Which Dog Crate Actually Stops Escape Artists?
MidWest iCrate leads for double doors, an included divider, and a low overall price. Diggs Revol suits determined chewers and escape artists with reinforced diamond mesh. Frisco Fold and Carry folds flat fastest for owners who move the crate between rooms often.
MidWest iCrate suits most dogs and budgets with two doors and a divider that grows with a puppy. Diggs Revol holds up best against determined chewers. Frisco Fold and Carry folds down fastest for owners who relocate a crate often.
Crate shopping gets complicated once chew habits, dog size, and travel plans enter the picture. Wire, mesh, and plastic each solve a different problem, and a thin latch or loose tray can undo an otherwise solid design. We compared containment strength, door count, fold mechanism, and cleanup features across manufacturer specifications and patterns owners report after months of daily use.
The best picks, ranked
MidWest iCrate Double Door Folding Dog Crate
Two doors on the iCrate give flexible placement against nearly any wall. Its divider panel lets a single crate fit a growing puppy for months. Basic wire construction means committed chewers can eventually bend the bars.
Pros
- Divider panel grows with a puppy
- Folds flat for easy storage
- Available in sizes from 22 to 48 inches
Cons
- Thin bars flex under strong chewers
- Tray can slide loose if not seated fully
Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate
Diamond mesh and an aluminum frame resist pushing far better than standard wire. One motion folds the whole frame flat without tools. Extra strength adds weight and cost compared with a basic wire crate.
Pros
- Tighter mesh resists chewing and pushing
- Folds and unfolds in one motion
- Three doors including a top opening
Cons
- Heavier than folding wire crates
- Fewer size options for giant breeds
Frisco Fold & Carry Double Door Dog Crate
A built-in carry handle and suitcase-style fold make this crate easy to shift between rooms. Wire construction keeps it lightweight but not chew-proof. Calm to moderate dogs suit it best for everyday use.
Pros
- Carry handle simplifies moving
- Folds slim enough for closets or car trunks
- Lower price than most double-door crates
Cons
- Not built for heavy chewers
- Latches feel light on larger sizes
New World Folding Metal Dog Crate
A leak-proof pan and slide-bolt latch cover the basics without extra cost. House training and calm adult dogs suit this crate well. Finish quality runs average, and the smallest sizes feel less rigid.
Pros
- Lower price than most rivals
- Leak-proof pan wipes clean fast
- Tool-free assembly takes minutes
Cons
- Welds and finish feel basic
- Smallest sizes lack rigidity
Amazon Basics Folding Metal Dog Crate
Double doors and an included divider come standard on this straightforward wire crate. Consistent build quality suits an average dog without added features. Chewers and frequent travelers will want a different option.
Pros
- Reliable build quality for the price
- Divider included for a growing puppy
- Folds flat for storage
Cons
- No standout features beyond the basics
- Bars can bend under strong dogs
SportPet Designs Plastic Kennel
Solid plastic walls create a den-like feel that suits dogs who settle better enclosed. Side and top vents keep airflow moving indoors. Folding takes more effort than a wire crate, so it works best left assembled.
Pros
- Enclosed walls feel secure and den-like
- Wipes clean without much effort
- Doubles as a short-trip carrier
Cons
- Bulkier to store than wire crates
- Airflow is limited in warm rooms
Petmate Sky Kennel Travel Crate
Tie-down holes and a heavy-duty shell meet many airline crate requirements. A metal door and squeeze latch keep the opening secure in transit. Daily folding is not the point here, so treat it as a dedicated travel crate.
Pros
- Built to meet common airline rules
- Strong shell with a secure latch
- Ventilation runs on all sides
Cons
- Large and heavy for everyday storage
- Does not fold flat like wire crates
How to choose
What size dog crate should you buy? A crate should let a dog stand, turn around, and lie down without extra space to spare. Extra room lets a puppy soil one end and sleep in the other, slowing house training. Measure nose to tail base, then add a few inches for comfort. A divider panel keeps a growing puppy from getting an oversized space too soon.
