Paper shredder is a machine used to destroy obsolete documents, expired credit cards, receipts, CDs and DVDs into small pieces making information on them unreadable. They are perfect to dispose-off expired documents and cards that are reason of creating mess and consuming space.
As we all know, crimes have also evolved over the period of time. Therefore you cannot simply throw out documents and cards that contain sensitive information, as it can possibly lead to identity theft. Modern crimes require contemporary solutions. Paper shredder can prove vital in destroying documents, preventing sensitive and personal information like address, social security number and bank details from falling in wrong hands.
You might be thinking paper shredders to be very large and expensive, but actually paper shredders are portable and consume very less space in home or small office. Despite performing a critical role in preventing identity theft and information leakage, paper shredders are generally reasonably priced.
This particular article is about “Best paper shredder for home use”. At home, paper shredders are required to destroy old receipts, bills, expired cards, CDs that have been accumulating over the long period of time. You may use paper shredder of medium capacity and providing medium level of security. It should suffice shredding requirements of a typical home user.
Selection of best paper shredder requires thorough research and homework. Few frequent questions that arise before buying a paper shredding machine include; what kind of paper shredder should I buy? Is cross-cut or micro-cut shredder better? and many other similar basic questions.
Cross cut shredder provides medium level of security and micro-cut paper shredder provide high level of security. We have tried to answer basic questions and have summarized selection parameters in our following article. It might help you in selecting best paper shredder for your application.
How to choose best Document Shredder?
After researching on best paper shredder for home use, we have prepared a list of 10 paper shredders. These shredders should prove best for home usage and value of money.
Below is the list of factors considered, before selecting a paper shredder for home use..
- Price
- Cutting size
- Cutting type
- Duty cycle
- Bin capacity
- Security level
- Shred functions
- Cutting capacity
| Price | View at Amazon |
|---|---|
| Cutting size | 3/16 by 1-27/32 inches |
| Cutting type | Cross-Cut |
| Duty cycle | 3 minutes on / 30 minutes off |
| Bin capacity | 4.1 gallon |
| Security level | P-3 |
| Shred functions | Paper, Staples, Paper Clips, Credit Cards |
| Cutting capacity | 8-Sheet |
AmazonBasics 8-sheet cross-cut shredder is the best paper shredder for home use. It can easily turn sensitive and personal documents into confetti, this machine shreds up to 8 sheets of paper, without removing the staples and small paper clips, and credit cards ( one per pass).
The auto mode allows the shredder to be automatically started by inserting paper into the feed slot and the shredder stops automatically when the paper has passed through. The reverse function of this machine can be used to help clear the cutters of paper that did not pass through. The thermal protection system shuts off the motor automatically if it runs beyond its maximum runtime to avoid over-heating.
| Price | View at Amazon |
|---|---|
| Cutting size | 1/4-inch wide |
| Cutting type | Strip cut |
| Duty cycle | 2 minutes on/ 15 minutes off |
| Bin capacity | 3.2 gallon |
| Security level | P-2 |
| Shred functions | Paper, DVDs/CDs, Credit Card, Staples, Paper Clips |
| Cutting capacity | 8 sheets |
AmazonBasics 8-sheet strip-cut shredder provides long narrow strips, it provides faster shredding but with less protection as compared to cross-cut and micro-cut shredders. There is no need to remove small paper clips and staples from documents.
In auto mode, this machines starts shredding once the machine detects something to be shredded and it stops automatically when shredding is complete. The reverse function helps to retrieve un-shredded and partially shredded documents and prevents paper from getting struck. The thermal protection system of this unit shuts off the motor automatically if it runs beyond its maximum runtime to avoid over-heating. This shredder is the best paper shredder for home use.
| Price | View at Amazon |
|---|---|
| Cutting size | 1/5 x 1-25/32 inches |
| Cutting type | Cross-Cut |
| Duty cycle | 4 minutes on/40 minutes off |
| Bin capacity | 3.4 gallon |
| Security level | P-3 |
| Shred functions | Paper/credit cards/clips |
| Cutting capacity | 6-sheet |
Bonsaii C237-B is considered as the best paper shredder for home use. It minimizes the chances of falling victim to the havoc and hassle of identity theft by shredding documents into tiny pieces. The stainless steel blades of this machine can destroy sensitive documents, credit cards, staples and small paper clips.
