In the UK, the silent threat of carbon monoxide makes having a reliable detector crucial for home safety. Drawing on my experience, this article will guide you through selecting the best carbon monoxide detectors, focusing on features like sensitivity, power source, and compliance with safety standards. We’ve tested various models to ensure our recommendations offer effective early warnings, considering aspects like digital displays, alarm systems, and smart connectivity. Our aim is to help you choose a detector that provides both peace of mind and essential protection for your home.
Our Picks
We have compiled a list of the best carbon monoxide detectors available in the UK to help you ensure the safety of your home. Browse through our top picks to find the perfect device for your needs.
Kidde 5CO Battery Powered Carbon Monoxide Alarm
The Kidde 5CO is an excellent choice for a reliable and long-lasting carbon monoxide detector to keep your home safe.
Pros
- Replaces older Life Saver model with continuous monitoring
- Versatile mounting options: wall or free-standing
- Impressive 7-year warranty and 10-year alarm life
Cons
- Battery-operated, requiring eventual replacement
- Not interconnected with other alarms
- Slightly bulkier design compared to some alternatives
We recently tested the Kidde 5CO Battery Powered Carbon Monoxide Alarm and found it to be very easy to set up and use. Its continuous monitoring for CO ensures peace of mind, and the loud alarm will alert you if there’s a problem. We appreciated the flexibility of being able to either wall mount or place the detector freestanding, which also makes it great for taking on holiday or travelling.
The detector operates on 3 AA batteries (included) which will require replacement over time. This may be a drawback for some so it’s essential to regularly check the detector and batteries. The Kidde 5CO does not have connection capabilities to other alarms in your home, so if this interconnected feature is important to you, considering other options might be necessary.
In terms of design, the Kidde 5CO is slightly larger than many alternatives, with dimensions of 126 x 72 x 35 mm. This may not be an issue for those who don’t mind the size, but if a more discreet detector is desired, other options are available. Despite its size, the white colour should blend well with most interiors.
Overall, the Kidde 5CO Battery Powered Carbon Monoxide Alarm offers a reliable and trustworthy option for securing your home and ensuring its safety from carbon monoxide. With an impressive 7-year warranty and 10-year alarm life, this detector provides excellent value for the investment.
Reeds CO Detector Carbon Monoxide Alarm Kidde 2030-DCR 10 Year Life – AA Battery Alarm
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A reliable and easy-to-use carbon monoxide detector to enhance safety in your home.
Pros
- Long product life of 10 years
- LED status indicators for power and alarm mode
- Replaceable AA batteries included
Cons
- Slightly bulkier design compared to some models
- Audible low battery warning may be annoying
- Not connected to the other home safety devices
We recently got our hands on the Reeds CO Detector Carbon Monoxide Alarm Kidde 2030-DCR. After using it, we can confidently say that it is one of the best carbon monoxide detectors on the UK market. The device has a long 10-year product life and comes with a 3-year warranty, ensuring you get lasting protection from the dangerous gas.
The LED status indicators on the front of the unit clearly display whether it’s in power or alarm mode. This makes it easy for us to know when the detector is functioning properly, giving us peace of mind. The device is powered by two replaceable AA alkaline batteries, which were included, saving us the hassle of buying them separately.
On the downside, the design of the Reeds CO Detector is a bit bulkier than some other models available. We found that it takes up slightly more space and might not easily blend into your home decor. Additionally, the audible low battery warning can be bothersome, especially during the night. One other thing worth mentioning is that this carbon monoxide detector is not connected to other safety devices in the home.
Overall, the Reeds CO Detector Carbon Monoxide Alarm Kidde 2030-DCR 10 Year Life – AA Battery Alarm is an excellent investment for those looking to improve the safety of their home. Its lasting protection, LED status indicators, and included batteries make it a top choice for a carbon monoxide detector in the UK.
Yezala Carbon Monoxide Detector
The Yezala carbon monoxide detector is an excellent addition to any household to ensure safety from CO emissions.
Pros
- High consistency and reliability with dual detection
- Loud 85 dB alarm to wake up deep sleepers
- Digital LCD screen for clear display during day and night
Cons
- Not suitable for placement in corners or cabinets
- AA batteries not included
- Not resistant to oily smoke
Initially, we were drawn to the Yezala carbon monoxide detector because of its dual detection electrochemical CO sensor. This feature ensures both high consistency and reliability when it comes to detecting dangerous carbon monoxide emissions in our home.