Wire, mesh, or plastic: which material fits your dog? Wire crates offer airflow and easy folding, which suits most calm to moderate dogs. Plastic kennels create a den-like enclosed feel and handle transport better. Reinforced mesh with an aluminum frame holds up against dogs that push or chew at weak points. Choose material based on temperament first, floor space second.
How much do doors and trays matter? Two or three doors open up placement options in tight rooms. A removable leak-proof pan turns accidents into a five-minute cleanup instead of a scrubbing job. Check that the tray locks in place, since a loose tray slides out when a dog shifts weight. Smooth plastic and coated wire both wipe down quickly.
Is a travel crate different from a home crate? Frequent moves call for a suitcase-style fold and a built-in carry handle. Flying or long drives call for a kennel built to airline specifications instead of a repurposed home crate. Renters and small apartments benefit most from a crate that collapses flat for storage. Decide early whether one crate needs to do every job or two crates should split the work.
The lineup, side by side
| # | Model | Material | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MidWest iCrate Double Door Folding Dog Crate | Coated steel wire | Best overall | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate | Aluminum frame with steel mesh | Best for chewers and escape artists | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | Frisco Fold & Carry Double Door Dog Crate | Coated steel wire | Best for moving room to room | 9.0 | Check price |
| 4 | New World Folding Metal Dog Crate | Coated steel wire | Best budget wire crate | 8.7 | Check price |
| 5 | Amazon Basics Folding Metal Dog Crate | Coated steel wire | Best simple all-rounder | 8.5 | Check price |
| 6 | SportPet Designs Plastic Kennel | Hard plastic shell | Best for cozy den feel | 8.3 | Check price |
| 7 | Petmate Sky Kennel Travel Crate | Heavy-duty plastic | Best for air travel | 8.1 | Check price |
Common questions
What size dog crate do I need?
Measure nose to the base of the tail and add two to four inches, then measure floor to head height and add a similar margin. A dog should stand, turn, and lie down without room to spare for a second sleeping spot.
Are wire or plastic dog crates better?
Wire suits most home use thanks to airflow, visibility, and easy folding. Plastic kennels suit dogs that prefer an enclosed den feel and handle transport better. Match material to temperament and how often the crate travels.
How do I stop a dog from chewing its crate?
Exercise, chew toys, and gradual training reduce most chewing according to owner reports. Dogs that keep working at the bars do better in a reinforced mesh crate with a stronger frame.
Is a crate divider worth buying?
A divider lets one full-size crate shrink down for a puppy and expand as they grow. That single purchase can replace two or three crate sizes over the first year.
Can a dog crate be used on an airplane?
Only kennels built to airline specifications, usually hard plastic with a metal door and secure latch, meet most carrier rules. A folding wire crate is not accepted for flights.
How often should a dog crate be cleaned?
Wash the tray with mild soap weekly or after any accident, then wipe down bars or plastic walls with a pet-safe cleaner. Drying fully before reassembly helps prevent lingering odor.
Where is the best place to put a dog crate at home?
A quiet corner in a room the family actually uses works best for most dogs. Keep it away from drafts, heat vents, and high-traffic doorways, and keep the spot consistent during training.
How long can a dog stay in a crate?
Adult dogs generally handle a few hours at a stretch during the day, while puppies need breaks far sooner. A crate works as a resting space, not a place for a full workday alone.
Do dog crates need a cover?
A cover can help an anxious dog settle by reducing visual stimulation. Choose breathable fabric sized for the crate so airflow and heat regulation are not affected.
Dog crate vs playpen, which is better for a puppy?
A crate uses less floor space and offers better containment for a puppy still learning house manners. A playpen gives more room to move but will not stop a determined escape artist.
The bottom line
MidWest iCrate balances size options, useful features, and price better than most crates here. Diggs Revol earns its higher cost with dogs that chew or push at weak points. Petmate Sky Kennel remains the only choice built specifically for air travel.
Olivia Hartley
Olivia spent several years working at an animal shelter and a pet-supply retailer before joining the editorial team. She researches pet gear with an emphasis on safety, comfort and the fine print that owners often miss.
