First, a small, slow smouldering fire. Such a fire would not initially give off much heat, but would produce quite a bit of smoke. A smoke detector would detect this fire.

Of course, it is entirely possible to get connected smoke alarms that hook up directly to your home network via Wi-Fi, or through a proprietary connection or a Zigbee or Z-Wave hub. The advantage with these is that they can warn you of a fire through an alarm or alert on your smartphone, and also, with some systems, trigger smart lighting to come on. How we test smoke alarms Battery-powered detectors are wireless and can be placed anywhere. They typically run on replaceable batteries (usually 9-volt or AA) or sealed lithium batteries that last 10 years. Smart smoke alarms not only trigger the alarm in your home but also send an alert to your phone. Ideal if you are out, or on holiday. Interlinked smoke alarms will use the same optical or ionisation technology mentioned above, so, they're not a type of alarm in their own right.

The best smoke alarms you can buy in 2023

Their distinguishing feature is the fact that they can be linked to other alarms, both heat and smoke alarms, so that when one senses danger they all sound. 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? However, that being said, if we apply some common sense here, the safer option is to screw the base plate to the ceiling.

Smoke detectors are relatively simple by design and usually rely on an audible alarm to grab your attention. But if you’re looking for more advanced monitoring, the Kidde Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm is the right choice. Ionisation alarms ionise the air between two electrodes. These are positively and negatively charged, creating a small current inside the chamber.This could be critical if you’re out when there’s a fire. All of the smart smoke alarms we've tested are optical models. If it does go off inadvertently, the large, central test/mute button makes it easy to silence, saving your ears from a thrashing. As with the Pro Connected, it buys you ten minutes to clear the air, while a “sleep easy” function gets you eight hours of quiet if you press the button once the low battery warning starts. Little touches such as this elevate the ST-622Q above your run-of-the-mill smoke alarms, making it one of the best options for most households.