Grizzl-E Classic vs Grizzl-E Smart: which is better in September 2026
In our current home ev chargers rankings, the Grizzl-E Classic ranks higher at #5 (score 8.7) compared to the Grizzl-E Smart at #9 (score 8.4), a difference of 0.3 points. The most significant spec difference is Install: the Grizzl-E Classic offers Plug-in NEMA 14-50 versus Either on the Grizzl-E Smart.
Rank #5 Grizzl-E Classic
Built like a tank with a heavy-duty cast aluminum enclosure, offering bulletproof reliability for harsh winter climates without any finicky Wi-Fi dependencies.
Rank #9 Grizzl-E Smart
The battle-tested cast aluminum chassis of the Classic paired with OCPP 1.6J compliant Wi-Fi connectivity for custom network and smart app control.
Side-by-Side Specifications
| Attribute | Grizzl-E Classic | Grizzl-E Smart |
|---|---|---|
| Gear Scout Rank | #5 | #9 |
| Overall Score | 8.7 / 10 | 8.4 / 10 |
| Max output (A) | 40 A | 40 A |
| Power (kW) | 9.6 kW | 9.6 kW |
| Connector | J1772 | J1772 |
| Cable (ft) | 24 ft | 24 ft |
| Install | Plug-in NEMA 14-50 | Either |
| Smart | None | Wi-Fi app |
| Outdoor | NEMA 4 | NEMA 4 |
| Price | $300–500 | $300–500 |
Buying Recommendations
Choose the Grizzl-E Classic if:
- You prioritize Harsh cold weather climates.
- You prioritize Zero-maintenance plug-and-play.
- You prioritize Heavy cast aluminum durability.
- You want to avoid Grizzl-E Smart's drawback: Plug-and-play non-technical buyers.
- You want to avoid Grizzl-E Smart's drawback: Sleek low-profile garage aesthetics.
Choose the Grizzl-E Smart if:
- You prioritize Subzero outdoor durability.
- You prioritize Open charge point protocol (OCPP) users.
- You prioritize Heavy-duty cast aluminum enclosure.
- You want to avoid Grizzl-E Classic's drawback: Scheduled charging app seekers.
- You want to avoid Grizzl-E Classic's drawback: Over-the-air firmware updates.
In-Depth Model Overviews
Grizzl-E Classic Overview
Manufactured in Canada by United Chargers, the Grizzl-E Classic is the definitive workhorse of home EV chargers. It outputs up to 40 amps of power (9.6 kW) on a standard 50-amp circuit, adding roughly 30 miles of driving range per hour. Internal physical DIP switches allow homeowners to dial back amperage to 32, 24, or 16 amps if needed for legacy electrical panels. Housed in an airtight, fire-resistant NEMA 4 cast aluminum case, the Grizzl-E withstands direct blizzards, subzero deep freezes, and driving downpours without complaint. It features no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cloud dependencies—simply plug the 24-foot heavy-duty rubber cable into your vehicle and walk away. For drivers who prioritize mechanical reliability above all else, it is unbeatable.
Grizzl-E Smart Overview
The Grizzl-E Smart takes the virtually indestructible NEMA 4 aluminum housing of the Classic and integrates an OCPP 1.6J compliant Wi-Fi board. Delivering 40 amps of power (9.6 kW) via a 24-foot heavy-duty cold-weather cable, it delivers roughly 30 miles of range per hour of charging. It can be hardwired or plugged directly into a NEMA 14-50 receptacle. By utilizing the open OCPP standard, users can choose between multiple compatible mobile management apps (such as ChargeLab or AmpUp) rather than being locked into a proprietary cloud server. While early firmware revisions suffered from setup complexity, current units offer a rugged, open-ecosystem choice for tech-savvy EV drivers.