EBL 12+2 Bay Universal Charger Review – AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V Ni-MH Batteries.
If you use rechargeable batteries regularly, you know how quickly charging space becomes a bottleneck. Most chargers only handle a few cells at a time, leaving you swapping batteries in and out all day. That’s where the EBL 12+2 Bay Universal Charger comes in—a multi-bay, multi-size charger that promises to handle almost everything you throw at it. I’ve been testing it with AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V Ni-MH rechargeable batteries, and here’s what I found.
Overview and Build Quality
The EBL 12+2 Bay Charger is designed with 12 individual slots for cylindrical cells (AA, AAA, C, and D) and 2 dedicated ports for 9V batteries. This gives you a total of 14 charging positions—a huge advantage for households, photographers, hobbyists, or anyone with multiple battery-powered devices.
The charger has a sturdy plastic build with a clean, functional design. Each slot has spring-loaded contacts that easily accommodate different battery lengths, and the bay layout is well-spaced to prevent overcrowding. Ventilation slots on the sides help keep temperatures under control during long charging sessions.
Compatibility and Charging Technology
The EBL 12+2 Bay Universal Charger is compatible with:
AA Ni-MH / Ni-Cd
AAA Ni-MH / Ni-Cd
C Ni-MH / Ni-Cd
D Ni-MH / Ni-Cd
9V Ni-MH / Ni-Cd
It uses independent charging circuits, meaning each battery charges individually without being paired with another of the same size or charge level. This is a big plus—many cheaper chargers require batteries to be charged in matched pairs, which can be inconvenient and even shorten battery life if one cell is weaker than the other.
The charger also has automatic voltage detection and overcharge protection, ensuring cells stop charging when they’re full, protecting both the charger and your batteries.
Display and User Feedback
The EBL charger features LED indicators for each slot. These show red while charging and green when charging is complete. While this system is simple and easy to read, it doesn’t provide advanced information like exact voltage or mAh capacity (something found in high-end analyzers). For most users, though, the basic red/green status is more than enough.
Charging Performance
In my testing, the EBL 12+2 delivered consistent, reliable performance:
AA 2000mAh Ni-MH: Fully charged in about 5–6 hours from empty.
AAA 800mAh Ni-MH: Fully charged in about 3–4 hours.
C/D cells: Times varied depending on capacity but averaged 6–8 hours for standard capacities.
9V Ni-MH: Around 6–7 hours for a 200mAh pack.
Heat buildup was minimal, thanks to the built-in temperature control. Even after several hours of continuous charging, the unit stayed comfortably warm but never hot.
Real-World Use Cases
This charger really shines for people who rely on rechargeable batteries across multiple devices:
Photography – Powering flashes, triggers, and accessories.
Audio gear – Wireless mics, recorders, and transmitters.
Household gadgets – Remote controls, toys, wall clocks.
Hobby electronics – HAM radios, RC controllers, and LED setups.
The ability to charge up to 14 batteries at once is a game-changer, reducing downtime and eliminating the need to juggle multiple chargers.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Charges up to 14 batteries at once (12 cylindrical + 2x 9V).
Works with AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V Ni-MH/Ni-Cd.
Independent charging circuits for each slot.
Overcharge and overheat protection.
Solid build quality and reliable performance.
Cons:
Basic LED indicators (no digital display or capacity readout).
Slightly larger footprint compared to small desktop chargers.
Not compatible with Li-ion cells.
Final Verdict
The EBL 12+2 Bay Universal Charger is an excellent choice if you use a lot of rechargeable batteries in different sizes. It’s reliable, easy to use, and offers a massive charging capacity that few consumer chargers can match. While it lacks advanced display features, it delivers solid performance and safety at a very reasonable price point.
If you’re tired of swapping batteries in and out of smaller chargers, this unit will make your life a lot easier. For households, hobbyists, and gear-heavy professionals, it’s a smart investment that will quickly pay for itself.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Highly recommended for multi-device users and rechargeable battery enthusiasts.
I switched over to EBL batteries about 5 years ago from Eneloop. They last almost as long and are a good bit cheaper. I’m still using my XTAR charger though. It might be time to try a new charger.