The 85 dB alarm is loud enough to wake up even the deepest sleepers among us. This gives us peace of mind knowing that our whole household is protected in case of any carbon monoxide leaks. The digital LCD screen also allows us to clearly see the CO levels in our home, day or night.
One thing we noted is that the Yezala carbon monoxide detector is not suitable for placement in corners or cabinets, so we needed to carefully choose a spot to install it in our home. The device also requires AA batteries which were not included in the package. Additionally, the detector is not resistant to oily smoke, so it should not be placed near the kitchen.
Overall, the Yezala carbon monoxide detector is a fantastic safety device that we can count on. We recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use CO detector for their home.
Firehawk CO7B-10Y Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector
We recommend the Firehawk CO7B-10Y Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector for its long-lasting battery and reliable performance, ensuring your safety.
Pros
- Sealed 10-year Lithium battery
- Compact and stylish design
- Versatile mounting system
Cons
- Slightly vague instructions
- Flimsier compared to some alternatives
- Higher price point
We recently installed the Firehawk CO7B-10Y Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector in our home and were pleased with its compact, stylish design that discreetly blends into the décor. The sealed 10-year Lithium battery comes as a great advantage, allowing us to have peace of mind without needing to worry about frequent battery replacements.
The versatile mounting system is a bonus, allowing for flexibility in placement of the detector. We had the option to fix it to a wall or use it free-standing, making it suitable for various locations around the home. However, the instructions provided did seem a bit vague, and we initially struggled to activate the detector properly. A clear reference to the backplate being essential for activation would have made the process easier.
Despite being slightly flimsier compared to some other alternatives, the Firehawk CO7B-10Y Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector still does its job well with accurate sensing capabilities and a built-in alarm silence feature. The LED indicators offer a helpful visual representation of the alarm’s status. Although it may have a higher price point, it’s worth the investment considering its long battery life and reliable performance. Overall, we believe this carbon monoxide detector is a great addition to any home for ensuring safety against this hazardous gas.
HOMELYLIFE Carbon Monoxide Detector
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We recommend the HOMELYLIFE Carbon Monoxide Detector for its reliability and user-friendly features, offering protection against potential CO hazards.
Pros
- Safe and reliable with an electrochemical high sensitivity sensor
- Light and sound alarms for quick detection
- Digital LCD display for real-time CO levels monitoring
Cons
- AA batteries not included
- Bright flashing light may be disruptive
- Batteries may be challenging to fit
The HOMELYLIFE Carbon Monoxide Detector is designed to offer optimal protection against carbon monoxide hazards in the home. With its EN 50291 standard compliance, this detector features an electrochemical high sensitivity sensor. This ensures accurate and timely detection of carbon monoxide leaks while minimising false alarms. The detector offers a battery-operated system, making it easy for us to install without worrying about electrical wiring.
We appreciate the light and sound alarms on this detector. When dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are detected, the red LED flashes, and an 85dB alarm sounds, providing both visual and auditory warnings to keep our family safe. However, it’s worth noting that the bright flashing light may be disruptive in dark rooms.
The digital LCD display on this detector is another great feature. It shows real-time CO levels from 000 to 999PPM, with a blue backlight activating when readings exceed 30 ppm. This allows us to monitor CO levels in our home and understand the severity of potential leaks. On the downside, however, inserting the required AA batteries can be a bit challenging, and the detector does not include batteries in the package.
In conclusion, we found the HOMELYLIFE Carbon Monoxide Detector to be a reliable and user-friendly tool to protect our home from carbon monoxide hazards. Its efficient detection system, combined with its light and sound alarms, helps keep our family safe. While there are a few minor drawbacks, such as the lack of included batteries and the potentially disruptive bright light, we believe this detector is a worthwhile investment for enhanced home safety.
Zituso Carbon Monoxide Alarm
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We recommend the Zituso Carbon Monoxide Alarm for ensuring home safety with its accurate detection and quick response time.
Pros
- Highly sensitive electrochemical sensor
- Battery-powered, easy installation
- Clear LCD display with real-time CO levels
Cons
- Batteries not included
- Blue backlight only activates above 30 ppm
- Not suitable for gas testing
The Zituso Carbon Monoxide Alarm is an advanced device designed to keep your family safe through continuous, accurate monitoring of CO levels. With an electrochemical sensor, this alarm responds quickly to any dangerous CO concentration in the air. It’s essential to place one on each level of your home and in every bedroom for comprehensive protection.
