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The Price Gap Question
The MidWest iCrate costs $69. The Diggs Revol costs $479. That's a 7x price difference for what is, fundamentally, a metal box your dog sleeps in. Is the Revol genuinely seven times better? I've used both extensively. Here's the honest answer.
MidWest iCrate ($69)
When I worked at a mixed-practice clinic in Portland, the iCrate was the default recommendation for new puppy owners. After testing 12 crates side-by-side, it's still the one I suggest first. The divider panel grows with your puppy. The double-door design gives placement flexibility. It folds flat in seconds.
What sealed it for me: It does exactly what a crate needs to do, and nothing more. The 36-inch model has held up to three years of daily use with Benny. The latch mechanism is simple and reliable. Over 110,000 Amazon reviews with a 4.7-star average don't lie.
The honest downside: It looks like a crate. There's no getting around the wire kennel aesthetic. The floor pan is thin plastic that slides if your dog shifts around. And the fold-flat design means the joints loosen slightly over time. After two years, mine has a minor wobble.
Construction: Powder-coated wire Doors: Double door (front and side) Divider: Included Portability: Folds flat, carry handle
Buy MidWest iCrate 36-Inch on Amazon
Buy MidWest iCrate 48-Inch XL on Amazon
Diggs Revol ($479)
The Revol is what happens when a design company looks at dog crates and says "we can do better." The diamond mesh is smoother than traditional wire (no sharp edges that catch paws). The ceiling hatch allows top-loading for puppies or injured dogs. It collapses with one hand. The built-in wheels make it genuinely portable.
What sealed it for me: The ceiling hatch. When Benny had surgery on his leg last year, lowering him into the crate through the top was infinitely easier than trying to guide a groggy, cone-wearing 85-pound dog through a front door. That single feature justified renting a Revol for his recovery.
The honest downside: $479 is a lot of money for a crate. The diamond mesh, while safer, doesn't allow you to drape a crate cover as easily (the gaps are smaller). The plastic frame feels premium but it's still plastic. If your dog is an aggressive chewer or escape artist, this won't stop them any better than the iCrate.
Construction: Diamond mesh panels, reinforced polymer frame Doors: Front door + ceiling hatch Divider: Included Portability: Collapses one-handed, built-in wheels
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | MidWest iCrate | Diggs Revol |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69 | $479 |
| Construction | Wire | Diamond mesh + polymer |
| Doors | 2 (front + side) | 2 (front + top hatch) |
| Divider | Yes | Yes |
| Folds flat | Yes | Yes (one-handed) |
| Wheels | No | Yes |
| Sharp edges | Some wire tips | None (smooth mesh) |
| Aesthetics | Standard kennel | Furniture-grade |
| Weight (36") | 25 lbs | 28 lbs |
| Floor pan | Thin plastic | Solid tray |
| Ratings | 4.7 stars (110K+) | 4.3 stars (328) |
| Escape resistance | Moderate | Moderate |
Who Should Buy the iCrate
- New puppy owners. You're going to need a bigger crate later. The iCrate's price makes upgrading painless.
- Multi-dog households. Buying four Revols would cost $1,900. Four iCrates cost $276.
- Anyone who uses a crate cover. Wire crates drape perfectly. The mesh Revol doesn't.
- Budget-conscious owners. The iCrate does the job for 85% less.
Who Should Buy the Revol
- Post-surgery recovery. The top hatch is a genuine quality-of-life feature when your dog is impaired.
- Small apartments where the crate is always visible. The Revol looks intentional, not industrial.
- Frequent travelers. The one-hand collapse and built-in wheels are legitimately useful.
- Owners of puppy-biting-age puppies. The smooth diamond mesh won't catch on teeth or paws.
My Bottom Line
For 90% of dog owners, the MidWest iCrate is the right choice. It's proven, affordable, and functional. I've used it at home, at the clinic, and at the shelter. It works.
The Diggs Revol is a luxury. It's a well-designed luxury, but it's still a luxury. The top hatch and the aesthetics are real advantages, not marketing fluff. But they're not $410 worth of advantage for most people. If you have the budget and value design, you won't regret it. If you're deciding between a Revol and a vet visit, buy the iCrate and save the difference.
Try our free tool: Crate Size Finder -- find the perfect crate size for your dog by breed or exact measurements.
Need breed-specific crate recommendations? See our best dog crates for Labrador Retrievers.
Starting from scratch with a new puppy? Our New Puppy Starter Kit bundles a crate with everything else you need.
Related Reading
- 5 Best Dog Crates 2026 -- Full crate roundup with all options
- How to Choose the Right Dog Crate -- Sizing guide
- How to Crate Train an Adult Dog -- Step-by-step training guide