15-Minute NiMH Charger Kit Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've had this for just a couple of weeks but I use it a LOT and I'm impressed. Aside from my digital camera using AA's, I've also got my mouse, keyboard, game controller, and several other items that run on AA so I'm really putting it to the test.
PROS:
Definitely does exactly what it says - charges the batteries in 15 minutes and the charge lasts just as long as when I used my overnight charger. It has a built in fan to keep the batteries cool during this rapid charge.
The external power supply means you don't have to plug the charger itself directly into an outlet - you can just plug the power supply into an outlet and run the cord to the charger, and have the charger sitting right on your desk or wherever. That's probably not a big deal to some people, but my previous charger has to be plugged directly into an oulet and is so clunky that it tends to fall out. This one keeps my batteries sitting right on my desk near me and looks a lot nicer too.
The Energizer batteries that come with it are the best I've ever used when it comes to rechargeables. They're 2200mAh and definitely hold a charge well / long lasting, but I also purchased some 2500mAh Energizers separately which last even longer on a charge.
CONS:
The spring-loaded mechanisms that hold the batteries in place is a little cumbersome. It's really not too bad, but I have fumbled with it a few times when inserting the batteries. This is not a big problem by any means, I'm just being picky for the sake of the review. The cooling fan is a little bit noisy during the 15 minutes while charging, but only if you're in a REALLY quiet room. If you have the TV on or any other kind of ambient sound in the background you won't notice the fan at all, but I thought I'd mention it to be thorough.
I might have given this 4.5 stars if that was possible (based on cost and the two very minor "cons" above), but since that's not an option and it deserves more than a 4 I went with 5.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
I've seen one or two people on the web mention their dislike for the "bad battery" feature, and I honestly can't see the problem after I took this to task myself. I have tons of rehcargeable batteries piled up here at my desk and I've tried them all in it. The only ones it treated as "bad" and would not charge were a few that I've had for well over a year and have been recharged well over their documented lifetime of 1000 charges. Quite honestly, this charger just confirmed for me what I already knew - the lifetime of these few batteries was beyond spent and it's not a good idea to keep using them anyway, because even if I force them to charge they won't last long and it's time to dispose of them properly before they begin to leak/damage. But hey, some of that is just my opinion.
SUMMARY:
Can't believe I let the price stop me from doing this sooner. Never again will I be using my cheap charger or generic batteries. This is already paying for itself, if not monitarily, then in terms of time and (lack of) frustation.
I definitely recommend this product.

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Energizer is the World's #1 Rechargeable Brand. The 15 Minute Charger includes 4-2500mAh AA batteries. Charges both AA and AAA batteries. Individually monitors cell condition and terminates charging current when charged. Illuminated LED monitoring lights. Includes 2 NiMH AA & 2 NiMH AAA Batteries.

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