Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Rayovac sells two different versions of this 'Easy Charger'. Both packages have 'Easy Charger' printed on top. Both claim "Charges ANY NiMH AA/AAA Battery". But in one package the charger is grey in color and rectangular in shape. The other charger is black and more 'egg-shaped', as shown on this product page.
The black Easy Charger I tested has no charging termination circuit built in. It charges 2 or 4 cells in pairs, at a fixed current (160mA for AA, 70mA for AAA) FOREVER. It is up to the user to remove the cells after 10-17 hours, depending on estimated cell capacity. If you forgot and left the cells in there for too long, they will be badly overcharged. The user manual even warned that "LED light will remain on when charging is finished, although batteries should be removed at charge time indicated".
Allegedly, the grey charger (which I have not tested) is a bit smarter, in that it will terminate charging when both cells are full. So if you received that version, it is not too bad. But if you got the black charger, return it for a refund!
Even the better version of Rayovac Easy Charger still has one major drawback: it can only charge in pairs. This is very inconvenient if you have appliances that require odd number of cells. Charging in pairs is also bad for battery lifespan, since one cell is inevitably overcharged. So instead of this Easy Charger, look for a better smart charger such as KODAK 1-Hour Battery Charger K6200-PC-C+4, or Duracell Mobile Charger CEF23DX4N. Those will save you money in the long run.
[Update on Oct 15, 2010]
Unfortunately, both the Kodak K6200 and the Duracell CEF23 were discontinued, so prices of dwindling inventory have skyrocketed. Currently the most inexpensive smart charger from major battery manufacturers is the Sanyo eneloop MDR02TG 2-cell charger.
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Rayovac's Everyday-Use 4 Position Battery Charger will recharge any NiMH and NiCD battery brand and size (AA and AAA). One Year Limited Manufacturer's Warranty. Rayovac rechargeable batteries provide long-lasting performance over and over again. Rayovac is a trusted brand of Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc., a top manufacturer of consumer batteries in the United States and Latin America. Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. is a global consumer products company and a leading supplier of batteries, shaving and grooming products, personal care products, small household appliances, specialty pet supplies, lawn & garden and home pest control products, personal insect repellents and portable lighting.
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