Best Paper Shredders for Home and Office Use (2019)

Paper shredders are very popular machines in a modern society where identity fraud has become a common issue. The destruction of confidential and personal papers appears to be very important.

Every device from the top 10 models offered has been independently selected from hundreds of popular shredding machines. Each chosen item has multiple outstanding features and functions. In WoWPencils review, you will find the best shredder up to your needs, preferences, and budget.

Top 10 Paper Shredders

Rank	Review	Name	Price	Type	Materials	Rating
1		AmazonBasics 6-Sheet	Check Here	Cross-cut	Paper (6 sheets), clips/staples, credit cards	9.8
2		Fellowes Powershred 79Ci	Check Here	Cross-cut	CDs/DVDs, paper (16 sheets), clips/staples, credit cards	9.7
3		Bonsaii EverShred C149-C	Check Here	Cross-cut	CDs/DVDs, paper (18 sheets), clips/staples, credit cards	9.6
4		AmazonBasics 12-Sheet	Check Here	Micro-cut	CDs/DVDs, paper (12 sheets), clips/staples, credit cards	9.5
5		Aurora AS420C	Check Here	Cross-cut	Paper (4 sheets), clips/staples, credit cards	9.3
6		Royal MC14MX	Check Here	Micro-cut	CDs/DVDs, paper (14 sheets), credit cards	9.2
7		Fellowes Microshred 62MC	Check Here	Micro-cut	Paper (10 sheets), credit cards, staples	9.0
8		Bonsaii 4S30	Check Here	Micro-cut	CDs/DVDs, paper (10 sheets), clips/staples, credit cards	8.8
9		Bonsaii C560-D	Check Here	Micro-cut	Paper (6 sheets), staples	8.6
10		AmazonBasics 17-Sheet	Check Here	Micro-cut	CDs/DVDs, paper (17 sheets), credit cards	8.5

AmazonBasics 6-Sheet: Best Quality and Easy Operation

This shredder from an Amazon brand is a very popular model among users. It features a black sleek design and gets numerous positive reviews thanks to a powerful shredding mechanism.

This is a cross-cutter, which means it cuts the material into cross sections. It can handle 6 sheets at a time and accommodates a 3.8-gallon waste canister. The unit easily cuts through credit cards and paper, and it doesn’t care if your document has staples or clips. The device is equipped with automatic reverse/start functions.

It is able to work non-stop for a couple of minutes; its cooling period is half an hour. According to a decibel rating, the noise level of this appliance is 70 dB.

The shredder has an affordable price tag and a 1-year warranty. This unit can be used in small offices or at home.

Fellowes Powershred® 79Ci: Good Office Shredder for Small Business

This cross-cutter from Fellowes is able to process 16 pages at one feed, so it can be used for business purposes. This model is very famous for multiple outstanding functions. This is a jam-proof device that detects overstuffing. It gives a visual alert and excludes paper jams.

The device is safe for kids and pets because it features the SafeSense system. It stops the machine if it senses hands near the shredding opening.

The shredder has a very spacious bin, which holds six gallons of paper waste and has a transparent section to watch the waste volume. It includes a reverse mechanism to clear paper jams. The unit has a 20-minute operation time and a half an hour cooling period. It works very quietly with a noise level of 56 dB. The machine comes with a 2-year warranty.

Ultra-Quiet Cross-Cut Machine: Bonsaii EverShred C149-C

This is a heavy-duty machine from Bonsaii. This cross-cutter takes credit cards and CDs and is able to process 18 paper sheets at one feed. Thanks to a unique cooling system, it can work non-stop for one hour.

The unit comes with a large catch bin of 6 gallons with a clear window. The machine is not lightweight but is equipped with four casters if you need to relocate it.

The shredder cuts the material into tiny fractions of 5 x 40 mm and has a P-3 level of security.

The noise level of the machine is 62 dB, and it has a 1-year warranty. This is a perfect variant for a small office/home use so expect to get excellent service from the device.

