Suitable Hamster Wheels

There are a number of types of hamster wheel on the market and it's important to choose a safe wheel for your hamster as well as one that's the right size. A safe wheel has a solid running track. Mesh wheels and the old fashioned metal wire wheels are very dangerous for them and can lead to injury. Also wheels that are too small for a hamster can lead to them running with a curved back and them suffer pain and spinal problems as they grow up. Aside from that, the Hamster may just stop using a small wheel if it's uncomfortable, and then start bar chewing because they have pent up energy. Also be wary of any wheels with slots or gaps in the back as a foot could get caught

In terms of size, Syrian hamsters run best in an 11" or 12" diameter wheel (28cm, 29cm or 30cm plus). They need to run with a straight back.

For Russian dwarf hamsters a 9" wheel is ideal and they can sometimes run in larger wheels as well. For Roborovski hamsters, an 8" or 9" diameter wheel is good.

Flying saucer wheels are also available for hamsters, but these should not be used as their only wheel. They are ok as an a playpen wheel for occasional use, but they do need an upright wheel as the main wheel in the cage, to be able to run properly and in a straight line. In terms of size, Syrians need a 12" flying saucer. Dwarf hamsters are fine with a 6.5" or 7" flying saucer.

Most hamster owners paint wood wheels with plastikote enamal waterbased paint - to make them wipe clean. This is pet safe and virtually odourless. Rodipet also make a similar waterproofing paint for wood hamster items.

Below are some safe recommended wheels which are popular:

While this article is primarily for information, if you are buying a wheel and buy it from this page, then it helps support forum running costs at no extra cost to you. Some of the links are Amazon affiliate links for which this site earns a commission.

For Syrian Hamsters:

Trixie plastic wheel 28cm - this wheel isn't silent but it's one of the cheapest options and usually quiet Approx £16 https://amzn.to/4l5DKSV
Savic Giant Rolly wheel 27.5cm (for small syrians) - not silent - can be rattly Approx £17.95 https://amzn.to/4e6tjLU
The Trixie wood wheel with cork lining (silent) 28cm Approx £23 https://amzn.to/3FLd6zf
Silent Runner wheel 12" (silent) orange Approx £26 (note there are bar attachment plates available separately https://sugarglidershop.co.uk/product/silent-runner-12-wheel/
Rodipet Heureka wheel (silent) - various colours Approx £43 but postage expensive https://www.rodipet.co.uk/wheels/
Getzoo wood and cork wheel (silent) internal diameter just over 12" Approx £52 https://amzn.to/3HKB1iS
Niteangel wood and cork wheel 11.5" (silent) Approx £53 https://amzn.to/4kGTPOx
Niteangel super silent wheel - acrylic - various colours 11" Approx £47 https://amzn.to/3TsCeOb
Niteangel super silent wheel extra large 12.8" (for large syrians) Approx £79.59 https://amzn.to/3STYbWn

For Dwarf, Chinese and Roborovski Hamsters

Trixie Plastic wheel 20cm (not silent but cheap and should be quiet) Approx £11.50 https://amzn.to/464hgNd
Trixie wood wheel with cork lining 21cm silent Approx £17.95 https://amzn.to/460fPPK
Silent Runner wheel 9" (cream including bar attachments) this is getting harder to find https://amzn.to/4n8M85o
Rodipet Heureka wheel as above for Syrians - this is suitable for dwarf hamsters as well
Getzoo plastic and cork wheel - pink - internal diameter 25.4cm - silent, easy to clean and replaceable cork strip Approx £37 https://amzn.to/3HFYrGb
Getzoo wood and cork wheel 25.4cm internal diameter - silent Approx £46 https://amzn.to/4kReHmg
Niteangel wood and cork wheel 10" - silent - Approx £49.95 https://amzn.to/3FXvxRm
Niteangel super silent wheel 10" - various colours - Approx £39.59 https://amzn.to/3STZ7tR

You might also be interested in this piece on the forum, about the origin of the hamster wheel