18 Products From Infomercials That Everyone Regretted Buying
We’ve all stayed up too late and gotten drawn into an infomercial’s impossible promise. These products sounded brilliant in theory, but reality hit a little differently after they arrived.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
Infomercials have a way of convincing people they need things they absolutely don’t. With flashy demonstrations and overly enthusiastic hosts, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement. Many of these products promise miracles but deliver disappointment. Buyers often find themselves with cluttered cabinets and wallets a bit lighter.
1. The Shake Weight
Pixabay on pexels
Marketed as a revolutionary fitness device, the Shake Weight quickly became a punchline. Its awkward design and suggestive motion were difficult to take seriously. Many buyers reported little to no improvement in muscle tone despite weeks of use. It was more of a novelty than a real piece of gym equipment. Most ended up in storage or trash bins.
2. Snuggie
Ismini Kokkinou on Wikimedia
The Snuggie was supposed to solve the age-old problem of blanket slippage. While the concept of a blanket with sleeves sounded innovative, it felt more like wearing a fleece robe backwards. People complained it was made of thin material and offered poor insulation. It also lacked style, making users feel silly. For many, it quickly became an impulse-buy regret.
3. Slap Chop
cottonbro studio on Pexels
The Slap Chop promised quick and easy chopping with minimal effort. However, the reality was a flimsy plastic device that often jammed or broke. Cleaning it was far more tedious than using a regular knife. Users found themselves returning to basic kitchen tools. It ended up collecting dust in kitchen drawers.
4. The Flowbee
Farhan Alkhaled on pexels
Advertised as a vacuum haircutting system, the Flowbee seemed like a cost-saving dream. But most people found the results uneven and unattractive. It took longer than expected and didn’t work well on all hair types. Haircuts ended in frustration rather than satisfaction. A trip to the barber was ultimately less stressful.
5. The Ab Circle Pro
Annushka Ahuja on pexels
This machine promised rock-hard abs with just minutes of use each day. Users quickly found it awkward to use and uncomfortable. Its build quality was also questionable, with many units breaking within weeks. The actual workout was less effective than advertised. Many fitness goals were left unmet.
6. The PedEgg
cottonbro studio on pexels
The PedEgg claimed to give salon-smooth feet at home. While some users liked the concept, the results were often inconsistent. The device could be painful if used too aggressively. Others complained about the mess it created. It didn’t replace professional pedicures as promised.
7. The Tiddy Bear Seatbelt Cushion
Eyüp Can on pexels
This bear-shaped cushion was meant to ease seatbelt discomfort. It looked adorable on TV but felt impractical in real life. Most users found it slid out of place or added bulk. It became more of a distraction than a comfort tool. Ultimately, it was a solution to a problem few had.
8. The Perfect Pancake Pan
Mateusz Feliksik on pexels
Cooking the ideal pancake without flipping seemed genius. Unfortunately, the pan was poorly designed and often stuck. The pancakes were uneven or undercooked in many cases. Cleaning it was a hassle due to its compartments. Traditional pans quickly regained their rightful place.
9. The Magic Bullet
Mike Jones on pexels
Initially praised for quick blending and easy use, the Magic Bullet had its flaws. Many users found it underpowered for anything beyond soft ingredients. The small size also limited its functionality. Over time, parts wore out or leaked. Enthusiasm faded as disappointment grew.
10. The Ab Roller
MART PRODUCTION on Pexels
Supposed to support proper form while doing crunches, the Ab Roller was overhyped. The bulky design took up space and provided little advantage. Most users didn’t see improved results. It was often uncomfortable and felt unnecessary. Home workouts didn’t improve as expected.
11. The Pogo Ball
Inventors of the pogo stick (Ernst Gottschall and Max Pohlig) on Wikimedia
This retro-inspired toy was fun in theory but not in practice. Balancing was difficult for most people, especially kids. Falls were common and injuries were not unusual. The fun wore off quickly after a few failed attempts. Many ended up collecting dust in the garage.
12. The Pasta Express
Katerina Holmes on pexels
The Pasta Express claimed to cook noodles faster and easier. However, instead of boiling water on the stove, it relied on heat retention, which rarely worked well. Pasta often came out undercooked or clumpy. Cleaning the tall container was awkward. It simply didn’t improve pasta night.
13. The ThighMaster
Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels
Endorsed by celebrities, the ThighMaster became a cultural phenomenon. Still, many users gave up on it after seeing limited results. It was repetitive, uncomfortable, and provided minimal resistance. Users also felt it targeted too narrow an area. It failed to live up to its tone-and-sculpt promises.
14. The Betty Crocker Bake’n Fill
Jonathan Borba on Pexels
This baking gadget promised to create filled cakes with ease. In reality, the molds were difficult to use, and results often looked messy. Cakes didn’t bake evenly, and fillings leaked or collapsed. Expectations were rarely met. Many returned to simpler methods.
15. The Sauna Belt
Ron Lach on Pexels
Advertised as a way to sweat off fat, the Sauna Belt seemed like a dream come true. However, sweating does not equal fat loss, and the belt offered no lasting change. The uncomfortable heat caused skin irritation for many. After a few uses, it ended up forgotten. Weight loss requires more than gimmicks.
16. The Eggstractor
Ron Lach on pexels
This device claimed to peel boiled eggs in seconds. What it actually did was make a mess and often crush the egg instead. Users found it frustrating and unreliable. Peeling eggs by hand remained faster and more effective. The gadget was quickly discarded.
17. The Smart Mop
Liliana Drew on pexels
Promoted as the ultimate cleaning tool, the Smart Mop struggled in real-world conditions. Its absorbency was inconsistent, and the wringing mechanism often failed. Users also reported that replacement parts were hard to find. It didn’t hold up to regular use. A simple mop and bucket often worked better.
18. The Rejuvenique Face Mask
Monstera Production on Pexels
Looking like a sci-fi horror prop, this electric facial mask promised younger skin. The pulses felt more uncomfortable than relaxing. There was little evidence it improved skin tone or reduced wrinkles. The high price tag added to the regret. Most buyers gave up after a few awkward uses.