6 Best Smoke Detectors of 2022

Under $100 price

The best smoke detector for any space is a combination of ionization and photoelectric sensors, ideally in two separate units because ionization units are too sensitive to have near the bathroom or kitchen (though we do have a two-in-one recommendation below). According to the NFPA, ionization alarms tend to respond faster to flaming fires than photoelectric ones, which more rapidly detect non-flaming fires, and you’ll protect your house best with both.

6 Best Smoke Detectors of 2022
1 First Alert 9120B Smoke Detector
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First Alert 9120B Smoke Detector

battery backup that continues to protect you in the event of a power failure. The detector features an ionization sensor for detection of smoke and fast flaming fires, as well as a loud, 85 decibel alarm. One button silences any nuisance alarms, and also tests detector functions, while lights indicate if the alarm detects smoke. The latching alarm indicator automatically identifies which unit initiated the alarm, even after the conditions that set off the alarm have subsided. And an end of life signal enhances your safety by letting you know when it's time to replace the unit.
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9.8
  • Note: A loose neutral (white wire) connection within the home junction box could prompt a device malfunction
  • Equipped with an ionization sensor, this smoke alarm reliably detects smoke from fast flaming fires and alerts you with an 85 decibel alarm
  • To ensure complete protection make sure to place one on each level of your home and in each bedroom
  • Can connect to other compatible BRK or First Alert smoke detectors, to ensure all alarms will sound when smoke is detected
  • 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
  • Rigorously tested to meet UL standards. Emits T3 pattern
  • Keep your family safe with this 6 pack of hardwired smoke alarms; the battery backup means constant monitoring, even if there’s a power failure

 

2 Kidde Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector
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Kidde Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector

The Kidde Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector, Battery Powered, Interconnect Combination Smoke & CO Alarm with Voice Alert, model KN-COSM-BA, is powered on 2-AA batteries, to protect during a power failure. Using ionization sensing technology, the combination smoke alarm detects smoke, fire, & carbon monoxide gas and warns with alarms, LED lights, & voice technology. For CO detection, the alarm will sound with 4 fast beeps and "warning carbon monoxide". For smoke detection, the alarm will sound with 3 beeps with the announcement of "Fire". A red LED will flash in unison with the voice alarm that warns of fire, carbon monoxide, & low battery. The Smart Hush feature silences the fire alarm for approximately 8 minutes.
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9.7
  • Fire and CO detector in 1 unit with alert modes, LED lights, and voice alarm, that states, “Fire. Fire.”, “Warning. Carbon Monoxide.”, or “Low Battery.”
  • Ionization sensor technology – smoke detector detects invisible fire particles, 85 decibel alarm alerts of fire
  • Protects during a power failure – combo smoke and CO alarm operates on 2-AA batteries
  • Test-Hush Feature – silences the unit for approximately 8 minutes; tamper-resistant technology deters removal of the unit from the wall or ceiling
  • UL Certified, 10-year limited warranty
3 First Alert SA303CN3 Battery Powered Ionization Smoke Alarm
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First Alert SA303CN3 Battery Powered Ionization Smoke Alarm

Battery powered smoke alarm with mute feature silences nuisance alarms from cooking smoke or shower steam. Single button also tests alarm functions. Easy access battery drawer: No need to remove alarm from ceiling to change battery. 10-year limited warranty. Meets UL standards. Optional theft-prevention lock when activated, batteries and/or alarm cannot be removed without proper tools.
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9.6
  • Help keep your family safe with this battery powered smoke alarm featuring an ionization sensor for smoke detection; a loud 85 decibel alarm sounds when smoke levels are elevated
  • Ionization sensor is effective in recognizing smoke from flaming fires such as paper and grease fires
  • Battery operated alarm unit provides continuous monitoring even if there’s a power failure; Plus, it’s easy to install
  • Tamper resistant alarm also features a single test/silence button, side battery door, and missing battery guard
  • To ensure complete protection make sure to place one on each level of your home and in each bedroom
  • It can ship within the US except New York
  • First Alert has been the most trusted brand in home safety since launching the first residential smoke alarm in 1958 (Based on a First Alert Brand Trust Survey in February 2018)
4 Kidde Smoke Detector
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Kidde Smoke Detector

