Looking back, the infomercials of the ’80s introduced us to some of the most outlandish yet effective products ever seen on TV. These gadgets turned everyday chores and workouts into entertaining events, all while delivering surprisingly real results. Each product was marketed with a blend of enthusiasm and theatrical flair that made them unforgettable. Let’s dive into 14 products that were as ridiculous as they were ingenious.
The ThighMaster
The ThighMaster revolutionized home fitness with its unique design that promised to tone your legs in minutes. Marketed by the ever-charming Suzanne Somers, this simple yet effective device became a household name in the 1980s. Its scissor-like design allowed users to squeeze their way to firmer thighs while sitting in the comfort of their living rooms, making it an instant hit among those looking for an easy fitness fix.
Even if using the ThighMaster often felt a bit awkward, with its sometimes uncomfortable grip and spring-loaded resistance, it delivered noticeable results for those who committed to it. The product’s memorable infomercials, complete with catchy jingles and demonstrations, captured the spirit of the era’s workout revolution. The ThighMaster wasn’t just an exercise tool—it was a pop culture phenomenon, embodying the optimism of ’80s fitness culture, where everyone believed a toned physique was just a squeeze away. Its lasting legacy proves that sometimes the simplest inventions leave the biggest impressions.
The George Foreman Grill
The George Foreman Grill brought healthy, hassle-free grilling into countless kitchens with its innovative slanted design. Originally marketed as a “lean, mean, fat-reducing grilling machine,” its tilted surface allowed excess fat to drip away, promoting a healthier lifestyle without sacrificing flavor. The grill promised a perfect sear on everything from burgers to chicken breasts, delivering that satisfying sizzle without the need for an outdoor barbecue.
Infomercials featuring George Foreman himself showcased the grill’s ease of use, demonstrating how dinner could go from raw to ready in minutes. The simplicity of tossing ingredients onto the grill, closing the lid, and letting the machine work its magic turned meal prep into an exciting, quick affair. Its practical design, combined with the approachable charm of Foreman’s endorsements, helped make the grill a household staple. Even today, the George Foreman Grill remains a go-to gadget for home cooks, proving that sometimes the best kitchen innovations are the ones that make life just a little bit easier—and tastier.
The Pocket Fisherman
The Pocket Fisherman was a mini, collapsible fishing rod that promised big adventures in a compact package. Marketed by Ronco in the 1970s, this ingenious gadget turned the often bulky world of fishing gear into something portable and practical. With its all-in-one design, featuring a built-in reel, line, and tackle box, the Pocket Fisherman could easily fit into a glove compartment or even a large pocket, making it perfect for impromptu fishing trips.
Enthusiastic infomercials showcased its convenience, with real-life testimonials from anglers reeling in impressive catches using the pint-sized pole. The demonstrations, complete with sunny lakeside scenes and happy families, left viewers both amused and genuinely impressed by the gadget’s effectiveness. Though its compact design looked almost too good to be true, the Pocket Fisherman proved that sometimes the smallest tools could deliver mighty results. It remains a nostalgic reminder of a time when clever inventions promised to make everyday hobbies more accessible—and fun.
Chia Pet
Chia Pets transformed humble terracotta figures into living, green companions with just a sprinkle of chia seeds. From classic animals like sheep and hedgehogs to celebrity busts and pop culture icons, Chia Pets offered a unique blend of gardening and novelty that delighted both kids and adults. Their quirky appearance and simple charm captured the imagination of households across the nation, making “cha-cha-cha-Chia!” an unforgettable jingle of the 1980s and beyond.
Infomercials highlighted how easy it was to nurture these little plants—simply spread the seeds, add water, and watch the “hair” grow within days. The process turned gardening into a fun, low-maintenance activity that anyone could enjoy, regardless of their green thumb status. Even today, the nostalgic allure of a Chia Pet brings a smile, offering a playful reminder of a time when greenery met whimsy. Whether as a gift or a DIY project, Chia Pets continue to thrive as a charming symbol of retro fun and enduring creativity.
