Best 10 Paper Shredders For Small Business: Suitable For Every Office Including The One You Have At Home

Are you looking for the appropriate shredder for your small business?

Not all models are good for any task you have in your small or big business. That is why you need to learn how these devices can fit your company’s needs and how to choose the best one. In our buying guide, there are answers. Also, read the reviews of the best 5 options for smaller companies.

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Brief Intro

Shredders meant for use in small offices or businesses will keep your documents safe even after they have been disposed of. How? They will cut the documents into small particles, ensuring that the original document is very hard or impossible to put back together. For a small office model, make sure that the shredder can fit in there. For small businesses, ensure that their capacity is high enough for your shredding needs.

Micro-Cut Or Cross-Cut

For peace of mind, and if you have the luxury, always go for a micro-cut model. Why? It offers the highest level of security for your confidential documents and sensitive business data. However, if you only need medium security, even a cross-cut office shredder might suffice. However, it is not recommended to safely dispose of really sensitive information.

Recommended Security Levels

When dealing with business data and information, it is best to shred paper into much smaller particles. When it comes to security levels laid out by the DIN 66399 standard, you should go for at least a P-5 level of security or higher when shredding. This level is known for producing particles with an area of ≤ 30 mm² (≤ 2 mm wide). Furthermore, a P-6 level shreds into particles with an area of ≤10 mm² (≤ 1 mm wide). Finally, a P-7 level that leavs particles with an area of ≤ 5 mm² (≤ 1 mm wide).

Commercial Heavy-Duty Vs. Small Business

Smaller options usually have a shorter run time, no longer than 10 minutes, and can cut up to 12 sheets of paper per pass. On the other, a commercial heavy-duty model can run continuously to shred high volumes of paper at once. However, they will also be much bigger in size and suitable for multiple users, so they might need too much space. If you need to shred low volumes of business documents, the first option will be enough. Otherwise, you will need a heavy-duty option to cut through hundreds of paper sheets regularly.

Where To Put It?

Depending on where you want to shred, you can choose between models for desk-side shredding or centralized shredding. Most commonly, desk-side shredders fit even under the desk as they are smaller in size. This makes them suitable for one user. Centralized shredders can be used by various users (maybe up to 5), which means they need to be placed in a more open space where they will be easily approachable.

Advantages Of Shredding Office Documents?

Each business, including small ones, can benefit from using a machine to destroy their documents. Here are some of the most important ones:

Efficiency – the bigger sheet capacity you go for, the quicker office staff (your employees) will be able to destroy documents and go back to their other tasks at work
Portability – if you go for a model with wheels, you can easily move it from desk to desk so that you don’t have to carry stacks of documents to the shredder in your hands
Convenience – using a device to destroy documents is much easier than shredding by hand or having to censor each paper with sensitive information
Security– shredding paper will protect both your business and your customers

What To Expect From It?

When choosing any machine, including this one, keep the following features and specifications in mind.

Sheet Capacity

You will usually have enough sheet capacity with up to 10 sheets per pass. However, if you are looking something bigger, you can go for models that have even up to 20-sheet capacity per pass.

Bin Capacity

They usually have a bin capacity between 5 and 7 gallons. If you have a micro-cut, you will be able to fit much more shredded particles inside the bin before it needs emptying than with strip-cut and cross-cut models.

Run Time

The duty cycle, also known as the run time, is also important to decipher models ideal for this situation. They can sometimes run for 60 minutes continuously and that is very impressive. On the other hand, their average run time is around 10 minutes, which is enough.

Which Materials Should A Shredder Be Suitable For?

Besides shredding paper, both models for you have to be able to deal with other media and materials. Check the specs of the model you buy to see if you can also shred credit cards, unopened mail, staples, paper clips, and even CDs/DVDs with it.

Jam Protection

To save you the hassle and be safe for your fingers, look for a shredder with anti-jam protection so that you do not have to expose your fingers to sharp blades if a paper jam occurs.

Cost

These types of shredders are usually less expensive if they do not have a lot of features. On the other hand, the more powerful the shredder is, the more you will have to pay for it. Usually, business owners will spend a couple of hundred dollars to get a reliable option.

Size For Home Office Vs Small Business

Small businesses might need a bigger model with multiple users (sometimes up to five). On the other hand, chances are you are looking for a shredder that is small in dimensions so that it can fit into the office. Check the dimensions and the capacities to get the best model for both options.

Portability

If you have a small office, you can get a desktop shredder that will fit on the desk or somewhere else to save floor space. Likewise, you can even go for a model with casters for easy moving.

Auto Lubrication

To save you the hassle of maintenance, some versions even have auto-lubrication functions. You won’t have to get your hands dirty and spend time oiling the blades. The shredding device will do it automatically to keep the blades in a good condition for smooth cutting.

