The Craftsman 3/4-hp Garage Door Opener Chain Drive 53990 (Sears item 00953990000) is a powerful model that uses a chain drive to raise and lower the door. Keep in mind that chain drives tend to be louder than models that use belt drives, but they're also less expensive. If you've got a particularly heavy garage door, owning a unit like this, which is powered by a 3/4-horsepower rather than a lighter-duty 1/2- or even 1/3-horsepower motor, makes a lot of sense.

For a moderate-priced opener, this unit has a few nice perks. The two lights turn on automatically when the sensor detects somebody in the garage. The motion sensor works by detecting body heat, which is a cool feature, but it could get confused on extremely hot days. The Craftsman 3/4-hp Garage Door Opener Chain Drive 53990 also has a lock feature that prevents the door from being opened by the handheld remote controls, which could provide a little extra peace of mind if you're heading out on vacation for an extended period.


Pros: Powerful motor
Cons: Uses chain-drive system

Warranty
5 years, parts; lifetime, motor