Amazon Basics 42-Inch Wire Dog Crate Review: Worth It? (October 2026)
This Amazon Basics dog crate review finds the 42-inch wire crate a practical fit for pets under 38 x 26 in (L x H) who need two doors, a divider and a removable tray. Choose the MidWest iCrate if its slide-bolt latches with Paw Block are a priority.
On this page (7 sections)
- Is the Amazon Basics dog crate a good fit?
- How should you choose the right crate size?
- What do the two doors and divider help with?
- How does it compare with other 42-inch crates?
- How do you set up and care for the Amazon Basics crate?
- What common buying and setup mistakes should you avoid?
- Is the Amazon Basics 42-inch crate worth considering?
The Amazon Basics dog crate review starts with a simple fit rule: choose the 42-inch wire crate if your dog falls under its 38 x 26 in (L x H) guideline and you want two doors, an adjustable divider and a removable tray. Its frame folds flat, while its door locks operate manually and its tray hook needs to be secured after setup.
The closest alternatives make different trade-offs. The MidWest iCrate adds slide-bolt latches with Paw Block, the New World crate sells its compatible divider separately, and Precision Pet offers a five-point locking system.
Is the Amazon Basics dog crate a good fit?
The Amazon Basics crate suits a home that needs a folding wire frame, two entry points and an included divider. It is a sensible shortlist pick when your dog's measurements fit and the crate's manual locks and tray hook match your routine.
It measures 42 x 28 x 30 in and weighs 34.1 lb. The two doors sit at the front and side, and the removable plastic tray sits inside a metal wire frame.
Amazon Basics gives a fit guideline for pets under 38 x 26 in, length by height. Treat that as a starting point, then compare your dog's measurements with the usable space and leave room for standing, turning and lying down.
Amazon Basics 42-inch double door wire crate: Best for flexible room layouts
- 42 x 28 x 30 in
- Front and side doors
- Divider panel
- Removable plastic tray
The Amazon Basics 42-inch double door wire crate has front and side doors, an adjustable divider and a removable plastic tray. Amazon Basics gives a fit guideline for pets under 38 x 26 in (L x H).
Pros
- Divider adjusts the internal space
- Folds flat for storage or transport
- Tray can be removed for cleaning
Cons
- Door locking is manual
- Tray hook needs to be locked after installation
A nominal 42-inch length does not guarantee a comfortable fit for every large dog. Measure before buying, especially if your pet is close to the stated guideline or has a long body.
How should you choose the right crate size?
Choose by your dog's measurements and usable space, not breed name alone. The crate should allow your dog to stand naturally, turn around and lie down without being cramped.
Measure from the nose to the base of the tail for body length. For standing height, measure from the floor to the top of the head or ears, whichever is higher.
Our guide on how to measure a dog for a crate walks through the process. If your dog is near the Amazon Basics guideline, check the interior measurements and consider a larger crate if you need more room.
A 42-inch crate can suit some large breeds, but dogs of the same breed can differ in size. For a Labrador, compare your dog's measurements with our Labrador crate size guide.
Puppies need a crate sized for their expected adult measurements, with the divider used to adjust the available space as they grow. Our puppy crate size guide explains how to plan for that growth.
What do the two doors and divider help with?
The front and side doors give you more placement options, while the divider changes how much interior space is available. Those features help when the crate sits near a wall or when you need a smaller area during crate training.
Before setup, measure the spot and the path the doors need to swing open. A side door is useful only if you can reach it after placing the crate.
The divider can make the interior smaller, but it does not make an undersized crate larger. Start with the size that suits your dog's adult measurements, then adjust the space as needed.
See our guide to choosing a wire dog crate for help comparing doors, trays and sizing. For broader choices across crate types, how to choose a dog crate covers the main trade-offs.
How does it compare with other 42-inch crates?
The Amazon Basics crate includes a divider and removable tray, while the alternatives offer different locking features or a separately sold divider. Choose based on the feature that matters most for your home and dog.
| Crate | Doors | Divider | Notable detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| MidWest 42-inch double door iCrate | Front and side | Included | Slide-bolt latches with Paw Block |
| Amazon Basics 42-inch double door wire crate | Front and side | Included | Manual door lock; tray hook |
| New World by MidWest 42-inch double door crate | Front and side | Sold separately | Slide-bolt latches with Paw Block |
| Precision Pet 42-inch two-door wire crate | Two doors | Included | Five-point locking system |
MidWest 42-inch double door iCrate: Best for latch security
- 42.88 x 28.75 x 30.38 in
- Front and side doors
- Divider panel
- Leak-proof tray
The MidWest 42-inch double door iCrate has slide-bolt latches with Paw Block and an included divider. MidWest gives a 71–90 lb fit guideline and suggests considering its 48-inch model for dogs near 90 lb.
