5 Best 20 Sheet/Page Paper Shredders: Shred Secret Documents Simple & Quick

The 20-sheet paper shredder will be perfect for your needs?

Before purchase, it’s important to know something about these machines. We’ll explain what a this type of device is intended for, about their bin capacity, run time and safety features. Read our buying guide, then check out models and find the best one for your requirements.

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The Basics Of A 20-Sheet Shredder

This machine allows you to shred up to 20 sheets per pass. Insert up to 20 sheets into the opening throat at one time to shred the paper. The sheets will be sucked into the cutting blades and cut into a shape according to the cutting style it has. After that, the bin under the blades catches the remained particles.

How Many Sheets Can You Fit In The Slot?

Sheet capacity actually depends on their size. Smaller models can sometimes cut only 5 sheets per pass. Large capacity ones can cut at least 10 sheets at once, even more. This means that a 20-sheet paper shredder has a really high capacity. Thus, it also needs a potent motor to be able to shred through 20 sheets at once.

Can They Cut Cardboard?

No, standard 20-sheet paper shredders do not have the option to cut the cardboard. Only special machines with heavy-duty motors are specialized to slice it.

Three Cutting Types

The first type of cutting mechanism available is strip-cut. It shreds paper into long strips and thus offers the lowest level of security. The second type is cross-cut, special for shredding paper into shorter strips or diamond-like shapes. It has a medium level of security for paper destruction. Finally, a micro-cross paper shredder shreds sheets of paper into tiny particles. It has the highest level of security where documents are (nearly) impossible to reassemble.

What Makes A This Capacity Attractive For You?

If you need a machine that can shred 20 ppaers, choose a device that is:

• Fast – they should be gast thanks to the long duty cycle and a high sheet capacity
• More Powerful – they are equipped with a powerful motor (this will make it more expensive)
• Equipped with advanced features -they can come with many automatic and safety features that will make operation safe and easy
• Saving time and space – shredding more paper at once will make the shredding job faster while saving space taken up by unnecessary documents
• Secure – by cutting paper into small particles, you can protect your identity and business data

Specs To Consider During Purchase

This type of shredder has many advanced features and things you should consider when choosing a model. Find out more here.

Bin Capacity

Because theys are able to shred a high volume of paper at once, they usually feature a large wastebasket. The bin capacities could be different, from 7 to 20 gallons. If your shredder has a large bin, you can empty it less frequently.

Multi-User Design

Most of them are intended for multiple users. Depending on the model, you can get 1-3 user shredders, or even 10 to 20 for large offices with a lot of staff.

Motor Power

The motor to do this job has to be around ½ or 1 horsepower. Likewise, their cutting blades are made of quality materials, so they are durable. Before buying check out the warranty.

Run Time

The run time of can range from 30 to even 60 minutes. This is a long run time, compared to small models that can run for up to 5 minutes. Such a long run time combined with a high sheet capacity means that you will be able to shred a high volume of documents during the duty cycle.

Cooldown Time

You have to let this machine to cool down once you reach their maximum run time. Sometimes, this run time will be only 15 minutes, while some manufacturers claim it can be even 45 minutes. The shorter the cooldown time, the sooner you can get back to shredding.

Suitable For Cutting Different Media

Most options allow you to slice more than just paper in it. For example, CDs, DVDs, staples, paper clips, and even plastic credit cards. Before shredding any of these materials and media, check the manual or contact the manufacturer to see if your model is can do it.

Safety Specs

Some models feature smart specs that detect if you put too much paper in at once, thus preventing paper jams. Also, some can detect your hands near the blades. They would stop working if it happens to prevent any accidents or injuries. Some models have a safety lock, covered blades, and more.

Noise Level

To prevent distraction in the workplace, as well as hearing problems and headaches, always look for an option that works at around 60 decibels as this is the office standard (the same noise level as normal conversation).

5 Best 20-sheet Paper Shredders

Aurora Au2040XA Paper Shredder

Portable Shredder
Aurora AU2040XA is a big device, it measures 16.3 inches of width, 11.8 inches of length and 26.22 inches of height. It is a heavy product, there are 34 pounds. Aurora features four casters for easy mobility. This is a cross-cut that comes with a really affordable price.

High-Security Level
It destroys the paper, paper clips, staples, credit cards and CDs/DVDs. The security level is P-4, so it shreds papers into small particles of 5/32 x 1-9/16 inches. Shred your confidential documents without worrying.

Pull-out Bin
In front of the business shredding machine, there is a small transparent window so you can see if the bin is full. It is a pull-out bin with 7 gallons of capacity. The LED indicator will turn on if the bin is full. There are more LED indicators, they are for standby, overload, overheat and door open status.

60 Minutes Continuously
Aurora is able to run 60 minutes without stopping. The motor doesn’t produce a loud noise, it won’t disturb your colleagues in the office. The anti-jam auto-reverse feature prevents paper jams. If the device isn’t in use for 5 minutes, it will automatically shut down, which saves energy.

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Ativa 20-sheet OMX203P Paper Shredder

Large Device
Ativa OMX203P is a large cross-cut, a.k.a. confetti-cut model, with a medium security level. It is perfect for small or medium offices and home use. This device weighs 39 pounds, so it comes with casters for easier transport. The warranty lasts 1 year and the price is affordable.

