4 AA Duracell Plus - 1.5V

Over the past few years, I had developed the habit of grabbing batteries when I needed them from the discount store or the pharmacy, when I was running other errands. I just assumed that I was getting a good price on the batteries. But recently I was in Office Depot purchasing some electronics items, and I suddenly remembered that I needed some batteries. Imagine how surprised I was to find that the AAA batteries I needed were actually cheaper at Office Depot than at my local discount store. And I checked and the expiration date was further into the future than the last set of batteries that I had recently bought elsewhere. These Duracell batteries at Office Depot turned out to be a better deal all around

Helpful and convenient!

I always find the staff in my local Robert Dyas store to be helpful and pleasant. I needed these batteries fairly urgently as I was going away and needed them for my alarm clock and as the store is only a 10 minute walk from home its super convenient. In fact I often pop in just to see if there's anything I didn't know I wanted! I don't know if the price was good or not as I hadn't checked out anywhere else. The store now also sells Ryman stationery which is handy.

Not all batteries of the same type are alike

I needed the battery to power a photoionization smoke detector. The spent battery was made by Panasonic, and was labeled “industrial”. I showed the spent battery to the clerk at Batteries+ Bulbs to make sure the Duracell replacement which had the same number was equivalent, and was assured that it was. But it wasn’t. It did not work in the smoke detector, and the manufacturer said that only Panasonic batteries would have sufficient output to work in that application. So I wound up ordering the battery from the smoke detector vendor, and so far have not received it; so I have a non-functional smoke detector.I don’t rate the Duracell battery as bad for all applications, it’s no doubt fine for most. I do have an issue with the B+B clerk glibly telling me that it was ... MoreI needed the battery to power a photoionization smoke detector. The spent battery was made by Panasonic, and was labeled “industrial”. I showed the spent battery to the clerk at Batteries+ Bulbs to make sure the Duracell replacement which had the same number was equivalent, and was assured that it was. But it wasn’t. It did not work in the smoke detector, and the manufacturer said that only Panasonic batteries would have sufficient output to work in that application. So I wound up ordering the battery from the smoke detector vendor, and so far have not received it; so I have a non-functional smoke detector.I don’t rate the Duracell battery as bad for all applications, it’s no doubt fine for most. I do have an issue with the B+B clerk glibly telling me that it was the equivalent of the battery I showed him.

Old faithfuls

These old friends are a kitchen draw staple in our house. A multipack ensures we are not caught out in times of need. I always have two packs ready for Christmas for those 'batteries not included' moments too.These batteries have the power and longevity to keep even thirsty gadgets going for ages. 

Pretty good pack of batteries

I'Äôm reviewing this product because I got a free coupon from Ocado.I always choose Duracell batteries, and buy them from trusted vendors like Ocado so I don't need to worry about whether or not they're expired or fake. I've bought them from other online vendors before and it didn't go well... At all... Suffice to say, since I get them from Ocado, I know I've got a couple less things to worry about. Happy days :)

Test them carefully

I have had so many fakes that I am getting very annoyed. Therefore I now test absolutely everything and publish the results. In the case of these 'Duracell Industrial Alkaline' AA batteries I tested the capacity by discharging one through a 10 Ohm power resistor and measuring the voltage/current at 30 second intervals until the battery voltage had dropped from the original 1.5v to 1.0v. This actually takes a surprisingly long time so I arranged for the measurements to be logged to an SD card using an Arduino Uno data-logger. The test battery was randomly selected from the pack of 10. Connections and initial voltages were double-checked using a multimeter and compared to the serial data from the logger. The results of a discharge test are in fact quite dependent upon ... MoreI have had so many fakes that I am getting very annoyed. Therefore I now test absolutely everything and publish the results. In the case of these 'Duracell Industrial Alkaline' AA batteries I tested the capacity by discharging one through a 10 Ohm power resistor and measuring the voltage/current at 30 second intervals until the battery voltage had dropped from the original 1.5v to 1.0v. This actually takes a surprisingly long time so I arranged for the measurements to be logged to an SD card using an Arduino Uno data-logger. The test battery was randomly selected from the pack of 10. Connections and initial voltages were double-checked using a multimeter and compared to the serial data from the logger. The results of a discharge test are in fact quite dependent upon the rate of discharge. It is normal to choose a rate which discharges the cell in about 10 hours. Choosing faster rates usually gives a lower capacity. Being 'nice' to the battery I chose a low discharge rate of only about 100mA, even though many devices would draw much more. A 10 Ohm resistor was used with this nominal 1.5v battery which is considered flat at 1.0v. So in this test a typical discharge current is between 150mA and 100mA. Common sense indicates that if the battery lasts 10 hours before the voltage has dropped to 1v then you should have roughly 125mA by 10 hours is 1250mAh. So I ran the test and carefully integrated the results from the logger. Results: The battery only lasted 9 hours. The total measured capacity for the test battery was 1074mAh. Conclusions: The capacity is less than expected. Typical AA batteries should be between 2000 and 2500 mAh. I would have expected it to have lasted at least twice as long or even more considering I was using a very low discharge rate. COMPARISONS: A web-search indicates that you should expect about 2000mAh from a typical alkaline AA cell. A Power One alkaline cell DOES give 1980mAh on the same test. So the test seems valid. An old leaking SONY gave 980mAh. So barely an improvement is not a good sign.

