This is an expert’s review of the best smoke detectors technologies. I have put together an unbiased review of top notch products for you. It is fascinating how technology continues to contribute to safety. The designers and manufacturers have taken their imagination higher by the stylish appearance of the products.
A great smoke detector should be accurate, reliable, fast and maintenance free.
✅ See the Best smoke alarms in Amazon
1. The Atom Smoke Detector
First Alert have designed this detector of much smaller size than normal but not compromising on performance. As the name depicts, the physical dimensions are scaled down. The product can fit nicely in your home (on the ceiling) without drawing much attention.
It uses photoelectric technology to detect fire (see more on photoelectric smoke detectors). When the alarm goes off, the sound is very audible at 85 dB and you will also see a flashing LED. The battery lasts for the full life (10 years) of the detector, hence no need to replace annually.
It is also very easy to install and mount either on a wall or on the ceiling (It is recommended a smoke detector be mounted high enough since heat rises up). We like it because it is stylish and miniature and definitely qualifies to be one of the best smoke detector of the year.
2. Worry Free Smoke Detectors
This is not just another product from Kidde. As the name suggests, these kind of smoke detectors are designed to be nuisance free with a high degree of keeping you safe all the time.
Kidde has tailor made them for different locations of your home ( the kitchen, the hallway, the bedroom, the living room) taking into account the hazards likely to occur in each of the are.
This demonstrates the care given to study and apply a solution fit for purpose. Fire experts have recommended placement of smoke detectors within the house. This is because different places have different factors to consider when designing a fire safety system.
3. Child Awakening Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector with Voice & Location Feature
You can choose from up to 11 pre-programmed locations. The alarm is specially designed to wake up sleeping children and the voice feature tells the fire location and whether it is smoke or CO detected.
We like it because of the accuracy and increased level of awareness of the nature and location of the risk. Did you know that fire homes cause the death of a child daily? According to Safe Kids, 290 other children receive fire related injuries daily.
4. Low Profile Best Smoke Detector
This product is designed by First Alert. Again it has great taste of style. The sensor type is photoelectric ( to detect slow smoldering fire which are most common in homes).
It is designed to have a super bright LED that will easily lead to safety when the alarm goes off. The physical dimensions are reduced from the normal size.
The 10 year battery saves you the irritating inconvenience of replacement with the costs associated. It simply looks different from common smoke detectors.
To see more of our detailed smoke detector review, click here.
What to look out for in a Top Smoke Detector
Compact Devices | Detect both smoke and CO
These devices help you detect more than one threat. Customers continue to expect more and more from smoke detectors. Some smoke detectors have a combination of two sensing detectors, electrochemical and photoelectric all in one device.
They provide an early warning of both slow burning fires and flaming fires. A good example of flaming fires is kitchen fire or paper burning. On the other hand, smoldering fires would be something like a cigarette burning the mattress or couch. Combined dual sensors gives great advantage in terms of cost, installation, maintenance and space. Consumers prefer a smoke detector that is unobtrusive.
Download a state-by-state residential smoke alarm requirements guidelines before purchasing.