You know how you’ll see a pack of Rayovac batteries on the rack next to the Energizers and Duracells, and they’ll be half the price? But you end up getting the Energizers, because you think, “Yeah, but how long are those Rayovac’s going to last?”

Well, science has confirmed you should go with the Rayovacs! There are even charts!

Basically, there isn’t much difference between any of the batteries tested; the cheap ones perform as well as the expensive ones. The only exception was the Energizer Advanced Lithium batteries, which were way better that other batteries. However, they are about 4 times better than the other batteries, but they are more than 4 times as expensive as other batteries.

In other words, buy cheap.

Once I was in a battery research mode, I was on a roll.

What about refrigerating your batteries? I’ve heard that can make them last longer. Nope. You just need to keep them under 100 degrees. In fact, they have to reach room temp to work anyway, so cooling them isn’t all that helpful.

But what about buying recyclable batteries? They’re so expensive and they seem like the stop recharging almost immediately.

And while a 4-pack of NiMH batteries will typically cost $4, while a 20 pack of alkalines might cost $9, you’ll save a minimum of 100 disposables for every rechargeable you use.

I guess that answers that question. Just make sure you get NiMH batteries and not toxin-spewing NiCd. They’re cheaper and better in every way.

Link via John, but Sara says everybody already knew this stuff anyway.