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  • Top 10 Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors
Top 10 Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors
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Top 10 Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors
Pros & Cons

    Pros

  • Safe and easy to setup and install
  • Employs both smoke and CO sensors
  • Battery operated alarm, no wiring needed
  • Loud and clear voice / talking alarm
  • Operates even during power outages
  • High quality and temper resistant
  • Value for money and UL listed

    Cons

  • Non-emergency alarms from smoky cooking
  • Frequent battery replacements
Review Summary

The Kidde KN-COSM-B carbon monoxide and smoke alarm combines two important safety devices in a single unit. It can easily be mounted on the ceiling or on the walls thus reducing the installation time and helps to keep home décor attractive. The alarm includes a loud and clear voice warning system that announces “Fire, Carbon Monoxide, Low Battery” and “Smart Hush Activation”. The voice alarm eliminates confusion and clearly warns you and your family of a smoke or carbon monoxide danger, or if your battery or device is in need of replacement. This technically advanced combination alarm is battery operated, protecting you and your family even during power outage. 

This device is suitable for all living areas and has a 7-year shelf life and a 5-year limited warranty.

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Pros & Cons

    Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Has both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors
  • Intelligent sensing technology reduces non-emergency alarms
  • Single button for test and mute operations
  • Easy battery replacement without removing the unit
  • Affordable price
  • Battery operated

    Cons

  • Chirps false alarm
  • Muffled alarm sound
Review Summary

The First Alert Double Sensor Battery – Powered Smoke and Fire Alarm is equipped to detect smoke particles caused by both flaming and smoldering fires. The dual smoke sensors with both photoelectric and ionization smoke sensing technology helps determine the difference between non-threatening conditions and real emergencies. It also features a convenient single button operation for testing or muting non-emergency alarms. This unit gives an easy access to battery door, enabling easy battery replacement without completely being removed from the ceiling. It uses two AA batteries (included).

However, like most of the alarm devices this unit also chirps frequently and gives false alerts. Some also felt that the alarm sound produced is muffled and might be difficult for elderly individuals to listen and react accordingly.

Overall, the First Alert Double Sensor is a recommended unit for single floor houses for its easy to use functionality and affordable price. It is backed with 10 years warranty and meets UL217 standards.

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Pros & Cons

    Pros

  • Easy to setup hard wire installation
  • Combines carbon monoxide and ionization smoke alarm
  • Clear and loud voice alerts
  • 9 volts battery backup to operate during power outages
  • Interconnected with other smoke alarms in home
  • Front loading battery for easy replacement without removing the device
  • Reasonable price for its quality and various features

    Cons

  • False or non-emergency alarms
Review Summary

The Kidde KN-COSM-IB combines carbon monoxide and ionization smoke alarm, providing two important safety devices in a single unit. It requires hard wire installation powered by home’s electricity in order to provide continuous protection. It easily mounts on the ceiling or wall and comes with a front loading battery installation. This speeds up replacement process by eliminating the need to remove the unit completely and re-installing. The alarm includes a voice warning system that helps eliminate confusion, as it tells you if its detected fire or carbon monoxide, if it needs a new battery or end of life alarm. The alarm also allows you to easily silence nuisance alarms using its convenient Smart Hush feature.

This alarm has 9 volt battery backup, which protects you and your family even during a power outage. This talking combo alarm is powered by your home’s electricity and can interconnect with other smoke alarms in your home. Experts recommend interconnected alarms, because when one sounds, they all sound, providing an early warning against fire by dramatically increasing your ability to hear an alarm anywhere in your home, regardless of where the danger starts. The device is provided with two LEDs - flashing green for normal operation and flashing red for alarm conditions.

