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?
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?
- 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- Our all CO alarms are rigorously tested to meet CE EN50291 Standards.If…
- Alarm standard -The alarm time depends on the carbon monoxide concentration level:…
- Simple to use, just a test/reset button and when dangerous levels of carbon monoxide…
- Kitemarked to BS EN 50291-1 (domestic use). CE and UKCA marked
- Digital display of CO levels from 30ppm. Detector alarms from 50ppm.
- Warning "chirp" and digital display message indicates when batteries are…
- Kitemarked to BS EN 50291-1:2018
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 96 x 61 x 38mm
- Detector alarms from 50ppm
- [Simple Installation]The power supply uses 3 AA batteries and does not require wiring…
- [How To Use a Carbon Nonoxide Alarm]Using a 3 * AAA battery power supply (purchased…
- [CO Alarm Widely Used ] Adopting high-precision electrochemical sensors, it can quickly…
- 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…
- EASY INSTALLATION - All mounting hardware is included for fast and simple installation…
- Accurate CO Readings- Display CO concentration PPM Levela backlit digital LCD screen…
- Superior Alarm Performance - High accuracy and reliable long-life Electrochemical…
- Replacement for FireAngel CO-9B and CO-9X models
- The FA6813 detector holds a CE & UKCA mark and has been designed to conform to…
- The unit has been designed to either be wall mounted or left portable so you can…
- Press the test button once for a full alarm test with a quieter, acoustic alarm or…
- A 10-year battery is sealed in the carbon monoxide detector and provides protection…
- The CO sensor detects and alerts low carbon monoxide levels and emits a ventilation…
- Quality assurance and after-sales serviceWe are specialized in the development and…
- 85dB alarm and battery powerIn case of emergency, the carbon monoxide warning alarm…
- Flexible and easy installationNo wiring and sockets required, as our battery-powered…
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