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10 Best Fellowes Shredders
From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
Buying Guide for the Best Fellowes Shredders
When choosing a paper shredder, it's important to think about how often you'll use it, what kind of documents you need to destroy, and how much you need to shred at one time. Shredders are not all the same—they vary in how they shred, how secure they are, how much paper they handle, and how easy they are to maintain. Before buying, consider your home or office needs and picture how the shredder will fit into your daily routine. This will guide you toward the right choice while avoiding frustration from an under- or over-powered device.Shred Type (Cut Style)Shredders typically work in one of three ways: strip-cut, cross-cut, or micro-cut. Strip-cut shredders slice paper into long, narrow strips and are the most basic type. They offer the lowest security since the pieces can potentially be pieced back together. Cross-cut shredders chop paper into shorter, confetti-like bits, giving more security and making it harder to reconstruct documents. Micro-cut shredders turn documents into tiny particles, offering the highest level of security and are best for confidential information. If you only need to shred everyday junk mail, strip-cut can be enough, but for sensitive documents, opt for cross-cut or micro-cut based on how private your paperwork is.
Sheet CapacitySheet capacity is the number of sheets a shredder can handle at once. Shredders commonly accept anywhere from a few sheets up to dozens at a time. Lower sheet capacities (up to about 6 sheets) are suited for occasional use by individuals, while higher capacities (10 or more) work better for regular or group use, such as in an office. Your typical shredding load should determine what you choose; if you often shred piles of paper, a higher sheet capacity will save time.
Bin SizeBin size is how much shredded paper the machine can hold before it needs to be emptied. Smaller bins need emptying more often and are fine for light use in small spaces, while larger bins can handle more shredding between empties and suit busy offices. If you plan to use the shredder frequently or don’t want to be bothered with emptying the bin often, look for a larger bin size.
Run Time and Cool Down PeriodA shredder’s run time is how long it can operate continuously before it needs to cool down to avoid overheating. Personal shredders may run for just a few minutes, whereas more advanced models can run for 20 minutes or longer before requiring a break. If you shred a lot at once, longer run times mean you won’t have to stop and wait. Estimate your shredding sessions—if you plan to shred large batches, go for a shredder with a longer run time and a fast cool down.
Safety FeaturesMany shredders come with safety features to prevent accidents, such as automatic shut-off if hands are too close or safety locks when not in use. These are important if children or pets are around or if you want added peace of mind. If safety is a concern in your home or workspace, prioritize shredders with robust safety mechanisms.
Jam Prevention and Clearing FeaturesPaper jams can be frustrating and interrupt your workflow. Some shredders have features to minimize jams or make it easier to clear them, such as auto-reverse (which backs out paper), sensors, or jam-proof systems. If you often shred in a hurry or process a lot of paper, a shredder with jam prevention or easy jam clearing can be a real time saver.
Noise LevelNoise level is how loud the shredder is in operation. Loud shredders can be disruptive, especially in quiet offices or at home. Some shredders are designed to run more quietly, which is worthwhile if you or others are sensitive to noise, or if you share a space with coworkers or family.