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Having the Best Home Paper Shredder on hand in any home office is crucial, whether you work from home every day or simply get a lot of junk mail that quickly piles up. Keeping your office or work environment clean is essential for feeling productive and organized. But keeping it clean is difficult when there is clutter and outdated paperwork strewn around.
It’s critical to understand your alternatives before deciding which paper shredder is ideal for your needs. If you’re looking for a shredding machine for work, considerations like noise and security should be taken into account.
If the shredder will be used within your home, however, size, price, and safety aspects may be more important (especially if you have children or pets roaming around).
Strip-cut, cross-cut, and micro-cut are the three basic types of shredding machines. Strip-cut models produce lengthy strips and are the least secure, whereas cross-cut versions produce smaller strips and are regarded middle-of-the-road in terms of security.
Micro-cut shredders are the safest since they shred documents into small, confetti-like fragments. The micro-cutting procedure is slower, but if document security is a necessity, the extra effort is worth it.
How Paper Shredder Works
It appears to be simple; paper shredders work by inserting a piece of paper into them. It’s devoured by the tiny teeth. It comes to a halt after the paper has been chomped through. So there you have it!
However, once you get into the details, it’s easy to become lost. When there is paper in the machine, how does it know? What mechanism does it use to determine when the paper is finished? If it had the chance, would it do the same thing to — say — my hair?
Basic Small Shredders
Let’s start with the basics and discuss the smaller shredders we’re used to seeing in the office. Paper is generally chopped into strips or confetti-like squares by shredders. The paper shredder usually has a receptacle or container where the shredded debris is collected.
The paper is put into a slot on the top of the bin, which is covered by a lid. Cross-cut shredders use two sets of teeth that rotate in opposite directions to produce a much smaller, square particle. Strip-cut shredders use rotating knives to cut the paper, whereas cross-cut shredders use two sets of teeth that rotate in opposite directions to produce a much smaller, square particle.
When paper (or any object) comes into contact with the cutting head, a sensor activates, and the sharp teeth or knives revolve, pulling the paper into their jaws until it falls to bits in the bin.
Keep in mind that there are additional sensors on the bottom of the lid that is activated when the machine is placed on top of the bin; these bottom sensors activate the sensors that rotate the teeth when the machine is placed on top of the bin.
Why Do We Need Paper Shredding?
For the safe storage of confidential and sensitive information, paper shredding or document destruction is essential. Bills, financial statements, marketing strategies, employee files, and even delivery parcels are examples of confidential data that most of us create and store.
Conformity to the Law
We all have the right to have our personal information protected. In reality, there exist regulations that make it illegal to dispose of documents that contain sensitive or confidential information.
Organizations that collect and store personal data but fail to protect it suffer financial and legal repercussions. Employers, for example, use paper shredding services to dispose of no longer needed employee files.
Mother Nature’s Preservation
To create paper, a large number of trees are felled. People argue for a “paperless world,” with the paper being used only as a last resort, in order to maintain forests.
The practice of sustainable farming provides a solution to the paper industry’s requirement for raw materials. Another approach to saving forests is to reuse and recycle strips and fragments from paper shredding machines.
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Identity Theft Prevention
Identity theft is a common occurrence, and with the introduction of the Internet, it is becoming a greater menace. A delivery box containing a name and address that hasn’t been properly disposed of can be a security risk.
To prevent identity theft and fraud, it is deemed “best practice” for organizations and individuals to utilize a paper shredder and comparable equipment.
Best Home Paper Shredder 2021
A good paper shredder is vital for keeping sensitive information confidential — and for your own peace of mind — whether you’re buying one for the office or for your home. While we’ve written about a variety of office supplies, we’ve compiled a list of the top paper shredders, as rated by Amazon’s most ardent reviewers.
#1 Aurora AU1800XA Anti-Jam 18-Sheet Crosscut Shredder
The Aurora AU1800XA 18-sheet Crosscut paper/ CD/ credit card shredder with a 6.0-gallon pullout bin is the ideal equipment for protecting your identity in the office or at home. The AU1800XA shreds up to 18 sheets of paper at once into small bits (5/32 by 1-7/32 inches), with a security rating of P-4.
The AU1800XA shreds CDs, DVDs, and credit cards in addition to paper, preventing sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands. The shredder’s throat is 8.7 inches wide and equipped with casters for convenient portability.
Features:
- CDs, DVDs, credit cards, and little paper clips are all destroyed by this crosscut with 18 sheet capacity.
- Security level P-4, shreds paper, CDs, DVDs, and credit cards into small bits (5/32 by 1-7/32 inches).
