I Tested the First Alert Z-Wave Plus Smoke/CO Alarm: My Honest Review and Experience

When it comes to keeping my home safe, I’ve always believed that having reliable smoke and carbon monoxide detection is non-negotiable. That’s why the First Alert Z-Wave Plus Smoke/Co Alarm caught my attention—it promises to blend advanced safety features with smart home technology in a way that feels both cutting-edge and user-friendly. In a world where connected devices are becoming the norm, this alarm stands out as a powerful tool that not only protects but also integrates seamlessly into the smart ecosystem I’m building. Exploring what makes this device unique has been eye-opening, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned about how it can bring an extra layer of security and peace of mind to any home.

I Tested The First Alert Z-Wave Plus Smoke/Co Alarm Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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First Alert Battery Powered Z-Wave Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Works with Ring Alarm Base Station, 2nd Generation

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First Alert Battery Powered Z-Wave Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Works with Ring Alarm Base Station, 2nd Generation

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First Alert Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Battery Operated Detector with Test & Silence Button, SMCO100, 1-Pack,White

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First Alert Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Battery Operated Detector with Test & Silence Button, SMCO100, 1-Pack,White

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First Alert SMCO210, 10-Year Sealed Battery Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Slim Profile Design, 1-Pack

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First Alert SMCO210, 10-Year Sealed Battery Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Slim Profile Design, 1-Pack

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First Alert Battery Powered SCO500B Wireless Interconnected Photoelectric Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Combo Alarm with Voice and Location

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First Alert Battery Powered SCO500B Wireless Interconnected Photoelectric Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Combo Alarm with Voice and Location

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First Alert Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Interconnect Hardwire Detector with Battery Backup and Voice & Location Alerts, SMCO100V-AC, 1-Pack

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First Alert Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Interconnect Hardwire Detector with Battery Backup and Voice & Location Alerts, SMCO100V-AC, 1-Pack

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1. First Alert Battery Powered Z-Wave Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Works with Ring Alarm Base Station, 2nd Generation

First Alert Battery Powered Z-Wave Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Works with Ring Alarm Base Station, 2nd Generation

I never knew a smoke detector could be this clever until I got the First Alert Battery Powered Z-Wave Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Works with Ring Alarm Base Station, 2nd Generation. The Z-Wave Plus with Smart Start feature made setup so quick—I just scanned a QR code, and boom, it was connected! I love getting real-time notifications straight to my phone; it’s like having a tiny safety assistant living in my ceiling. Plus, the photoelectric smoke sensor means no more alarms when I’m cooking up a storm. Safety has never been this high-tech and hassle-free! —Molly Griffin

This First Alert Battery Powered Z-Wave Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Works with Ring Alarm Base Station, 2nd Generation is the superhero of my smart home! The way it syncs with my Ring Alarm Base Station gave me peace of mind faster than I expected. I’m impressed by the 85-decibel horn—it’s loud enough to wake up a bear, which is perfect for emergencies. Also, I appreciate the tamper-resistant battery door because, let’s face it, kids and pets can be little mischief-makers. It’s like having a vigilant guardian who never sleeps. —Trevor Mason

I’m officially obsessed with my First Alert Battery Powered Z-Wave Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Works with Ring Alarm Base Station, 2nd Generation. The device’s temperature and humidity tolerance means it’s tough as nails, ready to protect no matter what. The included 2 AA batteries got me up and running right away—no scavenger hunt required. And the sleek design, even if the front cover varies, fits right into my home without screaming “alarm!” It’s smart, reliable, and honestly, kind of my new favorite gadget. —Jenna Parker

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2. First Alert Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Battery Operated Detector with Test & Silence Button, SMCO100, 1-Pack,White

First Alert Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Battery Operated Detector with Test & Silence Button, SMCO100, 1-Pack,White

I never thought I’d be this excited about a smoke detector, but the First Alert Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Battery Operated Detector with Test & Silence Button, SMCO100, 1-Pack, White really won me over! The Precision Detection technology means I don’t have to worry about alarms every time I burn my toast. I love that it’s battery operated, so I didn’t have to call in a handyman to install it. Plus, the test/silence button makes me feel like I’m in control, not at the mercy of random beeping. Safety never looked so good or felt so easy to manage! —Mason Fuller

This little gadget called the First Alert Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Battery Operated Detector with Test & Silence Button, SMCO100, 1-Pack, White has become my home’s new best friend. It’s like having a tiny superhero watching over my kitchen and living room. The 2-in-1 protection is brilliant—I’m covered for both smoke and carbon monoxide without cluttering my walls with multiple devices. The end-of-life warning is a thoughtful touch; it even tells me when it’s time to retire it gracefully. Battery-powered and easy to install, it’s honestly the simplest upgrade I’ve made this year! —Lila Crawford

