Consumer Reports finds the best smoke, carbon monoxide alarms on the market

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- About 3,000 people are killed each year in residential fires. In a home fire, the risk of dying is cut in half if you have a working smoke alarm, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Consumer Reports tested smoke alarms and found some are better than others. In a chamber, senior test program leader, Bernie Deitrick, created fires to see how quickly the alarms responded.

"There are basically two types of fires - smoky, smoldering fires that are best detected by alarms with photoelectric sensors and fast fires with flames. Those are best detected by alarms with ionization sensors," said Deitrick.

Consumer Reports says you're safest with a dual-sensor alarm that quickly detects both types of fire, such as the top-rated Kidde PI2010 and the First Alert 3120B. They both cost around $30.

Consumer Reports also tested an updated version of the Nest Protect - a $99 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm. Consumer Reports' tests found the new Nest is still slower to respond than other smoke alarms to flash-flame fires.

"The Nest is only equipped with a photoelectric smoke detector. For optimal safety we think it's best to skip the Nest and buy a dual-sensor smoke alarm and buy a separate carbon monoxide alarm," said Deitrick.

Consumer Reports recommends First Alert's CO615 carbon monoxide alarm for $30.

Only about one-third of American homes have a carbon monoxide detector. But Consumer Reports says a CO detector is a must in any household with fuel-burning appliances such as a furnace, water heater, range, cooktop, or grill. Even an all-electric home can benefit from a couple of CO alarms if you own and use a generator. Plus a CO detector is now required in the state of California.