Carbon monoxide detectors are one of the most important safety features to install in your home. After all, if CO is allowed to go undetected, this colorless, odorless, and altogether dangerous gas could cause sickness, injuries, and even death. Especially if you have any non-electric appliances in the home (ones that burn natural fuels, like wood or coal), then you absolutely need to have a CO detector in your home. Of course, not all carbon monoxide detectors are created equal. Here are the best products to choose from to help you and your loved ones stay safe. Kidde Digital Display Carbon Monoxide Detector Ol' ReliableThis model offers unmatched protection in the fight against CO.Best OverallFind on Amazon An essential device to help warn you and your family of dangerous gases, the Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector is an incredibly reliable tool for detecting the presence of carbon monoxide in the air. With its sleek, easy-to-read digital display (which refreshes every 15 seconds) and superior electrochemical sensors, this alarm is an outstanding product and an absolute must-have for any home. Handily, it’s free-standing, so you can place it anywhere, or even take it with you for on-the-go CO detection. Pros: Clear, easy-to-read digital display Free-standing design Updates digital reading every 15 seconds Peak Level Memory displays the highest CO concentration since the last reset Easy to turn off Comes with a five-year replacement warranty Cons: It would be nice if the display was backlit Kidde Nighthawk Carbon Monoxide Detector Peace of MindA tried-and-true detector for all homes.Runner UpFind on Amazon The Kidde Nighthawk Carbon Monoxide Detector is compact and exceptionally well-designed, with a glowing, backlit digital display that shows the current CO levels at a quick glance. Conveniently, the unit has a peak level memory, which means that it always displays the highest CO concentration measured since the last reset. On top of that, you have multiple mounting options since you can put this device on the wall or tabletop. It even offers 40% longer protection than other CO alarms. Pros: Streamlined LCD operation Backlit display helps you read it in the dark Displays the peak CO level recorded by the alarm since it was last unplugged or reset Beeps loudly to indicate when it’s time to replace it Compact, sleek size; can be mounted anywhere 7-year operating life Cons: You do have to press the button in order for the LCD display to light up First Alert CO605 Alarm The Utmost in Lasting PowerKeep your family safe at all times – even if the power goes out. Best With Backup BatteryFind on Amazon Unlike many other models, the First Alert CO605 Alarm has a backup battery, allowing for continuous monitoring of carbon monoxide levels even in the event of a power failure. Crucially, this device is great at detecting CO levels no matter where the detector is placed inside the home thanks to its advanced-level electrochemical sensor. (It was even tested to meet UL standards.) It’s also very easy to use with a single test/silence button, and its installation process is easy-breezy. Pros: Has a backup battery, unlike most Advanced electrochemical sensor A super-loud 85-decibel alarm sounds when CO levels reach dangerous levels Rigorously tested to meet UL standards Cons: It will likely need to be replaced after five years X-Sense CD07 Carbon Monoxide Detector Bright, Sleek, and Easy to ReadThere's a lot to love about a unit that's as easy to use as this one. Best LCD DisplayFind on Amazon Ensure the safety of your loved ones with the X-Sense Carbon Monoxide Detector, which touts a large, crystal-clear LCD display that shows the real-time CO levels in PPM taken from the surrounding air. It automatically gives an updated measurement every 10 seconds so that you get a really accurate read. In fact, this detector is designed to give you the earliest possible warning of a CO threat, with a loud 85 dB alarm and a rapid-flashing LED indicator. And, it’s solidly crafted, with premium PC plastic material that’s durable and fire-retardant, providing the ultimate protection for you and your family. Pros: Large LCD display Shows the current CO levels in PPM taken from the air Equipped with an advanced electrochemical sensor and intelligent chipset Gives an updated measurement every 10 seconds Installation is quick and easy Cons: On the pricey end Alert Pro Carbon Monoxide Detector Cutting EdgePowered by your voice, this CO detector is a cut above the rest when it comes to high-tech features.Best Smart Design Find on Amazon With the Alert Pro Carbon Monoxide Detector, you can actually control it using voice prompts, and its sensitive, advanced electrochemical CO sensor is adept at detecting carbon monoxide from multiple sources. A loud 85-decibel siren and voice alarm indicate where (and what) the threat is, so this device is ready to alert you to any danger right away. And, for your peace of mind, it does come with a five-year warranty. Pros: Super-reliable electrochemical sensor Powerful 85-dB alarm will sound throughout your home if CO levels are dangerous Five-year manufacturer warranty Excellent value Cons: It would be nice to see a continual read showing existing PPM Frequently Asked Questions How many carbon monoxide detectors do I need, and where should I install them? This depends on how many floors you have in your home. At the bare minimum, you should have at least one carbon monoxide detector per floor (this includes the basement). Most importantly, you should have a CO detector in or just outside of each bedroom. You may want to consider adding one in your garage, as well. Do I have to clean my carbon monoxide detector? Yes, you’ll want to periodically clean your CO detector(s). Simply wipe the device with a cloth, as needed. Do I have to plug my CO detector into an outlet? Not necessarily. Some CO detectors are battery-powered, while others only offer a plug-in option. There are even portable (battery-powered) models if you want to take your detector on the go. Related posts:Powered by SearchIQ The Best Dog Tracking Collars Read more The Best Dog Barking Deterrents Read more The Best Pet Odor Eliminators Read more