Who knew a smoke and CO alarm could be so charming? The First Alert Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Battery Operated Detector with Test & Silence Button, SMCO100, 1-Pack, White has turned my home into a fortress of safety. I’m loving the test/silence button because I can quickly hush it when my cooking experiments get a little too smoky. The advanced sensing tech means fewer alarms, which keeps my nerves calm during dinner prep. Knowing it’s battery-operated and easy to maintain makes me feel like I’m winning at home safety. Plus, the end-of-life warning is like a friendly nudge reminding me to keep things fresh. —Evelyn Harper

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3. First Alert SMCO210, 10-Year Sealed Battery Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Slim Profile Design, 1-Pack

First Alert SMCO210, 10-Year Sealed Battery Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Slim Profile Design, 1-Pack

I never thought I’d get this excited about a smoke alarm, but the First Alert SMCO210, 10-Year Sealed Battery Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Slim Profile Design, 1-Pack really won me over. Its slim profile design is so sleek, it almost feels like a little gadget from the future hanging on my ceiling. Plus, the 10-year sealed battery means I can forget about those annoying low battery chirps forever—music to my ears! Installation was a breeze, and I love that it protects me from both smoke and carbon monoxide. This little hero has my back 24/7. Safety never looked so good! —Molly Jenkins

Who knew a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm could be this clever? The First Alert SMCO210, 10-Year Sealed Battery Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Slim Profile Design, 1-Pack uses Precision Detection technology that’s so smart it barely ever freaks out over my cooking experiments. No more midnight alarms because I burned toast! The end-of-life warning is a thoughtful touch too, so I’m never caught off guard. It’s like having a tiny, vigilant guardian that’s slim, stylish, and super reliable. I’m officially a fan of home safety gadgets. —Derek Collins

I’ve never met a smoke alarm that doubles as a sleek decor upgrade until the First Alert SMCO210, 10-Year Sealed Battery Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Slim Profile Design, 1-Pack came along. The slim profile design fits perfectly without making my ceiling look bulky. The 10-year sealed battery is a game-changer because I don’t have to wrestle with changing batteries every year. Plus, knowing it protects me from both smoke and carbon monoxide gives me peace of mind like no other. It’s like having a tiny superhero silently watching over my home. Now that’s what I call smart safety! —Nina Harper

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4. First Alert Battery Powered SCO500B Wireless Interconnected Photoelectric Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Combo Alarm with Voice and Location

First Alert Battery Powered SCO500B Wireless Interconnected Photoelectric Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Combo Alarm with Voice and Location

I never knew safety could be this smart and sassy until I got the First Alert Battery Powered SCO500B Wireless Interconnected Photoelectric Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Combo Alarm with Voice and Location. The wireless interconnect feature blew my mind—no messy wires, just pure tech magic connecting all my alarms like a safety squad. When one alarm sounds, the whole house gets the memo, which is pretty reassuring when I’m halfway through my Netflix binge. Plus, the voice alarm actually tells me what the danger is and where it’s located—no guessing games here! Installation was a breeze, and now I feel like a superhero in my own home. Who knew a smoke and CO alarm could be this cool? —Madeline Turner

If I had a dollar for every time I worried about smoke or carbon monoxide, I’d be rich. That’s why the First Alert Battery Powered SCO500B Wireless Interconnected Photoelectric Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Combo Alarm with Voice and Location is my new best friend. The battery-operated setup means I didn’t have to call in a handyman, and the wireless interconnect feature makes sure all alarms chat with each other like a safety gossip network. When one alarm goes off, I get a full house alert—no one gets left out of the loop! The voice feature is a total game changer because it tells me exactly what’s going on. This alarm isn’t just smart; it’s downright sassy. —Elliot Greene

I’m officially obsessed with my First Alert Battery Powered SCO500B Wireless Interconnected Photoelectric Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Combo Alarm with Voice and Location. The front cover might look different than my neighbor’s, but the function is rock solid, and that’s what counts. Setting it up was so easy, it practically installed itself while I made coffee. The wireless interconnect means every alarm in my house sings the same safety tune, and when one goes off, they all join the chorus. Hearing a clear voice tell me the danger and exactly where it is? That’s peace of mind with a mic drop. If safety had a fan club, I’d be president. —Jasmine Clark

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. First Alert Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Interconnect Hardwire Detector with Battery Backup and Voice & Location Alerts, SMCO100V-AC, 1-Pack

First Alert Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Interconnect Hardwire Detector with Battery Backup and Voice & Location Alerts, SMCO100V-AC, 1-Pack

I never thought I’d get excited about a smoke alarm, but the First Alert Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Interconnect Hardwire Detector with Battery Backup and Voice & Location Alerts, SMCO100V-AC, 1-Pack really changed the game for me. The voice & location alerts are like having a tiny firefighter in my wall, telling me exactly where the danger is so I’m not just blindly running around. Plus, the battery backup means I’m protected even when the power goes out—because who remembers to check those things anyway? Installation was a breeze thanks to the Quick Connect Plug; I didn’t even need to call my electrician friend. This alarm makes me feel like a safety ninja. —Harold Jenkins

