As much as we all love that our devices have their own batteries and charging systems, it must be recognized that traditional batteries are still very necessary and even convenient on more than one occasion. So let’s talk about everything you should know about rechargeable batteries .
Batteries or batteries?
If we are strict in the use of terminology, a battery and a battery are not the same. When the battery runs out, you can no longer recharge it, while the battery can. In spite of this, due to the similarity in the format and a (sometimes) bad translation from English, we have all ended up calling those batteries rechargeable batteries that when subjected to an electric current recover their charge.
However, beware of trying to recharge a disposable battery or use some type of battery in a charger that is not the ideal one for it. Because you could cause significant damage and even take certain unnecessary risks due to not taking into account some basic details.
The advantages of using batteries
Knowing that first clarifying point already, why is using batteries still something that provides advantages instead of the opposite? Well, we are going to go by parts, because although it is true that the use of lithium batteries has become very popular and almost usually the usual thing, there are situations where being able to have this type of standard energy solution is much more convenient.
Today, if there are many gadgets that continue to use batteries, it is for several reasons :
– The first is that it is much cheaper for the manufacturer to use batteries instead of integrating everything necessary to use a lithium battery, charging circuit, etc.
– The second is that the useful life of the device is lengthened as it will not depend on the state of conservation of the battery, which is affected by the duration and the charging cycles. When batteries are used, if they wear out, you just have to change them and that’s it
– The third and last, carrying an extra battery pack guarantees you can continue using the device and if not, find batteries and always very simple. When you have an integrated and non-interchangeable battery you are forced to stop to charge
These are some of the points that justify the use of batteries today. And despite the advantages of integrated batteries, it is not crazy at all to think that that is why there are still many manufacturers who continue to bet on them. Of course, for all this to be profitable, the ideal is that you use batteries (rechargeable batteries).
What types of batteries are there
Starting from that acceptance of the term rechargeable battery for those batteries that share the form factor of traditional batteries, we would have basically two types: rechargeable batteries and disposable batteries.
The disposable batteries are those of a single use and inside we could find the normal ones and the alkaline ones. The advantage of the latter is that they usually offer a voltage of 1.5V instead of 1.2V. A difference that for certain devices or accessories can be important.
However, what interests us are rechargeable batteries and here there are basically two types: rechargeable NiCd (Nickel Cadmium) and NiMh (Nickel Metal Hydride) rechargeable batteries .
At present, the latter are the most widespread because they solve some of the main problems of the former and offer a much more attractive value for money. In addition to being less polluting and not increasing that dreaded memory effect, which for those who do not know it is a problem for which its useful life and load capacity decreases if it is not done when it has really worn to the maximum and is given a new charge until it reaches 100% of its capacity.
Therefore, when you go to buy rechargeable batteries, the ideal thing is that you buy those that are Ni-Mh type. Although you may ask now about that data that is included in the battery itself or its packaging.
Characteristics of a rechargeable battery
Once you are clear about what type of batteries you are going to buy, the next thing to do is pay a little attention to some information that is indicated on them, such as the type of battery, voltage and load capacity.
The first is the type of stack it is, that is, its form factor. The most common are AA and AAA or LR6 and LR3 batteries , used by remote controls, radio controlled cars, flashes, etc. But there are many more types, such as flask, button, etc. So first you will have to know what type of battery you need.
The voltage will also depend a lot on the type of battery. Some reach 9V, but the most common that we mentioned before move between 1.2 and 1.5 V.
Finally, the capacity of its load is measured in mAh and as you will already know from the rest of the batteries you use daily it refers to the amount of maximum current that it is capable of supplying for an hour, so the more, the greater the time you can use the device according to its consumption.
In AA rechargeable batteries (the most used) it is normal to move between 2,000 mAh and 2,500 mAh. That in theory, because then the real capacity is always a little lower, but hardly differences of 100 or 200 mAh in the worst case. In the case of AAA, we drop to 600 or 1,000 mAh more or less.
Knowing all this, the last thing that is also important to know is that not all brands of batteries manufacture them with the same quality standards. Hence the price differences and the reason why it pays to pay a little more for certain brands or models and ensure a longer useful life and also security for your devices. Because nobody likes that their batteries “burst” and end up leaking and damaging the contacts or electronics of the device.
The best rechargeable batteries
If you need to keep buying batteries and are tired of disposable ones, these are our recommendations. NiMh rechargeable batteries that we have used and offer guarantees of performance and durability. Although we will also show you some model of lithium batteries, in case you want to consider them, although you remember that you will need a specific charger, the one you already have for other types of batteries is not valid.
Eneloop
Eneloop batteries are very popular and it is logical, they offer great results and it has a normal version and a Pro version for somewhat more demanding uses. The first are the ones that we would recommend for all those devices where what you are looking for is a solution that can be recharged and helps save money. For example, portable radios, remote controls, toys, etc.
The Eneloop Pro family is more designed for these other somewhat more demanding devices, such as camera flashes or similar. Products with a much more demanding consumption. Although both in general are going to offer a good performance.
Energizer
Energizer batteries are a classic, they offer a very good performance and durability that in the end is what matters most. So they are ideal for recurring use on all types of devices.
Amazon Basics Rechargeable
Lastly, Amazon stacks also perform very well and are very economically priced compared to other options. They are ideal for a wireless keyboard, remote controls and all those other household devices that need batteries to work.
You have different packs, but the set of 8 AA batteries and another 8 AAA batteries is not only very well priced, you will also have plenty for most devices that usually use them at home. Of course, buy a charger that is for more than four batteries if you want to charge them all at once much faster.
Battery charger and a super useful accessory
Finally, when you go to buy rechargeable batteries, try to make it a pack that already includes the charger. If not, you will have to buy the charger independently and remember that it is suitable for the type of battery you are going to use. That is, it is for NiCd or NiMh batteries.
This Amazon Basics model is interesting for two reasons: the first is that it offers a good price and then capacity for four batteries that can be AA or AAA, although the striking thing is that it also includes a USB connector so you can connect the cable to charge your smartphone or to use it and charge a powerbank.
Finally, a very useful complement if you are one of those who use batteries on a regular basis is a charge tester . These devices are capable of measuring what capacity each battery still has left , which is ideal so that when you put them to charge they are at the same level and as worn as possible. In addition, it is much more efficient and accurate than the trick of dropping the stack from a few cm high and checking whether or not it remains vertical. If it falls, it is worn; and if it remains, it is loaded.
