
How we pick our products
Although modern devices maximise battery life, continuous use often drains the battery within a few hours. Therefore, the charger allows us to solve this problem and reuse spent batteries instead of throwing them away. The question is which of all the models and brands is better?
In Monederosmart we will show you the different types of battery chargers and their characteristics, so you can choose the one that best suits your interests and budget. It is important that you take into account every detail to make the best purchase decision.
Contents
Summary
- Battery chargers are used to recharge a discharged battery by circulating a direct current voltage, slightly higher than that of the battery itself.
- They have fast and slow charging modes, which depend on the magnitude of the current used for charging. Most chargers are designed to recharge 4 batteries, but there are also chargers with higher capacity.
- There are many types of chargers, adapted for different types of devices and charging times.
The Best Battery Charger: Our Picks
Buying guide: What you need to know about battery chargers
(Photo: dolgachov/ 123rf.com)
What are battery chargers and what are their advantages?
In order for current to flow from the charger to the battery, the charger must provide a higher voltage (voltage) than the battery, i.e. a 12V battery can never be charged with a charger of the same voltage.
The main advantage of battery chargers is their practicality, as we can charge several batteries at the same time and ensure that our devices do not run out of power, especially in the case of portable devices.
Another benefit is that it allows us to reuse batteries and therefore save money in the long run and also, through battery recycling, help to care for the environment.
Maintenance Charger and Smart Charger What should you pay attention to?
Maintenance | Intelligent |
---|---|
They charge the battery at self-discharge rate, so they can be connected for a long time without risk of overcharging | In addition to charging the battery they control the voltage, temperature and charging time, supplying adequate current in relation to these factors |
Charging usually lasts between 6 and 8 hours, depending on the charger | They typically charge up to 85% of the battery in 1 hour and then switch to “trickle charge” |
They have a longer lifetime than smart chargers | They typically have a shorter lifetime than trickle chargers, due to their high charging speed |
They must be monitored to ensure they do not overheat and crash |
These are just some of the features to consider when deciding which battery charger is best for you; more on other factors to consider when making a good purchasing choice later.
Purchasing criteria
Because there is so much to choose from on the market, it can sometimes be difficult to decide which is the best product to buy. That is why it is important to consider certain factors when buying the right battery charger. In this list you will find the main factors when buying a battery charger:
Power and speed
An important factor to consider is the power of the charger and therefore its charging speed. However, although it might seem logical to choose the charger with the most power because it will charge the batteries faster, this is not the case.
You should bear in mind that the faster the charging speed, the shorter the life of the batteries, so it is advisable to opt for chargers that take between 6 and 8 hours to charge, which will allow you to preserve the batteries and save money in the long run.
If one day you have an emergency, you can have a second fast charge option of 1 or 2 hours, but ideally this should not be the charge you normally use.
(Photo: citadelle/ 123rf.com)
Versatility
Versatility is an important point, because a charger that allows you to charge all types of batteries will make things easier and help you save time and money. There are even chargers that allow you to set the desired charging time according to your needs.
There are also chargers that have the option of both NiCd and NiMH batteries and this way you can charge more types of batteries and not have to keep buying one type or the other.
Universal chargers are the most versatile, as they can be programmed for any battery and any type of charge, whether conventional or fast.
Brands, price and reviews
As with any product, you need to look at the price difference, the best brands and buyer reviews, which will obviously be subject to your own uses and needs, but will help guide you.
As far as brands are concerned, the best known brands guarantee their quality although, as you might expect, they are more expensive; but sometimes it is preferable to spend a little more if you are sure that the product is good, otherwise cheap will end up being more expensive. In addition, you can get offers and discounts, especially when buying online.
As you will see, these three factors are interrelated, and taking them into account will help you make the best purchase.
(Featured Image Source: Sudy/ 123rf.com)