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Choose The Best Paper Shredder

Selecting the best paper shredder depends on several factors, from where the shredder will be used to how much it will be used. One of the biggest mistakes shredder buyers make is purchasing a shredder that does not meet their needs, often buying a shredder that is not robust enough. For example, they may purchase a personal shredder when they may need an office shredder for bigger jobs. They may even need a heavy duty shredder if working in a large office. For greater security needs, a micro cut shredder is the best choice, and a credit card shredder may be required if there is a need to destroy more than paper. Also while buying a home paper shredder, buyers may need to consider safety features to safely shred around children and pets. Seems like a lot to think about? Just answer the following questions to make your paper shredder choices easy.

How Much Do You Shred?

When selecting a paper shredder, consider a combination of how much time you spend shredding with how much paper you typically shred.

I want to shred 2-8 minutes with 5-12 sheets at a time:

Choose a home paper shredder
I want to shred 7-30 minutes with 10-18 sheets at a time:

Choose an office or home office shredder
I want to shred 45 minutes-continuously with 13-38 sheets at a time:

Choose a heavy duty shredder

How Small Should A Paper Shredder Make The Particles?

Your concerns about identity theft determine what security level you will need for your paper shredder.

Strip cut

Basic Shredder Security. Level P-2

I am just concerned about junk mail and other office paperwork. Choose a top rated strip cut paper shredder

Cross cut

Higher Shredder Security. Level P-3-4

I need to shred confidential documents for my home office or small business. Choose a top rated cross cut paper shredder

Micro cut

Ultimate Shredder Security Level P-5

I need to shred highly confidential documents to meet federal document destruction guidelines-Choose a top rated micro cut shredder

High Security

Government Approved- Level P-7

I need to shred top secret and classified documents- Choose a government approved paper shredder.

Do I Need A Paper Shredder With Special Features?

Along with numerous options in shredder performance and security levels, there are also many features available that make shredding more effective for the home or workplace. When you think about where your shredder will be located and who will be using it, some additional needs may have to be considered.

Paper Jams

Paper Jams

A paper shredder with anti-jam technologies can help prevent the #1 frustration among shredder users. Look for 100% Jam Proof or Jam Blocker if you want to stop paper jams.

Safe Paper Shredder

Safe Paper Shredder

A paper shredder used in the home can be a hazard for children and pets. Choose a home paper shredder with safety features if this is a concern for your home office.

Quiet Paper Shredder

Quiet Paper Shredder

If noisy paper shredders have been a nuisance in the past, or if you work in a shared space, a paper shredder with quieter performance may be important.

Energy Saving Paper Shredder

Energy Saving Paper Shredder

Because 80% of paper shredder energy consumption comes from in use activity, you may want to look for a shredder that maximizes shredder energy savings 100% of the time-both in and out of use.

A Shredder That Shreds More Than Paper

After a paper shredder, a credit card shredder is one of the most common choices among consumers. You can find shredders that can shred staples, paper clips, credit cards, CDs, DVDs and junk mail, in addition to paper.

Still Need Help Finding a Paper Shredder?

See Paper Shredder Reviews for Top Rated Shredders