[Rewarded Review] How long life-long!

For me Duracell seem to produce, consistently, excellent batteries. I have to say that I find the "branding" difficult. I never know which is supposed to be the top of the range. Is it plus power or ultra power or procell (or "industrial"). I assume that ultra power are the best as they last the longest - according to the packaging.I use these in my Roland Street Cube amp for busking. It needs 6 at a time unfortunately, but these have provided the most continuous use out of all the batteries I have tried - I usually don't push them past 9 hours because changing batteries mid-set is no fun and I wouldn't want them to die halfway through a song.Of all of the batteries I've ever bought in my life these are some of the most special. They are a lovely black and gold ... MoreFor me Duracell seem to produce, consistently, excellent batteries. I have to say that I find the "branding" difficult. I never know which is supposed to be the top of the range. Is it plus power or ultra power or procell (or "industrial"). I assume that ultra power are the best as they last the longest - according to the packaging.I use these in my Roland Street Cube amp for busking. It needs 6 at a time unfortunately, but these have provided the most continuous use out of all the batteries I have tried - I usually don't push them past 9 hours because changing batteries mid-set is no fun and I wouldn't want them to die halfway through a song.Of all of the batteries I've ever bought in my life these are some of the most special. They are a lovely black and gold colour with a cute little cross design on one end.They fit really well into anything which requires a battery of this size and they make things work by providing power without plugging anything in which is really important in a battery.

[Rewarded Review] Sons Remote Control car keeps going!

My son loves his birthday present which is a remote control car, but it needs AA batteries which will last. We have tried a few brands, at first they work well, but soon you notice the batteries are depleting, as the flashing lights become dim and when the car goes over thick grass the car slows down. So far the Duracell Plus 100% AA have lasted really well. My son has used his car none stop over the last 3 days and usually this is when the batteries start to weaken, not in this case, the lights are still fully lit and the car drives through the thick grass so fast, I just have to ask my son to be careful with the plants! My son can't believe his car is still running so fast. Excellent batteries, they are a must have!

[Rewarded Review] The only Battery you can rely on!

I've tried and tested 100s of batteries over the years, having 3 children and a grandchild I always found myself changing batteries on a weekly basis, there was always something running out!Duracell was always a front runner for me, although a bit more expensive than other brands but u pay for what u get, the cheaper brands just don't last!This plus range is even better as it lasts double the time for the same price as the original!Partically by boys remote control cars would go through so many batteries I felt like I was changing every few days until I changed to these duracell plus 100% extra life, I last changed them 14 days ago and his car is still going strong and played with on a daily basis!I will be stocking up on these ready for Christmas!100% ... MoreI've tried and tested 100s of batteries over the years, having 3 children and a grandchild I always found myself changing batteries on a weekly basis, there was always something running out!Duracell was always a front runner for me, although a bit more expensive than other brands but u pay for what u get, the cheaper brands just don't last!This plus range is even better as it lasts double the time for the same price as the original!Partically by boys remote control cars would go through so many batteries I felt like I was changing every few days until I changed to these duracell plus 100% extra life, I last changed them 14 days ago and his car is still going strong and played with on a daily basis!I will be stocking up on these ready for Christmas!100% recommended!