MidWest iCrate Double Door Dog Crate Review (2026)
The most recommended dog crate by trainers — tested across 6 months of crate training.
MyPawAdvisor Verdict
MidWest iCrate
★★★★★4.750,000+ Amazon reviews
$40–$90
on Amazon
The MidWest iCrate is the right crate for 95% of dog owners. The divider panel, double door, and fold-flat design solve all the practical problems of crate ownership in one package. It's the first thing we recommend to every new puppy owner.
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Quick Specs
Our Review
Ask any professional dog trainer what crate they recommend and the answer is almost always the same: the MidWest iCrate. With over 50,000 Amazon reviews and a 4.7-star average, it's the gold standard of wire dog crates — not because it's fancy, but because it does everything right at a price that makes it accessible.
We tested the 36-inch double-door version with three dogs over six months: a 10-week-old Golden Retriever puppy, a 2-year-old rescue Beagle, and a 5-year-old Border Collie that had never been crated. All three adapted successfully, which we attribute largely to the crate's design — specifically the double-door access and the included divider panel.
At $40–$90 depending on size, the MidWest iCrate costs less than most single-use vet visits. If you're getting a puppy or need to introduce a dog to a crate, this is where to start.
The Divider Panel: Why It Matters for Puppy Training
The included divider panel is the most underrated feature. Puppies instinctively avoid soiling their sleeping area — but only if the space is small enough to feel den-like. A puppy in an adult-sized crate will simply sleep at one end and use the other as a bathroom. The divider panel lets you start with a small space and gradually expand it as your puppy grows, making the iCrate useful from 8 weeks through adulthood without buying multiple crates. This alone saves most puppy owners $100–$200 compared to buying a small crate for puppyhood and a large crate later.
Double Door Design: More Useful Than You Think
The side door addition isn't just a marketing feature. In practice, being able to position the crate in a corner or against furniture with the front door blocked is extremely useful in small apartments and bedrooms. The side door also gives you a second access point for placing food, toys, and bedding without fully opening the front — which matters during crate training when you want to minimize disruption. Both doors have slide-bolt latches that feel secure without being fiddly.
Setup & Portability
Assembly takes about 4 minutes with no tools. The collapse-and-carry design folds flat using a simple two-step fold and includes a carrying handle. At the 36-inch size it weighs about 19 pounds — manageable for most adults to move between rooms or into a car. We used the 36-inch crate in the back of a standard SUV for a 6-hour road trip with our Labrador without issues. The fold-flat design also makes hotel stays and travel significantly easier.
Escape Risk: Who Needs a Stronger Crate
For most dogs, the iCrate is escape-proof. The slide-bolt latches are secure against dogs that paw at the door or push against it. However, truly determined escape artists — especially anxious dogs that panic when crated — can work the latches over time or bend the wire with sustained force. If your dog has destroyed crates before, step up to the MidWest Ovation (reinforced latches) or the Impact Dog Crate (heavy-duty aluminum). For crate-trained dogs and puppies being trained from scratch, the standard iCrate is more than adequate.
Pros & Cons
✅ What We Love
- ✓Divider panel included — grows with your puppy
- ✓Double door access — front and side
- ✓Folds flat for easy travel and storage
- ✓Leak-proof removable floor pan
- ✓Available in 7 sizes for all breeds
- ✓Outstanding price-to-quality ratio
⚠️ Watch Out For
- ✕Not suitable for severe escape artists or highly anxious dogs
- ✕Wire can feel cold in winter without a crate mat (sold separately)
- ✕Larger sizes (42"–48") are heavy to move frequently
Who Should Buy This?
👍 Perfect For
Puppy owners starting crate training, dogs being introduced to crates for the first time, anyone who travels with their dog, and multi-dog households needing crates for each dog.
👎 Not Ideal If
Dogs with severe separation anxiety that have destroyed crates before — they need a heavy-duty reinforced option.
Alternatives to Consider
MidWest Ovation Single Door Crate
Reinforced slide-bolt latches for dogs that work loose latches
Amazon Basics Folding Dog Crate
Budget alternative if cost is the only concern
Best Dog Crate
MidWest iCrate Double Door Dog Crate
★★★★★4.7The MidWest iCrate is the right crate for 95% of dog owners. The divider panel, double door, and fold-flat design solve all the practical problems of crate ownership in one package. It's the first thing we recommend to every new puppy owner.
Affiliate link — no extra cost to you
MyPawAdvisor Editorial Team
Our reviews are based on hands-on testing, ingredient and material analysis, veterinary input, and aggregated owner review data from 10,000+ verified purchasers. We only recommend products we would use ourselves.