If you are shopping for a new garage door opener, you may wonder whether the LiftMaster 8500 or the LiftMaster 8500W is the better option. Both openers have much to offer, but there are some key differences to consider before deciding. In this article, we describe each opener and compare them in detail.
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What opener replaced the LiftMaster 8500 & 8500W?
Introducing the LiftMaster 98022 Elite Series DC Battery Backup Wall Mount Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener. This sophisticated device is reliable, efficient, and hassle-free, providing your home with the convenience of modern technology. Not only does it feature a sleek and efficient design with no cables that take up less space in the garage, but it can also operate quickly and smoothly – even for tall and heavy doors. In addition, it runs with nearly no noise or vibration, so you don’t have to worry about any disruptions. A best-in-class feature of this machine is the remote LED lighting, giving up to full coverage with up to sixteen 827LM work lights – making it safe and secure. Finally, an incredible battery backup ensures access in case of power loss. Make sure you keep your home safe and secure with the LiftMaster 98022 Elite Series DC Battery Backup Wall Mount Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener – a dependable and practical solution for all your home service needs.
LiftMaster 8500 vs 8500W Comparison chart
This handy comparison chart is how we train our team to answer the jackshaft opener questions.
Feature LiftMaster 98022 LiftMaster 8500W Pricing $899 - $1,299 Discontinue Motor Power 3/4 HP - Available Yes No - discontinued Lifting Power Up to 850 lbs Up to 850 lbs Integrated Battery Backup Yes Yes Wall Mount Yes Yes Automatic Garage Door Lock Yes Yes Ultra-quiet Operation Yes Yes Smartphone Control Yes Yes Per Second Upward 8.5" 8.5" Per Second Downward 7.6" 7.6" Headroom Clearance Required 3" from center of torsion bar 3" from center of torsion bar Max Door Width 18' (5.5 m) 18' (5.5 m) Max Door Height 14' (4.3 m) 14' (4.3 m) Operating Range ~200' ~200' Shipping Weight 38 lbs 38 lbs Motor Warranty Lifetime Lifetime Parts Warranty 5 Years 5 Years Accessory Warranty 1 Year 1 Year
Why consider a jackshaft garage door opener?
Quiet & less vibration
The 8500 & 8500W are wall-mount operators that sit to the side of the garage door. Wall mounts are quieter than ceiling-mount openers and don’t vibrate as much. A jackshaft opener makes sense if you have a bedroom above or next to the garage and don’t want to hear the door opening and closing.
More storage space
Wall-mounted garage door openers free up the space in the center of your garage door. By installing a jackshaft opener, you can use the space where a typical opener goes for storage racks. Those racks are a handy way to store seasonal items without lugging them into your attack.
Heavier duty
The 8500 & 8500W are built to operate the heaviest garage doors, up to 650 & 850 lbs.
Fewer parts, fewer problems
Jackshaft operators don’t have as many parts as traditional operators, so there are fewer parts to wear out or break.
LiftMaster 8500 overview
The LiftMaster 8500 is a residential jackshaft garage door opener designed to free up space & quietly lift heavy garage doors. Rated for up to 650 pounds of weight and maximum dimensions of 180 sf, this model meets the needs of most residential garage doors. Works with most standard garage door sizes and types of garage doors.
Pros
- Wall mount frees up ceiling space.
- DC motor for ultra-quiet operation.
- Includes remote light, remote control, and 889LM control panel.
Cons
- Battery backup and automatic garage door locks are sold separately.
- Battery backup has to be mounted nearby, and the battery is nearly the size of the operator.
- Requires the purchase of an internet gateway to use with the myQ system.
LiftMaster 8500W overview
The LiftMaster 8500W is a best-in-class jackshaft garage door opener. Featuring a quiet DC motor, this wall-mounted model can lift garage doors up to 850 pounds and 14 feet tall at speeds of 8.4 inches per second (opening) and 7.6 inches per second (closing).
Pros
- Wall mount frees up ceiling space.
- DC motor for ultra-quiet operation.
- Built-in battery backup lets you open/close your door in a power outage.
- Automatic garage door lock deadbolts once your door is closed.
- MyQ remote LED light and built-in Wifi for smartphone control.
Cons
- n/a
Should you buy the LiftMaster 8500 or 8500W?
Without a doubt, the 8500W is the better operator. It offers an integrated battery backup, can lift heavier garage doors, and is Wi-fi enabled without needing extra equipment. When you add the battery and gateway to the 8500, you’ll spend more money and add more clutter to your garage.
If you’re buying a jackshaft operator, go with the LiftMaster 8500W.
LiftMaster 8500 & 8500W Reviews
Click below to read product reviews from LiftMaster.
In closing
With the 98022 now available, we
We have the LiftMaster 8500 vs. 8500W conversation with builders and homeowners looking for a new garage door operator. We hope this article sheds some light on the differences between these popular garage door openers. If you have more questions, please call us at 817-500-5988 or submit a form on our contact us page. Our team is ready to help.
