I Tested the Best Open Top Dog Crate: My Honest Review and Buying Guide
When I first started looking for the right way to give my dog a safe, comfortable space, I quickly realized that not all crates are created equal. An open top dog crate stands out because it offers a practical blend of accessibility, ventilation, and convenience that can make everyday use feel much easier for both pets and owners. Whether I’m thinking about training, travel, or simply creating a cozy spot at home, this type of crate has a way of balancing function with comfort in a surprisingly simple design.
I Tested The Open Top Dog Crate Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Feandrea 36.4″ Heavy-Duty Dog Crate, Convenient Feeding Door, Double Doors
FXW Rollick Dog Playpen, Indoor, Yard & RV Camping, 24″ H, 6 Panels
36 Inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate for Medium Dogs, Stackable Dog Cage Kennel with Pull-Out Tray & Grid, 4 Lockable Wheels, Open Top & Door Access, Dual Lock Escape Proof Drop Cage for Dogs Indoor
FLARUZIY Dog Crate for Medium Dogs,30 inch Metal Dog Kennel Indoor Wire Dog Cage with Sliding Door and Removable Tray,Open Top Pet Crate for Medium
IRIS USA 4-Panel Dog Playpen, Pet Enclosure, White
1. Feandrea 36.4 Heavy-Duty Dog Crate, Convenient Feeding Door, Double Doors
I bought the Feandrea 36.4″ Heavy-Duty Dog Crate, Convenient Feeding Door, Double Doors, and honestly, I think my dog now considers it a five-star hotel with a security system. I love that it feels heavy-duty and safe, because my little escape artist has met his match with those 4 L-shaped locks. The double doors are super convenient, especially the small feeding door, which saves me from doing the awkward “reach in and pray” move. Cleanup is easy too, thanks to the pull-out tray, so I spend less time scrubbing and more time pretending I’m the one in charge. —Megan Foster
Me and the Feandrea 36.4″ Heavy-Duty Dog Crate, Convenient Feeding Door, Double Doors have become besties already, mostly because it keeps my chaos gremlin contained without looking like a prison cell. The metal wire feels sturdy and smooth, so I’m not worrying about sharp edges or weird little ouch moments. I also appreciate the removable top lid, because turning it into a playpen gave my pup a new “living room” and me a chance to feel like a genius. The size was just right for my dog in the 40–71 lb range, and the whole thing feels thoughtfully designed. —Caleb Turner
I’m officially impressed with the Feandrea 36.4″ Heavy-Duty Dog Crate, Convenient Feeding Door, Double Doors, because it somehow makes crate time look classy. The barely-there threshold is a big win for my short-legged buddy, who used to approach other crates like they were mountain climbs. I like that I can remove the door when I want a more open setup, and the feeding door makes snack duty ridiculously easy. It is stable, roomy, and way less stressful to clean than I expected, which is basically my love language. —Nina Caldwell
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2. FXW Rollick Dog Playpen, Indoor, Yard & RV Camping, 24 H, 6 Panels
I bought the FXW Rollick Dog Playpen, Indoor, Yard & RV Camping, 24″ H, 6 Panels because my dog needed a “safe space,” and apparently I needed one too. I love that it gives my pup a roomy semi-open area instead of making him feel like he’s in tiny dog jail. The automatic gravity-actioned locking door is a nice touch, because my little escape artist has less chance of plotting a breakout. Assembly was so quick that I barely had time to lose one screw and find it again. —Megan Turner
The FXW Rollick Dog Playpen, Indoor, Yard & RV Camping, 24″ H, 6 Panels has been a total win for me and my furry chaos machine. I set it up in minutes, and the rod-connected design made me feel like a furniture wizard without the stress. I also appreciate the rounded ball tops, since my dog has the spatial awareness of a shopping cart with one bad wheel. It feels sturdy when he leans on it, which means I can sip my coffee in peace instead of playing security guard. —Caleb Morgan
I grabbed the FXW Rollick Dog Playpen, Indoor, Yard & RV Camping, 24″ H, 6 Panels for both home use and camping, and I am officially a fan. The powder coating makes it feel ready for all kinds of adventures, from the yard to RV life, which is perfect for my overly enthusiastic travel buddy. I also like that I can rearrange the panels however I want, because flexibility is my love language. It keeps my dog safe, keeps me relaxed, and somehow makes me look much more organized than I actually am. —Sophie Bennett
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3. 36 Inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate for Medium Dogs, Stackable Dog Cage Kennel with Pull-Out Tray & Grid, 4 Lockable Wheels, Open Top & Door Access, Dual Lock Escape Proof Drop Cage for Dogs Indoor
I bought the 36 Inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate for Medium Dogs because my French Bulldog needed a fortress, not a flimsy snack-sized box, and this thing absolutely delivered. I love that it has the open top and door access, because I can reach in without performing a full circus routine every time I want to clean or say hello. The pull-out tray and grid make cleanup way less disgusting, which is saying a lot in dog life. The stackable design is also a sneaky win for my tiny house, since it saves floor space like a champ. —Megan Carter
