Milwaukee M18 Dual Bay Simultaneous Super Charger

When I first got my hands on Milwaukee's M18 Dual Bay Simultaneous Super Charger, I was immediately struck by its heft and size. At 14.2 inches long, 7 inches deep, and standing 5.5 inches tall, it certainly commands a notable footprint. It's not something you can easily tuck into a corner of your workshop without planning—this charger needs its own dedicated space. But once you find a spot for it, the magic begins.

The charger itself is straightforward to use. Plug it into a standard electrical outlet, pop in your M18 batteries, and you're good to go. The built-in intelligence of this charger optimizes charging performance, adjusting the charge rates to ensure each battery gets the best treatment. A standout feature is its ability to charge two M18 batteries simultaneously, which is a game-changer for any professional or heavy DIY user.

One of the first things I noticed was the active cooling system. As soon as you insert a battery, the cooling fan kicks in. It's not whisper-quiet, but it's not overly irritating either. This fan ensures that the batteries remain cool during the rapid charging process, reducing downtime and prolonging battery life. The fan's noise is a small trade-off for the efficiency it brings to the table.

Charging speed is where this charger truly shines. Milwaukee claims it can charge certain batteries to 80% in just 15 minutes, and my experience supports that assertion. For instance, my M18 red lithium XC5.0 batteries charged rapidly, and when I used the M18 red lithium high output XC6.0 battery, the super charging symbol lit up, indicating an even faster charge. However, not all batteries are supercharge-compatible. The ones that are will have an etched lightning bolt on the top of the battery pack, signaling their ability to charge at 9A+.

The charger prioritizes which battery to charge faster using its Charge Adapt feature. This means if you insert two batteries with different states of charge, the charger will initially focus on the one that needs it most. This intelligent distribution of power ensures that you always have a fresh battery ready to go, significantly reducing downtime. For example, if one battery is at 75% and another at 25%, the charger will prioritize the latter, ensuring it's ready for action as quickly as possible.

The LED indicators are another thoughtful touch. Each bay has its own set of indicator lights, clearly showing the charging status. Solid red means charging, slow-flashing green means almost full, and solid green indicates a fully charged battery. This clear communication eliminates any guesswork, allowing you to focus on your tasks rather than constantly checking on battery status.

One notable aspect is the charger's physical build. Made from durable polycarbonate, it feels robust and ready to withstand the rigors of a busy workshop. The integrated hang holes are a nice addition, offering an option for wall mounting if bench space is at a premium. Weighing in at 5.5 pounds, it's not lightweight, but its sturdiness reassures me of its durability.

The charger's versatility is commendable. It works with all M18 batteries, whether they're CP, XC, HD, HO, or Forge. This universal compatibility makes it a valuable addition to any Milwaukee tool user's arsenal. The ability to charge multiple batteries quickly and efficiently means I can keep my power tools running without interruption, significantly boosting productivity.

One minor drawback is the fan noise. While it's not excessively loud, it's noticeable, especially in a quieter setting. Additionally, the fan continues to run until the charging process is entirely complete, which might be slightly annoying for some users. However, given the benefits of rapid and simultaneous charging, this is a relatively minor inconvenience.

Another point to consider is that the superfast charging feature only works with newer "Force" batteries. Older batteries, while still charging quickly, won't hit the same speed benchmarks. This isn't a deal-breaker but is something to be aware of if you're planning to use this charger with a mix of old and new batteries.

In terms of performance, the M18 Dual Bay Simultaneous Super Charger is exceptional. It charges batteries faster than any other charger I've used, keeping me and my crew working with minimal downtime. Whether I'm using a single battery tool or a two-battery tool, this charger ensures that I always have a ready supply of power. The active cooling system, intelligent charge distribution, and clear LED indicators all contribute to a seamless user experience.

However, it's worth noting that the initial cost might be a bit steep for some users. But when you consider the time saved and the increased productivity, it's an investment that pays off quickly. Especially if you're in a profession where downtime equates to lost revenue, this charger is worth every penny.

In conclusion, I highly recommend the Milwaukee M18 Dual Bay Simultaneous Super Charger. Its rapid and simultaneous charging capabilities, built-in intelligence, and robust build make it an invaluable tool for anyone who relies heavily on Milwaukee M18 batteries. While there are minor drawbacks like fan noise and the need for space, the benefits far outweigh these issues. If you're serious about keeping your tools powered and minimizing downtime, this charger is a must-have addition to your toolkit.