Five Infomercial Gadgets You Might Want to Skip Buying

In recent years, I’ve found myself irresistibly drawn to infomercials. I often feel compelled to buy every item they showcase, convinced they’re absolute must-haves. It seems like these TV ads are perfect for someone like me, who easily buys into their persuasive promises.

Thankfully, my sensible spouse often steps in to say, “We don’t need that.” However, there are times when I splurge on products I believe will change my life.

My experiences with these purchases have been hit-or-miss. For instance, buying an Instapot was a success story. It acted as both a pressure cooker and a slow cooker replacement for the one that broke after six years. While its pressure cooking isn’t perfect, it works great as a slow cooker!

However, not every infomercial product has been a win. If you’re considering a purchase, do your homework first. Here are five infomercial products I’d advise against buying. In the worst cases, you might even need legal help for defective products, though there are online services for that.

1. **WEN**
Remember the WEN hair product by celebrity stylist Chaz Dean? Though it initially got rave reviews, it later faced a lawsuit over causing severe hair damage and loss. I personally found it disappointing, as it resulted in noticeable hair loss with each use.

2. **THE MIRACLE MOP**
My mom’s experience with an early version of the Miracle Mop was unforgettable and not in a good way. It just didn’t do the job. Despite newer versions being released, negative reviews still far outweigh the positives.

3. **VACUUMS**
It’s best to avoid buying vacuums from infomercials due to costly shipping and difficult return processes. It’s much easier to purchase one locally or from a store like Costco, which has a great return policy.

4. **SHAKE WEIGHT**
Can you really trust that a vibrating weight will tone your arms? Some companies have been accused of paying for fake reviews, and the Shake Weight might be one of those products caught up in this kind of deception.

5. **LARGE KITCHEN GADGETS**
My parents once bought an overpriced kitchen gadget that promised to chop and dice potatoes quickly. It’s hardly ever used and just takes up space in the kitchen. This proves that bulky gadgets that aren’t essential for daily tasks end up collecting dust.

In conclusion, it’s wise to stay away from infomercial products. They are often expensive, returns are a hassle, and those supposed “risk-free” trials or guarantees aren’t really reliable.

Have you ever bought anything from a TV infomercial? How did it turn out for you? Feel free to share your experiences!