Just to sway from authorities, Adolf Ehinger manufactured the first paper shredding machine to shred off anti- Nazi leaflets. Later, he began to sell these machines to different agencies and institution. These machines have been into existence since then. They are increasingly getting popular in the market with different manufactures arising every day.
With no further ado, let’s understand what kind of a machine is this! Shredding Machine for paper is a mechanic device meant to shred or cut papers, documents or files holding confidential information into tiny particles. This happens to protect your information from frauds.
These devices are available in different sizes, designs and manufacturers. We have consequently explained all the factors to consider when getting a machine of your choice. We have also answered some of the frequently asked questions, and types of people that need these types of machine.
Who Need Paper Shredding Machine?
You need a paper shredding Machine if:
1. You need to protect confidential information
Online hacking and insecurities have really amassed. As a result, people are doing anything possible to protect sensitive information on the internet. What about sensitive physical information on paper? You need to protect it as well. To achieve this, you need a shredding paper machine to cut off unused documents into small irrelevant particles.
2. If you need to comply with the law
Several organizations find the need to use paper shredding machines to avoid penalties from improper disposal of sensitive personal information. They hence need these machines to shred employee’s or client’s files that are no longer in use.
3. If you are nature enthusiast
Most nature enthusiasts always find the need to protect mother nature. That is by protecting the forest and advocating for anti-paper society. This is where the paper shredding machine comes in handy. I mean, these people need paper shredding machines to shred, recycle and reuse those particles. This helps to protect the natural environment.
10 Best Shredding Machine For Paper
1. AmazonBasics 12- Sheet Cross-cut Shredding Machine for Paper
Disposing of documents needs a little more attention nowadays compared to before as cases regarding identity thieves have become more rampant. Getting a simple machine like a paper shredder is definitely worth it as it will help you dispose of your valuable and confidential documents without worry. The Amazon basics shredder will definitely save you the hassle as it has been designed as a cross-cut shredder, meaning it shreds documents way better than a strip cut shredder. The latter reduces large sheets of paper into small unreadable particles hence being ideal for home and office use. Further, the above shredder has been designed to accommodate numerous documents at once as it can shred through twelve sheets of twenty-pound bond paper at a go. In addition to that, this savage paper eater is strong enough to eat through small staples and paper clips hence simplifying things further for you as you don’t have to waste your time removing the staples on documents before shredding. If you have been anticipating disposing of your credit card in the most confidential way then this will provide an ultimate panacea for you as it completely reduces credit cards into small particles as well.
It has been designed with a 4 mode control switch with an auto mode, off mode, reverse mode, and a forward mode. A reverse mode function has also been inscribed which makes it possible for the shredder to retrieve shredded documents and partially shredded documents. It also aids in preventing papers from getting stuck hence minimizing paper jams. When on auto mode, this beast starts to shred immediately it detects there’s something to be shredded and automatically stops when the shredding is over. However, in case you are shredding lots of paperwork, the shredder will automatically switch itself off to protect the motor from overheating albeit this only happens after it has run beyond its maximum run time.
- It can shred more than just paper, it cuts through staples and paper clips hence being ideal for shredding numerous documents at once.
- Shreds through credit cards.
- It is a bit noisy while running hence can be a little distractive especially in a shared office space.
2. BOXIS AutoShred 120-Sheet Auto Feed Microcut Shredding Machine for Paper (AF120)
If you have been looking for a convenient type of shredder fit enough to completely alienate confidential documents at a go, then your long search stops here as this modern shredder has been crafted to do exactly that. This beast has been designed as a cross-cut shredder that will reduce any document into unreadable micro-cut particles.
As a matter of fact, the latter can reduce a normal size sheet of paper into 1500 independent unreadable particles. Nonetheless, it can cut through a stack of documents with up to 120 sheets at ago, just drop the stanch of paper on the auto-feed fold-out tray and let the shredder do what it does best. At eleven feet per minute, this machine will completely destroy the paper stanch into micro-cut papers.
