Best Heat Alarms for Kitchens: 2025 Expert Review
Oli
Owner & Lead Electrician, OR Electrics
One of the most common issues I encounter during domestic call-outs is a disabled smoke alarm in the kitchen. Homeowners often take the batteries out because the alarm triggers every time they open the oven or burn a round of toast. This is incredibly dangerous.
The solution isn't to remove the alarm, but to fit the correct type. Heat alarms (Class A1 detection) ignore smoke and cooking fumes, reacting instead to a rapid rise in temperature (usually around 54°C). They are essential for kitchens and garages where standard optical or ionisation smoke alarms are unsuitable.
In this review, I've selected three heat alarms appropriate for different needs: a budget-friendly standalone unit, a fully interlinked kit for maximum safety, and a direct replacement for discontinued models I often find in older properties.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "10-Year Battery Life"
"The sealed lithium battery will last a full decade without needing attention."
In reality, extreme temperature fluctuations (like in an uninsulated garage or a very hot kitchen) can slightly reduce this lifespan. However, it is still vastly superior to changing 9V alkaline batteries every 12 months.
The Spec: "Adhesive Installation"
"You can stick the alarm up with the provided sticky pads in seconds."
As a professional, I never rely on adhesive pads for life-safety devices. Steam and grease in kitchens degrade the glue over time. Always use the screws and rawl plugs provided to potential injury or the alarm failing to detect a fire because it fell on the floor.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Heat Alarm, 10-Years Sealed Battery, Heat Detector for Kitchen
WISUALARM
This is a solid, no-nonsense standalone heat alarm. It's ideal for homeowners who need to retrofit a single kitchen alarm without wiring. The clever feature here is the ability to mute it using a standard TV remote, which saves you dragging a chair out if you do manage to set it off.
The Good
- Remote mute function works with household infrared remotes
- Very affordable for a 10-year sealed unit
- Large central button is easy to press with a broom handle
The Bad
- Standalone only - does not interlink with other alarms
- Brand is less recognisable than FireAngel or Aico
Installer Tip:
Mount this centrally in the kitchen, but keep it at least 1 metre away from the cooker or oven directly to avoid nuisance tripping from blast heat when you open the oven door.
Priced at £15.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonX-Sense Wireless Interlinked Smoke Alarms and Heat Alarm Bundle
X-Sense
If you are renting out a property or have a family home with bedrooms on a different floor to the kitchen, this is the system you need. It's a wireless interlinked set. If a pan catches fire in the kitchen, the alarm in the hallway or landing will sound immediately, alerting you even if you're asleep behind a closed door.
The Good
- Wireless interlink ensures whole-home alert
- Includes smoke alarms for hallway/landing coverage
- Compliant with stricter rental standards (Scottish Standard)
The Bad
- Higher upfront cost than standalone units
- Requires setting up the 'link' (though straightforward)
Installer Tip:
When pairing these, do it on the kitchen table before you mount them on the ceiling. It's much easier to press the 'link' buttons when they are in front of you than when you're up a ladder.
Priced at £47.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFireAngel Heat Alarm FA6720-R (Replacement for HT-630)
FireAngel
The FireAngel HT-630 was installed in millions of UK homes 10 years ago and they are all starting to expire now. This FA6720-R is the direct replacement. The genius part is that it fits onto the existing baseplate. You don't need to drill new holes or patch old paintwork; just twist the old one off and twist this one on.
The Good
- Fits existing HT-630 baseplates perfectly
- No drilling or re-decorating required
- Trusted UK brand used in many new builds
The Bad
- Standalone unit (does not interlink with Wi-Safe 2)
- Slightly smaller than older models, might show a paint line if untidy
Installer Tip:
Check the date on the baseplate of your old alarm. If the plastic is yellowed or brittle, replace the baseplate with the new one provided anyway. It only takes two screws, but ensures a secure fit for the next 10 years.
Priced at £14.07 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a smoke alarm and a heat alarm?
Where exactly should I position a heat alarm in the kitchen?
Do heat alarms detect gas leaks?
Why is my heat alarm beeping?
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