What made the 1.2hp Genie a lemon? A 3/4hp is adequate for a typical 16x8 metal door.

There are 2 main companies that dominate the market: Genie and Chamberlain (who also make Liftmaster and Craftsman). These are both US based companies. The big box stores sell a couple non-US based products as well, currently Skylink and Sommer.

The openers the US companies offer and where to buy them mirror that of other household appliances - for specific product series they will change a function/aesthetic or add/delete a certain amenity to differentiate them at price points for markets or for a specific store, but you are getting the same internal package produced for that series. If you want a certain feature (e.g. single rail, or stainless tub for a washer), then you would move to another series by that manufacturer, who then again differentiates price points for that series. In comparing them at a big box store vs local mom and pop, you have to evaluate features in terms of model numbers.

For Liftmaster vs Chamberlain/Crafstman, Liftmaster is marketed as more "professional," with a higher price point, some better-suited parts, and a bit more complicated installation. Chamberlain/Craftsman is marketed as more "homeowner" with a lower price point and easier DIY installation.

During programming the remote, the belt lagged a bit and the trolley has a bolt-screw to tighten the belt, this part is bent now. I can straight it out but will have to reduce the tension on the belt. If I need to keep adjusting this tension repeatedly for a new unit, then I think it is a bad model or design. My concern is why did this have to happen just during programming it. This is a brand new unit and does this. Decided to have a professional come and install a better unit. The higher price point ones have a single rail verses sections of the rails. I also had a $40 extension kit installed for the Genie. (Model 7155L). If Genie makes Liftmaster, that is probably one professional brand I need to avoid I guess :).

1. Genie, Washington (state)

2. Chamberlain Group (Liftmaster, Chamberlain, Craftsman), Illinois

Ours is a Lift Master shaft drive. Quiet (bedrooms above), frees space in center of garage, more secure with a deadbolt onto the track when closed, battery backup in case of electrical failure and app operable remotely.

Thank you all! going with a Liftmaster and in process of getting quotes.

Is your door and the springs in proper balance? With the GDO disconnected, the door should easily be able to be manually lifted to approximately chest height and remain there without assistance. If it falls down, the springs are not doing their job and the GDO is being over stressed.