A crate gives a new puppy a safe den of its own and makes house training far easier, but a puppy grows quickly and buying a new crate each month is expensive. The best puppy crates adapt as your dog gets bigger.
We have compared six crates and carriers currently available at Amazon UK, from a starter kit with a growth divider to a premium modular crate.
Quick Comparison Table
Product | Best For | Price Range | Rating |
MidWest iCrate Puppy Starter Kit | First-time pet parents | £65-70 | 4.8/5 |
Ellie-Bo Slanted Folding Dog Crate (Medium) | Estate car travel | £45-55 | 4.4/5 |
PawHut Portable Pet Playpen Soft Cage | Daytime playpen use | £35-45 | 4.5/5 |
Amazon Basics Medium Metal Dog Crate | Budget option | £28-35 | 4.6/5 |
Diggs Evolv Modular Dog Crate | Anxious puppies, premium | £300-330 | 4.3/5 |
Ferplast Atlas Double-Opening Carrier | Early vet visits | £38-42 | 4.1/5 |
Individual Product Reviews
MidWest iCrate Puppy Starter Kit
Best for: first-time puppy parents
The MidWest iCrate Starter Kit bundles a folding double-door metal crate with a divider panel, a bed and a water bowl, so a new owner gets most of the essentials in one box. The divider is the key feature, letting you make the crate smaller now and larger as your puppy grows.
This Blue Fashion 61cm kit costs around £68 and holds a 4.8 out of 5 average across more than 13,000 ratings. Only two were left in stock at the time of checking, so availability may be limited.
What we like:
- Divider panel grows with your puppy
- Bundle includes bed and bowl
- Outstanding review record
Worth knowing:
- The 61cm size suits small breeds only
- Stock is limited
Specifications:
- Type: folding metal crate starter kit
- Size: 61cm
- Doors: double door
- Includes: divider, bed, bowl
Ellie-Bo Deluxe Slanted Folding Dog Crate (Medium, 30 inch)
Best for: estate car travel
The Ellie-Bo has a sloped front, designed to fit neatly against the rear seats of an estate or hatchback. It folds flat for storage and comes with a metal tray.
At around £50 and with a 4.4 out of 5 average across around 2,000 ratings, it is a good middle option between a basic crate and a dedicated car crate.
What we like:
- Sloped front suits estates and hatchbacks
- Folds flat for storage
- Removable metal tray
Worth knowing:
- Heavier than a fabric crate
- Check the size against your boot before buying
Specifications:
- Type: folding metal crate
- Size: Medium, 30 inch
- Design: sloped front
- Includes: metal tray
PawHut Portable Foldable Pet Playpen Soft Cage
Best for: daytime playpen use
This soft-sided PawHut playpen and cage suits daytime use when you want more room than a crate offers. It is lightweight and folds away easily.
It costs around £40 and has a 4.5 out of 5 average from almost 300 ratings. Being soft-sided, it is not suitable for a puppy who chews.
What we like:
- Roomier than a standard crate
- Lightweight and portable
- Good price
Worth knowing:
- Not chew-proof
- Not a replacement for a secure night-time crate
Specifications:
- Type: soft playpen / cage
- Material: fabric with mesh panels
- Design: portable and foldable
- Use: indoors and short trips
No products found.
Amazon Basics Medium Metal Dog Crate with Tray
Best for: budget-conscious owners
The Amazon Basics crate is a durable, foldable metal crate with a tray, priced to suit a tight budget. It has a double-door design and a lower price than most rivals.
At around £31 with a 4.6 out of 5 average across more than 8,700 ratings, it is the best-value option here.
What we like:
- Very affordable
- Strong review record
- Folds flat for storage
Worth knowing:
- Basic design without extra accessories
- Check the size against your puppy’s adult size
Specifications:
- Type: folding metal crate
- Size: Medium
- Doors: double door
- Includes: tray
Diggs Evolv Modular Dog Crate
Best for: anxious puppies and design-conscious homes
Diggs makes a modular crate that adapts as your puppy grows and looks smarter than a wire crate. The Evolv is a strong, paw-safe design built to double as a playpen.
It is a premium buy at around £320. It has a 4.3 out of 5 average from more than 150 ratings. Diggs’ earlier Revol model is no longer listed, so this is the current equivalent.
What we like:
- Modular, adjusts as your puppy grows
- Sturdy and attractive design
- Paw-safe finish
Worth knowing:
- Expensive
- Fewer reviews than budget crates
Specifications:
- Type: modular crate / playpen
- Model: Evolv
- Design: adjustable
- Availability: in stock at time of writing
Ferplast Atlas Double-Opening Carrier
Best for: early vet visits and short trips
A puppy that visits the vet needs a secure, easy-to-clean carrier. The Ferplast Atlas has a double opening and a sturdy plastic shell, and it is one of the most popular carriers in the UK.
At around £40 with a 4.1 out of 5 average across more than 2,300 ratings, it is a practical secondary crate for travel.
What we like:
- Easy to clean plastic shell
- Double opening for easy access
- Well-known UK brand
Worth knowing:
- Not designed as a main sleeping crate
- Small sizes are outgrown quickly
Specifications:
- Type: hard plastic carrier
- Feature: double opening
- Use: vet visits and travel
- Brand: Ferplast
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Puppy Crate
What to look for when buying a puppy crate
The single most important feature in a puppy crate is the divider panel. It lets you buy one crate for the adult dog and shrink it while your puppy is small.
Puppy crate types explained
Metal folding crates are the standard choice. Soft crates suit travel but not chewers. Plastic carriers suit vet trips. Modular crates are the premium option.
Size guide: buy for the adult, divide for the puppy
Choose a crate big enough for your dog’s adult size, and use a divider to give a puppy just enough room to stand, turn and lie down.
How much should you spend?
Around £30 buys a basic metal crate. £60-£70 buys a starter kit. Premium modular crates cost £300 or more.
Frequently asked questions
What size crate does my puppy need?
Buy one that fits the adult size and use a divider so the puppy has room to stand, turn and lie down without extra space.
Should the crate go in the bedroom?
Many owners keep the crate in the bedroom at night at first, which helps a new puppy settle.
How long can a puppy stay in a crate?
Very young puppies need frequent toilet breaks, so build up time gradually and never leave a puppy crated for long periods.
Is a soft crate suitable for puppies?
Only for calm, supervised use. Puppies that chew can escape or swallow fabric.
Can I use a crate and a playpen together?
Yes. A playpen with the crate door open gives a puppy space to play and a den to retreat to.
Conclusion
The MidWest iCrate Starter Kit is our top pick for first-time owners, thanks to its divider and bundled extras, while the Amazon Basics crate is the best value.
For car travel the Ellie-Bo slanted crate fits neatly in an estate, and the Diggs Evolv is the premium choice for a home that wants a smarter-looking crate.
