How to choose a car battery charger: rating from the TOP-12 best devices
Let's get acquainted with a selection of the best models for batteries of various capacities and types.
TOP 4 inexpensive chargers
The cost of these models is no more than 2,500 rubles, moreover, they all have small dimensions. They can work well with various types of batteries, but do not tolerate harsh operating conditions.
BestWeld InCharger 6-12V-4A BW6001
This model is durable and safe to use. It has several levels of protection - for example, from incorrect selection of the operating mode, from connecting to a faulty battery, as well as from short circuits, etc.
The battery capacity should be no more than 90 A * h, the required voltage - 14.8 V. The state of charge and the selected operating mode are displayed on a wide display. The permissible operating temperature is from -40 to +40 degrees.
pros
- LCD display;
- stability of work;
- long service life;
- security;
- heat resistance.
Minuses
- the wires are quite brittle.
The model is recommended for charging lead-acid batteries. A good option to use in adverse conditions.
Pennant-30
This model is well protected from overheating: there is a built-in fan that automatically turns on if the temperature exceeds the permissible value. Internal elements are protected from mechanical stress by a robust casing. Thanks to Boost mode you can quickly charge the battery in almost any conditions.
The permissible current is 18 A, the rechargeable battery must have a capacity of no more than 200 A * h. The device can also be used as a power supply to make it easier to start the motor and to replenish the charge even when it is completely discharged.
pros
- the output current is adjusted gradually;
- reliability;
- there is overheating protection;
- the presence of a built-in ammeter.
Minuses
- the insulation of the terminals is rather weak.
It is recommended to charge alkaline batteries using the Vympel-30 model. Compact and economical model that can be used in any weather.
Patriot BCI-10M
This device has a convenient transport handle to make it easier to carry and connect. To connect to the battery, crocodile clips are provided, and therefore the contact points do not heat up, and the current is not lost. The built-in ammeter provides visual control.
Battery capacity - no more than 150 A * h, maximum power consumption reaches 400 W. This device is reliable and safe, resistant to voltage changes up to 15 percent; it is possible to limit the current.
pros
- ease of use;
- compactness, ease of portability;
- reliability;
- stability of work;
- availability of electronic control.
Minuses
- the device makes noise during operation.
Caliber ZUI-4
The device is operated with only one button. All required information is displayed on the digital display. Thanks to the LED indicators, the user will be timely warned of incorrect polarity, overheating or malfunctions.
When charging, power is consumed up to 60 W, the model is suitable for batteries with a capacity not exceeding 120 A * h. It is worth noting that the device is capable of automatically detecting the residual voltage and type of battery, as well as recovering heavily discharged batteries. There is protection against power surges. Caliber ZUI-4 is capable of functioning at temperatures not lower than -5 degrees.
pros
- excellent protection;
- Ease of controls;
- versatility;
- automatic functioning;
- "Winter" operating mode.
Minuses
- the manufacturer did not provide for fast charging.
Note! The model is suitable for lead acid or gel batteries. An excellent option for vehicles with a diesel / gasoline engine.
TOP-4 automatic devices
As the name suggests, such models can function automatically. All that is needed is correct installation and maintenance is not required long enough.
Auto electrician T-1001AR
Model with a robust case with special holes. Air passes through them, due to which heat is efficiently and naturally removed. It can work for a long time under significant loads without failing.
The limiting current is 9 A, the power consumption is 110 W. The device is easy to use with batteries of various sizes and types thanks to charge sensors with 25% steps and an ergonomic panel.
pros
- small size;
- consumes little power;
- ease of connection and management;
- long service life.
Minuses
- uninformative display.
Helvi Discovery 120
The following device with a sealed housing can be used in rain or high humidity. The wide LCD display allows visual control of all operating parameters. The permissible battery capacity is 150 A * h, and the charging power consumption is 150 W. The desulfation option is very useful to help maintain the batteries and extend their life.
pros
- large screen;
- ease;
- long service life;
- reliable contacts;
- ease of connection.
Minuses
- low strength of the body.
Note also that the model can be used in all weather conditions.
Hyundai HY 800
The protection class of this model is IP65, in other words, the key working elements are reliably protected from moisture and dirt. The model is resistant to short circuit, overheating, there is an indicator of incorrect connection. It can be used for batteries with a capacity not exceeding 160 A * h, and the temperature at which operation is possible ranges from -20 to +50 degrees, and therefore is ideal for difficult climatic conditions.
pros
- protection class IP65;
- desulfation option;
- resistance to temperature extremes;
- LED display.
Minuses
- works quite slowly.
Daewoo DW1500
To connect the device to the battery, crocodile clips with special indicators are used to notify the user of an incorrect connection. The device is easy to transport thanks to the non-slip grip on the handle. There are 6 stages of charging, and therefore the model works stably, and the battery is restored carefully.
Note! All required operating parameters are shown on the LED display. Even a beginner is comfortable using the device, since the system notifies about all possible errors.
pros
- memory option;
- ease of connection;
- temperature compensation;
- overheating protection;
- battery recovery.
Minuses
- the device makes noise during operation.
This device can be considered universal, it is equally well suited for trucks and cars.
TOP 4 chargers with manual start
The working life of such models is the largest, they can be used for batteries of all possible types. They need periodic maintenance, but the user will be provided with the maximum comfort of operation and control of operating parameters.
SPECIAL CB-13-S
A reliable device in an all-metal housing that protects the internal elements from possible mechanical damage. Cooled efficiently during operation thanks to the provided ventilation slots. The device is easy to carry (the handle is rubberized). It is used for batteries with a capacity of up to 90 A * h. There is a built-in ammeter that allows you to visually monitor the charging current. The cable is long enough, and therefore the device can be used far from the outlet.
pros
- compactness;
- durable body;
- resistance to temperatures;
- high build quality;
- virtually no maintenance required.
Minuses
- great weight.
Important! The model is intended for battery types such as WET and EFB. Has a long service life, economical.
QuattroElementi BC12A
The device differs in that the charging current is selected taking into account the characteristics of the battery - 6 A or 12 A. The device is produced in a metal case, the clamps are qualitatively insulated, and therefore special maintenance is not required in this case. Power consumption up to 160 watts. Electricity is consumed economically thanks to automatic control. There is protection against incorrect connection, overheating, short circuit.
pros
- long service life;
- status indicators;
- the transformer has a copper winding;
- comfortable handle;
- ease of use.
Minuses
- the battery takes a long time to charge.
The model is recommended for use with lead-acid batteries. It can serve for several years without any problems.
TelwinAlpine 30 Boost 230V
The operation of this model can be monitored as accurately and conveniently as possible thanks to the built-in ammeter. Ease of use is also ensured by numerous controls on the control panel, including gain and operating mode switches.
The capacity of the rechargeable battery can be 400 A * h. Typically, you can choose one of two operating modes:
- accelerated charging;
- normal.
In the first case, the battery supply can be replenished in just a few hours.
pros
- high power;
- low cost;
- the presence of a built-in ammeter;
- fast charging;
- ease of use;
- overload protection system.
Minuses
- large size of the device.
The model is used for batteries with free electrolyte.
Parma-Electron UZ-50
A device with a sturdy body that has numerous openings for internal air circulation and efficient cooling. It is possible to regulate operating modes and charging current. Special maintenance is not required, the model can work without problems for a long time under significant loads. The device operates with a consistently high performance, which is ensured not only by a robust case, but also by the Boost function (we are talking about increasing energy efficiency) and resistance to short circuits.
pros
- good cooling;
- ease of use;
- a special pocket in which the network cable is stored;
- long service life;
- compactness.
Minuses
- quite high cost.
On a note! The model is intended for battery types such as WET and EFB.
Key criteria for choosing a charger
When buying a particular memory model, one should take into account the fact that all models can be conditionally divided into 2 large groups. Let's get acquainted with the features of each of them.
Table. Varieties of charges for their intended purpose.
| Group name | Short description |
|---|---|
| Chargers | They are used only to gradually charge the battery. The current output indicator in them is no more than 8 A. If, when the charger is connected, you try to crank the motor with a starter, the device may be damaged or protection (if there is one) will work: the starter can consume a current of up to 100 A. |
| Start-up chargers | They are capable of briefly giving a very powerful impulse to help crank the power unit. As a rule, they are used if the car needs to be started urgently and there is no time to charge the battery to the required level. |
Which device should you choose?
There are some important points to keep in mind here. So, the cost of devices with manual adjustment is low, with their help you can try to restore even a battery that has been in a strong discharge for a long time (at the initial stage of charging, they almost do not accept current). In such conditions, automatic models that will not perceive the load at the terminals simply will not start charging. Nevertheless, it takes a lot of time to fully charge the battery, and for this it is preferable to use automatic devices - as the battery accumulates charge, the charging current will gradually decrease until the device eventually turns off on its own.But it is dangerous to leave the battery, which is charged with direct current, unattended, especially if the plugs in it cannot be unscrewed - the violent "boiling" of the electrolyte can lead to an explosion.
A good memory should provide for a desulfation mode, which has already been mentioned above. What is this mode? In the process of using a lead-acid battery, lead sulfate crystals gradually appear on its plates (they are hardly soluble). Especially if it was discharged in the garage for a long time. This leads to a decrease in the current output and capacity of the battery, the charge begins to be accepted worse. To restore the battery (or for preventive purposes), high-power short-term pulses are sent to it, which alternate with further connection to the load. In other words, the battery is constantly being charged / discharged. And if it is not irretrievably damaged, then its condition improves significantly, and replacement is postponed for some time.
