DURACELL Coppertop C Batteries, 8 Count Pack, C Battery with Long-lasting Power, All-Purpose Alkaline C Battery for Household and Office Devices

A practical workhorse for devices that still rely on C cells

Not every household gadget has moved to rechargeable packs or USB power. Some of the most reliable tools in my home—an older camping lantern, a battery-powered trash can, a portable radio, and a couple of pet feeders—still call for C cells. That’s where Coppertop C batteries continue to make sense. I’ve been running an eight-pack through a rotation of these devices to see how well they hold up in 2025, and the results reinforce why this format hasn’t faded away.

Fit, finish, and packaging

Coppertop C batteries arrive in a straightforward eight-count pack. The packaging is easy to open without resorting to scissors, and it’s reusable enough that I could keep the remaining cells together in a drawer without them spilling everywhere. Each cell has a clearly printed “best before” date, which matters when you’re banking on long shelf life. The casing feels sturdy and consistent, with clean terminals that make solid contact even in finicky battery compartments. No burrs or sloppy crimps—small details, but they contribute to reliable connections and fewer intermittent power issues.

Performance where it counts

I tested these cells in a few common, real-world scenarios:

• Automatic trash can (two C cells): This is a deceptively demanding device—short bursts of motor activity throughout the day. The Coppertop cells had no issue providing consistent power, with the lid motion remaining snappy over weeks of use. I’ve had cheaper alkalines bog down early; the Coppertops kept the motor feeling “new” longer.

• LED camping lantern (two C cells): Continuous output tests are useful for spotting voltage sag. The lantern’s brightness stayed steady for several evenings of use, then tapered in a predictable arc rather than dropping off abruptly. That predictable decline helps you plan when to replace or swap to a fresh pair before a trip.

• Portable radio (two C cells): Radios can hesitate when voltage droops. With Coppertop, tuning remained stable and audio didn’t distort until near the end of the cells’ life.

• Microchip pet feeder (four C cells): Intermittent, light mechanical load. The pack lasted multiple months with daily openings. That’s the kind of “install and forget” behavior that suits feeders and similar appliances.

Across these devices, the key strengths were consistent voltage under intermittent load and a long, usable portion of the discharge curve. In practical terms, devices behave “like new” longer, and you get more warning before they’re spent.

Shelf life and storage

Duracell advertises a 10-year storage guarantee for these cells, and the date codes on my pack aligned with a long runway. I keep spare cells in a climate-controlled drawer, and after several months of sitting, the remaining Coppertops tested strong on a multimeter and a handheld battery tester. Alkaline chemistry is mature at this point; the real advantage here is quality control and low self-discharge, so what you stash today will still be viable years later.

A few storage tips that help:

• Store at room temperature—no need to refrigerate.
  
• Keep them in the original packaging until needed to minimize accidental shorting.
  
• Rotate stock: use the oldest-dated cells first.
  
• Don’t mix partially used cells with new ones in multi-cell devices.

Reliability and leak resistance

I’ve had enough budget alkalines leak in remotes and toys to be cautious. Over the course of this evaluation, none of the Coppertop cells showed swelling or residue, even in devices that were left untouched for weeks. The brand backs the cells against defects in materials and workmanship, which doesn’t excuse careless storage, but it’s reassuring when you’re putting cells into devices that are pricey to replace.

That said, any alkaline cell can leak if left fully depleted inside a device for a long time or exposed to heat. If you’re putting gear away for a season (a lantern after a camping trip, for example), it’s good practice to remove the cells.

Value and alternatives

C cells are a niche compared with AA and AAA, so price shopping matters. Coppertop typically costs a bit more per cell than generic or store brands. In my use, the longer stable voltage and slower drop-off helped justify that premium—especially in devices like trash cans and feeders where swapping batteries is inconvenient.

A few buying considerations:

• If you’re powering high-drain electronics continuously, consider whether the device can accept D cells or a rechargeable pack; C alkalines are better for moderate, intermittent loads.
  
• For emergency kits, the 10-year storage guarantee and brand consistency make Coppertop a safe bet.
  
• If your use is very light (an analog clock you’ll check once a year), a budget brand may be fine, but you’re trading against potential leakage risk.

Rechargeable C options exist, but they’re less common and sometimes require spacers (AA NiMH in C adapters) that can be finicky. For general household devices that aren’t used intensively every day, alkaline C cells like these are the simplest solution.

What I’d change

There’s not much to fault in the core performance. Still, a few things could be better:

• Clearer guidance on expected runtime by device category would help users set expectations. Every application differs, but a ballpark chart on the packaging would be welcome.
  
• A fully recyclable or paper-only outer package would reduce waste. The current packaging is serviceable but not especially eco-forward.
  
• A “freshness” QR code that links to manufacture date details would be a nice touch for those who stock up.

None of these are dealbreakers; they’re quality-of-life improvements that would make an already dependable product even more user-friendly.

Tips for getting the most from Coppertop C batteries

• Replace cells as a set in multi-cell devices to prevent the weakest cell from dragging down the rest.
  
• Avoid mixing brands and chemistries; different discharge curves can cause erratic behavior or early depletion.
  
• Label installation dates with a marker so you can track real-world longevity in your devices.
  
• If a device is glitchy after a drop-in replacement, clean the contacts with a cotton swab and a bit of isopropyl alcohol—oxidation, not the battery, is often the culprit.

The bottom line

Coppertop C batteries delivered exactly what I want from general-purpose alkalines: consistent performance under intermittent load, long usable life, and the confidence that the spares in my drawer will still be good years from now. They aren’t the cheapest option, but the combination of reliability, leak resistance, and long shelf life made them easy to recommend for the kinds of devices that still rely on this size.

Recommendation: I recommend Coppertop C batteries for household and office devices that see moderate, intermittent use—trash cans, radios, lanterns, toys, and pet feeders. You’ll pay a slight premium over generic cells, but you get steadier power, better longevity, and fewer headaches, which is exactly what you want from something you’re not eager to think about after you install it.