In auto mode, the machine sensor detects the documents to be shredded and then it starts shredding automatically. The overload and overheating protection system shuts off the machine automatically to protect the motor.
| Price | View at Amazon |
|---|---|
| Cutting size | 1/5 by 1-17/20 inches |
| Cutting type | Cross-cut |
| Duty cycle | 2 minutes continues Runtime |
| Bin capacity | 1.32 gallon |
| Security level | P-3 |
| Shred functions | Paper, Credit Cards, Staples, Paper Clips |
| Cutting capacity | 8-Sheets |
Aurora AS420C compact desktop paper shredder is a best paper shredder for home use. Its durable steel blades can turn sensitive documents into confetti. This machine can destroy up to 8 sheets of paper or one credit card per pass. It has single-hand lifting handle design that helps for easy waste emptying. It also includes detachable power cord and letter opener accessory. The thermal protection system regulates machine from overheating by automatically shut off the machine to protect the motor.
| Price | View at Amazon |
|---|---|
| Cutting size | 6mm |
| Cutting type | Strip Cut |
| Duty cycle | 3 minutes on/30 minutes off |
| Bin capacity | 3.5 gallon |
| Security level | P-2 |
| Shred functions | Paper, Clips, CDs/DVDs. Credit Card, Staples |
| Cutting capacity | 8 sheets |
Bonsaii S120-C shredder can shred 8 sheets of paper, CDs/DVDs, paper clips, staples, ATM receipts, junk mail and other sensitive documents. It is one of the best paper shredder for home use because of its easy operation. The ideal safety feature of this machine stops the shredder working once you lift the shredding part.
The shredder’s auto start and auto reverse system with jam protection helps to avoid paper jams. It is equipped with an overheated protection system and if the unit keeps working beyond its maximum running time and becomes overheated, it shut off automatically to protect the motor. Further, the motor works automatically with light-operated function once the sensor detects something to be shredded. This top quality shredder is the best paper shredder for home use.
| Price | View at Amazon |
|---|---|
| Cutting size | 7/32 by 1-27/32 inches |
| Cutting type | Cross-Cut |
| Duty cycle | 2 minutes on/ 30 minutes off |
| Bin capacity | 3.4 gallon |
| Security level | P-3 |
| Shred functions | Paper, Clips, Credit Card, Staples |
| Cutting capacity | 8 sheets |
Aurora AS890C shredder is used to dispose of sensitive information, private documents and junk mail. Its stainless steel blades can easily destroy credit cards, staples and small paper clips. This shredder’s cross-cut technology provides high security protection. In auto mode, the sensor of this unit activates the blades automatically when paper is inserted into the shredder.
Auto start and manual reverse features help to clear paper jams. Overheat protection feature shuts off the machine automatically to protect the motor that’s why it’s one of the best paper shredder for home use. Besides, a full-bag indicator light alerts you when the time comes to empty the attached wastebasket.
| Price | View at Amazon |
|---|---|
| Cutting size | 5/32 by 15/32 inches |
| Cutting type | Micro-Cut |
| Duty cycle | 60 minutes continuous run time |
| Bin capacity | 5 gallon |
| Security level | P-4 |
| Shred functions | Papers, CDs/DVDs, credit cards, staples, clips |
| Cutting capacity | 12-Sheet |
Aurora AU1210MA is the best paper shredder for home use. This micro-cut shredder provides ultimate protection with particles 6 times smaller than cross-cut shredder. It shreds 12 sheet of paper, CDs/DVS, credit cards, staples and paper clips. Auto reverse and anti jam technology helps to clear paper jams.
If Aurora AU1210MA shreds continuously beyond the maximum running time and becomes overheated, then the unit will automatically shut off. The safety feature of this unit cuts off the power when the wastebasket is not pushed in properly.
