See All Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Kidde KN-COSM-IB

*Est. $45
Reviewed
January 2009
by ConsumerSearch
Kidde KN-COSM-IB

Pros
  • Combination smoke and CO detector
  • Voice warning
  • Connectable to other models
  • Battery backup
Cons
  • No display
  • Doesn't detect smoky fires
  • Requires professional installation

The Kidde KN-COSM-IB is an electrical carbon monoxide and smoke detector with battery backup that can connect to other monitors in your home; if one alarm sounds, the others will, too. The KN-COSM-IB includes a smoke detector and uses an ionization module that will detect flames but will not work as well with smoldering fires. What makes this detector unique is the voice warning system, which announces the type of emergency (fire, carbon monoxide or low battery). If you're looking for a combination smoke and CO detector that is battery operated, the Kidde KN-COSM-B (*Est. $35) costs less.

ConsumerReports.org publishes the most thorough comparative ratings of CO detectors and includes the Kidde KN-COSM-IB in their recent evaluation. We also consulted a feature comparison chart of nearly 200 detectors at AlarmSpecs.com. Additionally, user reviews can be found at Amazon.com.

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Kidde KN-COSM-B Battery-Operated Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm with Talking Alarm
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $64.97   
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
Where To Buy
Kidde KN-COSM-IB Hardwire Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm with Battery Backup and Voice Warning, Interconnectable

 (381 reviews)
Buy new: $61.99 $35.17   38 Used & new from $28.99

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

 
Featured StoresStore RatingNotesTotal Price
eBayeBay rated 3.85 (1251 reviews)1,251 store reviewsIn Stock. Earn 2% eBay Bucks on qualifying purchases! Backed by eBay Buyer Protection Program. Terms and Condi$44.95
Amazon MarketplaceAmazon Marketplace rated 2.75 (234 reviews)234 store reviewsIn Stock. Fantastic prices with ease & comfort of Amazon.com!$199.00
 

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.org

In its most recent report, ConsumerReports.org editors test and rate 10 carbon monoxide detectors, including the Kidde KN-COSM-IB. They evaluate how well each model for detects high and low CO levels and features like this detector's voice alert.

Review: CO and Smoke Alarms, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, September 2009

2. Amazon.com

More than 60 owners post reviews of the Kidde KN-COSM-IB, giving it very high average ratings of 4.2 stars out of 5. A few report that the monitor gave false alarms.

Review: Kidde KN-COSM-IB Hardwire Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm, Contributors to Amazon.com

3. Alarmspecs.com

This single-page site rates nearly 200 models of carbon monoxide, heat and smoke detectors based on lifesaving features. No detectors receive a perfect score of 12. Based on the editors' scoring, the top-ranked models include the Kidde KN-COSM-IB.

Review: Alarm Specification Comparison, Editors of AlarmSpecs.com

Carbon Monoxide Detectors Runners Up:

Kidde KN-COSM-IB *Est. $45

1 pick including: Amazon.com, ConsumerReports.org…

Kidde Silhouette KN-COPF-i *Est. $70

1 pick by top review sites.

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Kidde KN-COPF-i Silhouette Wire-in Low Profile Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $109.99 $53.87   
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  

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