Best Carbon Monoxide Detector for 2023

Carbon monoxide detectors are critically important when it comes to home safety. No home is completely safe, in fact, without at least two detectors capable of sensing the odorless, poisonous gas. 

Without the repeated blaring of a carbon detector, it can quite easy for the occupants of a home to be overwhelmed by the silent, deadly gas, particularly if the leak occurs overnight when everyone is asleep and the early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning—headache, dizziness, confusion—aren’t detected.

There are, of course, a number of different types of carbon monoxide detectors and alarms to choose from. In trying to help you pick the best carbon monoxide detector for your home, we’ll be looking at five expert recommendations that span the many different available types. Just as importantly, we’ll also go over the best locations in your house to place the carbon monoxide detectors to ensure that they work most effectively.

Five Expert Recommendations: Bulk Carbon Monoxide Detectors

1. Kidde Nighthawk Plug-In Carbon Monoxide and Explosive Gas Alarm with Battery Backup

The Nighthawk Carbon Monoxide detector is a multi-hazard alarm offering protection from carbon monoxide and explosive gas. The sleek, plug-in design allows it to fit conveniently into any wall outlet, and the loud 85 DB alarm will ensure you know if the CO levels reach a dangerous level. A 9-volt battery backup ensures continuous monitoring during power outages.

2. USI Electric Plug-In Carbon Monoxide and Natural Gas Alarm with 9-Volt Battery Backup

Providing dual protection against carbon monoxide and natural gas, this alarm from Universal Service Instruments features a digital display screen that provides the level of the two gasses. The plug-in backup battery has a quick activation pull tab in case of a blackout, and the compact design only covers a single outlet.

3. Google Nest Protect 2nd Generation Smart Carbon Monoxide Alarm

This smart carbon monoxide detector integrates seamlessly into your existing smart home setup. The Nest monitors levels of the dangerous gas while staying alert to smoke and smoldering flames and is smart enough to detect smoke from high-heat cooking without blaring the alarm. If the alarm goes off unnecessarily, no worries, it can easily be silenced using the system’s app.

4. Kidde Firex AC Hardwired Carbon Monoxide/Smoke Alarm

Differentiating itself from most basic hardwired models, the Firex carbon monoxide detector shouts loud, clear voice alerts, as opposed to random beeping, so that residents know exactly the hazard that’s involved. It also links to any existing fire alarm system and is capable of connecting with up to 24 other devices, including smoke and heat detectors.

5. BRK First Alert – Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Strobe LED

This top-of-the-line hardwired photoelectric carbon monoxide alarm from First Alert features a powerful LED strobe alarm that is extremely effective in assisting individuals with hearing impairments. The easy-to-install alarm meets the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and comes with a 10-year sealed battery backup.

Best Location for Carbon Monoxide Detectors

No matter if you have a hardwired, battery-powered, or plug-in carbon monoxide detector, there are some general rules you’ll want to follow when thinking about where to place your alarms.

• A Detector on Each Level: Make sure there’s a carbon monoxide detector on every level of your residence, including the basement and attic.
• A Detector Near Each Bedroom: To ensure that everyone in your house hears the alarm, even when they’re asleep, place a detector near each bedroom.
• By an Attached Garage: A running car releases carbon monoxide, which can seep into your home if the car is left running for too long.
• Five Feet Above the Floor: Because carbon monoxide is lighter than air and distributes evenly throughout the room, CO detectors should ideally be placed about five feet above the floor for the most accurate reading.

In short, the question you should be asking yourself is not “Do I need a carbon monoxide detector,” but rather: “What kind and how many do I need?” The answer, of course, depends on the needs of your individual household. 

At Wholesale Home, a leading online home improvement retailer, we offer a wide array of hardwired, battery-powered, and plug-in units from some of the best carbon monoxide detector manufacturers in the country, at unbeatable-low wholesale prices.

Check out our inventory of carbon monoxide detectors today!