Note: Never feed more than one credit card 0r CD/DVD at a time. Always hold the CD/DVD by the edge and feed one at a time and release when shredding begins.
| Price | View at Amazon |
|---|---|
| Cutting size | 5/32 by 15/32 inches |
| Cutting type | Micro-Cut |
| Duty cycle | 5 minutes on / 30 minutes off |
| Bin capacity | 4-gallon |
| Security level | P-4 |
| Shred functions | Papers, CDs/DVDs, credit cards, staples, clips |
| Cutting capacity | 8-Sheet |
AmazonBasics 8-sheet shredder is one of the best paper shredder for home use. It shreds 8 sheets of paper, CDs/DVS, credit cards, staples and paper clips. If the shredder runs beyond the maximum run time then the overheat protection feature will shut off the motor automatically. Auto reverse and anti jam technology helps to clear paper jams. This unit also includes casters that helps to move the shredder from one room to another easily.
Bonsaii paper shredder C204-C comes with simple features making it user friendly and best paper shredder for home use. It turns your sensitive and unwanted documents into small pieces in a cross cut manner. Bonsaii shreds the documents into size measuring 5/32 x 1-49/64 inches (4 x 45 mm), meeting security standards of level P-3. You may use this paper shredder for disposing-off ATM receipts, bills and other documents having potential of information leakage. Size of wastebasket is 3.4 gallon with portable handle design and transparent window making it easier to see when the shredder needs to get empty. It is capable of operating for continuous 4 minutes; shredding 150 sheets of paper.
Auto start function, turns the shredder on; once sensor detects something to be shredded. In case of excessive feeding and paper jam, reverse mode helps user in clearing paper jams.
| Price | View at Amazon |
|---|---|
| Cutting Size | 5/32 x 1-49/64 inches |
| Cutting Type | Cross Cut |
| Duty Cycle | 4 minutes |
| Bin Capacity | 3.4 gallon |
| Security Level | P-3 |
| Shred Functions | Documents, Receipts, Bills |
| Cutting Capacity | 6 sheets |
| Price | View at Amazon |
|---|---|
| Cutting Size | 1/4 inches |
| Cutting Type | Strip Cut |
| Bin Capacity | 3.20 gallon |
| Security Level | P-2 |
| Shred Functions | CDs, DVDs, Credit cards, Sheets |
| Cutting Capacity | 8 sheets |
Aurora AS810SD-8 has a compact design and offers user friendly experience. It shreds the paper into strips of size ¼ inches. This shredder is capable of shredding CDs/DVDs, credit cards and documents. The shredder is recommended for shredding documents that are relatively less sensitive. 8 sheets of paper can be shredded in single pass at a speed of 9.7 feet/min. Size of waste bin is 3.20 gallon. Manual forward and reverse option helps in clearing paper jams. The
AS810SD also has a thermal cut out to prevent the shredder from over-heating It consumes no power in standby mode saving energy.
Being a strip cut shredder and cable of shredding documents, CDs and cards, it can prove best paper shredder for home use under $50 that performs quite efficiently and silently.
Which is the best paper shredder to buy for home use under $100?
Aurora AU650MA is considered as the best paper shredder under 100 dollars. This 6-sheet micro cut paper shredder provides high security. Moreover, It destroys credit cards, small paper clips and staples without any hassle. This paper shredder also includes advance safety feature that turns off the power automatically upon forced entry making it a best paper shredder for home use under $100.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are paper shredders worth it?
Absolutely, paper shredders are worth buying. Modern times have also brought along modern crimes. To counter such crimes, modern solutions are recommended. Paper shredders dispose-off documents and expired cards, preventing identity theft and sensitive information from leaking out. When it comes to safeguarding your identity, spending few dollars is a very reasonable price to pay.
What is the most secure type of shredder?
Paper shredders are classified into three types, depending upon the cut they produce and ultimately security level provided.
Strip-cut paper shredder (Low level of security)
Cross-cut paper shredder (Medium level of security)
Micro-cut paper shredder (high level of security)
As evident, micro-cut paper shredders are most secure type of shredders. They provide security level of P-4.
How often should I oil my paper shredder?
Paper shredders needs to be oiled after regular intervals to continue effective paper shredding jobs. As cutter is a moving part and dust accumulates inside the cutting assembly. To clear the dust, oiling of paper is recommended after every ½ hour of shredding activity.