In the previous articles, we have discussed a lot about different batteries available in the market that you can consider buying. We have discussed everything from marine to car batteries in order to find which batteries are the best for you.
[amazon table=”537″]But getting a good battery is only half of the whole scenario. We might have mentioned this before too but getting a good charger for your battery is just as important as getting a good battery. With all the different types of batteries available in the market, it can be a difficult task to find a charger that suits your battery. Having the wrong charger can not only cause problems when charging but wrong chargers can also destroy your battery in the long run.
So in this article, we will discuss the various types of battery chargers available for you in the market to choose from and stay around till the last part where we discuss the different types of battery chargers you can get for your battery and the guide to how to find the best deep cycle battery charger for your battery.
Car Battery Charger vs Deep Cycle Battery Charger
We have talked in detail about the difference between deep cycle batteries and cranking batteries in other articles. Check them out if you haven’t already. But since we have talked so much about the different types of batteries available, it is only likely that their chargers will also differ. And they do. We will look at the different types of chargers after we look at the products. But till then, let us find out what happens exactly when you charge a battery.
We know that a battery stores electrical energy. Not all batteries are rechargeable. Those which are can be recharged by passing a suitable amount of current back into the battery. The chemicals react in presence of these charges and store the electrical energy that is passed into them.
The difference between normal chargers and deep cycle battery chargers is that normal chargers do not have to worry much about the amount of current passing through the battery. But heavy deep cycle batteries are very delicate and thus different strategies are used to charge them as efficiently as possible. We will talk more about these different properties in detail but first let’s have a look at the different chargers available for you in the market.
Best Deep Cycle Battery Chargers
1. TECMATE OptiMATE 6 Ampmatic, TM-181, 9-step 12V 5A sealed battery saving charger & maintainer
Undoubtedly one of the most trusted and widely used battery chargers for a deep cycle battery, the Ampmatic by Tecmate excels on all standards when it comes to deep cycle battery chargers. As we have already discussed a bit about how deep cycle battery chargers and normal battery chargers differ in build and technology, we can safely say that the charger is designed properly and efficiently to give the best performance with all sorts of deep cycle batteries.
One of the key features of the charger is the auto turn-off feature. The charger automatically turns off in case of a short-circuit or when the battery is removed. This is a very good safety feature to have when you need a charger for your vehicles and smaller spaces and helps you prevent accidents.
The charger also has a functionality that lets you check the current status of the battery and the charger smartly adapts to whatever condition the battery is in. The charger can be used to recover sulfated batteries that have fallen up to 0.5V only.
The charger works great with a lot of batteries ranging from AGM to SLA to regular flooded batteries. All the powerful features that it packs gives it an edge over all the other competitors in the market but this also affects the price point of the charger, which can be a bit higher than some of the other competitors. But overall, this is a great product and totally worth the money.
Pros
- Auto charge monitoring.
- Works with batteries with a big range of capacities.
- Can be used to recover sulfated batteries.
- Good for vehicles.
- Durable and has a lot of safety features.
Cons
- Moderately expensive.
- Better options available if you narrow down the type of battery you need to charge.
2. NOCO Genius G15000 12V/24V 15 Amp Pro-Series Battery Charger and Maintainer
One of the most expensive batteries on our list, this is totally the battery for you if you are looking for something powerful and versatile. This charger will not only let you charge your battery but will also allow you to convert your battery into a constant current/constant voltage power supply. Thus this battery becomes an excellent choice for those who are looking for a battery charger for their vehicles or computer systems where such features are required.
The battery also features almost all the features from our last battery but this battery charger is even more versatile as this lets you charge 12V as well as 24V batteries. The charger has a built-in control system that smartly monitors your battery status and adjusts itself accordingly.
This battery charger can also be used to bring sulfated batteries back to life. The battery comes with reverse polarity protection and a spark-proof technology for the most controlled charging. The battery charger is also good for use with Li-Ion batteries.
The charger however, is quite expensive compared to its competitors and while this is an excellent and versatile charger, you can definitely find better deals if you are looking for something for a very specific type of battery.
Pros
- Auto charge monitoring.
- Works with both 12V and 24V batteries.
