As Seen on TV Products:
Do They Actually Work?
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AOL
Our Product Picks and Pans
New gadgetry is hard to resist, but just how well do those clever "As Seen on TV" inventions really work?
The editors of WalletPop and AOL's Money channel put several products to the test. Click through our gallery and check out their ratings and reviews for some of the most popular and curious products currently pitched on television.
Next: As Seen on TV ReviewsMore Consumer Features:
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Vicki Passmore
PedEgg
Cost: $9.95
Claim: Gently remove calluses and dead skin with the ultimate foot file.
Pros: One reviewer found it uncovered soft skin that had been buried under hard calluses for years. The canister was filled with white shavings as shown on the commercial.
Cons: For another reviewer, whose feet only had dry skin (no calluses), the PedEgg did not work at all. Not a single shaving in the "egg."
Next: Aqua GlobesMore Consumer Features:
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David Rogowski, AOL
Aqua Globes
Claim: Waters plants perfectly for up to two weeks.
Pros: The globe does slowly deliver water to plant's roots.
Cons: Biggest worry is due to weight of globe, plant could fall over and break glass globe. Water does not last two weeks, but does hydrate the soil for a week or so, depending on size of planter.
Next: OneSweep BroomMore Consumer Features:
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David Rogowski, AOL
OneSweep Broom
Cost: $4.99 at CVS
Claim: Nothing sweeps better! Picks it all (dirt and dust) up in just one sweep.
Pros: It did sweep various surfaces fine. The long handle comes apart so it is very easy to store.
Cons: When it comes to liquids and pet hair, our reviewer still prefers towels and a vacuum, since the OneSweep did not "pick it all up." The claim of "nothing sweeps better" is overrated.
Next: Handy SwitchMore Consumer Features:
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David Rogowski, AOL
Handy Switch
Claim: Control any lamp, from anywhere, in any room!
Pros: You don't need to point it at lamp, it comes with a cradle that you can stick anywhere. It was simple to hook up and perfect for bedside.
Cons: The nightlight attached to the plug cannot be turned off and a replacement battery for the HandySwitch may be hard to find.
Next: Pasta ExpressMore Consumer Features:
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David Rogowski, AOL
Pasta Express
Claim: Cook, strain & drain -- all in one!
Pros: Less bulky and less mess than using a large pot & colander. Cooks more than just pasta.
Cons: Takes time to get the process down. Handling the boiling water was scary -- our reviewer was never sure the top was on securely. It did not fit in dishwasher easily.
Next: Push Up ProMore Consumer Features:
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David Rogowski, AOL
Push Up Pro
Claim: Push Up Pro works more muscles, reduces strain on joints!
Pros: Very easy to use. Flexible for different positions. Our reviewer felt more in control with them than doing regular push ups.
Cons: Reviewer felt it worked for chest, but didn't feel it strengthened and toned other body parts, which it claims it does.
Next: Kinoki Detox Foot PadsMore Consumer Features:
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Amber Porter, AOL
Kinoki Detox Foot Pads
Cost: $19.99 at CVS
Claim: All-natural way to collect harmful toxins from your body while you sleep.
Pros: Pads did turn a dark color as advertised on the box.
Cons: Claims are very general. Vague about what kind of "toxins" it will remove. Didn't feel any "energy boost" or any other difference. Since you put them on your arches, it was very hard to tell if the pads were touching.
Next: GeMagicMore Consumer Features:
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David Rogowski, AOL
GeMagic
Cost: $19.95
Claim: Create eye-popping fashions in just seconds!
Pros: Comes with lots of gems. A crafty person with a lot of patience and attention to detail would probably appreciate the product.
Cons: Took about 30 minutes, not seconds, and end-result wasn't something our reviewer would put on her child. Lots of room for error. Some prongs showed through front of shirt.
Next: Previous Product ReviewsMore Consumer Features:
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Cassandra Shie, AOL
One Touch Can Opener
Claim: Opens a can in seconds, no sharp edges
Pros: Works exactly as advertised: Very easy to use and no sharp edges.
Cons: After use, it needs to be reset by holding down a button while the motor works its way back to the starting position.
Next: Dryer BallsMore Consumer Features:
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Cassandra Shie, AOL
Dryer Balls
Claim: Environmentally-friendly, hypoallergenic alternative to chemical fabric softeners that reduces drying time by 25 percent
Pros: Shorter drying time, no more spending on softeners or chemical-laden dryer sheets
Cons: Laundry isn't as soft or static-free as with chemical fabric softeners. It's easy to lose track of dryer balls between loads of laundry.
Next: Foreman GrillMore Consumer Features:
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Cassandra Shie, AOL
George Foreman Grill
Claim: Grills in minutes; extremely easy to use, clean and store; tilted base drains the fat away for healthier food.
Pros: Easy to use and clean, tasty food; a great alternative to a charcoal or gas grill.
Cons: Tilted base could cause food to slide off.
Next: Go DusterMore Consumer Features:
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Cassandra Shie, AOL
Go Duster
Claim: Go Duster is the amazing motorized duster that makes dusting faster, easier and more fun than you ever imagined!
Pros: It works like a regular duster
Cons: Product requires four AA batteries. Dust flies everywhere and onto everything else so you are basically just moving the dust from one place to another. Don't see much of a benefit of using this vs. regular dusting.
