Side by Side Comparison of: First Alert vs Kidde

I hope they work, haven't made a sound. Test monthly and they pass. Says to mount at 3ft, but who does that. Looks nuts. Guess my house will have to fill up to alert, but at least I know it will work. Instaaled the second at my MiL house, no complaints!!

The First Alert CO400 came in a timely manner, as always. So far, so good. It fits in a convenient space, and pretty much out of sight, unless you're looking for it. Thankfully, it hasn't gone off. We'll know if there is anything wrong if it does.

A "must have" for your RV. Don't risk your family's safety- this Carbon Monoxide detector is easy to install. You do know that CO and LP detectors have a limited life span, or you should know this. They expire in 8 to 10 years, and must be rep-laced with new. You can spend much more on a CO detector, but why would you? Combine the low price with PRIME 2-day shipping and it's a win-win.

Just what I needed for safety and to pass my real estate inspection. no need to go to great lengths to install, can hang easily with a string from a hook on wall, or just place on top of cabinet, though more permanent installation instructions are included.

Very happy with the function of this detector. Of course, you never hope to hear it go off so I assume since it is quiet and we are all still conscious, the detector is doing its job. The test performed exactly as it should (very loud beep!) And the little light indicator shows it's on. We needed a battery operated detector due to its placement in our hall, and I was very happy it came with the battery too. No complaints!

When the kids were small, our family nearly died when a faulty heating unit filled our upstairs with carbon monoxide. The only reason we escaped was because odd smells are apt to nauseate me, and I woke up gagging. As soon as I was awake enough to realize what was happening, I was able to throw open the windows, get the kids out of bed and get everyone outside. Since that night, I have never been without a carbon monoxide detector, and this is the one I use. I bought this new one recently because I broke the old one's test button. I trust First Alert and can fully recommend it.

Bought several - work great...well, got a bit smoky when firing up the wood stove...detector let me know immediately. haha.

Great!

perfect of what my home needs

I bought three of these to replace my 10-year-old previous Kidde ionization detectors in my children's bedrooms. They've been installed for a month with zero false alarms. And, as a bonus, they even fit into the brackets of my old smoke detectors (meaning I didn't have to set new anchors in my nice ceilings)!

Bought this to supplement a combination CO/ionic smoke detector. I tried one from FirstAlert and all that one did was give false alarms, usually in the middle of the night with one series of 3 chirps. I tried relocating it and replacing the battery without help. This one seems to be behaving quite well and it does work. I opened the door to my woodstove and with just a little backdraft, the unit was triggered. The FirstAlert didn't beep even when I put it in the door of the stove.

After I read about the sensitivity of the current smoke alarms we haves as compared to photo smoke alarms I purchased these for our house and ordered more for my children's condo. These react much quicker than the older units which can be critical!

I have not yet truly been able to test this system and hope never to have to. It was really easy to install and I really like that it's battery powered rather than wired in (makes it so we can put it anywhere that is most convenient rather than where we have a plug or are willing to drill a hole). So far, very pleased!

Hard to review a week after installing, so what I'll say is that the instructions were adequate and I was able to quickly install both units. I'm glad to have them!

Used several of these to upgrade my vacation home to current code - 1 CO detector on each level near every bedroomThey were quick and easy to install and provide added security to my family. Highly recommend.

Can't find any CO detector in CA that need battery replacement on annual basis. All CO detectors sold in CA have the 10-year long term battery inside, and they are more expansive than those units sold in Amazon requiring battery replacement.I have some rental units, I prefer installing CO and smog detectors requiring battery replacement. Mainly, I then have a very good excuse for visiting each property at least on annual basis to replace batteries but also conducting property inspection at the same time.This CO offered by Amazon is very economical. Can't tell it works or not, as I haven't heard that it ever gets triggered by itself (not due to testing). And no tenant ever reports such incident also.

Beware - if you are replacing an older version (2-3 years ago) of this same model, it is NOT the same exterior as the previous CO400 model. The screw holes don't like up in the back and the battery is in a different location (back in the new, front in the old).I'm not sure why First Alert is using the same model number on this newer version if there are so many cosmetic and other changes. Is it that hard to just use a new number??

I just purchased and installed this. My only quibbles are around installation. There's no real template; just a drawing on the instructions, which are an unwieldy size and I didn't want to cut it up. I made my own by running a pencil over the the mounting brackets and then pressing it against a piece of paper. I also found the screw anchors to be quite flimsy; luckily I had others on hand that worked well.

Works well in the kitchen with no false alarms.

Comment from Big Tommy the CarpenterInstalled these for a client, Thumbs Up

So far so good. Haven't needed it, thankfully. Hope it works if I ever do need it.

Easy to install (read the installation instructions carefully if you want to align the alarm with a wall or hallway). Tests properly and does not false alarm.I have just two complaints, and thus the 4-star review. First, the included battery caused low-battery chirps immediately on installation. I fixed that with a new battery. Second, there is a confusing error in the description printed on the package. The alarm is clearly identified on the front as photoelectric, which is correct. However, the detailed description on the back of the package it is described as photoelectric in one sentence, but as "state-of-the-art ionization sensor" in another.This is important because the two different sensor types are appropriate for different installations, and confusion in the description could lead the user to select the wrong device for their needs.

