Smoke Detectors Reviews

The reviews below are assigned ratings by ConsumerSearch. These ratings are based on credibility in testing, evaluating and identifying the best Smoke Detectors. See our ratings criteria

For recommendations of best Smoke Detectors, see our Fast Answers page, which summarizes what these reviews say. A longer summary and analysis appears in our Full Story report for Smoke Detectors. Our Where to Buy page contains information on retailers and Smoke Detectors prices.

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Smoke Detectors Reviews Reviewed
Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Smoke Detectors Ratings Comments on Reviews
1. Consumer.org.nz >> Details/Subscribe	Smoke Alarms Editors of Consumer.org.nz May 31, 2006		An Australian consumer publication, Consumer.org.nz, tests 21 smoke detectors in a mock hallway situation. Three samples of each product are tested for accuracy in both high-flaming fires and smoky or smoldering fires. Both ionization and photoelectric models are tested and the results are ranked in an easy-to-read chart. Testing methodology is also well explained. The downside is that several of the models are not available in the U.S., but many, including the top pick, are available here. This magazine's test of smoke detectors is better than the latest article from Consumer Reports.
2. Consumer Reports >> Details/Subscribe	Fire safety for your home Editors of Consumer Reports Mar. 2007		Although this article is written mainly as an information piece and doesn’t contain the results of tests or product comparisons, it does provide expert opinion on some top smoke detector picks. Both dual sensor and hardwired favorites are identified and information is provided on what sets these models apart from the rest. General fire safety tips are also covered.

Smoke Detectors Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Smoke Detectors Ratings Comments on Reviews

3. Amazon.com	Smoke Alarms Contributors to Amazon.com As of Jan. 2008		While owners posting comments to Amazon.com aren't generally reporting results of comparative testing, the reviews here are a good place to find out about problems that nag owners. For instance, the otherwise good First Alert SA302CN is sometimes criticized because its test function can be triggered randomly by TV remote controls. The Kidde 1275 hardwired alarm with battery backup is criticized for constant chirping when the batteries are replaced; one user reports on a fix, but it isn't clear if the fix actually works. The hardwired BRK 9120B is also criticized for constant chirping. The Kidde 900-0102 combo smoke/CO detector has poor battery life.
4. Consumer Guide.com	Smoke Detectors Editors of ConsumerGuide.com Not Dated		Consumer Guide offers descriptions of individual smoke detectors, some of which are labeled as Best Buys. The ratings here contain descriptions of each model's features, but it doesn't appear as though these models were tested. Models are also not compared with one another; they are simply assigned "expert" ratings. A fairly helpful buying guide covering smoke alarm basics is included.

Smoke Detectors Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Smoke Detectors Ratings Comments on Reviews

5. USA Today Magazine	Where There’s Smoke…What’s New? Editors of USA Today Magazine Jan. 2003		This article is a review of the First Alert Ultimate Smoke Alarm, which is the SA302CN included in ConsumerSearch Fast Answers. USA Today tests this model and reports on its consumer-friendly features, but doesn’t rate it against any other smoke alarm.
6. Pronto.com	Smoke Detector Buying Guide Editors of Pronto.com Not Dated		This article offers a very helpful buying guide and a glossary of common smoke detector terms and their definitions. It also offers an expert pick based on the opinions of outside experts, as well as information about new advances in the smoke detector field. It does not, however, offer any testing information or comparison reviews.