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Professional Guide

Best Optical Smoke Alarms for Home Safety: 2025 Expert Review

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Oli

Owner, OR Electrics

Published 17 December 2025

If you have ever waved a tea towel at a screaming smoke alarm just because you burnt the toast slightly, you are likely dealing with an old ionisation alarm. It is a common frustration I hear from homeowners across Leeds, and it often leads to people taking the batteries out—which is the worst thing you can do.

The solution is switching to optical (photoelectric) smoke alarms. Unlike the older types, these sensors 'see' smoke rather than 'smell' it. They are far quicker at detecting slow-smouldering fires (like upholstery or wiring faults) and much less likely to go off from cooking fumes.

In this review, I've selected three optical alarms that cover different needs: a reliable budget battery option, a professional mains-powered unit for building regulation compliance, and a value multipack for quick home coverage.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "'10-Year Life'"

The Theory

"You install the alarm and don't need to touch it for a decade."

The Reality

Whilst the sensor lasts 10 years, dust and spiders get in much sooner. You must vacuum your alarms annually, or they will start false alarming long before the 10 years are up.

The Spec: "'Easy Installation'"

The Theory

"Just screw it to the ceiling."

The Reality

True for battery units. However, for mains-powered alarms (Class D1), this involves working with 230V electricity. In Leeds' older properties, finding a suitable feed from the lighting circuit often requires a qualified electrician to ensure safety and compliance.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

FireAngel SB1-R Smoke Alarm - Toast Proof, Optical Smoke Alarms for Home

Budget Pick
FireAngel SB1-R Smoke Alarm - Toast Proof, Optical Smoke Alarms for Home

FireAngel

If you just need a straightforward replacement for an old yellowing alarm and don't want to run cables, this FireAngel unit is the standard choice. It's cheap, effective, and uses the optical technology needed to stop those nuisance alarms near the kitchen.

Price£7.44 (at time of writing)
BrandFireAngel
Power9V Replaceable Battery
Sensor TypeOptical (Less false alarms)
The Good
  • Very affordable entry point for optical safety
  • 'Toast Proof' claims hold up well in hallway installs
  • Test button is large and easy to hit with a broom handle
The Bad
  • Uses a standard 9V battery which needs yearly changing
  • Not interlinkable (won't trigger other alarms in the house)

Installer Tip:

Write the date of installation on the side of the baseplate with a marker before you put it up. Smoke alarms expire after 10 years, and you will forget when you bought it. This makes it easy to know when it is time to bin it.

Priced at £7.44 at the time of writing

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Deta 1163 Optical Smoke Alarm 240V with 9V Replaceable Battery Back Up

Quality Pick
Deta 1163 Optical Smoke Alarm 240V with 9V Replaceable Battery Back Up

DETA

This is what you will find in most modern new-builds. Being mains-powered, it complies with building regulations for renovations and rentals. It's a robust, professional unit that can be interlinked, meaning if a fire starts in the kitchen, the alarm in the bedroom sounds too.

Price£30.00 (at time of writing)
BrandDETA
PowerMains (240V) with 9V Backup
LinkableYes (up to 12 alarms)
The Good
  • Mains powered - no worrying about dead batteries silencing the unit
  • Interlinkable for whole-home safety coverage
  • Dust cover included (vital if you are decorating)
The Bad
  • Requires professional installation by an electrician
  • Significantly more expensive than battery-only units

Installer Tip:

If you are replacing an existing Deta alarm, check the model number carefully. Usually, the base plates are compatible, meaning you can swap the head unit without needing to unscrew the base or touch the wiring—a 30-second job instead of an hour.

Priced at £30.00 at the time of writing

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2 Pack Smoke Alarms for Home – 10-Year Life Fire Alarms

Problem-solving
2 Pack Smoke Alarms for Home – 10-Year Life Fire Alarms

TEFLERON

For homeowners needing to cover multiple rooms quickly without wiring, this twin pack tackles the coverage problem efficiently. The 5-year battery life is a massive improvement over standard 9V units, reducing the 'low battery chirp' annoyance significantly.

Price£14.99 (at time of writing)
BrandTEFLERON
Battery Life5 Years (pre-equipped)
FeaturesAuto Self-Test
The Good
  • Excellent value - works out very cheap per unit
  • 5-year battery reduces maintenance hassle
  • Auto self-check feature adds peace of mind
The Bad
  • Lesser known brand compared to FireAngel or Deta
  • Not main powered, so not suitable for all rental grades

Installer Tip:

These are ideal for 'filling the gaps'. If you have a mains alarm in the hall but nothing in the living room or landing, stick one of these up. It is better to have independent detection in every room than an interlinked system that only covers the hallway.

Priced at £14.99 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between optical and ionisation smoke alarms?
Optical alarms (like the ones reviewed here) use a light beam to detect smoke. They are excellent at spotting slow, smouldering fires like burning furniture or electrical wiring and are less likely to trigger from burnt toast. Ionisation alarms are better for fast-flaming fires but are notorious for false alarms near kitchens. For most homes, optical is now the preferred choice for hallways and living spaces.
Do I need a mains-powered smoke alarm?
If you are renting out a property or building an extension, building regulations usually require mains-powered, interlinked alarms (Grade D1 or D2). For a standard private home, battery alarms are acceptable, but mains alarms offer higher safety levels. In Leeds' student HMOs, stricter rules apply—always check with a professional if unsure.
Why does my smoke alarm chirp intermittently?
A chirp usually means one of two things: the battery is low, or the sensor chamber is dirty. If changing the battery doesn't stop it, try vacuuming the alarm with a soft brush attachment. Dust can block the optical sensor, causing it to fault. If it still chirps after cleaning and a new battery, the unit has likely reached its end of life (usually 10 years) and needs replacing.
Where should I position my optical smoke alarm?
Place it in the centre of the ceiling, at least 30cm away from walls or light fittings. For optical alarms, the hallway and landing are key locations. Avoid putting them directly in the kitchen (use a heat alarm there instead) or the bathroom, as steam will trigger them just like smoke does.

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