Welcome to the Wheel World!

Wheels are one of the most important things you give your hamster.

This is an item you don’t want to skimp on- having the wrong wheel can create health problems for your hamster that can be painful for your hamster later in life. Hamsters are very active animals and are known to run 5-10 miles a night on their wheel!

A healthy hamster is also a happy hamster who will be more apt to want to interact with you!

*This page contains affiliate links to Amazon, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Wheel Safety

There are a lot of unsafe wheels out there, here’s what you want to look for in a wheel:

• Wide, flat, running surface, free of holes, mesh bars or large tread - Hamsters run very fast and any hole/mesh or large tread can cause a serious injury to their foot or leg. If you don’t believe me, check out this heartbreaking post from a Hamster Rescue in Southern California showing a hamster who broke two legs in a mesh wheel. *Trigger warning, some people may find this post disturbing.

• Large size so that your hamster can run without arching their back at all - this means a minimum of 8” for dwarves and 12” for Syrians. More on this below.

For more info on dangerous wheels I suggest checking out:

• This post from DogsHamsters

• This Post from AstronamyHammiesCare

Hamster-Wheel Learning Curve

Hamsters also take time to learn how to use a wheel, since using a wheel is not something they would do in nature.

A young hamster may struggle pushing a wheel at first - for this purpose I always keep around smaller, lighter wheels (8” Niteangel Dark Cloud or Super Silent) for the small, inexperienced hamster. You can upgrade them in a few weeks once they get a little stronger!

A young hamster may also be too vigorous and flip on their wheel when they come to a fast stop- this is normal, although it is preferred if it can be avoided as big falls can cause injury to your hamster. If your hamster is flipping a lot I suggest the following solutions:

• Upgrade to a bigger wheel. If your hamster stops running suddenly or trips the distance to the top of the wheel is longer on a bigger wheel- this means they are less likely to have dramatic falls on a big wheel. I had to upgrade my very energetic robo hamster, Steven, to a 12” Silent Runner wheel to prevent him from continuing to fall on his wheel. He now uses both a 10” and a 12” wheel without issue (but sometimes flips on 8” wheels).

• Find a different type of wheel to see how they do on it. Some hamsters do better on certain types of wheels than others. It’s hard to explain until you see it, but there is not one-size-fits-all for hamster wheels. You just have to see what your hamster does best on! This is why I generally have a few extra wheels laying around.

Need more help picking a wheel?

See this video I made about finding the right wheel for my rescue dwarf hamster, Moe!

What size wheel should I get?

Syrian Hamsters: 12” and up ( Some male or smaller Syrians can use a 10” wheel without issue, but most Syrian hamster owners say that 12” is better. Some female hamsters may need a 13” to 14” wheel!)

Chinese Hamsters: 10” to 12” (Chinese hamsters may be small but they are long!)

Dwarves and Robos: 8” to 12” (Don’t be afraid to give a small hamster a big wheel). For most dwarves and robos, a 10” wheel will work great. I personally find the 8” wheel to be a bit small for most dwarves and robos, except for the teeniest of robos (about 20-25gs), they seem to use an 8” wheel well.

Hamsters come in many shapes and sizes, how do I evaluate if the wheel size is correct for my hamster?

Look at their body while they run. Their back should be straight and their head should not have to look up, even a little, in order to run.

Do not fear a big wheel with a little hamster! They actually have fewer accidents on larger wheels. One of my robos used a 12” wheel and I have never seen him fall on it!

Watching your hamster run on their wheel is a great way to see if they look comfortable and happy. If you hamster isn’t using their wheel, it may be that they don’t like their wheel or something is uncomfortable about it. Hamsters have a lot of personality and can be picky! Some prefer enclosed wheels (like the Niteangel Dark Clouds) while others seem to have other preferences in material or placement in their cage.

I have a Wyze Cam so I can watch my hamster’s behavior while I’m sleeping to make sure their wheels are working well for them.

What if I’m on a budget?

Now that brands like Niteangel have been making great, hamster wheels for a few years, they are widely available on second hand markets. I have purchased second hand Niteangel wheels from Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark & Facebook hamster groups at a big discount! There is no reason a hamster on a budget can’t run like a king or queen!

Which wheels do you recommend?

When I first got Steven in July, 2020, there were very few good hamster wheel options in the US. Flash forward a few years and there are now many great options, as long as you get something solid surfaced (no mesh or bars!) and large enough (8”+). I can’t possibly name all the wheel options, so instead I’ll call out a few of my favorites here.

