A car battery charger isn’t easy to choose from an array of options out there. It becomes even more difficult when you have to select a unit out of numerous top-quality models out there. Also, there are some crucial things you need to take into consideration before purchasing one.
We understand your situation and therefore, are lending a helping hand. Here we’ve come with reviews of the chargers that we thought would be great for you. And to make things easier for you, we are presenting you with a buying guide also.
Once you go through this, choosing the best car battery charger won’t be a big deal for you.
Best Car Battery Charger Reviews
Some outstanding features made us choose these products. Check out our reviews and find out why these products are so great.
1. Battery Tender Plus 021-0128, 1.25 Amp Battery Charger
Let’s start with the first product on our list. We are dealing with 1.25-amp power over here. This number might not show the capability of the charger to supply a ridiculous amount of energy. For, there are chargers with greater amp. Then why is it on the top of our list?
Well, to answer this question, we have to elaborate on the functionality of this thing. The way it goes about doing its job is extraordinary. You shouldn’t be surprised if you see this little beauty doing the job like a 3-amp battery. Yeah, that’s how much maximized functionality it comes with.
It’s a revolutionary unit. For, there was no battery before it that could switch between maintenance and float modes as it does. You might find this feature widely available today, but it wasn’t always like this. Thus, this battery is a witness at the beginning of a new era.
We are talking about a spark-proof model here. It will be suitable for cars as well as motorcycles. There are four stages of the charging process involved with this charger: Float-charge, absorption, bulk-charge, and initialization.
As you can guess, there’s the initialization at first. After that, the bulk-charge stage takes over. Once the charge level gets above 80%, then the absorption gets into action. And finally, the battery goes through the stage of float-charge.
After that, the charge level remains persistently full. And there are no issues regarding temperature, overheating, and such during this stage.
What I found quite fascinating about it is that you won’t have to worry about overcharging at all. For, there’s a light that will let you know about it. So, now you see why this is the first choice for our best car battery charger reviews.
Pros
- Maximized functionality with less amp
- Spark-proof
- Automatic mode switching
- Indicator light to prevent overcharging
Cons
- Takes long in charging dead batteries
2. Schumacher SC-1200A-CA 12Amp 6/12V Fully Automatic Battery Charger
The second product we’ve come with is another great charger. It has so many beneficial features that make us recommend it highly. For instance, you have a charger that charges the battery both with 12V and 6V.
And to make it start working, connecting it to the battery’s terminals is all you need to do. After that, the charger will take over and see the job done efficiently.
There are times when you are in a rush. You cannot afford to have a battery that will start slow and take ages to finish the charging at those times. This is why you need a battery like this that will get to work in no time and finish it ridiculously fast.
The way this charger detects the required voltage is just awesome. Whether it’s the 6V or 12V battery, it will do the job with perfection by starting to provide the needed power immediately.
What’s also amazing is that it makes the amperage adjustment on its own by reading the voltage. If there’s a need for maintaining, it will proceed with the 3-amp charge. And when you need medium speed, it will switch into the 6-amp mode. Lastly, you have the 12-amp mode for quick charging.
We are dealing with electronic stuff over here. You don’t need me to tell you how important the safety concern is in this regard. Our charger comes with an efficient safety mechanism.
That is, it features a reverse hook-up protection. This technology will make sure that the charger doesn’t start operating unless the terminals get appropriately attached. With such a feature in place, you won’t have to worry about the safety of your charger and battery.
Pros
- Multiple modes provide versatility
- Features a microprocessor
- Float-mode for safety
- Easily portable
Cons
- Charging of a dead battery is not its specialty
3. BLACK+DECKER BC15BD Fully Automatic 15 Amp 12V Bench Battery Charger
We are about to review a charger that is produced by a company that has been in the game for quite a while now. When it comes to making a tool or power equipment, the brand knows how to do it right. We are unable even to count the significant number of power tools it has presented the world with.
Now, as we expected the charger to be, it’s pretty solid. The guy can take on any charger on a given day when it comes to withstanding a ridiculous amount of beating. And we need such toughness in a tool that will be dragged around frequently.
I liked the retro look they’ve chosen to give their product. It comes with a button operation. Besides, there’s an LCD screen in place too. It shows the necessary information with a bit of graphics. Yeah, the look of this charger is compelling.
If there’s any easy to operate charger in the market, it would be this one. For, I don’t think that anyone will have a problem in understanding the smooth operation it offers. You will find everything labeled clearly and found easily. Therefore, it’s a great option, even for a novice.
I was pretty impressed with the button configuration and simple display. Moreover, the charger is compatible with any stable battery. And when you are not using it, you can store it easily, thanks to its compactness.
A great feature we’ve seen in this model is the alternator diagnostic technology. You don’t get to see such a feature in other models much often. With this in place, the charger will check the battery and deduce whenever needed. Its alternator does the job of keeping the battery charged.
Pros
- Simple button and display
- Easy to operate and store
- Works with any stable battery
- Alternator diagnostic technology
Cons
- Not compatible with 6V batteries
4. Optima Digital 400 12V Performance Maintainer and Battery Charger
Let’s talk about a little piece of extremely efficient charger now. You shouldn’t be skeptical about seeing its small size. Once you get to know the features and benefits it offers, you are going to love this little package.
