

It’s a simple yet effective smoke alarm that’s notable for being smaller and more lightweight than most other options, allowing it to blend in even more easily on your home’s walls. If you’re not looking to spend so much on your smoke detector, consider this low-priced model from Kidde. Sensor Type: Electrochemical, ionization | Carbon Monoxide Detector: Yes | Power Source: Hardwired with battery backup | Dimensions: 5.6 x 5.6 x 1.9 inches | Certifications: UL Listed | Warranty: 10 years

And if you have First Alert detectors in other rooms, it’ll connect to them so that all the alarms will go off at once if there’s any danger. It features both electrochemical and ionization sensor technology to help it keenly detect smoke and carbon monoxide, and there are indicator lights (as well as a crystal-clear siren) that will alert you if there’s either in your home. This smoke alarm is simple to use, with just one button for both testing and silencing and included mounting brackets to put it up on the wall. The alarm also acts as a carbon monoxide detector, making it even more of a helpful item to have in your home. And if the battery runs low, it’ll let out a chirp, so you can fix the problem immediately. It’s hardwired, but it comes with a battery backup in the event of a power failure. It's hardwired, so it takes time to install (and probably isn't suited to renters).įor a highly reliable smoke detector that you can absolutely trust, look no further than this bestselling option from First Alert. We also received additional insight from Andler and Zaleski on how to choose the best smoke detector for your needs. To find the best smoke alarms on the market, we researched many options and evaluated them on type, longevity, sensitivity, features, price, and more. “This should give residents confidence that the alarm will work when it’s most important,” he notes. Philip Zaleski, executive director of the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance, suggests checking that whichever smoke detector you choose has been certified by a third party testing agency. “Buy the best quality one that you can afford.” “Quality build in a smoke detector is everything,” says Patrick Andler of fire investigation firm Andler & Associates, Inc. One of the most important items you can have in your home is a working smoke detector-and ideally not just one, but several, so you can ensure that your entire home is covered in the event of a fire.įinding a smoke detector that you can trust to reliably do its job can be a difficult but necessary task.
