First Alert by BRK Smoke Detector Reviews: Choosing the Best Smoke Alarm for Your Home

Below we’ve compared eight popular First Alert/BRK smoke detectors to help you see the different options available. Some have special features, like carbon monoxide alarms or escape lights, so be sure to read each alarm’s description below.

This smoke alarm is designed for residential homes and institutional locations (hospitals, hotels, dormitories, etc.). You can link up to 18 compatible First Alert devices (e.g., smoke alarms, carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, bells, repeaters, etc.) with this alarm. If one device triggers, they all sound an alarm. This feature can be convenient in larger institutions, but it’s frustrating for some users because it can be difficult to find the one that started it all during a false alarm. This alarm has a photoelectric smoke sensor, which means it detects slow, smoldering fires.

This dual sensor alarm has both a photoelectric and ionization sensor, so it alerts you of both flaming and smoldering fires. However, it’s worth noting that there are no standards for dual-sensor alarms, so we suggest having a mixture of ionization and photoelectric alarms in your home. This smoke alarm is designed for both residential and institutional areas.

This alarm has a photoelectric sensor with an escape light to help light your path to safety. BRK recommends installing this type of smoke alarm outside kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms. Since there’s an escape light, it is also recommended to have these in hallways for easier escape. The biggest issue with these alarms is that some consumers complain of a “chirp, chirp, chirp” alert that they are unable to stop without disconnecting the alarm. However, only a small number of the alarms have this problem.

This smoke alarm is designed for residential and institutional use, like hospital sleeping rooms, apartments, hotels, dorms, etc. It is also approved for use in RVs. Unlike the majority of the BRK alarms we’ve reviewed in this article, this smoke detector is not interconnectable, which won’t be an issue if you’re using it in a smaller space like an RV.

 SA350B Dual Ionization Battery Operated Smoke Alarm Review

If you’re tired of changing batteries every six months, you may want a smoke alarm like this one. The battery lasts 10 years, which is the same amount of time a smoke alarm lasts. When the battery dies, you should replace the entire unit. In addition to homes, this device is recommended for homes, hospital rooms, hotel rooms, dorm rooms, and other multi-family applications, but not for common areas in multi-residence buildings.

SCO2B Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm with 9V Battery Review

This alarm is a CO sensor and smoke alarm in one. The CO sensor is electrochemical, which is the most accurate sensor available because of its output of CO concentration. It requires minimal power and has a lifetime of 5+ years. The nice thing about these types of alarms is that they save time and money on installation. You only have to buy and install one device as opposed to two separate devices. This alarm is designed for residential and institutional applications.

Where should you install First Alert smoke detectors?

BRK recommends installing photoelectric smoke alarms outside of kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms because these are areas where smoldering fires typically occur. A smoldering fire is caused by a smoking material, like a cigarette, being left unattended. These types of fires produce carbon monoxide and cyanide, which are toxic.

Ionization alarms are recommended for areas where fast flaming fires occur, like laundry rooms. Fast flaming fires occur when flammable materials ignite with other items, causing more flames and less smoke.

How to take care of your First Alert smoke detectors

To get the most out of your smoke detectors, follow these care instructions.

• Clean them at least twice a year. Make sure there are no cobwebs or dust on them.
• Replace your smoke alarms every 10 years.
• If your batteries are not meant to last 10 years, be sure to change them every year — even if they aren’t dead yet.
• Never “borrow” batteries from your BRK smoke detector to use in another device with the thought in mind that you’ll put them back. More often than not, you forget.
• Test your smoke detectors monthly.

Personally, I had a great experience with customer service. I talked to three different people, and they answered all of my questions. They were all polite and helpful to me, so your experience may differ from many reviews online.

Customer reviews on BRK smoke detectors

Overall, the biggest complaint about the BRK smoke detectors is the false alarms. Not all BRK alarms have false alarm complaints, but in general, it was the number-one complaint we found in our research.

"We never had anything other than smoke detectors for the last 15 years in our current home. We were having issues with our gas furnace and I thought why not play it safe. I ordered two of these carbon monoxide detectors. Within 1 1/2 hours of installing them the CO alarm went off. I shut off the furnace and aired out the house. No more alarm. I had the furnace checked the very next day. Turns out our furnace was pumping CO into the house at 44ppm. Worth every cent."

– Phil, Amazon Verified Purchase 10/30/2016 (in regards to the SC9120B)

"Nice looking smoke alarm. Installation was easy, just follow the instructions. Be careful pressing the lithium battery into place. You can test the battery in your hand before install. No false alarms so far after several days. FYI: My units box says distributed by 2014 BRK Brands, Inc. made in Mexico."

– Amazon Customer, Amazon Verified Purchase 10/18/2016 (in regards to the SA350B)

"The smoke and carbon monoxide alarm chirps all the time. I replaced the battery thinking the company shipped me a bad one, but it made no difference. Don’t buy this junk."

– Raymond B., Amazon Verified Purchase 4/29/2013 (in regards to the SC02B)

"GARBAGE! I should have listened to the other reviews. Wasted $125 on seven of these. I gave them four months after installing them in a newer house but all they do is go beep-beep-beep all day long. These were hardwired correctly in a clean home so I don’t know what their problem is. Just replaced all of them with the NEST protect and am finally enjoying some peace and quiet! Stay away from these, you’ve been warned."

– David M., Amazon Verified Purchase 8/15/2015 (in regards to the 7020B)

What do we think?

First Alert and BRK are household names when it comes to smoke alarms, and we think the alarms are worth the money. In fact, First Alert is our pick for best photoelectric smoke alarm, beating out Kidde and Nest. After keeping families safe for more than 50 years, BRK is considered to be one of the most trusted names in home safety, and it can keep your family protected too.

What do you think of BRK? Do you have any experience with First Alert smoke alarms? Share your experience with us in the comments!