Consumer Reports Tests Residential Openers

© 2002 Door & Access Systems
Publish Date: Spring 2002
Author: Tom Wadsworth
Page 38

Consumer Reports Tests Residential Openers

The January 2002 issue of Consumer Reports (CR) magazine reported the results of its latest testing of residential garage door openers.

The new report tested only nine openers, and all of them featured rolling code technology, a 1/2-hp motor, and were made by Chamberlain or Genie. Four of the units had belt-drive systems, three featured screw-drive operation, and two were chain driven. At least three units used a DC motor.

The rating system considered factors such as noise, ease of adjustment, force required before reversing, and ease of assembly. CR measured the noise in decibels recorded in a room above the test garage.

"All of the tested openers worked impressively," concluded the report. The LiftMaster Estate Series 2500 and the Genie Pro Stealth models, both with belt drive and DC motors, scored highest in CR's overall ratings. The report noted that both units are available only through professional dealers.

The report said this group of openers "required roughly 30 percent less closing force to trigger the backup reverse feature than most we tested in 1994." Noting that half of all buyers install the opener themselves, the story added, "Figure on $125 or so to have an opener installed."

The publication accepts no advertisements to reduce accusations of bias. The magazine has a Web site at www.consumerreports.org.