Oxiclean

URL: www.oxiclean.com/

Does it work? A hit (and a miss)

As a basic cleaner seems to work well; with very hot water. My whites do seem whiter and it cleaned the grout pretty well. However, a warning if you apply directly to the fabric, test it. Some fabrics turn yellow. I believe it's safer than using bleach, but doesn't work as well either. If I had the patience, I would test it against other alternatives like just plain peroxide or color-safe bleach.

A final note, I can't really speaking to the carpet cleaning aspect of the product. Our home has hardware floors, but others seem please with the results.

Steam Cleaners

Mira Bella Steam Mop
URL: http://www.buyseenontvproducts.com/mira-bella-steam-mop.html

Shark Steam Blaster
http://www.sharkvac.com/home.aspx

Do they work? Was hoping for more

The problem with gadgets is they sometimes they create more problems than they solve. Hot steam is a great cleaning mechanism, however to get that steam requires water and heat. Water and heat are hard to get in a compact and usable form factor. In other words, both product run out of water and heat (in a reasonable amount of time).
My other concern with this products is rust; with the water and heat with metal, rust will develop.

Also, the Mira Bella is a bit flimsy. The handle and the attachment for the pad does not seem to hold-up. The Shark is bit better built but still runs out of heat.

These products may be on to something, but it going to require a much more substantial tool.

Dryer Balls

URL: www.seenontv.com/prod-pages/dryer_balls.html

Does it work? Who cares? We get to say 'dryer balls'!

So, what's the story about them?
Do they make items fluffier? Depends on the item (heavy towels and blanket, yup. Regular clothes, not so much).
Do items dry quicker? I believe so.
Do the balls create static? Absolutely.

I question the durability of the balls. I've heard, and it seems to me, they would and do break open on occasion.
Could be a mess...

Loud N Clear

URL: www.getloudandclear.com
Does it work? What? I can't hear you

We have all, at some point, wish we could hear conversations from a distance. However, this is not the device to accomplish this. The earpiece is uncomfortable and I received a lot of background static. However, the good news, is that I could hear myself loud and clear.

Iron Gym

URL: www.getirongym.com/
Does it work? Affirmative (in honor of chin-ups, army exercises)

The iron gym works as promised. It does attaches to doorways and is about as stable as you would except without using hardware to attach it. If you have the self discipline to use it. It's perfect if you have a doorway that is out of the way where you can leave it up.

One note, it fits standard doorways (about 37"), meaning if you have extra wide doorways (about 41") it may not fit your doorway. If so, no worries, the "Power Trainer Pro" fits doorways up to 41".


Links

Just for comparison
https://www.asseenontv.com/prod-pages/irn_gym_ontv.html

FYI - Sold at many local stores, for example @ "Bed, Bath, and Beyond"
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=16159433

Reviews on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Iron-Gym-Total-Upper-Workout/dp/B001EJMS6K

SNUGGIE

URL: www.getsnuggie.com/
DOES IT WORK: Like a blanket with sleeves

I HAD to review this product. Its more of a commentary of the state of "as seen on TV" products. People like to buy stuff on TV. Granted, it is a cute name/concept, but it has already been done. I can remember the Skanlet before it. I have a hard time even calling it an invention, it's more of a mash up of a blanket with a hoodie.

That being said, it's a little to roomy for my taste. (It's one size fit all) And it could be just my house but it creates a lot of static electricity. It's also a little thin side.

Comparison vs. the Slanket
http://www.infomercial-hell.com/blog/2008/11/25/blanket-with-sleeves-grudge-match-slanket-vs-snuggie/

Titan Peeler

URL: www.TitanPeeler.com
DOES IT WORK: It's a go!

In all fairness I don't peel that often; just potatoes and carrots for soup and fruits such as apples and mangoes. Peeling is not a huge problem for me, but the peeler was easier than the standard peeler. It does work in both directions. Overall, I thought the price and the shipping and handling fees were high, but usual for a "as seen on tv" product.

Links
Reviews from Infomercial Ratings
http://www.infomercialratings.com/product/titan_peeler_reviews

Smart Lidz

Smart Lidz
URL: https://www.buysmartlidz.com/
DOES IT WORK: For the not so smart

This one is easy; the lid's seal lasts for about 5 minutes. After that time, it loses the 'seal' and the lid come loose. It seems to me the basic problem is that most containers don't have a perfect rim surface and since the Smart Lidz are attached to a plastic rim they can't really conform to uneven surfaces. You can't fight physics.

