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10 Best Fellowes Paper Shredders
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Buying Guide for the Best Fellowes Paper Shredders
When it comes to picking a paper shredder, it’s all about matching the shredder’s abilities to your shredding needs. Think about how much you will shred, the type of documents you handle, and the amount of personal or sensitive information you need to destroy. This will help you find a shredder that’s just right for home, small office, or more heavy-duty use. A good approach is to balance shredding capacity, ease of use, safety, and maintenance so you get a reliable and efficient tool without overspending or feeling overwhelmed by features you’ll never need.Shred Type (Cut Style)The shred type determines how finely the machine destroys your documents. The main types are strip-cut, cross-cut, and micro-cut. Strip-cut shreds paper into long strips and is the simplest, best for general non-confidential papers. Cross-cut slices paper into small pieces, offering better security, suitable for sensitive personal or business documents. Micro-cut turns paper into tiny particles, ideal for highly confidential and private records. When choosing, think about the confidentiality of what you are shredding: for basic home use, strip or cross-cut may be enough, but if you handle sensitive info, micro-cut provides more protection.
Sheet CapacitySheet capacity is the maximum number of sheets you can feed into the shredder at once. Low-capacity shredders are designed for a few sheets at a time, perfect for occasional home use or small tasks. Medium-capacity machines handle around 10-15 sheets at once, useful in a small office or for moderate personal shredding needs. High-capacity models are built to shred large stacks, ideal for busy offices or heavy users. Decide based on how often and how much you shred at a time. Small jobs mean a lower capacity shredder saves space, but if you shred in bulk, higher capacities save time and hassle.
Run Time and Cool Down PeriodRun time tells you how long a shredder can operate before needing to cool down, while cool down period is how long it takes before you can use it again. Short run times (2-5 minutes) are common in light-use shredders, while heavier models may run for 20 minutes or more. If you mostly shred a few papers at once, a short run time is fine. Frequent or high-volume users should look for a model with extended run time to avoid waiting for cool down, helping work get done faster and with less interruption.
Bin CapacityBin capacity refers to how much the shredder’s waste bin can hold before it needs to be emptied. Smaller bins (below 4 gallons) need emptying more often and suit occasional, light use. Mid-sized bins (around 5-8 gallons) are great for regular home or small office work. Larger bins (over 8 gallons) reduce the need to empty the bin and are a better fit for frequent or high-volume shredding. Choose based on how much you shred—if you want less downtime, larger bins can be more convenient.
Safety FeaturesSafety features vary from simple manual locks to sensors preventing operation if fingers get too close. Basic models may have a safety switch, while family or office shredders often include advanced safety sensors or touch controls. If you have children or pets, look for shredders with strong safety mechanisms. For offices, safety can also mean improved workflow and less risk of accidents. Assess your environment and choose a shredder that matches your safety comfort level.
Noise LevelNoise level indicates how loud the shredder is during operation. Quieter shredders (often labeled 'silent' or 'quiet') are preferable in shared spaces, home offices, or libraries. Standard noise levels might be acceptable in workplaces where noise isn’t an issue. Consider where the shredder will be used; if it’s close to workspaces or noise-sensitive areas, lower noise output will reduce distraction and create a more comfortable environment.
Ability to Shred Other MaterialsSome shredders can handle more than just paper, such as staples, credit cards, CDs, or paper clips. Basic models might jam on anything except paper, while more robust machines are built to handle mixed materials. If you often have to destroy old credit cards, optical discs, or stapled documents, choose a shredder that clearly states it can handle these materials. This improves convenience and prevents damage or jams.
Maintenance RequirementsMaintaining a shredder usually means occasional oiling and removing jams. Some models have self-cleaning or auto-oiling features that keep them working smoothly. If you want minimal upkeep, look for units with these features. Otherwise, manual maintenance is straightforward but should be factored in, especially if you expect to shred regularly. Thinking about how often you want to spend time maintaining your shredder can help you decide on the best model for your routine.