MidWest iCrate vs Vari Kennel
Scored head-to-head on every dimension — with a clear verdict and the best price on each.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, PawBench earns from qualifying purchases. Prices shown are approximate and subject to change. Always verify current pricing on Amazon before purchasing.
Which one is right for you
- Choose MidWest iCrate when
- The crate lives at home: two doors for flexible placement, folds flat for storage, divider included.
- Choose Vari Kennel when
- You are flying — the Ultra Vari shell is IATA compliant for most carriers, and the solid sides give a more den-like space.
Watch out for: The Vari Kennel is a two-piece shell that does not fold and ships without a divider. The iCrate is explicitly not airline approved and offers no privacy without a cover.
| Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
| Buy | ||
PawBench Scoremethodology → | Build Quality 79 Comfort 76 Airline Safety 79 Value 78 Owner Satisfaction 86 | Build Quality 81 Comfort 72 Airline Safety 81 Value 77 Owner Satisfaction 71 |
| Buyer sentiment | Quality Size Value for money Assembly Buyers praise quality, size, value for money and assembly. Mixed feedback on durability and ease of use. Based on 25,872 user mentions | Quality Sturdiness Assembly Value for money Durability Locking Mechanism Buyers praise quality, sturdiness, assembly and value for money. Mixed feedback on size and portability. Some flag durability and locking mechanism. Based on 1,711 user mentions |
| Material | Wire steel | Heavy-duty plastic + wire door |
| Sizes Available | 18" to 48" (6 sizes) | 19" to 40" (Ultra Vari line) |
| Doors | 2 (front + side) | 1 (front wire door) |
| Foldable | Yes, folds flat | No (two-piece shell) |
| Divider Included | Yes (free) | No |
| Airline Approved | No | Yes (IATA compliant) |
| Linked Size | — | Medium 32 in (30-50 lb dogs) |
* Prices are approximate and may vary. Please check the latest price on Amazon.
What owners actually say
Pros & cons
MidWest iCrate Double Door Folding Crate
Pros
- ✓Two doors (front and side) for flexible placement
- ✓Includes free divider panel for growing puppies
- ✓Folds completely flat for storage and transport
- ✓Leak-proof plastic pan slides out for easy cleaning
Cons
- ✗Wire design offers no den-like privacy without a cover
- ✗Slide-bolt latches can be figured out by clever dogs
Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel (32 in)
Pros
- ✓Airline-approved shell meets IATA requirements for most carriers
- ✓Heavy-duty plastic provides a secure, den-like environment
- ✓Wire-vented sides allow airflow while maintaining privacy
Cons
- ✗Two-piece design is bulky to store when not traveling
- ✗Latching system requires both hands to assemble