A big part of wise money management is buying stuff that lasts. I thought about that recently while replacing the batteries on one of our kids’ toys and realized that somehow we had gotten out of the habit of using rechargeable batteries. It prompted me to do some research into which batteries are best, and when to use rechargeable batteries and when not to use them. Here’s what I found out.
For Frequent-Use Items, Rechargeable Batteries Are Best
For items that get used a lot in your household, such as toys and gaming device remotes, rechargeable batteries are the way to go.
One such battery that gets high marks from Consumer Reports is the Sanyo Eneloop. The latest version can be recharged 1,500 times. Amazon sells an Eneloop package that includes a charger, eight AA rechargeable batteries and four AAA rechargeables for $31.39. That seems like a good price since the batteries alone cost about the same.
For Infrequent-Use Items, Alkaline Batteries Are Best
For items you don’t use that often, such as a flashlight or portable radio used only in emergencies, use alkaline batteries. That’s because even the latest generation rechargeable batteries tend to lose their charge when not used very often. You don’t want to lose power to your house in a storm and grab a flashlight that doesn’t work.
Since rechargeable batteries also tend to lose their charge when used with devices that don’t draw much energy, alkaline batteries are recommended for use in smoke detectors as well. Don’t forget to replace your smoke detector batteries once a year.
For the longest-lasting alkaline batteries, Consumer Reports recommends Panasonic Evolta (listed recently on Amazon for $7.92 for four AAs), Duracell Ultra Advanced ($7.30 for eight AAs), and, for bulk buyers, bargain-priced Kirkland Signature batteries ($20.99 for 48 AAs).
Final Thoughts On Batteries
If you have devices that require lithium batteries, Consumer Reports recommends Energizer Ultimate (bargain priced recently at $2.25 for four AAs) and Energizer Advanced ($8.99 for four AAs).
Amazon’s prices change often, so if you’re a frequent battery user it pays to check regularly.
For information on where to recycle all types of batteries, check with Earth911.
What other advice do you have about batteries?
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Andrew – Great question. I checked on the Sanyo Eneloop and the company says to charge Eneloop batteries with an Eneloop, Sanyo, or Sanyo NiMh charger. It says it does not provide warranty protection for the batteries if charged with any other charger.
Hope that helps.
Thanks for this good information, Matt. One question in follow-up: Do you know if different brands’ battery chargers work with other brands’ batteries (that felt confusing to type…I trust it makes sense)? I’ve assumed so – that Energizer NiMH can be recharged in my Duracell NiMH charger – but please post if you know that this isn’t the case!
Happy Birthday, Martha. And great thinking about keeping your car charged with that AAA!
Great timing for this helpful article; my current shopping list contains: Batteries; AA – Wall Clock, Lithium – Cordless phones, AA – Digital Camera. The frequent-use and infrequent-use information is very much appreciated.
A funny story: Last Thursday was my birthday. My grandchildren drove from L.A. to share dinner at Gourmet Italia, (yummmmm). I told them I would meet them at the restaurant. I had to call them back and tell them they would have to stop by and pick me up; my “car battery” was dead! (I gotta remember to turn off the lights . . . .)
Good thing I have AAA! (Automobile Association of America).
Martha