So what are the best batteries to buy for your Christmas toys?
STOCKING up on batteries for the Christmas period is a must, especially if you have young children with a pile of gadgets to power up. But buying the right ones can save you a small fortune. The ‘AA’ is the most common battery size with more than 200 million sold in Britain every year. So if you are unsure what size to buy for a new device this is the safest bet.
You can spend between 25p and £5 for an AA battery. The cheapest are zinc-carbon or zinc-chloride 1.5-volt batteries – the latter sometimes branded as ‘heavy duty’.
But an alkaline battery can prove better value despite a pack of four from a big brand such as Energizer costing more than £2. They store energy that lasts five times longer than a traditional zinc-based battery.
Lithium batteries have the longest life, lasting twice as long as alkaline ones, but a single lithium AA might cost £2.
Finally, there are rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries. These last up to four times longer than an alkaline battery and once dead can be brought back to life – but a rechargeable AA battery can cost £5 and you will need a charger costing about £15 or more.
Miles Wimbleton, of online store BuyaBattery, says: ‘Brand loyalty is of huge importance to battery manufacturers. It is why millions of pounds every year are spent on advertising and why there are always half-price offers in shops to target new customers.’
He adds: ‘Buyers should look beyond the marketing hype. Cheapest is rarely best.’
Consumer group Which? regularly tests batteries. For lasting strength it rates Energizer Ultimate Lithium – £8 for four AA batteries – and alkaline-based Duracell Ultra Power (£5). For the cost conscious it says supermarket own brands are worth considering. Aldi Activ Energy AA alkaline batteries are among the best value, costing as little as 25p each. Lidl Aerocell AA alkaline batteries cost £1.99 for eight.
Low-powered gadgets such as TV remote controls are fine with ‘general purpose’ zinc-carbon batteries, but ‘heavy duty’ zinc-chloride batteries from the likes of Panasonic and Sony might represent better value. An alkaline battery is more suitable for powering a remote control toy. Power-hungry devices, such as a digital camera with flash, often require a lithium battery.
Although the AA battery is the most popular, there are other sizes, ranging from ‘button’ batteries through to ‘C’ and ‘D’ cylinder batteries used in large torches. Wimbleton says: ‘Those who use batteries a lot should consider going down the rechargeable route. The initial high cost may put some off but they can soon pay for themselves.’
When shopping for rechargeable batteries check the scientific jargon printed on the battery’s side. A figure for milliampere hours (mAh) confirms the charging capacity of a battery. As a rule of thumb the higher this figure, the longer it will last. They can go as high as 2900mAh.
For rechargeable batteries Which? rates the Ansmann Max E Pro AA as good value – costing £15 for a pack of four – and Panasonic Eneloop Pro AA (£14).
Once batteries have died, do not throw them away. Lithium, rechargeables and car batteries with lead must be taken to the tip where a special bin is provided. Supermarkets, DIY stores and other shops also have battery dropoff points. Further details on website Recycle Now.