I’ll start by saying this: the best carbon monoxide detector for homes in the UK is any carbon monoxide detector that you can lay your hands on. Having a carbon monoxide is exponentially better than having no carbon monoxide detector.
If your home has a gas appliance such as a stove, fireplace, or gas boiler, then you should also have a carbon monoxide detector nearby to alert you of any invisible danger that you and your family might be exposed to.
Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. You can’t see it. You can’t smell it. You can’t taste it. So having a carbon monoxide detector in your home is absolutely essential for the safety of you and your family.
In this article, I’ll look at the cheapest carbon monoxide detector you can buy, as well as 3 of the best carbon monoxide detector units you can buy for home use in the UK.
Below is a handy table of contents. Clicking on any of the article headers below will jump you straight to the place on this page you are interested in. I am an Amazon Associate, and earn commissions on qualifying purchases.
Table of Contents
Cheapest Carbon Monoxide Detector UK
If you do not have a carbon monoxide detector in your home, please purchase one as a matter of urgency.
Many people have died from various, avoidable hazards around the home, simply because they have said ‘it won’t happen to me’ – and not having a working carbon monoxide detector is one of those hazards.
Take a look at this graph to see just how quickly different measures of carbon monoxide can kill a person, and then find a reason why you refuse to spend £15 on a device which will alert you if it detects a high amount of carbon monoxide – a device that can potentially save your life.
For quickness and ease of navigation, here’s the cheapest carbon monoxide detector you can buy right now on Amazon, however, it is the most basic option. I’ll continue to explain everything about carbon monoxide through the rest of the article below.
- Replaces older Life Saver model
- Continuous monitoring for CO with a loud alarm on detection
Best Carbon Monoxide Detector UK (Top 3)
For quickness and ease of navigation, here’s the best carbon monoxide detector you can buy right now on Amazon.
You’ll notice that the cheapest and the best carbon monoxide detector is the same one – and for good reason. The Kidde CO monitor and detector comes from a trusted brand, requires no installation, and is battery operated. For 99% of people who want a basic, functioning CO detector, then this is the one I recommend, and it’s the one I own in my own home.
I’ll continue to explain everything about carbon monoxide through the rest of the article below.
Don’t forget, these carbon monoxide detectors are small and portable (especially the Wolf Shield, which is the smallest CO detector in the world according to Wolf Shield), which mean they are ideal for vanlife, or for boats such as canal boats. If you want the smallest and most stylish CO detector, then do check out the Wolf Shield Detector, which is a little more expensive than the Kidde offering, but offers so much more versatility.
Symptoms Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
If you experience any of the following signs, it could be time to call an emergency services provider as well as organising for a complete check on all your appliances that are capable of producing carbon monoxide.
- headache varies in intensity and may feel like someone is banging on the inside of your head
- nausea and/ or vomiting
- muscle cramping
- dizziness
- anxiety
What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that is a byproduct of any combustion process.
CO is present in the exhaust fumes of all combustion engines, including car engines, furnaces, and gas water heaters and boilers.
It’s very concerning because exposure to extremely low levels can cause serious health problems, particularly in people with heart conditions, pregnant women, infants, elderly, and people with diabetes.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, it’s imperative that you don’t ignore them. Get help immediately.
Carbon monoxide is slightly more difficult to detect than oxygen because it has a different color, but it can still be detected by using a carbon monoxide detector.
Carbon monoxide detectors are important for anyone who uses gas appliances, and especially for those who spend a lot of time in their homes.
How do Carbon Monoxide Detectors Work?
Carbon monoxide detectors work by sensing the amount of CO in the air, and then sending an alarm to alert you when it’s present.
Depending on the model, the alarm will emit a distinctive tone or a flashing light.
A carbon monoxide alarm will warn you when you’re exposed to the gas and will let you know to get the source of the CO shut off right away.
The carbon monoxide detector will immediately sound if it detects even a trace amount of the gas, so it’s a good idea to turn it off and take some basic safety precautions (such as opening ALL windows and doors, or waiting outside) while you’re waiting for help to arrive.
Why Is a Carbon Monoxide Detector So Important?
As I’ve already said, carbon monoxide is tasteless, you can’t see it, and you can’t smell it.
Every second counts when you’re experiencing the symptoms of CO poisoning.
Carbon monoxide can kill in minutes. And people die every year in the UK from CO poisoning, as shown by the below table from ONS.
It’s important that you treat the conditions immediately so that you don’t make things worse.