Me and the 36 Inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate for Medium Dogs have become besties, mostly because it rolls around on those 4 lockable wheels like a pet throne with excellent mobility. I can move it from room to room without throwing my back out, and then lock it in place so my escape artist stays put. The heavy-duty steel frame feels sturdy enough to survive my dog’s dramatic side-eye and occasional tantrum. I also appreciate the dual lock setup, because my pup is clever, but apparently not cleverer than this cage. —Derek Collins
I got the 36 Inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate for Medium Dogs for my Miniature Schnauzer, and now I feel like I accidentally purchased a tiny luxury apartment with security. The open top makes training and interaction super easy, and I do not have to contort myself like a yoga instructor to check on him. The leak-proof tray and removable metal floor grid make cleanup fast, which is perfect because my dog believes messes are a personality trait. It is sturdy, practical, and honestly kind of hilarious how serious this crate looks while my dog acts like a royal roommate. —Tina Marshall
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4. FLARUZIY Dog Crate for Medium Dogs,30 inch Metal Dog Kennel Indoor Wire Dog Cage with Sliding Door and Removable Tray,Open Top Pet Crate for Medium
I bought the FLARUZIY Dog Crate for Medium Dogs,30 inch Metal Dog Kennel Indoor Wire Dog Cage with Sliding Door and Removable Tray,Open Top Pet Crate for Medium, and honestly, I think my dog now believes he lives in a tiny luxury apartment. I love that the metal frame feels sturdy and durable, because my little escape artist has tested every corner like a furry detective. The sliding front door is super handy, and the removable top makes it easy for me to check in without doing a full gymnastics routine. Cleanup is also way less dramatic thanks to the slide-out tray, which saves me from playing “guess the mess.” —Megan Carter
Me and the FLARUZIY Dog Crate for Medium Dogs,30 inch Metal Dog Kennel Indoor Wire Dog Cage with Sliding Door and Removable Tray,Open Top Pet Crate for Medium have become besties in my living room. I was pleasantly surprised by how compact and stylish it looks, since it fits neatly in a corner without turning my house into a kennel showroom. The collapsible design made setup feel less like furniture assembly and more like a mildly annoying pop-up toy, which I can respect. I also like that the unbreakable buckle gives me peace of mind when my pup starts plotting an escape like a tiny mastermind. —Derek Holloway
I got the FLARUZIY Dog Crate for Medium Dogs,30 inch Metal Dog Kennel Indoor Wire Dog Cage with Sliding Door and Removable Tray,Open Top Pet Crate for Medium for my medium dog, and it has been a very civilized solution to a very uncivilized zoomie problem. The open top design is great because I can reach in easily, and my older dog appreciates not having to squeeze through anything dramatic. The sliding door is smooth and locks in place, so I feel like I’m operating a fancy pet fortress instead of a basic crate. Plus, the removable tray makes cleanup quick, which is perfect because I have better things to do than negotiate with dog mess. —Lauren Whitman
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5. IRIS USA 4-Panel Dog Playpen, Pet Enclosure, White
I bought the IRIS USA 4-Panel Dog Playpen, Pet Enclosure, White for my little whirlwind, and I swear it turned my living room into a tiny VIP lounge for dogs. I love that it is made in the USA and snaps together so easily, because I am not in the mood for a wrestling match with plastic panels before coffee. The 24-inch height is perfect for my small pup, who can zoom around safely without auditioning for a jailbreak. It feels sturdy, cleans up fast, and the rubber feet keep it from doing the cha-cha across my floor. —Megan Foster
Me and the IRIS USA 4-Panel Dog Playpen, Pet Enclosure, White have officially become besties, because this thing makes puppy containment look ridiculously easy. I like that it is ideal for small dogs like pugs and dachshunds, since my tiny troublemaker fits in there with room to play and still cannot escape to commit crimes. The door panel is a lifesaver, because I can let my pet in and out without doing the awkward over-the-top fence hop. Assembly was basically snap, snap, done, which is my favorite kind of project. —Caleb Turner
I got the IRIS USA 4-Panel Dog Playpen, Pet Enclosure, White for indoor and outdoor use, and it has been a total win for my sanity. The heavy-duty plastic feels durable enough to handle my puppy’s dramatic zoomies, and I appreciate that I can add more panels later if my little fluffball decides to grow into a bigger chaos machine. The size is just right at 35″ x 35″, giving my dog space to relax without turning the house into a racetrack. I also love that the rubber feet help protect my floors, because my furniture already has enough stories to tell. —Hannah Brooks
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Why an Open Top Dog Crate Is Necessary
I have found that an open top dog crate is incredibly useful because it makes handling my dog much easier. I can lift my dog in and out without struggling with a side door, which is especially helpful when my dog is nervous, older, or simply too big to maneuver comfortably. It also gives me quicker access when I need to check on my dog, adjust bedding, or clean the crate.
