C cell batteries are a common household battery that are used in a wide variety of medium-drain devices. They include electronic instruments, flashlights and various children’s toys. If you’ve ever used a flashlight or any larger device running on a battery, chances are there was a C battery in there. The best C batteries on the market will fit your device perfectly and keep it powered for a long time at a low cost.
In 2007, C batteries accounted for 4% of the United States alkaline battery sales. For 2008 in Switzerland, C batteries were a bit over 5%. With the battery market being so massive in the United States, this translates to millions of dollars every year. Fortunately, this is a good thing for, the consumer, as it encourages competition. When there is plenty of competition, the best C battery for you will be cheap and long lasting.
The C battery size and voltage being standardized since the 1950s. All the best C battery brands out there like Duracell, Energizer and AmazonBasics are producing essentially the same product by size and voltage. However, that does not mean that any C battery is the one you need. We will be explaining what you should look out for when buying the best C battery out there. And you can save some money in the process.
Things you should look out for looking through the best C batteries
Like any other electrical product on the market, there are a few tips and tricks you should follow when looking for a C battery. These are not difficult to follow. They also do not require any expert level knowledge of C batteries.
These tips all correspond with the different C battery product pages. Meaning you will be able to see all this information on each individual C battery product page.
Buying in bulk will save you plenty of money
Every single battery producer in the world caters mostly to their bulk customers. This is because bulk buying is where the real money is at for the battery producers.
The beauty of bulk buying C batteries is that you will be saving plenty of cash per battery. These savings can often translate to over 50% off per battery if you buy packs of 50 or 100 instead buying the small two battery packs.
The hidden benefit to buying bulk for the best C batteries out there, is you will always have spares on hand. Extremely helpful in the event of a storm or when the power goes out and you need a C battery as soon as possible. Buying in bulk off Amazon is the way to go.
Is there a best C battery brand?
When it comes to finding a C battery for yourself, brand does matter in some cases. However, to say there is a best C battery brand would be untrue. As most brands will get the job done just fine.
With that, we always recommend going for the biggest name brands. This will ensure that you are buying made in America battery with high quality controls put in place during production. Buying from the top battery brands will also get you the best performance. Brands like Duracell and Energizer are putting the most money into research and development while other brands seem to wing it.
Looking for the best performance and longest lasting C battery? Go with the top brands. You will not regret it.
Should you go with rechargeable or disposable C batteries?
This can be a tough question for some people. The best rechargeable C battery is going to be more expensive than the best C battery which is disposable. This means you will have to decide which one to go with. Keep in mind, rechargeable C batteries also need a charger. Which is another added cost to the initial purchase of these C batteries.
We recommend rechargeable C batteries for anyone who is looking to never have to buy C batteries again. Of course, you should always buy a few extra rechargeable C batteries to ensure you never do not have any spares ready to go.
Disposables are going to be cheaper. They are also ready to go always, unlike rechargeable C batteries if they are not fully charged. Keeping disposable C batteries in your pocket means you have C batteries on standby always. This is a key essential for some people in different industries.
Duracell Procell Industrial Alkaline C Battery [Best C Battery]
Duracell has been producing top of the line C batteries for quite some time. Their industrial grade Procell is used in all sorts of devices. From medical devices, to oilfield devices and everything in between. There is a reason why Duracell pulls millions of dollars in revenue every year: their well-built products.
The shelf life on these are 7 years. Buying in bulk is a wise idea here as you will get your money worth. With a reliable operational temperate of -4F to 129F. These will work in both the Northern US States, as well in the hot Southwest deserts.
For those of you with concern for your environmental footprint – these contain no mercury. This also means there is no disposal issues. Simply check them in the trash when they die and move on.
With such high ratings on Amazon, we strongly recommend that you buy these C batteries.
EBL Rechargeable C Batteries [Best Rechargeable C Battery]
For the people looking for rechargeable C batteries, these are it. There is plenty of good things to say about both EBL as a brand as well as their rechargeable C batteries.