- Time to run nonstop for 30 minutes
- Anti-jam Auto-reverse function to clear paper jams; extremely silent operation
- LED indicator lights on a 6.0-gallon pullout bin Status: Standby/Overheat/Bin-Full/Overload/Door Open
Performance
The Aurora AU1800XA is an 18-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper, CD, and Credit Card Shredder that is extremely silent. The shredder was created with small offices and families in mind. This is the shredder for you if you want to shred important documents without making a lot of noise.
It also includes a huge waste container and an auto-start mode that allows you to begin shredding right away. For everyone who wishes to keep their sensitive documents safe, we believe it’s a terrific value.
While it may not be powerful enough for large organizations, this shredder is ideal for most home users. Anyone who wishes to protect their personal information from identity theft should use it.
Product Specifications:
- Sheet Capacity: 18 sheet
- Shred Type: Crosscut
- Shred Size: 5/32″ x 1-7/32″
- Security Level” P-4
- Shreds: CDs, DVDs, credit cards, stapes, small paper clips
- Continous Run time: 30 minutes
- Bin Capacity: 6 gallons
- Bin Type: Pullout Bin
- Features: ShredSafe, LED indicators, Anti-Jam, Quiet Operation, Casters
- Dimensions: 22x16x13 inches
- Weight: 23 lbs
Where to buy Aurora AU1800XA Anti-Jam 18-Sheet Crosscut Shredder
#2 Amazon Basics 15-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper Shredder
The AmazonBasics 15 Sheet Shredder has a 15 sheet capacity with a cross-cut design. These guys take strip shredders a step further by cutting them diagonally or across the grain. You’ll either have small squares or diamond-shaped scraps of paper leftover.
Shredding sizes range from 3/8″ to 1/32″ broad and come in a variety of lengths. Of course, from a security aspect, the smaller the size, the better. These are the most common and readily available shredders. Best for personal or small business use. It also has a P-4 security rating.
When you need to get rid of financial documents or other very sensitive information, you’ll need to go to Level 4. These cuts are typically 1/16″ x 5/8″ in dimension. This shredder is likewise rather small. It is 11 x 14.4 x 20.9 inches in size.
It can simply be tucked away beneath a desk or in a corner, out of sight and mind. That is until you actually need it. It comes with a 6-gallon collecting bin, which is quite large for a personal shredder.
Features
The AmazonBasics 15 Sheet Shredder has a lot of conventional features, but that doesn’t make them any less useful. To begin, this shredder can shred multimedia files. So you may safely and promptly dispose of all of your unwanted CDs, DVDs, and old credit cards.
While there is no dedicated multimedia slot, it does imply that CDs and other media should be inserted in the middle of the hole. One of the benefits of this product is that it is jam-free. The 4 mode switch, which is placed at the top of the shredder, helps to do this in part.
Auto, off, reverse, and forward are the four modes. Even when shredding with devices that have these modes, paper clogs are still common, and the reverse/forward function doesn’t help much.
Nonetheless, it is unquestionably useful in the event of a minor snarl. However, one unique characteristic of the auto mode is that it also offers auto-reverse.
When it detects a jam, it immediately reverses the blades, allowing the paper to exit through the top.
Emptying the Bin
Remember how the AmazonBasics 15 Sheet Shredder has a massive 6-gallon bin? The method for emptying the bin, on the other hand, is incredibly user-friendly. You may remove the bin and change the bag through a door that you can access.
There’s no need to take off the top and get your fingers close to the blades. It’s quite safe and simple. When it comes to user-friendliness, this shredder has a lot more to offer. It’s not only small, but it also has wheels for simple storage and transportation. In addition, there are five caution lights on the device’s top.
Standby, overheat overload, open door, and full bin. When you combine it with a 20-minute continuous run time, you’ve got one of the most user-friendly shredders you’ll ever see.
Product Specifications:
- Shred Type & Size: Cross-cut, 3/16 x 1-27/32-Inch (5 x 47 mm)
- Item Dimensions: 11 x 14.4 x 20.9 inches
- Item Weight: 22 lbs
- Sheet Capacity: 15 Sheets of 20 lb. bond paper
- Paper Shred Size: 3/16 in. x 1 7/32 in. pieces
- Paper Feed Entry Width: 4.7 mm x 31 mm pieces/ 8.7 in. (22.0 cm)
- Credit Card & CD Capacity: 1 at a time
- Duty Cycle: 20 min. on / 45 min. off
- Voltage: 120V~60Hz / 4.0 A
Where to buy Amazon Basics 15-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper Shredder
See detailed review for Amazon Basics Paper Shredder
#3 Fellowes Powershred 99Ci Jam-Proof Cross-Cut Paper Shredder
The Fellowes Powershred 99Ci Jam-Proof Cross-Cut Paper Shredder is a fantastic paper shredder for a micro-office or small workforce. It’s known for its beautiful crosscut paper shredding and long durability.
