We briefly reviewed battery chargers in a previous post “The Best Rechargeable Batteries of 2012“. But let’s take a look at the best “Universal Battery Chargers”. These are chargers that can handle AAA, AA, C, D sized cells, and well as 9V cells.
Ansmann Deluxe “Energy 16″ Universal Battery Charger
Ansmann Energy 16 Univseral Battery Charger
Ansmann is a German company known for their range of intelligent universal 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 universal charger can be used worldwide — it accepts 100-240V 50-60Hz AC.
It’s available from Amazon
Ansmann Deluxe “Energy 8″ Universal Charger
Ansmann Energy 8 Universal Battery Charger
Ansmann’s “Energy 8″ universal battery 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
Maha PowerEx “Ultimate Professional” Charger
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 univseral battery 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
Energizer Overnight Universal Battery Charger
The Energizer Overnight Universal 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
The La Crosse charger is excellent but doesn’t charge C or D sized cells. We reviewed it here:
http://www.metaefficient.com/rechargeable-batteries/the-best-rechargeable-batteries-and-chargers-for-2007.html
I’d suggest getting some battery extenders to convert AAs to C and D rather than keeping C and D cells around. It increases the utilization of the cells that you have and means you can buy a cheaper charger.
My la crosse charger actually came with a few C and D adapters.
I don’t need C or D that often and finding NiMH versions is difficult.
I’d rather charge from solar power, has anyone got any recomendations for a solar battery charger?
Using a rechargeable battery with a good charger is metaefficient.
It would be more metaefficient and economical if you can pair it with a portable solar panel. That way you won’t worry about electricity cost in the long run.
I am not familiar with solar technology though. Have seen the following foldable & rollable solar panel w/c one can expand & use w/ other gadgets you have e.g. laptop.
http://www.solardirect.com/pv/consumer-ready/power-film.htm
http://store.altenergystore.com/Solar-Panels/Foldable-Solar-Panels/Sunlinq-25Watt-12V-Portable-Power-Pack/p2380/
Some have battery charger accesory as well…
http://store.altenergystore.com/Solar-Panels/Flexible-Rollable-Solar-Panels/Accessory-Items-for-Flexible-Solar-Panel/PowerFilm-Inc-RA-5-DLX-Univ-Chrgr-Pack-w4xaaaaacd/p710/
I hope Justin can do a review of portable solar panel as well as to their efficiency, cost, and long term maintenance.
Looking forward to that.
Using a rechargeable battery with a good charger is metaefficient.
It would be more metaefficient and economical if you can pair it with a portable solar panel. That way you won’t worry about electricity cost in the long run.
I am not familiar with solar technology though. Have seen the following foldable & rollable solar panel w/c one can expand & use w/ other gadgets you have e.g. laptop.
http://www.solardirect.com/pv/consumer-ready/power-film.htm
http://store.altenergystore.com/Solar-Panels/Foldable-Solar-Panels/Sunlinq-25Watt-12V-Portable-Power-Pack/p2380/
Some have battery charger accesory as well…
http://store.altenergystore.com/Solar-Panels/Flexible-Rollable-Solar-Panels/Accessory-Items-for-Flexible-Solar-Panel/PowerFilm-Inc-RA-5-DLX-Univ-Chrgr-Pack-w4xaaaaacd/p710/
I hope Justin can do a review of portable solar panel as well as to their efficiency, cost, and long term maintenance.
I’m looking for a SOLAR charger for AA, AAA, 9v,C, and batteries. I’ve been able to find tons of chargers that charge AA and AAA. I’ve found tons of NON-solar chargers (which I belief you are advertising-it doesn’t say), but I haven’t found a solar charger that does all of the household batteries. Do you have any links? I do have 12v charger, but I don’t have clue on how to hook it up or if it still works. The electrician didn’t know how it worked, when I built (I buyed it with a pellet stove for backup-so I have no backup for a 12v either, but right now, I’m looking for a solar household charger).
Kathy,
I think this charger is what you are looking for:
http://cli.gs/99YVU4
Thanks, Justin, but this is the same unit that numerous websites have. According to their advertisement, it doesn’t have the capability to charge 9v batteries. Although, one commentator says it does. Sorry, to ask again, but they don’t have a customer number (who does these days?), so do you know of a solar charger that does that?
I’m a huge fan of the Maha PowerEx “Ultimate Professional” Charger. I’ve had one for a while now and never had problems with it. Its convenient and does wonders for your batteries.