What Is The Best Carbon Monoxide Detector To Buy? [2021] Review of 5 Battery & Hardwired Detectors

Carbon monoxide detectors are an important device to have in the home, since this deadly gas is odorless, tasteless, and colorless. Employing the use of a carbon monoxide protector can keep you safe around the clock. 

What is the best carbon monoxide detector to buy?

• First Alert BRK SC9120B Hardwired Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector
• First Alert Carbon Monoxide Detector C0400
• Kidde Nighthawk Plug-in AC/DC Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector with Digital Display KN-COPP-3
• Kidde Battery-Operated Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Digital Display KN-Copp-B-LPM

First Alert BRK SC9120B Hardwired Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector: Most Innovative

The First Alert BRK SC9120B detects both smoke and carbon monoxide.  It uses electrochemical CO sensing technology to detect carbon monoxide.  While this product is hardwired into your home, it also comes with a 9V backup battery, in case the power goes out.

The First Alert has two lights.  One indicates that the reason for it going off was that it sensed smoke, and the other light indicates that carbon monoxide was the problem.  There is also an arm that points to indicate whether smoke or carbon monoxide was present. This arm will remain in position, even after the alarm is no longer going off.

If you think the alarm has gone off errantly, the beeping can be stopped with the push of a button.  This same button will also run a scan to check to see why the alarm went off when it should not have.  This product is capable of connecting up to 18 other BRK or First Alert detectors, so all of the smoke or carbon monoxide detectors in your home can be linked.

First Alert BRK SC9120B Hardwired Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector with Battery Backup

• Keep your family safe with this hardwired smoke and carbon monoxide alarm; The battery backup means constant monitoring, even if there's a power failure
• Features an electrochemical carbon monoxide sensing technology as well as an ionization sensor for smoke detection.

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What Customers / Users Said:

Customers said that the First Alert BRK SC9120B detectors were easily installed and did a wonderful job of picking up on any smoke or carbon monoxide in the home.  Users also enjoyed the fact that all of their detectors could be connected, so that they all went off when there was a threat present.  This safety feature was appreciated, as the whole home was alerted if there was a problem.

Some users complained that there were way too many false alarms, particularly in the middle of the night.  In this instance, the fact that all of the detectors went off after the first one went off was not appreciated. Also, the backup batteries did not last long, so there was also constant chirping from each unit.

Amazon reviews for this product can be found HERE.

First Alert Carbon Monoxide Detector C0400: Most Effective

The First Alert Carbon Monoxide Detector C0400 has an electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor.  This product is not hardwired into the wall. Instead, it uses a 9V battery.  These detectors are easy to install and replace. Being battery powered, these First Alert Detectors will work, even if there is a power outage.

The First Alert Carbon Monoxide Detector C0400 detects even small amounts of carbon monoxide in your home from sources like fireplaces, generators, and other appliances.  Carbon monoxide is tasteless and does not usually present with a smell, so without a detector, you are not protected from this deadly gas.

In the event of a false alarm, these detectors can easily be turned off with the push of a button.  This button also tests the alarm for the reason it went off errantly.  There is a signal chirp that will come on when it is time to replace the carbon monoxide detector.

First Alert CO400 Carbon Monoxide Detector, White, Pack of 1

• Keep your family safe with this easy to use, battery operated carbon monoxide alarm; Battery powered alarms provide continuous monitoring of CO levels, even if there's a power failure
• Features an advanced electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor that accurately detects carbon monoxide levels, no matter where the detector is placed in the room.The alarm sequence should last 5-6 seconds. If it does not alarm, make sure fresh batteries are correctly installed, and test it again. If the unit still does not alarm, replace it immediately

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What Customers / Users Said:

Some customers reported that this product had saved the lives of their family.  It picked up on the presence of carbon monoxide when families were completely unaware it was leaking into their homes.  The fact that the detector saved lives is perhaps the highest compliment it could be paid.

Other users complained of false alarms in the middle of the night.  Some said that the carbon monoxide detectors were already several years old when they were shipped.  This meant the user did not get much life out of the product.  

