Originally Posted by Cook Smarter (cooksmarter.net) on May 1, 2007.
Anyone with a TV has seen the deluge of infomercials that air in the wee small hours. Most people have, at one time or another, bought one of the items offered. Some have been happy with their purchase, many are not. I can remember the scores of “As Seen on TV” items that my family gave each other for presents back in the 1970’s and how each of them almost worked as advertised.
With today’s lightening fast communication avenues, it is much harder for a bunk invention to survive very long without the world (at least the informed world who surf the Internet) finding out. Sites like Epinions are valuable resources when purchasing items of any sort especially those that are only available via mail order.
I am generally a cynic when it comes to infomercial products, but every now and then I run across one that surprises me. Now I have a way of trying these items that is virtually risk free – I have a friend who loves gadgets and has a lot of disposable income. I simply show him the item and the Pavlov effect generally follows, as was the case with the Magic Bullet Blender.
I first tried the Bullet over a year ago and I have to admit it has done everything I have asked of it. I have used it to make protein shakes for a post-workout boost, as well as for making vinaigrettes for salads. I have placed cubes of raw meat in it only to find finely ground meat in its place after just a few pulses. Hello, meatballs! Clean up is a breeze as everything is dishwasher safe and the plethora of attachments and supporting hardware are great.
Most of the reviews I have read about the Magic Bullet agree with me. Of those opposing opinions most have to do with the motor over heating after a minute or so of use (the directions clearly state not to blend for more than 10 seconds) and of moving parts that break. One negative reviewer stated that, “The wheel at the base of the bullet broke into pieces.” The reviewer then went on to state how just prior to breaking he heard the machine make a funny noise. He ignored it and crammed more fruit inside while simultaneously increasing the pressure on it. Apparently the Bullet’s major flaw is that it is not idiot proof.
I have not tried everything they show the Magic Bullet doing in the infomercial but I have little doubt it can perform them. After all, the technology is nothing new. It is simply a blender. The genius comes from making it practical to use. Kudos to the folks at Homeland Housewares for coming up with a true innovation. The Magic Bullet is available online from the manufacturer as well as eBay and many other web based merchants. It is also available at many tangible retailers like Walmart.
Tip: If you see an infomercial item at Walmart, you can bet that it works. Walmart carries “As Seen on TV” items only after the market declares them a success.
