In-Depth Ketoscan Mini Review (2024)

This is my review of the Ketoscan Mini monitor. I have been regularly on and off keto for over 7 years now, and here’s my experience.

Ketoscan Mini is an FDA Class I medical device that’s way more convenient to measure ketones than pricking your finger.

The main downside is that after 320 breath tests, you need to pay $30 for recalibration and sensor replacement.

In this Ketoscan Mini review, I will analyze the product, its accuracy, drawbacks, and alternatives.

Let’s get started!

• Overview
• How does it work
• Accuracy
• App
• Price
• Drawbacks
• Who is it for
• Alternatives

What is Ketoscan Mini?

The Ketoscan Mini is a non-invasive ketone breath meter that helps you understand whether your body is primarily burning fat or carbs for energy.

It’s made in Korea and it takes just about 45 seconds to load up, and then it analyzes your breath in another 5 seconds. 

I like that it’s an FDA approved medical device and comes with a rechargeable battery that lasts for more than 50 tests. 

The Ketoscan Mini includes a screen on the device and an easy-to-use app for convenience. So  I don’t need to check my smartphone screen first thing in the morning.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that after every 320 breath tests, you’ll need to replace the sensor and recalibrate the device. 

Pros

• Has a on device screen (dot matrix display)
• Is an FDA Class I medical device
• Has a built-in self-diagnostics module
• The app is free and comes with tips and tricks for measuring breath
• Compact size and easy to use

Cons

• Need to replace the sensor and recalibrate after every 320 breath tests
• Slow warmup time before you can use the device
• Often need to do a “calibration blow” before starting to use the device
• Smartphone connection problems

How Does Ketoscan Mini Work?

I like how easy the Ketoscan Mini real-time fat-burning monitor is to use. Here’s how it works. 

First, you turn it on and give it about 45 seconds to warm up. 

Then, you take a small breath and breathe into the device. It only takes about 5 seconds for it to analyze the breath and give you a reading. 

You don’t need to inhale too deeply, just a slight breath for about 3 seconds is all it needs. The reading comes up on a white dot matrix display on the device and in the app. 

Level	Breath Acetone Concentration (PPM)	Level of Ketosis
0	0.0 – 1.0	Not in ketosis
1	1.1 – 1.9	Not in ketosis
2	2.0 – 2.9	Very early stage of ketosis
3	3.0 – 3.9	Early stage of ketosis
4	4.0 – 4.9	Early stage of ketosis
5	5.0 – 5.9	Reliable level of ketosis
6	6.0 – 6.9	Stable level of ketosis
7	7.9 – 7.9	Proper level of ketosis
8	8.0 – 8.9	Proper level of ketosis
9	9.0 – 9.9	Optimum level of ketosis
10	10 – 40	Optimum level of ketosis
11	41 – 60	Excessive level of ketosis
12	60+	High risk level of ketosis

I really appreciate this feature because I’m trying to cut back on screen time, especially first thing in the morning. The device uses a sensitive flow-rate sensor to ensure accurate results. 

It measures breath acetone concentration using a PPM (Part Per Million) measurement and gives you a reading between 0.0 and 99. 

What’s cool is that it provides you with 13 levels of results that are easy to understand. 

Plus, you can use this information to calculate your body fat-burning rate and optimize your nutrition and fitness regimen. 

It’s a handy tool if you are on a keto diet and want to stay on track with your ketone levels.

Ketoscan Mini Accuracy

The Ketoscan Mini is an FDA class I medical device, meaning it’s been thoroughly checked for safety and effectiveness. 

It’s been put through its paces by the Vienna University of Technology, where it scored a 95% prediction rate for all measurements taken (450 in all). (1)

Over 85% of these results showed more than 80% accuracy, which is impressive. What really sets the Ketoscan Mini apart is its high-resolution acetone sensor. 

This sensor is incredibly sensitive, 10 times more so to ethanol and 50 times more to hydrogen than other breath sensors. It’s designed to pick up acetone and ignore other gases that could mess up the results. 

And, to ensure it keeps working well, the Ketoscan Mini comes with self-diagnostics for long-term use. It can even tell when it needs the test, which is pretty cool. 