- Can be used to recover sulfated batteries.
- Good for vehicles and applications requiring a constant power supply.
- Durable and has a lot of safety features.
Cons
- Moderately expensive.
- Better options available if you narrow down the type of battery you need to charge.
3. Battery Tender Plus Charger Smart 12 Volt Automatic Float Chargers by Deltran – 021-0128
Featuring a simple and elegant design, this battery charger is a good deal for those who just need a simple battery charger for regular use. This battery charger is one of the most economical chargers on our list that also provides excellent performance.
Apart from the price, the other key feature of the battery charger is that it smartly adapts to the charging needs of the battery and then charges accordingly. The charger claims to have a faster charging than other 3A battery chargers due to a smarter design but we’ll let you be the judge of that.
The battery charger also exhibits a spark-proof technology that is a great safety feature as well. You can also monitor the charging state of your battery, thanks to the two solid LEDs on the charger.
You can however, not recover sulfated batteries using this charger which is not a very bad thing, considering the price point. The charger also does not say anything about reverse polarity protection and we recommend caution while using the charger just to be safe. But if you know what you’re doing, this charger can actually be a very good deal.
Pros
- Simple design.
- Can be used to charge all sorts of batteries.
- Affordable.
- Charge state monitoring.
- Durable.
- Spark-proof technology.
Cons
- Lacks a few additional features.
- Not very versatile.
4. LST 12V 5A Automatic Battery Charger Maintainer Smart Deep Cycle Battery Trickle Charger for Automotive
This battery charger is for you if you are looking for a simple yet powerful battery charger for your requirements.
The charger provides a host of features and is a very good deal if you are looking for something versatile. For starters, this battery charger works fine with any type of battery in any condition whatsoever. You can use this battery charger for a boat, trolling motor, car, automotive, motorcycle, automobile, lawn mower, lawn tractor, back-up generator, etc. The charger works great with a lot of batteries ranging from AGM to SLA to regular flooded batteries.
One of the best features of the charger however is that a charger is a great option if you need something to keep your battery levels steady. The charger works great when it comes to trickle charging and does a great job at keeping your battery levels steady.
The battery charger is also loaded with safety features such as reverse polarity protection, over-voltage protection etc. the brand also provides a 12-month refund if the charger turns out to be defective which is a great deal when it comes to durability.
All these features put together to make the charger a really good product and we definitely recommend it if it meets your criteria.
Pros
- Versatile.
- Best for trickle charging.
- 12-month refund policy.
- Advanced safety features.
- Works with all sorts of batteries.
Cons
- Somewhat expensive.
- Better deals available if you do not need versatility.
5. NOCO Genius GEN1 10 Amp 1-Bank On-Board Battery Charger, Black|Blacks
The best feature of this charger is that you get a lot of power options to choose from. This charger works exceptionally well with bigger batteries in general. The rated range is 25-230Ah, but we recommend using it for batteries higher than 50Ah for best results. This battery charger works fine with any type of battery in any condition whatsoever.
Additionally, this charger is highly recommended if you need something for your marine requirements as the battery charger is fully sealed and waterproof. The battery however, cannot be used to recover sulfated batteries neither is it recommended for Li-Ion batteries.
We recommend using the charger for regular AGM SLA batteries for best results. This charger is an exceptional example of how you can always find a charger specific for your needs. The charger lacks quite a few features normally exhibited by its competitors but it has a great set of specific features and thus this battery charger is an excellent deal if it matches your criteria.
Pros
- Economical.
- Best for marine purposes.
- Affordable.
- Sealed and comes with a lot of safety features.
- Works well with bigger batteries.
Cons
- Cannot recover sulfated batteries.
- Not the best interface.
6. CTEK (56-864) MUS4.3 12 Volt Fully Automatic 8 Step Battery Charger
A simple yet effective battery charger. The key feature of the charger is that the device follows a very unique eight-stage charging process. This gives the device greater precision over the whole charging process.
The charger has a very simple and intuitive design and has most of the features the other batteries on our list have. This battery is also completely sealed and protected making sure that it fits almost all climates. Additional features like reverse polarity protection, overcharge protection, etc can also be seen in the charger.