The Kidde Smoke Detector, Battery Powered, model i9050, features ionization sensor technology to protect you & your family from the dangers of smoke & fire. Operating on a 9-volt alkaline battery, the smoke alarm provides continuous protection from smoke or fire, even during power outages. To ensure proper installation, the test/silence button will electronically simulate the presence of smoke and cause the unit to alarm. After 10 years, the smoke alarm will need to be disposed & replaced. UL Certified with a 10-year limited warranty.
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9.5
  • Ionization sensing technology – smoke detector detects invisible fire particles, 85 decibel alarm alerts of fire
  • Easy installation – smoke detector is powered by a 9-volt battery; no hardwiring required
  • Test-silence button – allows for test & silence of alarm
  • Low battery warning feature indicates when the battery needs replacement
  • UL Certified, 10-year limited warranty
5 Kidde Smoke Detector with Lithium Battery
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Kidde Smoke Detector with Lithium Battery

The Kidde Smoke Detector with Lithium Battery, LED Lights & Replacement Alert, model i9010, features ionization sensor technology to protect you & your family from the dangers of smoke & fire. Operating on a 10-year, sealed lithium battery, the smoke alarm provides continuous protection from smoke or fire, even during power outages. Red LEDs provide 4 modes of operation: Standby Mode - flashes every 40 seconds to indicate the smoke alarm is operating properly, Alarm Mode - alarm senses products of combustion, Alarm Mode - to indicate the alarm has been activated, & Hush Mode - silences the alarm for approximately 7 minutes. The alarm includes a Replacement Alert: after 10 years of use, it will chirp 2 times every 30 seconds to indicate the alarm needs to be replaced.
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9.4
  • Ionization sensing technology – hardwired smoke detector detects invisible fire particles, 85 decibel alarm alerts of fire
  • Easy installation & no battery fuss – smoke alarm will automatically activate when attached to the mounting bracket
  • Test-silence button – allows for test & silence of alarm
  • Replacement Alert – indicates when the smoke alarm needs to be replaced; tamper-resistant technology deters removal of the unit or battery from the wall or ceiling
  • UL Certified, 10-year limited warranty
  • Sealed-in lithium battery never replace battery over the ten-year life of the alarm
  • Smart hush temporarily silences nuisance alarms and will not allow hush mode to be activated unless the unit is in alarm mode
6 First Alert Powered Alarm SCO5CN Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector
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First Alert Powered Alarm SCO5CN Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector

The First Alert SCO5CN Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm features dual sensors to detect both smoke and carbon monoxide in a single device. A photoelectric sensor detects the smoke most often produced by smoldering fires, and minimizes false alarms from cooking smoke or shower steam. Additionally, the advanced electrochemical CO sensor detects carbon monoxide leaks from multiple sources, such as faulty fuel burning appliances, blocked chimneys, and generators running inside or too close to homes. A loud, 85 decibel siren alerts you to the threat; unique alarm sounds and indicator lights on its face distinguish a smoke warning from a carbon monoxide warning. This carbon monoxide and smoke detector is battery operated, so you don't need an electrician for installation.
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9.3
  • Keep your family safe with this battery operated smoke and carbon monoxide alarm; Battery powered alarms provide continuous monitoring of CO levels, even if there’s a power failure
  • Features an electrochemical carbon monoxide sensing technology as well as a photoelectric sensor that detects the larger particles of a smoldering fire
  • Indicator lights on the face of the unit display the presence of smoke or carbon monoxide, while an 85 decibel siren provides a clear, loud warning upon detection
  • Battery operated unit installs quickly and easily without an electrician. Low battery signal mute, quiets low battery signal for up to 8 hours
  • Simple to use, with a single test/silence button; EZ access battery drawer allows you to change battery without removing alarm from ceiling
  • 7 year limited warranty; Equipped with end of life signal chirp, so you know when it’s time to replace the unit for safety; All first alert alarms are rigorously tested to meet UL standards. Emits T3 Pattern
  • It can ship within the US except New York
  • First Alert has been the most trusted brand in home safety since launching the first residential smoke alarm in 1958 (Based on a First Alert Brand Trust Survey in February 2018)

6 Best Smoke Detectors of 2022 Year

Buyer's Guide, Comparison and Advices

Types of smoke detectors

Battery: Smoke detectors can either be hardwired or standalone battery-powered units. Battery-powered detectors are easier to install than hardwired units and are unaffected in the event of a power outage. Some newer smoke detectors are designed with lithium batteries inside the unit that can last up to 10 years without needing to be replaced. Units that use replaceable batteries typically need new batteries every six months and are vulnerable to tampering and being disconnected during false alarms caused by non-emergency situations like cooking smoke or steamy showers.

Hardwired: Hardwired smoke detectors connect directly to your home’s electrical wiring and typically have a backup battery in case of a power outage. These will initially need some electrical know-how or the help of a professional to be installed, but once the system is set up, it’s pretty easy to disconnect and install new units whenever you need them. Yahoodain recommends hardwired smoke detectors since they’re easy to interconnect, so if one goes off, they all go off. 

