Overview
Headquartered in Japan, Omron Healthcare is one of the leading marketers and distributors of medical, home healthcare, and wellness products. Omron's Body Fat Monitor and Scale HBF-400 has scored excellent ratings among customers, and it is a great choice for health-conscious individuals who understand that body weight isn't the only important number when it comes to weight loss and overall fitness. The HBF-400 measures 3 fitness indicators: body fat percentage, Body Mass Index (BMI) and body weight. To calculate body fat percentages, Omron uses Bioelectrical Impedance (BI) technology, which is considered to be one of the most accurate and accessible methods of screening body fat. After a glance at the instruction manual, the HBF-400 is very easy to use and can store up to four personal profiles allowing users the ability to track their progress. Once a profile is set up with your age, gender and height, the scale uses electrodes in the foot sensor pads to send a low, safe electrical current through the body. All three fitness indicators are captured in seconds and are clearly displayed on the large LCD screen.
The HBF-400 can be found at multiple online retailers for prices ranging from $50-$60. It is backed by a 1-year warranty.
Product Report Card Grade
We give Omron’s Body Fat Monitor and Scale HBF-400 an A- because we think it is an excellent scale for the price. It provides accurate body weight, body fat and BMI readings for a more complete assessment of current fitness levels. It also stores up to 4 user profiles, so the whole family can keep track of their health and fitness goals. We deducted a few points because the scale only stores each user’s most recent measurements and because of its short warranty.
Date Reviewed
January 2012
January 2012
January 2012
Pros
complete and accurate assessment of current fitness level; storage of up to 4 personal profiles; easy to read screen; visual characterization of BMI makes it easy to read/understand
complete and accurate assessment of current fitness level; after the initial set-up, the scale is very easy to use; instantly recognizes up to 8 different users as soon as they step on scale; automatic wireless data transmission to online tracking website; ability to set personal goals and share data through online tracking website; ability to measure fat mass vs. lean mass; low profile is especially ideal for older people concerned with falling down
accurate body weight readings; easy to use and read; good warranty; environmentally-friendly; large platform can accommodate a wide variety of food sizes
Cons
only stores most recent measurement in your personal profile; accuracy of body fat percentages can vary unless instruction manual is closely followed; short warranty; should not use if you have a cardiac pacemaker or other medical devices that could be impacted by electrical current
pricey; cannot upload any historical data to online tracking website; accuracy of body fat percentages can vary unless instruction manual is closely followed; should not use if you have a cardiac pacemaker or other medical devices that could be impacted by electrical current; some complaints about spotty customer service
needs enough light to run (artificial light has to be a certain wattage and no more than 8ft away from the scale); does not calculate body fat percentage or BMI; does not store weight measurement records
Warranty
1-year limited warranty
1-year limited warranty
3-year limited warranty
Dimensions
Measures 12.2" x 11.8" x 2.1" (L x W x H) and weighs 4.7 lbs
Measures 12.6" x 12.6" x 0.9" (L x W x H) and weighs 5.1 lbs.
Measures 12" x 13" x 1.9" (L x W x H) and weighs 5.1 lbs.
Fitness Indicator Measurements
Measures body weight, fat mass and BMI.
Measures body weight, fat mass and BMI.
Only measures body weight.
Measurement Accuracy
Weight is measured in .2 lb (.1 kg) increments. Body fat percentage is measured from 5 - 60% in .1% increments. BMI is rated from 7.0 to 90.0 in .1 increments.
Weight is measured in .2 lb (.1 kg) increments.
Weight is measured in .2 lb (.1 kg) increments under 200 lbs (100 kg) and in .5 lb (.2 kg) increments between 200 - 330 lbs (100 - 150 kg).
Multiple User Profiles
Stores up to 4 user profiles and will display previous measurements for comparison. It also has "guest" setting that allows others to use the scale without storing their information.
Can keep track of up to 8 users and can automatically differentiate between individual users once they step on the scale.
No
Power Source
Powered by 4 "AA" batteries. Battery life is approximately 1 year when used 4 times a day.
Powered by 4 "AAA" batteries. Battery life varies depending on use (~6 months to a year)
Features built-in solar cell that can draw power from ordinary household light in addition to sunlight.
Product Design
The scale comes in chrome/silver with a large LCD screen and has a sleek, modern look.
The scale has an Apple-esque design. It comes in white or black and has a glass top.
The scale is white and has a rectangular shape. There is a small black circle around the 1.2" LCD display screen.
ProductReportCard Editors' In-Depth Review
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Complete and accurate assessment of current fitness level if instruction manual is closely followed
- Storage of up to 4 personal profiles
- Detailed instruction manual that helps customer understand how their body fat percentage and BMI compares to normal ranges
- Easy to read screen
- Visual characterization of BMI makes it easy to read/understand
Cons
- Only stores most recent measurement in your personal profile
- Accuracy of body fat percentages can vary depending on a few situations:
- Changes in the body's water content (which is in flux 1-2 hours after a meal)
- Changes in blood circulation (after showering, exercising, during illness, etc).
- Accuracy can also be affected by people who are body builders or highly trained athletes, people with osteoporosis or low bone density, women who are pregnant and post-menopausal women to name a few examples.
- As a precautionary measure, Omron doesn't advise people with cardiac pacemakers or other medical devices to use the HBF-400 because of the electric current used in the BI method
- Cannot be used in locations where it could get wet
- Warranty is only 1 year.
Key Features
Product Size
The HBF-400 is 12.2" x 11.8" x 2.1" (L x W x H) and weighs 4.7 lbs.
User Restrictions
The HBF-400 is appropriate for individuals between 10-80 and whose height is between 3'4" and 6' 6-3/4.
Accuracy
Weight is measured in .2 lb increments. Body fat percentage is measured from 5 - 60% in .1% increments. BMI is rated from 7.0 to 90.0 in .1 increments.
Fitness Indicator Measurements
Measures body weight, body fat and BMI. BMI and body fat are calculated by a formula that includes 5 factors: electrical resistance, height, weight, age and gender. BMI is classified at four levels: low (-), normal (0), high (+), very high (++).
Multiple User Profiles
The HBF-400 stores up to 4 user profiles and will display previous measurements for comparison. It also has "guest" setting that allows others to use the HBF-400 without storing their information.
Product Design
The HBF-400 comes in chrome/silver and has a sleek, modern look.
Easy to use
There is a simple on/off switch to turn the machine on and then you just select your personal ID or "guest". Results are the displayed as "WEIGHT -> %FAT -> BMI".
Screen Display
Measurements are displayed on a large LCD screen.
Power Source
4 "AA" batteries are included when you purchase the HBF-400. Battery life is approximately 1 year when used 4 times a day (automatically shuts down after 5 minutes to save battery life).
Reputation
The HBF-400 appears to be an excellent product for this price point based on online reviews. Body weight alone isn't the best indicator of overall health, and it is critical that we pay more attention to our BMI and body fat percentage to maintain a healthy lifestyle and effective weight loss program. Definitely read the instruction manual if/when you buy this product to make sure that you are using it correctly and that your results won't be skewed.
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