How Do As Seen on TV Products Really Rate? The 2004 List-Personal Finance

How Do As Seen on TV Products Really Rate? The 2004 List

Admit it. You watch infomercials. How can you not? They make up roughly one-quarter of all programming on cable and local broadcast television. And sometimes, when they tell you to "Buy Now," well, you can't resist. We couldn't either.

We tried out some of the hottest sellers. Each product was used according to the instructions by at least six and as many as nine testers. Ratings range from no stars (total junk) to four stars (genius!). So read on and enjoy. (And when you're done, tell us what you thought of these products and others.)

Shark Cordless Sweeper

$79.80 + $12.95 (S&H) = $92.75
Promise: The 3.6-pound sweeper can "take care of any mess," from pet hair to cooked food, coins, confetti and more. Its swivel handle is so easy to maneuver that "it's like driving a performance race car."
Results: "No more running over electrical cords," unplugging from room to room, or fiddling with nasty and expensive refill bags, said testers with conventional vacuums. It was superb on dog hair and various other messes, including wet food after a toddler's meal, though "not as good on wood floors." One happy dad reported: "I've never driven a race car, but it was so easy and even fun to use that my eight- and ten-year-old boys actually fought over who got to clean the house."

Flavorwave Oven Deluxe

$99.00 + $29.95 = $128.95
Promise: No more waiting for meat to thaw before you cook it. Go from "frozen solid to fabulous flavor in just minutes." Halogen infrared technology perfectly cooks anything in "up to 50 percent" less time than a conventional oven, with "no preheating."
Results: "It really did roast a whole chicken in half the time of my regular oven," said a tester who hosted a side-by-side bake-off dinner party. "Plus, my guests thought the Flavorwave chicken tasted better." But, "it takes up way too much counter space," and some claimed the food wasn't as tasty as when they cook conventionally. "My vegetables were dried out," said one tester, "even though I spritzed them with olive oil first."

Finishing Touch Hair Remover

$14.99 + $5.99 = $20.98
Promise: Pen-shaped trimmer that works "instantly and painlessly," unlike waxing or tweezing. Use it on "even the most sensitive areas" and "remove the thickest hair anywhere," without irritation.
Results: It works okay, but don't plan on using it if you're in a rush. "I had to go over the same spot several times" to get all the hair, said one tester. Plus, "it's too small and slow to clear any significant acreage." Still, some women found it less irritating on bikini areas than a razor. "I would take it on my next beach vacation," said one.

Sonic Clean Between Machine

$19.95 + $6.95 = $26.90
Promise: The "sonic-powered flossing system" is "easier, faster and better" than flossing and even "cleans where floss can't reach."
Results: "I really wanted to like this," says one tester who hates flossing. "But I couldn't get even the small attachment to fit between my teeth." Some testers were able to clean between some teeth, but all complained that they couldn't maneuver it to all the places floss can reach. "The instructions in the box even say you should use floss to reach between some teeth," said one tester. "So what's the point?"

Nathan's Reversible Stovetop Grill & Griddle

$19.95 + $6.95 = $26.90
Promise: The aluminum plank fits over two stove-top burners. One side is a grill that "gives your hot dogs the look and taste of real grilling," and the flip-side griddle "makes enough pancakes for the whole family at once."
Results: "Cool, I really did get grill marks on my pork chops," said one tester. Others were impressed by its capacity -- six pancakes at once. But the instructions say not to heat above "low or medium," which makes cooking "take way too long." Two testers cranked the heat for faster results, but they paid the price by burning their stove tops and scorching the griddle.

SmartTape

$19.95 + $5.99 = $25.94
Promise: This digital tape measure with a built-in voice recorder will "never let you forget or misread a measurement ever again." So easy "anyone can use it," plus it's "professional strength."
Results: "They're not kidding when they say 'a' measurement. It only records one at a time!" says one tester. You still have to write it down before taking the next one. As for professional strength, the instructions clearly say "Do not drop." When we did, from seven feet up, the readout jammed, and a button broke. "It wasn't pretty."

