5 Best 10 Sheet Paper Shredders: Quickly Destroy 10 Pages At Once

You need a 10-sheet paper shredder and consider some options?

Here we’ll introduce you to a few impressive models with quality features. If you are looking for a machine for home/office, micro-cut, cross-cut, or other option you’ll find the best models in this article. Before reviews, check out which features are important to have.

Our Top Picks

What Does 10-Sheet Mean In A Paper Cutting Machine?

10-sheet means that the device has a maximum capacity of shredding 10 sheets of paper per pass. It can cut paper into small or tiny particles with the help of cutting blades. You feed paper into blades that cut it and the residue falls into the bin on the other side.

How Many Sheets Can You Shred?

Depending on the model, shredders can sometimes cut only up to 5 sheets per pass which are considered small capacity. A sheet capacity of 10 is considered medium capacity. In comparison, some large models can shred over 150 sheets of paper at once, although they are not very often.

Types Of Cutting Mechanism

There are three popular cutting styles available on the market. The first type is strip-cut, that shreds paper into long strips of different widths. The second type is cross-cut, which shreds paper into shorter strips. The third and final type is micro-cut, shreds paper into such small particles that it would be really hard or impossible to reassemble.

Is Micro-Cut Or Cross Cut Better?

Micro-cut offers the highest level of security thanks to the smallest particle shreds. It is great for destroying sensitive and confidential information. On the other hand, cross-cut offers a medium security level, usually enough to destroy personal information. Depending on how sensitive the information you want to shred is, you will be able to pick between the two cutting types.

Why Do You Need A 10-Sheet Machine?

The device is a great choice if you need to:

• Shred more paper at once – by shredding this number of sheets, you can get rid of more paper per minute
• Save time and space – thanks to the large shredding capacity, this machine saves you time and as space that was taken up by documents you no longer need
• Cut the paper in your home or office – this model is great for both use in your home or in your office, destroys both personal and business documents

Pick The Best 10-Sheet Cutting Machine

The market is filled with different models that offer you the same capacity. To make your hunt for the best model for you, we have put together this buying guide, telling you which features to focus on.

Large Bin Size

Besides the sheet capacity, there is also the bin capacity to keep in mind. Most models come with bins that can hold 3 to 5 gallons. This is usually a great size for home use. If you are going to use your cutting machine in an office, invest in one with a bin capacity of over 5 gallons.

Run Time

These options can usually run for 10 minutes continuously or less. But, for that amount of paper, it is enough. Don’t exceed the recommended limit, you’ll cause paper jams and risk overheating the motor.

Cooldown Time

After using the machine for its recommended time, the device will need to turn off to cool down a certain period. Mostly, it will take at least 30 to 40 minutes for it to cool down before you can start it up again.

Noise Level

Bigger options make more noise than small models. However, it is not recommended for any product to make noise above 70 decibels (moderate noise, like a dishwasher). Usually, go for a model that makes a noise of around 60 decibels (low noise, like a normal conversation). This way, a low-noise machine won’t distract you from work or give you a headache.

Which Media Can They Shred?

They can sometimes cut more than just a plain old paper. Some models are great for shredding other media such as CDs and DVDs. Moreover, some can even handle plastic credit cards, paper clips, and staples.

Safety Features

Every machine needs to be safe to operate and some features can help you with this. First of all, look for models with automatic shut-off to stop overheating. Also, features such as safety locks are important. Furthermore, look for models with reverse settings and anti-jam functions for optimal safety.

5 Best 10-Sheet Paper Shredders

Royal 29171Y Shredder

Quality Material
Royal 29171Y is designed to meet your office or home needs. It has 15 inches of height, 12.25 inches of width and 7.75 inches of depth. The entry slot is 8.75 inches wide. it is made of quality plastics and it is wear-resistant.

Credit Card & Paper
It is completely normal to find a piece of shredded paper in the basket or between the blades once you take the device from the package. All Royal machines are tested before shipping to make sure they are safe to use. Royal 29171Y is made to shred credit cards and paper, but not CDs/DVDs. Also, remove the staples and clips before cutting.

Slide-out Bin
There is a separate slot for shredding credit cards in shredder. This cross-cut cuts the paper into 5/32 x 1-5/8” small particles. The slide-out waste bin has a capacity of 3.3 gallons. In the front of the device, there is a clear viewing window so it’s easy to see when it’s time to empty the bin.

1/2 Horsepower
The machine features a powerful motor, it delivers 1/2 horsepower. The switch has three options, auto, off and reverse. Turn on the auto mode and the device will automatically start and stop working. The reverse function will clear the stuck paper. The warranty for this item lasts 1 year.

Buy On Amazon

Aurora AU1000MA Paper Shredder

Unreadable Pieces
Aurora AU1000MA is a micro-cut that shreds 10 papers at a time. This machine is able to shred the credit cards, paper clips, staples, CDs and DVDs. You can put one credit card/CD/DVD per pass. The shred size is 5/32 x 15/32 inches whcih makes it the P-4 security level.

Portable Item
The dimensions are 13.86 x 16.73 x 24.17 inches and it weighs 25.9 pounds. Because it is a bit heavy, the Aurora AU100MA comes with casters that turn it into a portable paper shredder. The basket volume is 5 gallons, when you need to empty the bin, just pull it out.