Pros
- Slide-bolt latches include Paw Block
- Divider panel included
- Tool-free assembly
Cons
- Dogs near 90 lb may need the 48-inch size
- Check fit using the crate's full dimensions
The MidWest iCrate is the better fit if you prefer slide-bolt latches with Paw Block and want a divider included. MidWest gives a 71–90 lb fit guideline and suggests considering its 48-inch model for dogs near 90 lb.
New World by MidWest 42-inch double door crate: Best for divider-free setups
- 42 x 28 x 31 in
- Front and side doors
- Leak-proof tray
- Divider sold separately
The New World by MidWest 42-inch double door crate has two doors and a leak-proof tray, while its compatible divider is sold separately. It shares the iCrate's stated 71–90 lb fit guidance.
Pros
- Front and side doors
- Leak-proof tray included
- Compatible divider available separately
Cons
- Divider panel not included
- Dogs near 90 lb may need the 48-inch size
The New World crate has a compatible divider sold separately. It suits buyers who do not need a divider immediately, but factor in the separate purchase if you plan to adjust the interior for a puppy.
Precision Pet 42-inch two-door wire crate: Best for multi-point locks
- 42 x 28 x 30 in
- Two doors
- Five-point locking system
- Divider panel
The Precision Pet 42-inch two-door wire crate pairs two doors with a five-point locking system, a removable pan and a divider panel. Its stated dimensions are 42 x 28 x 30 in.
Pros
- Five-point locking system
- Divider panel included
- Removable pan
Cons
- Standard-duty wire construction
- Confirm actual assembled dimensions before choosing
Precision Pet includes a divider and uses a five-point locking system. Its standard-duty wire construction is a distinct choice for buyers focused on that locking design.
How do you set up and care for the Amazon Basics crate?
Set up the crate on a stable, level spot, then install the tray and lock its metal hook securely. Before your dog goes inside, confirm the frame is fully open, both doors move freely and the manual locks engage.
Place the crate where you can reach the entrance you plan to use. Keep the door swing clear of furniture, and check that the side door is not blocked against a wall.
Remove the plastic tray for cleaning, then return it and secure the hook before daily use. Check the hook when you reset the tray so it cannot slide out during routine use.
A crate should be introduced at a pace that lets your dog become familiar with the space. Add only items that fit safely and leave enough room for your dog to settle comfortably.
What common buying and setup mistakes should you avoid?
The most common mistake is choosing by the 42-inch label without measuring the dog and the room. Confirm both the dog fit and the door clearance before ordering.
Do not assume the side door will be usable just because it is present. Its value depends on where the crate sits and whether you can open it fully.
Another mistake is leaving the tray hook unsecured after cleaning. Lock it in place each time you install the tray, as Amazon Basics advises.
If you plan to use the divider for a puppy, do not choose a crate that is too small for the dog's adult size. Use the divider to adjust interior space, not to avoid checking the full-size fit.
Is the Amazon Basics 42-inch crate worth considering?
Choose the Amazon Basics crate if your dog fits its size guideline and you want two doors, a divider, a removable tray and a frame that folds flat. Its manual door locks and tray hook are details to account for during setup and daily use.
Choose the MidWest iCrate if its slide-bolt latches with Paw Block matter more to you. Pick the New World model if you do not need a divider included, or compare Precision Pet if you prefer a five-point locking system.
Before deciding, measure your dog, confirm the crate fits your room and choose which door you can reach most easily. For a broader shortlist, see the best 42-inch dog crates and our best wire dog crate guide.
Frequently asked questions
What size dog fits in the Amazon Basics 42-inch crate?
Amazon Basics gives a guideline of pets under 38 x 26 in (L x H) for its 42-inch crate. Measure your dog while standing and lying down, then compare those measurements with the crate's usable interior.
If your dog is near the guideline, check the fit carefully before buying.
Does the Amazon Basics 42-inch dog crate have a divider?
Yes, the Amazon Basics 42-inch crate includes a divider panel to adjust the internal space. That can help when you need a smaller area inside the crate, but choose the crate size for your dog's adult measurements and follow suitable crate-training guidance.
How many doors does the Amazon Basics wire crate have?
It has two doors, one at the front and one on the side. The second entrance can help with placement, but measure your room and consider which side will remain reachable after the crate is set up.
How does the Amazon Basics crate compare with the MidWest iCrate?
Both have two doors and a divider panel, but the MidWest iCrate adds slide-bolt latches with Paw Block. Amazon Basics includes a removable plastic tray and calls for locking its tray hook after installation.
Compare the door location, fit guidance and features you value most.
