MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Dog Crate Review: A Smart Starter Crate for Puppies?
Published: July 2026
Product specifications reviewed: July 2026
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Bringing home a puppy or newly adopted dog is exciting, but it also creates an immediate challenge: how do you give your dog a secure resting area without buying a crate that is difficult to clean, awkward to position, or quickly outgrown?
Many inexpensive crates provide only the basics. Premium options may offer stronger construction or a furniture-style appearance, but they can cost far more than a first-time owner wants to spend.
The MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Dog Crate is designed as a practical middle ground. It is a collapsible wire crate with an adjustable divider, removable plastic pan, multiple size options, and either single-door or double-door access. The manufacturer currently offers seven sizes, from 18 to 48 inches.
Independent testers have also praised the iCrate for its easy setup, simple cleaning, puppy-friendly divider, and overall value. However, durability testing has revealed some limitations, especially for dogs that pull forcefully on crate doors or attempt to escape.
This research-based MidWest iCrate review explains its strengths, drawbacks, specifications, best uses, and the factors you should check before ordering.
Preparing for a new puppy? A crate is only one part of a safe and comfortable setup. Our complete [new puppy essentials checklist] covers feeding supplies, bedding, grooming tools, toys, travel gear, cleaning products, and other must-have items for the first weeks at home.
How We Researched This Review
This assessment is based on:
- Current MidWest Homes for Pets product information
- The manufacturer’s crate-sizing guidance
- Independent laboratory and at-home testing
- Published durability and cleaning observations
- Common owner use cases
- Responsible crate-training guidance
Manufacturer claims are identified separately from independent testing results. We do not describe the product as personally tested, escape-proof, crash-tested, or suitable for every dog.
What Is the Midwest Homes for Pets iCrate Dog Crate?
The Midwest iCrate is a folding metal wire dog crate intended primarily for indoor sleeping, house training, short-term management, and creating a consistent resting area.
Current manufacturer-listed features include:
- Single-door and double-door versions
- Slide-bolt latches with a locking tip and Paw Block design
- Rounded side clips intended to reduce exposed sharp edges
- Open-wire ventilation and visibility
- An adjustable divider panel
- A removable leak-resistant plastic pan
- Rubber feet for floor protection
- Tool-free setup
- A frame that folds flat for storage
- Seven sizes from 18 to 48 inches
The divider is one of the most valuable features for puppy owners. It allows you to purchase a crate based on your dog’s expected adult size while limiting the available space during early training.
As your puppy grows, you can gradually move the divider to increase the usable area. MidWest recommends that the dog have enough space to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably without having so much unnecessary space that one end becomes a sleeping area and the other becomes a toilet area.
MidWest iCrate Specifications
Specifications differ according to the selected size, door configuration, retailer, and product variation. Always verify the exact listing before ordering.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product type | Collapsible wire dog crate |
| Main material | Coated metal wire |
| Pan | Removable plastic pan |
| Door options | Single door or double door |
| Locking system | Slide-bolt latch with locking tip and Paw Block |
| Divider | Included according to the current manufacturer description |
| Setup | Tool-free folding assembly |
| Storage | Folds relatively flat |
| Ventilation | Open wire on all sides |
| Current official size range | 18, 22, 24, 30, 36, 42, and 48 inches |
| Weight | Varies by size and configuration |
| Primary use | Indoor crate training, sleeping and temporary management |
| Color | Commonly sold in black |
Representative dimensions reported in independent product testing include the following. Measurements may differ slightly by current model and seller. (People.com)
| Advertised size | Representative exterior dimensions |
|---|---|
| 18-inch | Approximately 18 × 12 × 14 inches |
| 22-inch | Approximately 22 × 13 × 16 inches |
| 24-inch | Approximately 24 × 18 × 19 inches |
| 30-inch | Approximately 30 × 19 × 21 inches |
| 36-inch | Approximately 36 × 23 × 25 inches |
| 42-inch | Approximately 42 × 28 × 30–31 inches |
| 48-inch | Approximately 48 × 30 × 33 inches |
Specification note: Confirm the exact dimensions, product weight, door count and included accessories on the individual retailer listing before purchasing.
Key Benefits of the MidWest iCrate
1. The Divider Can Accommodate a Growing Puppy
Buying a crate that fits only your puppy’s current body size may mean replacing it within a few months.
The included divider lets you select a crate based on expected adult measurements and gradually expand the interior. MidWest specifically recommends choosing a puppy crate according to expected adult size and using the divider as the dog grows.
This offers two practical benefits:
- You may avoid purchasing several crates during the puppy’s growth.
- You can maintain an appropriately sized sleeping area during house training.