The simple yet intuitive design of the charger makes it a really good deal for people who are looking for simple battery chargers for their lead-acid batteries. The charger works one with most batteries but we feel it would work best with AGM or flooded type deep cycle batteries.
Pros
- Economical.
- Best for marine purposes.
- Affordable.
- Sealed and comes with a lot of safety features.
- Works well with bigger batteries.
Cons
- Cannot recover sulfated batteries.
- Not the best interface.
7. Schumacher SC1281 6/12V Fully Automatic Battery Charger with Advanced Diagnostic Testing
This is the battery you need if power is what you are looking for. This battery charger allows you 30A boost charge and a 100A jump start for vehicles like SUVs etc. Needless to say, this battery works great in vehicles and similar applications. This battery has been designed keeping in mind the battery of vehicles like Jeep Wrangler, RVs and similar appliances.
One of the key features of the battery is that it comes with a battery and alternator tester that helps you easily detect problems in your system. The battery is then capable of adjusting itself accordingly to the requirements.
We recommend using this battery if you have a requirement for monitoring your battery system closely and properly. The battery charger provides safety features like reverse polarity protection, overcharging protection etc. too for better usability.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Good battery monitoring system.
- 30A quick boost and 100A jump start.
- Built in battery tester.
- Safety features.
Cons
- Cannot recover sulfated batteries.
- Not the best interface.
8. NOCO Genius G3500 6V/12V 3.5 Amp Battery Charger and Maintainer
Yet another charger by NOCO. The battery also features almost all the features from the last NOCO battery on our list but this battery can charge 6V batteries easily too. The charger has a built-in control system that smartly monitors your battery status and adjusts itself accordingly.
This battery charger can also be used to bring sulfated batteries back to life. The battery comes with reverse polarity protection and a spark-proof technology for the most controlled charging. The battery charger is also good for use with Li-Ion batteries.
The battery charger works best with high capacity batteries and can easily charge batteries up to 120Ah capacity. This battery charger works fine with any type of battery in any condition whatsoever.it can smartly monitor your battery and adjust accordingly.
The charger however, is quite expensive compared to its competitors and while this is an excellent and versatile charger, you can definitely find better deals if you are looking for something for a very specific type of battery.
Read Also: Best Car Battery Jump Starter
Pros
- Works with all sorts of batteries.
- Can charge 6V batteries too.
- Good safety features.
- Very versatile.
- Lots of accessories to choose from.
Cons
- Not good for small batteries.
- More powerful options available.
9. BLACK+DECKER BM3B Fully Automatic 6V/12V Battery Charger/Maintainer with Cable Clamps and O-Ring Terminals
The charger provides a host of features and is a very good deal if you are looking for something versatile yet affordable. This battery charger works fine with any type of battery in any condition whatsoever. The charger works great with a lot of batteries ranging from AGM to SLA to regular flooded batteries.
The charger is very cheap compared to most of the other chargers on our list. This does not mean that the charger is a bad product. However, the functionalities provided by this charger are very limited. We highly recommend this charger if you are on a budget and looking for something simple yet effective.
The battery charger is also loaded with safety features such as reverse polarity protection, over-voltage protection, etc. The charger can be used for both 6V and 12V batteries which is a great feature to have considering the price point. However, we do not recommend using it for Li-Ion batteries.
Pros
- Works with all sorts of batteries.
- Can charge 6V batteries too.
- Good safety features.
- Very versatile.
- Good fit for small batteries.
Cons
- Cannot recover sulfated batteries.
- More powerful options available.
10. Guest 2711A ChargePro On-Board Battery Charger 10A / 12V, 2 Bank, 120V Input
This is a simple yet powerful battery charger. This charger is a very good option if you are looking for a battery charger that can quickly charge your group 27 battery. This battery charger is capable of charging two batteries at the same time. Needless to say, this provides you with a higher charging speed for the overall setup and reduces the time required. This makes the battery charger an optimal choice for setups such as RVs, inverters, etc.
The charger has a very simple and intuitive design and has most of the features the other batteries on our list have. This battery is also completely sealed and protected making sure that it fits almost all climates. Additional features like reverse polarity protection, overcharge protection, etc can also be seen in the charger.
