EVEREADY 6V Battery, Super Heavy Duty 6 Volt Battery, 1 Count

Why I reached for this battery

I pulled an old plastic-bodied lantern out of my camping bin, wiped off the dust, and snapped in the Eveready 6V lantern battery. I keep a couple of these lanterns around for power outages and backyard jobs because they cast a wide pool of light and are simple enough to trust in the dark. The 6V format is an unsung workhorse: inexpensive, straightforward spring terminals, and enough energy for days of low-drain use. After a few weeks of intermittent testing and a storm-related outage, I’m confident in where this battery fits—and where it doesn’t.

Design and build

The Eveready 6V battery uses the classic rectangular lantern form factor with dual spring terminals on top. Those springs are stiff and hold their shape; they mated solidly with both my vintage incandescent lantern and a newer LED floating lantern without fuss. The casing felt stout enough to handle being tossed in a gear bin. There’s a sealed top plate, and I didn’t encounter any seepage or corrosion during use.

It’s worth noting the size and mass. A 6V lantern battery is bulky, and that’s part of the appeal for devices designed around it: stable base, easy to grab, and steady on a flat surface. But if you plan to hike with a lantern in hand, be ready for the weight. This format is best for stationary light or short carries.

Chemistry and performance

This is a “Super Heavy Duty” battery, which in practical terms means zinc-carbon chemistry rather than alkaline. That matters:

• Zinc-carbon excels in low to moderate drain applications and is cost-effective.
• Alkaline generally delivers longer runtime and better performance in high-drain scenarios, especially at colder temperatures—but at a higher price.

In my incandescent lantern that draws around 0.4–0.5 amps on high, the Eveready ran for roughly 8–10 hours of strong, useful light before brightness began to taper. In a modern LED floating lantern that sips current, I got several evenings of use—call it 25–40 hours across multiple nights—before output noticeably sagged. Those numbers track with what I expect from a decent zinc-carbon 6V: perfectly serviceable for emergency lighting, hallway beacons, and periodic yard use, but not a marathon champion.

If you need maximum runtime from a single pack, an alkaline 6V will generally give you more hours. If you’re powering a higher-draw spotlight, consider alkaline or even a rechargeable sealed lead-acid (SLA) solution. For most low-drain, intermittent tasks, the Eveready’s value proposition is hard to beat.

Real-world use

I tested three scenarios:

1) Outage lighting: The lantern sat on a kitchen counter for a four-hour evening block, then again the next night for two hours. Brightness stayed consistent across those sessions. The battery was cool to the touch, and the lantern base remained stable.

2) Backyard checking: Short, five- to ten-minute bursts over a week for gate, grill, and breaker checks. These micro-sessions barely moved the needle—exactly the kind of usage zinc-carbon handles efficiently.

3) Floating lantern by the shed: Intermittent weekend use with a weathered, budget LED model. The spring terminals gripped firmly even with minor bumps and weather swings. No flicker or intermittent contact.

Across all three, the battery behaved predictably: no swelling, no odor, and no corrosion at the terminals. Brightness drop-off was gradual rather than abrupt, which I prefer because it gives a clear signal to swap batteries before you’re left in the dark.

Compatibility and setup

If your device calls for a 6V lantern battery with spring terminals, this drops right in. A couple of practical tips from use:

• Check terminal tension: If your lantern’s contacts are flattened from age, gently bend them to ensure a solid press against the springs.
• Observe polarity: It’s printed on the casing. Most lanterns will key the housing so you can’t misinstall, but older models may not.
• Test switch and bulb first: A dim or flickering lantern isn’t always the battery—oxidized switches and tired bulbs or LEDs are common culprits.

I wouldn’t use zinc-carbon 6V in anything that pulses high current (e.g., certain spotlights) or that you plan to run on high all night, every night. For those, alkaline or SLA still wins.

Value and alternatives

On cost per hour for low-drain use, this battery is compelling. It’s cheaper than many alkaline 6V options and spares you from wrangling four D cells and a carrier. If you only need light occasionally—power outages, seasonal chores, a glovebox lantern—the Eveready 6V lands in the sweet spot.

Alternatives to consider:

• Alkaline 6V: Longer runtime and better cold-weather performance; pricier. Good for all-night lantern use or brighter LED setups.
• Sealed lead-acid (6V): Rechargeable, heavy, high capacity. Great for frequent use if you’re willing to maintain a charger and accept the weight.
• Four D cells in an adapter: More flexible if you already stock D cells, but adapters can be fiddly and the total cost may exceed a single 6V pack.

Shelf life and storage

Zinc-carbon batteries don’t love heat, and they have a higher self-discharge rate than alkaline. For best results:

• Store cool and dry; avoid garages that cook in the summer.
• Rotate stock annually. Mark the purchase date with a Sharpie.
• Check date codes before you stash extras in an emergency kit.
• Give terminals a quick wipe if you’ve stored it for a long time.

Following those simple steps, I’ve kept these ready for years without surprises. If a lantern sits unused for a season, I do a five-minute test run just to keep tabs on the battery and the switch contacts.

Environmental and safety notes

Eveready lists zero added mercury and cadmium, which aligns with modern standards and eases disposal concerns compared to legacy batteries. Still, don’t toss used batteries into a campfire or a household incinerator, and avoid crushing the casing. Many municipalities accept batteries at recycling events; check local guidelines.

What could be better

• Cold-weather stamina: Like most zinc-carbon cells, performance dips in the cold. If you winter-camp or keep a lantern in an unheated shed, alkaline will hold up better.
• Consistency of stock freshness: As with any commodity battery, you’ll want to ensure you’re getting fresh units. The onus is partly on where you buy and how they manage inventory, but it’s something to keep an eye on.
• Not ideal for high drain: That’s by design, but it’s still a limitation. If your lantern is unusually bright or runs hot, this chemistry may underwhelm.

None of these are dealbreakers for the intended use. They’re the natural trade-offs of opting for a budget-friendly, low-drain-focused battery.

Bottom line

The Eveready 6V lantern battery is a simple, dependable choice for lanterns and other low-drain 6V devices. It installs cleanly, holds up well over multiple on/off cycles, and delivers predictable, gradual fade rather than an abrupt drop. In my testing, it met the needs of power-outage lighting, backyard checks, and a floating lantern without drama. It’s not the king of runtime—that crown still belongs to alkaline or rechargeable setups—but the value is strong and the behavior is reliable.

Recommendation: I recommend this battery for anyone running a traditional lantern or low-drain 6V device who wants a solid, cost-effective power source for occasional to moderate use. Choose it for emergency kits, basic household preparedness, and intermittent outdoor tasks. If you need maximum runtime in cold weather or plan to drive brighter, high-drain lights, step up to an alkaline 6V or a rechargeable SLA. For everyday reliability at a budget-friendly price, this one earns a spot in my kit.