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Pros & Cons

    Pros

  • Easy to install and mount
  • Ionization sensing single station smoke alarm
  • Battery operated, no wires needed
  • Includes 9 volts battery
  • Test button to check functionality of the alarm unit
  • Compact and clean looking
  • Affordable price with easy to use features

    Cons

  • Non-dual sensor alarm
  • Test button is very loud
Review Summary

Kidde i9040 Fire Sentry is battery operated single station smoke alarm that utilizes ionization sensing technology. This compact unit is 4 inch in diameter, giving it a discreet design and clean looks. It is powered by a 9 volts battery and installs quickly without wires. This easy to install unit includes a test button that allows you to periodically check the circuitry, horn, and battery function. Also, a chirping sound makes it clear when it is time to replace the battery. This unit is UL Listed and includes a shelf life of 10 years and a 3 years limited warranty. Kidde strongly recommends that both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms be installed to help insure maximum detection of the various types of fires that can occur within the home.

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Pros & Cons

    Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Mounts easily in older bracket
  • 9 volts battery backup
  • One button design with alarm memory
  • Easy and quick interconnectivity with other smoke devices
  • Has 10 years of shelf life
  • Reasonable price

    Cons

  • Chirps false alarms sometimes
Review Summary

The Kidde i12040 is an AC/DC powered, ionization smoke alarm that operates on a 120V power source with 9V battery backup. The battery-backup feature (9-volt battery included) provides protection even during power outages. The smoke alarm can be installed on any standard single gang electrical box, up to a 4” octagon junction box. The electrical connection (to the alarm) shall be made with a plug-in connector. This alarm is also compatible with older model mounting bases and thus is very easy and quick to setup or replace. The smart interconnect system connects with up to 24 Kidde devices--including other smoke alarms plus carbon monoxide and heat alarms.

By pressing the hush button, you can easily and safely silence nuisance alarms caused by non-emergency situations, such as overcooked dinners. The alarm includes a test button that will electronically simulate the presence of smoke and cause the unit to go into alarm.

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Pros & Cons

    Pros

  • Easy to install and use
  • Good at detecting low levels of CO
  • Plugs to an outlet or line cord installation options
  • Good digital display
  • Single button for test and mute operation
  • Low battery and end of life indicator
  • Affordable price with 7 years shelf life

    Cons

  • Flimsy battery cover
  • Looks bulky
Review Summary

The First Alert CO605 Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Battery Backup and Digital Display helps protect you and your family from the deadly threat of carbon monoxide. This carbon monoxide alarm with battery backup and backlit digital display easily plugs into any standard outlet with no additional mounting necessary. Battery backup ensures alarm works even during power outages. Easy view backlit digital display ensures viewing of danger, current or peak CO levels. The device illuminates hazard level when in alarm mode or when any button is pressed. It also features a single button to test and mute unnecessary or non-emergency alarms. Remote mute silences nuisance alarms by pressing any button on a standard household remote control (remote not included). The device also features low battery signal indicator and a CO level indicator which automatically resets to zero every 24 hours. Also the end of life timer chirps when it is time to replace the device. It includes 2 AA batteries and meets UL 2034 standards.

However, the major concerns seen in this device is its flimsy battery door made of cheap plastic.

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Pros & Cons

    Pros

  • Easy to install, battery operated
  • Large digital display to monitor CO levels
  • Battery safeguard feature for added safety
  • Test and reset buttons to check the circuit operations and silence the alarm
  • Green and red light indicators to alert various operations
  • Free standing design or easily mounts anywhere
  • Reasonable price with a shelf life of 7 years

    Cons

  • Does not detect low non-alarm CO levels
  • Some devices does not show above zero reading
Review Summary

Kidde’s KN-COPP-B-LPM battery-operated Carbon Monoxide alarm with digital display helps to provide your home with extensive protection against the dangerous threat posed by the odorless and colorless gas. This unit features a large digital display indicating the level of CO that the unit is sensing, and it updates the status every 15 seconds for timely and accurate readings. The free-standing design allows for attachment to a wall or placement on a counter or nightstand for convenient and comprehensive protection.

The KN-COPP-B-LPM also includes a slide-out battery door (requires 3 AA batteries, included) that provides immediate access to the power source as well as a battery safeguard that makes it difficult to close the cover without batteries installed. An LED lighting system on the unit signals power levels and sourcing: the green LED will flash once every 30 seconds to indicate the alarm is operating properly when power is present, and the red LED will pulse to indicate carbon monoxide has been detected until the device is reset or the CO threat is eliminated.