Photoelectric: Smoke detectors use either photoelectric or ionization sensors to detect smoke. Some, like the First Alert SA320 that we tested, use both. Photoelectric smoke alarms use an LED light to detect smoke and are more responsive to slow-burning, smoldering fires than ionization alarms. When smoke particles enter the unit, they disrupt the light beam, which reflects it into a sensor and activates the alarm. These types of sensors are generally superior to ionization sensors because smoldering fires tend to be more dangerous and can go unnoticed for longer periods of time than flash fires, or ones that develop very suddenly and intensely. They also cut down on unnecessary nuisance alarms that can cause people to remove the batteries out of frustration.

6 Best Smoke Detectors of 2022

A smoke detector is a device that senses smoke, typically as an indicator of fire. Commercial smoke detectors issue a signal to a fire alarm control panel as part of a fire alarm system and usually no alarm from the detector itself, however, some do have built-in sounders. Household smoke detectors, also known as smoke alarms, generally issue an audible or visual alarm from the detector itself or several detectors if there are multiple devices interlinked.

What to Look for in a Smoke Detector

Power

Smoke detectors can be hardwired or battery-operated. Many hardwired smoke detectors have a battery backup to ensure that you will never lose power or the protection of your alarms. Batteries can be standard AA or 9V batteries. Some models also have lithium batteries that come installed in the unit itself and last for 10 years without needing to be changed. Most battery-operated models are easier to install but do require changing batteries periodically.

“You should always have a professional check the installation of a new unit or system,” said home inspector Dave Mitchell. In his role, he has seen many smoke detectors that were installed in the wrong place or not connected to a power source. Not only is this dangerous for you and your home, but it can also cause problems with your insurance company or home sale. “It can raise red flags for me as a home inspector,” said Mitchell. “It’s not worth risking your safety.”

Sensor type

Smoke detectors use one to two sensor mechanisms to monitor for smoke in the air: photoelectric or ionization. Both types of sensors detect any kind of smoke, but photoelectric sensors are faster at detecting smoldering, slow-burning fires than ionization sensors, which are better at detecting fast-burning fires. The most comprehensive smoke detectors have both sensors inside, as well as additional safety monitoring such as carbon monoxide detection.

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Lifespan

Whether you have a hardwired or battery-operated model, you will eventually need to replace the unit itself. Most have a special alarm that sounds when the detector is at the end of its lifespan. Your user’s manual can tell you specific lifespan expectations, but most are between five and 10 years.

 

Smoke detector installation and maintenance

Smoke alarms can save a life, but they have to be properly installed and maintained. Don’t risk your family’s safety—use these tips to keep your smoke detector alarm in tip-top shape.

 
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Check batteries: According to a 2021 report, dead batteries are a major factor in smoke alarm failures. In fact, the death rate from a home fire is 55% lower in homes with working smoke alarms.

A smoke detector won’t do you any good if it isn’t working, so make sure to check your batteries every month and use the “test“ button intermittently to ensure proper function.

 

Arm every level: The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends putting a smoke detector on every level of your home: in every bedroom, outside every sleeping area, and in your basement. On floors without bedrooms, install alarms in the living area or near stairways.

If you have a large home, consider adding even more to cover the whole footprint.

 

Mount high: Smoke rises. It’s important to put your smoke detectors within a foot of your ceilings and 10 feet from cooking areas.

For vaulted ceilings, avoid putting smoke detectors in the “pitch” of the roofline. Instead, mount fire alarms 3 feet below the ceiling so they can accurately read smoke.

 

Never run out of batteries: Set up recurring delivery for smoke alarm batteries on Amazon. That way, you’ll always be ready to replace a dead battery in your smoke alarm. Time the delivery schedule to match regular smoke alarm maintenance so you’ll never overlook changing out old batteries.

 

Keep it clean: Dirt and debris interfere with the sensors on your smoke alarm. Dusty buildup can lead to false alarms or delayed detection during an emergency. Whether you have a photoelectric alarm or an ionization detector, regular cleaning will keep your smoke alarm in working order.

 

Dodge drafts: Keep smoke alarms away from windows, doors, and air ducts. Drafts can disrupt the operation of smoke detectors and increase the occurrence of nuisance alarms.

 

Get connected: Wired and wireless interconnected smoke alarms help ensure everyone in your home knows about the emergency. You can install the connection easily and it will sound the siren throughout the house using each of your fire alarms. It takes a few extra steps to set up and test, but it means family members in every room will get the warning.

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