We’re also seeing some new chargers that provide more information on the status of the batteries they’re charging, usually on a simple backlit LCD display. NiMH and NiCad batteries don’t pose the same risks as lithium ion batteries, where there’s a chance of a thermal runaway causing an explosion or a fire, but you don’t want damaged batteries or a damaged charger if you can avoid it. Is there anything else worth watching out for?īatteries and battery chargers sold in the UK have to satisfy UK safety regulations, but it’s worth looking out for chargers with additional features that prevent overcharging or overheating, and that slow down the rate of charging to a trickle once the batteries near a full charge. This makes them especially compact and convenient and ideal for taking on a trip. A growing number now charge through a micro USB socket, meaning you can plug the charger into any standard USB charger, or even your laptop and PC. Some chargers plug directly into a mains socket with the batteries sitting upright, while others have the batteries sitting flat and connect through a separate mains cable. The other thing to look for is the design and how the charger gets its power. Watch out when comparing super-fast chargers, as the times stated might only apply to a specific size of battery with a specific capacity, not the 2,300mAh AAs you have in mind. As a result, they come with a higher price tag. This requires more technology to manage the voltage and ensure the batteries don’t overcharge or get too hot. Fast or rapid chargers work at much higher speeds, taking anywhere from four hours to under an hour to charge your batteries. Slower, cheaper chargers are usually labelled as overnight chargers, taking somewhere between six and nine hours to charge a set of AA batteries. The most significant thing that marks out one charger against another is its charging speed. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries in these sizes are still a fairly new phenomenon, and usually need a specific charger or USB charging cable.īest microSD card 2023: Give your smartphone, tablet, camera or handheld games machine a storage boost How to choose the best battery charger for you What should you look for in a battery charger?Īll the battery chargers on test are designed to charge standard NiMH and older NiCad batteries in the most common AA, AAA and 9v formats. Best value 8-slot charger: HiQuick SW-8N | £9.99.Best 9V battery charger: HiQuick 2-slot 9V Battery Charger | £17.Best high-speed USB charger: HiQuick C9026 LCD Battery Charger | £23.Best all-round charger: Duracell 45 Minutes Hi-Speed Charger | £38.So ditch that basic charger and get your batteries refuelled in style. New models offer much faster charging – even charging some batteries within an hour – along with smart charging displays, safety features, compact designs, USB charging and more. And if being slow wasn’t bad enough, many old-school battery chargers are surprisingly chunky, which isn’t a problem when you’re using them at home, but an issue if you’re packing them for a weekend break or holiday.įortunately, you’re no longer stuck with a bog-standard battery charger. Traditional battery chargers can take hours to bring them back to life, which is bad news at the best of times and a nightmare when you need them in a hurry. All the same, it’s always a pain when they run out of juice. We all know that rechargeable batteries are less wasteful and better, in the long-term, for both the planet and your wallet.
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