Jack La Lanne's Power Juicer

$149.85 + $29.95 = $179.80
Promise: Thanks to the large chute, there's "no chopping or slicing, so you're done in half the time." It's "whisper quiet" with a "patented 2,500 rpm super extraction motor" that gives you "up to 30 percent more juice" than other juicers.
Results: Using any juicer is labor intensive and requires lots of cleanup, but the La Lanne "was easy to operate and made such amazing juice, I didn't mind the hassle," said a new convert. People who juice said there was less waste with the La Lanne, since the pulp refuse was "noticeably drier" than that of juicers they own. It's also quieter and required less cutting and peeling. Said one aficionado: "If it cost just a little less, I would buy one, definitely."

True Sleeper Mattress Topper

$199.80 + $39.95 = $239.75
Promise: The "advanced viscoelastic foam" of this mattress pad was developed by NASA to cushion astronauts, so it "contours to your body" and reduces pressure points so you won't toss and turn. "Get the most restful sleep of your life."
Results: What a surprise -- the topper did not magically provide our insomniacs sweet slumber. In fact, testers with newer, nicer beds reported little or no change in sleep quality or comfort. But those with uncomfortable ones found that it did make them "noticeably more comfy," so this could be a good option for those who have "older mattresses and don't want to pay to replace them."

Scünci Steamer

$59.85 + $14.95 = $74.80
Promise: Cleans surfaces and fabrics "without the use of chemical cleaners." The pressurized steam will "sanitize" kitchens, "disinfect" bathrooms and blast wrinkles out of even the most delicate clothing.
Results: It's easy to use, "but be careful," warned several testers who worried about scalding. Clothing wrinkles don't stand a chance against the Scünci -- "Yay, no more ironing" -- but Lysol was much more effective on kitchen grease, said one tester. Others had some success with grout but found it "so-so on soap scum." If you're wondering whether steam alone is enough to sanitize, editor Jeff Cross, affiliated with the Cleaning management Institute, says yes, steam is hot enough to reduce microbials. "The longer steam hits the surface, the better cleaning you get," he says.

Hank Haney Power Connection

$159.96 + $14.95 = $174.91
Promise: This harness and strap that connect you to your club help golfers hit longer and straighter by fostering a "tension-free, mechanically correct swing." You're guaranteed to improve within the first 30 balls.
Results: Thirty balls? It's more like 300, reported one tester with a handicap in the teens. "If anything, I got less distance, which makes sense," he said. "Instructors always say you get worse before you get better." The accompanying instructional video contained "lots of great information." And despite the fact that "it feels like you're wearing a bra," some testers -- especially beginners -- thought that over time it could help them improve. But others said that "it's not foolproof," and they would be "better off with a lesson."

Singer Smart Scissors

$19.95 + $7.95 = $27.90 (for 2)
Promise: Battery-operated shears are "the fast, easy and pain-free way to cut almost anything." Just hold down the handle -- no opening and closing necessary -- and you'll cut with "precision and speed."
Results: "Don't bother for small paper jobs," said one tester, while others complained of jamming. But sewers tended to be impressed. One was able to make precise cuts on slipcover fabric and medium-weight wool, and her hand "never got tired." The potential deal breaker? Noise. "I've heard quieter chain saws," said one tester. "Okay, I'm exaggerating, but not much." Said another, "The dog even left the room."

AirPress Massager

$39.99 + $7.99 = $47.98
Promise: Strap yourself into these boots and thigh cuffs and "it feels like five sets of hands" massaging you at once. The chambers fill with air "to knead your calves and feet, making sore muscles just melt away."
Results: There are so many hoses, valves and Velcro parts that one tester's wife came Home, "saw me in this contraption and thought I had broken both my legs." Others said there was no massage action, "just inflating and deflating." A few found the pressure and resulting "tingling feeling" delightful, but others were creeped out. "It's like having your blood pressure taken in your legs."