The divider should not be used to place two dogs in separate sections of one crate. Each dog should have an appropriately sized individual space.
2. The Removable Pan Simplifies Cleanup
Puppy accidents, spilled water, loose hair, dirt, and treat crumbs can quickly collect inside a crate.
The iCrate’s plastic pan slides out for separate cleaning. Independent testers consistently identified the removable pan as one of the product’s strongest everyday features and gave the crate high marks for cleaning convenience.
This makes the crate particularly practical for the following:
- Puppies still learning house-training
- Dogs coming inside with muddy paws
- Dogs that spill water
- Owners who want a surface that can be removed and wiped down
Inspect the pan regularly for cracks, chewing damage, or sharp edges, and replace it if it becomes unsafe.
3. The Double-Door Version Offers Flexible Placement
The double-door model provides an entrance on both the front and side.
That flexibility can make a meaningful difference in apartments, bedrooms, and small living areas. You can place the crate beside a wall, sofa, or bed and use whichever entrance remains accessible.
Independent testers specifically praised the double-door design for improving access and placement flexibility.
The second door may also make it easier to
- Reach the interior for cleaning
- Guide a hesitant dog into the crate
- Reposition the crate without changing the room layout
- Access the dog from a different side when necessary
For most homes, the double-door model is the more versatile choice, provided the price difference is reasonable.
4. Setup Is Straightforward
The iCrate arrives folded and is designed to open without screws, tools, or furniture-style assembly.
The manufacturer states that it sets up in seconds and folds flat for storage. Independent testers also gave it strong scores for setup and user-friendliness.
This is useful for owners who need to
- Store the crate temporarily
- Move it between rooms
- Bring a familiar crate when visiting family
- Pack it for non-vehicle travel use
- Use it at dog-training or sporting events
Larger versions can still be heavy and awkward to carry, despite being foldable.
5. Open Wire Provides Visibility and Airflow
The wire frame allows airflow and gives both the owner and dog a clear view of the surrounding room. MidWest identifies ventilation and visibility as core features of the iCrate design.
This can suit dogs that settle more comfortably when they can see their owners.
A separate crate cover may help some dogs relax, but it should not restrict ventilation or create excess heat. Introduce any cover gradually and monitor the dog’s response.
6. It Offers Practical Value Without Premium Extras
The iCrate is functional rather than decorative.
It does not resemble furniture and does not include the reinforced materials found in specialized heavy-duty kennels. Its value comes from combining the features most first-time owners are likely to use:
- Adjustable space
- Easy cleaning
- Multiple sizes
- Folding storage
- Front-and-side access
- Simple ventilation
- Straightforward operation
Independent product testers have repeatedly selected it as a strong starter or puppy crate because of this balance of function and price-to-feature value.
How to Choose the Correct iCrate Size
Do not choose a dog crate based only on a breed name or approximate weight.
MidWest recommends measuring the following:
- From the tip of the dog’s nose to the base of the tail.
- From the floor to the top of the dog’s head while standing.
- Adding several inches for comfortable movement and clearance.
The crate should allow the dog to:
- Stand without crouching
- Turn around comfortably
- Lie on its side
- Stretch into a natural sleeping position
- Enter and exit without struggling
For a puppy, estimate the dog’s adult measurements using breed information, parental size when known, and veterinary or rescue guidance. Purchase the appropriate adult-size crate and use the divider to adjust the puppy’s current space.
Avoid assuming that “larger is always better.” A crate that is excessively large may be less useful during early house training. Once you have selected the correct crate size, complete the setup with properly sized bedding, safe chew toys, cleaning supplies, feeding bowls, and identification essentials. See our [puppy setup essentials guide] for a practical room-by-room checklist.
Why Owners and Independent Testers Like It
Across independent tests, the most consistent positive observations were the following:
- Fast assembly
- Convenient folding
- Simple pan removal
- Useful size selection
- Effective puppy divider
- Flexible two-door access
- Strong overall value
PEOPLE’s testing team evaluated 20 dog crates for assembly, design, portability, and durability. The iCrate was praised as a practical starter option, although its door warped slightly during impact testing.
In a separate comparison, the iCrate received perfect scores for setup, user-friendliness, cleaning, and value but lost durability points because testers observed some wobbling and slight door deformation under pressure.
The Spruce Pets similarly praised its divider, removable pan, double-door access, and simple design, while noting that the door bent slightly when pulled.
These findings suggest that the iCrate performs well for ordinary puppy behavior and calm household use—but it is not designed as a high-security kennel.
Our Research-Based Analysis
What We Like Most
The iCrate solves three of the biggest problems first-time puppy owners experience:
- Puppies grow quickly.
