LiftMaster 8550 Elite Series Review
Most affordable garage door openers feature a chain system which opens and closes the door. There isn’t anything wrong with it, but it may be a bit loud and isn’t refined. That’s why high-end models use a belt system. It is quieter and more pleasant to use. This is the main advantage of the Liftmaster 8550. It still offers belt system, regardless of the fact it is affordable.
Product overview
The 8550 LiftMaster truly comes with plenty of the features and a decent quality. The heart of this unit is a ¾ HP electric motor, which is capable of lifting and lowering all types of garage doors. Even heavy ones, made from wood won’t be problematic for the electric motor and the belt system. We can deduce that this the main advantage of the system.
Design of the unit is appealing in the lack of a better word. We liked the fact it doesn’t look conventional like most other models, so for the homeowners who want something a bit different, this model is just right. Obviously, the design isn’t special, but it would be a nice thing having this model installed in your garage.
One of the more interesting features include the programmable speeds of the unit. You can choose between slower or quicker setting. In essence, this is helpful for users who want to close their door as soon as possible, but they also want an option to close the door as quietly as possible. Here we should add the fact that the LiftMaster 8550 horsepower and a belt system allow smooth door opening and closing. As a matter of fact, it can even be compared with more expensive models.
The power cord is 6 feet long, which allows for homeowners to install the unit easier and without any modifications to a garage. It is one of those, small features which can make a huge difference, so we liked it a lot.
Product Advantages
There are a lot of advantages this small Liftmaster garage door opener has to offer. The secret is in the fact it is a newer generation unit, so most features come as standard.
- Battery powered
In a case there is a power outlet, your garage door will stay fully operational. This is possible due to the fact the unit comes with built-in batteries, which allow for the users to open and close doors for 40 times before the battery drains out. We believe that this should be a standard feature available with all garage door openers.
- Automatic door closing
The unit comes with a timer which will close the door 1 or 5 or 10 minutes after you have left the garage. But, it also allows you to adjust the timer as you want, up to 99 minutes. With this feature, you won’t have to worry about the open door or have you close them properly.
- Compatible with MyQ and HomeLink
Being a newer device on the market, the LiftMaster 8550 price allows you a full compatibility with the MyQ and HomeLink. As you may know, the first option here is used to connect the garage door opener on your smartphone and control the door remotely. The HomeLink allows you to connect the device with vehicles which were made after 2012.
- Automatic adjustment
You must know that garage door openers must be adjusted occasionally, in order to close the door as perfectly as possible. But, this unit goes one step forward. It comes with automatic adjusting system, which will analyze the data and apply correct force, depending on the temperature, door weight and etc. In short words, you won’t have to adjust the system manually ever again.
- Permanent-lubrication gear system
The gear system of this model is closed, which brings us to another advantage. This allows to the inner elements and parts to be permanently lubricated. The lubrication prolongs their lifespan and allows to your garage door opener to run smoothly and quietly. Without this feature, you would have to lubricate the inner components all by yourself.
This system, paired with the automatic adjustments has a huge effect in eliminating jamming. In the lack of a better word, we must say that the risk of jamming is kept to a zero.
- Remote lighting
The system will activate the light (200 watts) every time you get in the garage or get out. There is no need to use the switch or anything else. Furthermore, this advantage allows you to move in a garage while it is illuminated. There is no need in telling you that the lights would be automatically turned off.
- 3 sensors for door closing prevention
In a case some object is detected below the garage door, the opener ill prevent door closing. It is only possible thanks to the three sensors implemented into the device. They monitor the area beneath the door at all times and apply the door closure prevention when needed.
Product Critique
There are a few issues with this small garage door opener. The first one is the fact it comes only with one remote. Almost all devices of this kind should come with at least two and we even have models that offer three remote controllers in the package. Obviously, if you live alone or you don’t have a need for an extra remote controller, this won’t be an issue for you.
The second issue is the installation process. We will cover the matter a bit later. The main issue here comes to the price of the installation process and the time needed.
Safety and Security
The main thing to remember here is that this model offers a high level of safety. It is based on a Security+ 2.0 technology, which means that billions of codes are sent between the receiver and the control unit. In other words, penetrating the system won’t be possible using any of the known methods.
This type of safety system is well-known by now and it is still treated as one of the safest technologies among garage door openers. For beginners, we should add that the code is sent to the owner only and each time the device is used, a new code will be generated.
We should add that additional safety features have been already mentioned. They include a sensor system, which blocks the door closing in a case something is detected below the door. Automatic door closing system is beneficial as well and highly desirable.
A manual mode is available as well. It has been added in a case automatic one fails, which probably won’t occur anytime soon.
LiftMaster 8550 meets all the latest requirements associated with the safety of the garage door openers. In a nutshell, the system is very safe to use and there won’t be any issues with the safety of your garage. We can even say that it is one of the best garage door openers in this price range.
Installation and Programing
All owners will get the LiftMaster 8550 manual and there is even an option to download the manual from the internet. The thing is, this model isn’t developed for DIY installations. It means that you will need a professional who will install the unit. One additional reason is the fact there is no rail system included in the package, so you would have to order it from the technician who will install the actual unit.
This isn’t a huge drawback, simply because most homeowners will certainly choose a professional to install their unit. In general, be prepared to invest more in the installation process and the rail system you will need.
Obviously, there are a lot of ways you can do this by yourself. For example, if you have a help of a professional or you are good with mechanics or if you decided to make the installation process all by yourself.
Warranty and Support
Surprisingly, the warranty is impressive in this situation. The LiftMaster 8850 comes with a lifetime warranty for the electric motor and the belt. Other main components, such as circuits and rail system comes with a 5-year warranty which is fair. The battery which is built-in the unit comes with a 1-year warranty. All of this is reasonable and would be appreciated by the users.
The support team is available 6 days per a week. They are even available on Sunday. You can use a phone or an email to contact them and they respond quickly.
Conclusion
The sole purpose of our, LiftMaster 8550 review was to prove that this system is one of better available on the market. It comes with all the features and systems you, as an average user will need and it provides a high quality. Don’t forget that this is one of rare models in this price range which comes with the belt system, rather than a chain system, which is more common among more expensive units. Overall, this garage door opener is a safe and wise investment which should be taken into consideration, especially by the homeowners who have heavyweight doors and need a reliable unit.
Check out also our best garage door opener 2017 review and buyers guide.
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