Best 5 High-Capacity Paper Shredders: Made For The Toughest Shredding Challenges

Do you want to buy a paper cutting machine with a large capacity?

Then you should read this review. We will introduce you to high capacity paper shredders and their characteristics. You’ll learn what purpose they are intended for and which other features are important. Then compare the models and decide which one suits you the best.

Our Top Picks

What Is High Capacity Shredding Machine?

For this device to have a large capacity, it needs to be able to accept multiple sheets of paper per single pass, (at least over 10). It also needs to have a large bin and high speed. Furthermore, they need to have a shorter cooldown time and a longer duty cycle to be able to shred as many sheets of paper at once.

High-Capacity Vs Heavy-Duty Vs Industrial-Grade

Compared to high-capacity models, which are fast and have a high capacity without being too big in size, heavy-duty models are used for heavy-duty shredding projects and are very large in size because made for multiple users. Moreover, these models are made from highly-durable materials that make shredding easy and to ensure a long-serving lifespan. To shred very high volumes of paper in a fairly short amount of time, an industrial-grade shredder is the best option if you deal with confidential documents. These models are built to continuously deal with bulks of paper, offering a high-capacity bin and high-sheet capacity.

Are You Sure You Want A Large-Capacity Device?

A machine with large capacity is fast and thus only cuts paper into rather big particles. This means that they do not offer the highest level of security (P-7). However, there are some micro-cut models (P-5 level of security) available that can cut even 15 sheets of paper per pass. If you need high security, go with micro-cut. Otherwise, cross-cut will be enough.

You Have To Choose Between High Capacity & Security

While these models will help you get rid of high volumes of paper at once, they won’t be able offer you a level 6 of security (the highest security level), unless you go formachines approved by the NSA.

Big Capacity Device Advantages

That type of cutting machine is usually used in offices where multiple users have to get rid of paper documents constantly. It is suitable for both small and large businesses, meaning it can shred a lot of paper at once or it can be used by multiple users in highly populated office departments.

Most Important Downsides

They will not be suitable for small spaces or cutting papers into the smallest possible particles to give you and your business the maximum level of security. Thus, you will not be able to cut secret and top-secret information with it, as well as documents with highly-confidential information.

Guide To Picking the Best High Capacity Options

There are many things, settings, and features to keep in mind when choosing the best shredding device for your high needs.

Large Sheet Capacity

These models must cut through more than 10 sheets of paper per pass. Some models can even shred through 20 sheets of paper at once, or even 30+ sheets per single pass.

High Bin Capacity

Bins in large capacity options can hold a lot of shredded paper at once, depending on the type of cut it makes. For example, a bin will be able to hold more paper with micro-cut shreds than with strip-cut shreds. Those have baskets that can hold from 15 to 25+ gallons. The advantage of that capacity is that you don’t have to empty it often.

Feed Size

The opening slot for feeding the paper comes in different sizes, depending on the model and manufacturer. Some have throats that can take in an A4-sized sheet at maximum, while others are even larger, made for shredding bigger-sized sheets. Check the dimensions of the largest sheet you want to shred before deciding on the model.

Run Time

To be able to shred through a high volume of paper at once, a shredder needs to have a long run time, as well as how much paper can it fit at once. Some models can cut paper for up to 60 minutes.

Cooldown Time

After a shredder reaches its maximum run time (duty cycle), it will have to shutit off to cool down and prevent overheating. The cooldown time depends on the brand and the model, but will mostly take at least 30 minutes to do so.

Multiple Users For Large Shredding

To be truly high-capacity, it should allow over 10 users to use it. This is a great option for departmental shredding or for offices that have a lot of staff. However, even models with over 5 users can be good enough.

Wheels For Transport

This tpye of shderred can sometimes be so big, you might want to use it in different corners of your office. Enter: wheels for easy portability. Small casters are a great addition to those over-sized machines.

Noise Level

Some of them produce more noise, while some are manufactured to run at around 60 decibels (noise like a normal conversation). The ones that do not go over 70 decibels (washing machine noise) are great as this level of noise is not very high.

Motor Power

Because of its high bin and sheet capacity, these models features powerful motors. Some of them have 0.5 or even 1 horsepower. But, keep in mind that they are available in larger dimensions and require more space.

Best 5 High Capacity Paper Shredders

Swingline GBC SX19-09 Paper Shredder

Super Cross-cut
The Swingline GBC SX19-09, comes with super cross-cut that provides a high-security level, P-4. It is great for business and sensitive personal information. You can feed it with all the secret documents you have. It shreds paper into 3/16 x 1 1/2 pieces.

Mobile Shredder
This high-security machine features an elegant design and four casters for easy mobility. It measures 28.75 x 19.13 x 16 inches and it weighs 38 pounds. Swingline has the capability to shred credit cards, paper clips, staples, CDs and DVDs and it runs under 60dB.

