The 'value charger' (CEF14) included here, however, is 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 package for just a few dollars more (*). It comes with four Duracell Pre Charged cells (2xAA + 2xAAA), but the included charger (CEF23) is far superior in every aspect. It even operates from your vehicle battery, and doubles as an USB charger, too.
[Update on Dec 24, 2008]
I was only half-right when I boldly proclaimed that "Duracell Pre Charged AA are rebranded Sanyo eneloop cells" in my original review. It turns out that the first batch of Duracell AA cells I bought from Amazon are made in Japan, and those are identical to eneloop (both mechanically and electrically). But lately I bought some more Duracell AA from a warehouse club. Those are made in China, and they are identical to the Rayovac Hybrid.
[Update on 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 theI purchased the CEF14 charger with four batteries and the charger supplied is not the same one pictured, nor is it a "dumb" charger as some have described. It can also charge four aa or aaa batteries and is not limited to two aaa's again as some have described. When I tested it, different batteries charged at different speeds and the charger switched modes to a trickle charge when a set became fully charged.
As for the batteries themselves, they do indeed seem to be comparable to Sanyo Eneloops or Rayovac Hybrids at a slightly lower price.
Not sure how Duracell did it, but they solved the one con with the
Ni-mH type batteries. These pre-charged, Ni-mH batteries don't
discharge when not being used, so they're perfect for digital devices.
This charger with 4 batteries doesn't cost much more than just the 4
batteries alone. Here's what you do: acquire twice as many of these
batteries w/ the green label as what your digital camera will take.
While you're using one set in your camera keep the other set in this
charger. Then, when the set in the camera go dead, just swap them out
with the set that's in the charger. You've always got a set of fresh
batteries and no waiting for batteries to charge, plus no buying
batteries for a long time. This is more expensive initially but saves a
lot of $$$ in the long run.
I love these batteries and charger so much that I have replaced all the
AAA and AA batteries in our house with rechargeables. I love that it
can charge both types of batteries. The price really can't be beat (of
both the charger and the batteries) and it is so much better for the
environment than using the disposable ones.
I used to have the corded version that everyone likes so much but I like
this one better as it folds up quickly and easily for storage. The
corded version also seemed to drain the batteries if you left them in
there where this one doesn't. Very compact and out of the way when
charging as well.
Bought these batteries hoping to save money as I go through a lot of AA
batteries. These seemed perfect since I could keep them constantly
charged. Long story short, they don't work. Not only were they weakly
charged fresh out of the package (I compared them to the used battery
already in the unit and it put out more juice), the charger itself was
kaput. I tried it in several ACs and the red light never came on. Going
back to regular.
a very good buy for the money.duracell seem to last longer than other
brands ive tryed.i need to buy another for different sizes.
It is really useful to be able to charge both double A and triple A
batteries. I bought another one of these so I can charge four double A
and four triple A batteries.I go through a lot of throw away batteries. I decided to make a large
one-time investment and purchase rechargeable batteries and chargers. I
bought this plus extra batteries, a Ray-O-Vac Charger and extra
Ray-O-Vac batteries and have no regrets over the purchase. The charger
and batteries work as advertised and arrived promptly. As advertised,
batteries arrive charged and they hold their charge well while waiting
to be put to use. They charge quickly and can charge in any charger, not
just the Duracell one. The charger has a small red light on front that
lights up when charging and shuts off when the batteries are charged.
There is no cord; the plug is built into the unit and folds out for use.
I'd say it takes about 6 to 8 hours for the batteries to charge. A
great investment I will use over and over again. This is a product I can
recommend without hesitation.
Semms like I received somes return and was sold to me as new. The bottom
of the packeage has been opened by someone other than me. If I paid for
new I expect new. I have no idea how this works as of yet, as I am a
little ticked off at the moment. When I get around to trying this out I
will update.
While some people seem to have had trouble with this charger, it has
worked well for me. The batteries charge up without any trouble and I
always watch for the green light to come on as I put it where I can
watch for it to finish. I have only used it on AA batteries so far but
it has worked well and it hasn't taken as long for them as the six hours
listed, but lately I have only been charging two at a time.
Its price is attractive and nothing to say about it. But one thing you
should keep in mind is that you have to plug in two batteries on one
side in order to recharge. Anything else is good.
Not sure how Duracell did it, but they solved the one con with the
Ni-mH type batteries. These pre-charged, Ni-mH batteries don't
discharge when not being used, so they're perfect for digital devices.
This charger with 4 batteries doesn't cost much more than just the 4
batteries alone. Here's what you do: acquire twice as many of these
batteries w/ the green label as what your digital camera will take.
While you're using one set in your camera keep the other set in this
charger. Then, when the set in the camera go dead, just swap them out
with the set that's in the charger. You've always got a set of fresh
batteries and no waiting for batteries to charge, plus no buying
batteries for a long time. This is more expensive initially but saves a
lot of $$$ in the long run.
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