The simple yet intuitive design of the charger makes it a really good deal for people who are looking for simple battery chargers for their lead-acid batteries. The charger works flawlessly with flooded or AGM batteries but you cannot charge Li-Ion batteries with it. The charger also has a steep price point which we think is a bit high for regular users. But if charging speed is a concern for you and you have a battery bank, definitely, this battery charger would be a good option for you.
It also comes with a 2-year warranty for additional reliability.
Pros
- Best for battery banks.
- Good safety features.
- Fast charging.
- Different power options.
- Durable.
Cons
- Cannot be used with Li-Ion batteries.
- Moderately expensive.
11. BatteryMINDer 1500: 12 Volt-1.5 AMP Battery Charger, Battery Maintainer, and Battery Desulfator
Featuring a simple and compact design, this battery charger is a good deal for those who just need a compact battery charger for regular use. This battery charger is one of the most economical chargers on our list that also provides excellent performance.
The charger is very portable and can function with ease with all sorts of different batteries. This charge is undoubtedly one of the easiest to use chargers on our list. The charger also has a built-in temperature compensation system that makes sure your battery is properly charging and takes care of reverse polarity protection. Along with that, the charger also features a ton of other functionalities.
You can also monitor the charging state of your battery, thanks to the LED indicators on the charger. The charger can easily take care of minor sulfation thus extending battery life. The charger however does not provide very fast charging and we recommend that you use the charger only when charging speed is not an issue for you. But keeping in mind the very affordable price point, the charger is definitely a very good deal.
Read Also: Best Portable Car Battery Charger
Pros
- Affordable.
- Portable.
- Good safety features.
- Works well with a lot of batteries.
- Durable.
Cons
- Cannot be used with Li-Ion batteries.
- Moderate speed of charging.
12. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Lithium Battery Charger, 2 Amp (BDCAC202B)
On our list, we have seen a lot of chargers that do not work with Li-Ion batteries so well. The main reason behind this is that Li-Ion batteries have a different chemistry than regular AGM batteries or flooded batteries. Thus they need to be charged in a different way.
This charger here is specifically designed for Li-Ion batteries. It is capable of charging batteries with a maximum limit of 16V and 20V. It claims to provide super-fast charging and charge any battery in less than 45 minutes.
If you have a Li-Ion battery, this charger can be one of the best options for you. It is fairly cheaper than multi-purpose battery chargers and provides very specific functionalities. Although, this battery charger may not be the best option for you if you have smaller batteries or you need a different charger for AGM batteries. In such cases, we’d recommend that you pick a multipurpose charger from our list.
Pros
- Best for Li-Ion batteries.
- Fast charging.
- Recharges batteries in 45 minutes or less.
- Lets you charge 16-volt Max and 20-volt Max batteries.
- 2A output current.
Cons
- Cannot charge AGM batteries.
- Does not have some common safety features.
13. Schumacher SE-1-12S 1.5A 6/12V Fully Automatic Battery Maintainer
This charger is very portable and has been designed keeping in mind small motorcycle batteries and other such applications. This charger is undoubtedly one of the easiest to use chargers on our list. The charger is very small and compact and best for traveling.
The charger is also very advanced in terms of the technology it uses. The charger has a microcontroller that monitors and adjusts the amperage according to the requirement of the battery. The multi-stage charging mechanism lets you charge with more precision.
As far as the design is concerned, the casing is a rustic, sealed box making the battery immune to harsh climates and weather. The battery charger also comes in a lot of variants for you to choose from. You should definitely consider this battery if you need a small charger for travel and do not require very fast charging.
Pros
- Works with all sorts of batteries.
- Can charge 6V batteries too.
- Good safety features.
- Very versatile.
- Good fit for small motorcycle batteries.
Cons
- Cannot recover sulfated batteries.
- More powerful options available.
14. BatteryMINDer 128CEC1: 12 Volt-2/4/8 AMP Battery Charger, Battery Maintainer, and Battery Desulfator
If you have a big battery bank, this product is the best in our list for you. The charger has a very simple and intuitive design and is capable of charging up to eight batteries at a time when connected in parallel. The batteries can be charged at different speeds which you are free to choose yourself. This gives you absolute control over the whole charging process in a very sophisticated way. The battery charger can be used with single batteries too, if you are wondering. Although there is one downside that you need to buy the connectors for the battery separately.
