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COPYRIGHT 2002 Consumers Union of the United States, Inc.
Whether you're replacing a garage-door opener or buying one for the first time, technology is on your side. The latest models we tested require less force to automatically stop and reverse the door if it touches a person or an object. New ones also have remote controls that thwart thieves by using constantly changing "rolling codes." Unlike older models, which entailed lengthy code setting, the latest do most or all of that setup for you. Once the door is down, it's automatically locked--a convenience over non-powered doors. Four we tested are especially quiet, a plus for light sleepers or homes where someone lives or works over a garage.
WHAT WE TESTED, WHAT WE FOUND
The nine openers in this report include leading brands Chamberlain, Craftsman (Sears), Genie, and LiftMaster. Just two manufacturers make most garage-door openers: Chamberlain makes Craftsman and LiftMaster models along with its own brand, while Overhead Door makes Genie units. That explains why models sold under different brands may look similar.
Most openers are install-it-yourself models sold at large retailers. Professional units like the Genie Pro and LiftMaster are sold by professional installers and can have a higher price, though not always. At $200, the high-scoring LiftMaster costs about the same as other top performers--and far less than the $350 Genie Pro model we tested. Figure on $125 or so to have an opener installed, though you can opt to do the work yourself, as do roughly half of all buyers.
Don't assume that "pro" models are better or...
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