Of all the chargers we tested, the Schumacher distinguishes itself from the others with its LED display, rather than just indicator lights. Blowing all the competitors out of the water with 15.0-amp rapid charging, this massive current will quickly bring your battery back to usable health-if you can wait patiently for the initial desulfation mode. The Schumacher SC1280 is a beefy, cutting-edge battery charger. NOCO seems focused on delivering an effective, user-friendly charger, and to that end, the company nailed it with the Genius 1. So, sure, the charger doesn't display the intricate processes at play, but we don't think that's a problem. It's worth noting, however, that while these modes are reportedly integrated, their activation was not visible during our tests. NOCO is a reputable company known for its smart charging features, such as integrated thermal sensors and desulfation modes, designed to prolong your battery's life. And once the battery began charging, the pulsing red light indicating charging was underway added a hypnotic quality. The bright white LED display made setup a breeze. Navigating the mode selection button provided a satisfying tactile feel when cycling through options. It's designed to work with the gamut of battery options-regular lead-acid, AGM, and lithium. The Genius 1 employs a lower 1.0-amp setting to begin a slow, steady charge. The NOCO Genius 1 belongs to a broader NOCO Genius line of products. Here are the results of our test of some of the top battery chargers and maintainers on the market. Notes on charging behavior while plugged in.For our test, we steered toward a more subjective test of user experience and evaluated the following parameters: How We Tested Car Battery Chargers and Maintainersĭetermining the effectiveness of a charger can be clear as mud, given the sheer amount of variables-from amperage to battery type, battery health, and state of charge. For our testing, we measured the length from the ends of the alligator clamps to the 120-volt plug. When making your choice for purchase, note your available power sources to confirm the cord can reach from your intended 120-volt wall outlet to the battery terminals. You'll need an external power source to charge your battery. So if speed is a major consideration, opt for a higher amperage. A higher current leads to faster charging. Amperage and Charging RateĪmperage refers to the strength of an electric current and is often used to gauge the charging capacity. To confirm your battery type, you may have to look at the side or top of the battery.
It's important to ensure your charger is compatible with your battery type.
You'll encounter various battery types in the current market, such as lead-acid, AGM, and gel. But if you purchase a different product than we tested, ensure they will automatically switch to maintenance mode. Most products on the market (including all that we tested) will detect the voltage and switch to maintenance mode on their own. We recommend you purchase a product that both charges and maintains. The maintainer function detects and counteracts the loss with a small amount of amperage to top up the battery without overcharging. Batteries, especially over time, lose their charge due to their natural chemical processes. Maintaining a battery refers to a low and steady trickle of electrical current to an already charged battery.
#Car battery charger full#
Charging is usually done with higher amperage and is meant to charge the battery quickly and to full health. While most chargers on the market are also maintainers, you should know the difference in the modes.Ĭharging a battery refers to the process of charging a partially discharged battery to regain the battery's voltage. Before you decide which one to buy, here are some important factors to keep in mind. Not all battery chargers and maintainers are created equal.
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