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Remember being a kid, staying home sick from school or staying up way too late, and getting mesmerized by the hypnotic glow of an infomercial? It was a strange, parallel universe of entertainment where all problems—from tragically dull knives to disastrously scrambled eggs—were presented in dramatic, grayscale "before" footage. The enthusiastic hosts, the overly-impressed audience, the legendary "But wait, there's more!" all felt like a bizarre, hilarious fever dream we weren't supposed to be watching. We laughed at the absurdity, not realizing we were being programmed.

Well, guess what? We're adults now, and those grayscale problems are suddenly in full, high-definition color in our own lives. It turns out that chopping a mountain of vegetables is a pain, and finding a place to store 12 different pans is a nightmare. The shocking plot twist of our generation is that the infomercial people... were right. So we took a glorious trip down memory lane to find the products that have stood the test of time, the ones that went from late-night oddities to legitimately useful items we'd actually spend our own adult money on.

#1

That One Corner Of Your Shower You've Been In A Silent, Years-Long Standoff With Can Finally Be Obliterated With The Bissell Steam Shot

Hand holding a Bissell Steam Shot handheld steamer releasing steam to clean objects in an indoor setting.

Review: "My kitchen is so clean now. I was able to remove grease stains that I have scrubbed in with every chemical I could get my hands on. Some of the removed grease was there when I moved in. My whole house is going to be clean and sanitized when I'm done. Deep cleaning mode engaged!" - Nancy H.

amazon.com Report

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    #2

    You Can Finally Achieve That Effortless, Wind-In-Your-Hair Glide You've Only Seen In Late-Night Infomercials With The Gazelle Elyptical

    Elliptical exercise machine and workout bench in a bright room with ocean view, an infomercial fitness find.

    Review: "I have owned a gazelle since 2003. That one was still going strong, but when we sold the house, the buyers wanted it. I just bought this and love it. Total body workout. Stand sideways and work the inner thighs. Pull the handles toward you and works biceps and upper arms. Push handles forward and work the triceps. Stand on toes and work calves. Crouch down and work quads. Just doing it forward works the waistline too. There is no end to the variations to work various muscles, plus the cardio. Buy this and you won't be sorry!" - MaryR

    amazon.com , MaryR Report

    Deeelite
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I remember when this was all the rage in my office

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    #3

    You Can Finally Command The Very Air Itself To Do Your Sweeping For You With The Helio Air Broom

    Carpet cleaning tool removing hair and debris, showcasing one of the infomercial finds watched on sick days.

    Review: "I have a dog who sheds a lot, especially during season changes. I saw a commercial for this and thought I should try it, as my vacuum gets clogged up quickly and I have to clean it out a lot. This broom is amazing and I'm impressed. The picture I included is after about 30 seconds of sweeping on a flat carpet. Highly recommend this product for pet owners!" - Zachary H.

    amazon.com , Zachary H. Report

    S Bow
    Community Member
    4 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've always thought this is just an oddly shaped squeegee with a clever marketing name

    #4

    You Can Finally Make Peace With The Ghost Of Clumsy Past Because Those "Permanent" Stains Are No Match For Didi Seven Cleaning Solution

    Tube and packaging of a green and white cleaning solution product featured in popular infomercial finds.

    Review: "I had a stubborn grease stain that nothing worked on but this stuff did. I used Shout, Tide spot remover etc. They only made it faint. This stuff completely removed it!" - Gavin G. Kirk

    amazon.com , Venus Rising Report

    Agfox
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Do not mistake for your toothpaste tube, though I suppose it may whiten your teeth, too

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    #5

    Your Neck's Morning Ritual Of Cracking Like A Glow Stick Is Officially Over Thanks To The Dream Without Pain Cervical Neck Pillow

    Memory foam pillow with ergonomic design and ventilation, a popular infomercial find watched on sick days.

    Review: "This is a great pillow for those who suffer from neck pain while sleeping. The pillow conforms to your neck, allowing you to sleep comfortably. I was able to finally get a good night's sleep without having the pain associated with not having a firm enough pillow to support me. The added cooling effect is an added plus! I highly recommend this pillow!" - LaVetta

    amazon.com , LaVetta Report

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    #6

    Your Intrusive Thoughts About What Would Happen If You Combined A Vacuum With A Haircut Can Now Be Safely Explored With The Flowbee Haircutting System

    Yellow and black Flowbee infomercial gadget next to a man holding a blue Lumix camera indoors, showcasing infomercial finds.

    Review: "Wow so easy to use and I can't wait for my next haircut!!" - Bill L

    amazon.com , RevDrRon , Dave G. Report

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    Alright, let's keep this nostalgic train chugging. The next few items on our list perfectly capture that classic infomercial formula we all know and love: the dramatic, grayscale "before" shot of someone failing miserably at a task you didn't know could be failed. As kids, we laughed. As adults, we see ourselves in those black-and-white struggles a little too clearly, and it turns out the ridiculously simple, full-color solution was waiting for us all along.

