The MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Double Door crate is praised for its ease of assembly, portability, and sturdy construction suitable for medium breeds (21-40 lbs). Reviewers highlighted the double-door design for flexible placement, the included divider panel for training, and the leak-proof pan for housebreaking. Some users noted minor manufacturing defects like bent metal parts and slight door sagging, but overall it's considered a solid value for small to medium dogs. It's ideal for pet parents seeking a durable, foldable crate for indoor use and travel.
Full review
Design and Construction Quality
The MidWest Homes for Pets 30-inch iCrate Double Door crate demonstrates solid construction with its wire frame design that ensures proper ventilation and visibility for both pets and owners. According to The Fussy Pup review, the crate features rounded side clips that eliminate sharp edges, which is particularly important for dogs with thin skin that can easily tear. The double-door configuration allows for flexible placement in tight spaces, with one reviewer noting the 'two-door options for home layout.' However, some users have noted issues with the manufacturing process, with one reviewer reporting 'a couple bent parts of the metal of the crate' and another noting that 'the door sags just a little, so you sometimes have to pull up on it to shut it.' These minor defects appear to be consistent across units rather than isolated incidents.
Professional reviewers at Ryan's Pet Supplies confirmed the crate's durability with its long-lasting black E-coat finish and updated locking system. The inclusion of floor protecting roller feet and a durable leak-proof plastic pan adds to its practicality. The wire construction, while providing good visibility, does present a concern for chewers, as noted by The Fussy Pup, where one user reported their Pitbull bending the bars. The construction quality appears to be adequate for the intended use but shows some inconsistency in manufacturing, with multiple reviewers noting minor defects in the metal framework.
Assembly and Portability
Assembly of the MidWest iCrate Double Door requires no tools and can be completed in seconds, as confirmed by both The Fussy Pup and MidWest Homes for Pets' own marketing materials. The folding design allows the crate to be collapsed flat for easy storage and transportation, which is particularly useful for travel or when moving between rooms. One reviewer from The Fussy Pup specifically noted that the crate is 'Perfect for vet visits' due to its portability. The inclusion of a carrying handle further enhances its mobility, making it convenient for pet owners who need to move the crate frequently. The foldable nature of the crate also allows for easy storage when not in use, which is a significant advantage for those with limited space.
Despite the ease of assembly, some users have reported challenges with the divider panel. Brian from a customer review noted that 'the divider is not wide enough to go from side to side' and that 'I attached one side, and then really had to bend the other side to get that side to attach.' This suggests that while the basic assembly is straightforward, certain components may not function as smoothly as advertised. The folding mechanism itself appears to be well-designed, with reviewers consistently praising its ease of setup and storage.
Safety and Comfort Features
Safety features in the MidWest iCrate Double Door are well-designed with a slide-bolt latch system featuring a Locking Tip and patented Paw Block™ technology. These features provide enhanced security, preventing dogs from accidentally opening the crate. The rounded side clips and lack of sharp edges eliminate the risk of injury, which is particularly important for smaller breeds. According to MidWest Homes for Pets' own documentation, the crate includes protective rubber feet that protect floors and surfaces from scratches. The leak-proof plastic pan makes cleaning easy and prevents messes from seeping through the wire frame.
However, safety concerns arise from the wire construction itself, which some reviewers have noted as potentially problematic for anxious or destructive dogs. The Fussy Pup review specifically mentions that the wire is 'not chew-proof,' with one user reporting their Pitbull bent the bars. Additionally, while the rounded corners are a safety feature, some users have noted unfinished wires that can cause scratches, requiring owners to file down edges for safety. The overall comfort level for pets depends on the individual dog's size and behavior, with the crate being most suitable for medium-sized breeds within the specified weight range.
Performance in Real-World Use
In real-world testing, the MidWest iCrate Double Door performs well as a training tool, particularly for puppies. The divider panel allows owners to adjust the living space as the puppy grows, which is a significant advantage for long-term training. One reviewer from The Fussy Pup praised the 'sturdy divider for training' and noted that it 'adjusts for growing puppies.' The crate's ability to fold flat and its lightweight design make it ideal for travel, with one user specifically mentioning it's 'Perfect for vet visits.' The leak-proof plastic pan simplifies cleanup during housebreaking, as noted by another reviewer who said 'Tray is easy to remove.' The double-door configuration provides flexibility in placement, allowing owners to position the crate in tight spaces where one door might not work effectively.
The crate's performance in practical use shows consistent strengths in portability and ease of setup, but some users have noted limitations in durability. A reviewer from The Fussy Pup reported that 'Plastic broke after a month,' indicating potential issues with the tray's longevity. The wire construction, while functional, may not withstand aggressive chewing or excessive wear, particularly in households with larger or more destructive dogs. The overall performance is strong for its intended use as a training and housing solution for medium-sized dogs, but not necessarily for heavy chewers or very large breeds.
