LSH-20 Battery Alternatives: Don’t Buy One Until You Read This (2026 Update)
If you’ve been told you must buy an LSH-20 lithium battery, stop for a moment.
Thousands of homeowners end up overpaying for this battery every year — often spending two to three times more than necessary — simply because they weren’t told there are safe, compatible, and much cheaper alternatives.
The Saft LSH-20 is a good battery, but for many gas fires, remote controls, and ignition systems, it’s not the only option — and in many cases, not the best value.
In this guide, I’ll explain:
Why the LSH-20 battery is so expensive
When you actually do need one
When you absolutely don’t
The best LSH-20 battery alternatives that save money without risking your equipment
Before you buy, read this — it could save you a lot of money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace an LSH-20 with a cheaper battery? Yes — in many domestic applications, compatible lithium batteries work perfectly.
Will using an alternative damage my gas fire? No, provided voltage and chemistry match and the battery is from a reputable brand. Always check manufacturers instructions.
How long should an LSH-20 battery last? Anywhere from 5–10 years, depending on usage and environment.
Best LSH-20 Battery Alternatives (Updated for 2026)
LSH-20 Alternative No.1:
Best Overall Value
This is the option I recommend for most homeowners.
Same voltage and chemistry as LSH-20
Compatible with most gas fires and remote receivers
Best for: People who want reliability without paying a premium.
Why I Don’t Recommend Ultra-Cheap Lithium Batteries
You’ll see very cheap lithium cells online claiming to “replace LSH-20”.
In my experience, these often:
Fail early
Leak
Cause intermittent ignition problems
Saving a few pounds isn’t worth the risk of damaging your fire’s control system.
Why the Saft LSH-20 Battery Is So Expensive
The LSH-20 was originally designed for industrial and commercial applications where reliability in extreme temperatures is critical.
You’re paying for:
A premium brand
Extremely long shelf life
Performance in harsh environments
For many homes, this level of performance is simply overkill.
The Real Problem Most LSH-20 Buyers Face
Most people don’t choose the LSH-20 battery — it’s recommended to them.
That recommendation is often:
Based on manufacturer caution
Driven by installers using one “safe” option
Not tailored to normal household use
The result? People spend far more than necessary on a battery that may only be used a few times a week.
Do You Actually Need an LSH-20 Battery?
You do need an original LSH-20 if:
Your device explicitly states LSH-20 only
It’s used in extreme cold or industrial conditions
Warranty terms demand it
You probably don’t need one if:
It’s a standard gas fire or remote receiver
It’s installed indoors
You’re replacing a battery every few years anyway
However if you really want to buy the more expensive battery click this Amazon affiliate link where you will find the latest prices – Amazon link from which I may earn a very small commission should you purchase from this link LSH20 Remote Pack
LSH-20 vs Alternatives: Real Cost Over Time
Let’s be realistic.
Over 10 years:
Two Saft LSH-20 batteries could cost £100+
A compatible alternative could cost £25–£30
That’s a significant saving for identical day-to-day performance in most homes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Replacing an LSH-20 Battery
Using the wrong voltage Buying unknown no-name imports Ignoring temperature ratings Assuming “cheapest” is best
A reliable compatible battery is always better than the cheapest option.
Final Verdict: Is the LSH-20 Battery Worth It?
The Saft LSH-20 is a good battery, but it’s not always the right one.
My recommendation:
Use the original LSH-20 only when genuinely required
Otherwise, choose a trusted compatible alternative
Avoid ultra-cheap lithium cells altogether
I first published information on this alternative battery back in 2016 when I bought one for my own gas fire. At that time it was only 19.99. You can read the full story here together with the comments from many happy readers who went on to buy the alternative product – click here to view – Do not buy a LSH Lithium Battery until you have read this
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