Differentiating the LiftMaster, Chamberlain and Craftsman Brands of Garage Door Openers

Garage door openers have become a modern convenience for many homeowners and their families. Today’s automatic openers offer much more than just a convenient way to access the garage, as manufacturers are integrating technology such as:

• Ultra quiet smooth operation
• Smartphone activation
• WiFi connectivity
• Cameras
• Advanced security options
• Battery back-ups

There are many different makes and models of garage door openers on the market, and choosing one can become a somewhat overwhelming task. Three of the most reliable brands are LiftMaster, Chamberlain, and Craftsman – but what is the difference between them?

Are LiftMaster, Chamberlain, and Craftsman The Same Company?

Well, yes and no.  

The Chamberlain Group is the parent company to LiftMaster, which is their “Professional” brand sold to independent dealers. The Chamberlain brand is their “DIY” line of garage door openers that are sold in home stores and online. The Craftsman line was sold through Sears until Sears went bankrupt in 2018. Since then, other retailers have picked up the Craftsman name, but it is the lesser quality operator compared to LiftMaster and Chamberlain.

Essentially, the LiftMaster brand is the “professional” brand and is only sold by licensed dealers like Markham Garage Doors. Chamberlain and Craftsman are both residential “DIY” brands sold in different stores.

What is the Difference Between a Professional Brand and a DIY Brand?

Let’s start with the most obvious difference between a LiftMaster opener and a Chamberlain or Craftsman opener. LiftMaster uses a one-piece, solid steel T-rail from the motor to the header. This rail is extremely heavy-duty and does a better job at handling heavier garage doors.

Chamberlain and Craftsman garage door openers use a multi-piece drive rail, so it can be packaged in a small box for a customer to take home in their vehicle. This multi-piece drive rail assembles by pushing the sections together. This “clip-together” system creates flexibility and movement when opening/closing your garage door. While this may not be as strong as the LiftMaster rail, it has been a reliable drive rail throughout the years.

Warranty

When purchasing a LiftMaster opener, you don’t have to worry about the warranty. Everything is taken care of by the installer. When purchasing through a box store or online, the homeowner is responsible for any warranty issues by contacting Chamberlain or the store you purchased from.

Connecting the Operator Bracket to the Garage Door

The mounting bracket that comes with all openers is always reinforced by an operator bracket that spans from the strut to the middle hinge, distributing the weight across the entire top section. These parts are not supplied when purchasing the Chamberlain or Craftsman brand of opener. We supply them so you get the best performance out of your door and opener.

Get Professional Advice From the Experts in Garage Door Opener Installation

When choosing a garage door opener, homeowners will need to take several factors into consideration. In addition to baseline aspects such as cost, noise reduction properties, overhead clearance space, and the anticipated frequency of use, assessing the following can and often will influence an ultimate decision:

• Design – overall horsepower, dependable operation, compatibility with technology
• Hardware – accessories such as keypad entry, keychain remotes, track strength
• Warranties – what is covered by the manufacturers, and for what length of time?
• Safety and Security Features – auto-reverse mechanism, anti-access capabilities
• Customer Service/Support – owner’s manual, a service department, onsite repairs

Whether the intent is to purchase a Craftsman or Chamberlain garage door opener from a retail outlet or a LiftMaster model for professional installation, homeowners must make an informed decision to ensure the best possible return and performance from such an investment. The Markham Garage Doors team can be a valuable asset to homeowners in making the right choice of garage door opener for their personal needs and type of door, as well as its installation and any subsequent service or maintenance.

Hopefully, this article will help with any confusion you may have about LiftMaster, Chamberlain, and Craftsman openers. To summarize, if you want the best overall parts and labor support, have a LiftMaster opener installed by a licensed distributor, such as Markham Garage Doors.