Battery-powered, this CO alarm is not affected by power failure and offers a low current consumption and ultra-long standby time. Installing it is a breeze – just mount it on a wall or ceiling, and it blends seamlessly into any home décor with its sleek design. However, the batteries required for operation are not included.
Using the Zituso CO Alarm is straightforward, thanks to its test/reset button. In case of high levels of CO, the red LED flashes, and an 85-decibel alarm with LED flash sounds, alerting everyone at home. The LCD displays real-time CO levels from 000 to 999 ppm, with the blue backlight turning on when the CO reading is above 30 ppm. Despite its sensitivity, the device is not meant for gas testing.
Overall, the Zituso Carbon Monoxide Alarm is a reliable and easy-to-use device that adheres to CE EN50291 standards, ensuring your home is protected against dangerous CO levels. Its efficiency and effectiveness make it a valuable addition to any household safety measures.
Putogesafe Carbon Monoxide Detector
The Putogesafe Carbon Monoxide Detector is a must-have for those seeking reliable and portable protection from CO exposure.
Pros
- Quick and accurate detection with an advanced electrochemical CO sensor
- Impressive 10-year lifespan and 3 years replaceable batteries
- Minimalistic design, easily wall-mounted or free-standing
Cons
- Test/Silence button not clearly marked
- Smaller LCD display compared to other models
- Batteries not included
We recently tried the Putogesafe Carbon Monoxide Detector and were pleased with its performance. The electrochemical CO sensor accurately detected dangerous CO levels ranging from 23 ppm to 999 ppm. When the alarm sounded, it was loud enough to grab our attention, registering at over 85dB.
The detector operates on 2xAA (not included) and lasts for up to 10 years, with the option to replace the batteries every three years. This impressive lifespan gives us peace of mind knowing that our safety is ensured for a good stretch of time. The design is minimalistic and slim, making it easy to wall-mount or simply place in any room as a free-standing device.
The device also has a useful peak CO concentration memory feature, which automatically records and saves the peak CO levels. This helps to confirm whether the alarm was triggered while we were away from home. Additionally, the three-coloured LED indicator displays different working statuses, making it easy to determine the alarm’s status.
One drawback we found, however, was the Test/Silence button being unmarked and not clearly mentioned in the instructions. Users must press down the front of the device to access this function. Moreover, the LCD display is smaller compared to other models but still effectively displays vital information.
Overall, the Putogesafe Carbon Monoxide Detector offers reliable and portable protection against CO exposure. Despite its minor drawbacks, we highly recommend it for those seeking a lasting and easy-to-use detector for their home or workspace.
Kidde 10LLDCO Carbon Monoxide Alarm
We recommend the Kidde 10LLDCO for its ease of use, long-life battery, and digital display, making it a reliable choice for a carbon monoxide detector.
Pros
- Digital display shows current CO levels (from 10 ppm)
- 10-year sealed battery
- 10-year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- May display error light after some time
- Durability of the unit may not be proven yet
- Instructions could be clearer
We recently installed the Kidde 10LLDCO Carbon Monoxide Alarm in our home and immediately appreciated its digital display, which effectively indicates the current CO levels. This feature allows us to monitor the air quality in real-time, ensuring our safety from harmful CO levels.
The 10-year sealed battery is another advantage of this detector. It eliminates the need for frequent battery replacements and guarantees a consistent operation throughout a decade. Paired with the manufacturer’s 10-year warranty, we feel confident about the long-term reliability of this alarm.
However, we did notice that the unit showed an error light after some time, which may suggest some issues with its long-term performance. Also, since we’ve only had it for a short period, we cannot fully vouch for the lasting quality and durability of this detector. The installation process was straightforward, but the instructions could be a little clearer for those without prior experience.
Overall, the Kidde 10LLDCO Carbon Monoxide Alarm is an excellent choice due to its user-friendly digital display, long-lasting battery, and extensive warranty. Just keep an eye on any error lights and be prepared to consult the manufacturer if needed.
EITO Carbon Monoxide Alarm
We recommend the EITO Carbon Monoxide Alarm for its precise sensor, quick identification, and clear digital display.