AmazonBasics 12-Sheet: Best Shredder for Home Use

This model from AmazonBasics performs micro-cutting, and the users adore the confetti-sized bits it creates. The device cuts 12 sheets at one feed and features a high level of information protection (P-4 level out of 7 possible). The machine can easily process CDs and credit cards as well. It is able to work continuously for 8 minutes. The volume of its waste canister is 6.7 gallons.

The machine shuts off automatically to prevent overheating and includes a manual reverse button to clear paper jams. It can be used for light-duty shredding at home or for small businesses. The machine comes with a warranty (1 year).

Compact Desktop-Style Paper Shredder: Aurora AS420C

This countertop cross-cutter from Aurora will easily destroy your confidential paper or an old credit card. It has a compact design and can handle only 4 paper sheets at a time.

It comes with an integrated wastebasket, which is able to accommodate 40 shredded sheets (1.32 gallons). It features a convenient handle for easy waste emptying and transportation.

On the top cover, there are three switches for on, off, and reverse functions. The machine includes a thermal protection system that regulates the unit from overheating. Its maximum operating time is 2 minutes.

This is an ideal budget variant for personal use.

Royal MC14MX: Perfect for Cutting CDs

The MC14Mx from Royal Purple is a micro-cutting shredder, which is able to process 14 sheets of paper at one feed. It completely destroys all printed information. It can easily handle CDs/credit cards and has different slots for shredding these products. Its container is large and accommodates 8.5 gallons of waste. The box has a viewing window in the front to check the waste level.

The shredder includes locking casters, which allow users to move the machine around the room.

The Smallest Shreds: Fellowes Microshred 62MC

The 62MC from Fellowes features the fourth level of security and provides micro-shredding. The machine destroys staples, credit cards, and up to 10 paper sheets at a time. The shredder includes an extra safety protection thanks to the Safety Lock feature which disables the unit if it is not in use. The noise level of the machine is 60 dB, which means it works quietly.

The device comes with a 5-gallon waste container and has casters for mobility. It is able to work for 7 minutes, and then it requires a 1-hour pause.

Most Long-Time Work: Bonsaii 4S30

The Bonsaii 4S30 is a very powerful machine able to work 4 hours in a row. Then, it requires only a 10-minute pause and is ready to work again. It chews CDs, clips/staples, credit cards, and can process a pack of 10 paper sheets. This unit provides micro-shredding and features a P-5 level of information protection. Thanks to an anti-jam technology, this machine is able to detect jams and turn a reverse mode on.

The device has a separate canister for shredded disks for easy recycling, while the bucket for paper waste can hold up to 8 gallons.

Its operation mode is not noisy and amounts to 58 dB. The shredder contains an energy-saving mechanism that turns it off after 5 minutes of inactivity.

Bonsaii C560-D: High-Security Paper Shredder

The C560-D from Bonsaii is a micro-type shredder with a P-4 level of security. Its continuous work is 2 minutes, and it is able to handle 6 sheets at a time. The unit is very lightweight and can be easily moved anywhere you want.

The cutting process starts automatically thanks to an auto-start mechanism, which detects paper near the entrance slot. Its manual reverse function helps clear out paper jams. When the machine is overheated, it switches off. Its level of noise is 72 dB, which means the shredder makes a little noise.

The wastebasket has a capacity of 4 gallons and features a transparent inspection window to track the waste level.

Great for Old Credit Cards: AmazonBasics 17-Sheet

This is a micro-cutter able to digest 17 paper sheets at a time. It chews CDs and credit cards and has a P-4 level of security. The machine can work for 20 minutes before a 50-minute break.

It features a 7-gallon catch basket, which is detachable for easy cleanup. It has automatic reverse/start functions, and it shuts off after 5 minutes of non-use. The machine’s level of noise is 65 dB. It has a 1-year warranty from AmazonBasics.