This compact unit can rival a big model anytime. Yeah, you would be wrong if you underestimate this 2.5 pound weighing charger. And you will know that you have a serious unit on hand, once you look at its front. Moreover, this charger will get along with any battery of any brand.
The convenience it has to offer is on another level. If you want to save some space, you need to grab this incredible unit. This is because of the nicely wrapping cord it comes with. Thus, the garage is going to look tidier from now on with this thing.
Designers have been brilliant with this model. You can mount it and hang it. Also, if you want to set the tool on the table, go ahead. That’s how much convenience and versatility it offers.
I loved the 30-day reconditioning mode it has. This way, you can repair it easily when it gets damaged. Not to mention, the easy maintenance it provides.
I cannot but help to be astonished at its capacity to charge the batteries which you would’ve thrown away otherwise. Yeah, this is one tough charger for those 12V batteries.
If there’s anything that I didn’t like about it, it’s the display. I would’ve loved it if it allowed me to read everything easily. Also, I wouldn’t mind if they could find a way to provide a charge for 6V batteries through this charger.
Pros
- Easy to use and store
- Incredibly versatile
- Very efficient for charging bunged-up batteries
Cons
- Not suitable for 6V batteries
5. MOTOPOWER MP00205A 12V 800mA Fully Automatic Battery Charger
This is a great charger. The brand is spectacular in producing outstanding products like this. You would be surprised to see such a cheap tool working so great. It will provide you with the level of charge you would find in an expensive model.
If you are into simple devices, then you will undoubtedly love this unit. There’s an onboard microprocessor in place that sees most of the work done. It will communicate with the battery and thus provide it with the amount of energy it needs.
They’ve introduced a modulated charging mechanism so that you get the high amperage you are looking for. What it does is that it kicks off with the maximum amperage, and as time goes by, it starts reducing the amperage little by little. For, the battery doesn’t need much amperage toward the end of charging.
Another worth mentioning feature is the LED readout it comes with. Apart from its compactness and remarkable functionality, it boasts this handy feature. I found the LED to be concise and clear. Thus, you can monitor the level of charge through it easily.
Now, there’s a drawback that I found with this model. It cannot provide you with more than 800-milliamp power. Therefore, you will need a lot of patience while charging the battery with it. For, it’s likely to take long.
However, there’s a good side to such little charging capacity. There will be no overcharging incidence with this charger. Thus, your battery will remain safe.
If you want a charger that is exceedingly affordable as well as easy to operate, then look no further. But, if you are looking for fast charging, then you need to think about it again.
Pros
- An automatic device
- Outstandingly compact
- The LED readout is awesome
- Well affordable
Cons
- A bit slow in charging
6. STANLEY BC25BS Fully Automatic 25 Amp 12V Bench Battery Charger
This is another affordable unit that we are about to review. The best thing about it is that it’s fully automatic. You won’t get such an efficient charger in this price range. It will provide all the power for the car’s 12V battery.
If you want simplicity in operating a device, then this unit is made for folks like you. All you need to do for bringing this charger into action is hook its clamps up to the car’s battery terminals followed by pressing the charge button.
This model offers convenience through LCD screen features. With this in place, there shouldn’t be any problem in monitoring the battery status easily. What’s more, there’s a microprocessor in place to make things smoother and faster.
This particular feature is there to switch between the rates of the charging automatically. When the battery runs low, it will make sure that it gets charge rapidly. And it will slow the charging down when the battery is closer to being full. This way, the durability of the battery gets enhanced.
This is also a great option if you are looking for a fast jump-starter. You will find the charger to be incredibly responsive in this regard. It won’t be more than ten minutes before it jump-starts your car. Awe-inspiring stuff!
There’s also an alternator check in place. With this feature, you will get an alert whenever there’s a situation. Moreover, it offers reverse polarity protection. This will make sure that there’s no sulfate buildup and thus protect the battery plates.
As a result, you will get improved performance out of the charger as well as the battery. Among other accessories it comes with, there are clamps and cables which are pretty heavy-duty also.
Pros
- Automatic selection of charge rate
- Jump-starts
- Alternator check
- LCD screen for easy reading
Cons
- Won’t perform the jump-starting like a genuine jump-starter
7. CTEK (56-353) MULTI US 7002 12V Battery Charger
Here’s another compact charger that will provide an outrageous amount of power for the car’s battery. This automatic charger features a microprocessor that switches between different modes during the charging process. You will find four methods in it: Recondition, Supply, Snowflake, and Normal.
There are 8-stage recharging, automated, and overcharging modes that are switched from one to another through this micro-processing technology. I liked the way they have made this charger simple to operate. You’ve got to check out the auto battery booster to know what I mean.
There’s nothing much you need to do for charging the battery if you own this beautiful product. I mean, connecting its clamps to the battery’s terminals and selecting a mode with the push of a button isn’t that difficult.
In terms of convenience, they have done a great job with the automatic sequence. If you feel too lazy to choose a mode, it’s cool. For, this feature will take over then, providing you with the comfort you want.
