A paper shredder is an essential tool to have, especially if you process documents that contain private information. Many paper shredders are also capable of destroying credit cards and CDs. In this article, we’ll cover some of the best heavy-duty paper shredders currently available for sale. We’ll talk about how effectively they prevent paper jams and how quickly they can shred documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a paper shredder run continuously?
It depends on which shredder you purchase. Most will run at least thirty minutes before they need to cool down. Others are capable of functioning for up to one hour before you’ll have to take a break.
How much can a paper shredder handle at one time?
Usually, a paper shredder can shred between 10 and 20 pages of paper at once. The actual number depends on your individual shredder, the type of paper, and whether there are any clips or staples attached.
Buying Guide
As you consider each of the different options available for heavy-duty paper shredders, here are a few things to think about:
- LED Lights: Many shredders have LED lights on the surface that will indicate whether the device is ready to shred. In some cases, these lights can also tell you if the waste basket is full.
- Waste Basket: Usually, the waste basket will hold between five and seven gallons of shredded items inside. Once it’s full, they are easy to remove, empty, and replace onto your shredder.
- Cutting Size: How small will your shredder cut down your documents? It’s important that they are shredded to a small enough size that no personal information will be visible.
- Jam Prevention: Paper jams are no fun. Thankfully, newer paper shredders have taken steps to prevent jams from happening as often. When a jam occurs, you can usually put your device in reverse to quickly remove the jammed item. Some paper shredders even include features that prevent them from jamming at all.
Bonsaii Heavy Duty Paper Shredder
Best Overall
Includes Four Heavy-Duty Castors
You’ll enjoy working with the user-friendly design employed by this paper shredder. The LED lights will indicate any possible paper overloads, and will let you know when the bin is full. The basket holds up to seven gallons, so you shouldn’t expect a full bin too often.
This machine is capable of shredding CDs, credit cards, membership cards, and other thicker materials in addition to paper. It can run for up to sixty minutes continuously while shredding 130 sheets per minute.
Why We Love It:
- Sold in two sizes (18-sheet or 24-sheet)
- Cuts between 5/23 inch and 1 25/32 inches, in order to keep your personal information private
- Wastebasket includes a handle and is easy to remove and replace once full
Something to Consider:
- Might occasionally take 2-3 tries to start up
Fellowes Heavy Duty Paper Shredder
Most Jamp Proof
Will Never Get Stuck
We love this shredder because of how it was made to stop jams before they even start. This patented technology was developed by Fellowes brand, and it will help you get your shredding done faster (and with less frustration). This shredder also utilizes Safesense technology to protect you from potential cuts.
This shredder can shred junk mail, paper clips, staples, and credit cards with ease. It includes multiple indicator lights along the side, such as a run time indicator that will tell you when it’s almost time for a cool-down.
Why We Love It:
- Sold in two colors (black or white)
- Available in three varieties (12-sheet, 16-sheet, or 20-sheet)
- Side indicator lights tell you when bin is almost full
- Efficiency meter helps optimize run time and reduces document feeding when necessary
Something to Consider:
- Some shredded material can miss the bag and end up underneath the device
Wolverine Heavy Duty Paper Shredder
Quietest Shredder
Powerful Blades Cut CDs and Cards
This shredder only produces around 58 decibels of noise while running, which isn’t loud enough to disrupt most normal conversations. It can run for up to sixty minutes at one time before needing time to cool down.
The jam reverse system can quickly and automatically detect paper jams, and reverse the issue so you don’t have to stop working. When finished, the shredded particles will measure between 5/32 inches and 1 ⅜ inches.
Why We Love It:
- Sold in three different colors
- Wastepaper basket can hold up to six gallons
- Can shred up to 18 sheets at a time
Something to Consider:
- Tray can fill up pretty quickly
VidaTeco Heavy Duty Paper Shredder
Best Switch
Auto Start/Stop and Manual Reverse
This shredder is easy to use, especially when you sense that a jam is about to happen. You’ll experience less frustration and time wasting as you clear each jam with ease.
This shredder works well when cutting staples, clips, CDs, and credit cards. All shredded documents will come out in smaller strips measuring between 6/32mm and 1 1 18/32mm.
Why We Love It:
- Sold in two styles (cross-cut 8 sheet or cross-cut 14 sheet)
- Includes overeating LED indicator
- Waste bin holds up to 6.6 gallons, and has a handle for increased portability
Something to Consider:
- Only runs for five minutes at a time, and takes 30 minutes to cool back down
Bonsen Heavy Duty Paper Shredder
Easiest to Use
Overheating and Overload Protection
The waste bin has a transparent window that allows you to easily see how much space you have remaining inside your bin. The shredder runs pretty quietly, and only puts out around 62 decibels of noise as it shreds.
This shredder can shred around 2,700 sheets of paper in 30 minutes, and around 15 pages at a time. The anti-jam protection system helps reverse jams before the start, and cuts down on the time it will take to get your machine back up and running.
Why We Love It:
- Holds up to 5.3 gallons of shredded materials (around 420 sheets of A4 paper)
- Cuts documents into pieces between 5/32 inches and 1 ⅜ inches in size
- Can effectively cut through junk mail, credit cards, and staples
Something to Consider:
- Only runs for 30 minutes
