Which dollar-store disposable batteries stand up to big brands? #shorts

Are single-use double-A batteries from the dollar store actually worth it? For this test, Marketplace teamed up with researchers from Ontario Tech University in Oshawa, Ont., to test 240 of these disposable batteries from six brands.

The brands were Energizer, Duracell, Canadian Tire’s Noma, Walmart’s Great Value, E-Circuit from Dollar Tree, as well as Panasonic batteries from both Dollarama and Dollar Tree.

In the tests, which simulated different energy drain at continuous levels, Energizer and Duracell lasted the longest. But it was E-Circuit alkaline, a brand imported by and sold at Dollar Tree, that held its own against the more well-known brands, lasting nearly as long and costing only $1.25 for a pack of four.

Ontario Tech engineering assistant professor Xianke Lin supervised the tests.

“Usually people think it's cheap and shouldn't have the best value, but [E-Circuit alkaline] turns out to be the best capacity per dollar you spend,” Lin said.

Lin noted that the results should not be used as a proxy for all battery performance because the test can’t perfectly simulate how batteries are used in real life.

Carbon zinc (or zinc carbon) batteries did not do well in the tests. Experts say you should take a close look at the packs when buying, read the manufacturers’ recommended use or you may want to avoid carbon zinc batteries altogether.

Panasonic, one of the manufacturers of carbon zinc batteries, says carbon zinc is an established technology that provides “great performance and value” in recommended devices.

Dollar Tree did not respond to questions about the carbon zinc batteries, but did acknowledge they’re sold and their products overall fit the low-priced needs of its customers.

Dollarama says it offers “a selection of Panasonic carbon zinc and alkaline battery pack options to our customers, thereby providing them with access to a range of options within our low fixed price points, depending on their need.”

To read more: https://www.cbc.ca/1.6403542

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