Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors serve different purposes. Smoke detectors are designed to identify smoke particles, which often indicate a fire. In contrast, carbon monoxide detectors are specifically engineered to detect the presence of carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless, and potentially deadly gas. Some modern devices combine both functionalities into one unit, offering capabilities to detect smoke and carbon monoxide, but traditional smoke detectors alone do not detect carbon monoxide. Therefore, it's important to have both types of detectors installed in a home to ensure comprehensive safety against both fire and CO exposure.
Best Smoke Detectors of February 2025
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
Ecoey Smoke Alarm Fire Detector, Battery Included Photoelectric Smoke Detector with Test Button and Low Battery Signal, Small Fire Alarm for Home, Bedroom FJ136GB, 6 Packs
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Accurate & Sensitive: The small smoke alarm adopts photoelectric technology to detect smoke. More sensitive to light smoke and slow smoldering fires and more quickly to remind you. Keep your home safe 24/7
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TEST BUTTON: Please test the fire detector once a month. If red LED flashes with “chirp” every 30 seconds, it's low battery signal, please change battery in 7 days. Small size, DIA 3.3 inch. If you have any problem with smoke alarm, please contact us
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
First Alert 9120B Smoke Detector, Hardwired Alarm with Battery Backup, 6-Pack
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Note: A loose neutral (white wire) connection within the home junction box could prompt a device malfunction
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Equipped with an ionization sensor, this smoke alarm reliably detects smoke from fast flaming fires and alerts you with an 85 decibel alarm
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To ensure complete protection make sure to place one on each level of your home and in each bedroom
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Can connect to other compatible BRK or First Alert smoke detectors, to ensure all alarms will sound when smoke is detected
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Simple to use, with a single test/silence button, and side load battery compartment; Tamper resistant locking brackets and universal mounting brackets make installation easy
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
First Alert BRK 9120Bff-6 Hardwired Smoke Detector with Battery Backup, 6-Pack
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6 pack of hardwired smoke alarms, includes battery backup for power outages
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Tamper resistant locking pins, single button silence/test and loud 85Db alarm
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120-Volt AC power with 9-volt battery backup (included) to keep alarm functioning during power outage
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Open mounting design for easy installation with side load battery compartment for quick replacement and interconnect able up to 18 units (12 smoke, 6 co/heat/relay)
4
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector Co2 Detector Battery Powered with Test/Reset Button 4 Pack
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2-IN-1 ACCURATE, RELIABLE & HIGHLY SENSITIVE ALARM: Combination smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector can sensitively detect the threat of these two gases.
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SOUND AND LIGHT ALARM: When a dangerous level of carbon monoxide is detected, the red light will flashes and a loud alarm pattern will sound---Loud 85 decibel carbon monoxide alarm with red light flash to protect your family's life and property safety from CO detector.
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APPLICATION CO DETECTOR PLACE: This carbon monoxide detector suitable for all place where it is possible to produce carbon monoxide, such as your home kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, hotel, or you are in the barbecue time, your parking garage.
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
X-Sense 10-Year Battery Combination Smoke Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector with Large LCD Display (Standalone Model)
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Please Note: SC07 is a basic standalone unit; it does not support wireless interconnection, does not have Wi-Fi, and cannot be used with a base station; for interconnection, search for SC07-W. For Wi-Fi functionality, look for SC07-WX or SC07-MR
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2-in-1 Protection: The combination smoke and CO detector detects both smoke and carbon monoxide faster and more accurately using a photoelectric smoke sensor and an electrochemical CO sensor
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10-Year Battery: The fire and CO alarm is built with a sealed lithium battery that provides 10 years of continuous power, saving you from changing batteries and power outage
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Combination Alarm with CO Readings: When the alarm is triggered, the LCD will display the CO concentration and illuminate. In standby mode, the LCD turns off to ensure you are not disturbed
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
LSHOME 3 Pack Smoke Detector Fire Alarms 9V Battery Operated Photoelectric Sensor Easy to Install with Light Sound Warning, Test Button,9V Included Safety for Home Hotel(912-3) (GS528A)
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Accurate & Sensitive: The small size smoke alarm adopts photoelectric technology to detect smoke, which is more sensitive to light smoke and slow smoldering fires and more quickly to remind you. Keep your home safe 24/7
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Photoelectric Technology&Material: Fire-Retardant ABS V0 Level. 9V Battery-Powered Photoelectric sensor Smoke Alarm. photoelectric technology which is optimized to detect slow smoldering fires which generate light smoke, little heat and may smolder from all directions for hours before bursting into flames.