If you don’t, you could end up in the hospital or even die. If an alarm went off in your home, you need to get out immediately and you should contact the relevant helpline (Gas appliances: 0800 111 999).
The best way to treat CO poisoning is to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Types of Carbon Monoxide Detectors
There are a few different ways to choose the best carbon monoxide detector UK.
- Fixed Base Electrical – A fixed base carbon monoxide alarm is like a traditional smoke alarm in that it has a base and an alarm unit that attaches to it. When the alarm sounds, it will activate the unit and send an alert to the base, which should be nearby. This is more suited to commerical premises rather than home settings.
- Battery Operated (Cheapest, easiest to install) – A battery carbon monoxide detector is like a traditional smoke alarm, but it runs off of battery power. When the detector detects carbon monoxide, the unit will sound a loud alarm. Some will also flash. A battery carbon monoxide detector will let you know when there is CO present, so you can the appropriate action quickly. Comes with options to wall mount or free stand.
- Smart – A smart sensor carbon monoxide alarm is like a battery alarm, but it’s also compatible with smart home technology. This means that you can connect it to your smart hub or smartphone, so that you can track the CO level and know when to take action. A smart sensor carbon monoxide alarm will let you know when there is CO present by alerting you through an audible alarm, as well as an alarm on your phone. Comes with options to wall mount or free stand.
How to Choose the Best Carbon Monoxide Detector for Your Home
Having a working carbon monoxide detector is better than having no carbon monoxide detector at all.
But choosing the best carbon monoxide detector for you and your home depends on your budget, where you want to install it, how big your home is, and whether you want it to have certain functionalities.
Here’s some of the criteria you’ll need to think about:
- Do you want the easiest and cheapest option? For example, this carbon monoxide detector is cheap, it runs on batteries, and it requires no installation because it is freestanding.
- Do you want a combination carbon monoxide detector, that also doubles up as a smoke alarm? If so, here’s the best combi CO and smoke detector.
- Do you want your detector to have smart capabilities, that links into your smart hub and smart phone? If so, here’s a really good Smart CO detector.
- Do you want a small, lightweight detector that takes up minimal room and also looks stylish – if so, the Wolf Shield is the best choice for you.
Reducing The Chances Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
The best way to reduce the chances of carbon monoxide poisoning is to get all appliances that could potentially produce carbon monoxide serviced and checked regularly.
Most of the major energy companies offer boiler safety checks and servicing every year, for a small, fixed monthly fee.
Any other appliance that burns gas, oil, wood or coal, should also be safety checked periodically.
Summary
Any working carbon monoxide detector is better than no carbon monoxide detector at all.
If you haven’t got one, and your home has a boiler for example, you are putting the safety of you and your family in jeopardy.
Again, here’s the cheapest carbon monoxide detector available on Amazon, which is a very basic CO detector.
- Replaces older Life Saver model
- Continuous monitoring for CO with a loud alarm on detection
Want a little more functionality? Then the Wolf Shield offering not only claims to be the smallest in the world, but is also extra portable for camping trips and in places like camper vans, boats etc.
I’ve also got a hands on review of the Wolf Shield Carbon Monoxide Detector if you want more, detailed information on this product.
- 100% Quality Assurance: WOLF SHIELD Carbon Monoxide Alarm has been tested by TUV and complies with EN 50291-2: 2018 standard, with CE certification.Can be used safely and worry-free.
- 10 Year long Life Use:Battery-powered, this Carbon Monoxide Detector is built-in 10-year sealed battery, under normal use, the co alarm can be used for 10 years,it is durable.
Other Articles You May Like
Here’s a small selection of articles you may also like from this site:
- – Carbon Monoxide Safety At Home
- – Home Fire Safety Guide
- – Home Fire Escape Planning
- – Best Smoke Detectors (UK Top 3)
- – Wolf Shield Carbon Monoxide Detector Review (World’s Smallest)
Here’s the complete list of products and links mentioned on this page.
- – Cheap Carbon Monoxide Detector
- – Freestanding CO Detector
- – Combi CO & Smoke Detector
- – Nest Smart CO Detector
- – Wolf Shield CO Detector
Here’s the sources used for this article:
- – Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – NHS
- – Carbon Monoxide Dangers
- – 3 Dead – CO Poisoning – CNN
- – Medical Studies Carbon Poisoning
Questions & Comments
If you have a question or a comment on this article on the best carbon monoxide detector to buy in the UK, please use the comments box below.
I’ll try my best to reply to each and every one of your questions, comments and suggestions.
Stay Safe. Stay Secure.
