‘These aren’t like the Duracell or Energizer’: Expert reveals why batteries may be the worst thing you can buy at Dollar Tree
When it comes to shopping for household essentials like batteries, you may think it doesn’t matter where they come from, as long as they work. One expert says you might want to think again. If you buy your batteries at places like Dollar Tree to save a buck, you may be spending more in the long run.
In a viral TikTok, a self-proclaimed guide on “insider tricks” to save money, Rossen (@rossen.reports), warns against Dollar Tree batteries.
Rossen films himself in the battery aisle at Dollar Tree. “So you see these super heavy-duty batteries, a buck twenty-five,” he says. “These aren’t regular batteries.”
He says the “super heavy duty” is a “code word” for carbon zinc. He shows a pack of triple-A eCircuit batteries. “These are carbon zinc batteries,” he says. “These aren’t like the Duracell or Energizer batteries.”
Then he shows another red pack from the same brand, but instead, it writes “alkaline” batteries. Rossen claims that alkaline batteries last longer than carbon zinc batteries. To prove his point, Rossen points out how the alkaline ones cost more, at $3 a pack.
Furthermore, Rossen flips over the carbon-zinc pack and shows that it is specifically for “low drain” devices such as clocks, TV remotes, and flashlights.
Can you mix alkaline and carbon zinc batteries?
Rossen says absolutely not. “I never, ever–because it can be dangerous–want you to mix these carbon zinc batteries with the alkaline batteries,” he warns.
So if you have some of both lying around, he says best to avoid using them simultaneously.
Viewers are skeptical
Rossen’s PSA earned over 1.7 million views as of Friday, but people in the comments section were still doubtful that Dollar Tree batteries are not reliable.
“The cheap ones lasted me a year. They were on all day,” one user wrote. Another top comment read, “They always work great for me!” with a third user echoing, “I’ve used those batteries for years with no issues.”
So was Rossen lying?
Not necessarily. The folks touting carbon zinc’s reliability likely had no issues because they used it in low-drain devices, as Rossen mentioned. In a comparative report by Tycorun, the site corroborated Rossen’s claims.
“They leak over time as their charge gets depleted,” the site states. “Carbon zinc batteries start to leak because zinc degrades over time.” This is why it’s best to power smaller devices on a short-term basis. For example, all the decorations during Halloween or Christmastime, as one of Rossen’s commenters shared.
Which one is better?
According to Tycorun, if you want a battery that lasts longer, go with alkaline.
“Carbon-zinc batteries can last up to 18 months. They do not have a cycle count since they are not rechargeable,” the site states. “On the other hand, alkaline batteries can last up to 3 yrs. Although alkaline batteries can be charged, they are only partially charged. This method is generally called regeneration, which is different from the charging process of rechargeable batteries.”
However, it does note that lithium batteries are the best overall. “It is safer, has a higher energy density, and will last longer than carbon-zinc and alkaline batteries,” the company claims.
@rossen.reports STOP Buying These Batteries at Dollar Tree!
♬ original sound – Rossen Reports
The Mary Sue reached out to Rossen via Instagram message.
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