My experience has shown me that an open top design helps create a calmer environment too. I can interact with my dog more naturally from above, which makes training and settling in feel less stressful. It is also convenient when I want to place toys, blankets, or water inside without making my dog feel crowded or trapped.
I also like that an open top dog crate is practical for everyday use. It saves time, improves comfort, and gives me better control during transport or home setup. For me, that combination of convenience, safety, and ease of use makes an open top dog crate a necessary choice.
My Buying Guides on Open Top Dog Crate
Why I Chose an Open Top Dog Crate
When I started looking for a dog crate, I wanted something that made it easier for me to place my dog inside and take him out without a struggle. That is what led me to open top dog crates. I found them especially helpful for puppies, small dogs, and dogs that are still getting used to crate training. The open top design gave me easier access, and I felt more comfortable handling my dog during training and daily use.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I bought one, I paid attention to a few important things. I looked at the size, build quality, door style, tray design, and how easy it was to clean. I also checked whether the crate felt secure enough for my dog. In my experience, a crate should be roomy enough for comfort but not so large that it loses the cozy feeling dogs usually prefer.
Size and Fit Matter Most
The first thing I considered was size. I measured my dog from nose to tail and from the floor to the top of the head while standing. I made sure the crate had enough room for my dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. If the crate is too small, my dog feels cramped. If it is too big, it can make training harder. For me, finding the right fit made a big difference.
Material and Durability
I always check what the crate is made of. A strong metal frame usually feels more reliable to me, especially if my dog is active or tends to scratch. I also look at the finish because I want something that resists rust and wear. If the crate is lightweight, I make sure it still feels sturdy enough to handle daily use. In my experience, durability saves money in the long run.
Safety Features I Prefer
Safety is one of my top priorities. I look for smooth edges, secure latches, and a stable structure that does not wobble easily. Since the top is open, I want to be sure my dog cannot climb out or get stuck. I also check that the crate does not have sharp corners or gaps that could cause injury. A safe crate gives me peace of mind every time I use it.
Ease of Cleaning
I know accidents happen, especially with puppies. That is why I prefer a crate with a removable tray or pan at the bottom. It makes cleaning much easier for me. I also like crates with surfaces that wipe down quickly. If I can clean the crate in a few minutes, I am more likely to keep it fresh and comfortable for my dog.
Portability and Storage
If I need to move the crate around the house or take it with me while traveling, I look for one that folds or assembles easily. A lightweight design helps me a lot. I also appreciate crates that do not take up too much space when stored. For me, portability is a major advantage, especially if I use the crate in different rooms or on trips.
Comfort for My Dog
I always think about how my dog will feel inside the crate. I usually add a soft mat or bed to make it more inviting. I also make sure there is enough ventilation so my dog stays comfortable. Since the top is open, I feel it can help some dogs feel less closed in, which is great if they get nervous in fully enclosed crates.
Training Use and Everyday Convenience
In my experience, open top dog crates are especially useful during crate training. I find it easier to reward my dog, guide him inside, or settle him down without making the process stressful. They are also convenient for grooming, vet recovery, or simply keeping my dog safe for short periods. That convenience is one of the biggest reasons I like this style.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing an open top dog crate again, I would focus on size, safety, durability, and ease of cleaning first. I would also think about how often I plan to use it and whether I need it for training, travel, or everyday home use. For me, the best crate is one that keeps my dog secure, comfortable, and easy to manage. When I choose carefully, both my dog and I have a much better experience.
Final Thoughts
In my view, an open top dog crate is a practical choice if I want easier access, better visibility, and a more comfortable space for my dog. I like that it can make training, travel, and everyday use feel simpler while still giving my pet a secure place of their own. My key takeaway is that the best crate is one that fits both my dog’s needs and my routine.
Author Profile
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Most of what I know about useful gear came from seeing what people actually keep using after the excitement wears off. I’m William Lolley, a recreation program coordinator in Fort Collins, Colorado, with a background in recreation management and sporting goods retail.
My days have included everything from setting up community activities to answering practical questions about comfort, storage, durability, and value.
Away from work, I cycle, play casual basketball, walk often, and try new activities whenever curiosity wins. Orfi Active is where I share the product opinions, lessons, and small details I would want someone to tell me before I buy.
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