Worthy of Your Attention

Review	Name	Product Information	Price
	Bonsaii 5S30	P-5 level of security Noise level of 58 dB Overload protection Performs micro-cutting 240-minute operation time Anti-jam system Cuts paper/credit cards/CDs/clips/staples 8-gallon waste canister	Check Here
	Aurora AS810SD	Performs strip-cutting 4.5-gallon waste box Cuts paper/credit cards/CDs/staples Manual forward/reverse functions Accepts 8 paper sheets Compact Energy-saving mode Easy to use	Check Here
	Bonsaii EverShred Pro 4S16	Performs micro-cutting Auto reverse/start/stop Anti-jam mechanism Overload protection Advanced cooling system Separate waste boxes for paper and plastic 1-hour operation time Noise level of 58 dB	Check Here
	Royal 112MX	Performs cross-cutting Auto stop/start Accepts 12 paper sheets Cuts CDs/paper/credit cards 3.25-gallon waste box Easy to operate	Check Here
	AmazonBasics 12 Sheet	5-minute operation time Auto shut-off and thermal protection Performs cross-cutting Convenient lifting handle Noise level of 68 dB Manual reverse and autostart 4.8-gallon catch bin Cuts paper/credit cards/CDs	Check Here
	Bonsaii EverShred Pro 3S16	1-hour operation time Protection against paper jams Noise level of 58 dB Cuts paper/credit cards/CDs/staples/clips Accepts 12 paper sheets Performs cross-cutting Separate waste boxes for plastic and paper Auto reverse/start/stop	Check Here
	Fellowes Powershred 60Cs	Accepts 10 paper sheets Performs cross-cutting Cuts paper/clips/credit cards/staples 6-minute operation time Noise level of 70 dB 6-gallon waste container Pet safe/child safethanks to SafeSense technology	Check Here
	Bonsaii EverShred Pro 3S23	Performs cross-cutting Noise level of 58 dB 2-hour operation time Advanced cooling system Different slots and waste boxes for paper and plastic Auto reverse/start/stop Accepts 14 paper sheets Overload and anti-jam protection	Check Here
	Fellowes Powershred 99Ci	Jam Proof technology Performs cross-cutting Cuts paper/credit cards/CDs/clips/staples Accepts 18 paper sheets SafeSense mechanism 30-minute operation time 9-gallon pull-out waste box Noise level of 56 dB	Check Here
	KODAK 8 Sheet	Cuts paper/credit cards/CDs Performs cross-cutting Accepts 8 paper sheets 2.6-gallon waste container Carrying handle on top 3-minute operation time Easy to use	Check Here
	Royal 1840MX	Auto reverse/start/stop Jam-free roller Accepts 18 paper sheets Quiet operation mode Performs cross-cutting 8.5-gallon waste container 40-minute operation time SafeSense technology	Check Here
	Fellowes Powershred 485Ci	Continuous operation SafeSense system 3-level protection against paper jams P-4 security level Energy-saving functions Cuts paper/credit cards/CDs/clips/staples Performs cross-cutting Auto-oil technique 35-gallon waste canister	Check Here
	Fellowes Powershred 99Ms	Performs micro-cutting Auto stop/reverse Accepts 14 paper sheets SafeSense system 9-gallon waste box 20-minute operation time Cuts paper/credit cards/staples SilentShred technology	Check Here
	AmazonBasics 24-Sheet	7-gallon wastebasket Performs cross-cutting Overheat, standby, and overload LED indicators Cuts paper/CDs/credit cards Auto reverse/start 25-minute operation time Noise level of 63 dB Accepts 24 paper sheets	Check Here
	GoECOlife GXC205Pi Platinum Series	Commercial cross-cutter 7.85-gallon waste box Cuts paper/credit cards/CDs Under-desk design Horizontal feeding slot Power-saving technology Comes with a pack of lubricant sheets Carbon-neutral product	Check Here
