Best Smoke Detectors

Single-sensor detectors are inexpensive, best used in combinations

Many less costly smoke detectors are single-sensor models that use either ionization sensing, such as the First Alert SA340CN (*Est. $20), or photoelectric sensing, like the First Alert SA710CN (*Est. $17). In testing, inexpensive ionization alarms do a good job of sensing high-flaming fires, but perform poorly on smoky fires. On the other hand, a photoelectric smoke detector excels at detecting slow, smoldering fires, but not as well with fast, flaming fires. Experts say that if you do not use a combination smoke detector, you should hang both ionization and photoelectric units.

Although most smoke detectors need their batteries changed at least yearly, the First Alert SA340CN features a permanent lithium battery, which the manufacturer says will last 10 years. The First Alert SA340CN has only an ionization sensor, however, and is therefore likely to be less effective in the event of a smoky fire. ConsumerGuide.com names this First Alert smoke detector a best buy, although user reviews at Amazon.com are decidedly mixed and few in number.

A photoelectric smoke detector is better at detecting smoky, smoldering fires than an ionization unit. An example of a highly rated photoelectric smoke detector is the basic, battery-operated First Alert SA710CN (*Est. $17). The First Alert SA710CN receives good marks in professional testing and from most of the dozen or so owners posting reviews at Amazon.com. Most report fewer false alarms than with other smoke detectors they have tried. This First Alert smoke alarm's nine-volt battery requires annual replacement, but, like other First Alert smoke detectors, the unit comes with a 10-year warranty.

You'll also see some combo models on the market -- ionization smoke detectors that also serve as carbon-monoxide detectors. (We have a separate report on carbon monoxide detectors.) The downside is that you'll still need to install a photoelectric smoke detector for the best protection. One well-reviewed smoke/carbon-monoxide detector is the Kidde KN-COSM-B (*Est. $40). More than 80 user reviews on Amazon.com give the model 4.5 stars out of 5. One nice feature is an audible alarm that announces the type of emergency, such as "fire" or "carbon monoxide detected."  

Dual-sensor smoke detectors are best overall

An even better choice is a dual-detection smoke alarm, which features photoelectric and ionization technology. Purchasing one dual-sensor alarm as opposed to two single-sensor detectors can add up to some cost savings.  

With this in mind, reviewers say the First Alert SA302CN (*Est. $25), a battery-operated smoke alarm equipped with both ionization and photoelectric sensors, is the safest and most accurate smoke detector you can buy. This First Alert smoke detector includes a test function and 85-decibel alarm, a 10-year warranty and other features like a slide-out battery drawer that enables you to change the batteries without removing the entire unit from the wall or ceiling. The First Alert SA302CN's nine-volt battery (included with purchase) needs to be replaced at least annually.

In owner reviews, the First Alert SA302CN is rated highly overall, but users report some annoyances. This First Alert dual-sensor smoke detector includes an unusual test function -- rather than climbing on a chair or ladder to test this smoke alarm, you can activate the test feature with any standard television remote control. Although this is certainly handy, some users say they have accidentally triggered the test alarm while watching television. For that reason, it may take some experimentation to find the right placement for this unit. It's worth noting that this unit can also be silenced using a TV remote when in test mode.

Another well-reviewed dual-sensor smoke detector is the battery-operated Kidde PI9000 (*Est. $25). Experts and consumers both say the Kidde PI9000 smoke alarm is easy to install and emits few false alarms. When false alarms do occur, they can be quieted by pressing a button on the face of the smoke detector. The Kidde PI9000 has a test button and comes with a 10-year limited warranty, and users say installing a nine-volt battery is simple. We did find a few reports at Amazon.com of defective units, however. Some users say that Kidde replaces the model under the 10-year warranty, but they are frustrated at having to go through the process.

Interconnected smoke detectors for larger homes

Interconnected smoke detectors work as a group; all alarms will sound when any one unit detects fire or smoke. This makes connected alarms a good solution for larger homes. Interconnected models are hardwired (meaning that they're connected to a home's electrical system), and unless you're a skilled do-it-yourselfer, you'll need to hire an electrician to install them. The main place you'll see this type of smoke detector is in a new construction.

Among hardwired smoke alarms, we found the best reviews for the dual-sensor Kidde PI2010 (*Est. $35), which replaces the now-discontinued Kidde PI2000, a former ConsumerSearch Best Reviewed pick. The PI2010 has both photoelectric and ionization sensors to quickly detect flaming and smoldering fires. It can connect to up to 24 other detectors and includes a battery backup in the event of power outages. There are a plethora of glowing reviews for the discontinued PI2000, and reviews for the newer model, though not as plentiful, are equally positive. One quibble is that users say battery replacement is difficult, requiring the unscrewing of the entire unit from the base.

If you or someone in your home is hearing-impaired, and your home is equipped with wiring for interconnected smoke alarms, experts recommend adding a visual alerter such as the First Alert Hearing Impaired Smart Strobe Light SL177 (*Est. $80). This peripheral works in conjunction with hardwired First Alert smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors. The Smart Strobe Light will illuminate to provide a visual warning when the smoke or carbon monoxide detectors sound their alarms.

Professionally installed systems

Other smoke detector options include professionally installed systems, such as those offered by MasterGuard and Triad Safety Systems, companies that market fire safety equipment only through private salespeople and distributors. With these systems, the company's installers determine the most appropriate type of detector for your home as well as the proper locations to position them for the best protection. They will install and test the models and usually offer long-term maintenance. Some professional systems are monitored by a central station that can dispatch the fire department in case of an emergency.  Experts say the products sold by these companies are as effective as other smoke detectors.

Although some homeowners swear by the quality of the equipment these companies offer, other customers and experts say the products are overpriced and the sales tactics are high pressure. If you choose to have one of these companies install equipment in your home, check your local distributor's record with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) in your area.

Many national security companies, such as Brinks and ADT, also offer fire alarm services. Because these are generally included as part of a security system package and are not available independently, they are not specifically covered in this report. They remain, however, an option for fire safety, especially if you get them free or at low cost with your home security system. Just be sure to check the literature to ascertain whether you're getting ionic, photoelectric or dual-sensor equipment.