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.
The Best Overall Charger: The Maha Smart Charger
Maha’s Smart Charger can charge any combination of 1 to 8 batteries. You can mix and charge AA, AAA, C, and D sized cells simultaneously on individual charging circuits.
Each battery size also has its own fixed contact charging points (i.e., not a spring). An LCD display shows the charging and conditioning status of each rechargeable battery.
Maha’s chargers can restore batteries to optimal performance by repeatedly charging and discharging them.
It also has intelligent charging technology and overcharge protection.
It is available from Amazon for around $40.
The Most Affordable: The Maximal Power FC999 Universal Rapid Charger
The Maximal Power FC999 Universal Rapid Charger is versatile and reliable. It has a microprocessor to intelligently monitor and control the charging cycle in each charging port for overcharge and short-circuit protection.
It is capable of charging a wide range of batteries, namely: AA, AAA, C, D, N, 9V, Ni-MH (Nickel Metal Hydride), Ni-CD (Nickel Cadmium), RAM (Rechargeable Alkaline Manganese), and even Alkaline (previously Non-Rechargeable).
It’s available on Amazon for about $30
Utilizing a high-quality charger with a rechargeable battery is an excellent way to be meta efficient. However, if you combine it with a portable solar panel, it would be even more efficient and cost-effective in the long term, as you won’t have to worry about electricity expenses. Although I’m not well-versed in solar technology, I can share useful site such as https://solariaenergysolutions.com/ to have more information about solar panel and solar battery.
I’d suggest getting some battery extenders to convert AAs to C and D rather than keeping C and D cells around. However, I’m a huge fan of the Maha PowerEx “Ultimate Professional” charger.
That $40 Maha charge will NOT charge C and D cells, ONLY AA and AAA. The closest it will come is charging AA cells that fit in C and D cell ADAPTERS. This is not the same thing as charging C and D cells proper.
Maha’s MH-C808M does support C and D cells, but that one seems to be discontinued and may be why the link goes to a similar but different charger. I got mine from the link in this article a few months back but it seems to be directing us to a different one now…
Your statement is very confusing about the MAHA Powerex MH C808M charge Size: A, AAA, C, D 9Volt battery . The one you are talking about is MAHA Powerex MH-C 800s. Please proof read your post before posting it . It is very misleading for buyers.
I believe this is their own page, and it states the 808 does in fact charge C D as well:
https://mahaenergy.com/mh-c808m/
Nice article, thanks for the information.
It definitely needs to be able to charge c and d size batteries or I don’t think I’d buy it.
Great going. Looking forward to it..
How much, and where can I get one?
Where can I get one?
Also, they must al be empty also when doing them. I wound up with AAA Eneloop pro on the Maha, putting the two weakest ones to the center and strongest one to the extreme left and right. Results have been a bit mixed.
This is great charger and easy way to charge on any place!
I like what you said about restoring batteries to optimum performance levels. I think on an industrial scale, it’s vital to possess the best industrial chargers in order to make high power batteries working properly and providing necessary energy. My friend and I might look more into finding an industrial charger with the best reputation around if we find ourselves in need.
wow, that’s great, the inventor of this great clean set is definitely great.
wow, a nice and convenient charger. thank you for sharing
Useful information. Lucky me I discovered your website accidentally, and I am stunned why this twist of fate did not happened in advance! I bookmarked it.
Rechargeable batteries are a necessity in my business. We try to be cordless in much of what we do to ensure efficiency. This can only be done with top of the line batteries.
I love this model!
Thanks for the info! When I can I always like to buy rechargeable batteries. I try to keep it as green as possible, ya know?
Rechargeable batteries are a necessity in my business. We try to be cordless in much of what we do to ensure efficiency. This can only be done with top of the line batteries.
I have the Lacrosse charger also and it won’t charge any D sizes.
i really need those battery now, hehe nice info.
Amazon have a good price on that!
I love this model!
Pretty nice post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I’ve really loved browsing your blog posts. Your article is very informative and useful. It give great information about battery chargers, thanks for sharing.
Used AB…wasn’t a huge fan of it.
i think thats a wonderful idea, use solar panel maybe.
Informational article for anyone who is looking for this subject.
thank you for your info, superb!
I use one sold by Amazon Basics but it is not really good. I should try this one instead!
I am a fan of rechargeable batteries. This is a useful article about battery charger. I think we can save money by using this charger.
I’ve been using Maha’s Ultimate Professional Charger for quite some time, I can confirm it’s everything you need as far as charging batteries is concerned. I need to charge batteries a lot in my business at https://pensacolaappliancerepairpros.com/, this was a huge money saver for me.
Thank you for your great sharing, perfect~
Sure, it lives up to its hyperbolic name
Justin,
If you do a review of solar-powered battery chargers, I hope you will include non-portable battery chargers for the many of us who could use 1 ft. x 1ft. (or larger) solar panels at our homes. Thanks.
You can get adapters from ebay too. You will be able to charge them in the C9000 charger. I charge my rear bike light batteries in it at least twice a week. Now I’m not worried about using solid mode at night. Based on its manual, charging below 0.3C isn’t recommended because it can’t properly detect when charging is completed. It looks like it can charge up to C cells unless you’re using the break-in mode or D cells are really exceptions. The charger’s maximum charging current is 2,000 mA. Based on calculations, if the D cell has a capacity of 12,000 mA the charge rate needs to be at least 3,600 mA. I haven’t heard of chargers capable of 3,600 mA or more
UPDATE: The 30 minute charger doesn’t seem to properly fill the AAA if it is more than 700-800MAH, and with 700MAH, you heat them up a bit. Also, they must al be empty also when doing them. I wound up with AAA Eneloop pro on the Maha, putting the two weakest ones to the center and strongest one to the extreme left and right. Results have been a bit mixed.
I have the Maha Powerex charger also. Had to buy a 30 minute Ultralast charger to use just with AAAs. The Maha charger probably needed a full 1.0 amp charge current instead of the 0.7 amp current for the AAA. AAAs have a higher internal resistance from what I hear. Maybe that is why so many I’ve tried have trouble terminating properly in the Maha? The charger doesn’t seem to see the slight voltage drop on ALL the AAAs you have in the charger. I just went ahead and got the Eneloop Pro to use in the 30 minute charger and now just use the Thunderbolt AAAs in the Maha currently. I have a 3 AAA LED bike headlamp, so it terminated properly on those when I put the weakest battery to the center. TIP. try the 30 minute charger 1st. If cells are all uneven, then try putting the weakest cells to the center in the Maha. Results may vary. Eneloop Pro are doing well on my 30 minute charger so far. If neither method works, then the AAAs are likely to be of very poor quality.
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.
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 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:
https://cli.gs/99YVU4
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.
https://www.solardirect.com/pv/consumer-ready/power-film.htm
https://store.altenergystore.com/Solar-Panels/Foldable-Solar-Panels/Sunlinq-25Watt-12V-Portable-Power-Pack/p2380/
Some have battery charger accesory as well…
https://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.
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.
https://www.solardirect.com/pv/consumer-ready/power-film.htm
https://store.altenergystore.com/Solar-Panels/Foldable-Solar-Panels/Sunlinq-25Watt-12V-Portable-Power-Pack/p2380/
Some have battery charger accesory as well…
https://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.
I’d rather charge from solar power, has anyone got any recomendations for a solar battery 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 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.
The La Crosse charger is excellent but doesn’t charge C or D sized cells. We reviewed it here:
https://metaefficient.com/rechargeable-batteries/the-best-rechargeable-batteries-and-chargers-for-2007.html