Kidde i9010

Bottom Line

The Kidde i9010 is sensitive, but some owners consider this a good thing. While these smoke detectors occasionally go off if you've burnt food in the kitchen, that's a good indication that they will work in the event of an actual fire. However, there are a number of complaints of defective units after just a few years. The First Alert SA320CN (*Est. $25) also has dual sensors, but receives fewer complaints about defects.

Performance

Sensitive. The Kidde i9010 is a dual-sensor, battery-powered smoke alarm. The unit uses both ionization and photoelectric sensors, which means it can detect both flaming and smoldering fires. Experts recommend homes utilize smoke alarms with both sensors to be best prepared.

Opinions are mixed on this model's performance. Some Amazon.com reviewers say this Kidde is overly sensitive, but others see that as a good thing. One owner says, "Only had it go off once from an errant cooking fiasco, but that ensured me that they do indeed work. I'm happy with the device."

Other owners appreciate the blinking light which lets them know this alarm is functioning. One reviewer sums it up nicely, "These are products that quietly do their work day after day, but if there is a problem, we can depend on them to let us know. When tested, they give a signal that would wake one up from a sound sleep ... which is what you want. But on a day-to-day basis, they just hang out on the wall monitoring the air and winking to let us know they are not sleeping."

Ease Of Use

Intuitive design. Reviewers say the Kidde i9010 is easy to install and batteries are easy to change thanks to an easy, slide-out compartment. As a result, owners don't have to remove and disassemble the entire unit for a simple battery replacement.

One owner posting a review to Amazon.com says, "There's not much more to say, other than this was easy to install and the test alarm button work[s] … there is a base that actually screws on to the wall and is semi-permanent. The unit itself twists off of the base with one wrist motion to change the battery."

Durability

Short life span. We read some complaints of units failing after about two years. The Kidde i9010 does have a 10-year limited warranty, typical of smoke alarms overall; most range between five and 10 years.

One negative review at Amazon describes several failed units and multiple unsatisfactory Kidde customer service experiences.