10 Best Propane Detectors 2025 in the United States

The Kidde Carbon Monoxide and Explosive Gas Detector is designed to enhance home safety by detecting propane, natural gas, methane, carbon monoxide, and explosive gases. It’s easy to install—just plug it into a standard 120V outlet—and it includes a 9-volt battery backup to maintain operation during power outages, ensuring continuous protection. The digital LED display clearly shows gas levels or alerts you when explosive gas is present, making it straightforward to understand the situation at a glance. Its alarm is loud (85 decibels), which should be sufficient to wake most people in case of danger.

This device stores peak gas level readings and remembers the last test time, helping you keep track of your home’s safety history. Kidde is a trusted brand known for reliable detection, and this model covers multiple gases effectively, providing a convenient all-in-one solution. The plug-in power source with battery backup reduces the need for frequent battery replacements, though keeping a 9V battery on hand is recommended. One consideration is that it requires installation near an outlet, which might limit placement options compared to battery-only models.

Kidde products typically meet safety standards, which reassures quality and reliability. This detector is well suited for homeowners seeking a dependable, multi-gas alarm that’s easy to set up and maintain, especially if monitoring propane alongside other common household gases is desired.

The UEi Test Instruments CD100A Combustible Gas Leak Detector is a handy tool designed to detect a variety of gases including propane, methane, natural gas, and more. Its catalytic sensor is sensitive enough for both residential and commercial use, making it a solid choice for homeowners and HVAC professionals alike. One of its strengths is the long, flexible 18-inch gooseneck with a built-in tip light, which helps locate leaks in tight or dark spaces easily. The detector provides both audible and visual alarms through increasing beeps and flashing lights, helping you quickly identify the presence of gas.

Powering the device is straightforward; it uses 4 AA batteries that come included, and it boasts about 15 hours of battery life, so you won’t have to worry about frequent replacements during short-term use. However, it requires manual operation and warming up for 10 seconds before it’s ready, which is typical but something to keep in mind. While it is easy to carry and operate, this is a handheld detector rather than a fixed alarm system, so it’s better suited for spot checks rather than continuous monitoring.

The product is compact and lightweight, which helps in maneuvering it around appliances or pipes. It comes with a one-year limited warranty, suggesting the manufacturer’s confidence in durability. If you need a reliable, portable tool for checking propane leaks or other combustible gases in various settings, this detector offers a good balance of features and ease of use. For installation in permanent locations or for continuous gas detection, other models might be more appropriate.

The Safe-T-Alert 20-441-P-WT Mini Hard-Wired Propane/LP Gas Alarm is a reliable choice for detecting propane and methane gases. One of its major strengths is its high sensitivity, capable of alarming at less than 25% of the lower explosive limit (LEL) of propane and methane, ensuring early detection. The device is powered by a 12-volt hard-wired connection, which offers constant power supply without the need for battery replacements—a great advantage for continuous protection.

Additionally, it operates within a wide temperature range from -40°F to 158°F, making it suitable for use in various environments including recreational vehicles and homes. The alarm is audible, providing a clear warning in case of gas detection. Installation is straightforward with the included mounting bracket, and its universal fit allows it to be installed in different locations.

A potential drawback is the requirement for a hard-wired 12-volt power source, which may limit its installation flexibility compared to battery-operated models. Despite this, it is well-suited for users seeking a reliable, hard-wired solution for gas detection in a variety of settings.