The Clapper
The Clapper offered a hands-free way to control your appliances with nothing more than a simple clap. With its signature “Clap On! Clap Off!” jingle, this gadget quickly became a household favorite, turning the mundane task of flipping a switch into a bit of everyday magic. The concept was brilliantly simple—just plug your lamp, television, or other small appliance into The Clapper, and a couple of claps would do the rest.
Infomercials emphasized the ease and convenience of this sound-activated switch, showing everything from cozy bedtime routines to helping those with limited mobility. The joy of turning lights on and off with a sound added a playful twist to technology, making it feel almost futuristic in its time. Its enduring popularity proves that sometimes the simplest ideas are the ones that truly work, offering a delightful mix of practicality and fun that still resonates with nostalgic gadget lovers today.
Ronco Veg-O-Matic
The Ronco Veg-O-Matic promised to slice, dice, and transform vegetables with minimal effort and maximum flair. Introduced in the 1960s and gaining infomercial fame in the decades that followed, this gadget became a kitchen sensation with its promise to make meal prep a breeze. Its rapid chopping mechanism, which required just a press of the hand, was the star of late-night TV, turning the mundane task of chopping vegetables into an entertaining spectacle.
Infomercials demonstrated how the Veg-O-Matic could handle everything from onions to potatoes, offering perfectly uniform slices and cubes in seconds. The enthusiastic pitchmen, armed with catchphrases like “It slices! It dices!” captured the imagination of busy cooks who dreamed of quick, hassle-free kitchen work. Though its name might sound tongue-in-cheek, the Veg-O-Matic consistently delivered reliable results in households across the country. This ingenious gadget remains a testament to the inventive spirit of classic infomercials, blending genuine function with a dash of showmanship that made even chopping vegetables feel like a performance.
Ronco Showtime Rotisserie
The Ronco Showtime Rotisserie brought restaurant-quality roasting into home kitchens with dramatic flair. With its signature tagline, “Set it and forget it!” this countertop appliance became an instant classic through its captivating infomercials. The rotating spit showcased a mesmerizing display of golden-brown chickens, tender roasts, and sizzling kebabs, promising perfectly cooked results every time. Viewers were treated to the sight of meats self-basting as they turned, delivering evenly roasted meals with minimal effort.
Despite its theatrical presentation, the rotisserie proved both efficient and effective. It combined the allure of professional-grade cooking with the simplicity of home use, offering a practical solution for busy families. The “set it and forget it” philosophy resonated with audiences who craved convenience without sacrificing flavor. The Ronco Showtime Rotisserie turned cooking into a captivating show, blending showmanship with real culinary results that left both home chefs and their dinner guests thoroughly impressed.
Ginsu Knife
The Ginsu Knife carved its niche in history with its promise of unmatched sharpness and durability in the kitchen. Marketed through infomercials that became as iconic as the product itself, the Ginsu Knife dazzled audiences by effortlessly slicing through everything from tomatoes to tin cans. The dramatic demonstrations, accompanied by the unforgettable catchphrase “But wait, there’s more!” captivated viewers with bold claims of strength and versatility.
Its memorable demonstrations and distinctive, scalloped-edge design made the Ginsu Knife a household name. Despite the theatrical sales pitch, the knife proved to be a practical and reliable tool in everyday cooking tasks. It revolutionized the way kitchen gadgets were marketed, setting a new standard for how infomercials could blend entertainment with persuasion. Even today, the Ginsu Knife is celebrated not only for its practicality but also for its lasting impact on the world of television marketing, reminding us of a time when a good pitch could make any product legendary.
Ronco Dehydrator
The Ronco Dehydrator promised to turn fresh fruits and vegetables into portable, shelf-stable snacks with a simple, yet ingenious design. The stackable trays and gentle airflow system allowed home cooks to dehydrate everything from apples and bananas to herbs and jerky with ease. Its innovative system used controlled heat to gradually remove moisture while preserving nutrients and flavor, making it a favorite among health enthusiasts and DIY snackers of the era.
