Long ago we found that we saved more money shopping at Costco than the membership cost by a long shot. We even get the executive membership because they will refund the difference of you don’t get at least that back rewards (we always have).

For things that are acceptable, it’s usually hard to beat Costco. You have to give up variety, possibly brand choice, and maybe even buy more than you’ll use, but it works out to be significantly cheaper. There are categories, however, where Costco is never the cheapest (soft drinks) or where the commodity store brand is significantly worse than alternatives (batteries).

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Sohcahtoa82 4 hours ago | parent | next [-]

> where the commodity store brand is significantly worse than alternatives (batteries).

Kirkland batteries actually last longer than Duracell. They're some of the best alkaline batteries you can get, especially considering the price. Sure, lithium batteries will last longer, but the mAh per dollar is lower, so they'll still cost more.

https://youtu.be/8VumAfhdhAI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQ_tGjXm0Ng

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jonhohle 4 hours ago | parent | next [-]

It’s probably my own battery hygiene, but I’ve had so many Kirkland batteries leak over the years that I no longer trust them. I still buy batteries at Costco, but haven’t had the same issue with the name brand leaking.

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Marsymars 10 minutes ago | parent | next [-]

I've actually had a whole pile of Duracell CR2023 batteries from Costco leak inside the packaging. (You can google for various reports/pictures of the problem.)

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Sohcahtoa82 3 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

Wild. I wonder what could cause that?

I don't use a lot of AA/AAA batteries, so I'll buy a pack from Costco and it'll sit in my drawer for 5+ years without issue. They go into a TV remote or bathroom scale or whatever and last a couple years with no issue.

	▲	olyjohn 3 hours ago \| parent \| next [-]
		The only time this happens to me is when there is a drain on the battery over a long time, or when you have two cells that don't have matching voltage and the lower one gets over-discharged. I've never had one go bad from sitting in a drawer or a box.
	▲	jonhohle an hour ago \| parent \| prev [-]
		It’s always in a device. Typically low power, long duration (remotes, etc.)

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queuebert 2 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

That has not been my experience at all. I think Kirkland batteries have less capacity than the premium brands. Also the point of lithium batteries is that they don't leak, not that they last longer.

	▲	Kirby64 2 hours ago \| parent [-]
		> Also the point of lithium batteries is that they don't leak, not that they last longer. Not leaking is part of the point, but it's definitely not the only point. Alkaline batteries have half the capacity (roughly) compared to lithium cells. They also have lower voltages over time vs. lithium cells and are capable of less current. For certain applications (high current draw intermittent, or long life low current) they excel, and leaking isn't really part of that conversation.

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robohoe 2 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

> cheapest (soft drinks)

24 pack of v8 Energy Drinks are super cheap at Costco, usually $13.49 versus $17+ at other retailers.