Also if there is a power cut the CTEK one carries on charging when the power returns whereas the Lidl one goes to standby, so another plus for the CTEK

The Aldi chargers also carry on charging at the trickle rate after a power cut, I lost a newish motorcycle battery due to one of the Lidl chargers so they are being replaced, those that haven't ended up in the bin already that is - 50% failure rate on them!

Had a quick look round online including the Auto Express test of battery chargers - whose top three were CTEK, Sealey and Maypole.

Was seriously considering the Maypole model they recommended as it was half the price of the CTEK, and Amazon were doing that one for £39, delivered and Auto Express were seemingly happy with it. But then noticed that Mayplole do a 4 amp version for around £20 AND it comes with the, permanently connected, connector cable kit that does away with the spring clamps. Similar to what CTEK do, except CTEK charge extra for the connector kit whereas Maypole include it for nothing.

I have two cars so I've ordered one for each car, meaning that I get a permanent connector kit for each car and, at £20 each, I've only spent £40 in total and have a spare charger in case one goes wrong.

Thanks for the suggestions which helped whittle it down. I suppose the CTEK is the serious solution (it had a 5 year warranty) but one contributor (above) wasn't all that impressed with CTEK's service and one or two forum members on other sites weren't entirely convinced that CTEK was worth double the cost of other options - so we'll see what happens.

I have the Maypole Smart Chargers 4 amp I think, and one Cteck MX5 charger. Of the two the Ctek is the better more sophisticated more expensive, charger.

I have relegated the Maypoles to other duties and just use the Cteck on our cars. Found that Cteck just failed the battery( fault light showing) in my new 2nd hand car. I have found the Ctek to be accurate in its fault finding. The Maypole hadnt showed anything wrong.

The RAC had checked the battery last week and said it was "serviceable" and that the car warranty doesnt cover the battery, what a surprise.

Varta quality is obviously not what it, was battery is 4 years old- 50k miles.

Changed batter on my 10 year old work car Suzuki sx4 in 2018 so 8 years old at the time, original battery from the factory this was a varta . I've always found their batteries to be excellent, maybe yours was a duff one but 4 years is considered good for a battery.

UPDATE.

Ordered just after midnight on the 16th (yesterday) - arrived at my doorstep just now ... that's not much more than 24 hours later.

Fitted the ring terminal connector leads (having first plugged the " 9 volt battery saver" into the cigarette lighter socket to save re-setting any lost settings).

Turned it on and it's going about it's business perfectly happily.

For £20, inc. next day delivery, I'm suitably impressed.

It cost 75% less than a CTEK so if it lasts 6 years - as the Aldi one did - I reckon I'll be satisfied.

Must admit to being ever so slightly chuffed. Glad I bought two now. (As was mentioned, I got the extra one for the ring terminal lead for the Mrs. car - but it'll also serve as an inexpensive spare).

If anyone's interested it's called a Maypole MP7423 6/12volt 4amp Electronic Smart Charger and was cheapest on Amazon (some places were asking lots more).

It feels quite solid and I haven't found the catch yet - certainly not too taxing to use .. literally plug and play and it sorts itself out.