I suppose if you only need a seal for a short time or just need a loose cover and have 10 extra bucks then you may be satisfied.

A good review
http://www.measuredup.com/review/Chef-Tonys-Smart-Lidz-Does-it-Work-2602

Shamwow

Shamwow
URL: www.ShamWow.com
DOES IT WORK: Germany should stick to knives

I enjoy washing my own car and need a chamois to dry it. Like all chamois-es they need to be wet to work. The "shamwow" is NOT an especially good chamois even wet. It works kinda of, but not as good as a real leather chamois. Not a huge loss, just buy a real one.

Made in Germany? I love my knives, not my chamois

A site with video and written reviews
http://www.measuredup.com/company/Shamwow-3117

Consumer Reports review via the Consumerist (added April 2009)
http://consumerist.com/5232673/consumer-reports-tests-the-shamwow

Gator Grip

Gator Grip
URL: www.seenontv.com/prod-pages/gatorgrip.html
DOES IT WORK? I'm required by law to say 'Yes'

It is more flexible then using a single socket or wrench, but it does have size limitation. There is a sweet spot of sizes that is this works best. Items towards the high and low end of the gator grip range seem to have problems.

It more of a "in a pinch" type of situation, when you don't have a socket wrench to fit the exact size or different shape.

Mighty Mendit

Mighty Mendit
URL: http://www.mightymendit.com/
DOES IT WORK?

On items such as clothing it seems to work as advertised. As with all TV products, common sense should prevail; so don't expect miracles. It's not going to hold a leg to a table or anything that really needs a screw, staple, or any other type of hardware.

In my humble opinion, it works as well as a "Gorilla glue" or most other popular 'super' glues.


Links
Local News Video Review
http://www.truveo.com/Deal-or-Dud-Mighty-Mend-It/id/4229031101
Some reviews (Might Putty Mixed In)
http://officeproductdeals.com/comments?link=258086&p=2

Pro Caulk

URL: http://BuyProCaulk.com
DOES IT WORK? About good as a wet finger

Have the dream of running a mean stream of caulk? Yeah, me too. Unfortunately, I don't believe this is the answer. With a little practice, a wet finger or even a straw will work. If you had a lot of area to cover; it may be easier (or quicker) to use. Otherwise, skip it.

Links
Reviews on Amazon

SMOOTH AWAY

SMOOTH AWAY

URL: https://www.besttvbuys.com/getsmoothaway/index.asp?did=978&refcode=sm6
DOES IT WORK? You betcha (in honor of Gov. Palin)

While I don't have a lot of hair to remove other than my face (as a male), the places I did try seem to work. A couple important notes; one the skin has be dry and clean and secondly there could be some irritation of the skin. The pressure requires a bit of a Goldilocks's touch; not to hard not to soft. Too soft, doesn't work, too hard, it could damage skin.

SWIVEL SWEEPER

URL: https://www.swivelsweeper.com/
DOES IT WORK? Palin of vacuums


I'm a sucker for a good vacuum (I dream of getting a Dyson one day) and the swivel sweep looked like a good buy. It's a great idea but a somewhat lousy execution. First the good stuff; it's lightweight, and instead of wheels it uses sliders.

The bad, it's a bit noisy, the handle in particular, and general construction seems a bit under whelming. The battery also seems to disappoint; it only lasted about 10-15 minutes. Which should be enough, but then the appliance also spits out the contents it just picked up.

Ped Egg

Does it work: Yahtzee!
URL: http://www.pedegg.com/

Granted my feet are not probably the target audience (I have girly soft feet) I've conferred with other users and the general opinion seems to be if you have used other methods in the past, then this may not be a huge improvement. But if you are new users of these types of products then 'go for it; it does the job'

Links

Youtube review by a local news station
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzsQV6-02Yw
A bunch of reviews
http://www.infomercialratings.com/product/ped_egg_reviews

STEAM BUDDY

URL: www.buysteambuddy.com/

DOES IT WORK? Very short of expectations

Well, Billy Mays did it again. He sold me on another product. Unfortunately, this one is not really a winner. I have "issues" with ironing, I can't seem to do it. I was excited to have a contraption that would help in this area.

