The cutting style of any paper shredder correlates to its provided security level. The more complex the cutting style of a shredder, the more secure it will be. That is why you have to closely look into the cutting style of the machine before investing in it. Commonly, you can find three types of shredding styles: strip-cut, cross-cut, and micro-cut.
Strip-cut is the most basic and common type of cutting style. It simply shreds the paper into fine strips which are then discarded easily. That said, it is fairly straightforward to put the pieces of paper back together. So while it is a readily available option, it offers minimal security and shouldn’t be used with sensitive documents.
This cutting style provides better security and cuts the paper into small, confetti-like pieces. It shreds a single sheet of paper into 400 small particles which are then extremely hard to put back together hence providing reliable security to your work. Also, the small waste is compressed and easier to get rid of as compared to the strip-cut shredders.
The last and the most effective cutting style for the highest security is the micro-cut option. These shredders have a similar method of function as the cross-cut, but they shred a paper sheet into thousands of small pieces. Because of that, these machines are a great choice for classified documents.
Another factor you should consider when purchasing a paper shredder is its sheet capacity. This determines the number of sheets you can shred through the machine in a single pass.
Usually, home-based shredders feature a capacity of one to three sheets, as they don’t operate on larger scales. But if you’re shopping for a professional device, you can find shredders that can process up to 10 and even 20 sheets at a time. So make sure to select an appropriate shredder depending on your intent of use.
Feeding style is also a critical factor that you have to think about while shopping for a paper shredder. There are two types of feeding styles of the device, manual and auto-feed. Manual ones require constant monitoring with you having to push the sheets by hand, while auto-feed machines take the sheets themselves. All you have to do is simply put the sheets in the shredder and let it do its job.
Just like any other machine, paper shredders also require some degree of maintenance. So when you are out shopping for one, make sure you do thorough research and purchase one that you can maintain properly. The key elements to keep any paper shredder up and running include regular emptying, cleaning, and occasional lubricating to avoid jamming when in use.
The Bonsaii Heavy Duty Paper Shredder has a 60-minute running time and offers a unique cooling system for efficient use. The shredder comes in a black-gray color with a capacity of 18 sheets in one pass and can accommodate staples and cards as well.
This shredder features a low noise level of up to 62 decibels, which means it’ll give you smooth and quiet shredding. Also, it features an auto-start and reverse function which protects you from the constant frustration of overloading and jamming the machine. Due to its 1-year warranty and the huge wastebasket capacity of 400 A4 size sheets, we have chosen this heavy-duty paper shredder as our top choice.
The Aurora AU1210MA Professional Shredder comes with an automatic function for a stress-free operating experience. Offering a non-stop one-hour run time, this machine gives you highly secure micro-cuts for easy disposal.
The best part is that you can use the device for multiple products including paper, CDs, and credit cards — this way, you can dispose of all sorts of sensitive information, despite the form it’s in. This heavy-duty paper shredder is an easy-to-maintain appliance as well since you can comfortably remove the pullout bins. And, as an added convenience, the LED lights indicate multiple different device statuses, including overheat, standby, and door open warnings.
Featuring a capacity of up to 150 sheets, this paper shredder from AmazonBasics is a great automatic option. With your security in mind, it provides a micro-cut that turns any paper into small confetti pieces.
Our favorite thing about this heavy duty paper shredder is how it can shred up to 20 pages manually and 150 sheets using the auto-feed function. Also, it has a run time of 60 minutes on and 45 minutes off for cooling purposes, so your shredder is safer from the risk of overheating.
The VidaTeco Cross-Cut Paper Shredder is another great option for professional home use. This heavy-duty paper shredder has a standard capacity of 14 sheets with a cross-cut cutting style and even boasts an auto-feed feature for your convenience.
Best of all, this appliance has a P-3 security level that can easily shred materials including staples and clips. It also comes with a five-minute high-speed running time and a 30 minutes cooling cycle; that way, it keeps the machine from overheating and gives you a better working experience.
With a loading capacity of 18 sheets per pass, the Fellowes Powershred Paper Shredder has a P-4 security level and provides a cross-cut cutting style with a run time of 30 minutes. Also, you can use it to easily shred staples and pins without having to remove them beforehand.
The device contains a jam-proof system along with a safe sense technology that stops the machine once your hand touches the opening. Meanwhile, it also has a spacious bin with pull-out features, so this heavy duty paper shredder can hold more than enough while also allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Depending on the type of device you’re buying, paper shredders’ costs can vary accordingly. Usually, they can be as low as 30 dollars but the professional ones can go anywhere up to 500 dollars.
Paper shredders might look dangerous, but they are fairly safe to use. Most of these devices have a sensor that stops the blade when you touch the machine. That said, you should still be careful when dealing with such appliances to avoid any accidents.
These devices require regular maintenance including oiling, cleaning, and disposing of bin waste.