Catch The Fire Before It Starts: Best Smoke Detector
-
Kidde Carbon Monoxide and Photoelectric Smoke Detector -
First Alert Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detector -
X-Sense 2-in-1 Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector -
First Alert Hardwire Talking Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Detector -
Kidde Lithium Battery Powered, Smoke Alarm with Voice Alert Smoke Detector -
Kidde with Lithium Battery, LED Lights & Replacement Alert Smoke Detector -
Buyer's Guide
Smoke detectors are an essential part of any household and frequently mandated by law to be included in rental properties. Although many people associate smoke alarms with cheap units that go off way too often (especially if things go awry in the kitchen) modern alarms are generally sophisticated enough to tell when there's a real threat, reducing the amount of nuisance alarms.
Alarms can vary quite widely in their performance and price, with higher-priced models often including detection for both smoke and carbon monoxide, as well as the ability to network alarms together for a more comprehensive household alarm system. These best smoke detectors in 2022 incorporate both audio and visual alarms, as well as the ability to detect smoldering fires, full flames, and carbon monoxide. They are also easy to install and test, while including a mute button to quickly handle any false alarms. Not all of our picks detect multiple types of threats due but all offer the reliable ability to detect a fire threat.
What are the best smoke detector of 2022?
Kidde Carbon Monoxide and Photoelectric Smoke Detector - Best Smoke Detector Overall
The Kidde KN-COSM-BA is an excellent all-around smoke detector, with the ability to detect both fires and carbon monoxide. This battery-operated alarm is quick and easy to install, and includes a test/reset button to ensure that the unit is working properly. A hush feature is also included to quiet any false alarms.
The KN-COSM-BA is a talking alarm, which means that it will verbally identify the type of hazard detected. This allows for a quicker appropriate reaction to the type of threat present. A low battery and end-of-life feature causes this smoke detector to "chirp" when the battery is low or the alarm has reached the end of its seven-year life span, allowing you to always be sure that the detector is functioning properly.
First Alert Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detector - Runner Up
The First Alert SA320CN is one of the relatively few smoke detectors to offer dual dire detection. This smoke detector uses both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors because while most detectors use only ionization sensors, photoelectric sensors are better able to detect smoldering fires before they erupt into large flames. Many professionals recommend that every home have either both types of detectors or an all-in-one unit such as this for utmost safety.
The SA320CN utilizes cutting edge technology to better distinguish real threats from false alarms, although a mute button allows for quick silencing of nuisance alarms. This battery-powered smoke detector does not offer carbon monoxide detection, but its dual sensor technology makes its slightly higher price tag well worth the investment.
X-Sense 2-in-1 Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector - Honorable Mention
As the name suggests, the X-Sense 2-in-1 Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm is a dual-function device that detects not just fire, but also the silent killer carbon monoxide. It is a battery-operated device that comes with a long-lasting sealed lithium battery capable of powering your device up to a decade. Since there is no wiring involved, this X-Sense unit is also very easy to install.
The device features upgraded photoelectric and electrochemical sensors that make it extremely sensitive. This also means that there are less chances of false alarms too. It has a fast response with a loud 85 decibels alarm alerting you of the danger. Plus, it comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee and five year warranty coverage for your ultimate satisfaction.
First Alert Hardwire Talking Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Detector - Consider
The First Alert SC9120B can be networked with other smoke detectors to create a household fire and carbon monoxide safety network. This ability to connect the detector with other devices allows for added peace of mind, since when one alarm goes off, it will signal to others elsewhere in the house to go off as well. The SC9120B uses both visual and audible warnings with separate indicators for smoke or carbon monoxide, while being programmed to ensure that nuisance alarms are few and far between. A silence/test button is also included.
Although the SC9120B is a wired device, it comes with a battery backup to ensure functionality even during a power outage. Although this smoke detector is pricier than most, its networking ability and smoke and carbon monoxide detection capabilities are worth the investment. First Alert backs this model with a seven-year warranty.
Kidde Lithium Battery Powered, Smoke Alarm with Voice Alert Smoke Detector - Consider
The Kidde KN-COSMXTR-BA detects smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide effectively while using a voice alarm to identify the type of hazard and speed up the appropriate reaction. This feature can save lives, since it allows for quickly determining the threat and taking the correct action to address it.
Easy to install, this battery-powered smoke detector does not include a networking feature, but uses both visual and a very loud audible alarms to announce a threat. A hush feature is included, which temporarily silences the alarm if the user believes it is a false threat. Kidde offers a ten-year warranty with this smoke detector.
Kidde with Lithium Battery, LED Lights & Replacement Alert Smoke Detector - Best Smoke Detector
The Kidde i9040 is an affordable and basic smoke detector. This battery-powered device is easy to install with the included bracket, features a low-profile design, and includes a three-year warranty. Although the i9040 does not include a lot of extras and might be somewhat more prone to false alarms than more expensive devices, it offers a reliable capability to detect smoke using its ionization sensors.
A test button is included to periodically ensure the detector is functioning properly and the alarm volume is very loud, ensuring everyone nearby will hear it clearly. If something very simple and budget-friendly is what you're looking for, this is a solid choice.