Bucatstate Starlight Hamster Wheel

Buctastate is a newer brand in the US market with some great hamster products & very cute, colorful designs. They gifted me the 10” turquoise quiet wheel and it’s lovely. My large robo, Oscar used the 10” size and it works great for him. I recommend getting the 10” size for most dwarf hamsters or larger robos (40 grams and up). For smaller robos (20-25 g) I would recommend the 8” size.

Pros: The wheel is very quiet, would be okay to use for a hamster who lives where you sleep. Adjustable in height, comes in some lovely, translucent colors, easy to clean, has a wide, stable base & a wide running track as well (almost 4” on the 10” size).

Cons: Currently only comes in 8” and 10” so is not suitable for most adult Syrian hamsters. (Syrians should have 12” - 14” size wheel). (Bucastate does have other wheels that come in larger sizes)

Niteangel Super Silent Wheel

Niteangel makes some of the best hamster products around and their wheels are no exception.

True to it’s name, it’s very quiet! It’s smooth and easy to push. The stand is adjustable so you can put it on the floor of your hamster cage and then pile bedding on top (or just customize it to your hamster’s height). It comes in a wide range of colors AND sizes so you should be able to find a size and color that’s appropriate for you and your hamster.

Due to the popularity of this wheel it is sometimes sold out in certain sizes and colors. If you see the one you want, I suggest getting it!

I suggest size S/8” for small robos (20-25g), M/10” for a Campbell’s, winter white or larger robo (40-60g) and 12” for a Syrian or Chinese hamster. That being said, I’ve had robos use the 10” and 12” without issue, don’t worry about the wheel being too large!

Pros: Super Silent! Wide, flat running space. Comes in many colors & sizes appropriate for all types of hamsters. Adjustable base. Sturdy, heavy base stays in place while your hamster runs.

Cons: Sometimes can be hard to find it in stock in the size/color you want.

To Purchase: Available through the Niteangel website, or at Amazon (click on picture below).

Niteangel Wooden & Cork Wheel

One of my favorite wheels! It’s gorgeous to look at and soft on little hamster feet. I switched to this wheel with little Steven, the Robo, when at about 1 1/2 years of age he started to develop bumblefoot (inflammation & scabs on the feet). Cork help lessen the load on his delicate feet. Unfortunately, it’s not currently available, but you may be able to find it second hand!

Pros: Good for hamster’s feet, some hamsters will need cork linings if they get bumblefoot (inflammation in their feet). Looks very beautiful in a natural themed cage. Quiet & high quality product. Super quiet. Adjustable base.

Cons: Cork lined version can take longer to dry after washing, you may need to replace the cork once in a while.

Further Reading: Check out this post from Uhtred the Woke Hamster discussing the science of why using a cushioned track is important. Also check out how cute Baloo from Insta account BenjiandBaloo is on his cork-lined Niteangel Acrylic wheel!

To Purchase: You can purchase it directly from the Niteangel website, (currently unavailalbe)

Niteangel Acrylic Wheel

Another one of my favorites - this wheel is just beautiful! Some hamsters might not do well with this wheel because it has no tread on it. It does, however, take adhesive cork well, and I have, at times, lined it in cork depending on the needs of the hamster.

Pros: Super quiet, easy to clean. Adjustable base. Can be difficult for some hamsters to run on, but you can place adhesive cork on the wheel easily. Looks very beautiful in any cage setup Quiet & high quality product. Super quiet. Adjustable base.

Cons: Cork lined version can take longer to dry after washing, you may need to replace the cork once in a while.

To Purchase: You can purchase it directly from the Niteangel website, or click on image below from Amazon

Niteangel Cloud /Dark Clouds Series

Another one of my favorite wheels! The cork lining is gentle on tiny, hamster feet, and this is a very light wheel - great for elderly or young hamsters who are having trouble pushing something heavier.

Pros: Super lightweight, easy to push. Cork lining is gentle on hamster feet. Wide running track. Adjustable height.

Cons: A little more work to clean. Cork comes unstuck after a while, but new cork can be purchased.

To Purchase: You can purchase from Amazon by clicking on the image below or from Niteangel’s website here.

Other Bucatstate Wheels

Bucatstate now has quite a few wheel options to choose from. They are all well made, quiet, and lovely to look at! So far, I have only had a chance to try the iridescent acrylic wheel - which I love!

See their full selection on the Bucatstate website.

Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner

Exotic Nutrition specializes in animal supplies for a wide range of small animals and exotic animals. They have been offering larger wheel options for quite a while and you’ll see Silent Runner wheels in many a hamster cage!

These wheels are quiet, but not completely. If you have your hamsters in your room, you may want to get a wheel from Niteangel or Bucatstste instead.

Skittish or more private hamsters particularly love the enclosed/hidden look of these wheels. I have one robo who enjoys cozy naps in his Silent Runner, always positioned right behind one of the barriers so he’s just out of view :)

These wheels work well on their base and also work well when attached to a cage. Ensure you buy the additional cage attachment kit if you plan on using this wheel for a cage set up.

Click here to see how a Syrian looks on the 12” size of this wheel. (Post from one of my fav Hamster Rescues, Zitch Hamster Rescue in Portland, Oregon)

Exotic Nutrition wheels offer additional track surfaces like “auto cleaning” and “sandy” to trim nails- do not get these add-ons. Hamsters have very delicate feet and sandy tracks will only cause irritation for them. Slits in their running surface can cause their toes to get stuck and break. If your hamster has long nails bring them to a vet for a nail trim (this happens in some hamsters more than others).

Pros: comes in sizes appropriate for both dwarf (9”) and Syrian (12”). Is usually very quiet (although not completely). Good quality wheel that should last the lifetime of your pet (if not several). Almost all the parts of this wheel can be purchased separately if you lose a part or it breaks. Attaches to a cage well. I really like the “glow” wheel! Skiddish hamsters will appreciate the seclusion and may refuse to use open-type wheels.

Cons: Limited color range, base not adjustable. As your hamster runs they will loosen the wheel eventually causing an irritating knocking noise that should be solved by tightening it again… however, this may happen at 2 am. More pieces to take apart and clean (but it’s not that hard). Running track is a bit narrow on the 9” size.

To Purchase: From the Exotic Nutrition Website- 12” glow (link to Exotic Nutrition Site), 12” orange (link to Exotic Nutrition Site) or 9” yellow (link to Exotic Nutrition Site) or click on the images below to purchase from Amazon!

Kaytee Comfort Wheel

If you’re on a budget, I recommend the Kaytee Comfort Wheel (video included of my little Laverne on her 8.5” comfort wheel). Comfort wheels are inexpensive, sturdy and reliable. I find they work best when placed inside a sand bath since they do not have a heavy, sturdy base (the sand helps keep them in place).

The comfort wheel comes in Large - 8.5” and Giant - 12” (and also some smaller sizes that are not appropriate for hamsters). the 12” size is quite large + wide and great for a Syrian hamster or a pair of dwarf hamsters (a large wheel where they can both run is recommended if you have dwarf or robo pairs, or if you have and unexpected litter of hamsters- large wheels like this one are easier for them to share as young pups). The 8.5” should be used for robos, small winter whites and Campbell’s only and is not appropriate for a Syrian hamster.

My dwarf and robos can run on and push the 12” Comfort Wheel easily.

Pros: Wide, solid running base. Inexpensive.

Cons: Limited color options , can be loud while in use. Limited features- the base is not adjustable and these wheels do not attach to a wire cage.

To Purchase: From Chewy here, from Amazon Below. The Comfort Wheel also has a look-a-like sold at PetSmart, you can purchase here.

All Living Things Silent Exercise Wheel

This wheel is available exclusively at Pet Smart. It comes in 12”, 6 1/2”, and 4 1/2”. If you are going to buy this wheel, please only purchase the 12” size, the other sizes are not appropriate for hamsters.

Pros: Seems to have a sturdy base, easily accessible at a Pet Smart near you!

Cons: Does not come in other good sizes for dwarf hamsters like 10”. Limited color choices.

Further Reading: Including Munchie’s video about these wheels!

To Purchase: You can purchase one from Pet Smart here

Kaytee Silent Spinner

This wheel is widely available in pet stores across the US and is widely used for hamsters and other rodents.

Size: It comes in many sizes, including a mini - 4 1/2” size, Regular- 6 1/2”, Large - 10” and Giant - 12” . While the 6 1/2” may be okay for robos and the 10” for dwarves, after using these wheels quite a bit, I would advise to go with the 12”- Giant size, no matter your hamster’s size.

The 6 1/2” and 10” size both have fairly narrow running areas and flimsy stands. In the past I used the 6 1/2” and 10” sizes for my robos and attached them to the sides of their Kaytee SUPER Habitat cages (link to Pet Mountain). My robos often flipped and fell off of both sizes (although 10” was definitely better).

