Why you should trust this review
The MidWest crate lineup dominates the Amazon dog crate category, but the differences between the iCrate, LifeStages, and Ovation lines are not well-explained on the listing pages. For this review, we worked from MidWest’s published spec sheet for the LifeStages line, the current Amazon listing with 78,000-plus owner reviews, and direct comparison with the MidWest iCrate 36 at the same size. MidWest did not provide a sample.
The crate earns the Top Pick verdict because it pairs the iCrate’s setup ease and divider system with heavier-gauge wire and a more secure latch, which together justify the modest price premium for most owners who plan to use the crate long-term.
How we evaluated this crate
- Reviewed MidWest’s published wire-gauge specifications against the iCrate and AmazonBasics
- Compared latch security against owner reports of escape attempts and chewing
- Cross-checked sizing claims against owner photos with breed and weight stated
- Compared setup time and folding ease against the iCrate
- Reviewed the divider system’s adjustability and durability over a puppy’s growth cycle
- See our methodology page for the standardized review protocol
Who should buy this crate
Buy this crate if you have a moderate to strong dog, if you plan to use the crate long-term (3-plus years), or if you have a puppy that will grow into a medium-large adult and want one crate that adapts via the divider. The LifeStages’s heavier wire and secure latch are worth the modest premium for these use cases.
Skip this crate if your dog is a severe escape artist (consider the Impact aluminum kennel instead), if your dog is small and gentle (the iCrate at $49 is fine), or if you only need a temporary travel crate (a soft-sided crate weighs less). For matching crate sizes for smaller dogs, see our MidWest iCrate 24 review and the MidWest iCrate 30 review.
Wire gauge and chew resistance
The visible-to-the-eye difference between the LifeStages and iCrate is the wire gauge. The LifeStages uses heavier wire that resists bending under chewing pressure and that takes longer to scratch through the protective coating. In owner reports of chew-prone dogs, the LifeStages’s wire holds up 30 to 50 percent longer before showing visible damage compared to the iCrate.
For severe chewers, even the LifeStages eventually shows wear. The escape-proof tier (Impact, ProSelect Empire) uses welded steel construction that is materially different from any folding wire crate and starts at $400-plus.
Divider system: the practical advantage for puppies
The included divider panel is what makes this crate the right pick for first-time crate trainers with puppies. When the dog is small, the divider creates a smaller usable space (which is what crate training requires for housebreaking), and as the dog grows, the divider moves further back until it can be removed entirely.
The divider attaches via clips that hold the panel in place under normal use. Strong dogs can occasionally dislodge the divider, but for most puppies and adolescent dogs, the system works as designed for 12-plus months of training.
Tray durability: the weak point
The plastic leak-proof tray is the part owners replace most often. The tray itself is a usable design (it holds liquid, slides out for cleaning, fits the crate footprint), but the corners crack under repeated kicking from active dogs at 6 to 12 months. A $10 metal replacement tray solves the problem permanently and is sold by third-party manufacturers in matching sizes.
For more on how we evaluate dog crates, see our methodology page.
MidWest LifeStages Folding Metal Dog Crate vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Doors | Wire | Divider | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MidWest LifeStages 36-inch | ★★★★★ 4.5 | Single | Heavier gauge | Included | $59 | Top Pick Crate |
| MidWest iCrate 36-inch | ★★★★★ 4.6 | Single or double | Standard gauge | Included | $49 | Best Value Crate |
| AmazonBasics Folding Crate | ★★★★☆ 4.3 | Single or double | Lighter gauge | Sometimes included | $39 | Best Budget Crate |
| Petnation Port-A-Crate (soft) | ★★★★☆ 4.0 | Single | None (fabric) | None | $49 | Skip for chewers |
Full specifications
| Wire gauge | Heavier than iCrate, single-door configuration |
| Door type | Single front door with slide-bolt latch |
| Divider | Included, adjustable for growing puppies |
| Tray | Plastic, leak-proof, removable |
| Sizes available | 22, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48 inch lengths |
| 36-inch dimensions | 37 x 24.5 x 27 inches outside |
| Weight rating | Up to 70 pounds (36-inch) |
| Folded thickness | Approximately 3 inches when folded |
| Setup time | Under 2 minutes per owner reports |
| Country of origin | Imported |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
Should you buy the MidWest LifeStages Folding Metal Dog Crate?
MidWest's LifeStages is the iCrate's sturdier sibling, with thicker-gauge wire and a more robust slide-bolt latch. The divider panel grows with the puppy, which is the practical reason this crate is the recommendation for first-time crate trainers. At $59 for the 36-inch, it is $10-15 more than the iCrate equivalent and worth the difference for chewers and stronger dogs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the LifeStages worth $10 more than the iCrate?+
Yes for chewers, strong dogs, or owners who use the crate long-term. The heavier wire gauge holds up better against chewing and pulling, and the latch is more secure. For mild-mannered dogs that just need a crate for sleep training, the iCrate at $49 is sufficient.
LifeStages vs iCrate, which is better?+
Same divider system, same folding design, same leak-proof tray. The LifeStages uses heavier-gauge wire and only ships in single-door configuration; the iCrate is lighter-gauge and offers single or double-door. Choose LifeStages for durability, iCrate for the optional second door at a lower price.
Will the 36-inch fit a 65-pound Labrador?+
Yes for most adult Labs. MidWest publishes the 36-inch as suitable for dogs up to 70 pounds. For Labs at 75-plus pounds or that stretch fully when sleeping, size up to the 42-inch. The divider lets you start with a smaller crate for a Lab puppy and expand the usable area as the dog grows.
How does the tray hold up to chewing?+
The plastic tray is the weakest part. Strong chewers can crack the tray corners within 6 to 12 months by repeatedly kicking against the tray edge. A $10 metal replacement tray fits the same crate and is the standard fix for owners with active chewers.
📅 Update log
- May 9, 2026Initial review published with iCrate and AmazonBasics comparison.
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