Which smoke detectors provide the best protection?

Not all fires are the same. Flaming fires, which typically occur in kitchens, are usually accelerated by flammable liquids and paper; smoky fires are fueled by fabrics like bedding, upholstery and clothing. For the best protection, you should either have a smoke detector that’s capable of detecting both flaming and smoldering fires, or use two smoke alarms.

According to reviews, single-sensor smoke detectors are not as effective as those with dual sensors. While ionization alarms are very good at detecting a flaming fire, they cannot be relied upon to quickly signal the presence of smoke. And the opposite applies to photoelectric alarms, which are quick to detect smoke but don’t perform as well in flaming fires.

Experts say you should consider the following when buying a smoke detector:

• A combination ionization/photoelectric sensor is able to detect both flaming and smoky fires quickly and accurately. If you do not use a combination model, you should install both photoelectric and ionization detectors in your home.

• Only buy a smoke alarm that meets Underwriters Laboratory (UL) standards. UL is a safety certification organization that assesses products to make they comply with safety regulations. Although most smoke detectors are certified by UL, some aren’t. Check the packaging or the instruction manual to determine if a particular model is UL-approved.

• A test button is an important safety feature. Fire alarms should be tested at least once a month to ensure they’re working properly. If you don’t want to climb on a chair or ladder to test the alarm, look for a model that can be activated with your television remote.

• An alarm with a hinged or removable cover is easier to clean. Dust buildup can cause an alarm to stop working, so be sure to clean the alarm on a monthly basis.

A few more safety tips to keep in mind:

• The average lifespan of a fire alarm is seven to 10 years, and models should always be replaced as indicated by the manufacturer’s specifications.

• Smoke alarms that use nine-volt and AAA batteries should have the batteries replaced at least once a year.

• Experts say you should have a fire alarm on each floor of your home and either inside or right outside each bedroom.

For more information on fire alarms, and to see which models get the best reviews, check out our recently updated full report on the best reviewed smoke detectors.