Chamberlain Power Drive PD210D

Reviewers say that if you're looking for a simple, no-frills garage door opener at a good value, the 1/2-horsepower, chain-drive Chamberlain Power Drive PD210D (also sold as the Chamberlain G248730) fits the bill. However if you have a heavy garage door to lift or want extra features, like a wireless keypad or more than one remote control, it's worth considering more expensive models like the 3/4-horsepower chain-drive Chamberlain Power Drive PD752D (*Est. $200).

Noise

Surprisingly quiet for a chain drive model. Most chain-drive garage door openers draw at least a few noise complaints, but reviewers seem happy with the Chamberlain PD210D's noise levels. As one Amazon.com reviewer writes, "Quiet factor is ok. The opener motor doesn't seem to be any quieter or louder than any other basic Chamberlain unit we've installed." Another says there's no real difference between the PD210D and a belt-driven model's noise levels, unless you have a room directly over the garage, in which case the belt-driven opener is quieter.

Ease of installation

Relatively quick to install, but can be a little confusing. User reviewers say that the Chamberlain PD210D is pretty easy to install, but several comment that the manual can be confusing in spots. Install times range from two and one-half hours to five hours or more. Although having help makes it easier, owners report no problems installing the PD210D on their own with a stepladder to help hold the far end up.

High points include easy-to-program remote controls, using the Smart learn button on the back of the unit. Downsides include having to purchase the screws and bolts for mounting the unit, along with mounting brackets, and having to adjust the limits by trial and error. The PD210D can handle a 7-foot door as-is, but you'll need to buy an extension kit for 8-foot or 10-foot doors (*Est. $50 to $80).

Power

Slow and steady, but it gets there. Most owners say the Chamberlain PD210D is powerful enough to get the job done, but a few echoed comments similar to this assessment from a Lowes.com customer: It's "quiet, but not too fast."

Ownership experience

No frills works for some, not others. Although a few owners comment about receiving just one remote and no wireless keypad with the Chamberlain PD210D, most don't seem to mind because they've received "a great deal for the price." They're not looking for much more than a garage door opener that's not too hard to install and does its job -- no frills necessary. As one Amazon.com customer says, "It works very nicely. I'd buy another one."

On the other hand, some tire of having to make adjustments or repairs. "This unit at $129 is decent in price, but not in hassle," writes one Amazon.com reviewer. "Quality is ok not cheap but not the best," says a customer on Lowes.com. Another, writing on Amazon.com, notes that every rail segment had cracks in the welded seams and that he's concerned about the possible need to re-weld them. Others say they worry about the plastic chain reversal pulley and some replace it with a metal pulley, while others reuse the old chains from other models.

The bottom line

There's no mistaking the Chamberlain Power Drive PD210D for a high-end model. But for a garage door opener that works well at a lower price, it's the best-reviewed model we found for less than $150.