Gents,

I bought a property with a double garage. It has one wide door and the electric garage door opener is ancient.

I wont be using the garage door daily. I'll be storing two cars and will access the garage for when I want to go for a cruise.

What garage door opener brands/models are preferred? Do I go to the big box stores or a garage specific retailer? I've never shopped for one.

Thanks!

 

I grabbed a Sommer years ago when we moved into our house to replace a dead one. We had two old ones, Craftsman. Bought it based on research. Still works great. Quiet, smooth and fairly quick.Bought from homedepot.com back when CAD was good. Looks like you can buy direct now from Canadian vendor site.

http://www.sommercanada.com/

Something to consider now, if you plan to put a lift in is whether you want to spring for a side mount opener to create more overhead room.

 

Since you only going to use it occasionally, just get the cheapest one that can lift your door. Heck, might even find a good deal on Kijiji if someone is upgrading to a fancier one.

 

I went for two LiftMaster when I built our home last year.

https://www.liftmaster.com/for-homes...ers/model-8500

 

I just installed a new one last year, as we moved into a new house that needed one. It is the regular belt driven one.

Works amazing, however, I regretted the choice after I discovered the LIFTMASTER ones, as oups59 mentions above. If I had one of the those then I would have been able to eliminate the unit hanging in the middle of the garage, since it places it on the side. Would have been much better for me, as I plan on storing things above the door, and the current lift gets in the way to a certain extent.

 

Liftmaster Jackshaft opener. Quiet, reliable, no unit in the middle of your garage and perfect for maximizing garage door height when door is open.

 

agreed re: liftmaster.

 

I bought a chamberlain belt drive for my place. When Canadian tire has sales on them they’re super cheap. It’s super quiet and hasn’t had any problems.

 

The last guy I know with the quiet belt drive opener had his car stolen out of his garage at 2am, while he was sitting in his living room.

 

Did he have his remote, or did he leave his man door open?
Onany garage door with windows make sure you zip tie your quick release to prevent outside release of it.

Lift master has come nifty wifi models as some older model cars are not compatible with the newer remote opener frequencies

 

Liftmaster is made by chamberlain. Same boards same motors in most models.

 

Jack shaft lift master here too. No issue.

 

liftmaster jackshaft on my lift side and a wifi belt driven on the other side.

 

Personally this is the only way to go. It really isn't that much more money.

 

Lift Master and Chamberlain are the same company, I believe. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamberlain_Group
I like the belt drive, especially is the garage is attached to the house. I have installed at least four myself. Taken out 6+.
Do measure your door height, some need extension bars to the kits. A side lift does make sense if you a thinking about a lift.
If you are shopping? Keep an eye on what is included in your package. Canadian tire has two remotes, Lowes has two remotes and a key pad.
Look at Costco specifically. They often have two remotes, key pad, key fob, laser parking assist thingy.