The brand claims its error rate is less than 5 ppm: +/- 0.5 ppm and for above 5 ppm: +/- 10%. 

I’ve got to admit, my readings were a bit all over the place, even after about 100 measurements. 

But because it’s FDA-approved, I’m assuming it’s me, not the device. Perhaps I need more practice. 

I had way more consistent results with the Biosense breath meter. I think it’s because the Biosense uses a bit different technology and end-of-breath sampling.

Ketoscan Mini App

Ketoscan Mini fat-burning monitor comes with a totally free supporting mobile app. I like that there’s no “surprise premium” version that limits the content. 

You can access everything from day one. Here are the main benefits of the app.

Monitor Acetone Levels And Weight

With the companion app, you can easily keep track of your acetone levels and weight. This can be done every day, week, or month. 

Plus, you’re able to leave comments on your progress and even include photos of your meals to monitor calorie intake. 

To make things even better, recent updates now include features for viewing average weight and acetone levels. Plus, you can export your data in a csv format for a more detailed analysis. 

There’s also a cool feature that lets you take snapshots of your meals right within the app. This is a really handy way to keep a visual food diary. 

Tips and Tricks

I like that the Ketoscan Mini app offers practical tips and tricks to get accurate measurements. 

One of these tips is a caution that you shouldn’t brush your teeth, smoke, drink, or eat anything 30 minutes before taking the test. 

This helps ensure you get the most accurate results. 

Another cool thing about the app is its ability to detect your breath flow rate. If you don’t exhale enough into the device for it to make a reliable measurement, it’ll actually let you know, and you can do the test again. 

This app is focused on making sure your results are as precise as possible, which can be really useful when you’re trying to track your ketosis. 

Sharing Function

One feature I really appreciate in the companion app is its sharing function. You can easily share your test results, such as body fat calculations and food and calorie intake, directly with a diet coach through email. 

This feature is quite handy for those working closely with a coach. There’s also an option to share your ketone measurement levels with friends. 

The app even ranks you and your friends’ measurements on a weekly basis, assuming your friends also use the device. 

This friendly competition can be a great motivational booster to keep you on track with your health goals. All these sharing options make the app more interactive and useful. 

Ketoscan Mini Price

Okay, but how much does the Ketoscan Mini ketone breath analyzer cost? The device costs $149.99 one-time fee.

Ketoscan Mini – $149.99

The Ketoscan Mini device is available on Amazon and on the company’s website for just $149.99. 

But don’t forget that you need to replace the sensor and recalibrate it after every 320 breath measurements, and that costs $30 each time.

Is the Ketoscan Mini monitor worth the price? I think it’s a decent product to consider when you want an alternative for pricking your finger three times a day. 

But I personally prefer Keyto more, because it’s only $99 and offers a lot more value for money.

Ketoscan Lite – $99.00

Ketoscan Lite is a cheaper version of the Ketoscan Mini. 

The main difference between Mini and LIte is that the Mini is more accurate and has a wider measurement range of 0.0-99 ppm compared to Lite’s 0-40 ppm.

The self-diagnostics test is activated for every test, while for MIni, it’s activated depending on the sensor status.

The Ketoscan Lite also needs to be recalibrated after every 320 measurements, and it costs $30 + shipping.

Ketoscan Smart – $180.00

Ketoscan Smart is the newest addition to the Ketoscan family. It has a real LED display on the device. 

The main difference that I really like is that you don’t need to send the device to recalibration after 320 breaths.

Instead, you just buy a separate sensor cartridge and replace the sensor. Gotta say it’s very convenient.

The extra pre-calibrated replaceable Ketoscan Sensor Cartridge costs $30. 

Ketoscan Mini Drawbacks

I had mixed feelings about the Ketoscan Mini breath sensor. There were things that I liked and things that bugged me a lot.

1. Slow Warmup and Calibration Blow

Ketone breath meters, like the Ketoscan Mini, are known for their slow operation due to the need for calibration, which is something that has always been a bit of a bother for me. 