The Powershred 99ci has been connected with speed and efficiency by most users of this shredder in any business.
Performance
The Fellowes 99ci paper shredder is large and heavy, making it difficult to transfer from one location to another. It comes with four canisters that are used to mount and transport it.
It’s also a tall and substantial machine. As a result, this shredder takes up a lot of room and cannot be stored under a desk. This isn’t ideal for a micro-office, because most of them are cramped.
The Fellows 99ci shredder shreds at an extremely high pace, which makes it suitable for persons who shred hundreds of pages per day. It can shred up to 180 pages in a minute. This is near twice the speed of the majority of shredders on the market.
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Bin
The Fellowes shredder 99ci’s bin is a pull-out bin, making it much easier to empty. It also comes with LED lights that illuminate when the bin is full. This means you won’t have to waste time monitoring if it’s full or emptying it on a regular basis.
The lights on the Fellowes paper shredder 99ci warn you when the blades are overheated. This is extremely beneficial to the shredder’s output and longevity. It also aids in recognizing when the equipment has to be turned off.
Safety Sensor
An automated safety sensor is included in this shredder. This means that if your fingers get too close to the cutting blades, the machine will stop down immediately. This is critical for avoiding accidents.
It’s extremely rare to come across a jammed Fellowes 99ci shredder. However, if this happens, the machine contains a vital reverse button that allows you to correct any blade jams. It isn’t completely jam-proof, but it comes close.
Product Specifications:
- Shred Type: Cross-Cut
- Shred Width: 5/32″ x 1-1/2″
- Shreds: CDs/DVDs, credit cards, paper clips, staples, junk mail
- Continuous Run Time: 30
- Cool Down Time: 45
- Bin Type: Pull-out Bin
- Usage Level: 1-5
- Noise Level: 63 dB
- Features: 100% Jam Proof, SafeSense, SilentShred, Energy Savings System
- Dimensions: 19.69 x 14.56 x 27.56 inches
- Item Weight: 36.4 pounds
Where to buy Fellowes Powershred 99Ci Jam-Proof Cross-Cut Paper Shredder
#4 Bonsaii 18-Sheet 60-Minutes Paper Shredder
Are you seeking a paper shredder that can handle medium-duty jobs? It’s not going to be light. And it shouldn’t be so expensive that you can’t afford it. You want something that offers a lot of value while remaining reasonable.
Look no further. The machine you’re looking for is the Bonsaii EverShred C149-C 18-sheet cross-cut shredder. I don’t want to give anything away, but there’s a one-hour runtime, 18 sheets every pass, a 6-gallon wastebasket, and casters below!
The Bonsaii C149-C is a heavy-duty machine that can run for up to an hour without stopping.
Performance
This cross-cutter can cut 18 paper sheets in small pieces of 5 x 40 mm in one pass, thanks to an Advanced Cooling System and unique Bonsaii Cutting Technology. The device’s cutting speed is 1.6 meters per minute, and it can chew down credit cards, CDs, and staples.
Its pullout basket has a capacity of 23L and requires less frequent emptying. The glass window in this canister allows you to see when the bin is full.
The gadget has four feeding casters and weighs 10.75 kg. The auto-start and reverse functions on the C149-C prevent the machine from paper jams. According to a decibel rating, its noise level is 62 dB, with 60 dB equaling a normal conversation.
Each shredder has a distinct level of protection, ranging from P1 to P7 (the best security). This model has a P3 level, which means it produces long striped paper.
Pros:
- Operation is quiet and quick.
- Various materials are cut.
- The motor’s duty cycle has been extended.
- Patented Cutting Technology and an Advanced Cooling System
- Large capacity bins
- The casters make feeding the paper a breeze.
Cons:
- The input slot is a pain to use.
- The cuts are excessively large.
- The plastic basket is of low quality.
- Because the device is short, users must bend over it.
