If price isn't a big issue, which brand and type of garage door opener is best?

Question

I'm not too worried about price, b/c you can always find a deal....I also believe in buying the right product the first time so I don't sink $$ into replacing it more frequently.
That being said, which brand of garage door opener is best: Liftmaster, Chamberlain, Craftsman, Genie? And which type: belt, screw, chain? Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

LiftMaster/Chamberlain/Sears openers are all manufactured by the same parent company, Chamberlain. All are of equal quality, with only subtle differences. The most notable difference is that LiftMaster branded machines are professionally installed products available through authorized dealers (read: garage door companies), while the Chamberlain and Craftsman brands are"Do It Yourself" openers. Because the LiftMaster dealers don't have to be concerned with retail shelf space, the long rail that runs down the center of the ceiling is a one-piece component, while the rail that is included with retail versions of all openers, even Genies, is a sectional component that has to be assembled.

Although Genie may have better brand name recognition today, they are the bottom feeders when it comes to quality and service at this point. Cheapest, yes, but best? Not really.

Installation of an opener as a DIY project should be fairly easy, as long as you are reasonably mechanically inclined. If you've got a friend or two to help, it's a piece of cake.

The type of opener to buy depends on what is important. Belt driven openers are the smoothest, quietest openers out there, but tend to be sold at a price premium. Chain drives are the middle of the road openers when it comes to noise, but many people prefer them on the belief that the chain will last longer than a belt. Although this last fact is really not true, you can save a bit of $$$ by going with a chain drive. Admittedly, I am anti-screw drive, for the simple fact that they tend to require a bit more maintenance and adjustment to keep working in tip-tip shape, and they also tend to be noisy by their very nature, but some people swear by them.

If I were making the choice, I would by a LiftMaster or a Chamberlain, depending on whether I was installing it myself or if I just wanted to pay to have the thing put up professionally. I would steer clear of Sears/Craftsman openers, as their service and warranty policies just ain't what they used to be.

Try www.chamberlain-diy.com, www.liftmaster.com, and www.genie.com for more info.

Answer 2

Chamberlain has the best quality garage door openers.

Best of luck with your garage!

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