As a big fan of Shark Tank, I love seeing innovative products in action. Some items make you think, “Why didn’t I think of that?” while others leave you scratching your head. Unfortunately, not every product lives up to the hype. After testing numerous Shark Tank-backed products, here’s my list of the top five letdowns—these items were either underwhelming, overly complicated, or just didn’t work as advertised. Let’s dive in!
1. The Cheese Chopper: Cutting Corners and Cheese
The Cheese Chopper promises to simplify slicing, shredding, and storing cheese all in one handy device. It even claims to cut down on plastic waste since you can store the cheese directly in the chopper.
My Experience
Using the Cheese Chopper was a bit of a workout. I had to press down hard to get a decent slice, and it felt like the device was clunky, especially with softer cheeses. I tested it with a cheese expert using various types, from block cheddar to a creamy triple-cream brie, and the results were mixed. While it somewhat held up with firmer cheeses, softer cheeses just mushed and oozed. The slices were uneven, and trying to store the cheese in the chopper afterward didn’t feel all that practical.
Verdict
If you only need to slice block cheese occasionally, this might work in a pinch. But for anyone who regularly slices a variety of cheeses, this product just doesn’t quite cut it.
2. Salad Sling: More of a Salad Fling
The Salad Sling claims to be a mess-free way to dry greens quickly, making it an alternative to the classic salad spinner.
My Experience
Following the instructions, I put the greens into the sling, grabbed the four corners, and gave it a spin. It did work in the sense that it removed some water, but it was no game-changer. Even after several rounds of spinning and laying it flat to absorb more moisture, my greens were still slightly damp. When I tried the classic towel method, the results were about the same.
Verdict
While the Salad Sling might save space compared to a spinner, the performance wasn’t impressive enough to recommend switching.
3. Sleep Pod: A Swaddle or a Tangle?
This product is a stretchy sleep sack designed to “swaddle” you as you sleep, promising a comforting hug-like effect.
My Experience
The idea is intriguing—especially if you like the feeling of being snug in bed. But in practice, it felt more like being trapped in a cocoon. Moving around inside the pod was challenging, and if you need to get up in the middle of the night, it’s not exactly convenient to wiggle out of. After several nights of attempting to adapt, I just couldn’t get comfortable. The only way I could describe it was feeling tangled rather than comforted.
Verdict
The Sleep Pod might be ideal for those who love to sleep in a snug, stationary position. But if you like to move around or need quick midnight bathroom breaks, this might not be for you.
4. Phoozy Apollo 2: Failed to Beat the Heat
The Phoozy Apollo 2 is a phone sleeve that’s meant to protect your phone from temperature extremes, keeping it cool in the heat and warm in the cold. It also claims to add some drop and floatation protection.
My Experience
I tested this in the Las Vegas sun, expecting it to keep my phone cooler than usual. However, after 30 minutes in the sun, the phone felt just as hot—if not hotter—than without the sleeve. While the drop protection did work, keeping my phone intact from a 9-foot drop, the heat protection failed. Its waterproof feature wasn’t 100% but would provide some protection.
Verdict
If you’re looking for added drop protection, the Phoozy does its job. But for heat protection, it falls short. I’d skip it unless the added durability is what you’re after.
5. Draft Top: The Can Opener That Mangled My Can
Draft Top’s claim to fame is its ability to remove the top of aluminum cans, turning them into cup-like drinking vessels without a tab in the way. It’s supposed to make sipping easier and more enjoyable.
My Experience
This was by far the most challenging product to use on this list. The tool requires quite a bit of pressure, and if you don’t apply it just right, it either doesn’t work or leaves jagged edges. I spent far too much time trying to remove the tops of my cans, only to end up frustrated and with a mangled can. In the end, using my fingers was easier and faster than this supposed innovation.
Verdict
While the concept is fun, in practice, it’s just too finicky. Most people will find it easier to stick with the can tab, and anyone interested in an open-top can could simply pour it into a glass.
Final Thoughts: When Hype Doesn’t Match Reality
While Shark Tank is known for showcasing brilliant ideas, not every product that hits the market lives up to its promises. My advice? Sometimes, the simplest solutions—like a basic salad spinner or a cheese knife—are the most effective. If you’re interested in any of these products, read reviews and think carefully about whether they’ll truly add convenience to your life. For me, these five missed the mark.
Have you tried any Shark Tank products that didn’t deliver? Let me know in the comments!
Watch the Video
Below you can see my YouTube video on my Top 5 Shark Tank Disappointments.