10 Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors UK 2024 | Google Nest, X-Sense and More
Keep reading to discover why you need a carbon monoxide monitor and the different types available, including portable ones for travel or use in caravans. Also, make sure to check out our reviews to find CO detectors from top manufacturers such as Kidde, Honeywell and Nest, as well as our handy placement tips.
Quick List - Top Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Google Nest
A Smart Detector and Alarm That You Can Control From Your Phone
Kidde
Reliable Protection From Both Fires and Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Mercury
A Trusted Budget Option That Does Not Sacrifice Quality
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What Is a Carbon Monoxide Detector and Why Do You Need One?
Carbon monoxide is an extreme health hazard that can quickly lead to carbon monoxide poisoning if it is not detected quickly. A detector is, therefore, an essential purchase as, being a colourless, tasteless gas without an odour, carbon monoxide cannot be directly detected by humans.
Having a functional carbon monoxide detector is especially important in the UK due to the architectural features of many British homes. With boilers often placed in cupboards near or even in bedrooms, we must be vigilant of carbon monoxide levels at all times.
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How to Choose a Carbon Monoxide Detector in the UK
- To Stay Safe, Stick to EN 50291-Compliant Devices
- For a More Versatile Device, Opt for a Battery-Operated Detector
- Check the Specifications to Keep Track of Your Detector's Lifespan
- Buy a Detector With a Display to Monitor Battery Life
- To Monitor Carbon Monoxide Levels From Your Phone, Opt for a Smart Detector
Only Buy British Standard EN 50291-Compliant Devices for Your Home
BS EN 50291-certified devices have been tested to ensure that they will activate within three minutes of exposure to high levels (330 ppm) of carbon monoxide in a domestic setting. This rapid response will allow you and your family to quickly evacuate the affected area before carbon monoxide poisoning takes hold.
Decide Between Mains-Powered Detectors That Never Run Out and Battery-Powered Types for Easier Setup and Useful Features
Choose Mains-Powered Detectors for Their High Reliability Once Installed
However, bear in mind that some mains-powered detectors do come with an additional cost as they may need to be installed professionally. Attempting to install a mains-powered detector yourself could lead to safety issues in your home.
Go for Battery-Powered Models If You Want an Easy-to-Fit Detector That Can Be Used at Home or Away
When travelling abroad, there is no guarantee that a carbon monoxide detector will be installed in your accommodation. The portability of battery-powered detectors makes them great for travelling as well as combating common camping hazards. But remember, you will need to check the battery often and replace it periodically.
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The Lifespan of Carbon Monoxide Detectors Can Vary Widely So Always Check the Specifications
This is why if you are buying multiple carbon monoxide detectors for your home, try to stick to the same model so that you know to replace them all at the same time. This will help cut down on the stress of maintaining your detectors.
Look for Units With a Display So You Can Monitor Carbon Monoxide Levels and Battery Life
Some carbon monoxide detectors come with a digital display that will show the current carbon monoxide levels being detected, with the display updating several times per minute. This is helpful if you want to have a constantly refreshed figure so you can monitor any fluctuations in the carbon monoxide level and discover any potential threats before they become dangerous.
Many of the detectors with screens will also monitor the battery life of the detector, so you will always have an awareness of the current power and whether you should consider replacing it soon.
Consider Detectors That You Can Control Via an App for Peace of Mind and Functionality
This ability to keep track of carbon monoxide levels even when you’re not at home can offer important peace of mind, especially to parents who can now ensure that their home is safe for their children even when they are not physically there themselves.
As you can also control the carbon monoxide detector from your phone, it offers you greater control of the device. You can quickly silence false alarms from your phone, or receive diagnostic reports straight to your phone to read whenever it is convenient.
