The Best Paper Shredders for 2021
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Best Paper Shredder
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These simple yet versatile devices are a must-have for the home, office, or home office. They are an essential component to reducing the risk of identity theft and fraud. To help you select which one is best for you, I have outlined the various features below along with a list of the best paper shredders currently available.
UPDATED: November 24, 2021.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the Fellowes Powershred 79Ci because it offers greater security than a standard strip-cut by cross-cutting up to 16 sheets per pass and shreds up to 20 minutes before requiring a cool down.
What is a shredder?
As the name implies, it shreds paper by pulling it into a slot located at the top of the device. It uses a series of rollers with sharp teeth that cut the paper into small pieces. In addition to destroying paper, most models can be used to dispose of rigid items such as CDs/DVDs and credit cards.
Why do you need a shredder?
When it comes to protecting documents that contain sensitive information, you really only have a few options. Either keep the paperwork protected in a home safe or locked filing cabinet, monitor it with a home security system, or dispose of it permanently with a shredder.
By just throwing away or recycling documents you run the risk of someone picking them up along its route to the landfill. Someone can access your trash bin directly or it can simply fall out when it is being transported.
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Here are some things to consider when selecting a model:
Cross-Cut
Some shredders are equipped with cross-cut capabilities. I recommend selecting a device that has this feature. It simply slices the paper in two directions, making it much more difficult for someone to re-assemble the original. This is compared with a traditional unit that just cuts the paper into long strips, which could potentially be more easily reassembled.
Capacity
There is a maximum number of sheets that can be inserted at one time for each of the machines. The higher the sheet number, the faster you can dispose of your paperwork. So depending on the volume of paper that will be processed on a regular basis, pick the appropriate capacity rating.
Speed
In addition to the maximum capacity, each unit will also have a maximum speed. This is typically measured in feet per minute and is how quickly paper is pulled through. The higher the speed, the faster you can process the material to be disposed.
Run Time
The process of shredding generates a lot of heat so each model will have a maximum continuous run time. The length of time varies by manufacturer but it is typically around 20 to 60 minutes of continuous use before it will automatically shut off to cool down. If you have a lot of items to dispose of on a regular basis, keep this time in mind when making your selection.
Run Modes
Most units are equipped with a switch that turns the unit off, continuously on, and auto mode on. Continuous on simply runs the device constantly whether you are inserting any paper or not. If you are periodically placing items into the slot, it can be annoying to constantly be turning it on and off.
The other option is to switch it to auto mode. This uses a sensor at the mouth of the slot that detects when the paper is being put into the device and automatically turns on the motor. When it has completed shredding it turns off until it detects the next round of paper.
Jam Detection
Some models are equipped with a jam detection system that automatically reverses paper. This helps to reduce the chance of potential damage to the motor. It also means don’t have to manually remove the contents from the slot which can be a hassle.
Throat Width
The throat width refers to the diameter of the slot opening into which the paper is fed. This is the maximum size it can accept on the paper’s short side. The standard width is 8.7 inches which means it can accept all letter and legal-sized documents. If something is larger than this dimension you can usually just fold it over as long as it doesn’t exceed the total page limit capacity.
Bin Size
Depending on the model, the size of the bin that catches the shredded paper will vary. Obviously the larger the bin the less frequently you will need to dispose of the contents. However, the larger size will take up more room in your home or office.
Casters
Most units will come equipped with casters on the bottom that make it easier to move around, especially when the bin is full.
Maintenance
These are fairly simple devices that don’t require a lot of maintenance. However, one thing you should do is occasionally lubricate the cutting blades to keep them moving freely. This is done by simply placing the recommended oil on a piece of paper and running it through. There are also lubricant sheets available with oil already embedded.
Here is a quick video showing how it is done:
I have included a range of shredders below with a range of different features and functions to help keep your identity secure.
So here is my list of The Best Paper Shredders for 2021.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: Fellowes Powershred 79Ci 16-Sheet Paper Shredder
The Fellowes Powershred 79Ci Cross-Cut Shredder can shred up to 16 sheets of paper per pass into 397 cross-cut particles.
Shreds CDs/DVDs, credit cards, staples, paper clips, and junk mail.
Equipped with a system that eliminates that reduces the incidence of jams.
Features SafeSense Technology that is designed with an electronic safety sensor that surrounds the paper entry and automatically disables the shredder when hands touch the paper opening.
Includes a 6-gallon pull-out bin.
Runner-up: Bonsaii EverShred C149-C 18-Sheet Paper Shredder
The Bonsaii C149-C Shredder is a multi-purpose 18-sheet Cross-cut machine that can run continuously for up to an hour without a cool-down.
Features an advanced cooling system that protects the controls from overheating.
Takes paper, CD/DVDs, credit cards, and staples.
Shreds up to 5.3 feet per minute.
