Choose a budget
This model supports up to 40 amps of charging, has a 25-foot cord, and is completely weatherproof. Plus, it’s less expensive than many similar models.
Although it costs less than many of the chargers in our test group, the United Chargers Grizzl-E Classic 40A offers many of the same capabilities and features as pricier models. It’s not as stylish looking as some of our other picks, and is only available in a J1772 plug configuration, but it’s sturdy, durable, easy to use, and equipped with a long cord.
Works with most electric vehicles. Unlike our top pick, the Grizzl-E Classic only has a J1772 plug, but you can still purchase a separate J1772-to-NACS adapter to use with a Tesla or other vehicle that has a NACS port. The company also sells a NACS plug holder that you can mount next to the charger, which is convenient if you plan to use this type of adapter frequently.
She’s strong. The Grizzl-E Classic is rated for a maximum current of 40 amps, which we were able to reproduce in our tests. It can charge much faster than the Level 1 chargers that come with most electric cars.
It has a long and flexible cord. Like the Emporia charger, the Grizzl-E Classic has a 25-foot cord, one of the longest chargers we’ve tested. The wire is thin and flexible enough that you can easily wrap it when you are not using it.
Provides multiple installation options. In addition to being hardwired ready, the Grizzl-E Classic comes with either a NEMA 14-50 plug or a NEMA 6-50 plug; You choose one or the other at checkout.
It is a safe purchase. The Grizzl-E Classic is UL Listed, which means it has been tested and certified to be compliant with national safety and compliance standards.
It’s designed to fit most environments. If you want the option of mounting your charger outside, this model has the most weather-resistant exterior of any model we tested. Its IP67 rating indicates that the charger is fully protected against surface dirt, dust, moisture, and even heavy rain or snow.
The Grizzl-E Classic’s charging plug has a rubber cover attached to a lanyard, protecting the internal components from the elements. Also, like most of the models we tested, this one is rated to operate safely within a temperature range of -22 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is relatively affordable. As of this writing, the Grizzl-E Classic is one of the less expensive models we’ve tested, costing just $350.
It has a great warranty. United Chargers’ three-year warranty is the same as we’ve seen, so you’ll have plenty of time to install and use your charger and determine if it needs replacement or repair. An optional five-year warranty costs an additional $100.
It doesn’t take up much space. This model is relatively compact and lightweight, measuring 6.25 x 10.25 x 3.5 inches (not including the cord) and weighing just 20 pounds (about the same as a beagle). It comes with wall mounting hardware for the main unit, as well as a wall-mountable case for the charging nozzle.
Comes in three colors. Grizzl-E Classic Original Black. The Grizzl-E Avalanche 40A and Grizzl-E Extreme 40A are identical models that come in white and camouflage print, respectively.
It’s not the best-looking charger we’ve tested. The Grizzl-E Classic has a blocky design, and the shiny surfaces of its coated metal case attract more fingerprints and smudges than most devices. But we think most people can overlook its substandard aesthetics in exchange for its superior weathering ability.
The packaging is not great. When we unboxed this charger, it wasn’t as well packaged as other models; This will likely result in it being damaged during transportation (and we found several buyer reviews that reported damaged parts, dents, or dents right out of the box). But since our charger arrived intact, and the charger appears to be solidly built overall, we don’t think this is a major cause for concern. Just be sure to check your device for signs of damage before setting it up.
How the Grizzl-E Classic 40A has held up
Our long-term test model had its nozzle stuck into a Rivian charging port. After using this charger every day for a few months, our long-term tester ran into a problem: the charging nozzle got stuck in the car’s charging port. United Chargers provided her with a replacement charger within a few days, and in the meantime, she had a representative from Rivian make a house call — they unscrewed the plug with a screwdriver. It’s been about a year without any recurring issues, but we found a couple owner reviews reporting the same issue, so we’re keeping an eye on others.
