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The Best Paper Shredder

Last updated on August 16, 2024
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Best Paper Shredder

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Our Picks For The Top Paper Shredders

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Product Overview
Key Takeaway
  The Best Overall

WOLVERINE Low Noise ETL-Certified Paper Shredder

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

WOLVERINE

Low Noise ETL-Certified Paper Shredder

This heavy-duty paper shredder can handle a stack of 18 sheets of paper at once. It's capable of running a full hour and can easily cut through thicker materials, such as CDs and credit cards. The bottom roller wheels add functionality to the shredder, making it a mobile option for office use.

Overall Take

Large CapacityThis paper shredder has a 6-gallon capacity, so you won't have to empty it very often.

 Top Pick

Amazon Basics 12-Sheet Anti-Jam Crosscut Paper Shredder

Amazon Basics

12-Sheet Anti-Jam Crosscut Paper Shredder

All you need to do to use this crosscut paper shredder is plug it in and choose between the "auto," "forward" or "reverse" functions. The unit can handle up to 12 sheets of paper at a time, while the attached basket has a 4.8-gallon capacity. As an added bonus, this unit is outfitted with LED lights to let you know if the unit is overloaded or over...

Overall Take

Easy to UseIn the front of this crosscut paper shredder is a handy slot for destroying old credit cards.

  The Best Value

JIKIOU Non-Slip Desktop Paper Shredder

JIKIOU

Non-Slip Desktop Paper Shredder

Protect private information with this paper shredder. It's easily portable, so you can use it at home and then at the office. You won't even need an outlet, as the tool operates manually using a built-in hand crank.

Overall Take

Budget-Friendly PickIf you're looking for a basic paper shredder, this economical option is your best bet.

 We Also Like

AmazonBasics Thermal Protection Paper Shredder

AmazonBasics

Thermal Protection Paper Shredder

Although limited in capacity, this paper shredder has a price that fits every budget. In addition to paper, it can shred credit cards, and its lightweight form factor makes it easy to maneuver around your home or office. Though prone to jams, the model features a manual mode that allows you to reverse pages back out when they get stuck.

Overall Take

Easy to MoveDespite the low price tag, this shredder can handle everything from paper to plastic.

Buying Guide

No one wants to fall victim to identity fraud — and investing in a paper shredder can help. Data theft and identity fraud pose such a big problem that many consumers have realized the importance of securing their information. This extends to the paper documents they toss in the garbage, which can easily end up in the wrong hands somewhere between the house and the landfill or recycling center. Ripping up every sheet of paper can be time-consuming, especially if you deal with a significant amount of paperwork on a monthly basis.

There are several things to consider when you’re looking around for shredders, though. Perhaps the most important is capacity. Some shredders can handle large stacks of paper, while others make you feed only one or two sheets at a time. If you plan to shred items like credit cards, you’ll need to seek out a shredder with that capability.

One of the biggest issues with paper shredders is jamming. Unfortunately, most shredders may eventually jam, especially if you exceed their capacity or they overheat. It’s important to find a shredder that can help you easily recover from those jams. Another issue specific to all shredders is that they have a limited runtime, after which you’ll need to wait while they cool down before you can insert another document. This can understandably be inconvenient, so make sure you’re aware of the limits of whatever shredder you choose.

It may not seem a top priority at first, but shredders come in various sizes. If you plan to slide your shredder under your desk or set it on a table, measure in advance to determine the maximum space you’ll need. Some shredders also include wheels, making them easy to maneuver around as necessary.

What to Look For

  • If you’ve ever shredded a stack of paper, you likely know the tedium that can come from the task. The more pages you can slip through the feeder at once, the quicker you can move on to other tasks. Some models promise to shred as many as 18 sheets in one pass. Typically, these models can shred one sheet of paper in less than five seconds.
  • Paper isn’t the only thing shredders can tackle. Some can shred credit cards, as well. You don’t even have to remove your staples or paper clips with a few other models, which can even shred these supplies along with the paper connected to them.
  • Traditionally, shredders cut paper into long strips, which was great, but not nearly as secure as today’s cross-cut shredders, which slice paper both horizontally and vertically. The AmazonBasics 8-Sheet Shredder cuts paper into 3/16″ x 1-27/32″ strips, while other models create 5/32″ x 1-1/2″ pieces. Some may have smaller shredding capacities, though, producing micro-shreds sized only 4mm x 15mm.
  • Capacity isn’t just about the number of pages your feeder can handle. The size of the waste bin also matters. The larger the bin, the less frequently you’ll need to stop to empty it. Look for a model that has an 8.5-gallon bin. The AmazonBasics 8-Sheet Shredder is on the smaller end, with bins that only hold around 4 gallons.
  • If you plan to slide your shredder under a desk, look for one that has a front-loading feeder that will let you use it without sliding it out.
  • If you do need to maneuver your shredder around, consider the sheer weight the bin has before you have even put the first sheet in. The AmazonBasics 8-Sheet Shredder is by far the lightest, at only 9.74 pounds. Other models are pretty heavy, weighing as much as 28.2 pounds. However, it’s important to note that all of the shredders but the AmazonBasics one have wheels, so their weight likely won’t be an issue as long as you keep it in the same general area.
  • Ideally, your shredder will rarely jam. If it does happen, though, it will help to have an easy way to get the pages out. The AmazonBasics 8-Sheet Shredder has built-in reverse features so that you can back your pages back out in the event of a jam. However, some models are designed to prevent jams.
  • Every shredder only has a short runtime before it needs to cool down. With more powerful models, you can shred for 20 minutes before allowing it to rest for 30 minutes. The AmazonBasics 8-Sheet Shredder is considerably shorter, though. Amazon’s shredder runs for three minutes before cooling off for 20 minutes.
  • Since shredders can vary dramatically in price, the cost may heavily influence your decision. No matter what features you’re looking for, you’re sure to find a shredder that fits your budget.

More to Explore

You may not realize it, but paper shredders have been around since 1906, when a Brooklyn entrepreneur came up with the idea and later patented it. However, the first shredder wasn’t manufactured until 1935. That was when a German man wanted a way to safely dispose of the anti-Nazi propaganda he was creating. His version of the shredder was based on the design of a pasta maker. He began selling his shredder soon after, with government agencies and financial institutions eventually buying them. The need to revolutionize shredding beyond thin strips of paper came from a 1979 raid of the American Embassy. The Iranian revolutionaries were able to put together the shredded documents and decipher what was on them.

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