    #7

    You Can Finally Perform That 'Effortlessly Slide A Perfect Omelet Onto A Plate' Trick You've Only Ever Seen On TV Thanks To T-Fal Non-Stick Cookware

    Set of black nonstick cookware pans and pots with glass lids displayed on a kitchen counter, highlighting infomercial finds.

    Review: "I have been looking for a nice pan set that would work well with a gas stove. I don't care for cast iron pans myself and the ones I was buying would last about 6 months before the bottoms would wear out and look disgusting. I had tried a T fal set before but if was the grade under this one so I wasn't quite as pleased. This set, however, has exceeded my expectations. Just the right weight...not too light yet not so heavy you can't hold it while full. It's a very attractive set and I love the sturdiness of the bottom on the pans. The lids are also a good weight with good size handles. I would absolutely recommend this pan set. I think it will hold up well for years to come." - sallie

    amazon.com Report

    Jerry Jacques
    Community Member
    4 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Always look for the lie: " I don't care for cast iron pans myself and the ones I was buying would last about 6 months before the bottoms would wear out and look disgusting." I have cast iron pans over 100 years old. I use them at least 5 days a week for the last 30 years (same pans). If you trash and make the pan unusable in 6 months, I'm sorry no pan on earth can help you. It might be lighter but if you are destroying cast-iron in 6 months you will have less luck with this. If cast iron is to heavy for you just say it do not bash it.

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    #8

    The Clammy, Dreadful Handshake You Have To Give A Dirty Mop Head Is A Part Of The Cleaning Process You Can Now Skip With This Self-Wringing Twist Mop

    Person using a blue and yellow mop to clean hardwood floor demonstrating popular infomercial cleaning tool.

    Review: "Great mop. Planning on re purchasing. These types of mops usual don't last or it starts to shed, this one has not so far." - BarbaraRoman

    amazon.com Report

    #9

    He Sad, Frantic Scraping Of A Single Fried Egg Is Now A Thing Of The Past With The Ridiculously Slick Greenpan Skillit

    Blue spatula resting on a gray frying pan on a stove, showing everyday infomercial finds people use at home.

    Review: "Love the nonstick for fried eggs in the morning." - Cynthia Medina-Ortiz

    amazon.com , Cynthia Medina-Ortiz Report

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    #10

    The Sad, Frosty Fate That Usually Awaits Your Bulk-Bought Groceries Can Be Avoided By Entombing Them With A Foodsaver Compact Vacuum Sealer

    FoodSaver vacuum sealer packaging raw steaks as a popular infomercial find for food preservation and storage.

    Review: "Works well for the price." - T

    amazon.com , T Report

    CA Hyde
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just started using mine - so easy! For freezing things, but also to reseal things like blocks of cheese - so they don't mold!

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    #11

    Your Plain Denim Jacket And Every Other Boring Fabric Surface In Your Home Now Live In A Constant State Of Fear Thanks To The Bedazzler

    Various colorful rhinestones in plastic containers next to a black Spurs cap and shirt decorated with rhinestone designs.

    Review: "It has all the necessities to rhinestone. Everything is good quality and functional. You get 3 separate casings of rhinestones, with multiple colors and sizes." - Katelyn

    amazon.com , Katelyn , Scott Key Report

    Smeghead Tribble Down Under
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wanted this thing SO badly as a kid. I have no idea what I would have used it on though.

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    #12

    Your Weekly Meal Prep No Longer Has To Include A Designated Crying Session Over The Onions When You Have This Vegetable Chopper And Spiralizer

    Infomercial kitchen chopper with diced red, yellow, and white vegetables in a glass container on a countertop.

    Review: "I love this food chopper! It makes meal prep so much faster onions, peppers, garlic all chopped perfectly in seconds. It’s super easy to use and clean, and the blades are really sharp (in a good way!). Definitely one of my favorite kitchen tools now. If you’re tired of tearing up while chopping onions, this is your solution!" - Michael E Mueller

    amazon.com , Michael E Mueller Report

    Jerry Jacques
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes great to get everyone up for breakfast, I'm 265#, play US football. My whole building loves when I chop onions, potatoes or even carrots. If you don't chop the food into a thin slice (before putting it the chopper(did you read it like Arnold Schwarzenegger said it?) it will not cut. Get A good knife and learn how to use it or get a Mandoline and use how to use it.

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    And the journey into our shared, slightly strange TV-watching childhood continues. This next batch of finds really leans into the core promise that was sold to us between episodes of our favorite shows: the idea that with one simple purchase, you could unlock a new level of ease in your life. It's that legendary "set it, and forget it" energy applied to all sorts of daily annoyances, proving that the original life hacks might still be the best ones.

    #13

    Channel The Unshakeable Confidence Of A 90s Infomercial Star Every Time You Sit Down On The Couch With The Iconic Thigh Master

    Person using a leg exerciser device on a sick day wrapped in a blanket, an example of infomercial finds that are genius.

