Is it okay to mix and match batteries?

Double AA batteries are still the most widely sold batteries out there...

Consumer Reports put some different types to the test and they have a winner. The longest-lasting was the Energizer Advanced lithium. It took 809 photos before dying – while a generic store alkaline brand took just 133. Consumer Reports also has a few important battery dos and don’ts:

• If your town doesn’t provide a way to recycle batteries – it’s okay to toss them in the trash.

• Don’t mix and match. Use identical batteries of the same chemistry, brand and age.

• Don’t let batteries get wet, expose them to fire or pierce them – they could explode.

• Stop using a battery that feels hot, changes color, or emits an odor.

It’s worth paying a little more for high-end batteries in high-drain devices like cameras. Save the cheap ones for low-drain devices like your TV remote. For toys that are used a lot – you’ll definitely want to invest in high-capacity rechargeables.