Smoke alarms
We tested 20 models to see which respond fastest to smoke.
Quell
Q1400
recommended
Avg price
$29
Test results
- 65Ease of use
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How we test
Overall score is based on smouldering and flaming fire sensitivity.
“Good” or “OK” meant the alarm sounded quickly enough to alert you to danger.
“Poor” meant the alarm took significantly longer to sound.
“Extreme” sensitivity meant the alarm sounded so quickly they are more likely to issue false alarms.
Ease of use includes instructions and ease of installation.
See "About our test" for more information.
Noise is measured in a quiet room 3m from the alarm.
Price is from a March 2018 price survey.
More test results
- Smouldering fire sensitivity
Good
- Flaming fire sensitivity
Good
Model
- Avg price
$29
- Alarm type
Photoelectric
- Noise (dBA)
89
- Battery type
Sealed lithium
- Size
Standard
Features
- Battery life (years)
10
- Alarm life (years)
10
- Warranty (yrs)
10
- Hush period (min)
10
- Carbon monoxide alarm
- Alarms can be linked
- Voice alerts
More info
- Notes
-
- Availability
-
Cannot recommend
Pros
Nothing comes to mind
Cons
We purchased four of these alarms last year in May 2018 and they were installed by staff of local fire station. Today 4 Feb 2019 two of them have been sounding off constantly for no apparent reason so firemen came in uninstalled faulty ones and put in replacements (a different brand) with 10 year life span - hopefully.
Recommend it?
No, this product has too many drawbacks.
K S & Shirley C C.
Used 6 months or more