- Accidents are difficult to clean.
- Home layouts make crate placement inconvenient.
The divider addresses growth. The removable pan addresses cleanup. The double-door version addresses room placement.
That combination makes the product more useful than a basic fixed-size, single-door crate.
Limitations to Consider
The iCrate should not be described as escape-proof or heavy-duty.
Independent testing reported:
- Minor wobbling under impact
- Slight door bending or warping under pressure
- Possible wire-coating wear
- Rattling during vehicle transport
These limitations matter most for:
- Determined escape artists
- Powerful dogs that push or bite the wire
- Dogs experiencing confinement panic
- Dogs with severe separation-related distress
- Owners seeking a secure automotive kennel
- Airline cargo travel
The iCrate is not presented by the manufacturer as a crash-tested vehicle safety crate. A folding household wire crate should not be treated as a substitute for a purpose-built, independently crash-tested travel kennel.
Who Should—and Shouldn’t—Buy the iCrate?
Best suited for
- First-time puppy owners
- Calm adult dogs
- Newly adopted dogs learning a household routine
- House-training support
- Indoor sleeping and resting
- Owners who need an adjustable divider
- Homes that benefit from double-door access
- Buyers who prioritize function over furniture-style appearance
Consider a different crate for
- Severe separation anxiety
- Repeated escape attempts
- Dogs that bend or chew metal crates
- Crash-protected vehicle travel
- Airline transport
- Owners wanting a decorative furniture crate
- Dogs that become highly distressed when confined
A dog that panics, bites the bars, drools excessively, injures itself, or repeatedly tries to escape needs professional behavioral guidance rather than simply a stronger latch.
Responsible Crate-Training Tips
A crate should be introduced gradually and should never be used as punishment.
MidWest’s training guidance recommends allowing a puppy to become accustomed to the crate gradually and specifically warns against forcing or punishing the puppy by putting it inside.
For a more positive introduction:
- Leave the door open initially.
- Place treats or meals near and then inside the crate.
- Reward voluntary entry.
- Begin with brief sessions.
- Increase duration gradually.
- Provide regular exercise, interaction, and bathroom breaks.
- Never use the crate as an all-day substitute for care and supervision.
- Inspect the wire, latches, clips, and pan regularly.
Avoid leaving collars, harnesses, or dangling tags on an unsupervised dog in a wire crate because they can catch on the structure.
Complete Your New Puppy Setup
The iCrate can provide a practical sleeping and training space, but new puppy owners will also need suitable food and water bowls, a collar and ID tag, training treats, safe toys, grooming supplies, accident-cleaning products, and travel equipment.
Next step: Read our [complete puppy essentials checklist for first-time owners] before bringing your puppy home.
Final Verdict: Is the Midwest iCrate Worth It?
The Midwest Homes for Pets iCrate dog crate is a strong practical choice for puppies, newly adopted dogs, and calm adult dogs.
Its greatest strengths are not luxury materials or visual design. They are everyday usability:
- The divider adapts to puppy growth.
- The removable pan makes accidents easier to manage.
- The folding frame simplifies storage.
- The double-door option improves placement flexibility.
- The broad size range works for many households.
Its main limitation is durability under determined pressure. Published testing shows that the door and frame can flex, wobble, or deform slightly, making the iCrate less appropriate for powerful escape attempts or panic-driven confinement behavior.
For an owner seeking an affordable, adjustable, and easy-to-clean indoor wire crate, the iCrate offers a convincing balance of convenience and value. Measure your dog carefully, verify the exact retailer specifications, choose the correct door configuration, and introduce the crate through patient, positive training.
[MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Dog Crate]
References and Further Reading
- MidWest Homes for Pets — iCrate Dog Crate. Official source for current sizes, door options, dividers, removable pans, latches, floor protection, and folding design. (MidWest)
- MidWest Homes for Pets — What Size Crate Should I Get? Official measuring and divider guidance. (MidWest)
- MidWest Homes for Pets — Dos and Don’ts of Puppy Crate Training. Guidance on gradual introduction and avoiding punishment. (MidWest)
- The Spruce Pets — Best Dog Crates Tested in the Lab and With Real Dogs. Independent setup, cleaning, access and durability observations. (The Spruce Pets)
- The Spruce Pets—access to dog crates for puppies. Independent puppy-focused testing and divider evaluation. (The Spruce Pets)
- PEOPLE Tested — Best Dog Supplies Tested by Real Dog Owners. Independent starter-crate and impact-test observations. (People.com)
- PEOPLE TESTED — The Best Dog Crates Tested by Our Pups. Independent testing of setup, cleaning, value, and durability. (People.com)