	Sentinel FM121P	Performs micro-cutting Accepts 12 paper sheets Manual reverse, auto start/stop 2-minute operation time 4-gallon waste canister Overload and overheat indicators Noise level of 72 dB Small footprint	Check Here
	KODAK 16 Sheet	8-gallon waste container Accepts 16 paper sheets Performs micro-cutting Cuts paper/credit cards/CDs/clips 30-minute operation time Quiet operation mode Helpful LED indicator lights Powerful motor	Check Here
	AmazonBasics 8-Sheet	Cuts paper/credit cards/CDs Auto shut-off, thermal protection Performs micro-cutting 2-minute operation time 3-gallon pull-out basket Noise level of 68 dB Accepts 8 paper sheets Autostart, manual reverse	Check Here
	HSM shredstar X17	Performs cross-cutting 6.9-gallon catch bin Accepts 17 paper sheets Noise level of 57 dB Separate slots and sorted waste disposal Auto stop/start Helpful LED indicators for overload, open door, full bin, overheat	Check Here
	Fellowes Powershred 225i	Jam Proof technology Performs strip-cutting Accepts 22 paper sheets Cuts paper/credit cards/CDs/staples/clips Noise level of 58 dB SafeSense technology 16-gallon catch basket Non-stop operation	Check Here
	IDEAL. 2604	Continuous operation 26-gallon internal bin Accepts 6-8 paper sheets P-7 security level Solid cutting mechanism made from steel Electronic Capacity Control prevents jams Automatic oiler German engineering	Check Here
	Nakabayashi Co, Ltd Two Ways Manual Shredder	Manual shredder, needs no electricity Cuts paper/credit cards 0.8-gallon transparent dust box for paper Accepts 1-2 paper sheets folded in half Compact size Affordable price Bright-colored	Check Here
	Fellowes Powershred 425Ci 100% Jam Proof	Continuous operation 30-gallon catch bin Performs cross-cutting (P-4) SafeSense technology Takes 30 paper sheets Cuts paper/credit cards/CDs/clips/staples Noise level of 64 dB Auto-oil system	Check Here
	IDEAL. 4002	Continuous operation Performs cross-cutting (P-4) Accepts 24-26 paper sheets 44-gallon bin for paper Automatic oiler Cuts paper/credit cards/CDs/clips/staples Electronic Capacity Control Jam prevention system Noise level of 55 dB	Check Here
	Dahle 40334	Accepts 5 paper sheets P-7 security level Automatic oiler Smart Power Energy Management Automatic protection against jams Auto Bag Full/ON/OFF Thermal protection 23-gallon internal waste box	Check Here
	MUJI Handy Shredder	Hand-cranked Cuts only paper, 1 page at a time Verycheap Made in Japan Portable due to itsminisize	Check Here
	Bonsaii 4S23	Performs micro-cutting (P-5) Accepts 8 paper sheets 6-gallon waste container 120-minute operation time Separate bins for waste collection Noise level of 58 dB Cuts paper/credit cards/CDs/clips/staples Overloading/overheating protection Auto reverse/start	Check Here
	Swingline Stack-and-Shred 600X	Auto feedof 600 sheets in stack SelfOil cutters 21-gallon waste bin PIN code lock for information protection Special technology against jams Cuts paper/credit cards/CDs/clips/staples Performs cross-cutting (P-4) The SmarTech app allows a remote machine tracking	Check Here
	Fellowes Powershred 73Ci	Accepts 12 paper sheets Cuts paper/credit cards/CDs/clips/staples 6-gallon waste container Performs cross-cutting (P-4) SafeSense system Protection against paper jams 10-minute operation time	Check Here
	HSM shredstar X20	Noise level of 57 dB Performs cross-cutting (P-4) Accepts 20 paper sheets Auto reverse/start/stop Helpful LED indicators for overload, open door, full bin, overheat 15-minute operation time Quiet operation	Check Here