Revo Styler

$79.98 + $19.94 (S&H) = $99.92 (for 2)
Promise: "Go from wild to styled in minutes" with the hairbrush that "rotates nearly 100 times a minute, and it will not tangle. It's a miracle." Salon stylist Bruno says it "works for everybody, and it works the first time."
Results: Testers who mastered it really did get straight, smooth, shiny hair. Several who didn't despite watching the instruction video complained of frequent tangling, which feels "like you're getting a noogie." Even the satisfied said the Revo was "clunky" and they'd pay "no more than $25" for one.

Showtime Rotisserie Oven

$99.95 + $29.90 = $129.85
Promise: "Set it and forget it!" The compact version we tried has essentially the same features as other sizes. Ron Popeil says it cooks "the best-tasting food you've ever had," and "you save time -- it's only 12 minutes a pound."
Results: The instructions make it abundantly clear that you can't just "forget it" and leave the oven unattended. But it does everything else Popeil says. One day we roasted a six-pound pork loin in a conference room. It was speedy, simple, and cooked a "very moist and delicious" staff lunch.

Miracle Blade III Knives

$39.95 + $14.95 = $54.90
Promise: This set of 11 knives that never need sharpening will "get you out of the kitchen fast and easy." Chef Tony loans the slicer to a carpenter, who uses it to cut Sheetrock before cutting paper-thin tomato slices.
Results: Testers said they're "much sharper than my current knife set," have handles with "a nice ergonomic shape," and "performed well cutting up vegetables and cheese." But a few weren't impressed. Reported one: "I couldn't rock with the Rock 'N Chop, since the heel of the blade is very dull."

Turbo Cooker Plus

$59.90 + $19.95 = $79.85
Promise: Cook complete meals in just one pan "faster, and with little or no oil." Comes with a timer, racks to stack food and recipe cards. The woman demonstrating says that it "replaced an entire set of cookware."
Results: Don't toss the pots and pans yet. Those turbo times don't include preparation steps: One dish was "great, but it took 21 minutes, and the recipe card said 'ready in 12 minutes.'" Some loved being able to make a whole meal in one pot, but others complained of "way too many parts."

FoodSaver Vac 550

$129.99 + $24.95 = $154.94
Promise: Vacuum-seals leftovers, fresh veggies, or anything you'd like to keep fresh longer, in special bags and canisters. Saves time and money by reducing spoilage and allowing you to buy in bulk and on sale.
Results: So pricey it would take an awful lot of 10-pound cheese blocks to actually save money, especially since you need to buy more sealer bags when you run out. It does work, though, and is "very cool" to use. Said one tester: "It made me feel frugal and prepared, like a squirrel packing away nuts for the winter."

Bowflex Power Pro

$999.00 + $129.00 = $1128.00
Promise: Weight machine with tension rods guarantees results after six weeks of training, 20 minutes a day, three days a week. "That's all it takes." The machine is "ready for a quick workout whenever you are. Nothing could be easier."
Results: They had us until the last line. We don't doubt that time and sweat will yield results, yet it's anything but easy to use, especially for beginners. One spent "as much time adjusting the rods as actually lifting," and another wondered, "Why not buy a secondhand weight bench and a few dumbbells?"

Roll-A-Hose
$19.99 + $6.99 = $26.98
Promise: The flat garden hose rolls up on its own reel. It's "so lightweight anyone can do it in minutes" and so tough that it's "guaranteed not to split or break for a full ten years."
Results: It is "easier to maneuver and put away" than a regular hose, but also "kinks easily" and seems "cheaply made." By our fourth tester, one section of the hose we bought was "leaking like a sieve."

