quality performance at a bargain price—and they actually delivered. They stayed sharp, cut effortlessly, and were durable enough for everyday kitchen use. Many people who bought them decades ago still use them today. Not bad for a “miracle” from late-night TV!
14. Green Bags
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These reusable bags promised to keep fruits and veggies fresh longer, and they actually worked! Made with a special material that absorbed ethylene gas, they helped slow down spoilage. People who hated wasting food (or money) swore by them. Less food waste, more savings—win-win!
15. WEN Cleansing Conditioner
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Traditional shampoo strips hair of natural oils, but WEN changed the game. This sulfate-free cleansing conditioner cleans and moisturizes hair at the same time, leaving it soft, shiny, and healthy-looking. It became a cult favorite, especially for people with dry or curly hair. Infomercial hype aside, many still swear by it today!