Are Duracell batteries actually better batteries, or is it marketing?

4/26/2013 | rlmorel

[rlmorel]

Are Duracell batteries actually better batteries, or is it marketing?

[rlmorel]

Many of us don't pay much attention to batteries. We just use them.

But it is also true that some people depend on them. This concerns them.

To people who just rummage around in a kitchen drawer in quest of a generic silver battery to stick in a remote, it doesn't apply them. Like Alice asking the Cat which road to take when she has no idea where she is going, my advice would be the same: "Then it doesn't matter..." But it occurred to me that it does matter if one cares, and people might have strong opinions. And maybe differing ones, too.

I admit that I will not buy any battery other than Duracell, even though they cost a lot more. I want things to work when I use them, and I want them to work no matter how infrequently I use them. I even look at Evereadys disapprovingly as my wife proudly pulls them from the shopping bag while exclaiming they were on sale. Heck, my lips are probably pursed in disdain.

The Evereadys look cheaper. Flimsier. They look like a car could flatten them like an old possum, leaving them lying in the road with their innards hanging out. (I mean batteries, not the possum)

Their silver exteriors have a shoddy, garish look, as if they were batteries dressed up in battery costumes for Halloween.

Contrast them with Duracells. Two halves that hermetically seal together with finely machined tolerances (I saw it on television!) that make a satisfying metal clang as they meet and are silently and invisibly microwelded together. The battery looks like it was turned on a metal lathe and anodized in black and copper. It is the kind of battery that would go into a very expensive, heavy object like the night vision goggles that the kid has in 'Jurassic Park'.

But then, I thought...they appeal to me because they radiate quality, but...are they really "quality"? I have always seen them as a consistent, highly reliable, mass produced item that delivers. I have never thrown one away new, out of the box.

So. Are you an Eveready man or a Duracell man?

Or neither?

[tomkat]

             

Sanyo Eneloop

(no affiliation .. they're just the best x1,500)

[353FMG]

Eveready batteries were known before WWII and they were produced by a venerable company known as Union Carbide.

[SkyDancer]

The FAA okay’s them in ELT’s (Emergency Locator Transmitter) for when your plan crashes and it automatically sends out a distress signal.

[notted]

This is a brilliant marketing question. I hope someone is paying you for this post.

[bigheadfred]

battery comparison

[TaMoDee]

I’ve given up one “copper tops” too many leaks and short lives. EverReady are the best IMO. (I sell flashlights.)

[NormsRevenge]

that list was last updated 2004 :-}

I just bought ultra super dooper copper duracells at costco..

[mike_9958]

The Duracells you have pictured are Alkaline the Everyreadys you have pictured are not.

Try this... for a comparison.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?64660-Alkaline-Battery-Shoot-Out

[MHGinTN]

I have extensive experience with Duracells and Ray-o-vac. The french Rayos leak as soon as the charge drops below an output level. The Duracells give no outward indication of charged or not. use the Duracells!

[smokingfrog]

I don’t think it makes much difference.

But those Energizer Lithium batteries are definitely superior if you need a long lasting battery for your hand-held GPS or emergency radios.

Seems I’ve had batteries of all brands that have leaked, but less so with Duracell, I’d say. I seem to remember that there was one manufacture that would replace your electronic device if it was damaged by one of their batteries?

[bigheadfred]

could have been worse coulda asked the wife

[Squawk 8888]

Energizer was an Eveready brand.

[rlmorel]

LOL, just tired, trying to lighten it up!

[djf]

The RCA’s are pretty good.

[DBrow]

You could do some controlled experiments with a flashlight to see which is better.

I get duracells because when I buy in bulk online they are not that expensive.

For rechargeable Battery Junction or eneloop.

[DBrow]

Ping!

[Pox]

From personal experience, I seem to have received the best results from Duracell batteries.

This is from my own opinion and experiences over the last 30 years.

[notted]

You may have missed your calling, not that I want to give people ideas, but it has the effect of a survey, and that does have value.

If you are a secret marketing pollster please, private email me so I can send you my resume. :-)

[PA Engineer]

Very nice link. Thanks.