I <3 Infomercial Products

I have an embarrassing secret - - I love infomercials and I always have to fight the strong urge to buy the products. This horrifying seed was planted while I was a kid growing up in the 70's, watching the ubiquitous Ginsu knife commercials during Star Trek re-runs. (It can cut a soda can and still cut a tomato! Wow!)

The urge to purchase is so strong that I sometimes I forget I have absolutely no need for the product. Do you remember the Banjo Minnow lures? I've never fished (nor do I ever have the desire to do so), yet the commercials were so mesmerizing that I wanted to buy it! (Rest assured, I exercised self-control and I never did.)

I guess I love the infomercials because they prey upon my desire to believe their questionable (read: bogus) pseudo-scientific claims.



Here's a classic example from the Caruso Molecular Hairsetter system informercial. (This was my first "As Seen On TV" purchase in the early 90's.)

Host: "Why is this the only hair styling system that actually conditions as it curls?"

Hack: "Because this is the only system that uses molecules of 100% steam! And steam is very therapeutic and soothing. It doesn’t dry out or split or break the hair like hot rollers or curling iron will. I like to think of it like giving your hair a facial treatment!"

[Shtinkykat rolling her eyes.] I can't believe I actually enjoy listening to this nonsensical drivel.

Despite the hyperboles and overt cheesiness of the commercials, I've been quite happy with all of my infomercial purchases. For example:

• The Caruso hair styler did do a pretty good job about curling my Cousin It hair;
• My love for OxiClean dates back to when Billy Mays was still hawking it on TV;
• Although the Safety Edge Can Opener is a hit-or-miss depending upon the can, the Safety Jar Opener is a definite winner; and
• I still pack my clothes in a Space Bag Travel Genie whenever I travel.

But I do know that a lot of the infomercial stuff are junk too. Like the Kinoki footpads and all other non-FDA approved dietary supplements, and ahem, male enhancement products. (Not that I have any use for male enhancement products, mind you.)

Now that I'm more responsible with my money, I'm hoping that I'm immune to the infomercial Jedi mind trick. Eh! Who am I kidding? I'd be happy if I'm just a wee bit more discriminating when I purchase these things in the future. To that end, I found a great resource at the CBS affiliate station KFVS's Does It Work Wednesday site.

Based upon KFVS's tests and reviews, I don't think I'll ever buy the Smooth Away (darn!), but I may consider buying the Ped Egg.

Although not an infomercial product per se, the Pledge Fabric Sweeper commercial also intrigued me since I own a black cat who sheds copiously. KFVS gave the product a solid "B" for its ability to pick up pet hair, so I'm definitely going to try it out.



Check out the site. I'm sure I'm not the ONLY person who's been intrigued by some of these infomercial claims!