Regalo 47-Inch Super Wide Walk Thru Pet/Baby Gate

This rating is based on a comparison with the Munchkin Easy Close gate which as of now is the 5 star standard in my opinion. The Regalo easy open gate has features that make it very easy and quick to install but the Munchkin gate is much more convenient in its daily use. Finish: (Munchkin) Both gates are made of steel. The finish on the Regalo seems pretty easy to scratch. The latch actually has started wearing away the finish where they meet and I haven't had the gate up long. The finish on the Munchkin isn't indestructible but it is a little bit thicker. Extensions: (Regalo) Both gates have adjustable widths with various extensions available. Neither company uses a system in which the extensions interlock to hold together. One slides into the other and they're held together when the gate is squeezed between the wall. This isn't an issue with use. It's just a small inconvenience when installing and parts keep falling out of place. Munchkin's extensions connect via plastic brackets whereas Regalo's connect by sliding metal poles into each other. This is better when tightening the gate as you can see some strain on the plastic with the munchkin. Regalo could learn from Munchkin's advertising as the user manual for Munchkin has their various extensions listed in their book making the parts easier to look up. Wall Connection: (Regalo for ease/Munckin for safety) Both gates have 4 feet that extend out to secure the gate between the wall. Each has cups that can be attached to the wall via screws then the feet sit in them without moving. This is impractical because that's 4 holes most people aren't going to want to put in their wall. The rubber wall protectors available from other companies work great to hold these gates in place. However, Regalo does already have rubber coating their feet while Munchkin doesn't. I still wanted the extra contact surface area between the feet and wall so I used wall protectors with the Regalo anyway. Each company uses different methods to tighten the gate into place. Regalo doesn't need tools and Munchkin needs includes wrenches. My worry with the Regalo is that the easy tighten nature of the nuts will also make them easy to loosen by curious hands over time. It is insanely easy to install when compared to the Munchkin gate though. Lock: (Munchkin)The opening/latch mechanism on the Regalo is a plastic handle that you move but the actual lock is a metal bar. The locking mechanism on the munchkin is all plastic but is much sturdier than their older designs. To open the regalo you pull back on the latch with your thumb and lift the door before swinging open. The munchkin you can just squeeze the handle (there's a top and bottom button on the handle that need squeezed simultaneously) and open the gate without lifting. The munchkin gate has a locking feature on the bottom that, when closed, allows the gate to lock shut without any extra effort. Other features: (Munchkin) One of the biggest reasons I like the Munchkin gate over the Regalo is that the size of the opening is very small with the Regalo. I don't have the measurements but it's noticeable. When used on stairs, the smaller opening may make normal traffic or carrying things up and down a nuisance. The munchkin gate also has a plastic device atthe bottom of the gate that allows you to control which way the gate swings if you care to. With the lift to open design of the Regalo this isn't a feasible feature. Price point: The Regalo was about $38 when we bought it and the Munchkin about $45.