Jessica
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Introduction: The One-Click Solution to New Dog Chaos
Bringing a new large-breed dog into your home—whether it’s a rambunctious Golden Retriever puppy or a rescued German Shepherd—is a logistical challenge. The shopping list is daunting: a crate, a bed that fits the crate, bowls that won’t spill, and a cover to help them sleep. Buying these items individually requires measuring, price-checking, and hoping everything is compatible. It consumes time and money that new pet parents often don’t have.
The MidWest Homes for Pets 42-Inch Double Door iCrate Starter Kit attempts to solve this “new dog chaos” with a single box. It bundles the industry-standard iCrate with a bespoke fleece bed, a privacy cover, and two snap-on stainless steel bowls. On paper, it is the ultimate convenience play. But seasoned dog owners know that bundles often hide cheap accessories behind a decent main product. Is the bed just a flimsy rag? Does the cover actually block light? In this comprehensive review, we deconstruct the kit piece by piece to see if this bundle offers true value or if you are better off buying à la carte.
The Foundation: The 42-Inch iCrate
The centerpiece of this kit is the 42-inch Double Door iCrate. This size is specifically designed for large breeds weighing between 70 and 90 pounds. It fits breeds like Boxers, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and Standard Poodles comfortably. The crate itself features the standard MidWest build quality, including rounded corner clips to prevent snagging and two heavy-duty slide-bolt latches per door.
The “Double Door” feature is particularly critical for a crate of this size. A 42-inch metal box takes up a significant amount of floor space. Having doors on both the front and the side allows you to position the crate in a corner, parallel to a wall, or sideways in a vehicle, without blocking access. This versatility is a massive advantage over single-door models that dictate your furniture arrangement.
Accessory Breakdown: More Than Just Filler?
The value of this kit hangs entirely on the quality of the add-ons. If the accessories are junk, the bundle isn’t worth it. Let’s analyze each component.
1. The Privacy Cover
Crate training relies on the instinctual desire for a “den.” Open wire crates can leave dogs feeling exposed and hyper-alert to visual stimuli (like the cat walking by or kids running). The kit includes a black polyester cover tailored to fit the iCrate dimensions perfectly. It attaches via hook-and-loop tabs, ensuring it doesn’t slide off. While it isn’t insulated or soundproof, it effectively creates a visual barrier, which is often the key to stopping “demand barking” and anxiety.
2. The “Snap’y Fit” Bowls
For many, these are the unsung heroes of the bundle. Putting a water bowl on the floor of a crate is a recipe for a wet bed. The kit includes two 1-quart stainless steel bowls with a patented bracket system. These lock firmly onto the wire mesh at any height. They prevent the dog from tipping the water over, yet the bowls themselves slide out of the brackets easily for cleaning and refilling. This keeps the sleeping area dry and sanitary.
3. The Fleece Bed
The included bed is a white fleece mat. It is sized to cover the entire plastic pan. It provides a soft layer of insulation against the cold plastic tray. It is machine washable, which is essential for puppies who may have accidents. However, it is relatively thin. It acts more like a crate liner than an orthopedic mattress.
Hands-On Experience: The Setup and Reality
When the box arrives, it is heavy—expect a package weighing over 30 lbs. The unboxing experience is satisfyingly simple. The crate follows the classic “fold-and-carry” design. You unhook the side latch, unfold the main body like an accordion, and snap the side panels into place. No tools are required, and the whole process takes under two minutes.
The Fit and Finish
Because the accessories are branded by MidWest, the fit is impeccable. The bed doesn’t bunch up in the corners; it lies flat. The cover doesn’t droop or struggle to reach the bottom; it is tailored. This precision eliminates the frustration of buying a generic “Large” bed from a pet store only to find it’s 2 inches too wide for your crate.
The Puppy Growth Stage
The kit includes a divider panel, which is vital for puppy owners. If you put an 8-week-old Lab puppy in a full 42-inch crate, they will sleep in one corner and soil the other. The divider allows you to shrink the living space, encouraging them to hold their bladder (dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area). As the puppy grows, you move the divider back. The thin fleece bed is actually an advantage here; unlike a thick foam bed, the fleece can be folded or tucked under the divider easily.
Long-Term Durability
After months of use, the crate and bowls generally hold up exceptionally well. The stainless steel bowls don’t rust and are dishwasher safe. The crate’s finish is durable, though heavy chewers can strip the black coating over time. The weak link, inevitably, is the bed. Frequent washing (necessary for puppies) will eventually thin out the fleece. Most owners find themselves upgrading to a thicker, orthopedic memory foam bed once the dog is fully house-trained and past the chewing phase.
Pros and Cons Analysis
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Incredible Value: Purchasing the crate, cover, bed, and bowls separately usually costs 30-40% more. | Bed Thickness: The included fleece bed is thin; older dogs or those with joint issues will need an upgrade. |
| Perfect Fit: Accessories are tailored to the specific dimensions of the crate, avoiding sizing headaches. | Wire Gauge: The iCrate is standard wire. Highly anxious dogs or aggressive escape artists may need the heavier-duty “Life Stages” or steel models. |
| Snap’y Fit Bowls: The locking bowl system prevents spills and is far superior to standard floor bowls. | Cover Material: The cover is basic polyester. It is not insulated for cold climates and is not soundproof. |
| Divider Included: Makes the crate usable from 8 weeks old through adulthood. | Color Options: The kit generally comes in standard black/white. No aesthetic customization available. |
Market Comparison
Is the bundle really a deal? Let’s compare the MidWest Starter Kit against a DIY approach and a premium alternative.
| Feature | MidWest Starter Kit (42″) | DIY Amazon Basics Bundle | Premium Setup (Diggs/Kong) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Components | 📦 Crate, Bed, Cover, 2 Bowls | 📦 Crate + Generic Bed (Bought separately) | 📦 Crate Only (Usually) |
| Fit | 🧩 Perfect (Tailored) | ⚠️ Hit or Miss (Generic sizes) | 🧩 High End Engineering |
| Convenience | ⭐ High (One box) | ⭐ Low (Multiple shipments) | ⭐ Medium |
| Total Cost | 💰 Best Value | 💰 Moderate (Adds up fast) | 💰💰💰 Very High |
| Security | 🔒 Standard (Slide Bolt) | 🔒 Standard (Slide Bolt) | 🔒🔒 High (Reinforced) |
Verdict: The Smartest Purchase for New Owners
The MidWest Homes for Pets 42-Inch iCrate Starter Kit is, without a doubt, the smartest purchase for a new owner of a large breed puppy. It eliminates the guesswork of sizing accessories and provides immediate savings compared to buying items individually.
While the included bed is basic, it is exactly what a puppy needs: soft, washable, and low-profile. You don’t want to ruin a $100 orthopedic mattress during the potty-training phase. The inclusion of the privacy cover and the locking bowls elevates this from a simple “cage” to a proper “den environment” right out of the box.
Who is this for? First-time dog owners, foster parents, and anyone bringing home a Lab, Golden, or Shepherd puppy. It provides everything you need to start crate training on day one.
Who should skip it? Owners of aggressive escape artists (who need heavy-duty steel) or owners of senior dogs (who need thick orthopedic support immediately). For everyone else, this bundle is the gold standard of convenience and value.