When active, this shredder runs automatically for up to twenty minutes cutting all your papers before shutting down to avoid overheating and to cool up. This baby will definitely blow your mind thanks to its inscribed manual feed mode that gives any user the option to shred their documents manually and instantly. When on manual feed mode, this shredder can shred up to ten sheets instantly at seven feet per minute although it only runs for up to ten minutes straight before having to shut down for a cool time. The micro cross-cut paper particles are disposed of in an inbuilt six-gallon capacity pull out bin that makes it more convenient to be emptied. Also, it comprises set in casters for easy mobility and auto-start and auto-stop switch modes. Indicators have also been employed to show you whenever the shredder has a bin open, an overload, has overheated, or when the bin is full ensuring that you get the best out of it for the longest time.
Just like the Amazon basics shredder, this too comes with a reverse function and has been designed to produce minimum noise while functioning. It is also very convenient when it comes to disposing of credit cards and can reduce them into micro cut pieces.
- Can shred through credit cards.
- Has a separate throat which provides the user with the option of shredding their documents manually.
- Produces minimum noise when active.
- Cuts through up to 120 sheets of paper at a go.
- Has a large capacity pull out bin of up to six gallons.
- Has a long continuous run time of up to twenty minutes.
- It shreds through papers very fast.
- Claims have been made that it’s quality is not worth it’s monetary value.
3. Aurora AU1230XA Anti-Jam 12-Sheet Crosscut Paper and Credit Card Shredding Machine for Paper
Just like the Amazon basics paper shredder, the aurora shredder has also been designed with grinding teeth/ blades that can comfortably cut through twelve sheets of paper at a go. Its blade is also robust enough to chew through staples and flimsy paper clips hence making it absolutely unnecessary for the user to remove them before shredding. The five point two gallon wastebasket inscribed at the back features an integrated single hand lifting handle that makes emptying of the basket way easier. If you want a shredder that will help you save time, then this baby has you covered as it comprises a high-speed shredding capability that shreds about 6.6 feet of paper per minute.
On the downside, this shredder has been designed to automatically run for a maximum of five minutes after which it will automatically shut off in order for it cool off and avoid overheating. Shredded papers are reduced to micro cut particles that are unreadable completely allowing you to confidently dispose of your vital documents. In addition to that, the shredder meets a P-3 security level that is very reliable in keeping your confidential documents from any unwanted access. A four mode control switch with a power or overheat LED status indicator has been inscribed on the shredder to completely keep you alert when it’s active. Moreover, an anti jam auto reverse feature is always on standby in case of any paper jams.
- Has a fast shredding capability.
- Great money value for its quality.
- It can shred credit cards.
- paper clips and staples.
- Meets a certified P-3 security level.
- It has a very short continuous runtime of up to five minutes.
4. Fellowes Powershred W11C, 11-Sheet Cross-cut Shredding Machine for Paper
Talk of an ideal, safe for home use shredder and this machine will meet you at your precise point of need. If you have kids or perhaps pets in the house and you need an ideal shredder that is harmless even when touched accidentally, this will make the right match for you as it comes with a safety lock that disables the shredder for added safety precautions. This shredder can shred up to eleven sheets of paper at ago into 5/32-inch × 1-3/8 inch cross-cut particles thus perfectly disposing of all your vital information away safely. On the downside, this shredder will require a whole twenty minutes to cool down after five minutes of continuous runtime and so if you need to shred more you will take more time. The wastebasket has a 4.75 gallon capacity with an ideal lift-off head for easier disposing of. Fellowes allows its customers to buy this shredder with confidence as it comes with a one-year product and service warranty and a whole three years cutter warranty. This shredder features a compact size measuring 8.5 × 13.8 ×18 inches hence being very ideal for a small office or a home office. Plus, it’s design and outlook is also very ideal for deskside use.
- Features a perfect ideal and versatile design.
- It comes with a three year cutter warranty and a one year product and service warranty.
- Unlike most shredders this one exhibits an inbuilt safety lock.
- Takes a very long time to cool off after a continuous run time up to twenty minutes cooling time.
