Consumer Reports Reveals Updated AA Battery Ratings

Top Performers Include Energizer, Duracell and Rayovac

YONKERS, N.Y., Nov 1, 2011, /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For holiday shoppers with toys, digital cameras and other popular battery-powered gadgets on their list, Consumer Reports today announced updated AA battery Ratings. In all, 12 different AA batteries were tested including offerings from Duracell, Energizer, Rayovac and Panasonic. The longest lasting was Energizer's Advanced Lithium, which took 809 digital camera photos before dying.

The full article is featured in the Consumer Reports December Annual Electronics issue and at www.ConsumerReports.org.

"Lithium batteries are by far the longest-lasting AA batteries available," said Jim Langehennig, technical support manager at Consumer Reports. "But for consumers who are looking for a greener choice, rechargeable AA batteries are also a good option, especially for toys that are used frequently."

Consumer Reports tested alkaline, lithium and nickel oxyhydride AA batteries. The top performing alkaline battery was Duracell Ultra Advanced, which took 260 camera shots before dying, followed by Duracell CopperTop (223 shots), Rayovac and Eveready Gold (both 197 shots). Kirkland Signature AA alkaline batteries lasted 172 shots but were the best value, costing just $1 a pair – equivalent to 29 cents per 50 shots. Walgreens Supercell was the lowest performing alkaline brand, lasting 133 shots.

Safety Tips for Non-rechargeable Batteries
Consumer Reports recommends the following tips for the caring and handling of non-rechargeable batteries:

• Use identical batteries of the same chemistry, brand, and age
• Don't get batteries wet, expose them to fire, or pierce them; they could explode
• Don't carry or store loose batteries next to other metal objects
• Stop using a battery that feels hot, changes color, or emits an odor

The Annual Consumer Reports Electronics Issue is on newsstands and online at www.ConsumerReports.org. The issue features 30 pages of buying advice and Ratings and reviews of more than 400 of the hottest electronics products including TVs and 3D TVs; laptops, netbooks, desktops and tablet computers; e-book readers; printers; cameras; camcorders; headphones; Blu-ray players; and home-theater systems.  

Consumer Reports is the world's largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website and other publications.   Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, food and product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.

DECEMBER 2011
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SOURCE Consumer Reports