Disposable batteries (AA and AAA sizes)

[FROSTYBALLS]

As we're approaching Christmas and people are no doubt either buying or planning to buy Christmas presents, just thought some may be interested in a recent Which? report on disposable batteries. Batteries were tested in high drain, medium drain and low drain applications, and an average score across the three types of usage given

AA batteries: Best buys based on Battery life were; Duracell Ultra Power (score 78%); Maplin AA Pro Lithium (75%); Aldi Activ Energy (74%); Energiser Eco Advanced (70%). The Aldi batteries at £1.99 were rated as great value - 25p per Battery.

Don't Buys were GP Ultra and Kodak Xtralife (not made by Kodak - brand name is licensed to Strand Europe).

AAA batteries: Best Buys were; Energiser Ultimate Lithium (87%); Aldi Activ Energy 73%); Duracell Ultra Power (73%); Maplin Pro Lithium (70%). Again the Aldi batteries at £1.99 for eight were rated as great value.

If you don't have an Aldi near, one could consider Lidl's Aerocell batteries which perform well across a range of devices and have a similar cost to the Aldi batteries.

[Cyker]

That's good to know; Do they give the RRP of the various batteries too? The problem with the higher capacity ones is they tend to be disproportionately more expensive.

I'd be interested in a similar survey of rechargeable batteries; At the moment there seems to be a split between low capacity ones that last for ages and higher capacity ones that will discharge themselves within weeks even if they're not being used!

Also, you should get Which! to give you sponsorship money! 


 

[FROSTYBALLS]

The AA prices that Which? gave were Duracell £5 for four, Maplin £6.99 for four, Aldi £1.99 for eight, and Energiser were £5 for four.

The AAA prices were Energiser £3.76 for four, Aldi £1.99 for eight, Duracell £5 for four and Maplin £6.99 for four.

 

[Cyker]

Thanks Frosty
 

[Heidfirst]

btw please don't dispose of but recycle (most supermarkets have recycling collection bins for batteries).

[Mike169]

At the moment Maplins are selling AA and AAA batteries at £14.99 per 100, a very good deal and they are only 2nd in 'capacity' to much more expensive Duracell. Mike.

[FROSTYBALLS]

The Maplin batteries for £14.99 are the shorter life alkalines, rather than the longer life lithium in the Which? article. The Maplin lithium batteries are advertised as having a 7 times greater life than standard alkaline.

[Mike169]

Very good point Frosty but I just thought i'd post about the batteries as they are a good deal. Enjoy your day, Mike.