Consumer Reports Reveals Updated AA Battery Ratings

December 2011 Cover YONKERS, NY — 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.

About Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.

© 2011 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.