The reviews below are assigned ratings by ConsumerSearch. These ratings are based on credibility in testing, evaluating and
identifying the best Carbon Monoxide Detectors. See our ratings criteria
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| 1.
Consumer Reports
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CO alarms: Better sensors
Editors of Consumer Reports
Sept. 2005
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Consumer Reports publishes the most thorough comparative ratings of CO detectors we found, which includes an explanation of the magazine's test methods and ratings system. The editors cover 20 models, with all power options represented, and also include combination smoke/CO detectors and hardwired alarms which can warn about CO remotely. Unfortunately the editors have not updated this article in almost two years, so some of the recommended models have been discontinued.
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Carbon Monoxide Detectors Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.
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| 2.
AVweb.com
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Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Mike Busch
Nov. 9, 2003
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AVweb.com contributor Mike Busch personally tests the Kidde Nighthawk 900-0089 and the CO Experts Model 2002; this thorough article details his methods and ultimate ratings. However, due to the nature of this website (which caters to aviators), only battery-operated CO detectors are tested. The CO Experts Model 2002 outperformed the Nighthawk 900-0089 in a test of durability during flight turbulence, which isn't relevant if you're searching for a model for home or office use. However, Busch considers the Nighthawk 900-0089 adequate for residential use. His work is impressive because he examines the units so thoroughly -- he even took them apart to see how well they were put together. In addition, Busch has done an exceptional job detailing the history of CO detectors and the changes to the UL standards. While this is a comprehensive article, it is almost four years old so it is not as useful as it once was.
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| 3.
Amazon.com
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Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Contributors to Amazon.com
As of July 2007
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Only Kidde and First Alert models are rated here, but Kidde Nighthawk detectors receive more reviews and higher ratings overall. Some contributors note the frequency of replacing backup batteries for both brands, along with some false alarms. Given the large number of owner-written reviews, Amazon.com is a good place to check once you've narrowed your choice down to a couple of models.
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Carbon Monoxide Detectors Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.
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| 4.
Sensible Home
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Household carbon monoxide detector/alarms protect your family
James Dulley
Not Dated
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James Dulley is an environmental engineer and syndicated columnist. His bulletin lists manufacturers of CO detectors and features of various models. He doesn't make any specific recommendations and doesn't provide any ratings of carbon monoxide detectors. The general information here is good, but the product information is outdated.
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| 5.
The New York Times
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Your Home; Detecting Carbon Monoxide
Jay Romano
Jan. 18, 2004
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New York Times writer Jay Romano makes a case for residential CO detectors. Spokespeople from Senco Sensors and Aprilaire were interviewed for the article, and thus those models are recommended, although reference is made to Consumer Reports' 2001 findings. The Detectagas CO test kit from Aprilaire is also mentioned. Romano discusses important features, but stops short of rating models.
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USA Today Magazine
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Silencing the silent killer - What's New?
Editors of USA Today
Mar. 2004
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USA Today also makes a case for residential CO detectors, and mentions the Kidde Nighthawk 900-0076 as "highly recommended," although the author doesn't say why and doesn't offer any comparisons or ratings of other models.
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About.com
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Top 5 Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Editors of About.com
June 21, 2007
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In this section on About.com for lung disease, five CO detectors are recommended. However, no author is listed, there's no evidence of any testing at all, and the descriptions are based on manufacturer information. There's no explanation for why these models are included and rated versus the competition. For those reasons, this review merits a low credibility rating from us. (Note: ConsumerSearch.com is owned by About.com/The New York Times.)
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| 8.
Indoor Environment Notebook
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Everything you wanted to know about indoor air pollution and more
Thad Godish, Ph.D.
Apr. 30, 2004
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In this Q&A about CO poisoning, Dr. Thad Godish of Ball State University recommends CO detectors with digital displays that store peak CO levels in memory. He mentions the Kidde Nighthawk 900-0076 as having these features, being highly regarded, and performing well in testing. He doesn't mention or rate any other models.
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Carbon Monoxide Detectors Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.
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| 9.
Consumer Guide.com
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Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Editors of ConsumerGuide.com
As of July 2007
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Consumer Guide covers 12 models from Kidde and First Alert. Eight of these are considered Best Buys. Models are rated on value, performance, ease of use and features. Editors provide a brief overview of each recommended model, which is really just a listing of features. It appears that none of the models were tested, which is why this review doesn't carry a lot of weight with us.
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| 10.
Epinions
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Safety and Emergency Electronics
Contributors to Epinions
As of July 2007
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There is no category for carbon monoxide detectors on Epinions, but you can search by manufacturer. Two Kidde carbon monoxide detectors are reviewed here. The Kidde Nighthawk KN-COP-DP and Kidde 900-0107 both get good ratings, but only one review each. No other detectors get reviews, so this site is not very useful.
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