19 Sheets Per Pass
The SX19-09 shreds up to 19 sheets of paper per single pass while it can run continuously for 16 minutes. Then, you have to leave it to cool down for 40 minutes. The pull-out wastebasket has a 9-gallon capacity. You can see the filling level through a transparent window.

Smart Features
The bin indicator will turn on when the bin is full of shredded paper particles so you can empty it. That indicator prevents paper jams. Self-cleaning cutters automatically remove shreds. Also, there is Power saving function, which conserves energy.

Buy On Amazon

Aurora AU1540MB Paper Shredder

Commercial-grade Device
Aurora AU1540MB is a reliable professinal-grade machine. It is available in grey color. This model is available in different sheet capacity and cutting type so you can choose the model which suits the best for your needs.

Security Level P-5
The AU1540MB uses a micro-cut shredding type which meets the P-5 security standard. It is an ideal choice for customers who require the highest level of security.It shreds letter size paper into approximately 2592 pieces. The shred size is 3/32 x 19/32 inches.

An Hour Of Shredding
Aurora is able to shred credit cards, paper, CDs, DVDs and small paper clips. You can feed it with max 15 sheets of paper per pass. It runs 60 minutes continuously without stopping, then it requires a cool-down period.

Auto-reverse Function
The auto-reverse function will turn on if you put too much paper into the opening slot. This function will reverse the motor and clean up the jams. It’s important to say that Aurora doesn’t produce a loud noise. The pull out bin can take 13 gallons of shredded paper. LED lights indicate overheat and overload status.

Buy On Amazon

Ideal 2604 Shredder Machine

Heavy Machine
This big device is has a powerful motor. It has 36.5 inches of height, 18.5 inches of depth and 19.5 inches of width. The ideal is pretty heavy (105 pounds), so it features four casters which allow easy transport.

Multiple Users
The cutting type is cross-cut, it is good for confidential shredding due of the P-4 security level. It is a centralized cutting machine designed for 8 to 10 users. It has solid steel cutters capable to shred CDs/DVDs, paper, paper clips, staples, plastic cards.

Easy To Control
The paper opening is 10.25 inches wide. At the time, you can feed it with 23-25 sheets of paper. The removable bin has a capacity of 26 gallons. You can use plastic bags, but it isn’t necessary.

Self-lubricate Shredder
You don’t have to oil it after each use, because the Ideal is equipped with a bottle of oil. It uses oil during shredding and improves optimal shredding performance. Over the feed opening, you can find a transparent safety shield that protects your fingers.

Buy On Amazon

Fellowes Powershred 485i Paper Shredder

Strip-cut Shredder
A powerful Fellowes Powershred 485i is esigned for commercial use. Unlike other models on this list, it uses a strip-cut method for shredding paper into long strips, 7/32 inches wide.

Basic Security Level
This strip-cut device measures 37.5 inches of height, 25 inches of width and 20 inches of depth. It weighs 160 pounds, so for easy mobility, it features four casters. This Fellowes Powershred model isn’t intended for sensitive documents because of the basic security level, P-2.

38 Sheets Per Pass
You can shred junk mail, CDs, DVDs, credit cards, staples and paper clips with it. The max sheet capacity per single pass is 38 sheets. Because of that large capacity, this model is ideal for 10+ users. Also, it is an energy-efficient item.

SafeSense Technology
The safety sensors surround the feed opening and if they detect your hand or fingers, they will stop shredding automatically. The removable waste bin has a capacity of 35 gallons. The motor is able to run continuously without stopping which improves productivity.

Buy On Amazon

AmazonBasics Paper Shredder

24-sheet Of Paper
The AmazonBasics renewed model is great for medium-sized offices. This product is available in 12, 15 and 24 sheet capacity. Here we talk about the AmazonBasics model capable to shred 24 sheets of paper per single pass. This is a good budget-friendly option.

LED Indicators
LED indicators are located right on top of the device. They detect wastebasket status, door open, overload, overheat and power. There is another way to check if the bin is full; on the front of the item is a large transparent window.

Dedicated CD Slot
The AmazonBasics is a cross-cut type that shreds the paper into 5/32 x 1-1/2 inches particles. The security level is high, P-4. You can feed the machine with credit cards, CDs and DVDs. Also, you don’t have to remove the staples or paper clips.

40-minute Of Run Time
This business machine runs 40 minutes continuously, then it requires 50 minutes off. If it runs over the limit, it will automatically shut off to protect the motor from overheating. The auto-reverse feature prevents paper jams. The pull out bin has a capacity of 7 gallons.

Buy On Amazon

Shredding Paper Alternatives

Some alternative options for high-volume shredding without a shredder include hiring a professional paper shredding service that will take care of your documents, shredding them securely to protect your confidential data and sensitive information. Likewise, you can also put a lot of paper at once on fire to destroy it but you will have to deal with a lot of ash afterward. On the other hand, you could also invest in a heavy-duty or industrial-grade machines. However, they are more expensive but more suitable for large enterprises.