To Test Your Smoke Alarm, Don’t Just Push the Button

Brad HoldenUpdated: Jul. 30, 2018

Regular testing of smoke detectors is a must. If you’re skeptical about the value of just pressing the “test” button, try smoke matches.

smoke matches smoke detector

Smoke Matches

Regular testing of smoke detectors is a must. If you’re skeptical about the value of just pressing the “test” button, try smoke matches for a more real-world test that doesn’t involve puffing on a cigar near your detector. Smoke matches are typically used for testing airflow in HVAC systems. They’re a bit pricey at $20 for a pack of 25 matches, but still cheaper and less smelly than 25 cigars.

Popular Videos

Buy a pack of smoke matches on Amazon now.

Disclosure: This post is brought to you by The Family Handyman editors, who aim to highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We welcome your feedback. Have something you think we should know about? Contact us, here.

Originally Published: July 30, 2018

Brad Holden
Brad Holden
Brad Holden, an associate editor at The Family Handyman, has been building cabinets and furniture for 30 years. In that time, he has absorbed so many slivers and ingested so much sawdust that he's practically made of wood.