Kidde Intelligent Alarm Battery Operated Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Last updated: April 17, 2019


Kidde Intelligent Alarm Battery Operated Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm

We looked at the top Smoke Detectors and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Smoke Detector you should buy.

Product Details

In our analysis of 46 expert reviews, the Kidde Intelligent Battery Operated Combo Alarm placed 6th when we looked at the top 8 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

The Kidde KN-COSM-XTR-BA uses breakthrough technology to offer a fast response to real fires, including smoldering and fast-flaming, as well as protect you from carbon monoxide and dramatically reduce the chance of nuisance alarms. In addition, the Intelligent Alarm contains a voice warning that clearly states the present danger – smoke or carbon monoxide – and announces “FIRE!” or “WARNING! CARBON MONOXIDE!” The Intelligent Alarm combines the detection capabilities of an ionization smoke sensor – which is more likely to detect smaller, less visible fire particles, like those produced by flaming fires – with that of an electrochemical sensor, which is used to detect CO. Since carbon monoxide is present in all fires, having both detection chambers work together in one alarm is a breakthrough in the fire safety industry. When either sensor notices a potential hazard, it will communicate with the other. Depending on what is detected, the alarm will adjust its smoke sensitivity in order to better discriminate between a real hazard and a false one. This constant communication enhances the alarm’s overall performance in all fires, and significantly reduces the potential for a nuisance alarm. This alarm uses ionization sensing technology. Leading authorities recommend that both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms be installed to help insure maximum detection of the various types of fires that can occur within the home. Ionization sensing alarms may detect invisible fire particles (associated with fast flaming fires) sooner than photoelectric alarms. Photoelectric sensing alarms may detect visible fire particles (associated with slow smoldering fires) sooner than ionization alarms.

Expert Reviews


What reviewers liked

Wireless interconnectivity eliminates the need to rewire entire house for single new unit.
This smoke detector’s combination smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm includes a voice alarm that tells you the nature of the hazard detected.
You can protect your home and family with this highly rated device that’s priced to work for most budgets.
The Kidde KN-COSM-BA is a combination smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm, eliminating the need to install (and spend money) on multiple devices, while providing your home with the protection you need.
- Tuck
This combination smoke and carbon monoxide detector eliminates confusion with voice alarms that let you know which type of danger is present, which can save you time in an emergency.
This detector is very interesting as it has both the standard beeping alarm coupled with a voice alarm.

What reviewers didn't like

Expensive, and must be hardwired to the same circuit as other wireless units.
However, its inability to interconnect with other smoke detectors means that only the alarm exposed to smoke or CO will be activated.
This Kidde smoke alarm can’t be hardwired, so there’s no option to connect it with other alarms throughout your home.
Also, while the expected lifespan is 10 years, the alarm is covered by only a 5-year warranty.
- Tuck
Some reviewers complain that they were sold out-of-date detectors.
View our Smoke Detector buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

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