What can you say...it's a perfectly ordinary smoke detector. I installed two of these units about a month ago. I have yet to experience any false alarms, or any real ones, for that matter. The only issue I have, and it is a minor one, is that there is a red LED behind the clear test button that flashes about once or twice a minute. In most installations this would be totally unnoticeable, however, in a darkened room, and placed above and to the side of my TV, it is enough to catch my peripheral vision and be mildly distracting.....so plan accordingly

I live in a tropical environment, and I had to replace my alarms because the humidity caused false alarms. I installed 9 of these, and the only false alarm is caused by the position of one near a bathroom door near the shower. Unless we turn on a fan, the alarm goes off during a shower. The problem is more with where the alarm is than any fault with the alarm. After a month, all other alarms have remained quiet. We haven't had a fire, fortunately, but the alarms seem good.

These are okay. Mounted them at about eye level as we have 9 foot ceilings in our house. I bought one of these same models a few years ago and these new ones look exactly the same with one exception... the mounting holes on the back side are slightly off from the older (but cosmetically the same model). The redone mount holes are annoying.

I had it 8 months and it started beeping once intermittently and I changed the battery. Still continued to beep and I don't know why, does anyone know? Thanks

Works as advertised but the lights are confusing. When are they going to make one with 3 lights? Red, Yellow and green would work great. Can not possibly cost that much.

My RV came with one of these. When I was trying to change the battery, the flimsy little tab that secures the battery door broke. I had to buy a whole new unit as a replacement, since the damage was irreparable. The tab on the new unit is just as flimsy, so be extra cautious.. You have been forewarned.

I bought these to replace the previous model and I'm irritated. The new model's holes are just a little bit further apart than the previous model. So the holes/screws I already have in the wall don't really do any good and new holes need drilled. Not sure why they wouldn't keep these the same from model to model, but hopefully this saves someone the headache.

it arrived today....relatively small (little bigger then my hand). It takes a 9V battery (included). What DOES frustrate me is that I need to drill into my drywall to install it (two 3/16 holes). Now, CO detectors need to be replaced every 5 years or so (?), so, when this one gets replaced, I'll have two holes in a wall I'll have to patch and paint, that is unless I can find the exact same detector to replace this one. Its just creating work for you.In todays age of adhesives (3M tape for example), I find myself wondering why there isn't a simpler mounting option that isn't as destructive to ones house. Why not have a simple bracket that adheres to the wall w/ double sided tape that the unit slides onto. (putting on wall, not on ceiling).Now, I cannot just put tape on the back of the unit and stick it to the wall as to replace the battery you need to flip open the back of it.

Seemed alright, but several times, it has gone off for no reason! Once at 2:30 in the morning!! Gave me a heart attack!

It's a smoke alarm, it works, it got shipped as described, BUT it's 3+ years old already (new in packaging but made more than 3 years ago and I believe that's what's counted when you're supposed to change these alarms every so often).

Too expensive for what it is but I needed an exact replacement.

I bought a photoelectric smoke detector (ie, no radioactive material) because I didn't want to worry about the disposal issue in 10 years when an ionizing model would need to be replaced. I bought the Kidde because it's thinner than the comparable First Alert one.Having now done the installation, I'm regretting my choice. Check out the installation instructions: [...]The strong visual lines of the smoke detector housing means you have to install it *exactly* parallel to the walls or else it will be visually distracting (ie blowing the reason I went with the Kidde in the first place). To make matters worse the Kidde mounting plate has 2 holes for the mounting holes -- as opposed to slots which allow some re-alignment after you've put holes in your ceiling.Even though First Alerts comparable model hangs down from the ceiling more and has an odd bulbuous shape, I think its ease of installation and extra features (hush button, battery drawer) make it a better choice.

I bought several of these a few years ago. After they wore out, I ordered the exact same model as a replacement, but although the new model is the same size, the drill holes are now in a different place so I must now re-drill the holes in all the locations where the originals were hung. With concrete walls, this is no small task. It is NOT the same device, but they used the same model number.

Randomly was shipped units that require 9 volt batteries, but we had older models of the same model installed that use AA batteries. Even worse, the position of the hangers on the back of the new ones don't match the older ones. So, one can't just switch them out.

Device is compact and the price is right, so those are good aspects. But the test button immediately broke — the plastic piece snapped where it connects to the case. So be careful when pressing the “button” — or opt for a device that has a regular push button that is more durable.

I bought the three pack of these. One of the three had a defective door, so the little door on the front doesn't close - it just kind of hangs down. The other two work as expected. I wouldn't order this brand again. I actually had to order another one for a rental house and went with another brand that I am much happier with. The frustrating part was that since this purchase was for a three pack, there is no way to return just the one defective item - you are supposed to return the entire lot which I was not able to do (had already installed the other two before noticing that one was damaged/defective).