Next: Magic BulletMore Consumer Features:
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Cassandra Shie, AOL
Magic Bullet Blender
Cost: $99.99
Claim: Does any job in 10 seconds or less
Pros: Chops, mixes, purees, stirs, blends in seconds; easy to use, easy to clean; includes multiple attachments that can be used for small or large jobs.
Cons: Pricey
Next: Onion SlicerMore Consumer Features:
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Cassandra Shie, AOL
Onion Slicer
Claim: Dice onions in one swift motion, encloses onion to minimize odors and reduce tearing
Pros: It dices onions quickly; you do not get the odor or the tears; it dices green/red peppers and hard-boiled eggs as well; It cleans well and is dishwasher safe; It has measuring lines from 1/2 cup to 2 cups on the side.
Cons: None
Next: Tummy TrimmerMore Consumer Features:
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Cassandra Shie, AOL
Invisible Tummy Trimmer
Claim: Flattens your stomach, while it trims your waist
Pros: Works well for hiding small bulges, surprisingly comfortable.
Cons: Not as effective as advertised "before and after" shots
Next: Doggy StepsMore Consumer Features:
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Allan Halprin, AOL
Doggy Steps
Claim: Doggy Steps are perfect for small dogs or older pets that struggle to jump into bed, on the couch, into the car ...
Pros: Once your pet is trained it allows them freedom to climb anywhere you have these steps set up.
Cons: There is no major negative. You just need patience to train your pet to use these steps.
Next: FURminatorMore Consumer Features:
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Cassandra Shie, AOL
FURminator
Claim: Promises to quickly, easily and painlessly brush loose hair from pets' coats, reducing shedding
Pros: Solidly constructed with a comfortable heavy-duty rubber grip, brushes out more hair, more easily than a standard pin or wire brush.
Cons: No different than a well-constructed "slicker" brush that dog groomers use, and which may be found more cheaply
Next: AutoVent SPVMore Consumer Features:
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Cassandra Shie, AOL
AutoVent SPV
Claim: Removes hot stale air including pet and tobacco odors from car; solar powered
Pros: AutoVent's solar-powered air exchange did leave the test vehicle less stale smelling after trial run.
Cons: Must be sized to fit car's window. Fitting needs improvement. Solar panel must be in direct sunlight. It's so quiet, can't tell when vent stops.
Next: Glass WizardMore Consumer Features:
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Cassandra Shie, AOL
Glass Wizard
Claim: The easiest way to clean glass: Gets hard to reach places, cleans streak-free and cuts grease.
Pros: Quick and easy to clean with water; streak-free shine. Works on glass and textured shower door.
Cons: The plastic handle is not sturdy and cracks easily. The grime bonnet works well on tougher jobs, but some surfaces may require a two-step process: Grime bonnet followed by microfiber bonnet.
Next: Hollywood SmilesMore Consumer Features:
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Cassandra Shie, AOL
Hollywood Smiles
Claim: Gets teeth up to four shades whiter in less than an hour
Pros: Whitens teeth after one use, shorter application times than most other products, no bad taste
Cons: Feels like one has a mouthful of ice; plasma LED light does not appear to make a difference; concerns about effects of whitening action on tooth enamel
Next: 3-in-1 ShredderMore Consumer Features:
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Cassandra Shie, AOL
3-in-1 Shredder
Claim: It shreds paper, CDs and even credit cards. Durable steel cutters slice them with just a turn of the handle ...
Pros: For those who don't need to shred often
Cons: Only shreds one sheet of paper at a time, cuts credit cards into four easily reassembled pieces. Dull blades hamper shredding.
Next: S'mores WizardMore Consumer Features:
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Cassandra Shie, AOL
S'mores Wizard
Claim: Make your own S'mores indoors.
Pros: It does make S'mores.
Cons: Slots on board for chocolate are cut too close to heating element and melt together; lengthy heating time; burns marshmallows instead of browning.
Next: Mini Deep FryerMore Consumer Features:
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Cassandra Shie, AOL
Deni Mini Deep Fryer
Claim: The Deni Mini Deep Fryer is perfect for quick snacks and small portions of food
Pros: Modern, brushed stainless steel; small & convenient; quiet; no flying or bubbling oil
Cons: Each use requires a lot of oil; easy to get burned accidentally; food tastes burned; little direction on using batter or which foods can be fried; lingering smells
Next: Topsy Turvy PonytailMore Consumer Features:
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Cassandra Shie, AOL
Topsy Tail
Claim: Hairstyles you do yourself in minutes
Pros: Quality elastic bands and hair brush included ... Accurate directions ... Pictures close to actual look ... (First use may take longer.)
Cons: Some styles require long hair instead of medium length.
Next: Deni Soft ServeMore Consumer Features:
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Cassandra Shie, AOL
Deni Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker
Claim: Ice cream in 10 to 20 minutes!
Pros: Easy to clean; easy to serve; delicious recipes included; fun for whole family
Cons: Hard to assemble; messy; long preparation time
Next: Upright BlenderMore Consumer Features:
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Cassandra Shie, AOL
Pro Stick Blender
Claim: Handy kitchen aid for all your blending and grinding needs
Pros: Blends or grinds for light jobs; easy to clean
Cons: Stick blender has one speed and one blade. To operate one must continually press down on a button. To blend a drink, container must be very tall or liquid will spray. Won't blend frozen fruit.
Next: More Money & Finance FeaturesMore Consumer Features:
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