Why Should You Shred?

Usually, people use a digital storage system to store important information; however, some data are still present and kept on paper. Imagine that you throw away unshredded personal documents into a recycling basket. These sheets of paper may contain valuable information for a potential thief, and it can be copied or used for criminal purposes. If your document contains any names, bank data, addresses, or other personal information, which may lead to identity theft, it should be shredded.

The business owners are subject to mandatory shredding of all documents that contain company/employee/bank data. The owners who fail to adhere to these laws face legal consequences, including huge fines.

Some companies address professional agencies in order to destroy important documents. You know, this can be very expensive. With your own shredder, paper destruction can be done quicker and cheaper. Most cutting devices are multifunctional and can destroy credit cards and CDs as well.

These machines are very useful so that no one can take advantage of your documents because shredders turn paper into tiny fractions, which cannot be read or restored. This is also a good way to get rid of old magazines and unwanted paperwork, which usually tends to accumulate in any office.

Types of Paper Shredders

All shredding machines fall into four types in accordance with a cutting method they perform:

This is up to the user which type of security he/she needs. The cross-cut shredding machines are the most popular cutting devices.

How to Use a Paper Shredder?

Using a shredder is very simple. Just plug the machine in and feed your paper sheets by hand into the cutting slot. If your device features an automatic feeding mechanism, stack your documents in a special tray and let the unit do the work.

There are some tips that will help you shred like a pro and extend the lifetime of your device:

Careful maintenance of a shredder is also a significant point to fulfill. The proper cleaning procedures will be reviewed below.

How to Choose the Best Paper Shredder (Buying Guide)

If you are planning to buy a paper shredder, there are several factors to weigh. Choose a model regarding the following parameters:

You may be scared of this list of points to consider. If you are searching for the best functioning device, it is worthy of your time and effort.

Best for Home

The AmazonBasics 12-Sheet is considered the best model for domestic use or home-based business. Thanks to the following features, this machine is an excellent variant for any home:

This is one of the most reliable machines, which offers quality shredding at an affordable price.

Best Office Shredder for Small Business

The Fellowes Powershred® 79Ci has been rated as an optimal shredder for small businesses. Let’s analyze its characteristics:

Beyond its outstanding features, the machine is backed by a 2-year warranty and can be replaced.

Best Industrial Heavy Duty Shredder

The Fellowes Powershred 485Ci is a cross-cutting shredder for industrial use. Thanks to the following characteristics, it has been selected as the most powerful machine for commercial workplaces:

The shredder is designed and assembled in the United States. The machine comes with a 2-year warranty and features a lifetime cutter warranty.

Top Rated Shredder Brands on the Market

With multiple brands on the market, this is not simple to choose a quality and reliable shredder machine. Which brand is the best? The choice is mind-blowing. Some manufacturers offer good options for home use, others are specialized in industrial machines. Here are some reputable shredder brands that are worthy of your attention:

These trustworthy companies offer high-quality products, ensure a warranty period, and guarantee the longevity of their equipment.

Care Tips

Like any appliance, shredding machines require regular cleaning and lubrication. With normal use, these devices don’t need frequent cleanup. As paper dust may get stuck between the cutters, run the shredder in a reverse mode to clear hidden debris. The use of a vacuum cleaner can be helpful to remove paper particles from the feeding slot and the blades.

Empty the wastebasket once a month even if it is not full.

The lack of lubrication may lead to paper jams and improper operation of the device. Oil your machine once a week or after long shredding sessions using a special “shredder oil.” It is sold in any store for office supplies in dropper-type bottles. Squeeze it and apply several oil drops on the blades moving from left to right. SINGER 2131E is a good oil for a smooth operation of your shredder.

Use lubricant and cleaning sheets as an alternative method of oiling your machine. Insert them in the feeding opening as if you were going to shred ordinary paper. Repeat this procedure periodically or as suggested by the user manual. For better results, use AmazonBasics SP12A Paper Shredder Sharpening & Lubricant Sheets.

Some shredders feature a function of automatic oiling when the oil is supplied from a separate compartment. Check that there is enough oil in this canister.

FAQ

If you are planning to buy a shredding device and destroy all your confidential documents before they get into a trash basket, you may have questions about a new appliance. This is normal. The most common questions and answers are offered below to bridge the possible information gaps.

Conclusion

The safety of personal information on physical papers arises lots of debate. Shredders have become very affordable devices, and there are a million reasons to buy one. All the appliances reviewed in this article have excellent features and high ratings among users. With the information provided, just specify your needs and choose any of the recommended machines. This post will help you buy the right shredder and spend money on a worthy product.

References