The test flap on the top doesn't work. It stays down, and only once when I tested it (pushing down with all of my force!) did I even get a test beep. Since that one time, I've never been able to get it to do a test beep. I HOPE it would work if I'm ever exposed to carbon monoxide -- I use it exclusively for travel when I'm in hotel rooms. Honestly, I wouldn't waste my money on this product again!

Apparently First Alert is in the process of changing over the units from the 2 AA battery to the 9 volt. I bought this to replace my old unit that gave out after 6 years. The one I got is the 9 volt unit. The battery compartment is poorly designed -- I had to use a utensil handle as a mini crowbar to pry the 9 volt into place. Additionally, the screw holders on the back are wider than the old unit, so I had to drill a new hole. I'm not deducting from the rating for that, but others complained that the template (that I didn't use) that came with the 9 volt unit is apparently from the old AA battery unit where the holes are closer together. Get your act together, First Alert.

I bought two of these. One of them is defective after only a year.

One of the five malfunctioned at 93 days from purchase there fore non returnable. Hope the others don't have the same problem since they too would be not returnable/refundable.

I've already had two fail within the first 3 months - the alarm started going off and wouldn't stop. Had to remove the batteries to stop it.

Bought three of these at Home Depot because they had the same size mounting as my old Nighthawks and I didn't want to make new holes in the ceiling. Bought ten year batteries like I always do. I was dismayed to see that the smoke detectors have extremely bright red LEDs on the test buttons that flash about once a minute. I have had other smoke detectors with LEDs but never ones that the light up the whole room like this. Was able to dim slightly with electrical tape, but it was persistently annoying, and as I also sleep on the couch sometimes, there really is no good place for this other than a hallway. (One not by a couch!) Not two months later, the one in the bedroom started flashing every ten seconds. Took the electrical tape off in case that had belatedly made the alarm angry, put the battery in and out, pressed the blinking test button. The annoying flashing light had wasted a whole ten year battery! Then it started chirping. I could *maybe* justify this if it had lasted six months, which is how often you change a regular battery, but this was not even two. Threw the bedroom one in the trash, and maybe I can sleep again. Now to continue to be tormented by the other two. Good thing I have AC powered detectors too.

Had to return this product after 1 month (started chirping for no reason)

I bought the photo electric for the kitchen since its supposed to have less false alarms. Mounted 10 feet away from the stove and it goes off even if we boil water.

I have purchased 5 over the last 2 years. First Alert seems to builds in an obsolescence of about 1 yr, it will start beeping like low battery, but guess what, it is not the battery. I bought 2 of these in early 2017 (January & April) to replace 2 of these I got at the local big-box store in early 2016. The new ones are beeping already (see picture with build date). Do not recommend, wont be buying these anymore, will try Kidde brand that have a 5 year warranty. First alert $20/12 months = $1.66 a month, a Kidde $20/60 months = $0.33 a month. FYI, home alarm systems with Fire/CO detectors typically have a 5/10 yr life.

Two of the three alarms gave a malfunction signal. The troubleshooting guide says replace the alarm and if they are under warranty send them to the manufacture. Don't bet your life on this product!

Didn't work when tested. Waited to long to test,now can't return.

The battery cover is not easy to open. No light to show power to device. Instruction say each minute it will flash. I had to push the test button several times to get a beep. Maybe I need to install new batteries.

I would have given this good reviews, because it is easy to use and I think would probably work correctly, but after having it only a couple of months one unit already started beeping with the ERR code. That code means end of life. The units say they have a 7 year life after start of use. Well, 2 months is far from 7 years, but I checked the manufacture date and it was made in October of 2006, so Amazon is selling 10 year old detectors. and apparently manufacture date does matter, not just start of use.

It took 6 units (the original and 2 replacement orders) to get 2 working units. A very poor quality unit.

This Product lasted for 2 months and then it just alarms at random, not happy with this product at all. Had to replace it with a different model and toss this one out.

This is on my wall across the hall from our kitchen entrance. Every time we broil or cook a dish in the oven that releases a lot of steam this thing goes off! I swear if we ever have a day-time fire no one will make the effort to leave the house because of all the times this things goes off from cooking. And yes, the oven is clean so it isn't drippings burning.

Everything is great except that the alarm has gone off 3 times in the last 3 weeks; once a midnight. The problem is there was no smoke or fire since it is mounted in our bedroom. I am confident this could be classified as a FALSE Alarm.

Half of them were over 3 years old and two were 2 years old which didn't bother me at first...until one by one they started chirping in the middle of the night. I've had to remove the batteries from 2 out of 5 of them just to get some sleep. If I wasn't moving next month I'd be replacing every single one, but for now, I'll have to change the batteries and hope the chirping stops.

Would give zero stars if I could. Took the risk and ignored the negative reviews, but I shouldn't have. The thing went off repeatedly for no reason twice the first day, and when it went off at 5 am the next morning on my day off I smashed the hell out of it. So I won't bother to try to return it, I will just warn others not to buy these defective products from this company.

WARNING: Do not buy from this seller: Older model sold (PE9), not as advertised. Product was marked for May of 2010. Smoke detectors have 10 year lifespan and batteries even less.This is highly dangerous to do.