5. EZBASICS 5-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper and Credit Card Shredding Machine for Paper with Pullout Basket
We all know that noise is one of the biggest demerits associated with most shredders not to mention they can be very bothersome especially when being used in an open office layout setting. However, the above shredder has been carefully crafted and designed to solve all these old school issues by emitting a very low sound when active. Most shredders feature a 70 DB sound when active but the latter dispenses a low 58 DB sound hence being super ideal for any type of office setting. Like most shredders, this one too can shred credit cards, staples, and weedy paper clips without much strain. As if not enough, it features an exclusive cutter perfect for shredding and doesn’t require any sort of lubricants at all to function effectively. Additionally, this machine meets a P 4 security level by shredding all documents to a size measuring 3/ 19 by 1-3/16 inches.
However, this shredder has a lower shredding ability in comparison to most shredders as it can only shred a maximum of five sheets at a go. In addition to this, it runs for a maximum of five minutes before shutting down for a whole thirty minutes to cool and therefore being a very slow and time consuming shredder. When buying this shredder it is strictly advised not to shred sealed envelopes on it as they can cause unwanted paper jams. A transparent window inscribed helps the user to see when the wastebasket Is full. Unlike most shredders, this one has a compact and stylish design that complements and amplifies your decor whether at home or at the office. In the case of paper jams, there is a stand by auto start and the manual reverse button that helps in clearing them out.
- It has been designed with a lubricant free cutter.
- The produces a low sound of up to 58db when active.
- This can shred through staples, credit cards and paper clips.
- It has a very compact and stylish design.
- Features a very short continuous run time of up to five minutes before having to cool down.
6. Fellowes Powershred 125Ci 100% Jam Proof 20-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredding Machine for Paper
Designed with an electronic safety sensor, this shredder is able to stop itself from shredding when hands touch the paper opening to make sure it doesn’t harm you in case your hand lands on it accidentally. A robust cutter has been employed hence making it possible for the shredder to easily cut through 20 sheets of paper just over a single pass. As if not enough, this cutter is strong enough to cut through plastic CDs, DVDs, and even credit cards. You don’t have to remove staples or paper clips from your documents before shredding as the inbuilt cutter is strong enough to completely grind through them as well. If you work on shared office space, this shredder will perfectly fit in since it is equipped with an inbuilt silent shred technology that helps it to minimize the level of sound produced when it’s in use.
To spice things even further, this machine comes with a whole 14-gallon capacity wastebasket ensuring that you get to use it for quite a while before emptying it hence being very ideal for communal use with your fellow co-workers. Unlike most shredders, this one has a longer running time that goes for up to forty five minutes hence being very ideal in time saving. Whether your documents are sealed or not sealed you don’t have to worry about uncovering them when about to use this shredder since it’s is equipped with three levels of advanced anti jam prevention allowing you to dispose of your vital documents effortlessly. When you buy this shredder, you get a two years product and service warranty as well as a lifetime cutter warranty. Now, isn’t that amazing!
- Comes with innovative silent shred technology.
- Allows a very long continuous run time of up to 45 minutes.
- Comes with three advanced anti jam levels.
- It comes with a two years’ service and product warranty as well as a life time cutter warranty.
- It is equipped with a large capacity waste basket of 14 gallons hence being super ideal for shared office spaces.
- It takes up to forty minutes to completely cool down after use.
7. HSM shredstar X20 Cross-Cut Shredding Machine for Paper
In comparison to other shredders, this shredder comes in place as the cutest and most stylish shredder by far. It features a very fashionable and compact outlook that definitely brings in a sense of style and amplifies your decor. Its price also goes very well with its competency hence giving you an excellent price to performance ratio. The 6.9-gallon wastebasket is easily removable, and can easily be monitored through an inscribed transparent window that is completely seen through. LED indicator on the latter functions to keep you alert at all times in case of a door open, bin full, overheat, and power overload.
This stylish shredder also comes with a separate inbuilt CD cutting unit that is very cardinal in shredding CDs, DVDs, and plastic store cards. In addition to this, there is a separate waste compartment that is linked to the CD cutting unit where all shredded plastic waste is collected for disposal. Like most shredders, this too has an anti jam feature that helps it to dispel any paper jams. Its cutter can chew through twenty sheets of paper at a go and runs for about fifteen minutes before automatically shutting down for thirty minutes of cool time. Vital documents are even safer to dispose of with this shredder as it comes with a P4 security level cross cutting all documents into tiny unreadable particles. With this shredder, noise is not an impediment anymore as it features a noise reduction technology that produces a sound of 57 db when active. Finally, once purchased, its cutter comes with an entire lifetime warranty.
