Best Reviewed
Smoke Detectors
- Best all-around smoke detector First Alert SA302CN *Est. $25
- Ionization smoke detector with 10-year battery First Alert SA340CN *Est. $20
- Photoelectric smoke detector First Alert SA710CN *Est. $17
- Interconnected dual-sensor smoke detector Kidde PI2010 *Est. $35
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Best all-around smoke detector
- Dual sensors for flaming and smoldering fires
- Inexpensive
- Test or silence with remote control
- False alarms
Ionization alarms sense fast, flaming fires, while photoelectric models better detect the smoke from slow smoldering ones. For the best protection, experts say you need to have both types of alarms or one model equipped with both technologies. Among the latter type, the First Alert SA302CN (Est. $25) smoke detector dominates professional and owner reviews. Reviewers say the First Alert SA302CN has some unusual features: Owners can test the battery or silence the 85-decibel alarm with a remote control. You might need to experiment a bit on placement, however. In user reviews, most complaints concern false alarms caused by the use of other remotes nearby (such as a TV remote control).
We found the best professional reviews at sites like Choice and Consumer magazines. Helpful reviews by owners are at Amazon.com; taken together, they have the most balanced combination of criticism and praise. The First Alert SA302CN is also covered in a 2007 article at ConsumerReports.org. USA Today Magazine (not affiliated with USA Today, the newspaper) also recommends the First Alert SA302CN.
| First Alert SA302CN Double Sensor Battery-Powered Smoke and Fire Alarm | |
(117 reviews) In Stock. |
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Our Sources
1. Choice magazineDetails/Subscribe
The Australia-based consumer review site, Choice magazine, gives a detailed account of the First Alert SA302CN. It ranks the highest out of the 15 models tested. The alarm scores high with flaming and smoldering fires.
Review: Smoke Alarms Review and Compare, Editors of Choice magazine, March 2, 2010
2. Consumer magazineDetails/Subscribe
This New Zealand-based review magazine ranks the First Alert SA302CN first out of 18 models tested. The site details a very specific testing method of setting flaming and smoldering fires to see which smoke detector fares the best. They say the First Alert SA302CN does great on both smoldering and flaming fires and is easy to use. They also like that a TV remote can be used to test and silence the model. The downside of this model is that it's prone to false alarms. Editors recommend keeping it away from a kitchen because its ionization sensor could trigger false alarms.
Review: Smoke Alarms, Editors of Consumer magazine, March 5, 2010
3. Amazon.com
About 85 owners give the First Alert SA302CN good scores overall, but there is a pretty even balance between those who love it and those who complain about false alarms. Many users say they are annoyed with the alarm because the test function can be easily triggered by other remote controls.
Review: First Alert SA302CN Double Sensor Battery-Powered Smoke and Fire Alarm, Contributors to Amazon.com
4. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
The First Alert SA302CN is mentioned as one choice for a dual-sensor alarm, but there aren't detailed ratings here.
Review: Recommended Smoke Alarms, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, May 2010
USA Today Magazine editors tested the First Alert SA302CN and recommend it because it offers several life-saving and convenient features. They are impressed with its ability to distinguish actual fires from smoke as a result of cooking or tobacco. It also receives praise for incorporating ionization and photoelectric smoke detection. Lastly, they like the fact that the alarm can be easily tested with a remote, and owners don't have to climb upon a chair or ladder to reach a button. USA Today Magazine doesn't compare the First Alert SA302CN to other smoke alarms, however.
Review: Where There's Smoke … What's New? First Alert Ultimate Smoke Alarm from BRK Brands Inc – Product/Service Evaluation, Editors of USA Today Magazine, January 2003
Smoke Detectors Runners Up:
2 picks including: Amazon.com, Choice magazine…
2 picks by top review sites.
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