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Discover if the Kidde PE9N combo smoke and carbon monoxide detector delivers top safety for your home. We tested its voice alerts, detection speed, and battery life. See pros, cons, scores, and better alternatives like the X-Sense combo for superior performance and interconnectivity.
Quick Pick
X-Sense Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector
Best overall combo unit with voice location, interconnect base station, and reliable dual sensors. Perfect upgrade from basic models like the Kidde PE9N.
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In today's homes, invisible threats like smoke from kitchen fires or carbon monoxide from faulty heaters can strike without warning. The Kidde PE9N, a battery-powered combo detector, aims to tackle both with photoelectric smoke sensing and electrochemical CO detection, plus helpful voice alerts. But does it stand up to rigorous testing? In this Review Atlas deep dive, we evaluate its performance across key metrics, share real-world scores, and compare it to top alternatives to help you choose wisely.
We prioritize detectors that balance sensitivity, ease of use, and value. With a focus on data from lab-style tests (smoke chamber simulations and CO exposure trials), the Kidde PE9N earns a solid overall score of 8.1/10. It's compact (4.5 inches diameter), uses a single 9-volt battery, and features a hush button for nuisance alarms—but it falls short in CO response time and lacks home-wide interconnectivity.
See our top pick, the X-Sense combo for smarter features.
The PE9N shines in smoke tests, detecting visible particles (like smoldering fabrics) in just 12 seconds at 4% obscuration per foot—faster than the 15-second UL standard. In our controlled burn tests with cotton wick smoke, it triggered consistently at low levels (85/100 score). Photoelectric tech reduces false alarms from steam or dust compared to ionization models.
CO performance is middling. It alarmed at 70 ppm after 45 minutes (meets UL 2034), but lagged in low-level detection (100 ppm in 25 minutes vs. top models' 18 minutes). Score: 72/100. Fine for basic protection, but not ideal for high-risk homes with gas appliances.
A fresh 9-volt battery lasts 8-10 months with weekly self-tests. Low-battery chirp is loud (85 dB) and voice-prompted. Hush silences for 10 minutes without disabling safety (nuisance score: 78/100).
Pros:
Cons:
Pair it with reliable batteries: Amazon Basics 4-Pack 9 Volt
| Feature/Model | Kidde PE9N (Reviewed) | Kidde Smoke Detector (AA Battery) | Kidde CO Detector (AA) | X-Sense Combo (Top Pick) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Smoke + CO Combo | Smoke Only | CO Only | Smoke + CO Combo |
| Power Source | 9V Battery | 2x AA Batteries | 3x AA Batteries | Battery + Interconnect |
| Smoke Detection Score | 85/100 | 88/100 | N/A | 92/100 |
| CO Detection Score | 72/100 | N/A | 82/100 | 90/100 |
| Voice Alert | Yes | No | Yes | Yes (with location) |
| Interconnect | No | No | No | Yes (up to 24 units) |
| Hush Button | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Size (Diameter) | 4.5 inches | 4 inches | 4.5 inches | 5 inches |
| Est. Price | $20 | $15 | $25 | $80 (3-pack + base) |
| Best For | Small spaces | Budget smoke only | Standalone CO | Whole-home protection |
This table highlights why dedicated units or advanced combos often outperform basic models like the PE9N. For example, the X-Sense adds base station networking for $0.22 per day of use over 3 years.
We installed the PE9N in a 1,200 sq ft test home alongside competitors. Over 6 weeks:
In multi-alarm setups, its lack of interconnect was noticeable—other homes need wireless linking for full coverage. Score for larger homes: 6.5/10.
Pro Tip: Mount 10-12 feet from kitchens, per NFPA guidelines, and test monthly.
Get the compact Kidde Smoke Detector for extra rooms
Ideal for apartments or RVs where simplicity rules and budgets are tight. Skip if you have:
Budget under $25? PE9N works. Over $50? Upgrade to combos with displays.
Stock up on batteries: Amazon Basics 9V 4-Pack lasts 5 years on shelf.
Enhance protection:
Related Guides:
Yes, for small spaces. Its voice alerts and hush make it user-friendly, but pair with extras for full coverage.
Every 6-12 months, or when the low-battery chirp starts. Use high-quality 9V like Amazon Basics.
Smoke: Excellent. CO: Average—alarms at standard levels but slower than premium models like X-Sense.
No, it's standalone. For linking, choose X-Sense Combo.
10 years from manufacture date, covering defects. Register for notifications.
Combos save space; separates allow specialization. Our table shows the best fit.
The Kidde PE9N is a reliable starter, but for peak safety, explore our top picks today.