Product Specifications:
- Brand Name: EverShred
- Cut Type: Cross-Cut
- Shred Ability: CDs/DVDs, Credit Cards, Paper, Staples
- Cut Size: 1/4 x 1-50/87 inches
- Max Pages per Load: 17-18 Pages
- Continuous Run Time: 60 Mins
- Cool Down Time: 10 Mins
- Noise Level: 62 dB
- Basket Capacity: 6 gallons
- Basket Type: Pull-out
Where to buy Bonsaii 18-Sheet 60-Minutes Paper Shredder
See detailed review for Bonsaii 18-Sheet 60-Minutes Paper Shredder
#5 Aurora AU1000MA Paper Shredder
The Aurora AU1000MA shredder has made shredding huge documents into small pieces a lot easier. The AU1000MA variant has a ten-sheet capacity and is available on the market.
The shredded papers may be easily handled thanks to the pull-out bin. The AU1000MA model, on the other hand, has a standard storage capacity of 5 gallons.
The built-in cutters on this product perform a great job with the documents. Another amazing feature of the Aurora Shredder is that it is energy efficient. Because of Shredsafe technology, you will not have any accidents. Aside from that, when the shredder reaches maximum capacity, it stops working.
The Aurora AU1000MA Shredder has a run time of 12 minutes, which is significantly longer than other high-end shredders. An LED indication is also included with this micro-cut paper shredder.
Product Specifications:
- Noise Level: 62 dB
- Auto Shut-Off: Yes
- Warranty: 1 year
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 13.86 x 16.73 x 24.17 inches
- Brand: Aurora
Pros:
- Technology that eliminates traffic jams
- Auto-shutdown
- Basket with a pull-out handle
- LED status for easy movement
Cons:
- Only a few sheets were cut.
- Expensive
Where to buy Aurora AU1000MA Paper Shredder
#6 Fellowes 62MC Paper Shredder
The Fellowes 62MC comes with a variety of features. One variant includes casters, while the other does not. The 62MC model enables cutting ten sheets into micro-cut particles much easy.
This machine can also be used to destroy credit cards and staples. This provides additional security thanks to the safety-lock feature.
Furthermore, due to the 62MC model’s quiet functioning, you won’t have to deal with any noise disturbances. It also comes with a 5-gallon easy-to-empty container.
Plus, the 5-gallon garbage bin contributes to a clean and tidy environment. Appreciation for the movable casters, which provide excellent movement.
Additionally, the Fellowes 62MC offers a 7-minute continuous run time. When the Fellowes 62MC’s bin is full, the little window on the front end will let you know.
Pros:
- Remove any distracting noises.
- Comes with a safety lock feature
- Garbage can that pulls out
- Comes with casters
- Durable
Cons:
- The design is simplistic and the shred bin is small.
Where to buy Fellowes 62MC Paper Shredder
#7 Fellowes Powershred 79ci Cross-cut Shredder
The Fellowes Powershred 79ci cross-cut shredder is a fantastic paper shredder that can be used at home or in the office.
Most consumers have been impressed by the Fellowes Powershred 79ci 16-sheet paper shredder and how well it appears to perform its functions, particularly in terms of security and confidentiality.
Performance
The 79Ci’s rated speed of 10 feet per minute, which is average for a document scanner, was met. The Staples 16-Sheet High-Speed Cross-Cut Shredder ($199.99 at Quill) is the fastest we’ve tested, clocking in at 14.7 pages per minute.
Fellowes claims that the 79Ci can shred for 20 minutes before requiring a 30-minute cool-down, whilst the Fellowes 73Ci can shred for only 10 minutes before requiring a 20-minute cool-down.
The Ativa Professional Plus HDPro 2000 ($279.99 at Office Depot® & OfficeMax®) is more expensive than the 79Ci, but it can shred for up to 2 hours before needing to cool down.
Jam Proof Shredder
The Fellowes 79Ci is advertised as a jam-proof shredder, however it doesn’t quite live up to that claim. It has a capacity of shredding up to 16 letter-size sheets at once. You should pay attention to the red warning light if you want to keep the 79Ci from jamming.
This is a cross-cut shredder, which shreds paper into shreds that are significantly shorter than the length of the paper. They were roughly 0.16 by 1.3 inches in size, which is small enough to destroy any but the most sensitive documents.
Speed of Shredding
The Fellowes 79ci paper shredder shreds at an excellent rate. This is beneficial since you can shred in a short amount of time and get back to doing other things.
This shredder is simple to operate. It takes very little time to set up and is not at all difficult.
The Fellowes 79ci shredder offers all of the functions that one would expect from a shredder of this caliber. Its reverse function, pullout bin, and other features make it a very appealing machine.