    Review: "This is good for legs and arms. It's easy to use, has good resistance and I like better than hand weights for some of my exercising." - SMM

    amazon.com , Jessie Report

    Manny
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can still see the commercial with Suzanne Somers

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    #14

    That Chaotic Junk Drawer That Holds All Your Secrets Can Finally Be Tamed By The Oddly Satisfying Clicks Of A Brother Label Maker

    Label maker printing NORMAL labels on a keyboard, showcasing a popular infomercial find watched on sick days.

    Review: "Comes with the case, adapter, and tape — it’s plug-and-play right out of the box. Makes clear, durable labels and has lots of font options. Big fan." - Joseph Blizzard

    amazon.com , Joseph Blizzard Report

    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm a sucker for a label maker, but I can't afford the tape often!

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    #15

    You Can Practically Hear A Booming "But Wait, There's More" Every Time Oxiclean Resurrects A Garment You Thought Was Lost Forever

    Oxi Clean odor blasters container on kitchen counter, a popular infomercial find for stain and odor removal.

    Review: "Obsessed!! Smells so fresh and clean on your clothing!" - Markayia Foster

    amazon.com , Markayia Foster Report

    Beth Wheeler
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've used OxyClean for years. I got stuck with my oldest son's cat when they bought their house. My DIL never wanted the cat because she's supposedly allergic to cats and dogs. The poor cat ended up getting sick and didn't always make it to one of the litter boxes and would pee or puke on the floor. OxyClean is the only thing that gets cat or dog urine out of carpet. It's also really good at getting smells out of clothes etc.

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    #16

    Your Michael Scott Level Of Desire To Wake Up To The Smell Of Bacon No Longer Has To End With A Bubble-Wrapped Foot Thanks To The George Foreman Grill

    Grilled cheese sandwiches melting in an electric sandwich press, a genius infomercial kitchen find.

    Review: "Easy to clean and use. Makes panninies." - Hink

    amazon.com , Evolution Report

    #17

    The Legendary Phrase "Set It, And Forget It" Wasn't Just A Suggestion, It's The Entire Instruction Manual For The Ronco Showtime Large Capacity Rotisserie

    Rotisserie oven cooking a golden brown chicken, showcasing a popular infomercial find for home use.

    Review: "Great product. Makes the best moist chicken. Don’t buy rotisseries at grocery stores, make them at home for a healthier and tastier meal. I make a rotisserie and save leftovers for chicken soup. This machine is just as good as the first Ronco I bought over 20 years ago." - M. Young

    amazon.com , M. Young Report

    Jerry Jacques
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As you can see it is there "FIRST" use of this oven. Call me out, I could list 15 things right now.

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    #18

    You Can Officially Enter Your Homesteader-Chic Era Of Making Your Own Beef Jerky And Fruit Leather With The Magic Mill Food Dehydrator

    Electric food dehydrator with trays of sliced fruits drying, a popular infomercial find for home use.

    Review: "My 10 year old daughter is a chef in the making! She has been working on her food and nutrition projects for 4H and has been asking for a food dehydrator for a while now. After some research we purchased this for her. The trays are easy to stack and controls are easy to set. The user manual doesn’t have a lot of recipes or actual directions on how to use but they do give you some temperatures and time guidelines. I will say we have had a couple of trial runs and we are learning new techniques to use. For example recommend using parchment paper on the trays as our first trial we had a lot of strawberries stick to the tray but the trays were very easy to clean afterwards. We have also found the longer the time the better." - Denise S

    amazon.com , Denise S Report

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    #19

    That Random Urge To Cast A Line While You're Out And About Can Finally Be Satisfied With A Telescoping Fishing Rod

    Hand holding a unique infomercial fishing rod with a man showing a caught fish during a sunny outdoor fishing trip.

    Review: "Honestly great reel for the price, I got the second smallest one. So far only used it a handful of times mostly one have caught croaker, crab and some blue gill. Handles braided line like a champ haven't caught anything worth real weight yet so will update when that happens. No complaints so far🤙🏽. Update, still a great rod holds up well against bass, snakeheads, and catfish biggest catch so far 3lb 4oz." - Zach C.

    amazon.com , Zach C. , Ashby Arvin Report

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    #20

    That Complicated Braid You Always Give Up On Halfway Through And Just Turn Into A Messy Bun Is Now Actually Achievable With This Twist Braid Styling Tool

    Infomercial finds crafting kit with beads, colorful threads, and styling tools on a table for creative DIY projects.

    Review: "It is light, my daughter likes it. She simply inserted a small section of hair into the designated slots, pressed a button, and watched as the machine twisted her hair into a neat braid. Over the next few days, she spent hours experimenting with different hairstyles. She added the colorful extension cords to create vibrant braids and used the beads and rubber bands to decorate them further. It was enjoyable to see her creativity flourish as she tried out new looks on herself and even on her dolls. She could use it without much assistance after getting the hang of it, which boosted her confidence." - Amazon Customer

    amazon.com , Amazon Customer Report

    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I really wanted one when I was a kid! Pretty sure it just twists to strands around each other in a spiral though, so not really a braid. Glad my parents didn't waster the money.

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