Energizer D Batteries, D Cell Battery Premium Alkaline, 8 Count

Why I keep an eight‑pack of Energizer D cells on the shelf

I’m picky about the batteries I stock for emergencies and for the handful of household devices that still run on D size cells—lanterns, a portable AM/FM radio, a big bubble machine for backyard parties, and a toddler’s ride‑on toy. After rotating through a few brands, I’ve settled on Energizer D cells as my default eight‑pack. They’re not glamorous, but they’re dependable, leak‑resistant, and deliver consistent power over the long haul.

Design and packaging

The pack I bought came in a simple cardboard box—no rigid clamshell to wrestle with—and each cell was cleanly finished with clear polarity markings. The “best if used by” date was prominent, offering a long runway (Energizer rates these for up to 10 years of storage). That matters to me because D cells often sit until storm season, a camping trip, or a new toy demands them.

Energizer’s leak‑resistant design is a meaningful differentiator. I’ve had cheaper cells swell and ooze in a closet radio, ruining the contacts. After months installed in a lantern and radio (and another set stored in the box), I’ve seen no signs of corrosion or venting. That’s not a lifetime guarantee, but it lines up with what I expect from a mainstream, name‑brand alkaline.

Performance in the real world

I used these cells across four categories of devices to get a feel for both high‑ and low‑drain behavior:

• LED lanterns and flashlights: In a 3‑D‑cell LED lantern, light output stayed bright and stable for several evenings of use before tapering off gently—no abrupt cliff. Voltage sag was mild under load, which helps lights maintain regulated output longer.
• Portable radio: In a basic AM/FM radio that sips power, runtime stretched for weeks of occasional use. Alkalines shine in these low‑drain scenarios, and these were no exception.
• Motorized toys: In a battery‑hungry bubble machine and a ride‑on toy, the cells handled the initial surge current fine. As with any alkaline in motorized devices, performance slowly drops as internal resistance rises, but the toys ran predictably and long enough to get through multiple play sessions.
• Emergency gear: I keep a D‑cell flashlight in the car. After a few cold nights, the beam was still strong, though like all alkalines, cold temps nudge performance down. If you operate in sustained sub‑freezing conditions, lithium primaries are better—D‑size lithiums are rarer and pricier, but worth considering for heavy cold exposure.

Across the pack, consistency was excellent. Out‑of‑box voltages matched tightly, and I didn’t encounter a weak cell in the bunch. That matters in multi‑cell devices, where one dud can tank performance for the entire set.

Shelf life and storage confidence

The long shelf‑life claim is the reason I’m comfortable buying the eight‑pack rather than a smaller blister. I rotate stock annually and keep cells in their box at room temperature. After nearly a year, a spare set measured close to fresh open‑circuit voltage and loaded predictably in a lantern test. While I can’t validate a decade outright, the low self‑discharge I’m seeing is what I want from standby batteries.

One practical tip: match cells by purchase date and keep them together as a set. Mixing older and newer alkalines in the same device invites uneven discharge and potential leakage.

How they compare

In side‑by‑side use against other big‑box alkalines, these D cells land where I expect: at or near the top for runtime and reliability, with fewer surprises over time. There are boutique alkalines that test a hair longer in specific loads, but the differences are small in day‑to‑day use. Where Energizer tends to stand out is on leakage resistance and consistent quality control. I also appreciate that Energizer publishes clear storage guidance and stamps generous date codes.

If you’re considering rechargeables, real NiMH D cells can be great for heavy, frequent use (think daily toy motors or shop lights). Just be careful: many cheap “D” rechargeables are actually smaller cells in a D‑size shell with disappointing capacity. For emergency‑only gear or devices used sporadically, primary alkalines like these remain the simplest, most reliable answer.

Value

Pricing fluctuates, but the eight‑pack typically brings the per‑cell cost down compared with small retail packs. For me, that value shows up in two ways: I can fully outfit a multi‑cell lantern and still have spares, and I’m not making late‑night runs when a storm knocks out power. Because they store well, buying the bigger pack doesn’t feel wasteful.

You’ll find cheaper no‑name options, but I’ve paid for those savings in leaked radios and inconsistent performance. Over the long term, avoiding device damage and having predictable runtime is worth the small premium.

Limitations and things to watch

• Not rechargeable: If you’re powering something daily, NiMH rechargeables will cost less over time. These are best for low‑frequency or emergency use.
• Cold‑weather performance: Like all alkalines, output drops in the cold. Keep a set indoors and warm them before use if you expect freezing temps.
• Check date codes: Retailers don’t always rotate stock well. Aim for the longest “best by” date you can find, especially if you’re building a disaster kit.
• Weight and size: D cells are heavy. If you only need a lantern for occasional use, a smaller device running on AAs (with lithiums) might be more practical.

Practical tips for getting the most out of them

• Store in the original box at room temperature; avoid hot garages.
• Don’t mix old and new cells or different brands in the same device.
• Remove batteries if a device will sit unused for months.
• Label install dates on multi‑cell devices with masking tape; it makes rotation easier.
• For toys with big motors, choose the “low” speed setting when possible—it reduces current spikes and extends runtime.

Who they’re for

• Households that want a reliable standby pack for lanterns, radios, and emergency flashlights.
• Parents with a few D‑powered toys who don’t want to chase batteries every weekend.
• Campers who need predictable runtime without fussing over chargers.
• Anyone who’s had a device ruined by a leaky bargain battery and doesn’t want a repeat.

The bottom line

Energizer D cells hit the right balance of longevity, leak resistance, and availability. They power high‑drain devices without drama, sip along in low‑drain gear for ages, and hold their charge in the drawer far longer than I’ll reasonably need. I’ve come to trust them in the places where failure is more than an inconvenience—storm prep kits and car flashlights—and they’ve been equally uneventful in day‑to‑day toys and lights.

Recommendation: I recommend these D cells for most users who want dependable, long‑storing alkalines in an easy eight‑pack. They aren’t the cheapest option and they won’t replace rechargeables for heavy daily use, but for emergency readiness and occasional high‑drain tasks, they deliver exactly what I look for: consistent power, minimal mess, and peace of mind when I flip the switch.