Safety Feature
The Fellowes ps 79ci is a machine that is extremely safe to operate. It comes with a built-in safe sense feature. When hands get too close to the shredder’s aperture, it stops working immediately. This is a fantastic feature, especially in a family-friendly region.
Pros:
- It’s really easy to use and comprehend.
- It has the ability to shred CDs.
- Shreds at a fast rate.
- It is risk-free.
Cons:
- It isn’t completely jam-proof.
- The lid is too hefty.
- It is difficult to move.
Product Specifications:
- Manufacturer: Fellowes
- Shred Type: Cross-Cut
- Shred Width: 5/32″x1-1/2″
- Shreds: CDs/DVDs, credit cards, paper clips, staples
- Continuous Run Time: 10
- Cool Down Time: 20
- Bin Capacity: 6 gallons
- Bin Type: Pull-Out Bin
- Usage Level: 1
- Noise Level: 56 dB
- Dimensions: 20.25 x 16.25 x 11.63 inches
- Item Weight: 31.7 pounds
Where to buy Fellowes Powershred 79ci Cross-cut Shredder
Paper Shredder Buying Guide
Paper shredders are a must-have for both homes and businesses. They enable users to protect their privacy and security by disposing of sensitive materials in a way that prevents identity theft and other data misuse.
Shredders can provide a solid line of protection for enterprises against customer data breaches. Here’s all you need to know about selecting the best shredder for your requirements.
How to Select the Most Appropriate Paper Shredder for Your Needs
Knowing how to identify the different types of paper shredders is a good place to start when looking for a new shredder. However, you must think about more than the planned setting or cut type.
Consider the following factors when selecting a paper shredder that meets your requirements.
The quantity and frequency of use
If you just shred a few pieces of paper once or twice a week, your shredder requirements are very different from those of a company that processes hundreds of sheets per day or big stacks of paper in a single sitting.
Consider the following factors to help you choose the best solution for you:
How often do you intend to use the shredder?
The kinds of materials you’ll be shredding (different paper thicknesses, glossy paper, credit cards, CDs, stuffed envelopes, stapled documents, stacks of papers versus single sheets, etc.)
How much shredding do you usually do in a single sitting?
The “continuous run time” of a shredder affects how long it can be used before needing to cool down, which might take anywhere from 20 to 90 minutes. If you plan on shredding huge batches at once, choose a shredder with a long continuous run time.
Whether you expect your business to expand (and its shredding needs to grow with it)
If you plan on using the shredder regularly and/or shredding large amounts of paper, it’s a good idea to seek for a model that guarantees quick processing so no one on your team wastes hours every day at the shredder.
Maintenance
Cleaning and oiling the shredder on a regular basis, as well as emptying the bag on a regular basis, are standard shredder maintenance tasks; however, most shredders require very little of this.
However, the maintenance requirements of the shredders are influenced by the bin that retains the bag. Bins are available in two styles: drawer style (which can be pulled out from under the shredder) and bucket style (which cannot be pulled out from under the shredder).
Because they can be removed without needing to elevate the shredder, drawer styles are usually easier to empty. Look for a large enough bin that you won’t have to empty in the middle of each shredding session if you intend to process a lot of paper.
Security
If you often shred highly sensitive documents (such as those containing employee or customer information), the sort of cut you use should reflect this. Because the long strips can be stitched back together, strip cuts are the least secure.
Cross-cuts add a layer of security by cutting papers both vertically and horizontally, but they might still be stitched together by someone with a lot of spare time. Micro-cuts provide the highest level of protection because piecing together such small parts would be nearly impossible.
Price
Lower capacity shredders for home usage or seldom workplace use are, predictably, less expensive than shredders meant to process higher volumes. You get what you pay for, of course: These shredders can’t compete with higher-end shredders in terms of speed, processing capacity, or special features.
While finding a shredder that suits your budget is vital, don’t skimp on the features your organization requires to shred documents efficiently and without severe issues.
Additional Features
Aside from shredding, modern paper shredders include a slew of other characteristics. Safety sensors, warning lights for when the bin is full, automatic cleaning cycles, reverse feeds (for jam removal), power-saving modes, noise reduction, and other features are included.
First, do some research to be sure your shredder has the functionality you want and need.
Once you’ve found the perfect shredder for your needs, read the owner’s instructions to ensure proper operation and maintenance. Maintaining your paper shredder will ensure that it continues to serve your office for many years.
Final Thoughts
A reliable paper shredder is vital for keeping sensitive information confidential — and for your own peace of mind — whether you’re buying one for business or at home.
We hope that our reviews and buyer’s guide will assist you in selecting the best paper shredder for your needs.
