Summary of "Testing double-A batteries: dollar stores vs. major brands (Marketplace)"
Product Reviewed
Double-A (AA) Batteries from dollar stores vs. major brands (Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic)
Main Features & Testing Approach
- The testing focused on battery longevity, performance, cost-effectiveness, and reliability.
- Conducted in partnership with Ontario Tech University using a battery cycler to simulate real device usage.
- Tested 6 brands with a total of 240 batteries, including zinc carbon (carbon zinc) and alkaline types.
- Devices simulated ranged from low-drain (TV remotes, clocks, computer mice) to high-drain (RC toys, high-powered flashlights).
Key Findings
Zinc Carbon Batteries (Dollar Store e-circuit and Panasonic “super heavy duty”)
- Recommended only for low-drain devices.
- Lasted about 7–8 hours in low-drain tests.
- Performed very poorly in high-drain devices (only ~6 minutes).
- Zinc carbon batteries are outdated technology with no real advantage over alkaline batteries.
- Experts and testers agree there is no reason to buy zinc carbon batteries in 2022.
- Panasonic defends zinc carbon as suitable for recommended uses.
- Dollar store zinc carbon batteries are very cheap (~$1.25 for 8) but limited in performance.
Alkaline Batteries
- Tested big brands (Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic alkaline plus) against dollar store alkaline brands (e-circuit alkaline and ultra-alkaline).
- Energizer lasted the longest overall, with Duracell close behind.
- Dollar store alkaline batteries (e-circuit from Dollar Tree and Panasonic alkaline plus from Dollarama) performed nearly as well as big brands.
- When considering capacity per dollar spent, dollar store alkaline batteries offered the best value.
- Cost per capacity favored e-circuit alkaline, ultra-alkaline, and Panasonic alkaline plus batteries from dollar stores.
- Consumers often do not check manufacturer recommended uses, leading to misuse of zinc carbon batteries.
Battery Leakage Issues
- Leakage was found in new packs of Duracell and Energizer alkaline batteries.
- Leakage can damage devices; some consumers have successfully claimed refunds.
- Leakage is partly by design as a safety feature to release pressure and avoid bursting.
- High storage temperatures increase leakage risk.
- Both Duracell and Energizer advise storing batteries in cool environments.
- Duracell requests leaky batteries for their own analysis.
- Dollar store alkaline batteries did not report leakage issues during tests.
Battery Testing Methods
- The common “bounce test” to check battery life is unreliable.
- Voltmeters and battery checkers provide a better indication of remaining battery life.
- Batteries fresh out of the pack can have voltages higher than 1.5V.
- Batteries with >1V may still power low-drain devices briefly.
Additional Insights
- Eco fees are charged on batteries in some provinces to fund recycling efforts; these are producer-decided fees, not government taxes.
- Canadians recycled 4.1 million kg of household batteries in 2020.
- Battery recycling facilities have shifted locations, with some batteries now shipped to Michigan, raising environmental concerns.
- Experts emphasize the need for local recycling solutions and transparency on eco fee usage.
- Consumers are encouraged to continue recycling batteries properly.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Dollar store alkaline batteries provide excellent value for money.
- Big brands (Energizer, Duracell) offer slightly longer life and strong brand guarantees.
- Safety features in big brands help prevent battery bursting.
- Recycling programs exist and are improving.
Cons
- Zinc carbon batteries perform poorly, especially in high-drain devices.
- Leakage issues found in some new packs of big brand alkaline batteries.
- Bounce test is an unreliable method for testing battery life.
- Environmental concerns about battery recycling logistics.
User Experience
- Many users rely on big brands for reliability but may not always check battery type or recommended use.
- Leakage problems cause device damage and frustration.
- Consumers are often unaware of eco fees and their purpose.
- Recycling awareness is growing but transparency is desired.
Comparisons
- Zinc carbon vs. alkaline: alkaline batteries last about three times longer.
- Dollar store alkaline batteries perform nearly as well as big brands but cost less.
- Big brands offer better guarantees and customer service for issues like leakage.
Verdict / Overall Recommendation
For everyday use, especially in medium to high-drain devices, alkaline batteries are the best choice. Dollar store alkaline batteries (e.g., e-circuit from Dollar Tree and Panasonic alkaline plus from Dollarama) offer excellent performance and value comparable to major brands like Duracell and Energizer. Avoid zinc carbon batteries except for very low-drain devices due to poor performance.
Consumers should:
- Store batteries properly to avoid leakage.
- Be cautious of leakage risks with big brands.
- Continue to recycle batteries responsibly.
- Use a voltmeter rather than bounce tests to check battery life.
Overall, dollar store alkaline batteries represent a smart, cost-effective option without significant sacrifice in quality.
Category
Product Review
