MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Double Door vs Carlson Pet Products Double Door
Both made our Best Dog Crates for Crate Training Puppies shortlist, at #1 and #2. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Double Door Dog Crate if you want lowest price per inch of usable space in this category. Choose the Carlson Pet Products Double Door Metal Dog Crate, Large 42-Inch if you'd rather have heavier wire gauge than basic iCrate-style crates at a similar price. Overall we rank the MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Double Door Dog Crate higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Dog Crates for Crate Training Puppies list.
Winner overall: MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Double Door Dog Crate
MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Double Door Dog Crate vs Carlson Pet Products Double Door Metal Dog Crate, Large 42-Inch compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 4 in Best Dog Crates for Crate Training Puppies | #2 of 4 in Best Dog Crates for Crate Training Puppies |
| Pick label | Best overall | |
| Brand | MidWest Homes for Pets | Carlson Pet Products |
| Key features | 36"L x 23"W x 25"H, rated for 41 to 70 lb dogs; Front and side doors; Removable divider panel | 42"L x 28"W x 30.5"H, rated up to 95 lbs; Front and side doors; Multi-point locking latch system |
| Biggest strength | Lowest price per inch of usable space in this category | Heavier wire gauge than basic iCrate-style crates at a similar price |
| Main trade-off | Standard wire gauge, not built for determined chewers or escape artists | Costs more than the equivalent MidWest size |
| Best for | large breeds | large breeds |
Which should you buy?

#1 pick · Best overall
Choose the MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Double Door Dog Crate if…
- Lowest price per inch of usable space in this category
- Divider panel lets one crate serve puppy through adult sizing
- Two doors give flexible placement against walls or in corners
Best for: large breeds
Prefer the alternative? See the Carlson Pet Products Double Door Metal Dog Crate, Large 42-Inch section.

#2 pick
Choose the Carlson Pet Products Double Door Metal Dog Crate, Large 42-Inch if…
- Heavier wire gauge than basic iCrate-style crates at a similar price
- Multi-point latches resist nose-nudging and paw-pawing better than single slide-bolts
- 42-inch size fits most large breeds without upgrading to a giant crate
Best for: large breeds
Prefer the alternative? See the MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Double Door Dog Crate section.
Pros and cons of each
MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Double Door Dog Crate
Pros
- Lowest price per inch of usable space in this category
- Divider panel lets one crate serve puppy through adult sizing
- Two doors give flexible placement against walls or in corners
- Largest review base of any crate in this roundup, over 34,000 ratings
Cons
- Standard wire gauge, not built for determined chewers or escape artists
- Plastic tray can crack after a few years of daily use
- No wheels, so repositioning a loaded crate means lifting it
Carlson Pet Products Double Door Metal Dog Crate, Large 42-Inch
Pros
- Heavier wire gauge than basic iCrate-style crates at a similar price
- Multi-point latches resist nose-nudging and paw-pawing better than single slide-bolts
- 42-inch size fits most large breeds without upgrading to a giant crate
Cons
- Costs more than the equivalent MidWest size
- Heavier to carry between rooms or load into a vehicle
- Still a standard wire crate, not rated for extreme chewers
MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Double Door Dog Crate vs Carlson Pet Products Double Door Metal Dog Crate, Large 42-Inch: common questions
Which is better, the MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Double Door Dog Crate or the Carlson Pet Products Double Door Metal Dog Crate, Large 42-Inch?
Choose the MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Double Door Dog Crate if you want lowest price per inch of usable space in this category. Choose the Carlson Pet Products Double Door Metal Dog Crate, Large 42-Inch if you'd rather have heavier wire gauge than basic iCrate-style crates at a similar price. Overall we rank the MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Double Door Dog Crate higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Dog Crates for Crate Training Puppies list.
What is the difference between the MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Double Door Dog Crate and the Carlson Pet Products Double Door Metal Dog Crate, Large 42-Inch?
The MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Double Door Dog Crate stands out because lowest price per inch of usable space in this category, while the Carlson Pet Products Double Door Metal Dog Crate, Large 42-Inch stands out because heavier wire gauge than basic iCrate-style crates at a similar price. The trade-offs differ too: the MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Double Door Dog Crate's main caveat is that standard wire gauge, not built for determined chewers or escape artists, and the Carlson Pet Products Double Door Metal Dog Crate, Large 42-Inch's is that costs more than the equivalent MidWest size.
Is the MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Double Door Dog Crate worth it over the Carlson Pet Products Double Door Metal Dog Crate, Large 42-Inch?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Carlson Pet Products Double Door Metal Dog Crate, Large 42-Inch instead if standard wire gauge, not built for determined chewers or escape artists is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Carlson Pet Products Double Door Metal Dog Crate, Large 42-Inch instead of the MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Double Door Dog Crate?
The Carlson Pet Products Double Door Metal Dog Crate, Large 42-Inch suits large breeds, while the MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Double Door Dog Crate is best for large breeds.