Paper shredders are super popular right now, mainly because of the increase in identity theft. If you aren't using a paper shredder, you could end up facing financial disaster, a damaged reputation, or even legal issues if your business doesn’t follow the rules. Picking the right shredders for office is crucial, but there are a few things you should be aware of before buying one. Here’s what you need to know.
A Brief Overview of Paper Shredders
Paper shredders were created to get rid of sensitive info, and the backstory is pretty interesting. The first paper shredder was invented by an American entrepreneur named Abbott Augustus Low in 1909. However, it was Adolf Ehinger, who was born in Germany, that made the shredder popular. In 1935, he came up with a hand-crank version to destroy anti-Nazi materials. After that, the paper shredder got patented, and by 1940, an electric model hit the market, quickly becoming a must-have for government, military, and banking folks.
The transition of paper shredders from government use to home offices took a while, with most people and small businesses not jumping on board until the mid-1980s.
Types of Shredders
When it comes to shredders for office there are two main types: strip-cut and cross-cut. Let’s break down what makes them different.
• Strip-cut shredders are super common and can be found just about anywhere—homes, schools, you name it. They’re so easy to find that you can grab one from a bunch of different stores. These machines slice paper into long strips that look a bit like spaghetti. Because of this, if someone gets their hands on the strips, they might be able to piece your documents back together. They’re fine for getting rid of junk mail and stuff, but if you need to keep your info safe, you might want to steer clear of these.
• Cross-cut shredders provide way more security since they chop paper into tiny bits. It’s almost impossible to reconstruct a document that’s been shredded this way, making them ideal for sensitive stuff like bank statements, old tax returns, business papers, health records, and anything else that needs to stay private.
What to Consider When Choosing a Paper Shredder
Capacity
This includes both how many sheets it can shred at once and how much waste it can hold. Some shredders can take on a bunch of sheets in one go, while others might take a bit longer but are fine if you don’t have a ton to shred. Check the bin size and how much paper it can hold in gallons. Our top picks can handle anywhere from 8 to 20 sheets and have bins that hold 15 to 30 liters.
Bin Type
Some shredders have a pull-out drawer that makes it easy to empty the collected waste into the trash. Others have a heavy shredding unit that you need to lift off to access the wastebasket below. Just remember, all shredders have sharp parts, so be careful when lifting the unit off the basket.
Dimensions
There’s a shredder for every space, from larger models like our top-rated one at 58cm tall with an 30 litres capacity, to smaller desktop versions that are great for tight spots but might take longer to shred and need more frequent emptying.
Multimedia and Cardboard Shredding
There are plenty of shredders out there that can handle more than just paper. For instance, many personal and deskside shredders can easily take care of staples and paper clips left in your documents. Some models even shred credit and debit cards, offering better security than just cutting them up with scissors and tossing the pieces. Then there are multimedia shredders designed to destroy CDs, DVDs, floppy disks, and more.
If you're looking for a shredder that can tackle a variety of materials, make sure to do your homework before purchasing to ensure it meets your needs. And if your workplace has a lot of cardboard, you probably know how tricky and costly it can be to store and dispose of it. A cardboard shredder could be a great investment, making disposal much simpler. Plus, you can use the shredded cardboard as packing material, saving you some cash and being eco-friendly.
Noise Level
It can be tough to gauge how loud a shredder is, especially if you’re buying online, but it’s worth noting that some are quieter than others. Our top-rated shredders were selected for being relatively quiet, with the Fellowes Powershred LX22M being the quietest of the bunch.
Safety Features
There's no denying that paper shredders can be pretty dangerous. So, it's important to pick a machine that's safe to use. Here are some safety features you might find while shopping:
• Safety interlock. This feature stops unauthorized use of the machine, making it perfect for home use where kids or pets might be around.
• Safety sensor. This sensor can detect when something inappropriate is near the feed opening (like hands or tails). If it senses something, it will shut the machine down to prevent any injuries.
Extras
If you want a shredder that can handle DVDs and CDs, make sure to look for that feature. All the models we reviewed can shred credit cards, so if you recycle paper, keep in mind you might want to separate the plastic from cards and discs. Some models even come with wheels for easy movement.