However, one major concern the reviewers mentioned is that this device does not monitor or detect low non-alarm CO levels that could be hazardous in the long run.

Overall, the Kidde KN-COPP-B-LPM Battery-Operated Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Digital Display is highly recommended for its reasonable price and safety features. This device has an expected shelf life of 7-year and comes with a 5-year manufacturer’s limited warranty.

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Pros & Cons

    Pros

  • Quick plug-in power connector with 9 volt battery
  • Smoke and CO detector in single unit
  • Separate visual and audible signal for smoke and CO
  • Inter-connectable and compatible with other smoke detectors
  • Microprocessor controlled for non-emergency alarms
  • Test and silence buttons with low battery indicator
  • Universal mounting brackets and tamper resistant

    Cons

  • Chirps false alarms after battery replacement
Review Summary

The First Alert Hardwired combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, wires directly into your home's electrical system and the 9 volt battery backup ensures your safety even during power outages. This unit is equipped with ionization technology and an electro-mechanical sensor which is more effective at detecting flaming fires for comprehensive protection. It has separate visual and audible warnings for smoke and carbon monoxide detection. This device is microprocessor controlled for fewer nuisance or non-emergency alarms. This unit can be interconnected with up to 18 other compatible smoke alarms and 6 compatible devices like bells, horns, door closers etc. It is advised to place at least one Combo unit in hall ways or open areas by interconnecting it with smoke detectors in bedrooms for additional safety. The latching alarm indicator remembers which unit initiated an alarm. This device also features test and silence button to cease a non-threatening alarm or low-battery warning which allows testing the unit’s operation. The low battery chirp and missing battery tab alerts the need of a new power source. The battery door and mounting bracket lock system makes it tamper resistance and it backs itself with a 7 years limited warranty.

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Pros & Cons

    Pros

  • Easy to install, battery powered
  • Free standing design or easily mounts on walls
  • Single test and silence button operation
  • Low battery or end of life warning indicator
  • Convenient front battery access for easy replacement
  • Compact and includes 2 AA batteries
  • Reasonable price with shelf life of 5 years

    Cons

  • Flimsy battery latch
  • Battery door does not close securely
Review Summary

The First Alert Battery-Powered Carbon Monoxide Alarm is an easy to use CO detector that uses an electro-chemical carbon monoxide sensor, which is the most accurate technology available. It can detect the CO you can't see, smell or taste in the air. A single button tests alarm functions and mutes nuisance or non-emergency alarms. With battery backup, you will have peace of mind that the alarm will continue to work even during power outages. An audible and visual low battery signal alerts you to replace the battery. Its attractive, compact and pleasing design is ideal for placing in all visible location with no installation required. The easy loading front access battery door allows you to quickly and easily change 2 AA batteries.

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Pros & Cons

    Pros

  • Three easy mounting options
  • Good digital display and 9 volts battery backup
  • Test or reset button to verify correct operation
  • Peak level memory features with reset option
  • Low battery or end of life warning indicator
  • Shelf life of 7 years
  • Reasonable price

    Cons

  • Needs fully charged battery even when plugged in
  • Problem in resetting the CO levels to zero
Review Summary

The Kidde KN-COPP-3 Nighthawk Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Battery backup and Digital display is an easy to install unit that provides reliable protection against the dangers of CO. It features a digital display that shows CO levels in parts per million allowing you to see if, how and when the levels change. The Nighthawk includes a 9 volts battery backup that provides continuous monitoring of CO levels, even during power outages. This alarm gives you 3 mounting options: direct plug to a power outlet, a 6’ power cord or use it as a table top. 

With the KN-COPP-3 Nighthawk, you never have to wonder if the sensor is functioning properly. A blinking dot in the lower right-hand corner of the display denotes normal operation, so you can trust that it's working. In addition, you can test alarm function by pressing the test/reset button at any time to verify that the horn and electric circuitry are operating properly.

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