Perfect Pancake

$19.95 + $6.95 = $26.90
Promise: Two-sided pan makes "picture-perfect pancakes every time." So easy to flip that "if you can turn a doorknob," you can use it. Makes a stack of pancakes "in an instant."
Results: No instant here. It makes just one at a time, and the instructions say each one takes seven minutes to cook, "too slow for a hungry family." It was easy to use and generally made fluffy cakes, but testers said they'd stick with their griddles.

Gazelle Freestyle Elite

$414.75 + FREE = $414.75
Promise: Hyperactive Tony Little, self-proclaimed "America's Personal Trainer," shouts that his fitness machine provides "whole body calorie burning" (as opposed to all those other kinds), "whole body muscle toning" and "more features, more results and more fun than ever before!"
Results: The Gazelle is "simple to adjust" and "gets your heart rate up quickly." One tester said, "It's mindless. Just turn on Wheel of Fortune and go. When Pat says good night, you're done." The construction seemed sturdier than a treadmill of equal value, but "be careful you don't fall off."

Better Pasta Pot

$19.99 + $7.99 = $27.98
Promise: "The lid is actually a built-in colander -- the best new idea since spaghetti and meatballs!" It allows you to drain pasta and numerous other things "without all that splashing and scalding." Results: It works like they say, but a tester wondered, "Who has so much trouble draining pasta that they need this?" Pot makers must think everyone does: There are at least three other pasta-pot ads on TV, and you can find this type of pot in stores.

Ultimate Chopper

$59.90 + $14.95 = $74.85
Promise: Food processor is conveniently small, so Chef Tony says "you'll never put it away and use it every day." It has 750 watts of "MegaPower" (ooh, what's next, GigaPower?) and can chop bits of brick, glass, even concrete.
Results: "My onions minced very quickly," said one tester. Another reported, "It did work its way through smaller brick chips, but not medium ones, though it tried its damndest." Others said it's too small to be useful, and that the directions say to chop everything into one-inch pieces first. "So why bother?"

FlipFold

$19.99 + $13.90 = $33.89 (for 2)
Promise: "Fold an entire basket of laundry in under two minutes" with this folding tool. "It folds any size clothes," can "transform an entire closet," and "little ones love FlipFold."
Results: True, it's a "cheap plastic thing" that's harder to use on long sleeves. But "it gives a nice, flat fold" and is astounding in cluttered closets and dressers. "I couldn't believe how many more T-shirts I could fit," said one tester. A grateful mom said, "My three- and four-year-olds could fold the laundry very neatly. They're excited that I'm going to buy them one." Kids folding willingly? A bargain at any price.

Kaboom Cleaner

$19.99 + $7.50 = $27.49
Promise: Porcelain, tile and grout restorer from the OxyClean folks that'll "put the shine back in your shower." You get two 32-ounce bottles.
Results: Worked "very well" on mineral deposits, stainless steel and tiles, though it disappointed on grout. One tester said, "I tried it side-by-side against Fantastik on grout, and they worked about the same -- except Fantastik costs less than three bucks for a 22-ounce bottle."

Handy Stitch

$14.99 + $5.99 = $20.98
Promise: Handheld gadget will "sew anything, anywhere, at any time," and is so easy that experienced and beginner sewers alike can use it to "get a secure, strong and even stitch."
Results: The small size was a plus, and it was "very easy to move across the fabric." But two of our testers complained that it was hard to sew in a straight line, "since you're holding it in your hand, as opposed to using a traditional machine." And two beginners failed to master it.

Ding King

$29.95 + $5.95 = $35.90
Promise: "The do-it-yourself dent and ding remover with professional results" can save you from costly repairs, or from driving a junky-looking car. "Just turn the wing nut and watch that awful dent disappear."
Results: "It pulled the dent right out," though sometimes it "takes a few tries." To affix the Ding King, you glue it directly to your car, so "be careful of the paint job." Biggest quibble? "It's hard to get the glue off," so you'll need your own solvent.

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How Do As Seen on TV Products Really Rate? The 2004 List

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