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
Runs for Five Continuous Minutes
This multi-purpose shredder is easy to use, and helps you keep personal information confidential. It only produces around 70 decibels of noise while in operation, so it won’t disturb others around you who are working.
This device can shred credit cards, staples, and clips in addition to paper. It shreds documents into pieces 13/64 of an inch by 1 37/64 inches.
Why We Love It:
- Indicator light tells you if your device is functioning normally or if it is overheated or overloaded
- Large wastebasket holds up to 5.5 gallons (or 320 sheets of A4 paper)
- Bin features transparent window, and is easy to carry with handle on top of the device
Something to Consider:
- Shreds a maximum of 10 sheets at one time
VidaTeco Heavy Duty Paper Shredder
Safest Shredder
Paper Jams Won’t Damage System
This paper shredder is extremely efficient. It can shred 14 sheets in one pass, and it will shred one sheet in less than one second on average. If the device is on, it will shred automatically one you insert a document, but it can also reverse manually to clear the system of any jams.
The device stops automatically when you lift the shredder from the top of the bin. This makes it easier for you to dispose of shredded documents, and the clear transparent window will let you know when your bin starts to fill up.
Why We Love It:
- Sold in two styles (8-sheet or 14-sheet)
- Runs for five continuous minutes
- Waste basket holds 6.6 gallons (250 sheets) at one time
Something to Consider:
- Shredder is a little heavier than others
Fellowes Heavy Duty Paper Shredder
Most Sheets
Shreds 20 Sheets at One Time
This paper shredder employs a patented technology that will prevent jams from happening before they even start. It also utilizes proprietary technology to keep your hands safe from potential accidents. It offers enough strength to power through tough jobs, and will easily shred paper clips, credit cards, staples, and junk mail.
The run-time indicator light will tell you when you’re almost out of shredding time and need to give your device a chance to cool down. The efficiency meter works to optimize run time by keeping too many documents from coming through the machine at one time.
Why We Love It:
- Designed to be 100% jam-proof
- Also sold in 12-sheet or 16-sheet style
- Can purchase in two different colors
- Optional shredder oil included for an additional fee
Something to Consider:
- Shredder is a little short, and may require you to bend over to access
Bonsen Heavy Duty Paper Shredder
Quietest Shredder
Only Puts out 58 Decibels
This paper shredder does not make very much noise at all while you’re working. At 58 decibels, it won’t disrupt others who are speaking or working in the area. It also features a larger waste bin that holds up to 6.6 gallons of shredded items at one time, so you can spend less time emptying your bin and more time working or shredding documents.
This shredder can function for up to 30 minutes continuously before it will need a break to cool down. This is because of the patented cooling system that prevents the device from overheating.
Why We Love It:
- Sold in two styles (cross-cut 18-sheet or super micro cut)
- Can shred up to 18 documents at one time
- Capable of shredding CDs, credit cards, staples, clips, and junk mail
- Shreds documents down to a smaller size for increased privacy
Something to Consider:
- May slow down if you put more than 10 pages in at one time
Wolverine Heavy Duty Paper Shredder
Best Run Time
Shreds for 60 Continuous Minutes
You will be able to shred around 8,000 sheets of paper before you have to take a break for your machine to cool down. The system also features a jam reverse system that automatically detects (and clears) paper jams as they happen.
This shredder can handle up to 18 sheets of paper at one time. It shreds documents down to small pieces only measuring only 5/28 of an inch by 1 ⅜ inches.
Why We Love It:
- Includes a six gallon pull-out waste basket with large transparent viewing window
- Shreds CDs, clips, staples, and credit cards
- Only puts out around 58 decibels of noise while shredding
Something to Consider:
- Can be difficult to remove waste basket without spilling paper
