Duracell CEF20NC NIMH Rechargeable Mini Charger

Price: $19.53
Manufacturer: Duracell


Duracell NIMH Rechargeable Mini Charger with 2AA CEF20NC Charges 2 AA/AAA Cells

Information

• Amazon Sales Rank: #64892 in Consumer Electronics
• Color: black
• Brand: Duracell
• Model: CEF20NC
• Dimensions: 2.20" h x 4.00" w x 8.90" l,

• Indicator light reveals when fully charged - charges in 8 - 10 hours
• Built-in shut-off provides superior safety against overheating and overcharge

Product Reviews

Mini charger is smart - but way too slow
The Duracell 'mini charger' (CEF20) included in this package is shaped like a computer mouse, and about the same size. It is 'smart' in the sense that it charges 1 to 2 AA/AAA cells independently, and stops charging when each cell is full. The indicator light turns red during charging, and turns green when both cells are done. It will even blink if you insert an alkaline cell. So far so good...

The real problem with this mini charger is that it is too slow. The charging current is only 280mA for AA cell, and 110mA for AAA cell. That means it takes about 9-10 hours just to fully recharge two 2500mAh AA cells! This makes it unsuitable as a travel charger, since you usually have to recharge in a hurry while traveling.

Instead of this package, consider one that contains 'Pre-Charged' NiMH cells and a better charger. Here are some alternatives:

- Sanyo Eneloop 2-cell Charger (MDR02): This unit is just as compact, but its charging current is twice as high at 550mA, so the required charging time is reduced by half.

- Duracell Mobile Charger (CEF23): This unit charges 1-4 cells at 550mA. It has four independent status lights, accepts 12V car adapter input, and even doubles as a USB charger.

This Duracell charger is okay but not great.
In Amazon's labyrinth of Duracell products, at least half a dozen versions of this Duracell "mini" charger exist. Unfortunately, the descriptions do not provide sufficient detail to tell if there are any differences. This review applies to the charger that comes with 2 AA 2400mAh rechargeable batteries that have not been pre-charged. These value packs can be found easily in stores, which is where I picked mine up.

Charger pros:
-Works internationally (100-240V)
-Charge light turns from red to green when complete

Charge cons:
-Bulky design only charges 2 batteries at a time (Energizer charger of same size charges 4 batteries)
-Flip lid seems unnecessary and is somewhat prone to scratching
-Only charges in pairs
-Charges based on time, not battery charge (a.k.a. "dumb" charger)
-Full charge takes 8 hours (must leave in wall overnight)

Battery pro:
-AA 2400mAh rating lasts a long time during a single use (e.g., a full day of photography)

Battery con:
-Batteries have high drain when not in use, unlike newer low self-discharge designs

Note: Since purchasing this value pack earlier this year, I have seen a new version on the shelf that contains pre-charged batteries.

If you are going to go with an inexpensive battery charger, this is a better choice than Energizer simply because it can be used internationally. In fact, that's why I bought it! However, I recommend a 4-position Duracell, Kodak, or Sanyo charger with better charge time instead.

Although this product is acceptable, you can purchase better chargers alone or in combination with low self-discharge rechargeable batteries, which are better than those included here. A value pack from Sanyo, for example, costs somewhat more than this Duracell pack but includes a "smart" (charge-based, not time-based) charger and 4 (not 2) AA batteries!

If I had had more time prior to an international trip earlier this year, I would have purchased a better charger rather than picking this up at my local drugstore. Although this set me back only about 12 bucks, I would have rather used the money toward replacing my old Energizer charger, not supplementing it.