No Forced Entry
The continuous run time is 12 minutes. After that period you need to leave the device to cool down. If somebody tries to put too much paper into the slot or to push the paper with force, the Aurora will automatically power off to prevent paper jams.

Jam-free Feature
If sensors detect that there is too much paper in the slot, the Aurora will stop shredding. These two features prevent paper jams. If you do not use the machine for up to 5 minutes it will automatically power off and saves the energy.

Buy On Amazon

Ativa C187-H Cross-cut Shredder

Criss-cross Type
Ativa C187-H provides a medium security level with its cross-cut mechanism. You can use this device to shred paper, credit cards, paper clips and staples. You don’t have to remove them from paper. But it isn’t intended for CD/DVDs.

3.4-gallon Bin
Ativa turns the paper into 3/16 x 1-9/16 inches of shredded pieces. It helps to protect your documents safe from the thief. The pull-out waste bin can hold up to 3.4 gallons or 12.9 liters. The four casters improve mobility.

Automatic Features
Ativa shreds continuously for up to 5 minutes. The cool-down period lasts 30 to 40 minutes. The power switch is back on the panel. Ativa features auto-start and stop options, you don’t have to wait for the shredder to finish, it will stop by itself.

Motor Protection
If sensors detect that the motor starts to overheat, this office cross-cut will automatically stop working. Also, overload protection prevents paper jams so you don’t have to clear it with your hands. The blades are covered and there is a safety lock that prevent injuries.

Buy On Amazon

Insignia Ns-ps10cc Cross-cut Shredder

Trusted Machine
Insignia NS-PS10CC is a cross-cut machine that provides a medium level of security. You can feed it with confidential documents without worry about identity thief. It cuts paper in the pieces of 0.2 x 1.3 inches. Because of that, it is good for small office use.

CDs And DVDs
This cross-cut is available in grey color, an universal color so it will fit in any decor. It is primarily intended for paper, but it can also shred CDs, DVDs, credit cards, paper clips and staples. The power cord is included in the package and it has 3 feet of length.

Lift-up Bin
This machine ideal for small business use. The shredding speed is fast, Insignia shreds 9.8 feet per minute. The wastebasket has a high volume, it can hold up to 5.3 gallons. On the top of the device, there is a convenient handle, lift the handle up and empty the bin.

Easy Operation
The slot for the paper is 9.1 inches wide, it is enough for standard size paper. Insignia features three modes; auto-on, reverse and off. Push the reverse button if the paper jammed in the slot or between blades. Insignia is 16.5 inches high, 13-9 inches wide and 9.4 inches long. It weighs 13 pounds.

Buy On Amazon

Sentinel FM100P Shredder

Compact Product
Sentinel FM100P is a compact product. It has 14.3 inches of length, 7.9 inches of width and 15.4 inches of height. It weighs 12.6 pounds. It is not heavy, so you can easy move it without any help. Sentinel has an affordable price and it is perfect for home use.

Sensitive Documents
This micro-cut destroys the paper into tiny particles. If you don’t want other people could read our personal documents, consider it for your home office. Sentinel has the ability to cut the papers and the credit cards.

See-through Bin
The pull-out bin is easy to empty, you don’t have to reassemble it to throw the garbage. The bin has a volume of 3.04 gallons. Also, there is a see-through window, you don’t have to open the bin, check the filling level through the glass.

Lubricated Sheets
There are three modes – auto start, off and reverse. The Sentinel features overheat sensors. If you leave for the device to run over its max limit, the motor could overheat. So, the sensors detect the warmth and automatically turn off the shredder.

Buy On Amazon

Maintain & Take Care Of The Machine

Every model requires maintenance to run properly without paper jams. Taking proper care of it will allow it to have a long lifespan. Run it in reverse every once in a while to release any paper particles stuck in the blades. Also, keep it unplugged when not in use for maximum safety and to prevent power problems.

How Do You Clean The Blades?

Shredder blades need to be cleaned from dust particles and bits of paper stuck in them. Clear out the blades at least every month and then use a can of compressed air to blow out even the smallest particles of debris stuck between the blades.

How Do You Stop It From Overheating?

If you run the device continuously and for longer than its recommended run time, you might overheat the motor. To stop this from happening, shred paper in a short time before letting it cool down and then continuing.

Why Do Can These Devices Stop Working?

The main reason for it to stop working is a paper jam. Do not put in more sheets than recommended at once to prevent this. Also, the blades might not want to run if they lack lubrication. Put oil on the blades or run a lubricant sheet to lubricate them and ensure smooth shredding.

Do Shredders Wear Out?

Shredders do wear out because, with time, blades will become dull. However, you can prolong the life of the blades if you oil them after each shredding session and every time you empty the bin.

Sharpen The Blades With Aluminum Foil

Aluminum foil is gentle enough to go through the blades. At the same time, it is also metallic enough to sharpen the blades. Run a couple of sheets of foil to sharpen the blades.

What Else Can You Do To Destroy Paper?

Besides using a machine to destroy a bigger amount of paper at once, you can also do it differently. Especially efficient for destroying a higher volume of paper is a method of burning it. Also, you can put the documents into a bucket and soak them in water and bleach to ruin them. Another way to destroy more paper at once would be to hire a professional shredding service to deal with your documents.