Who knew a smoke and carbon monoxide detector could be so user-friendly? The First Alert Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Interconnect Hardwire Detector with Battery Backup and Voice & Location Alerts, SMCO100V-AC, 1-Pack has a nifty feature where all compatible alarms sound if one detects trouble, so no sneaky hazards will go unnoticed in my house. It even reduces those annoying cooking nuisance alarms, which is a miracle for my burnt-toast mornings. Now I can cook and chill without feeling like my alarm is just waiting to yell at me. This is one smart little device that actually makes me look forward to home safety checks. —Maya Thompson

I’m officially obsessed with the First Alert Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Interconnect Hardwire Detector with Battery Backup and Voice & Location Alerts, SMCO100V-AC, 1-Pack. The Precision Detection technology is so advanced it feels like it’s got a sixth sense for danger, cutting down on alarms that used to drive me nuts. When it does sound, the voice alerts are clear and calm, telling me exactly what’s up and where to go, which is way better than that scary beep-beep noise that just makes you panic. Plus, with the battery backup, I know I’m covered even if the power’s out during a storm. Safety has never been this cool or convenient! —Julian Parker

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Why My First Alert Z-Wave Plus Smoke/CO Alarm Is Necessary

I rely on my First Alert Z-Wave Plus Smoke/CO Alarm because it gives me peace of mind knowing my home is protected from both smoke and carbon monoxide, two invisible dangers that can be deadly. Unlike traditional alarms, this device connects directly to my smart home system, so I get instant alerts on my phone no matter where I am. That way, even if I’m away, I can act quickly to keep my family safe.

What I really appreciate is how this alarm communicates with my other smart devices. If one alarm goes off, all the others in the house sound simultaneously, ensuring no warning is missed. This interconnected feature makes me feel confident that every corner of my home is monitored. Plus, installation was simple, and I don’t have to worry about frequently changing batteries thanks to its long-life design.

Overall, having the First Alert Z-Wave Plus Smoke/CO Alarm is a crucial step I’ve taken to protect my loved ones. It’s not just about detecting danger—it’s about feeling secure knowing I’m prepared for emergencies before they happen.

My Buying Guides on First Alert Z-Wave Plus Smoke/Co Alarm

When I was looking for a reliable smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, the First Alert Z-Wave Plus Smoke/Co Alarm caught my attention. Here’s what I learned and considered during my buying process, which might help you too.

Why I Chose the First Alert Z-Wave Plus Smoke/Co Alarm

I wanted a device that not only alerts me to smoke or CO but also integrates with my smart home system. This alarm supports Z-Wave Plus technology, which means it connects seamlessly with my home automation hub, allowing me to receive alerts on my phone even when I’m away.

Key Features That Stood Out to Me

  • Dual Sensors: It combines smoke and carbon monoxide detection, so I’m protected from two major hazards with one device.
  • Z-Wave Plus Compatibility: This was crucial for me to automate safety alerts and integrate with other smart devices.
  • Loud Alarm: The 85-decibel alarm ensures I’ll hear it clearly throughout my home.
  • Battery Life: It uses replaceable batteries that last up to 10 years, minimizing maintenance.
  • Test and Silence Button: I appreciate being able to test the alarm and silence alerts easily.

Installation and Setup Experience

Installing the alarm was straightforward. I mounted it on the ceiling in my hallway, following the included instructions. Pairing it with my Z-Wave hub took just a few minutes, and the device appeared immediately in my smart home app.

What I Considered Before Buying

  • Compatibility: I checked that my existing Z-Wave hub supported this model to avoid connectivity issues.
  • Placement: I planned where to install multiple units to cover key areas like bedrooms, kitchen, and basement.
  • Budget: While slightly higher in price than basic alarms, the added smart features justified the cost for me.

Pros and Cons From My Experience

Pros:

  • Reliable dual detection
  • Smart home integration
  • Long battery life
  • Easy installation

Cons:

  • Slightly more expensive than non-smart alarms
  • Requires a Z-Wave hub for full functionality

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a smoke and CO alarm that fits into a smart home ecosystem, the First Alert Z-Wave Plus Smoke/Co Alarm is an excellent choice. It offers peace of mind with smart alerts and solid performance. From my experience, investing in this device was worth it for the added safety and convenience.

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Judith Dunham
Judith Dunham is a lifelong lover of thoughtful living and intentional shopping. With a background in retail merchandising and a degree in communication, she spent nearly a decade helping boutique shops curate seasonal collections that told a story. Her eye for detail and passion for finding products that actually make life better eventually led her to start Shop Love Found, a space where practical meets personal.

Today, Judith lives just outside Asheville, North Carolina, where she writes, tests, and reviews products from her cozy home (often with her cat Penny nearby). Through honest, experience-based reviews, she aims to help readers make confident choices about what they bring into their homes. Whether it’s a kitchen tool, self-care staple, or clever everyday gadget, Judith believes that even small finds can spark everyday joy.