Smoke Detectors Reviews

Consumer.org -- a New Zealand-based research organization -- has the most credible smoke detector review we were able to find. Smoke alarms are rated according to speed in detecting both kinds of blazes. Consumer.org editors test 21 smoke detectors, testing three samples of each model for accuracy in both high-flaming fires (the kind often fueled by paper or flammable liquids) and smoky fires (often involving slow-smoldering bedding, clothing and upholstery). The detectors are mounted in a mock hallway testing environment and fires are started in an adjacent room. Top picks are chosen based on response time and accuracy. Other experts don't test as many models, while others don't recommend specific smoke detectors at all.

Consumer Reports hasn't tested smoke detectors extensively for several years, although it does have a recently updated informative article that covers the types of smoke detectors available, along with some casual recommendations. However, this article falls short of Consumer Reports usually detailed testing and ratings charts. We found helpful owner-written ratings at Amazon.com. Owners are in a unique position to document annoying habits of smoke detectors -- like late-night false alarms, annoying chirps or poor battery life.

All reviewers agree on one thing: The best smoke alarms can sense both types of fires (high-flaming and smoky) with equal effectiveness, and that means buying a smoke alarm with both an ionization sensor for flames and a photoelectric sensor for smoke or using two separate smoke alarms to achieve the highest safety levels.

With this specific consideration in mind, reviews say the First Alert Dual Sensor SA302CN (*est. $25) , which is equipped with both ionization and photoelectric sensors, is the safest and most accurate smoke detector you can buy. This First Alert smoke alarm includes a test function and 85-decibel alarm. The First Alert smoke detector has a 10-year warranty with added consumer-friendly features, but requires battery replacement at least yearly. Public-service campaigns have popularized the idea of changing your smoke detector battery when you change your clocks each spring for daylight savings.

In owner reviews, the First Alert SA302CN is well rated overall, but users report some annoyances. This First Alert smoke detector includes a unique 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. That feature is handy, but users report some unintended side effects -- including accidentally triggering the test feature when watching television. For that reason, it may take some experimentation to find the right placement for this unit.  ... Continued

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

Safety experts most often recommend dual-sensor smoke detectors like the First Alert Dual Sensor SA302CN. The First Alert SA340CN uses a non-replaceable 10-year lithium battery and a photoelectric sensor that detects smoke well, but doesn’t detect flames as quickly as a dual detector or ionization model. The other options all offer benefits, but have not been as widely tested or recommended. The KidSmart Vocal Smoke Alarm has been widely acclaimed by experts, but has not been tested in any simulated or controlled fire situations that we could find.