- Produces a very low sound of up to 57db when active.
- A life time warranty is issued on its cutter.
- Comes with a separate CD cutting unit.
- Features a very compact, stylish and fashionable outlook.
- Take a long time of up to thirty minutes to cool down after a continuous run time.
8. Boxis 70-Sheet Autofeed Microcut Shredding Machine for Paper
If you are in pursuit of a large capacity paper shredder then search no more with this Box is a shredder. This shredder features a strong cutter that can simply cut through seventy sheets of paper at once hence helping users to save on time. As if not enough, this shredder cross-cuts across your confidential documents into small unreadable pieces, ( an average size sheet of paper is shredded up to 1500 micro pieces ).
Moreover, this machine comes with casters for easy mobility and has an inscribed 3.6-gallon capacity wastebasket hence being a very ideal shredder for a small office setting. When active, this shredder will give you up to ten minutes of continuous run time before shutting down for a respite. Once you buy this machine, you get a 12 pack of shred care brand lubricant sheets and a single sample of shred care brand waste liner for easy disposal. Another advantage you get with this simple shredder is that it shreds through papers at a very fast rate of up to 11.2 feet per minute hence saving time.
- Has a super-fast shredding speed of up to 11.2 feet per minute.
- It can cut through a large capacity of sheets at a go, up to 70 sheets at a go.
- Shreds documents into micro cut particles.
- Comes with casters for easy mobility.
- Has a small capacity waste basket of up to 3.6 gallons.
9. Bonsaii 14-Sheet Cross-Cut Heavy Duty Shredding Machine for Paper
With cases regarding identity theft on the rise, it’s super limpid that it’s very necessary for people to start investing in safer ways of disposing of their sensitive documents, and buying a reliable shredder is one of the most suitable ways to go about this. The above shredder has been designed to completely alienate any confidential documents reducing them to very small unreadable particles.
Whether you want to dispose of papers, plastic CDs, or DVDs this shredder has got you covered as it features an extremely robust cutter that can shred through all this effortlessly and can grind through 14 sheets of paper at a go. If you want to save on time, this shredder will ultimately suit you right as it had been built to continuously run for up to thirty minutes straight without requiring any cooling time in between.
Moreover, this shredder features inbuilt auto start and auto reverse functions that allow you to automatically reverse back any inserted papers and avoid paper jams within the shredder. It is also powered by a light operation function and has a sensor that detects any shredding materials, note that shredding starts immediately after shredding materials have been detected and stops immediately after shredding are done. Over-heating and overloading won’t transpire unnoticed as this shredder comes with an inbuilt indicator that helps to keep you alert in case of these two perils. The shredder comprises a transparent window that helps you in monitoring the wastebasket in case it’s completely full. Further, the pullout wastebasket inscribed features a 4.8-gallon capacity ensuring it serves you for a long before having to be emptied. A one-year warranty has been issued on this shredder ensuring that all clients purchase it with confidence.
- Comes with a one year warranty.
- Runs continuously for a long time, up to thirty minutes before shutting off for a cool time.
- Has a transparent window which is very ideal for monitoring the waste basket.
- It’s not as silent when active.
10. Aurora AU1210MA Professional Grade High-Security 12-Sheet Micro-Cut Paper
Unlike most common types of shredders, the latter is very ideal for large amounts of paperwork. With this machine, your shredding experience has been simplified to the easiest form possible. To begin with, it allows for up to sixty minutes of continuous run time without having to cool down hence helping you to immensely save on time. Nonetheless, it can cut through twelve sheets of paper in a single pass and has both anti jam and auto-reverse features which are ideal in preventing paper jams. 8.7 inches is its approximate throat size through which CDs, DVDs, staples, and paper clips don’t stand a chance when inserted in it. This shredder is very ideal for a shared working space as it produces a very minimum sound while on operation.
