Stock Up on These Battery Packs

Make sure you have plenty of batteries on hand. Here are our suggestions

Floridians know the drill: An unexpected storm has knocked out the power and so the search begins for a flashlight. But will it have any juice left to turn it on? Or the air conditioning unit goes down and that battery-powered fan can be the hero of the day – if there are any D cell batteries to be found. And bang that TV remote control on the coffee table is all you want, but what is really needed are two fresh AA batteries.

Despite the lightning fast evolution to powering life’s little luxuries, so much of what makes the world go round still depends on a fresh battery. Do you know where your spare supplies of batteries are? Make sure you’re always prepared by buying these popular battery packs.

AA Batteries

AA batteries from Energizer
Often used for TV remotes and garage door openers, this 48-pack of Energizer MAX alkaline AA batteries has a 2-year shelf life. Amazon

You can never have enough AA batteries. They power most remote controls, toys, digital cameras, LED flashlights, garage door openers, wall clocks and more.

D Cell Batteries

D batteries from Duracell
Popular for larger flashlights and some fans, this 12-pack of D cell alkaline batteries has a 10-year shelf life. Amazon

In earlier times, D cell batteries were the workhorse of the battery family, powering just about every device. These days, they still play an important role with larger flashlights and other hurricane-preparedness items such as fans and small coolers. Trust us: You’re still going to need D batteries on hand.

AAA Batteries

Energizer AAA
This 24-pack of AAA alkaline batteries has a 10-year shelf life and are often used inside small electronics. Amazon

Like their AA battery relatives, the AAA battery is most often used with remote controls, MP3 players, digital cameras and other small electronics. It’s not like you can choose what battery to run your device, but it’s worth noting – perhaps for trivia purposes only – that both the AA and AAA batteries deliver the same voltage.

9 Volt Battery

9V Energizer
Keep your smoke detectors juiced up. This four-pack of 9 volt alkaline batteries has a 5-year shelf life. Amazon

Once upon a time, 9 volt batteries were the standard power device for most transistor radios. (Actually some battery manufacturers still refer to this model as a “transistor battery.”) These days, they’re the pesky batteries that power your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors – the ones that always seem to die out at 2 in the morning. That’s reason enough to keep an extra pack of these in the closet.

C Cell Batteries

duracell - CopperTop C Batteries (8 count)
Often used in small toys and musical instruments, this eight-pack of C cell alkaline batteries has a 10-year shelf life. Amazon

Slightly smaller than a D cell battery – both can trace their history back to the 1920s – the C cell is the go-to power device for many musical instruments, some flashlights and other medium-sized toys.

3 Volt Lithium Coin Battery

3V Energizer
Popular for miniature devices like fitness trackers, this six-pack of 3V batteries has a 10-year shelf life. Amazon

A 3V battery is designed to be leak-free and perform in extreme temperatures. That’s why it’s ideal for use in small electronics such as calculators, watches, fitness trackers and small toys.