Buyer's Guide
According to a 2021 report by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an average of 353,100 home-structure fires occurred yearly between 2014 and 2017 in the United States, with approximately three of every five home fire deaths resulting from fires in properties with no smoke alarms (41%) or with smoke alarms that did not function (16%). The American Red Cross also reports that "an estimated 890 lives could be saved each year if all houses had working smoke alarms." All of these figures serve to underline the importance of installing smoke detecting systems in homes and places of business.
To keep your home safe, you need a reliable, quality smoke detector. Here is a guide of helpful tips to make sure you purchase the best one.
What are smoke detectors?
A smoke detector is an electronic fire-protection device. Smoke is an important indicator of fire, the presence of smoke in a building is automatically detected by the smoke detector which then sounds a warning to a building's occupants.
Smoke detectors can be the commercial or industrial sort that functions as a part of a building's central fire alarm system; when triggered, they send signals to the fire alarm control panel. They can also be household smoke detectors, also called smoke alarms. These give off an audible or visual alarm, or both, from the detector itself when triggered. Sometimes, multiple household detectors are interlinked, when this is the case, all the interlinked detectors will trigger if any of them detects smoke.
What are the types of smoke detectors available?
Smoke detectors can be classed according to the method of smoke detection adopted. The detectors may sense smoke optically (photoelectric) or by physical process (ionization). Some detectors, called dual-sensor smoke alarms, combine both methods.
Ionization smoke detectors work by ionizing the air between two electrodes, one positively charged and the other negatively charged. This ionization creates a small current inside the chamber whose flow can be altered by smoke particles. When this current is altered, a signal is sent to the integrated circuit and the alarm sounds.
The optical or photoelectric smoke detectors make use of an LED light to detect smoke. They are triggered when smoke particles enter the sensor chamber and disrupt the beam of light.
Why should I buy a smoke detector?
Smoke detectors function to detect fires early, to allow for early intervention and/or evacuation, reducing morbidity, mortality, and property damage. According to statistics from the NFPA, the risk of dying in a home fire is cut by more than half when a functioning smoke alarm is installed in a building.
What factors should I consider before choosing a smoke detector?
Smoke detectors are very important pieces of equipment in any home or office space. They are devices with potentially life-saving capabilities, and as such, choosing one that not only works well but is appropriate for the area where it's meant to function and caters to your particular needs is of great importance. Earlier, we gave you a list of the best smoke detectors on the market, and now, to help guide your choice, we'll run you through the important factors to consider before making a choice.
Sensor Type
The type of sensor a smoke detector employs is an important factor to consider. It determines how appropriate the smoke detectors are for a given space.
- Ionization Smoke Detectors
Ionization alarms are designed to quickly detect tiny smoke particles typical of fast-burning fires that usually originate from materials such as paper and clothing. These fires typically produce little or no smoke. However, ionization smoke detectors can be easily triggered by cooking and steam, resulting in false alarms. This makes them unsuitable for use in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Optical Smoke Detectors
These are highly sensitive to the presence of large particles in the air and work better to quickly identify slow smoldering fires that usually produce a lot of smoke. These fires typically originate from overheated wiring or upholstery-type materials, and as such, optical smoke detectors are more suited to areas where these are common such as bedrooms and living rooms. The optical models are less prone to false alarms than the ionization models and can be used installed close to kitchens as they are less likely to be triggered by cooking fumes. They are not suitable for areas that are dusty or open to the elements.
- Dual-Sensor Smoke Detectors
These are the safest type of smoke detectors. They combine the properties of ionization and optical models and are suitable for detecting both fast-burning and slow smoldering fires.
Power Source
Smoke detectors could be hardwired into your home's electrical system and require professional installation. They usually have backup batteries in case of power outages. The battery-only smoke detectors are much easier to install but typically require more maintenance. Plug-in models are also available.
Smart or Not
Smart smoke detectors can send alerts to your smartphone when they are triggered so you are aware of fires that start even when you are not at home. They are more expensive than the regular models but can be worth the extra peace of mind.
Interconnection
A lot of smoke detector models these days come with interconnection capabilities. This means that when one detector is triggered, the alarm sounds from that particular detector and all the other interconnected ones, ensuring that everyone in the building is alerted as soon as a fire is detected.
Additional Features
Other features like LED lighting, carbon monoxide detection, insect screens, ultra-loud alarms, and vibrating pads for your bed can be helpful.
- LED lighting can provide useful lighting for night emergencies.
- LED strobe lighting, ultra-loud alarms, and vibrating pads help alert the hearing impaired.
- Models with carbon monoxide detection capabilities help protect you from carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Insect screens serve to prevent insects from triggering false alarms.
How Much Do Smoke Detectors Cost?
Smoke detectors can cost as little as $10 or as much as $250 for the smart models, so there is something for every budget.
FAQs
Q. What sensor type is best for a smoke detector?
A. Dual-sensor smoke detectors combine the features of both the ionization and the optical models and are the safest option.
Q. Where should I install my smoke detector?
A. The NPFR (National Fire Protection Agency) recommends installing dual-sensor detectors inside and outside every bedroom, on every floor of your building, including the basement. You should also have one near your kitchen. The Arizona Burn Foundation recommends that you install smoke detectors at least 10 feet away from the stove to reduce the chances of false triggering.
Q. How often should I test my smoke detector?
A. It is recommended that you test your smoke detector once a month. Smoke detectors usually come with a test button for this purpose. The test lets you know whether or not it's time to change the batteries. It is advised that you change the batteries of your smoke detector after every 6 months regardless of the result of your testing.
