I like tanks because they're non-chewable; you won't have to worry about hammie escaping (unless you leave the top off). October, my dwarves and Buttercup all lives/lived in a tank and seem/seemed to like it fine. They're also see-through so you can see everything hammie's doing, and it's easy to get him out. I used to think they were hard to clean, (I've even broken one cleaning it) but compared to SAM (play) cages, they're nothing! I highly recommend glass tanks as a good habitat for your hamster.

        Wire cages are also a great choice for hamsters; but I wouln't recommend putting small babies or dwarves in there because they may be able to squeeze through the bars! They're harder to get hammie out, but easier to clean with the pull-out trays. There's plenty of circulation through the bars so it won't get stuffy, and won't smell as bad. I've never actually used one but I've read about them, and they seem like a fine choice as well.

        Play cages are great fun for your hammie. They're plastic so they are chewable but I havn't really heard of a hamster escaping from one. These colorful cages have fun tubes, look-out towers, and many other add-ons that make it enjoyable for you and hammie! Another plus about this is it can be connected to numerous cages to make a hamster palace! There's no end to the add-ons you can buy for this thing. I rate this cage as the most fun. On a different note, these cages are very annoying to clean (ALL those tubes-- and I just had a small one!), harder to get the hamster out, and full-grown syrians barely fit in the tubes! (hmm... I thought it was made for syrians!) I used to think these cages were awesome until I had one; now I hate them! So even though they may look the best and seem most fun for your hamster, simpler cages are just as good (or better).