Genie SilentMax 1000

The belt-driven Genie SilentMax 1000 garage door opener has a DC motor, so its force is measured as hpc or "horsepower comparable." It is comparable to a 3/4-horsepower garage door opener.

Noise

No noise here. Like the less powerful Genie QuietLift 800 (*Est. $190), owners say the Genie SilentMax 1000 lives up to its name. In a review posted on HomeDepot.com, one customer notes that "the unit is super quiet, been running now for two months without a hitch."

Ease of installation

Easy to install in just a few hours. Reviewers say installing the Genie SilentMax 1000 is very easy. One HomeDepot.com reviewer installed it in just two hours with a friend's help; he says they had a minor issue with programming the wireless devices, an issue that was quickly resolved with a toll-free call to customer service. A couple of owners report managing the job alone -- with an extra stepladder to help hold the unit up -- in just a few hours. If your garage door is taller than 7 feet, you'll need to purchase the optional extension kit (*Est. $42).

Power

Ready for heavy lifting. The SilentMax 1000 has a ¾-horsepower motor that most owners say is sufficient for lifting their doors smoothly and reliably. Genie does not list a weight limit for this garage door opener, however.

Ownership experience

Manufacturer thought of everything. Several owners say the Genie SilentDrive 1000 is a great buy for the money. One popular feature is Genie's "closed confirm" accessory (*Est. $50), which beeps and illuminates a green light to confirm that your door is closed, or a red light to signal that there's a problem. Other notable features include two bright bulbs for overhead lighting, the ability to automatically switch frequencies (315 or 390 MHz) to minimize interference and a lifetime warranty on the motor and gearbox. Even when something goes wrong, Genie's customer service usually saves the day, owners say

The bottom line

The Genie SilentMax 1000 hasn't received enough reviews to be ranked as solidly as the best-reviewed belt-drive model, the Chamberlain Whisper Drive WD822KD (*Est. $200). But the reviews we did find on HomeDepot.com and a few blogs) were almost universally positive. High points include its quiet, powerful operation and Genie's helpful customer service.