The Best Fire Alarm Smoke Detectors
Fire alarm smoke detectors are a must-have in every home. Actually, there should be several throughout the house, including in bedrooms, hallways, kitchens, and other living spaces. It's also essential to ensure each of them is high-quality for maximum safety. That's where we come in, with this comprehensive list of the best options on the market.
What to Look For
When choosing a smoke detector for your home, there are a few important considerations. These include how sensitive they are, how they’re powered, and the ease of installation. For example, the First Alert hardwired smoke and carbon monoxide detector uses two power sources for constant monitoring. However, the battery-powered Kidde smoke detector is much easier to install and uses special ionization sensors to keep you safe. Our list of top picks below has you covered no matter what features you need. Feel free to take a look for more details.
First Alert Smoke and CO Detector
Always at the ready
This hardwired smoke and carbon monoxide detector from First Alert is an excellent choice for any home. You can wire it into your home’s electrical system, and the backup battery keeps it running even if the power goes out. The built-in test button allows you to double-check that it’s working correctly, and you can wire several of them throughout the home for simultaneous alerts.
Pros:
- These detectors help your family stay safe from fire and carbon monoxide. The combination means you won’t need to install separate units.
- They all work together, so if you live in a multi-level house, you’ll know of danger even if you’re on another floor.
- Each one is small and simply designed and won’t cause an eyesore in your home.
Cons:
- While these are easy to swap out with old models, they can be challenging to install if it’s your first time installing a hardwired detector.
Kidde Smoke Detector
Simple and affordable
If easy is what you’re after, the Kidde smoke detector is the perfect pick. It’s a reliable, battery-powered alarm that uses ionization sensing technology to detect danger before it overcomes the area. Meanwhile, the alarm feature is loud and almost impossible to ignore. That helps ensure you’ll be warned of any smoke or fire even if you sleep deeply in another room.
Pros:
- Installation is quick and easy. You can also twist the detector off to change the battery and then get it back on in a flash.
- This is an affordable option if you’re on a tight budget or don’t want to invest in hardwired models.
- It’s very reliable and can often sense smoldering fires before you can see them.
Cons:
- The included battery doesn’t last long, so you may want to switch it out for a different one to offset the “low-battery warning chirp”.
First Alert Hardwired Smoke Detector
Consistent power
Using the hardwired First Alert smoke detectors can ensure you’re always covered. Once you have them hardwired into your home, they will use ionization sensors to monitor your space for any fast flaming or smoldering fires. Then, if the electricity goes out for any reason, the battery backup will keep them running. And because they’re hardwired, multiple units can work together to maximize your safety.
Pros:
- These detectors are an excellent choice for replacing old hardwired units. They install easily into existing wiring.
- You can set up as many as you need, and they will all work together.
- They very rarely, if ever, go off for no reason. You won’t need to worry about frequent false alarms.
Cons:
- Certain models in this line don’t have carbon monoxide detectors, so make sure to read the item specs if that’s a priority.
Ecoey Smoke Detector Fire Alarm
When just one won't cut it
These simple, affordable, compact smoke detector fire alarms from Ecoey use photoelectric sensors to detect slow-burning and smoldering fires. The loud alarm will warn you of any issues, so you can stay as safe as possible. Installation is a breeze. You can have them set up throughout your home in no time with little to no hassle.
Pros:
- This set is a convenient and inexpensive way to ensure your house meets safety standards.
- They come with 3M adhesive and magnets for damage and hole-free installation.
- The affordable price helps you provide reliable smoke detection on a smaller budget.
Cons:
- The blinking light is pretty bright, so it’s not ideal for the bedrooms of light sleepers.
Google Nest Protect Smoke Alarm
A modern marvel
The Google Nest Protect has fabulous features that you won’t find in other models. It constantly monitors your home for smoke and carbon monoxide using a split spectrum sensing system, and it can warn you even if you aren’t home through an innovative phone app. As a bonus, it lets you know with a friendly voice when the batteries need replacing and lights your path in the dark.
Pros:
- Using the easy-to-navigate app, you can monitor your home, check the batteries, turn the alarm off, and more.
- The app notifies you of an issue at home, allowing you to send the fire department to save your home before you get there.
- If you add more units throughout your home, they all sync to the first one, so you don’t have to go through the set-up process again.
Cons:
- Due to the advanced smart features, the Nest Protect is obviously pricier than your typical smoke detector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I install my smoke detector fire alarms?
There should be a smoke detector in every bedroom, hallway, kitchen, and one in a central area on each level. For example, if you have a basement and two living floors, you’d have one in the basement, one on the first floor, and one on the second floor. Additionally, you’d add one to each bedroom and your kitchen.
How can I ensure my smoke alarms are working correctly?
Upon installation, there’s a test button for you to push to check that the detector is working. After that, you can push that same button to test the unit weekly or monthly, depending on the model’s instructions. Most detectors will start chirping as the battery runs low, and you must change the battery as soon as you hear it making that sound. If you test your alarm and change the batteries as needed, it will continue monitoring your home.
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