Keeping up with all the batteries you need for your child's toys can drive you over the edge.
But help is on the way. Consumer reports tried out 17 AA batteries to find which last the longest. Testers checked out alkaline, lithium, and rechargeable batteries.
If you have a device that you use a lot, or uses a lot of power, like a digital camera, you may want to spend more money on lithium batteries or rechargeable batteries," says Consumer Reports' Jim Langehennig. "They cost a lot more than regular batteries, but you'll end up saving more in the long run."
Testers evaluated the AA's using digital cameras. They turned on the camera and zoomed in and out several times. Then they turned on the flash and took five pictures in a row, waiting 30 seconds in between each shot. They did this over and over until the battery went dead.
"A good choice for a rechargeable battery was the Duracell 2650," says Jim.
The energizer e2 rechargeable rated quite high.
Energizer lithium is the very best lithium battery, according to Consumer Reports.
It's the only AA battery tested that rated excellent, but you pay a premium for that extra performance.
Alkaline batteries, which cost less, are a good choice for items you don't use often, like flashlights and remotes.
But Rayovac batteries come up short on its advertising claims.
In Consumer Reports tests, six other AA batteries lasted longer, including the least expensive: Kirkland Signature batteries sold at Costco. They cost about 20 cents a battery, but you have to purchase them in packs of 48.
The pure energy rechargeable alkaline was not tested, but it has an advantage over other rechargeables because it doesn't contain toxic heavy metals. And it's cheaper, but can't be recharged as often.
It's important to recycle batteries that contain toxic elements, like nickel, metal hydride or lithium ion batteries.
The Recycling Council of BC keeps an up to date list of retailers accepting alkaline and recyclable batteries back. Click here for the list.
for more information or call the RCBC hotline at 1-800-667-4321 (BC) or 604-732-9253 in the Lower Mainland.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen
