Duracell CEF14NC Charger with NiMH batteries (4 Pack) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The charger included in this package (Duracell CEF14NC) is also known as the 'Value Charger'. But in this case, it is just not a good value because:
1. It is a timer-based dumb charger, meaning that it doesn't detect when cells are full charged. It simply charges at 360mA for 6 hours and turns off. You have to wait until your cells are fully exhausted before recharging, otherwise they will be over-charged. With a 'smart' charger, you may choose to top-off your rechargeable cells any time.
2. It can only charge either 2 or 4 AA cells in pairs. This is very inconvenient if you have appliances that require odd number of cells.
3. It can only charge two AAA cells, and you cannot charge any more AA cells at the same time.
My advice is to get the CEF23DX4N package instead (*). It comes with four Duracell 'Pre Charged' cells (2xAA + 2xAAA), which are much better than ordinary NiMH cells. Most importantly, the included smart charger (CEF23) is superior to the 'value charger' in every aspect. It monitors individual cells during charging, has four status indicator lights instead of one, and it charges faster. It even comes with an car adapter, and doubles as an USB charger, too. Best of all, it costs about the same as this 'value' package!
[Updated Feb 15, 2010]
I have confirmed that the new Duracell 'Value Charger' has several improvements over the old model:
- Works from 100-240V AC (instead of just 120V AC)
- Able to charge 4 AAA at a time (instead of just two)
- Semi-smart charge termination (stops when BOTH cells are fully charged)
The only remaining drawback is thet it charges in pairs only.
(*) [Update on Oct 7, 2010]:
Duracell has discontinued the excellent CEF23 charger (at least in the US) last year. So prices for the remaining inventory have skyrocketed. If you need an inexpensive charger that can handle individual cell, consider the Sanyo eneloop MDR02 2-cell charger.

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Duracell Battery Charger (CEF14NC) 6-10 hour charger with 4 AA batteries Ideal power solution for digital cameras: lasts longer than standard alkaline

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