In-depth review
MidWest iCrate Review (2026)
A research-based review of the MidWest iCrate: double doors, divider strategy, wire gauge, and where it falls short for escape artists.
MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Double Door
The wire-crate standard every trainer recommends.
Our verdict
The iCrate is the default recommendation for a reason, and the reason is the divider. Buy it if you want one crate purchase from puppy to adult, with double doors that place anywhere in the room. Skip it if your dog is a determined escape artist, the standard wire gauge and latches will not hold a truly motivated chewer, or if you move the crate daily and want one-motion collapse.
What we like
- Divider panel included, so one crate works from puppy to adult
- Double doors (front and side) for flexible room placement
- Folds flat with a carry handle for occasional transport
What to watch out for
- Wire construction is noisy when an anxious dog paws at it
- Black e-coat finish chips over years of use
- Heavy in the 42 and 48 inch sizes
Who it is for
First-time dog owners, puppy raisers, and anyone who wants the trainer-recommended default.
The divider is the product
The iCrate's defining feature is not the wire or the doors, it is the included divider panel. Buy the 36 or 42 inch crate for your Lab puppy at 8 weeks, slide the divider to give the puppy 18 inches of space, and move it outward as the dog grows. This eliminates the classic two-crate purchase and keeps the puppy's space correctly small for house training throughout. Budget crates include dividers too, but the iCrate's panel fits more precisely and stays put.
Doors, gauge, and build
Double doors, front and side, mean the crate works against a wall, in a corner, or in the middle of a room. The wire gauge is heavier than budget crates, which matters in two ways: less flex when a large dog leans, and better latch alignment over time. The black e-coat finish resists rust but chips at contact points after a couple of years. The slide-out composite pan handles accidents and hoses off.
Noise and aesthetics
The honest downsides: wire crates rattle. Tags jingle against wire, paws drumming on the pan echo, and an anxious dog can make a remarkable racket. A crate cover solves most of this and adds the den-like darkness many dogs prefer. Aesthetically it is a wire box; the Diggs Revol exists for owners who care what the living room looks like.
How it stacks up
Against the Amazon Basics crate, the iCrate wins on wire gauge, double doors, and latch quality for a moderate price step up. The Amazon crate is fine as a second crate, but the iCrate is the better daily driver. Against the Diggs Revol, the iCrate wins on price and size range (seven sizes vs four) while losing badly on looks and collapse convenience. Against the Petmate Sky Kennel, the iCrate is the better home crate with superior ventilation and access, while the Sky Kennel is the better travel crate. Different jobs.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Sturdy wire with secure double latches
- Fast fold-flat setup
- Divider panel lets the crate grow with a puppy
Common complaints
- Determined dogs can push or bend the doors
- Plastic trays can crack over time
- Older units may rust if exposed to moisture
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Key specifications
- Sizes
- 18" to 48" lengths
- Doors
- Double door (front + side)
- Divider
- Included
- Pan
- Composite plastic, slide-out
- Finish
- Black e-coat on steel wire
Also consider
Diggs Revol Collapsible Crate
The premium crate that collapses in one motion.
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L (up to ~32 inch length)
- Collapse: Single-motion flat fold
Amazon Basics Single-Door Folding Crate
The cheapest wire crate that still does the job.
- Sizes: 22" to 48" lengths
- Doors: Single front door
Research-based assessment. ThePickLedger has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
What size iCrate for a Golden Retriever?
A 42 inch iCrate fits most adult Goldens. Use the divider to start the puppy in roughly half that space. Large males at the top of the breed standard may need the 48 inch size, measure your dog's height to the top of the head.
Can the iCrate be used for airline travel?
No. Airlines require rigid plastic kennels meeting IATA specifications for cargo travel. The iCrate is a home and car crate. For flights, use the Petmate Sky Kennel in the correct size.
How do I stop the crate from rattling?
A fitted crate cover dampens most wire rattle and doubles as a den-maker. Check that all corner connectors are fully seated, loose panels are the main rattle source. Removing the dog's tags at night eliminates the jingling.