It has won multiple awards over the years, recently scooping Bronze in the Mum’s Choice Awards for Achieve Magazine.
The Hauck Duett 2 Double Buggy is an updated version of the Hauck Duett Buggy, which has been on the market since 2011, and certainly displays much über-efficiency for which the Germans are renowned.
How does it differ from the original Duett?
There have been a few changes on this new version of the Hauck Duett pushchair, one of them is that there is far more room in the second seat, about 3 centimeters.
The handle is now height-adjustable and there is a separate rain cover for each seat unit and unlike the original version the rain cover is now included in the price, ca-ching!
Have Hauck addressed the complaints that were levied at the first Duett?
They have! Many Duett owners complained about the original buggy being difficult to fold down. After testing for a few weeks I can say that the engineers have addressed this problem because I didn’t have an issue with this. Although I’m not able to fold it down one-handed but I don’t mind this.
Reviewers also stated that the original Duett was very bulky and difficult to fit into the boot of their car. But again, this has been remedied as I don’t have the slightest problem with making the Duett compact.
And the final complaint that had been put to Hauck was that parents found it heavy to push.
Well, I think that considering it’s a double buggy, the new model is lightweight and easy to push and manoeuvre. Most of the weight is the actual kids – and you can’t really get around that (short of rationing their biscuit/milk intake!)
Originally, the Duett 2 was not travel system compatible, something that really shocked me. However, the brand has since made the buggy compatible with the Hauck Zero Plus Comfort 0+, car seat.
How easy is it to store?
I have been storing it under the stairs in its upright position but if you wanted to fold it down to save space, it’s easy to remove both seats as they simply slide in and out of their positions.
Then you just collapse the frame and everything can be stacked on top of each other. This is how I arrange it in my boot and it only takes about 30 seconds to do.
It converts from a single to a double buggy: how does that work?
The conversation from single to tandem is astonishingly easy. You simply attach a seat for your toddler at the back by slotting it into place.
Does it work better as a single or a double pushchair?
There are six positions that you can adjust this pushchair to: three as a single buggy, three as a double.
I have been testing it out with baby Kendal (5 months) and my toddler, Josh (2 years). As a single buggy, so far I have no complaints. When the baby seat is lying flat, Kendal will happily doze off; when it’s inclined and parent-facing, or ‘friend-facing’ as is the case here.
It’s also great to be able to interact with her; and when it’s inclined and facing the other way, she loves to check out the world as we stroll by.
As a double buggy, there are a few things that are worth mentioning. When the baby seat is lying flat, Josh seems a little squashed. While there’s space to put the nappy bag in the basket, his feet have to sit on top of it, so beware muddy shoes!
I tried to hang my nappy bag on the handlebar to give him more space but it pushed his seat forward slightly.
With the baby seat in the parent-facing position, Josh likes interacting with Kendal – he grabs her leg and gives her toothy grins. So far, Kendal has loved the attention but if she’s sleeping or cranky in the future, this could become a problem.
The best position, in my opinion, is with the baby seat looking outwards, so that both seats are facing the same direction. This is by far the roomiest position for Josh. The only issue is that he can kick the baby’s seat in front of him… but there’s a board supporting her so she doesn’t seem to notice.
What do you think of the seat sizes?
The seat sizes are very adequate. There is plenty of space in the main seat for the baby to grow and, as there’s the option for it to lie flat, it can be used from birth.
Josh seems comfortable in the ‘sibling seat’, even in the position where there’s a little less room.
It’s a good width and can be adjusted to recline. I’m also confident that the straps keep both nippers safe and secure.
What’s it like to push?
I find this buggy easy-to-push and appreciate that it takes kerbs, grass and stones in its stride. The back tyres are bigger than the front ones, which I think make it easier to operate.
However, sometimes one of the front wheels locks of its own accord, which means that the swivel function gets immobilized and I can’t push it as easily. This is a simple fix, though, and just requires a flick of a lever.
How are the brakes?
Good. They are operated by a foot pedal and I feel confident that I’m not going to experience a runaway buggy when they’re on.
What is the basket like?
When Josh isn’t sitting in the sibling seat, the basket has plenty of space for the nappy bag and some shopping.
However, when he is in the buggy, it’s a little tight and he has to drape his legs over the nappy bag (any hope of shopping is dashed). The buggy could do with some extra storage pockets.
Is the frame strong and durable?
So far, the frame seems like it will withstand the test of time. It is sturdy and well-made.
Do you like the height of the buggy?
Yes, the fact that the handle is now adjustable is a huge plus in our household as I’m 5ft 4in and my husband is 6ft 7in, so we can both push is easily without having to ‘reach’ or ‘hunch’ respectively.
What do you think of the hood?
The hood is great. If it’s an especially bright day, there’s an extra flap that can be pulled down to further protect the baby from the sun’s rays. There’s also a zip that can be undone to reveal a mesh lining if you want to allow a little more ventilation.
Is it good value for money?
Yes, I think it is. From looking at other double buggies, it seems that the Duett 2’s price tag is about mid-range. It’s not your all-singing, all-dancing Bugaboo or iCandy (which can be triple the cost) but then it’s pricier than a simple side-by-side Obaby or Cosatto number.
Is it easy to assemble?
Not really. The instructions are a series of diagrams and, I hate to admit, I got stumped at image #5 (there are 71). It would have been handy to have some explanations alongside the illustrations.
It took my husband and me about an hour to construct the buggy and figure out all its various tilts, attachments and straps. About 10 minutes of this, however, was time wasted wrestling with the plastic protectors that were so tightly jammed onto the wheel spokes that we needed to enlist the help of some heavy-duty scissors and even heavier-duty patience.
In my opinion, this buggy’s major downfall is that it’s not compatible with a car seat.
However, if this feature isn’t important to you then I would highly recommend it. It’s lightweight, easy to push and comfortable for both children.
Even if you don’t yet have two kids, it’s worth planning ahead and buying this for when the time comes, as it’s easily convertible from a single to a double buggy.
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