Cuggl Extending Metal Wall Fix Gate review: a budget-friendly choice

Overall rating: 4/5

Price on writing: £25 | Buy now from Argos

What we like

• One-handed opening

• Easy to clean

• Can be used at the top of a staircase

• No bar to pose a trip hazard

• Budget-friendly

What we don't like

• Very fiddly to install – it took our tester two hours

• Tricky to install on uneven walls

Key specs

Price on writing: £25 | Type: Screw-fit | Width: 60 – 97cm

Our verdict

Like many of the other gates we have tested, the Cuggl Wall Fix Extending Gate offers features such as multi-directional use, a double-locking mechanism and one-handed opening. However, what sets this Cuggl gate apart from the others is its value for money. Retailing at just £25, this versatile stair gate fits a wide range of doorway widths without the need to fork out for additional extensions.

On the downside, our tester Katja did find the Cuggl Wall Fix Extending Gate quite tricky to install, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get the gate in situ (and be prepared to draft in an extra pair of hands!)

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How do you install the Cuggl Wall Fix Extending Gate?

The simple metal Cuggl Wall Fix Extending Gate can be used in spaces measuring anywhere from 60cm to 97cm wide. Unlike a pressure-fit gate, the Cuggl fixes to the wall with screws, so you will need a drill and, it goes without saying, you should expect holes in your wall.

The main issue with this particular safety gate is the complexity of the installation, as our tester Katja said: “I found it very difficult to install, and there were some very fiddly bits. It ended up taking me two hours.” She added: “It is a bit tricky to install on uneven walls.”

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How safe is the Cuggl Wall Fix Extending Gate?

As a screw-fit gate, there is no step-over bar at the bottom, unlike the pressure-fit Lindam Sure Shut Axis Safety Gate. In the absence of this trip hazard, the Cuggl Wall Fix Extending Gate can be safely installed at the top of staircases, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Once the gate is in place, it is sturdy and can easily withstand the weight of a toddler or pet. Katja liked that the gate made an audible clicking sound when closing, indicating that it had been secured shut. The gate is easy to operate one-handed, but a double-locking feature prevents little ones from opening it.

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How easy is it to clean the Cuggl Wall Fix Extending Gate?

As a white-coloured safety gate, the Cuggl Wall Fix Extending Gate shows up any dirty fingerprints, food smears and other toddler-related stains, but is very easily wiped clean. Katja found that any spilled food or juice was easily cleaned, even if it found its way into the hardest-to-reach corner.

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Does the Cuggl Wall Fix Extending Gate offer value for money?

Retailing for just £25 at the time of writing (January 16th, 2024), the answer is a resounding yes, as Katja says: “The Cuggl Wall Fix Extending Gate works well and does the job. It’s very good value for money - once installed!”

See how the Cuggl Extending Metal Wall Fix Gate compares with other market leaders on our best stair gates round-up, featuring products tried, tested and recommended by Mumsnet users.

How we tested

Mumsnet tester Katja spent several weeks putting a number of popular baby gates through their paces. Afterwards she scored each gate for safety, ease of installation, ease of cleaning and value for money.

About the author

Laura Cooke is a Content Editor at Mumsnet, with a special focus on toddler play, child play and outdoor play. She is a mum of two and lives in Sussex.

Laura is a freelance journalist and has written for a range of publications including The Daily Mirror, the i, Metro, Stylist and Happiful.

About Mumsnet Reviews

All Mumsnet product reviews are written by real parents after weeks of research and testing. We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust. Sometimes, we earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. However, we never allow this to influence our coverage.