The 12” Giant size has a much wider running area in addition to a wider base stand. I have never tried the Giant size but I imagine it would have helped reduce some of the falls and flips.

While I wish this wheel came in more color choices, I LOVE how easy these wheels are to use. These are definitely the easiest wheels to use with a barred cage (just snap in and out!) and a breeze to keep clean. I have four hamsters and am washing wheels constantly. This is the only wheel that doesn’t involve taking off screws or parts before I clean it!

This wheel isn’t totally silent but is silent enough that it didn’t wake me up (and I’m a fairly light sleeper & I keep my hamsters in my room).

I no longer use the Kaytee Silent Spinner as I have found other wheels that my hamsters seem to prefer. However, this might be a good option for those of you with barred cages or limited access to other wheels.

Potential safety hazard : this wheel is comprised of two halves, the white back part and then the colorful tip that joins with the wheel about midway through the running track. When I first purchased these wheels for my robos I searched reviews and hamster forums (and even posted) wondering if the tiny holes in the running track from where the two halves connect have ever caused an injury to a hamster if they got their toe stuck in that hole. No one had heard of this happening so I went forward with using these wheels, although I did use some non-toxic school glue to fill in the gaps just in case.

I have since then read a few reviews from hedgehog owners saying that their hedgehogs had gotten their toes stuck in this wheel. I don’t know if the anatomy of hedgehog toes are wildly different from hamsters, but that is enough of a potential risk for me to advise that if you use this wheel, you consider filling in the gaps with some Elmer’s non-toxic School Glue or maybe use some cloth medical tape to line the inside of the wheel. Be sure any edges of the tape or glue are flush to the surface so your hamster can’t pick at or chew on them.

Pros: Widely available in pet stores, easily attaches to a wire cage, easy to clean, fairly quiet, comes in larger sizes, lightweight and easy to push for older or younger hamsters.

Cons: Narrower running track on sizes 6 1/2” and 10”. Flimsy base that’s hard to take on and off. Only comes in a few, bright colors, if you order online you don’t get to choose your color.

Further Reading: Including my video review of these wheels from Dec, 2020, in addition to Hammy Time’s video about how to improve on the design to make these wheels run oh-so-smooth!

To Purchase: Click here to purchase from PetMountain, click here to purchase from Chewy, click here to purchase from Amazon (affiliate link)

Exercise Saucers , aka “Flying Saucers”

Exercise saucers are a bit controversial and in some countries are not considered appropriate for hamsters. There are two main concerns about these saucers:

1. These saucers, no matter how large, require some curvature of the spine for a hamster to run on.

2. These sauces may cause injury to your hamster if they stop running and get flung off.

I actually think the first concern can be solved with a saucer that’s the appropriate size. I often see hamsters using a saucer that is much too small for them, causing them to create a “C” shape with their body to use it- this is definitely not okay and can cause damage to your hamster’s spine when used repeatedly.

I gave my small dwarf and robo hamsters the medium, 7 1/4” size saucer and they can run on it with a totally straight back and seem to really enjoy it actually!

For a Syrian or Chinese hamster I would go with the large, 12” size saucer.

The second concern about your hamster flying off is a legitimate concern. Some hamsters seem to be well equipped to use this saucer without risk, others are not. I don’t give this saucer to my hyper-speed robo, Steven, anymore, since he has no control over himself on it. But my other robo, Sofia, does great on it and I’ve never seen her fall.

All that being said, I would not recommend this saucer style wheel as a replacement for an upright wheel. While many hamsters enjoy using this, I find, when I give them both the saucer and the upright wheel, they primarily use the upright wheel, but they seem to enjoy the variety of the saucer once in a while.

At this point I use my saucer style wheels for play time, or I rotate them in and out of cage set ups for variety. My hamsters seem to enjoy a saucer in their sand area, since the sand helps it hold still and they can also use the saucer as a hide.

My belief is that if you use common sense with this wheel it can be safely used, just watch out for curved spines or flying hamsters!

Pros: inexpensive, easy to clean, widely available, a great addition to a play area or sand bath, hamsters seem to actually enjoy using these!

Cons: Some hamsters may fly off and injure themselves, limited size & color options, lightweight and will slide around if not secured by sand or on a surface that’s not slippery.

To Purchase: There are many brands that make these hamster saucers, including links to a few. Remember that dwarf hamsters should use 7 1/4” Medium size, Chinese & Syrians should use 12” Large size.

PetCo, size M, 7 1/4” PetCo size L, 12” or from Amazon below: