We has studied the market for breathalyzers that are available for sale in 2022. We talk about the best devices, their features and customer reviews
The best breathalyzers. Photo: Svetlana Makoveeva
Often the morning after the holiday there is a need to go somewhere, but first it is important to understand whether it is already possible to drive or the alcohol has not yet completely disappeared. To find out for sure, they use special devices — analyzers of the concentration of ethanol vapors, and in a simple way — breathalyzers. How to choose a good breathalyzer for home use, we will discuss with professionals.
Editor’s Choice
Inspector AT750
Inspector AT750
Breathalyzer Inspector AT750 is a handy device that fits in your pocket and is useful for assessing the level of alcohol in exhaled air vapor. The breathalyzer from the South Korean manufacturer is distinguished by reliable assembly, quality and measurement accuracy. At the same time, the scale step is only 0.01 ppm, which not every model of breathalyzers can boast of. There is also a set of 6 mouthpieces in the kit — it is better not to lose them, since the mouthpieces are not sold separately.
The breathalyzer is powered by two AAA alkaline batteries. The sensor readiness takes only 10–15 seconds, the purge time is 5 seconds, and the test itself lasts 3–10 seconds. The memory is designed for 10 tests, so you can compare the results. However, calibration is required only after 500 tests, which is usually more than 12 months.
Separately, I would like to note the stylish appearance of the breathalyzer — a black glossy case, an intuitive interface.
Characteristics
breathalyzer
personal
Sensor
electrochemical
Measurement
up to 2.5 ppm
Indications
visual, sound
Auto power off
there is
Low battery indicator
there is
Pros and cons
High build quality, measurement accuracy, fast testing time, stylish appearance.
Mouthpieces are not sold separately.
Top 9 rating
1. Delta AT-600
Delta AT-600. Photo: Delta
In a neat box they sell the device itself, instructions along with a table of the ratio of alcohol in blood and in exhaled air, as well as a set of sealed mouthpieces. Powered by an AAA battery, you can charge it via microUSB, which is included. The analysis process takes about five seconds. The device has a memory for the last ten measurements. If you do not touch the device within 20 seconds, it will turn itself off. When alcohol is detected in the blood, the screen begins to flash red uneasily, and the device emits a series of signals. The result can be switched to different units. Buyers note the quality assembly. The details here are really tightly fitted to each other. The plastic is pleasant to the touch. However, in the reviews, users complain that the device does not detect residual alcohol in the blood — the one that persists 8–10 hours after drinking.
Characteristics
breathalyzer
personal
Sensor
semiconductor
Measurement
up to 2 ppm
Indications
sound, visual
Auto power off
there is
Low battery indicator
there is
Pros and cons
Fits comfortably in the hand
Suitable for operational measurements only
2. Dingo E‑010
Dingo E‑010. Photo: Dingo
Characteristics
breathalyzer
semi-professional
Sensor
electrochemical
Measurement
up to 4 ppm
Indications
sound, visual
Auto power off
there is
Low battery indicator
there is
PC/phone connection
there is
Pros and cons
Device quality
You need to pay extra for connecting to a PC
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3. Ritmix RAT-310
Ritmix RAT-310. Photo: Ritmix
This is a simple appliance from a Chinese brand of small household appliances. But it’s wildly popular in 2022 due to its affordable price, which is why we couldn’t help mentioning it in the ranking of the best breathalyzers. The manufacturer also has even cheaper models, but there are too many questions about the quality of the measurement. It comes with five plastic mouthpieces in the package. They are not disposable. You are expected to process them after measurement and reuse them. In principle, given the positioning of this device as a personal device, there is nothing wrong with that. He prepares for the launch for 10 seconds and offers the same amount of time to blow into the mouthpiece. Ready for the next measurement quickly enough. Users conducted experiments by blowing inside immediately after drinking kvass. The device reacts to vapors in the oral cavity, but if you wait a few minutes, it does not detect alcohol in the blood. This is a kind of indicator of good accuracy of the device.
Characteristics
breathalyzer
personal
Sensor
semiconductor
Measurement
up to 1.9 ppm
Indications
sound, visual
Auto power off
there is
Trinket
there is
Pros and cons
flimsy body
5. Alcogran AG-100
Alcogran AG-100. Photo: Alcogran
This breathalyzer is equipped with the most popular sensor for measuring the level of alcohol in exhaled air — electrochemical. Measurement accuracy up to a thousandth ppm. According to the instructions, the sensor is enough for at least 1000 measurements. After that, the device must be given for inspection to a technical service, where they will calibrate or state unsuitability for further operation. It can show that the resource is not so big. We hasten to dissuade that by the standards of breathalyzers, this is a very good “margin of safety.” Local mouthpieces are equipped with a check valve. Due to this, it will not be possible to simulate exhalation. It is powered by only one “little finger” battery. There is no way to charge the battery from USB. Although one element for personal use is enough for several years, if the battery is of high quality. If the sensor detects intoxication, the device starts to emit a characteristic squeak, and the display is highlighted in red.
Characteristics
breathalyzer
personal
Sensor
electrochemical
Measurement
up to 1 ppm
Indications
sound, visual
Auto power off
there is
Pros and cons
Durability
Despite the high price, not certified
6. DRIVESAFE II
DRIVESAFE II. Photo: DRIVESAFE
A high-precision device from Canada that measures the concentration of ethanol vapor in exhaled air. It has an electrochemical sensor. You can buy for enterprises to perform, for example, pre-trip inspections of drivers. For this, it has the necessary certificates. If the subject exhales insufficiently, the device will not work and will signal this. This way you can avoid cheating. LCD display with bright green backlight. The color changes, depending on the degree of intoxication of the patient, to orange or red. The inscriptions on the case are Russified
Characteristics
breathalyzer
semi-professional
Sensor
electrochemical
Measurement
up to 9.99 ppm
Indications
sound, visual
Auto power off
there is
Low battery indicator
there is
Pros and cons
Adequate and fast work
7. SITITEK PRO2
SITITEK PRO2 (with clock). Photo: SITITEK
One of the most relevant devices on the market for the best breathalyzers in 2022. The sensor here is a semiconductor — you can read more about their features in our review below. Mouthpieces are not included, and there is nowhere to put them. Exhalation must be done in a special hole. The device is compact and, thanks to its rounded shape, lies well in the hand. The main feature that distinguishes this breathalyzer from its competitors is the watch. For them, a separate screen is displayed above the main one. It displays not only the current time, but you can display the air temperature and the timer. Or set an alarm. To be honest, the feeling that the manufacturer simply stuffed an electronic watch into the case does not leave, but maybe this will come in handy for someone. Between tests, you need to maintain an interval of one minute. The results are displayed as a percentage of alcohol in the exhalation or ppm. On one charge of two AAA batteries, it can withstand 200 tests.
Characteristics
breathalyzer
personal
Sensor
semiconductor
Measurement
up to 1.9 ppm
Indications
visual
Auto power off
there is
Clock, timer
there is
Pros and cons
Watch
Inconvenient exhalation port
8. Alcohol detector Mark V
Alcovetor Mark V. Photo: Alcovector
An interesting device, reminiscent of a flip phone from the last decade. It is immediately clear that Chinese engineers worked on the hull. Although, judging by the characteristics of the manufacturer, this is a joint development with a company from the United States. The device has peculiar elongated mouthpieces resembling a pipe. They are reusable. The device comes in a solid case. It has a color display. You can order a power adapter to work from a wall outlet. If more expensive kits with cable and software to enter all the results into a database of a computer program. Up to two thousand last measurements are stored in memory. The device controls the duration of the exhalation and, in case of insufficient time, will prompt you to repeat the procedure. Operates on four “little” batteries.
Characteristics
breathalyzer
professional
Sensor
electrochemical
Measurement
up to 4.4 ppm
Indications
sound, visual
Auto power off
there is
PC connection
there is
Pros and cons
Rich functionality
High price
9. Airline ALK-L-01
Airline ALK-L-01. Photo: Airline
We do not urge to take seriously such a simple device. It is rather a curious souvenir-toy. It comes with a keychain and can be hung on a keychain. And it also has a built-in LED flashlight — a nice bonus. You need to hold down the power button throughout the procedure. Mouthpiece installation is not provided here. The patient exhales directly into a special hole on the body of the breathalyzer. There is no screen here. The result will show one of the LEDs. If you are clean, it will turn green. If the concentration of alcohol in the exhaled air does not exceed 0.2, then the middle yellow light will light up. For other indicators, red color. Between tests you need to take a break of three minutes. The manufacturer also recommends Do not eat or smoke for 20 minutes before the test. Although he accurately determines intoxication, so if you need the most budgetary device, you can purchase it.
Characteristics
breathalyzer
personal
Sensor
semiconductor
Measurement
up to 0.2 ppm
Indications
visual
Pros and cons
Torch
No display
How to choose a breathalyzer
We asked a representative of the MedPoint24 company, which manufactures and installs complexes for pre-trip medical examinations of personnel, to tell about the rules and criteria for choosing the best breathalyzers. The composition includes a breathalyzer, since the determination of the content of alcohol vapor in the exhaled air is a mandatory procedure, without which drivers are not allowed to board the flight. Says the company’s lead marketer Ekaterina Galustyan.
What to look out for
In the language of professionals, a breathalyzer is called an ethanol vapor concentration analyzer in exhaled air. Here’s what to look for when choosing a device:
the ability to switch the display from mg / l to ppm and vice versa;
the presence of conventional batteries and a power supply;
the ability to change the funnel to the mouthpiece from the kit.
Types of breathalyzers
With semiconductor sensors. The smallest group. The sensor itself is a porous substance. When a person blows air through it, it absorbs alcohol molecules. The volume of the sensor changes, and the degree of intoxication is determined. The main disadvantage of such breathalyzers is that the sensors absorb not only alcohol molecules, but also other substances that are similar in structure.
With electrochemical sensors. Very common. They work quickly, are selective to ethanol and almost do not depend on the ambient temperature. Inside is an electrochemical cell with platinum electrodes, which determine the amount of exhaled ethanol.
With infrared sensors. They have high measurement accuracy. Absorb IR radiation from ethyl alcohol vapor. Such devices have absolute selectivity for ethanol, but the readings are highly dependent on environmental parameters. The disadvantages include a long analysis time
The difference between professional and amateur breathalyzers
We use professional devices, as We need high accuracy. They differ from amateur ones in the ability to transfer information to a server or computer, the number of measurements between sensor calibrations, measurement accuracy and price. At large enterprises, the possibility of installing professional devices at the checkpoints and the possibility of integrating them into access control and management systems is also important.
Can an ordinary person competently use a breathalyzer
Everyone can use the breathalyzer if you follow the instructions for use. In terms of complexity, it can be compared with a tonometer when following the rules, the result will be stable and accurate. If the rules are violated, the readings will be incorrect.
In professional breathalyzers, manufacturers try to exclude the possibility of cheating a breathalyzer; in amateur ones, this task is not worth it.