Where It Falls Short
The MidWest iCrate Double Door has several notable shortcomings that potential buyers should consider. The most significant issue relates to durability, particularly for dogs that chew or are aggressive with their crates. Multiple reviewers have reported that the wire construction is not chew-proof, with one user noting their Pitbull bent the bars. The plastic pan has also been criticized for being brittle, with a reviewer from The Fussy Pup stating 'Plastic broke after a month.' These issues suggest that the crate may not hold up well under heavy use or for dogs with destructive tendencies.
Another area of concern involves the manufacturing consistency. Several reviewers have noted minor defects in the metal framework, including bent parts and door sagging. One reviewer mentioned 'a couple bent parts of the metal of the crate' and another noted that 'the door sags just a little,' requiring owners to pull up on it to close. The divider panel also presents challenges, with one reviewer reporting that 'the divider is not wide enough to go from side to side' and that 'I attached one side, and then really had to bend the other side to get that side to attach.' These issues indicate that while the crate functions well, there are manufacturing inconsistencies that affect the user experience.
Who It's Best For
The MidWest iCrate Double Door is best suited for owners of medium-sized dogs weighing between 21 and 40 pounds. The double-door configuration is particularly beneficial for owners who need flexibility in placement, especially in homes with tight spaces. According to MidWest Homes for Pets, this crate is ideal for housetraining, with the divider panel allowing owners to adjust the space as puppies grow.
The crate is also well-suited for pet owners who value portability and ease of setup. The folding design and carrying handle make it convenient for travel, vet visits, or moving between rooms. The leak-proof plastic pan and easy-to-clean design make it practical for housebreaking and general maintenance. However, it is not recommended for owners of large, aggressive dogs or those who chew extensively, as the wire construction is not chew-proof and the plastic components may break down over time. The crate's design is optimized for medium-sized dogs within the specified weight range, making it less suitable for extra-large breeds or small toy breeds.
Value and Price Analysis
Ryan's Pet Supplies notes that the crate includes several features that justify its cost, including the updated locking system, floor protecting roller feet, and durable leak-proof plastic pan. The inclusion of a divider panel for training purposes adds significant value, as this feature allows owners to adjust the crate size as puppies grow. The foldable design and portability features also provide additional value for owners who need to transport their pets or store the crate when not in use.
However, the value proposition becomes less clear when considering the reported manufacturing inconsistencies and durability issues. While the crate's features are appealing, the fact that some reviewers have noted bent metal parts and plastic breakage suggests that the long-term value may be compromised. The Fussy Pup review specifically mentions that 'Plastic broke after a month,' which indicates that the cost may not be fully justified by the product's longevity. For owners seeking a budget-friendly option with basic features, the MidWest iCrate Double Door provides good value, but those requiring long-term durability may find the price less justified by the product's performance.
Comparison to Alternatives
When compared to other crates in the market, the MidWest iCrate Double Door holds its own in terms of features and price. The foldable design and double-door configuration provide flexibility that many competitors lack, making it particularly appealing for owners who need to move the crate frequently or have limited space. The inclusion of a divider panel for training is a significant advantage over many basic wire crates that lack this feature. However, the wire construction is less durable than some premium alternatives, which may be constructed with stronger materials or different manufacturing processes.
Compared to other MidWest products, the iCrate line offers better value for money, particularly due to its comprehensive feature set including the leak-proof pan and updated locking system. The main disadvantage of the MidWest iCrate Double Door is its inconsistency in manufacturing quality, which some reviewers have noted as a significant issue. While it provides good value for basic use, it may not match the durability of higher-end alternatives that are specifically designed for heavy-duty use.
Strengths
- +Double doors allow flexible placement in tight spaces
- +Includes divider panel to adjust living space for growing puppies
- +Leak-proof plastic pan makes cleaning easy during housebreaking
- +Folds flat for storage and includes carrying handle for portability
Watch-outs
- −Some users reported bent metal parts from manufacturing or transit
- −Door sags slightly on some units, requiring upward pull to close
How it compares
The MidWest Homes crate stands out for its included divider panel and leak-proof pan, features not found in the Amazon Basics or FDW models. However, it lacks the collapsible wheel design of the Diggs Revol and the airline compliance of the Petmate Vari. While it offers solid portability, it's less versatile than the Diggs Revol for travel and more basic than the Sweetcrispy for security.
Who this is for
At a glance: pet parents seeking a budget-friendly, portable crate with training features.
Why you’d buy the MidWest Homes for Pets 30-Inch iCrate for Medium Breeds, 21-40 lbs, Double Door
- Double doors allow flexible placement in tight spaces.
- Includes divider panel to adjust living space for growing puppies.
- Leak-proof plastic pan makes cleaning easy during housebreaking.
Why you’d skip it
- Some users reported bent metal parts from manufacturing or transit.
- Door sags slightly on some units, requiring upward pull to close.
Rating sources
“This popular, affordable model transports easily, but the lighter-gauge wires aren't as durable as those on other crates we tried.”
“it's pretty simple as far as how it works like I said it's a little bit more sturdy the wire metal bars are a little bit thicker than you will find on some crease”
“Pretty sturdy crate. One of the sturdier ones I've had.”
Our 3.6 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
