Today I’m diving into three interesting Amazon finds that caught my eye: a lemon squeezer shaped like pasta (yes, really), a hand-crank paper shredder, and the #1 best-selling projection alarm clock on Amazon. From quirky to practical, I’ve put each to the test. Let’s see how they stack up.
Where to Purchase
Before you continue, consider signing up for my newsletter! You’ll get alerts about new video uploads, along with exclusive online deals on products I’ve reviewed, shopping tips, and helpful articles. Rest assured, your email is safe with me — I’ll never sell it!
Below are links where you can purchase the items covered in this review.
Pasta-Shaped Lemon Squeezer by Monkey Business
This quirky lemon squeezer is designed to look like a conchiglie pasta shell. It claims to reduce splashes, catch seeds, and add a little fun to your kitchen. I picked it up for $14.90, and while it’s cute, how it functions is what matters most.
To fairly test it out, I compared it against two alternatives:
- The Dreamfarm Fluicer (my go-to for modern juicing).
- A 1970s glass lemon juicer (my mom’s garage sale find that has stood the test of time).
Here’s how the pasta squeezer fared:
- Pros: It didn’t splash much, and for the most part, seeds stayed inside.
- Cons: It requires significant hand strength. If you struggle with grip strength, this isn’t for you. And despite its claims, a seed or two managed to escape.
When compared to the Fluicer and the vintage juicer, the pasta squeezer was the weakest of the bunch. The Fluicer required far less effort and extracted more juice, while the 50-year-old glass juicer outperformed both in terms of juice yield (though you do have to deal with seeds).
Verdict: Cute idea, but I can’t recommend it. If you want efficiency, the Fluicer is the most balanced option of these three.
Manual Hand-Crank Paper Shredder
This little gadget seemed like a handy alternative to full-size shredders for small shredding tasks. At $12.99, it promises portability, no power needed, and a quieter shredding experience. It’s compact, but very compact, as the slot is only about 5 inches wide, meaning most papers need to be folded to fit.
Testing Results:
- It shreds standard paper and receipts decently, though anything thicker, like card stock or large envelopes, made the shredder struggle. I even felt like the crank might break during one test.
- The top frequently slid off, and the handle fell off during use, which is a clear sign of cheaper construction. I wish the lid had a lock to keep it in place.
Who’s it for?
- If you shred very small amounts of paper, live in a tiny space, or want a manual option for an RV or off-grid setup, it could work.
- For anyone else, a standard electric shredder is a better choice.
Verdict: Functional but impractical for most people.
Projection Alarm Clock
I’ve always been intrigued by projection clocks, and I finally gave one a try. I chose the #1 best-selling model on Amazon, priced at $19.99, boasting features like a 180° adjustable projection, dual alarms, a USB charging port, and adjustable brightness.
Initial Impressions:
- Setup was quick, and the clock’s display was crisp and easy to read in total darkness. I was pleasantly surprised by how clear the projection looked on my ceiling.
- The brightness and orientation adjustments are great. You can dim the projection or flip it to match your viewing angle.
Real-World Use:
- I tested it in my bedroom, and it worked exactly as advertised. In the middle of the night, all I had to do was glance up to check the time.
- As daylight creeps in, the projection becomes less visible, but that’s not a dealbreaker for me since I’m an early riser.
Verdict: I’m a fan of this one. It’s simple, functional, and surprisingly convenient. I’ll be using this one long-term.
Final Thoughts
- Pasta Lemon Squeezer: More gimmick than practical. I’d pass on this one.
- Manual Paper Shredder: It works, but it’s not for everyone. If you shred occasionally and don’t need a heavy-duty machine, it might work for you.
- Projection Alarm Clock: This one’s a winner. I get why it’s a best-seller.
If you’ve tried any of these products, let me know what you think in the comments below!
Video Review
Check out the full review below.