With the Normal mode, the battery goes through some charging phases that start with the phase called Desulphation and ends with the maintenance phase. And you need to select the Snowflake mode when the weather is cold. The Supply mode is for powering the battery for extended periods.
I liked the Recondition mode in particular. For, it keeps me assured when my battery goes down. It recharges the battery in no time, no matter how bad the condition is.
Now, there’s something that I wasn’t happy with. You can’t use this charger as a jump-starter. However, it provides full-time charging for any batteries. You won’t get such versatility with too many models.
Pros
- Very lightweight and compact
- Automated charging sequence
- Compatible with any battery
- Awesome reconditioning mode
Cons
- No jump-starting
Guide to Buy the Best Car Battery Charger
Be it a full-time charger or a jump-starter, and you need it to do its job efficiently. So, you have to know about the factors that play roles in making it an excellent option to choose the right product from our car battery charger reviews.
So, let’s check out this buying guide we are offering you to make your purchase smart.
Easy Monitoring
It would be cool if monitoring the charge level becomes easy with the charger. Some chargers come with indicators that will let you know about the battery status. This way, you won’t overcharge the battery.
You can also check if there’s an alarm included. With such a feature, your battery’s safety will be ensured when there’s reverse polarity. Also, you need such features to connect the clamps properly with the battery’s terminals.
Time Consumption
You will find most of the units out there to power 12V batteries. These chargers mostly come with 6 amp to 20 amp power. Now, you want a charger with high amp, so that it lasts long. Also, with higher amp, the charger does the job faster.
Keep in mind that you will have to spend a few bucks if you want such a powerful unit. However, the money will prove to be well-spent when there is an emergency.
Safety
Safety is a significant factor to keep an eye on when it comes to electronic devices. A charger should come with features that will ensure safety for both the driver and the battery.
A great charger should have clamps that are spark-proof. Also, a battery tester may play a vital role in providing safety for the battery. Some batteries come with a float mode, which is also a useful safety feature.
Convenience
Not everyone knows about mechanical stuff in detail. There are always users who know only the basics of a device without being willing to dig deep. That’s why; if the charger comes with a complicated operation, it will be challenging to use for some users.
Look for a unit that will charge quickly. You have options out there that feature LED lights. With these models, you can monitor the charger’s performance easily. Also, some units come with views to let you know if the battery is full or not.
There’s a feature that makes some products very attractive. That is, the capability to draw the power from the cigarette lighter of the car. It’s a very cool feature, and if you come across a product that has it, thereby you can go for it.
People love it when they are offered versatility. If you are no different, then you need to check out the chargers that can provide power for laptops and smartphones also. You will notice USB slots in those units.
Size and Weight
For a device like this, portability is a handy feature. For, you need to travel at times. If you can bring along a charger, that would be great in those situations. Look for a charger that will fit snugly inside a travel bag or glove box. It will be the best car battery charger portable unit for such a purpose.
Also, the charger mustn’t weigh much. Otherwise, it will give you a hard time carrying it around. So, it needs to be lightweight and compact.
Difference between the Car Battery Charger and the Jump-Starter
When you are left with a run-out battery, it feels like the end of the world. But, do you know what can be a savior for you at that time? Well, it could be both a battery charger and a jump-starter. Otherwise, multiple things will refuse to work until you get a new battery.
Therefore, a battery charger or a jump-starter will save you a lot of money. And they will keep those headlights, horns, air conditioners, etc. running. Now, there are some differences between these two devices, though.
A jump-starter is mostly used when there’s sudden depletion of the car battery. It will provide the battery with the power it needs instantly. But, when it comes to a battery charger, you won’t get such immediate power support.
Now, the charge that the jump-starter provides doesn’t last long; whereas the battery charger will give sufficient power that will last a long time.
Another difference involves the amount of power they produce. With the jump-starter, you get huge amp that can make a dead battery come back to life. On the other hand, a battery charger comes with tiny amp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: For how long should I charge my battery?
Ans: If the charger is old, you don’t want to charge it for much longer. However, chargers these days come with an indicator that shuts off once the battery gets fully charged.
Q: Is it required to fill the battery water before charging the battery?
Ans: You can fill the battery with water. But, it must be distilled water, nothing else. However, you cannot fill the latest cells with water. For, they come sealed.
Q: How much time does it take for a battery to get 100% charged?
Ans: The amount of time needed to charge the battery fully will depend on the battery’s size and the charger’s power. A charger that has a high ampere will do it faster than the one with lower ampere.
Q: Is it ok to charge a car battery while it’s still connected to the car?
Ans: You can do it if the charger comes with an indicator that will tell you if the battery is full. And if it has voltage spike protection, then you can also do it. Otherwise, you shouldn’t even think about it.
Q: Is a battery charger able to jump-start the car?
Ans: Mostly, it can’t. However, there might be a few models in the market that can do it. Otherwise, you will have to buy a jump-starter for that.
You may also like to read – best solar car battery charger
Final Words
We gave it everything we have so that you can reach a wise decision. I hope we made it easier for you to find the best car battery charger. You won’t regret going for any of these batteries though. For, they are all excellent.
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