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Kidde Nighthawk Plug-in AC/DC Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector with Digital Display KN-COPP-3: Easiest to Install

The Kidde Nighthawk plugs into the wall, rather than being hardwired.  It also comes with a backup battery for protection in the case of a power outage. An interesting feature of the Kidde Nighthawk is that you can press the “Peak Level Button” and get a report of the highest level of carbon monoxide in your home since the last time the detector was unplugged.  In this way, you can constantly monitor whether carbon monoxide levels are getting higher in your home or whether you are getting close to reaching dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

The Kidde Nighthawk also detects the presence of other gases in the home.  It uses a metal oxide sensor to detect natural gas or propane in different areas of the home.

Kidde Nighthawk Plug-In AC/DC Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector with Digital Display KN-COPP-3

• Peak level button – Displays the peak CO level recorded by the alarm since it was last reset or unplugged
• Test button functions – Tests the unit for proper operation and resets the carbon monoxide alarm

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What Customers / Users Said:

Customers enjoyed the effortless installation of this product.  Some users reported that it had detected gas or carbon monoxide in their sleep and saved their families’ lives.  The feature that gives you the peak reading for carbon monoxide was also popular.

Other users said that this product did not go off unless there were very large amounts of carbon monoxide in the air.  They felt like the Kidde Nighthawk did not provide adequate protection and that it did not sense carbon monoxide in small levels.  

Amazon reviews for this product can be found HERE.

Kidde Battery-Operated Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Digital Display KN-Copp-B-LPM: Most Safety-Oriented

This carbon monoxide detector is battery operated, so it is easy to install.  It has a digital display and takes a new reading of the carbon monoxide levels in your home every fifteen seconds.  This product has a ten-year lifespan.

It also comes with the “Peak Reading” button.  You can check to see how high levels of carbon monoxide have been in your home since the last time you pressed the button.  There is a protection mechanism that keeps the battery compartment from closing unless the batteries have been properly installed.  This ensures that your carbon monoxide detector is working correctly when you install it.

There is an LED light on this Kidde Model.  It will remain green as long as there is not a threat.  If carbon monoxide levels are high, the light will begin to flash red.  This is an added safety feature, designed to get your attention in the event of danger.

Kidde Battery Operated Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Digital Display KN-Copp-B-LPM

• Digital Display - Displays the level of carbon monoxide the unit is sensing. Shows CO level in PPM (parts per million). Updates digital reading every 15 seconds, allowing you to see if levels change. Peak Level Memory displays the highest CO concentration measured since the last reset

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What Customers / Users Said:

Many customers reported that the Kidde KN-Copp-B-LPM was effective at detecting carbon monoxide in their homes.  Some said that it had detected carbon monoxide while they were sleeping and saved their lives.  The “Peak Reading” button was also a feature that users appreciated.

Some users said that this product did not last long.  The detectors they received were already several years old when they ordered them.  It was not long before they had to replace their carbon monoxide detector.

Amazon Reviews for this product can be found HERE.

Conclusion

If it is innovation you are looking for, the First Alert BRK SC9120B is a great choice.  This detector has the capability to connect to your other BRK devices in the home.  When one alarm goes off, it triggers all of the other alarms to go off. Everyone in the house will know when there is a potential danger.

The First Alert Carbon Monoxide Detector C0400 is known for detecting even small levels of carbon monoxide in the home.  If carbon monoxide is a major concern for you, this may be your best choice.  It does not have another function, but it is one of the best carbon monoxide detectors on the market.  If there is carbon monoxide in the air, this detector is sure to alert you.

The most interesting feature of all the carbon monoxide detectors we have discussed is the voice warning technology of the Kidde 21026043 Combination Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Voice Warning KN-COSM-BA.  Not only does this model warn you of potential danger, but a voice will actually tell you whether you are dealing with a fire or high carbon monoxide levels.

If it is low maintenance you are looking for, the Kidde Nighthawk Plug-in AC/DC Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector KN-COPP-3 may be the best choice for you.  It does not have to be hardwired in by an electrician or rely on battery power.  Simply plug it in, and you are protected for carbon monoxide.

The Kidde Battery Operated Carbon Monoxide Alarm KN-Copp-B-LPM checks the air for carbon monoxide every fifteen seconds.  It also records the peak level of carbon monoxide every time you reset it.  With a digital warning screen, a siren, and warning lights, this model is packed with safety features.