The process can be more tedious with the Ketoscan Mini analyzer than with other devices. 

First, you have to wait for the device to warm up, then you have to do a “calibration blow” to get it into the right mode, and then wait again before you can get your final reading. 

This process, which includes a 25-second warm-up, a 3-second blow, and a 15-second wait for the reading, takes quite a bit of time and effort, which isn’t ideal. 

PS! They say that the self-calibration test activates only when it thinks it needs calibration, not every time. But my device did it almost every time.

While it’s a limitation of the technology, with the Keyto device, I can multitask, and there’s no need for a double blow. 

The positive side is that the “self-diagnostics test” doesn’t count toward the 320 breath cycles, so you get the full use of the cycles you paid for. 

2. Inconsistent Readings

I really wanted to be a fan of this product, but it’s been a tough journey so far. 

I’ve been struggling with getting a consistent reading, often having to try 3-4 times before I can trust the result. 

For example, in one go, I got readings of 14, 9.6, and 7.6. What makes it even more frustrating is that the device needs servicing after 300 uses, so the multiple attempts are eating into that limit. 

This happens even when I haven’t eaten or drunk anything for 20 hours and I’m in deep ketosis. 

On top of this, the mobile app that comes with it doesn’t function smoothly and gives varied results daily.

I’m not sure if I’m doing something wrong, but this has been my experience so far. 

3. Calibration Interval

The Ketoscan Mini, like other ketone breath meters, needs calibration, which can be a bit of a hassle. 

After 320 test cycles (300 tests plus 20 extra), the device locks itself. If you’re not keeping track of your measurements, this could catch you off guard at the worst time. 

When this happens, you’ll need to replace the sensor to renew your device. This is because after 320 measurements, the self-diagnostic test mode becomes less effective, and the Ketoscan Mini won’t provide accurate results. 

To fix it, you’ll have to visit their service center or send the device in and let them replace the sensor and calibrate it again. 

They offer a quick calibration service in LA, but the downside is that you’ll have to shell out $30 plus shipping every 300 uses to get a new sensor put in. 

4. Connection Problems

I’m having a real issue getting my Ketoscan Mini to pair with my iPhone. I’ve tried using both the Ketoscan app’s tool and my phone’s own function, but no luck. 

I keep getting a “cannot pair, check your device settings and try again” message. Sometimes, it pops up really quickly. Other times, it takes a few seconds, but the result is the same.

I’ve searched the Ketoscan website for help, but couldn’t find anything about this. I did, however, find some stuff about pairing issues with low-power devices like Fitbits. 

Since the Ketoscan seems similar, maybe that’s my problem. But I’m really not sure what to do about it. 

Plus, it won’t pair with my phone unless I agree to share my precise location. I just don’t understand why they need my location for a Bluetooth connection.

Who is Ketoscan Mini For?

Ketoscan Mini is a device I have mixed opinions about. It’s actually an FDA-registered medical device that measures your ketone levels, making it a good alternative to blood meters. 

This is especially helpful if you’re following the ketogenic diet. If you’re a total beginner, you might find it valuable, but I usually recommend focusing on your food choices first. 

If you are an intermediate keto dieter, then it definitely helps to keep track of your ketone levels.

If you need the most accurate measurement every time, you might want to consider Biosense. 

While Ketoscan has been thoroughly tested and verified, I experienced some inconsistent readings. However, I understand that the issue could be on my end. 

Ketoscan Mini Alternatives

Here are the best alternatives to the Ketoscan Mini breath meter based on specific use cases. All of them are good products for doing certain things very well.

1. Lumen – Best for low-carb diets

Lumen is the best metabolism tracker for low-carb dieters. It’s similar to Keyto, but you can lose and track your fat burn without the restrictive ketogenic diet. 

2. Biosense – Most accurate breath meter

Biosense is the most accurate ketone breath analyzer out there. It’s an FDA 1 class medical device and has a screen, so you don’t need to use a smartphone first thing in the morning.

3. Fora 6 Connect – Best blood ketone meter

Fora 6 Connect is the gold standard in ketone and glucose blood measurements. It provides you with the most accurate readings every time.