The charger also has a built-in temperature compensation system that makes sure your battery is properly charging and takes care of reverse polarity protection. Along with that, the charger also features a ton of other functionalities.
You can also monitor the charging state of your battery, thanks to the LED indicators on the charger. The charger can easily take care of minor sulfation thus extending battery life. The charger however does not provide very fast charging and we recommend that you use the charger only when charging speed is not an issue for you. But keeping in mind the very affordable price point, the charger is definitely a very good deal. However, f you do not have a battery bank, this charger can be very expensive to buy and thus not the best choice.
Pros
- Charges up to 8 batteries at a time.
- Durable.
- Good safety features.
- Easy to use.
- Variable charging speeds.
Cons
- Inefficient for single batteries.
- Somewhat expensive.
15. Optima Digital 400 12V Performance Maintainer and Battery Charger – 150-40000
This charger provides a host of features and is a very good deal if you are looking for smart chargers. Optima is a very renowned brand in the battery space already. This smart charger by Optima is an excellent choice for you if you are looking for something that can smartly monitor your battery and take the necessary steps for charging.
Let us discuss the various features of this charger. Firstly, the best feature is probably the smart charging feature like we just discussed. Secondly, the very user-friendly LCD display that displays the various properties of your battery while charging.
The charger also has a feature called the battery health mode that monitors the overall status of your battery and finds the optimal conditions for charging the battery. Over time, this feature allows you to get a better battery life from your battery.
Just like most other batteries on our list, this battery also features reverse polarity protection and spark-free technology for safer use. Overall, this is a great battery for those who are looking for something powerful and hi-tech.
Pros
- Smart technology.
- Amazing LCD display.
- Built-in health mode.
- Durable.
- Features a ton of safety features.
Cons
- Moderately expensive.
- Not optimal for Li-Ion batteries.
16. Schumacher SC1319 1.5A 6/12V Fully Automatic Battery Maintainer
This charger is built to meet the needs of charging rather bulky batteries at a standard charging rate. The charger outputs a current of 1.5A for constant charging.
The charger is also very advanced in terms of the technology it uses. The charger has a microcontroller that monitors and adjusts the amperage according to the requirement of the battery. The multi-stage charging mechanism lets you charge with more precision.
Another interesting feature is the auto voltage detection. The charger can intelligently detect if the connected battery is a 6V or a 12V battery and then it can make modifications accordingly. This happens without the user’s input and thus is a really nice little feature. Additionally, the charger also features reverse polarity protection and some other safety features for better control.
Pros
- Auto voltage detection.
- The microcontroller manages voltage levels.
- Good for regular batteries.
- Affordable.
- Durable.
Cons
- Not good for Li-Ion batteries.
- Not good for battery banks.
Types of Battery Chargers
We have discussed the different types of batteries available in the market in detail in a different article. To understand the different types of battery chargers in the market, first we need to understand the different types of batteries available to us.
Different battery types have different chemistries and thus they react differently to different charging techniques.
For this section, we’re just gonna assume that you are familiar with the basic battery types. With that assumption in mind, let us now discuss the different types of battery chargers available in the market for you to choose from.
There’s a lot of things you must keep in mind before you actually go out and buy yourself a battery charger. We will talk more about them in detail in the next section. Until then, just know that the first thing you need to keep in mind before you can properly buy a battery charger is that you must always look for the right specification of the charger for your battery. Choosing the wrong kind of charger can destroy the charger, the battery or both.
In this section, we will look at the most popular types of chargers available in the market nowadays.
Standard Chargers
These types of chargers are very basic in nature. These chargers were one of the first types of chargers that were used with rechargeable batteries. They are still around these days and are fairly inexpensive and simple.
They are basically a simple electronic circuit that outputs a simple DC voltage or a pulsating DC voltage, depending on the type of the battery in question. Their simple construction and design make them fairly easy and cheap. However, they have their own drawbacks too. Since they pass a simple voltage without any sort of feedback, they do not have features like overvoltage protection, etc. which we know to be a very important and demanded feature in battery chargers.
