Genie QuietLift 800

The belt-driven Genie QuietLift 800 garage door opener has a DC motor, so its force is measured as hpc or "horsepower comparable." It is comparable to a 1/2-horsepower garage door opener.

Noise

Genie QuietLift is aptly named. Consumers say the Genie QuietLift 800, like other belt-driven garage door openers, lives up to its name. "We're impressed with how quiet it is. The dogs don't even bark when someone comes home," says one HomeDepot.com reviewer. Another owner, this time from Amazon.com, says that "it's funny when I hear all my neighbors' garage doors squeaking and the loud chains going up and down while mine is pure silence! Love it!"

Ease of installation

Despite some tight spots, installation usually goes smoothly. Owners say installing the Genie QuietDrive 800 takes about four to six hours, a task made easier by the clear packaging and instructions. They also say that programming the remotes and outside keypad is "a breeze." The biggest problem with installation seems to be aligning the rail sections once the belt is in place; we found comments that it's a snug fit, even with the belt as slack as possible.

The standalone opener only handles doors up to 7 feet tall, but there's an extension kit (*Est. $42) for 8-foot doors. The biggest complaint we found about the QuietLift 800's otherwise well-written instructions was that "they missed some crucial info" for installing the extension kit.

Power

Strong, silent type. Reviewers say that the Genie QuietLift 800 isn't just quiet, it's also powerful and smooth. Users praise the QuietLift 800's variable-speed motor for its gentle starts and stops, although some owners say it's too slow. Unlike other Genie garage door openers, the company does list a weight limit for the QuietLift 800: 500 lbs.

Ownership experience

Pleasant to own. Most owners say they are very satisfied with their Genie QuietLift 800 garage door opener. If there is a problem, Genie's customer service is competent and effective. Owners also like the features on this model, such as dual operating frequencies to reduce interference and a bright, two-bulb lighting system that can be turned off without having to open or shut the door. They also like having the ability to control two doors from one wireless keypad. Owners say that if they're  going to be traveling for a long period, they can choose to disable the keypad and remotes.

The bottom line

The Genie QuietLift 800 isn't perfect, but reviewers find little fault with it; they agree that it's powerful and quiet, if a little slow for some. The biggest complaint we found was from an Amazon.com user who gave the QuietLift 800 a 1-star rating, saying that it drains too much power while in standby mode. It hasn't received enough user reviews to form a comprehensive rating on par with, say, the top-rated belt-drive Chamberlain Whisper Drive WD822KD (*Est. $200); however, from what user comments we found, the QuietLift 800 looks like an excellent alternative to the WD822KD.