Universal Battery Chargers: A Review

We briefly reviewed battery chargers in a previous post “The Best Rechargeable Batteries of 2008“. Here’s a closer look at the best universal battery chargers, or chargers that can handle AAA, AA, C, D sized cells, and well as 9V cells.

Ansmann Deluxe “Energy 16″ Charger

Ansmann is a German company known for their range of high-end, intelligent battery chargers. Ansmann’s “Energy 16″ charger can handle both NiCad and NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) rechargeable batteries. When the batteries are inserted into the charger, they are analyzed, and batteries needing reconditioning are automatically restored by several cycles of charging and discharging. The charger will also indicate if a battery has been damaged and cannot be charged.

This charger has ten charging positions: six for AAA, AA, C or D sized cells, and four for 9V cells. The six top positions can handle two AAA or two AA cells or one each of the larger C or D cells.

A LED display shows the state of charging for each cell.

This charger can be used worldwide — it accepts 100-240V 50-60Hz AC.

It’s available from Amazon for around $120.

Ansmann Deluxe “Energy 8″ Charger

Ansmann’s “Energy 8″ charger has all the features of the “Energy 16″ charger, but has 8 charging points instead of 16. It has four AAA/AA/C/D and two 9V positions.

It’s available from Amazon for around $70.

Maha PowerEx “Ultimate Professional” Charger

The Maha’s Ultimate Professional Charger almost lives up to its hyperbolic name. This compact charger can charge any combination of 1 to 8 batteries. You can mix and charge AA, AAA, C and D sized cells at the same time on individual charging circuits. Each battery size also has its own fixed contact charging points (i.e. not a spring). An LCD display shows charging and conditioning status of each rechargeable battery.

Like the Ansmann chargers, Maha’s chargers can restore batteries to their optimal performance level by repeatedly charging and discharging them. It also has intelligent charging technology and overcharge protection. It also comes with an international AC adapter, and short-circuit protection.

It is available from Amazon for around $89.

Universal Battery Charger by Vanson

This universal battery charger by Vanson has many smart charging features usually found on more expensive models. It has a microprocessor charge control, timer safety override, and a conditioning function for all but 9V batteries. It also detects damaged cells.

It can handle all the common sizes of Ni-MH and Ni-CD batteries (AA, AAA, C, D or 9V).

Some features this charger lacks is a detailed charge status display, fixed contact charging points, and AC power switching for international travellers.

The Universal Battery Charger is available from Amazon for around $23.

Energizer Overnight Family Battery Charger

The Energizer Overnight Family Battery Charger is an inexpensive charger that lacks the smart charging features of the other charger featured here. This charger can handle AAA, AA and C, D, and 9V sized cells. But it only charges NiMH (not NiCad) batteries. It has a charge status indicator, and a trickle charger to keep batteries topped up.

It’s available from Amazon for $22.

Read more! Related stories:

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2. The Highest Capacity Rechargeable AA Batteries
3. Rechargeable 9 Volt Lithium Polymer Batteries: Efficient
4. The Best Rechargeable Batteries and Chargers Of 2009
5. New Energizer 15 Minute NiMH Charger

Tagged as: AA, C and D Batteries, Chargers That Charge AAA