The 10 best carbon monoxide detectors to buy in the UK
A good carbon monoxide (CO) detector detects the dangers of carbon monoxide in enclosed spaces, making it an incredibly important device for homes using fuel-burning appliances. However, it’s not always clear what the best CO detector is for your home, and because this is a very important safety device you should always take the time to research what you need.
Check out the buying guide below for how to choose the best carbon monoxide detectors for your home:
What are carbon monoxide detectors?
As the name suggests, a carbon monoxide detector is a device used to detect the presence of carbon monoxide gas in the air. By detecting carbon monoxide, the system provides a warning to people that they are at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which is virtually undetectable to humans. Remember that a CO detector doesn't replace a good smoke detector.
Why should you buy a good carbon monoxide detector?
If you use a fuel-burning appliance such as gas heating in your home, then it’s essential that you have a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer, as the gas is highly poisonous to humans but impossible to detect through smell or taste, making it highly dangerous. So, if you don’t have a good carbon monoxide detector but there is a chance that carbon monoxide gas leaks from an appliance in your home, you could very well die without ever knowing anything was wrong.
How to choose the right carbon monoxide detector in 2024?
It is incredibly important to choose the best carbon monoxide detector possible for home to eliminate any risks of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. Be sure to consider the following things to help you choose a good CO detector:
- Alarm Volume: The best carbon monoxide detectors offer a loud audible alarm at the first detection of carbon monoxide. This is important as carbon monoxide poisoning causes drowsiness and eventually causes you to fall asleep, at which point you are even more at risk of dying, so getting a warning signal as soon as possible is a must. Make sure the alarm is loud and audible from several feet away, especially if buying for an elderly person.
- Display: Newer carbon monoxide detectors feature digital displays that offer real-time readings and a constant stream of data. Not only that, these displays offer info regarding battery life, peak levels measured, and other helpful data. One setback from digital displays is that they often appear bright when sleeping, so may not be ideal for light sleepers or those easily distracted.
- Power Source: Battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors are very reliable, but the batteries need to be changed every so often and it's important not to forget this otherwise it becomes useless. Hardwired CO detectors are connected to the mains power so will never stop working unless there is a power outage, although most feature backup batteries should this occur.
What is the best kind of carbon monoxide detector in the UK?
There are several types of good carbon monoxide detectors available, all of which offer their own unique advantages.
- Digital Display CO Detectors: A great carbon monoxide detector for most homes, it features a digital display that provides real-time data about current and previous CO levels in parts per million. While more expensive, they provide accurate data that offer a peace of mind and plenty of warning.
- Hardwired CO Detectors: The best carbon monoxide detectors for homes with several rooms, these are hardwired to the power supply and feature backup batteries should there ever be a power outage. This means professional installation is almost always required, but there is no risk of the detector running out of battery.
- Battery-Operated CO Detectors: A great all-round carbon monoxide detector, battery-operated devices last for several years before the battery needs to be changed. However, if you forget to change the battery then the device doesn’t offer any warning, so it’s always important to remember to change the battery, although this is easy enough as they come with low battery warnings.
- Patch CO Detectors: A cheap detector that doesn’t offer an audio alarm but rather a visual one, patch carbon monoxide detectors change color if there is any CO detected. While very affordable, the lack of an audio alarm makes it far less effective than other types.
Top 10 list of carbon monoxide detectors in the UK (2024)
The bestseller list compares brands and their carbon monoxide detectors. Which carbon monoxide detector is the best?
- [Simple Installation]The power supply uses 2 AA batteries and does not require wiring…
- [How To Use a Carbon Nonoxide Alarm]Using a 2 * AA battery power supply (purchased…
- [CO Detector] When the concentration of carbon monoxide reaches the alarm value,…
- 7 year warranty, 10 year alarm life, Kitemarked and CE Marked
- Battery operated (3 replaceable AA batteries supplied)
- Can be wall mounted or free standing - ideal for taking on holiday or when trave…
- Buy with confidence: All our carbon monoxide alarms are rigorously tested and comply…
- Package Contents: 1 X mini carbon monoxide detectors in one package, 2 X expansion…
- How to Use: Diameter 9.5* Height 3(CM) Carbon Nonoxide Alarm, 2*1.5V AAA battery…
- TUV Certified to EN 50291-1:2018
- 3 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty
- CE marked, and UKCA tested and certified
- FIREANGEL HOME PROTECTION: In addition to our carbon monoxide detectors, we offer…
- SAFETY ASSURED: The FA6813 detector holds a CE & UKCA mark and has been designed…
- TRAVEL CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR: Each portable device comes with an integrated mounting…
- UKCA & CE Marked - Kitemarked to BS EN 50291-1: 2018 (for domestic use)
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 73 x 127 x 39mm
- Warranty: 7 Year Warranty
- HOME SAFETY ESSENTIAL: A crucial addition to any home safety toolkit, providing peace…
- RELIABLE ALERT SYSTEM: Equipped with a reliable alert system, emitting loud alarms…
- EASY INSTALLATION: Simple to install, requiring no wiring, allowing for hassle-free…
- Warning! this CO alarm is not a substitute for a smoke or fire alarm
- 10 years sensor and warranty
- It has replaceable batteries
- Warning- This product is not a natural gas detector, not a methane detector, it detects…
- Usage Scenario- Carbon monoxide is a gas produced by insufficient combustion, so…
- Quality Assurance- The carbon monoxide detector is tested and certificated by TUV…
- LONG LIFESPAN & EN50291 QUALITY - 10-Year lifespan of carbon monoxide sensor…
- BATTERY INCLUDED - CO detector is operated by 2 * 1.5V AA alkaline batteries for…
- LCD DIGITAL DISPLAY & HIGH SENSITIVITY - Clearly displays the battery life and…
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