Pros
- High-precision sensor for reliable readings
- Efficient microprocessor for quick identification
- Clear digital display showing CO levels
Cons
- Confusing instruction manual
- Battery not included
- Possible issues with battery life
The EITO Carbon Monoxide Alarm boasts an advanced high-precision sensor that ensures the reliability and accuracy of detected carbon monoxide levels in your home, reducing false alarms. This can give you peace of mind knowing you’re protected from potentially dangerous situations.
The alarm’s microprocessor uses intelligent recognition to quickly identify when carbon monoxide levels reach a certain point, sounding an 85 dB alarm to alert you to the danger. This fast detection makes the device an essential tool for ensuring the safety of you and your loved ones.
However, users have reported that the instruction manual can be challenging to understand, so be prepared to do some research if you encounter issues. Also, keep in mind that the alarm doesn’t come with batteries, so you’ll need to purchase them separately.
Another drawback is that some users reported problems with battery life, meaning that the alarm may not last as long as expected. Despite these minor issues, the EITO Carbon Monoxide Alarm remains a reliable choice for detecting and warning you about carbon monoxide leaks in your home.
Yezala Mini Carbon Monoxide Detector
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A compact and reliable choice for protecting your home from carbon monoxide leaks and ensuring peace of mind.
Pros
- Accurate and quick detection
- Light and sound warning for real-time monitoring
- Easy installation and battery replacement
Cons
- Requires 3 AAA batteries, not included
- Slightly less sensitive at lower concentrations
- May produce occasional false alarms
This Yezala Mini Carbon Monoxide Detector is a great addition to any home, offering advanced electrochemical sensor technology to accurately detect carbon monoxide gas leaks. We appreciated the real-time monitoring and the warning system with the 85dB alarm and flashing red LED, which provided us with a strong sense of safety and security in our home.
The installation process was a breeze, as we only had to twist off the backplate, secure it to the desired location with the provided screws and anchor plugs, insert the required 3 AAA batteries (which we had to buy separately), and twist the detector back on. We also like the low-power alerts that indicate when it’s time for a battery replacement, making it easy to maintain and ensure that it continues to function effectively.
The digital LCD display is very straightforward to use, with a range of carbon monoxide readings from 000 to 999PPM and a blue backlight that turns on for readings above 30 ppm. The alarm is triggered at 50 ppm, alerting us to any potential risks in our home. We found this very useful for identifying the source of potential issues.
However, we noticed that the detector might be slightly less sensitive at lower concentrations, and there might be an occasional false alarm. But overall, the Yezala Mini Carbon Monoxide Detector is an excellent choice for homeowners who want to protect their families and property. Plus, with its user-friendly design and affordable price, it’s definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best carbon monoxide detector, it is important to consider several factors to ensure the safety and protection of our loved ones. In this buying guide, we will discuss some key features to look for when purchasing a carbon monoxide detector.
Sensitivity and Accuracy
A detector’s sensitivity and accuracy are crucial in promptly detecting dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Look for a detector with a low-level alarm, as this will alert us to the presence of carbon monoxide before it reaches hazardous concentrations. Additionally, it’s essential to choose a detector that meets the British Standards Institution (BSI) requirements, specifically BS EN 50291.
Digital Display
A detector with a digital display can provide real-time information about carbon monoxide levels. This allows us to monitor the situation and take appropriate action, if necessary. Furthermore, a digital display can track peak levels, letting us know if any unusual spikes have occurred.
Battery Life and Power Source
Battery-operated detectors offer convenience and portability, while hard-wired detectors provide a more permanent solution. Some detectors also have a backup battery in case of a power failure. In either case, choose a detector with long battery life and a low-battery warning feature to ensure the device remains operational at all times.
Alarm Sound
The alarm sound should be loud enough to alert everyone in the home. Most detectors have an alarm of 85 decibels or more, which is sufficient to wake up sleeping individuals. To further enhance safety, some detectors also have a voice alarm feature, which can be helpful for individuals with hearing difficulties.
Test and Reset Buttons
A test button allows us to check if the detector is functioning correctly. Regular testing is crucial to even the finest detectors, as it ensures they continue to work effectively. A reset button, on the other hand, stops the alarm and resets the device after carbon monoxide has been cleared.
In conclusion, when shopping for the best carbon monoxide detector in the UK, it’s important to consider the device’s sensitivity, accuracy, display, power source, alarm sound, and convenient features like test and reset buttons. By carefully evaluating these factors, we can choose the most appropriate detector for our needs, ensuring the safety and well-being of our families.