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Test Button: Test smoke alarm every week by pressing the test button in the middle of the cover for 5 seconds. Please change batteries when smoke detector inform low battery, smoke alarm “chirp” every 32 seconds and the red LED flashes at the same time
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Sound & LED Warning: If fire alarm detects smoke or combustion particles in the air, it will sound in 85db and red LED will flash rapidly to remind every member to check. If fault, please clean dust or smoke inside smoke alarm with fan
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
X-Sense Smoke Alarm, 10-Year Battery Fire Alarm Smoke Detector with LED Indicator & Silence Button, SD2J0AX
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Please Note: SD2J0AX is a basic standalone unit; it does not support wireless interconnection, does not have Wi-Fi, and cannot be used with a base station; for interconnection, search for SD19-W
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Sensitive & Accurate: Built with an advanced photoelectric sensor and intelligent ST chipset, the alarm can quickly and accurately detect dangerous smoke levels from smoldering fires, and provide the earliest possible warning of fires; the dust-proof isolating plate inside the alarm ensures the detection sensitivity
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Smart Auto-Check: This 10-year battery smoke detector has manifold self-inspection parameters with clear notifications; if it malfunctions, or if the battery is low, you will be notified immediately so that you can identify and resolve the problem quickly for comprehensive protection
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Easy Installation: The smoke alarm takes advantage of simple, stable, and wireless installation with the provided screws, or quick and easy installation via Ø 2.8 in magnetic adhesive pads (not included)
8
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
LSHOME 4 Pack Smoke Detector Fire Alarms 9V Battery Operated Photoelectric Sensor Smoke Alarms Easy to Install with Light Sound Warning, Test Button,9V Battery Included Fire Safety For home (GS526A-4)
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Test Button: Test smoke alarm every week by pressing the test button in the middle of the cover for 5 seconds. Please change batteries when smoke detector inform low battery, smoke alarm “chirp” every 32 seconds and the red LED flashes at the same time
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Easy Installation: Can be installed in several minutes. Coming with screws and bracket. Safety clip feature,not allow mounting of smoke alarm without battery installed
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Photoelectric Technology: Our photoelectric smoke alarm with Photoelectric technology which is optimized to detect slow smoldering fires which generate light smoke, little heat and may smolder for hours before bursting into flames.
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Suitable for Multiple Places: This smoke detector does not contain any radioactive material. It should be installed in every room (except the bathroom and kitchen), making sure the people in your home will be able to hear and respond to the alarm sound.
9
Rating is 4.2 out of 5
First Alert SMI100, Battery-Operated Smoke Alarm, 2-Pack
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Battery-operated alarm allows for easy installation and maintenance
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Front access battery compartment makes for easy battery replacements
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End-of-life warning lets you know when it’s time to replace the alarm
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Test/silence button for efficient testing to ensure alarm is working properly
How to change the battery in a smoke detector?
Changing the battery in a smoke detector is a straightforward process, but it's important to handle it carefully to ensure the detector continues to function properly. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Safety First: Before you start, make sure to inform everyone in your household that you’re changing the smoke detector's battery to avoid any false alarms or confusion.
- Gather Materials: You’ll need a new battery. Most smoke detectors use a 9-volt battery, but be sure to check your detector model for the correct type.
- Locate the Detector: Smoke detectors are usually mounted on the ceiling or high on a wall. You might need a step stool or ladder to reach it safely.
- Remove the Detector:
For most models, you'll need to twist or slide the detector to remove it from its mounting bracket.
Be gentle, as not all models detach in the same way. If you encounter resistance, check for any release tabs or buttons.
- Open Battery Compartment: Once the detector is down, open the battery compartment. This could be a lid or cover that slides off or is held in place by a screw.
- Remove the Old Battery: Carefully take out the old battery from its compartment.
- Insert the New Battery:
Pay attention to the battery’s polarity (+ and -) and match it to the symbols in the battery compartment.
Insert the new battery firmly to ensure good contact with the terminals.
- Test the Detector:
Before mounting the detector back in its place, press the test button to make sure it’s working.
You should hear a loud beep or other alert sound indicating that the detector is operational.
- Reattach the Detector:
Place the detector back on the mounting bracket and secure it as per its design (twist, slide, or click it back into place).
- Confirm Functionality: Once the detector is reattached, press the test button again to ensure it’s seamlessly connected and operational.
- Regular Maintenance:
Set a reminder to test your smoke detector monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year or whenever the detector emits a low-battery chirp.
Replace the entire unit every 10 years or as recommended by the manufacturer.
Following these steps ensures that your smoke detector will continue to provide safety for your home and alert you in case of fire or smoke.
What is an ionization smoke detector?
An ionization smoke detector is a type of smoke detector that uses a small amount of radioactive material to ionize the air within a sensing chamber. This process allows the detector to detect small particles typical of fast-flaming fires.
Here's how it works:
- Ionization Process: The detector contains a small amount of radioactive material, typically americium-241, housed between two electrically charged plates. The americium emits alpha particles, which ionize the air molecules, creating a small electrical current between the plates due to the flow of ions.
- Detection of Smoke: When smoke enters the ionization chamber, the smoke particles attach to the ions and neutralize them. This disruption decreases the flow of ions, reducing the electrical current between the plates.
- Alarm Activation: As the electrical current drops below a certain threshold, the smoke detector's circuitry triggers the alarm, warning occupants of the potential fire.
Ionization smoke detectors are particularly effective at detecting smaller particles that are typically present in fast-flaming fires (like those from paper or cooking oil). However, they are generally less sensitive to the larger particles found in slow-smoldering fires, for which photoelectric smoke detectors might be more effective.
It's important to have functioning smoke detectors of any type in a home or building to ensure early warning in the event of a fire, and many experts recommend using both ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors together or a dual-sensor model for comprehensive coverage.
What is the lifespan of a smoke detector?
The typical lifespan of a smoke detector is about 8 to 10 years. After this period, it's recommended to replace smoke detectors to ensure they function properly and provide the necessary protection. Over time, the sensors in smoke detectors can degrade, and newer models often come with improved technology and features. It's also important to test smoke detectors monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year or as needed.