They can cause the batteries to get damaged in the long run and they must also be removed as soon as the charging is over or they can cause the batteries to get overcharged. This in turn can deteriorate the quality of the battery over repeated uses. In serious cases, the charger may even totally damage the battery and thus they are not an efficient solution.
But you can look for a standard charger if you’re on a budget. They work just fine as far as the charging functionality is concerned.
Three Stage Chargers
These types of chargers are very popular these days. They are more advanced than the simple chargers we just discussed.
They basically take care of the charging process in three different steps. They moderate the amperage based on the feedback from the outputs and thus can efficiently maintain the battery and keep the battery safe. They can also make the battery stay charged when the charging is complete and do not require to be disconnected.
In the first stage of the charging process, a huge current flows to the battery. This jolt of electricity removes sulfation and charges the battery up quite fast. Standard chargers often maintain a very low current for safety but the limitation does not exist with three stage chargers. Once the battery is rapidly charged upto a certain level, the internal resistance of the battery starts to act up. Fast charging at this stage can damage the battery by heating it up. Thus the charger moves on to the second stage. It decreases the amperage and starts charging the battery at a slower pace.
This goes on till the battery gets almost fully charged. At this point, further charging can damage the battery. Hence, the charger moves on to the third stage. At this stage, the charger outputs a very low and almost negligible amount of current which is just enough to compensate for the discharging of the battery that happens normally.
This keeps the battery charge maintained at 100% thus increasing battery life. This type of chargers are widely used these days due to their simple functionality and high efficiency.
Smart Chargers
They are an emerging technology. Their working principle is very similar to that of the three stage charger, the only difference being that they implement more complex electronics to get a better understanding of the battery. Apart from simple charging, they can also monitor the exact status of the battery. Some chargers can also tell you the state of sulfation and charge concentration in the battery.
Smart chargers can also be used as a power supply when required although this is a feature only seen in some products.
Fast Chargers
As the name suggests, these type of chargers let you charge your battery in the fastest way possible. But did not we say that too high charging speeds can damage the battery? Well yes, they can.
Fast chargers implement different calculations and find the optimal charging current for a given battery, some chargers even come with fans to keep the charger and the battery cooler. They are often paired up for use with regular Li-Ion batteries as they can support higher currents without experiencing any damage whatsoever.
Fast chargers however, are not the best option all the time and you should really consider getting a proper charger to get better battery life.
Don’t miss this video:
How to choose the best deep cycle battery charger?
We have discussed a bit about the different types of chargers for our deep cycle battery. In this section, we will find out how to buy the best deep cycle battery charger for our purpose.
To get the best charger for the battery, keep the following points in mind.
Type of Battery: The type of battery you have will greatly impact what kind of charger you buy. Normally, AGM batteries and Li-Ion batteries have different charging mechanisms and the same charger cannot be used for charging both types of batteries. Unless you’re planning on buying a normally expensive universal charger, consider keeping in mind the type of battery you have before you buy your charger. You don’t want to damage your battery using the wrong charger do you?
Type of Charging: Like we discussed in the previous section, a lot of different types of chargers exist in the market for you to choose from. You should be clear about the type of charger you need for your battery before you actually go out and buy a charger. If you are unsure about what kind of charger you should buy for you battery, see if the above section helps you in figuring it out or you can also consult a professional.
Charging Current: Different chargers have different charging currents. The same level of current is not acceptable for all batteries. You must carefully figure out what is the exact need of your battery before you go on and buy a charger. Using a charger with a lower current output will rsult in slower and inefficient charging, whereas, higher currents can actually damage your battery and decrease the battery life.
FAQs
Do deep cycle batteries need a special charger?
What amp should you charge a deep cycle battery?
How long does it take to charge a deep cycle battery at 10 amps?
How long does it take to charge a deep cycle battery with a trickle charger?
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed the different battery charger for deep cycle batteries available in the market. We have found the best products for you and we hope that you will find what you‘re looking for easily on our list. We have also discussed different types of chargers available in the market for you to choose from. We hope you found this article to be helpful.
Here are some other interesting choices available on today’s market:
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