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10 Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Google Nest Protect 2nd Generation Smoke + Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Wired) | | A Smart Detector and Alarm That You Can Control From Your Phone | |
2 | X-Sense Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector | | A Low-Maintenance Device That Will Last a Decade | |
3 | Kidde Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm With Voice Notification｜10SCO | | Reliable Protection From Both Fires and Carbon Monoxide Leaks | |
4 | Mercury Battery Operated Carbon Monoxide Alarm｜COD100B | | A Trusted Budget Option That Does Not Sacrifice Quality | |
5 | Scondaor Carbon Monoxide Alarm｜DL-C101A | | Easy to Use and Understand With Accessible Design Features | |
6 | FireAngel Wireless Interlink Carbon Monoxide Detector｜W2-CO-10XQ | | Perfect if You Are Looking to Build a Large Carbon Monoxide Detector Network | |
7 | FireAngel Carbon Monoxide Alarm｜CO-9X-10T-FF | | Great for Both the Home and When Travelling | |
8 | Firehawk Carbon Monoxide Alarm｜CO7B | | A Compact and Discreet Detector That Can Be Placed Anywhere | |
9 | Kidde Carbon Monoxide Alarm ｜4MCO | | Can Easily Connect With Other Kidde Alarms to Fully Protect Your Home | |
10 | Honeywell Carbon Monoxide Alarm｜XC100 | | A Basic, Easy-to-Read Alarm for Those Who Don't Need Extra Features |
Google NestProtect 2nd Generation Smoke + Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Wired)
A Smart Detector and Alarm That You Can Control From Your Phone
You’ll be able to closely monitor the levels of carbon monoxide detected at all times with this device. And as multiple devices can be connected within the home, it’ll alert you if there is a problem wherever you are in your house.
A Low-Maintenance Device That Will Last a Decade
As this detector is powered by a sealed lithium-ion battery with a ten-year warranty, you will not have to replace the batteries at all while this detector is in operation, which should give you peace of mind and save you money in the long run.
KiddeCombination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm With Voice Notification ｜ 10SCO
Reliable Protection From Both Fires and Carbon Monoxide Leaks
This detector also features a voice alarm that will clearly notify you of what type of danger has been detected. In an emergency, it can be easy to panic, so this feature will help you to quickly respond in the appropriate way.
Mercury Battery Operated Carbon Monoxide Alarm ｜ COD100B
A Trusted Budget Option That Does Not Sacrifice Quality
The carbon monoxide detector will constantly monitor the carbon monoxide levels present, and display the results on its LCD screen. This feature is great for those looking for peace of mind about potential dangerous gasses in the home.
Easy to Use and Understand With Accessible Design Features
This carbon monoxide detector also comes with a large digital LCD screen that clearly displays the carbon monoxide level that is currently being detected by the device. This is an excellent investment for a carbon monoxide detector with a 10-year lifespan.
FireAngel Wireless Interlink Carbon Monoxide Detector ｜ W2-CO-10XQ
Perfect if You Are Looking to Build a Large Carbon Monoxide Detector Network
It has been designed to easily connect with up to 50 other carbon monoxide detectors that will ring their alarms simultaneously if one of them detects unsafe levels of carbon dioxide.
Great for Both the Home and When Travelling
As the manufacturer has also made this device portable, it is great for any environment. So, you can install it in your home or take it with you on your travels to ensure you are safe and protected wherever you might be.
A Compact and Discreet Detector That Can Be Placed Anywhere
With its large base, this carbon monoxide detector can be freestanding and firmly placed on a shelf without any worries that it may fall over; just make sure it's out of children's reach. It might be best to choose a wall-mounted detector for areas such as corridors where you are unlikely to have a shelf to place this freestanding detector.
Can Easily Connect With Other Kidde Alarms to Fully Protect Your Home
There is one impressive feature that sets this detector apart from many others on the market. Even though it is mains-powered, this detector also comes with a backup battery so that it will remain fully functional even in the event of a power cut.
A Basic, Easy-to-Read Alarm for Those Who Don't Need Extra Features
They have also simplified the detector’s appearance so that it now only features three lights to indicate the power, whether there is a fault, and if carbon monoxide has been detected. But this simple interface may not suit those that want a detector that provides additional information, such as accurate carbon monoxide levels.
Where Should a Carbon Monoxide Detector Be Placed?
It is recommended that a carbon monoxide detector is placed in every room that has a fuel-burning appliance, such as a boiler, gas stove, or log burner, and place the detector at least one metre from the appliance so you do not get any false alarms. A carbon monoxide detector should also be placed at head height on a wall so that it can monitor carbon monoxide levels at breathing level.
You should also be placing carbon monoxide alarms near bedrooms, as you are unlikely to be able to recognise the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning while asleep. And if the detectors are placed near bedrooms, you should definitely be able to hear the alarm sounding. When in any doubt, consult with a professional for guidance.
Top 5 Carbon Monoxide Detectors
No. 1: Google Nest｜Protect 2nd Generation Smoke + Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Wired)
No. 2: X-Sense ｜Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector
No. 3: Kidde｜Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm With Voice Notification｜10SCO
No. 4: Mercury ｜Battery Operated Carbon Monoxide Alarm｜COD100B
No. 5: Scondaor ｜Carbon Monoxide Alarm｜DL-C101A
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