By Jillian Ryan on March 29, 2011 in
In the past, we have stumped you with our Mystery Gadget contests. Back in November of 2010, none of our readers were able to discern that this gadget was, in fact, a pickle slicer. But not this time! More than 20 of you guessed correctly: this little red gizmo is indeed the Taco Proper. But does this bad boy really work?(For the record, the product's name really is spelled 'Proper" -- we guess the idea is that this is the "proper" way to serve tacos, but we're a little mystified as to why they didn't call it the "propper" since that's what it does.)
The product, which retails in a package of four individual stands for around $5, is marketed to be the unique invention that holds any taco together. The concept (as shown in this cheesy demonstration video embedded below) is that when you prepare, serve and eat hard shell tacos, they fall apart. This, I can firmly say, is true; as an avid fan of Mexican cuisine, I usually opt for a burrito to make consumption easier. But now, with the Taco Proper, such messes can be prevented.
According to the product’s website, the plastic patented and trademarked "taco-snugging” shape of the design actually prevents shell breakage and is made to fit any size of taco shell. One of the key selling points is that unlike other similarly functioning taco-holding items, each Taco Proper is an individual. Since it is not in the middle of the table holding multiple tacos, it can be placed on a person’s plate and actually used to hold the taco while eating. Also the Taco Proper is microwave and dishwasher safe.
But does the Taco Proper really get the job done? User ratings on Amazon.com give the product four out of five stars; for the most part the Taco Proper works. Some negative feedback is that the holders are too narrow for larger taco shells and if filled with too many extras (meat, lettuce, cheese, etc.), they tip over. Others say that while it's great to put each individual holder on their plate, the Taco Proper tends to slide around the plate.
Two of our contest entrants will have a chance to find out for themselves if the Taco Proper really does prop up your tacos. The first correct answer was received from Laura Davis, who wrote, “Taco stands, to hold your tacos upright!” There were a slew of correct responses that came in after Laura; you will just have to be quicker next time.
As for the most creative guess, quite a few of you thought the Mystery Gadget was a toe-spreader for a pedicure. But quite a few creative respondents went further out on a limb. After an internal vote at the ConsumerSearch editorial headquarters, we tapped reader "Anne" for the prize -- Anne posited that the Taco Propers were, “horse racing gates for leprechauns.” We not only appreciated her creativity but also loved the timeliness of her response which was submitted on St. Patrick’s Day. The second runner up was from "Joy_macaulay" who guessed, “saddles for my lil ponies.”
Thanks to everyone who participated. If you have any fun mystery gadgets that you think would stump our users (or even our editors), post them to our Facebook Page.