As Seen on TV: The home edition

What is it about high-volume TV pitches that makes us believe these gizmos are the solutions we've yearned for?

A lot of the time, they're solutions to problems we didn't even realize we had.

More and more drugstores and big-box retailers are devoting whole sections to "As Seen on TV" wares, so clearly shoppers are buying the stuff, thinking, "Why not give it a try."

Here's why. Many of these items are a waste of money or cause more problems than they solve. That's what I found in earlier tests of As Seen on TV exercise and fashion products.

I've just finished testing six As Seen on TV household items to see how they lived up to their promises. There was one item I absolutely loved. Another was sort of useful. As for the rest, the best I can say about three of them is they're not terrible. And one was an utter disaster.

Wonder hanger, 8 for $9.88

Claim: "Triples closet space"

Reality: If you have lots of shirts and not much closet space, these will definitely give you more hanging capacity — although it might be tough to triple your space. Packaging says they'll hold 20 pounds each, but the weight limit is much less due to cheesy plastic construction. And they're pretty useless if the hanging pole in your closet is only three or four feet off the ground.

Verdict: Only OK

Mr. Steamy, 2 for $14.88

Claim: "Turns your dryer into a wrinkle releasing machine."

Reality: My laundry is still wrinkled. The heavy green "Mr. Steamy" ball — its name sounds like a porn star — makes loud thumping noises in the dryer. While my sheets and clothes were static-free and soft enough, I was underwhelmed. Instructions inside the box say they need to be replaced every three to six months and should be used only on high heat, which makes them useless for delicates.

Verdict: Nothing special

Open It! $9.88 reduced to $9.48

Claim: "Opens sealed plastic packaging, toy packaging, electronics packaging, twist ties, CDs, DVDs …"

Reality: No more stabbing myself trying to open sealed clamshell packaging with a kitchen knife! This thing is genius. And no more trying to use manicure scissors to get the plastic off a CD. There's a retractable box cutter blade in one handle, and in the other is the tiny Phillips screwdriver you can never find when you need it to open electronics' battery compartments. This will save you hours of frustration, swearing and, even, bloodshed.

Verdict: Fantastic

Yoshiblade, $19.88

Claim: "Stays sharp 10 times longer than stainless steel."