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A Few Strike Outs
PetVac ($29.95) 1 starPromise: "Say goodbye to unwanted pet hair" with this wet/dry vacuum system designed to provide "safe, gentle, hassle-free grooming to all pets." And when you're done, if everything goes according to plan, "there's no mess to clean up."
Results: Why didn't somebody think of this sooner? Probably because most animals are scared of the vacuum -- and our menagerie was no exception. Even the biggest dogs ran scared, with the Vac in the next room no less (the long hose lets you do that). Our animal lovers agreed: "The PetVac really sucks."
Hercules Hook (20 for $14.99) 2 stars
Promise: No doubt you've heard the bearded pitchman holler, "Just push, set and hang!" He says -- er, shouts -- that the Hercules Hook is the easiest way ever to put up pictures, mirrors, shelves -- "up to 150 pounds" -- without tools.
Results: They're sturdy, all right, and glide right into drywall and wood paneling, leaving only a "pin-sized hole." But when it comes to plaster, you need "herculean force" to push the hook into the wall, and even some of our strongest testers struck out.
EZ Up Chin-Up Bar ($59.99) 3 stars
Promise: The old excuses are out the window if you've got this "portable gym" that fits right in your doorway. No screws or bolts needed -- "its cantilever design uses your body weight (up to 300 pounds) to keep the bar in balance." After your workout, just take it down and store it away. "Also works as a push-up bar and sit-up spotter."
Results: We tried it in the RD gym, and exercisers mostly agreed it felt "solid" and "easy to hold on to" but required a tall doorway with thick molding to feel supported when doing pull-ups.
Grease Bullet ($10 for 12 tablets) 1 star
Promise: In the ad, you see a parade of pots turn shiny and sparkling -- "like new!" -- after soaking in hot water with the Grease Bullet. "Armed with enzymes that eat away baked-on grime," this effervescent tablet dissolves in the sink (after you mash it up) and promises to cut the grease without using elbow grease.
Results: If it sounds too good to be true, that's because it is. Every one of our at-home chefs was disappointed. Even after an overnight soak, pots still needed scrubbing. And if the Grease Bullet is "nontoxic" and "easy on your hands," why do you have to wear gloves when stirring up the water?
Deni Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker ($59.95) 1 star
Promise: If the Jetsons had an ice cream maker, it would have looked something like this. Sleek and space-agey, it promises "delectable frozen treats in minutes." Make slushes, smoothies, sherbets, even soft-serve ice cream -- "fun for any occasion!"
Results: Before you promise the kids all this frozen fun, you'd better plan ahead. You have to freeze the bowl for 8 to 12 hours first, and then chill the ingredients for another four. And our ice cream came out "mushy" and "yucky." If you've got a craving, try the ice cream shop instead.
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