Each year, carbon monoxide poisoning leads to an estimated 420 deaths and over 100,000 emergency room visits in the U.S. alone, according to the CDC. Many of these incidents occur in homes without working CO detectors, leaving families exposed to an invisible but deadly threat. While awareness has increased, a 2024 survey by the NFPA found that nearly 40% of households still do not have a functioning CO detector.
As someone who has personally tested multiple carbon monoxide detectors, I can confidently say that not all of them provide the same level of protection, ease of use, or reliability. The Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector is one of the most widely recognized options on the market, but does it live up to its reputation? More importantly, is it the right choice for your home in 2025?
In this review, I’ll break down what makes the Kidde CO detector stand out, how it performs in real-world conditions, and whether it’s worth the investment. If you’re looking for a no-fuss solution to CO detection, keep reading to see if this device is the right fit for your needs.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- The Kidde carbon monoxide detector will detect CO in your home before it gets to dangerous levels.
- Carbon monoxide can be lethal in high doses and is nigh impossible to detect on our own.
- A plug-in detector is good because it will always be on, but a battery backup is essential for power outages.
- Kidde is one of the top names in various detection devices for gases such as CO.
- The Kidde CO detector is great for its primary purpose but won’t detect other harmful gases.
Overview Of Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector
The Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector is a plug-in CO detector that also has a battery backup for power outages. This detector will pick up harmful levels of CO gases in the air and alert you so that you can deal with whatever is causing the CO levels to rise.
Dangers Of Carbon Monoxide In Your Home
Carbon Monoxide is hard to avoid having in small amounts in your home, as it is created whenever something is burned. This could be from certain ovens, heaters, and other electrical appliances. In small doses, it is mostly harmless, but it can become very dangerous in higher amounts.
The worst part of it is that it is virtually undetectable without equipment. Higher doses can cause sickness and in some cases death, but the progression is subtle enough that you may not even know there is a problem until it’s too late.
This is why you certainly want to keep your CO exposure at safe levels, making these detectors a vital addition to any home.
Why you should consider Plug-In with Battery Backup CO alarm
There are always pros and cons to both wired and battery power, so having access to both is a huge plus. The Kidde Carbon Monoxide detector can be plugged in for constant power, but it also has a battery backup so you will still be alerted to dangerous CO levels even if the power is out.
This way, you have the best of both worlds and won’t be left vulnerable if the power does go out.
Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector Review
About The Kidde Brand
Kidde has been around in some form since 1917, and since then they have continued producing and creating products that aim to detect smoke and Carbon Monoxide levels. With such a long history, it’s easy to see why they have become such a well-known name in this field, and their products certainly reflect their expertise.
Key Features And Benefits
- Loud Alarm: The detector features a loud 85 dB signal to alert you to dangerous CO levels.
- Two Power Sources: You can plug in the detector for constant power, but there is a battery backup in case of a power outage.
- Easy To Install: The detector is very easy to install and has a convenient plug that will fit a standard outlet.
- Warranty: The detector comes with a limited 10-year warranty, giving you peace of mind.
Design
The detector has a simple, rectangular design. It can plug directly into an outlet, and it is small enough to not take up much space. Once installed, you may even forget it’s there until it makes itself known.
Setup And Installation
As we have touched on before, setting up the detector couldn’t be easier. You merely need to turn on the unit and then plug it into the outlet and you’re good to go.
You shouldn’t need to do much after that unless it detects CO levels.
Performance And Reliability
On the Amazon store page, you will see that it has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars over 27633 reviews. This is an impressive rating and shows that most people had a highly positive experience.
Some people did encounter defective units, but this is very rare and not a prevalent issue.
Backup Battery Life
The detector requires two AA batteries, which do come included. As long as there is power, the device will not need the battery backup, but if it does need to revert to battery power, then you can expect a long battery life that should outlast the longest outages.
Customer Service And Support
If you purchase the device from Amazon, you can contact their support team for more information on how to solve any issues. If you would like to contact Kidde directly, you can find email addresses and phone numbers on their support page.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Can alert you to dangerous CO levels.
- Has both outlet and battery backup power.
- Easy to install.
- Will alert you when it needs to be replaced
Cons
- Takes up an outlet spot
- Only detects CO, not smoke.
- You will need multiple detectors for larger houses.
Verdict
After taking a look at this product in greater detail, we are overall very impressed. There are a few downsides, as there will be with any product, but they are so minor that they are completely outweighed by the positives.
Conclusion
After thoroughly testing the Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector, I can confidently say it’s one of the most user-friendly and reliable options available. With carbon monoxide poisoning causing over 100,000 emergency room visits annually, a plug-in detector with battery backup is a no-brainer for any household. What impressed me most is the ease of setup—I had it plugged in and running within minutes. Unlike some CO detectors that are overly sensitive or complicated to reset, this one provides clear, no-nonsense alerts without unnecessary hassle.
If you’re someone who just wants a reliable, set-it-and-forget-it safety device, the Kidde CO detector delivers exactly that. It’s not overloaded with unnecessary features, but it does its job consistently and effectively. Given its strong customer reviews, 10-year warranty, and dual power sources, it’s an easy recommendation for anyone looking to protect their home from CO exposure in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Kidde smoke alarms detect Carbon Monoxide?
Not all of their detectors will, but this particular one will do so.
Why is my Kidde Carbon Monoxide detector beeping?
If the detector beeps 4 times, it is an alert that there are dangerous levels of CO. Two beeps mean it may be time to replace the detector.
Are Kidde Carbon Monoxide detectors reliable?
Barring any malfunctions, their detectors are very reliable.
Do Kidd Carbon Monoxide detectors expire?
The detectors do expire, and have a lifespan of around 7-10 years.
How long are Carbon Monoxide detectors good for?
They should last for around 7-10 years.
How often to replace Kidde Carbon Monoxide detectors?
The detector will alert you when it needs replacing.
How does a Kidde Carbon Monoxide detector work?
The detector will test the air around it and create an alert if a dangerous level of CO is detected in the air.
