Smoke Detectors: Reviews

In reviews, experts consistently point to the First Alert SA302CN dual-sensor as the best smoke detector. It runs on a replaceable nine-volt battery and features a combination ionization and photoelectric sensor that is… by far the most accurate and effective detection method available. The First Alert SA302CN smoke alarm has extra features that many detectors do not offer, such as remote-controlled alarm testing and silencing; Intelligent Sensing, which differentiates non-threatening conditions (i.e. kitchen smoke) from real emergencies; and an automatic daily self-check test. This model has a 10-year warranty. One downside is that some owners say you can accidentally trigger the test function with your TV's remote control, so it may take some trial and error to get the right placement.

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The First Alert SA340CN features a tamper-proof design and a 10-year, non-replaceable lithium battery, which spares you from changing a battery each year (as with the dual-sensor First Alert SA302CN above and most other… battery-powered detectors), but this smoke alarm has only an ionization sensor, so it's less effective at detecting smoky, smoldering fires. Reviews say this is a good choice if you want a detector with a very long battery life, but since it lacks a dual sensor, it is best used in tandem with a photoelectric detector such as the First Alert SA710CN (*Est. $17). The cost of a second detector can eat up the savings from not having to replace the batteries in this unit.

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The First Alert SA710CN photoelectric smoke detector is better at detecting smoky or smoldering fires than the First Alert SA340CN ionization smoke alarm above. Since photoelectric technology is not good at detecting… flaming, fast-burning fires, it should be used in combination with an ionization detector. This unit also requires yearly battery replacement and, like other First Alert smoke detectors, it has a limited 10-year warranty.

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Although the Kidde Basic 0914 is a no-frills ionization-model, tests show it's good at detecting high-flame fires. It is less adept at sensing smoky fires, such as those caused by smoldering bedding, however. That's why… ionization-sensor smoke detectors are not the best choice for bedrooms. Experts prefer models such as the First Alert SA302CN dual-sensor alarm, which has both an ionization detector and a photoelectric sensor for detecting slow, smoldering blazes.

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In many states, new homes are required to have hardwired smoke detectors. With alarms placed at each floor in this arrangement, every unit will sound its alert when one detects smoke or fire. The hardwired Kidde PI2000… has dual sensors, so it's good at sensing both high-flaming and smoky fires. There's also a battery backup in case your home loses power. The Kidde alarm is a particular favorite in user reviews. Owners say it is easy to install and registers few false alarms.

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