17 Infomercial Products You Secretly Wanted
These over-the-top TV products had us convinced we needed them, whether we admitted it or not.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Infomercials were a late-night trap, hooking viewers with wild demonstrations and promises of life-changing results. Even if you never bought one, chances are you imagined how much better your life would be if you did. Here are 17 infomercial sensations that had us glued to the screen and tempted to pick up the phone.
1. Snuggie
David Shankbone on Wikimedia Commons
The wearable blanket that made lounging warmer and hands-free. Commercials showed families happily draped in them like cult robes.
2. ShamWow
Anirudh Koul on Flickr
Promised to absorb 10 times its weight in liquid. The enthusiastic pitchman made mopping spills look like magic. Viewers couldn’t resist imagining spotless counters forever.
3. Slap Chop
vxla on Flickr
This countertop chopper diced with a single slap. The rapid-fire demo made it seem like cooking prep would take seconds.
4. George Foreman Grill
Zeamays on Wikimedia Commons
This was sold as a quick, healthy way to cook meat indoors. The angled design drained fat while locking in flavor. Millions imagined becoming leaner one burger at a time.
5. Magic Bullet
Mack Male on Wikimedia Commons
This compact blender could whip up smoothies, sauces, and even omelets in seconds. The casual, party-style demo made it feel like a must-have.
6. OxiClean
inujillow on Flickr
This miracle powder could lift stains from anything. The late Billy Mays made it impossible not to believe. It became the gold standard for “As Seen on TV” cleaning.
7. PedEgg
Michelle Cesare on Flickr
This handheld foot file collected dead skin neatly inside. Commercials made it look strangely satisfying. Suddenly, everyone wanted spa feet at home.
8. Flowbee
Gobonobo on Wikimedia Commons
This vacuum haircutting system promised salon results without the mess. The concept seemed ridiculous, yet oddly practical.
9. ThighMaster
Anupam Mahapatra on Unsplash
Endorsed by Suzanne Somers, it was marketed as the secret to toned legs. The repetitive squeezing looked almost too easy.
10. Ginsu Knives
alexandre nakonechnyj on Flickr
Cutting through cans and then slicing tomatoes paper-thin, these knives did it all. The dramatic demonstrations made them legendary.
11. Bumpit
PxHere
This plastic insert gave hair instant volume. The commercials promised Hollywood glam without a salon visit. It was a hit among early-2000s style seekers.
12. Perfect Pancake Pan
Luke Pennystan on Unsplash
Flip pancakes without a spatula or mess. The demo showed perfectly golden stacks every time. Breakfast never looked so foolproof.
13. Chia Pet
Someone Needs a Haircut on Wikimedia Commons
Just add water and watch it sprout; simple, weird, and oddly lovable. The jingle stuck in your head for days. It was as much a novelty as it was a plant.
14. Hairagami
PxHere
This folding hair tool transformed ponytails into perfect buns. The commercial made it look effortless. Every teen girl thought it could turn them into a hairstyling pro.
15. Ronco Rotisserie Oven
Constantin Vittoratos on Wikimedia Commons
The “Set it and forget it!” slogan made it irresistible. Commercials promised juicy, perfect roasts every time. It made home cooking feel like professional catering.
16. Ab Roller
KoolShooters on Pexels
This simple device claimed to sculpt abs fast. The rolling motion looked so easy on TV. Many discovered it was less fun in real life.
17. Wacky WallWalker
Mick Haupt on Unsplash
This sticky, stretchy toy tumbled down walls. The colorful visuals made it impossible not to want. It was the definition of a cheap thrill.