The color-changing LED, along with the verbal commands and smartphone notifications, made the Nest Protect fun to test out and operate. My first aerosol test activated its "heads-up" function, which issued a verbal warning that it detected a small amount of smoke. This would be a convenient feature if the smoke was due to burning toast or another non-emergency — especially for anyone who might get overwhelmed by loud noises. By giving you the chance to resolve the problem before the smoke levels rise, you can prevent the unit from going into full-blown alarm mode. My second aerosol spray was enough for the Nest Protect to assume there was an actual fire, and it sounded its alarm immediately. Different makes and models will be slower or faster to detect smoke coming through and have different alarms working at different volumes. Some even feature voice alarms or strobing lights. However, any alarms sold in the UK have to meet BS EN 14604:2005, which specifies the requirements, tests and performance criteria for smoke alarms using optical or ionisation sensors. Heat alarms are governed by the separate BS 5446-3:2003 standard. An interesting by-product of the new breed of smart alarms is the fire-related data being collected, as is the case with Google, which makes the Nest Protect smoke and CO alarm. Google told us that it uses data from its alarms to provide ‘meaningful insights’ for its customers and to improve the product.

Smoke particles change the balance of the current. When this happens a signal is sent to the integrated circuit and the alarm sounds. In Scotland, since February 2022, interlinked smoke and heat alarms have needed to be fitted in all homes.

Some smart models sound an alarm on your smartphone and through the alarm itself when triggered – this is the most helpful kind of smart alarm. The best smoke alarms you can buy in 2023 1. Google Nest Protect: Best smart smoke and carbon monoxide alarm The Nest Protect allows you to easily silence the unit in the event of a nuisance alarm with the large and easy-to-press test/silence button. You can even silence the alarm from your smartphone, although it doesn't allow for this if the smoke is too heavy. Heat (thermal) alarms detect heat (hot air) instead of smoke. The alarm is triggered when the temperature within the sensor chamber reaches over 58 degrees Celsius – generally when a fire is well established. For this guide, I tested dozens of smoke detectors after consulting with fire and building experts and doing online research. I relied on my extensive experience as a residential carpenter, which frequently required the relocation of hardwired units. I've also installed plenty of hardwired and battery-powered smoke detectors in my own apartments and my parents' home. First-hand testing

The XS03-WX Wi-Fi Smoke Alarm uses a photoelectric sensor that works with the airflow design of the casing to better detect a variety of fire types. To minimize nuisance alerts, the sensor also analyzes smoke three times before activating the alarm. Installing the X-Sense SC01 was simple, and with a power drill and pencil, I was able to attach it to the ceiling in about two minutes. The anchors are white, so they blended in with the ceiling and also came in a resealable plastic baggie, which was convenient.

The best smoke alarms you can buy in 2023

Fire and rescue services attended over 150,000 fires last year in England alone, and while the number of fire fatalities dropped to their lowest ever figure, 240 people still lost their lives. Buying a smoke alarm is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your home, your life and the lives of your family and friends. It can give you early warning of a fire before it spreads, and the best chance of getting everyone safely out of the house. On a lighter note, Google’s data also revealed that the day when smoke alarms are most likely to sound in the UK is pancake day. Is the Nest Protect smoke and CO alarm suitable for homes in Scotland now that the law has changed? Even though the X-Sense Wireless Interconnected smoke detectors are smaller and lighter than typical ones, they still meet UL 217 standards. They also beeped at the same 85-db level as every other model tested. Their red alert lights were easy to see, and because of their side-mounted position, they reflected off the ceiling to increase visibility.

For kitchen, garage or workshop use, fire services also recommend fitting a heat alarm. These sense hot air rather than smoke, and trigger when the air in the sensor chamber reaches a specific temperature, which is usually 58°C. Heat alarms are slower to respond than actual smoke alarms, but they’re also not as prone to false alarms. They won’t go off when you’re grilling sausages or burning toast, but they still provide ample warning if something catches fire in your kitchen.

To make sure you're choosing the best smoke detector for your home, it's important to understand their different features. Experts told us that smoke detectors should always be placed on ceilings, and you should have at least one detector inside and outside of each bedroom. Interconnectivity: Interconnected smoke detectors will automatically trigger every alarm if one is activated. If you use hardwired detectors, you need to physically connect them to achieve this. Battery-powered options, on the other hand, connect via a radio frequency, which requires much less effort to set up. Dave Nicholas, professional electrician and founder of SparkyBase.com, considers wireless interlinking one of the most important features to consider. "Having interlinked detectors is a regulation in many areas," Nicholas says, adding that the alternative — trying to hardwire the link — can be incredibly disruptive since it requires lifting carpets and floorboards.