Features a quiet motor that dampens the common grinding noise.
Shred up to 18 sheets of A4 size at a single feed.
Equipped with a jam detection system that automatically reverses paper.
Best Budget Option: AmazonBasics 6-Sheet Paper Shredder
The AmazonBasics 6-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder allows you to thoroughly shred up to six sheets at a time.
Features an auto mode that starts shredding once the sensor detects something has been inserted.
Includes a 3.8-gallon bin to collect the waste and make it easy for disposal.
Equipped with a manual reverse makes easy work of clearing any paper jams.
Automatically shuts off to protect the motor if it shreds continuously beyond the max running time.
Quickly turns paper into strips measuring 7/32 by 1-27/32 inches.
Runs continuously for two minutes before needing a 30-minute cool-down.
Must-have Accessory
Keep your shredder working great with these lubricant and cleaning sheets.
Best Industrial Design: Aurora AU1210MA 12-Sheet Paper Shredder
The Aurora AU1210MA 12-sheet micro cut shredder is the perfect home and small office device to keep you safe from identity theft.
Accepts up to twelve sheets of paper at a time.
Features a final shred size of 5/32 x 15/32 inches.
Quickly shreds CDs and credit cards.
Includes a 5-gallon pullout basket.
Throat of the shredder is 8.7 inches wide for letter-sized paper.
Includes casters for easy mobility.
Bonsaii EverShred 14-Sheet Paper Shredder
The Bonsaii EverShred C169-B will continuously shred for up to 30 minutes.
Automatically reverses the machine when over-loading to prevent a jam.
Features anti-jam technology can protect the machine from overloading.
Shreds up to 14 sheets of paper at the same time.
Creates 1/4 x 1-14/25 inch pieces (Security Level P-4).
Offers a maximum speed of up to 6.2 ft per minute.
Features an 8.7-inch entry slot that can accept all letter and legal-sized documents.
Best Large Basket: Royal MC14MX 14-Sheet Paper Shredder
The Royal MC14MX 14 sheet cross-cut paper shredder can shred up to 14 sheets of paper in a single pass into small 4 mm x 10 mm micro-cut shreds.
Features a separate cutting slot that ensures CDs and DVDs are completely shredded.
Equipped with an easy slide-out 8.5 gallon wastebasket that holds approximately 575 sheets of shredded paper.
Features locking casters that allows the unit to easily move.
Includes a large 8 3/4" opening that makes feeding up to 14 sheets of paper easy.
Best for Carrying: Bonsaii C209-D 10-Sheet Paper Shredder
The Bonsaii DocShred C209-D Paper Shedder's simple features make it easy to use and ideal for a home office.
Offers the ability to shred up to 10 sheets of paper at one time.
Features a convenient handle for lifting the shredding section to easily empty the wastebasket.
Features auto start mode, which automatically begins shredding when the sensor in the middle of the feed slot detects paper being inserted.
Equipped with a manual reverse function to help clear out a jam.
Shuts off automatically if it is used over its maximum run time to cool down to protect the motor.
Best Value: Aurora AU1020MA 10-Sheet Paper Shredder
The Aurora AU1020MA 10-sheet micro cut paper shredder is the perfect home and small office device to keep you safe from identity theft.
Accepts up to ten sheets of paper at a time.
Shreds into pieces that are 5/32 x 15/32 inches.
Offers the ability to also shred CDs and credit cards.
Equipped with a is 8.7 inch wide throat to accept letter-sized paper.
Includes casters for easy mobility.
Equipped with a 4.5-gallon pullout basket.
Best for High-Volume: BOXIS AF120 Auto Feed 120-Sheet Paper Shredder
The BOXIS AF120 accepts up to 120 sheets in the tray to be automatically fed into the shredder.
Features a micro-cut system that reduces material down to 0. 16" X 0. 39" (4 x 10mm) pieces.
Includes a manual feed slot for up to 10 sheets at once.
Equipped with auto forward and reverse to reduce the incidence of paper jams.
Features a pull-out waste container with a 6 gallon capacity.
Includes rolling casters on the base to make it easy to move.
Operates at up to 11 feet per minute.
Includes an over-heat indicator to prevent damage to the motor.
Best Compact Design: AmazonBasics 8-Sheet Paper Shredder
The AmazonBasics 8-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder quickly turns paper into strips measuring 3/16 by 1-27/32 inches.
Equipped with a cross-cut system that provides superior security compared to a strip-cut version.
Equipped with a 4.1-gallon bin for easy disposal.
Offers the ability to accept up to eight sheets at the same time.
Equipped with an auto mode that starts shredding once the sensor detects something something being inserted.
Runs continuously for three minutes before needing a 30-minute cool-down.
Equipped with overheat protection that automatically shuts off the unit to protect the motor.
I hope this list of the best paper shredders was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
