Another Top 10 As Seen On TV Products That Were Surprisingly Awesome

We never promised that these products were going to be good for your health. Technically speaking, this should result in less greasy bacon, and by extension, healthier bacon, but the ease of use of this product might result in a significant increase in overall bacon consumption - thus tipping the scales. Bacon is arguably the most deliciously addictive meat out there, and now, with this little gadget, you can cook each slice to perfection. Though it looks relatively rudimentary in its design, the reviews are in, and people agree - it makes damn good bacon. Bonus points for being dishwasher safe!

Tap Light has been illuminating areas lacking a light fixture for years, and the concept proved so popular that they’ve actually moved well beyond the realm of the “As Seen on TV” market with countless variations. The original infomercial might have been a little overeager in its salesmanship - we don’t really want to have to tap on a light every few steps on a dark stairwell, and they aren’t exactly a beautiful addition to a well-decorated bedroom occupied by adults. But in a closet, garage, shed or dark corner of the basement, they undeniably provide a perfect, convenient solution.

At first thought, a firm “nope!” comes to mind. After all, “wanna try my pocket hose?” isn’t exactly an innuendo-free question. And yet, this little garden accessory is a true innovation in the world of hoses. Rather than a long, semi-rigid tube, the Pocket Hose is made of a unique material that expands to hold water, before shrinking back down to a fraction of the size when not in use. One criticism: it doesn’t actually fit in a pocket unless you’re wearing a photographer’s vest. Still, trust TV's Richard Karn, because it’ll change your gardening game for the better.

Duct Tape might be the universal go-to quick fix, but there’s something better out there. Flex Tape is the closest you can come to welding without breaking out the blowtorch. Sure, the infomercial sells the product's virtues pretty hard, but there's merit. Don’t use it to put a boat that’s been sawed in half back together and hit the open seas or anything. But when you’re in a jam and need a liquid tight seal, it wouldn't hurt to have some Flex Tape within reach - even if only to use it as a band-aid until you can call in a professional.

Until you’ve got some disposable income or a home large enough to make it a necessity, hiring a moving company feels like a luxury. While moving by yourself is very doable, it comes with a serious risk of injury. Forearm Forklifts to the rescue! They might not be an everyday use item, but given that a pair only costs about $20, even if they only get used once, they’re totally worth it. By putting the weight on your forearms, these long straps take the strain off your back and make it easy to move large, heavy furniture. And saving yourself from a back injury? That’s priceless.

Regardless of your opinion of Vince Offer, you’ve gotta appreciate the quality of ShamWow. It’s a simple product that does a simple job, but does it very very well. The ShamWow wasn’t necessarily a new invention - chamois leather has been in use for centuries, and various types of synthetic shammys had been used for years before pitchman Offer decided to make them his own. But with all that being said, there’s no denying the efficacy of his product, or the spectacular marketing he used to make the product a household name. ShamWow! has proven that it can hold between 10-20 times its weight in water - with minimum drips and a non-abrasive surface.

We’ll be the first to acknowledge it… the SlapChop looks like junk, but surprise surprise, it actually works pretty well. If you’re too hard on it and smash it rather than slapping down, yeah… it’s gonna break. What do you expect for 20 bucks? But when you’re looking to chop up veggies, nuts or fruit quickly and with minimal fuss, it’s actually a useful little tool. It’s especially handy when you’re looking for a really fine chop. Just one warning, avoid starchy foods, they tend to stick to the blades. It’s no replacement for knife skills, but if you ain’t got ’em, SlapChop sure helps.

How did we ever live without OxiClean? We didn’t think there was much room in the world of laundry for revolution short of self-cleaning clothing, but then OxiClean came along and, well, suddenly stains we would’ve once deemed to be permanent became manageable. Just as advertised, your whites will come out whiter too! In a sea of laundry-related products promising miracles, OxiClean has proven itself to be true to its word, as confirmed by the masses. On Amazon, based on over 1,500 reviews, it boasts 4.6 out of 5 stars. For an As-Seen on TV product, it doesn't get much better than that!

Few As-Seen on TV products have made a bigger cultural impact than this countertop electric grill endorced by former boxing heavyweight champion George Foreman. The Foreman Grill is no substitute for a proper barbecue come summertime, but when you’re looking to quickly grill something up as part of recipe or when you’re short on time, the Foreman Grill is a lifesaver. If you’re sending a kid off to college with little to no cooking skills, it’s a must-have send-off gift to ensure that they eat more than ramen and cereal. What can we say, much like its namesake, the Foreman Grill is a champ.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions

by.RHO Screen Repair Kit

Turbie Twist Super-Absorbent Hair Towel

Hercules Hooks

It’s easy to forget that this compact little blender is an As-Seen on TV item. Why? Because it functions so well, and lacks the gimmicky aspects typical of its peers. A blender is nothing new, but the size, quality and affordability of the Magic Bullet makes it a true standout. And unlike so many other goods from the infomercial circuit, the add-ons and attachments for the Magic Bullet are actually useful. The mug attachments make it quick and easy to enjoy a smoothie, while the flip lid makes it road-ready. There might be better blender and mixers out there, but not for this price.