Infomercials showcased the dehydrator’s versatility, demonstrating how it could transform everyday produce into delicious, nutritious treats in just minutes. The demonstrations often included vibrant arrays of dried fruits and perfectly preserved herbs, capturing the imagination of viewers who saw an opportunity to save money and eat healthier. Despite its unconventional appearance and quirky operation, the Ronco Dehydrator truly delivered on its promise. It earned its spot as one of the unforgettable kitchen gadgets of the ’80s, blending practicality with a touch of culinary creativity that resonated with a generation eager for homemade goodness.
Ronco Pasta Maker
The Ronco Pasta Maker was a culinary marvel that transformed raw dough into perfectly formed pasta with astonishing speed. With its easy-to-use design, this gadget promised to take the mystery out of homemade pasta, allowing even novice cooks to roll out fresh spaghetti, fettuccine, and lasagna sheets with just the turn of a handle. The idea of bringing a slice of Italian tradition into the kitchen without the need for advanced skills or complicated machinery was a game-changer for home chefs.
Infomercials boasted its versatility, showcasing how the Ronco Pasta Maker could produce a variety of pasta shapes with simple attachments. The demonstrations turned dinner preparation into a fun, hands-on adventure, showing families how to create restaurant-quality pasta from scratch. Despite its somewhat quirky appearance and the occasional mechanical oddity, the pasta maker consistently delivered fresh, delicious results. It became a beloved kitchen companion, proving that sometimes the best meals start with a little crank of a handle and a lot of heart.
Power Twister
The Power Twister was an exercise device designed to tone arms and shoulders with a simple twisting motion. Featuring a coiled metal spring and sturdy handles, it allowed fitness enthusiasts to build muscle by bending the bar inward, providing resistance with every rep. Its infomercials showcased impressive demonstrations of strength, with fitness models and bodybuilders effortlessly flexing the device, promising viewers strong, sculpted muscles without the need for a gym membership.
Although its design looked quirky and even a bit humorous, with its spring-loaded tension and old-school workout vibe, countless users swore by its effectiveness. The simplicity of the Power Twister made it accessible to all fitness levels, and its compact size meant it could be used anywhere, from living rooms to office spaces. It became an iconic symbol of ’80s fitness culture, blending playful innovation with genuine workout benefits. Whether used as a serious training tool or just a fun way to add a bit of strength training to daily routines, the Power Twister holds a nostalgic spot in the history of home fitness gadgets.
Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner
The Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner promised to restore sparkle to cherished pieces with gentle, high-frequency vibrations. Its innovative design used sound waves to create tiny bubbles that gently lifted dirt and grime from even the most intricate settings. Infomercials captivated audiences by demonstrating how the cleaner could reach areas that traditional methods simply couldn’t touch, making old jewelry look brand new in a matter of minutes.
The modern-sounding technology seemed almost futuristic at the time, offering a high-tech solution to a timeless problem. Viewers were enchanted by the gadget’s ability to make gold, silver, and gemstones shine with minimal effort—just add water, a bit of cleaning solution, and let the ultrasonic magic do the rest. Despite its humble, boxy appearance, the Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner consistently delivered impressive, gleaming results. Today, it remains a favorite among collectors and nostalgics alike, proving that sometimes a little high-tech magic is all you need to bring treasured items back to life.
Reflecting on these 14 remarkable products, it’s clear that the ’80s were a time of bold innovation and playful ingenuity. They turned mundane tasks into exciting challenges and proved that sometimes the most ridiculous ideas are the ones that actually work. These infomercial gems continue to evoke fond memories of a vibrant era in television and home technology. Here’s to celebrating the spirit of invention and the delightful nostalgia of 80s infomercials.