Further, its cutter crosscuts sheets leaving them reduced to minute particles, and has a certified p4 security level which is very convenient especially in disposing of vital documents. These shredded paper particles are all collected in an inbuilt five-gallon capacity pull-out wastebasket for easy emptying. Its innovative LED indicator shows when the shredder is overheated has a bin full, overload or the door is open.
- Has an exceptionally long continuous running time of up to sixty minutes before having to cool down.
- It produces a very low sound when active.
- It requires a very long time to cool down after shutting off.
What To Look For In A Paper Shredding Machine
1. It’s purpose
Paper shredding machines are designed to meet different purposes. You should thus know its ideal purpose before purchasing one. For instance, you need a business shredder; this requires you to get a shredder purposed for heavy-duty tasks. They are so different from those shredders that are meant for domestic use. It’s most important to know its purpose.
2. Its size
Wisely consider your shredders size before purchase. Ask, how huge or small is my storage space? This should determine the ideal size of your paper shredding Machine since they are available in different sizes and shapes.
If you have a small storage office or room, consider stand-less shedders that are easy to place on a desktop. You can also opt for the smallest models that fit perfectly in a drawer. Small shredders also help to create an extra space to store your end results. They are also cheap to buy and acquire.
3. Types of cutting
Different shredding machines come with different styles of cutting. However, these styles greatly determine your document’s level of security. For instance, shredding your documents in a strip cut is the fastest style of cutting. However, it’s less common, less secure, and less effective in delivering optimal results.
Cross cut shredding type is also better and secure but still not the most effective style of shredding. Microcut shredding is the jack of all trades. It’s the most effective, most secure, most convenient, and most preferred type of paper cutting.
4. Motor power
Motor power greatly determines the speed and paper shredding capacity. It’s also another basic factor to consider when getting your paper shredding machine.
If the shredder has low motor power, then don’t consider it for heavy business activities. This is because it will overhead and breaks down. Shredders with low motor powers are small in size, slow, and meant for easy domestic tasks. High motor powers are on the other hand meant for heavy duty business tasks.
5. Paper jam resistance
You don’t want your work delayed, right. Paper jam is most likely to happen if you overload your machine. In return, they clog your machine hence slowing down your task.
To avoid this, you should consider a shredding Machine with jam resistance sensors. This special feature helps to notify if the machine is overloaded and about to cause a paper jam. It also helps to eject excessive papers that are most likely to cause the jam.
6. Versatility
Multi purpose is better than a single purposed machine. You need to get a shredder with the ability to shred different types of materials simultaneously. Rather than papers, it should be in a position to shred other materials like DVDs, paper clips, or cards.
7. Durability
Shredding machines for paper is an expensive to machine. To get the value for your money, ensure your machine is strong and durable enough. Avoid cheap and weak machines that break off unannounced, causing additional repair or replacement expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should you lubricate a paper shredding machine? How often?
Yes. You should lubricate your shredder depending on how active it is. If you use it occasionally, lubricating once after two weeks is justice enough. If you overuse it, ensure to lubricate immediately after work.
How long should a shredder last?
A perfect shredding Machine for the paper should last for ten or more years. However, this depends on how well you maintain it. Lubricating your shredder prolongs its durability.
How long should paper shredding machine run before stopping to cool down?
This entirely depends on the quality of your machine and Motor power. A domestic shredder normally lasts for 5-10 mins before stopping to cool down. On the other hand, heavy duty shredders with strong motors work continuously without stopping.
Can a paper shredder overheat?
Yes! This is likely to happen if you overwork it. Some paper shredding machines are designed for light use and easily overheats when overloaded.
If your machine for shredding papers overheats, how should you cool it off?
Simple! Just turn it off for 40-50 minutes to cool its motor off. Removing obstacles clogged in the machine also fastens its cooling down.
Final verdict
From securing your documents to protecting the environment, to protecting your home from fire risks, paper shredding machines are essential to buy. They are from different brands thus possess a varying degree of quality. It’s important to look out for reviews and experiences from users before purchase. This is from Amazon or other related sites. However, this guide has also provided the best machines for you to consider. Follow it to the latter!