These rechargeable C batteries come with 5000 mAh and are in the NiMH configuration. The NiMH configuration is important because when you charge these C batteries, there is no memory charge. Resulting in a total fresh recharge every single time. Not only that, but these can be recharged up to 1200 times.
Ideal for high-drain devices, these EBL C batteries contain no toxic or heavy metals. 1.2v is what these batteries come with.
We strongly recommend these EBL batteries are they are the best rechargeable C cell batteries.
Rayovac Alkaline Battery Size C
Rayovac is one of the most popular brands in the American battery industry. They are relied upon by millions of Americans every year. They have been operating since 1906 and are currently based in Wisconsin.
These alkaline batteries are designed to prevent any damaging leaks. Tested twice before they leave for shipment, so you won’t have to worry about battery acid getting everywhere. They hold their charge for up to 10 years. Buying in bulk will be advantageous with their long-lasting shelf life.
The reviews for these Rayovac batteries on Amazon are incredible. Many people have nothing but good things to say about Rayovac C batteries. These are a very strong recommendation.
Maxell 723320 Alkaline Battery C Cell
Maxell is another extremely popular brand and many people on Amazon laud this company for their high-quality C batteries. You can put these C batteries in anything from a portable safe, emergency flashlight, your smoke alarm or even your home security setup.
These are standard made Maxell C batteries. If you’ve just recently opened a battery compartment holding a C battery – these will work just fine with the device.
Since Maxell used alkaline for these specific C batteries, they are some of the cheapest here on our list. Alkaline will always be cheaper than lithium or any rechargeable C battery. If you’re just looking for a quick C battery fix, then these are the best C batteries for you.
Energizer C Cell Alkaline Batteries
Arguably the most famous battery producing company is Energizer. There are a few other that hold a flame to Energizer’s candle, but these C batteries are in a league of their own.
Using their patented PowerSeal technology means you will never have to worry about leaks of any kind. Perfect for devices that demand a non-stop power supply. This most importantly includes household items that are essential for survival during a storm. These Energizer C batteries have a shelf-life of up to 10 years. Buying Energizer C batteries in bulk is a crucial way to not only save money, but to ensure you will have spares on hand forever.
Since 1991, Energizer has produced all their batteries, including their C batteries, without mercury. This is a huge bonus for anyone who is worried about their environmental footprint. Chuck these in the trash once their time is up and away you go.
As is expected with Energizer, these C batteries have phenomenal ratings on Amazon. You cannot go wrong with Energizer C batteries.
Always pay attention to shelf-life – it is important!
Since we recommend that our readers always buy the best C cell batteries in bulk – always make sure to check the shelf-life on them. The shelf life is essentially how long any C cell battery can sit on a shelf for and hold its charge. Most of the top name brand C batteries out there will hold their charge sitting on a shelf for at least 3 years. 3 years is more than enough for a lot of people. For other C batteries, the shelf life can be as high as 10 years.
Shelf life is an important metric that can sometimes be looked over. Make sure before you make the buy that you look at this metric to ensure you will be getting your money worth. Also, what happens if a storm breaks out and knocks out the power in your home? The last thing you want to be worrying is whether your best C cell battery has held its charge during its time sitting on the shelf.
Final thoughts on finding the best C batteries
Fortunately, the battery industry has evolved so much that you will almost never find yourself feeling ripped off. What it comes down to these days is to make sure that you buy the C battery that will best fit your personal needs. Do you need a C battery for a flashlight? Maybe you’re powering a medical device? Or something completely different? Nonetheless, this is an important question to ask yourself. You can almost always check what type of C battery you need by inspecting the dead/discharged C battery still in the battery compartment in your device.
Always make sure that when you are installing C batteries that you complete the task in a well-lit, controlled environment. Installing C batteries works great in your home, specifically your kitchen. While C batteries pose little risk to us, failing to take the installation process can still result in problems. The last thing you want is battery acid getting anywhere because you weren’t paying attention.
At this point, we are confident that you will find the best C battery for you desired needs. As with all our other guides, we recommend that you weigh all of the C battery options before making the final buy.