Milenco OptiMate 6 – 12V Smart Battery Charger, Maintainer & Desulfator: Complete Review and Guide

The Milenco OptiMate 6 is a multi-stage 12V smart charger built to test, recover, charge and maintain lead-acid leisure batteries, without the risk of overcharging that comes with a basic trickle charger.

How it works

OptiMate 6 runs an automatic program that analyses the battery first, then applies recovery or desulfation if needed, charges it, tests the result, and switches to a maintenance mode once the battery reaches full charge. Ampmatic control adjusts the charge rate to suit the size and condition of the battery being charged, and it's designed to be left connected long-term for storage without overcharging.

What it's compatible with

It's built for deep-cycle and starter 12V lead-acid batteries, including flooded, AGM, gel and EFB types, making it suitable for motorhomes, caravans, campervans, cars, motorcycles and boats.

Safety

The charger is spark-safe with reverse-polarity and short-circuit protection, housed in a weather-resistant casing with clear status LEDs so you can see what stage the charge is at.

What's in the box

OptiMate 6 comes with a crocodile clamp quick-connect lead for occasional use, a fused ring-terminal lead for a permanent, easy plug-in connection, a mains lead and a user guide.

Getting the most from it

For easiest day-to-day use, Milenco recommends fitting the ring-terminal lead to the battery permanently so you can simply plug the charger in when parked. Match polarity carefully (red to positive, black to negative) and make sure the area is ventilated while charging.