Button down shirts are the hardest for me; I can never seem to get the collar iron straight, let alone with a crease. I didn't expect to get creases with a steam iron, but it really didn't remove most of the wrinkles either. The steam does not last more than a couple of minutes, and I'm somewhat suspect of the quality of the product; it's a bit flimsy.

I plan on also checking out the other product in this area (the "tobi") so stayed tuned...


Links
A positive review (I have to fair): http://solitaryrefinement.wordpress.com/2008/07/03/steam-buddy-second-try/

Green Bags

Green Bags
URL: http://www.seenontvgoods.com/greenbags.html

There seems to be somewhat of a technique to using the bags. Moisture is the enemy here; the produce and the bag should be dry for best results. I could be my imagination, but seemed depending on the produce it absorbed the plastic smell of the bag. Under the best circumstances and conditions the bags seem keep some produce such as apples and carrots fresher for longer.

Links
http://www.infomercialratings.com/product/green_bags_reviews

A review with some actual tips
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07jan15a.cfm

MAGIC BULLET

MAGIC BULLET

URL: http://www.themagicbulletfactory.com/

DOES IT WORK? Okay

One of the big selling points from the infomercials is the easy for making of frozen drinks or smoothies. The good news here is that it does seem suited for this purpose. The mugs are easy to blend and serve. It also worked well for making whipped cream. Plus, the counter footprint is small.

The bad news is that the unit does not seem that sturdy; I'm not sure would hold up that great to regular use. Does not clean as easy as advertised. I have found my hand blender (which I love) or small regular blender just as easy to use. Tends to overheat, so use in short pulses.

Links
Video Review (youtube)

Reviews from Infomercial Ratings
http://www.infomercialratings.com/product/magic_bullet

PUSH UP PRO

PUSH UP PRO

URL: http://www.asseenontv.com/prod-pages/sab_ontv.html

DOES IT WORK? Yup

My review:
As someone that always been on the slight side, I welcomed a tool to help me build up my arms and chest. I'm also big fan of using low-tech, low-fuss equipment and exercises was eager to try the push up pro.

In short, seems to work as advertised. I am able to work out with deeper push ups and with less stress on the shoulders and wrists/hands. They don't feel like much (they are made of plastic and foam for cushion) but are holding up just fine. If I was going to change anything I would add more padding the handles.

Links
A good video review comparing the "pro" and a similar product
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nO4GcGpY9Y

SAVE A BLADE

SAVE A BLADE
URL: http://www.asseenontv.com/prod-pages/sab_ontv.html

DOES IT WORK? Maybe (more research needed)

My review:
It sounds like a little bit of magic, sharpen those dull used razors and make them seem new again. To my untrained engineering mind it definitely seems possible to sharping a razor blade since people sharpen knives, straight razors, and even scissors all the time.

Well, the machine definitely does do something. That 'something' also makes a lot of noise. My results, the blade did seem sharper at first, but then quickly faded fast. It seemed faster than a normal new blade would.

Links
A another review: http://yousawitontv.blogspot.com/2008/01/save-blade.html
One more review: http://kdka.com/consumer/Save.a.Blade.2.775779.html
A video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4ITBkMRzQE

MIGHTY PUTTY

MIGHTY PUTTY

URL: https://www.mightyputty.com/spark/index.php
DOES IT WORK? Not for me

I have to give Billy Mays credit. His description of Mighty Putty (tm) is enthralling, this stuff is better than duct tape and glue put together. It my two tests; the putty failed to stop a leak on a toilet connection and did not adhere to the wall when hanging a 2 pound rod. Plus it has pretty strong smell to it.

My other caveat is that epoxy resin is not some new invention, it has been around for a while available at any hardware store cheaper than offered on TV.

Hercules Hooks

URL: http://www.herculeshook.com/

Does it work? Not for me


I had high hopes for this product. After we moved into our new home, one of my first purchases was a pack of "Hercules Hooks" to hang our pictures and art work.

To my dismay, I was unable to puncture the drywall with the pointed end of the Hercules Hook. Since the metal hook is curved I was unable to use a hammer to assist. Could be because I am a runt with girly arms, or we have usually strong drywall.