Powerful Shredder
This 20-sheet paper shredder cuts through CDs, DVDs, staples, clips and credit cards. Some customers said that you can put more the 20 sheets per time, it is a very powerful machine. The cross-cut design destroys paper into pieces of 3/16 x 11/16 inches. It is difficult to read. The speed of shredding is 6.03 feet per minute.

Automatic Stop
The pull out bin has a high capacity, it holds up to 7.7 gallons or 29 liters. The paper entry is 8-11/16 inches wide, so it can accommodate most documents. You don’t have to empty it so frequently. The Ativa will stop shredding if the bin reaches its maximum. That prevents paper jams and other unwanted damages.

Cleaning Paper Jams
The Ativa is able to detect overload, then it stops shredding, turns the indicator on and starts to automatically reverse the blades. Ativa features many safety functions, that include covered blades, sensors and safety lock. The auto-start starts to shred when the sensors detect the paper. When the shredding is over, the device will stop working. Ativa runs continuously for up to 30 minutes.

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Bonsaii C222-A Paper Shredder

Universal Wheels
Bonsaii C222-A is a heavy-duty device with dimensions 14.70 x 9.60 x 21.80 inches and it isn’t lightweight. So it is equipped with four universal removable casters. The front wheels are lockable, they won’t move when you park the device.

Unreadable Particles
It shreds paper into the particles of 5/32 x 1-32/64 or 4 x 40mm which makes it a P-4 level. These particles are smaller than micro-cut so it isn’t possible to read them. Shred all your confidential and sensitive documents. Bonsaii shreds paper, paper with clips and staples and credit cards.

Jam Proof System
Bonsaii features an automatic start and manual reverse function. The shredder will automatically reverse the blades if you put too much paper into the slot. The continuous working time lasts 20 minutes, then leave it to cool down. It does the job with only 60 dB, it is an optimal sound level.

LED Indicators
Through a transparent window, you can see if the bin is full. The pull-out bin holds up to 6.6 gallons. Bonsaii features overheat and overload protection. They protect the motor from damage. The LED indicators will turn on if you need to intervene.

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Fellowes LX22M Powershred Shredder

Enhanced Security
The Fellowes LX22M Powershred is a micro-cut type that provides the enhanced security. It shreds the paper into the pieces of 5/32 x 1/2 inches, so nobody can read that. The device has 23.7 inches of height, 16.5 inches of width and 11.7 inches of depth. It features casters.

1-3 Users
The LX22M shreds junk mail, staples, credit cards and paper clips. It isn’t intended for CDs and DVDs, so don’t put them in the entry, you can damage the blades. It is an ideal choice for a small office, it is intended for 1 to 3 users.

SafeSense Technology
The run time lasts up to 30 minutes before the cool-down period. The integrated SafeSense technology detects if your fingers or hands are too close to the slot and automatically stop shredding. So, it is safe even if you use it at home. This shredder is 100% jam-proof.

Intellibar Technology
Fellowes uses Intellibar technology. That includes a runtime indicator that will alert you when it is nearly its max time and needs to cool down. The Efficiency Meter indicates the possibility of increased sheet capacity. In that way, you can maximize the shredder productivity.

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GBC DX20-19 Paper Shredder

Medium Offices
The GBC DX20-19 is a powerful device designed for medium and large offices. Its dimensions are 14 x 19 x 29 inches. This item weighs 79 pounds. But you can move it easily from one office to another, there are stable casters.

Max Feed Capacity
This model can be used by 10-20 users. It is a cross-cut type with a general P-3 security level. Don’t shred sensitive documents with private information. The GBC paper shredder has a large bin capacity of 19 gallons. When you want to empty it just pull it out.

Low Noise Level
Its powerful cutters have the ability to shred a high amount of paper per time, but in addition, it shreds paper with clips and staples, CDs, DVDs and credit cards. GBC is adjusted to office, it doesn’t produce a loud noise, it is below the 60dB. This quiet paper shredder ensures minimal disruption.

Jam-free Shredding
The jam-free feature prevents users to put too much paper into the entry. If that happens, the device will stop shredding immediately. The red and green indicators show load capacity. The Self-cleaning cutters automatically remove shredded parts. The power save function conserves energy.

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How To Keep It In Good Shape

It is important to maintain your device frequently and properly so that it can run smoothly. You can do this by oiling the blades with lubricant sheets or oil. How often should you do that? Every 30 minutes for cross-cut and every 15-minutes for micro-cross shredders. Also, empty the bin before it gets too full and oil the blades whenever you do it.

Why Do Shredders Stop Working?

The first reason your shredder might stop working is a paper jam. Do not put too much paper in at once and don’t let your bin get too full. Also, it can happen if blades get dull due to not getting enough oil. Likewise, do not use it to shred materials and media that your shredder is not suitable for.

What Do You Do If You Put Too Much Paper In?

If your paper shredder does not have auto-detection for when you put too much paper in at once, you might go ahead with shredding which will more probably than not result in a paper jam. Some shredders will be able to solve a paper jam on their own, with the help of reverse functions. However, if it does not work, you might have to unplug it and use tweezers to get rid of as much paper jammed between the blades and then run reverse and auto-forward functions to clear the rest of the jam.

Other Options For Destroying Large Amounts Of Paper

Besides investing in an expensive machine, there are other ways to destroy large amounts of paper. Firstly, you could hire a professional shredding service to destroy your documents for you. Secondly, you could burn the documents in a fire pit. Thirdly, you could soak your documents in water and bleach. The latter two options, however, mean that you will have to deal with ashes and soaked paper.