Best 10 Paper Shredder For Small Business

Fellowes Powershred 79Ci Shredder

1-2 Users
Fellowes Powershred 79Ci will fit in any room. It doesn’t take much space, it’s 21.4 inches high and 15.4 inches wide and 10.4 inches deep. This device is good for medium-sized business and you can use it daily. 79Ci is intended for one or two users.

100% Jam Proof
This business paper shredder shreds paper, credit cards, staples, paper clips, junk mail, CDs and DVDs without a problem. The manufacturer says that this device is 100% jam-proof. If you use it regularly, you’ll avoid paper jams. This system eliminates paper jams and maximizes productivity.

SafeSense Technology
This cross-cut, also known as diamond-cut, ensures a high-security level, P-4. It is able to shred 16 sheets of paper at the time. The shredded particle has 5/32 x 1-1/2 inches. The SafeSense technology with sensors automatically disables the shredder if hands touch the paper entry.

Energy-saving System
Powershred has the ability to shred 20 minutes continuously before the cool-down period. The pull-out basket has a capacity of 6 gallons. Because of SilentShred technology, it produces 54 decibels, it is a low noise level. The energy-saving system provides optimal energy efficiency.

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Bonsaii C221-B Paper Shredder

Removable Wheels
Bonsaii C221-B is a bigger device, it has 14 x 9.7 x 20.50 inches and weighs 18 pounds. It features casters, they are universal and removable. But you don’t have to move it around, the front wheels are lockable, so the device will stay where you park it.

Micro-sized Particles
It is a micro-cut shreds with the P-4 security level and keeps your sensitive documents safe. C221-B shreds paper into a tiny piece of 5/32 x 15/32 inches. It shreds paper, staples and credit cards. Don’t put CDs or DVDs into the slot. The max capacity is 12 sheets of paper.

Runs 10 Minutes
Bonsaii paper shredder runs 10 minutes continuously. Then it required a 45-minute of the cool-down period. When the sensors detect the paper, the device will start to shred automatically. The auto-reverse mode will clear the paper jams easily. The warranty for this product lasts 1 year.

Light Indicators
The pull-out wastebasket capacity is 5.3 gallons. You can easily see if the bin is full through the transparent window. If you leave the shredder to run over its limit, it will start to overheat, then it will automatically shut off to protect the motor. The LED indicators detect power, overheat and overload status.

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Aurora AU2030XA Paper Shredder

Mobile Shredder
Aurora AU2030XA has a 14.65 x 19.06 x 28.19 inches. It weighs 36 pounds and it is mounted on the wheels. You can easily move it and take it to the recycling bin. It is a cross-cut, also known as confetti-cut, with a P-4 security level, the shredded particle has 5/32 x 1-9/16 inches.

20-sheet Of Paper
Aurora has the capacity to shred up to 20 sheets of paper simultaneously. Besides the paper, this machine shreds paper clips, staples, credit cards, CDs and DVDs. The run time lasts 60 minutes continuously. The pull-out wastebasket holds up to 7 gallons.

Touchguard Feature
Aurora features advanced safety features if your hands are near the paper entry, the machine will stop shredding. If you don’t use it for 5 minutes, it will shut down to save energy. Also, when you insert the paper into the slot, the shredder will start to shred automatically.

JamFree technology
This model won’t continue to shred when the sensors detect too much paper, that prevents paper jams. Aurora features overheat and overload protection. On the control panel, you can find the LED indicators for power, door open, overheat, overload and bin full status.

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Royal 112MX Paper Shredder

Affordable Price
Royal 112MX is a cross-cut with 15 inches of height, 12.25 inches of width and 7.7 inches of depth. It weighs 16 pounds and features for casters. You can easily empty the bin, just move the shredder. Its price is affordable.

Separate Slot
The paper entry slot is 9 inches wide. Royal is able to destroy all printed and digital information, it shreds CDs, DVDs, credit cards, paper with clips and staples. There is a separate slot for CDs/DVDs and credit cards. Royal shreds the paper into the particle of 5/32 x 1-1/2 inches. Insert 12 sheets of paper per pass.

No Maintenance
The see-through wastebasket has a capacity of 3.25 gallons. That means this bin holds up to 220 sheets before you need to empty the bin. This model doesn’t require maintenance. Don’t put any oil into the machine or insert the lubricated sheets.

1/2 Horsepower
Royal uses a powerful motor of 1/2 horsepower. The auto-start feature is very practical, you don’t have to turn on the device every time, it will automatically start shredding when the sensors detect the paper. When it shreds all paper, it will automatically stop working. The warranty lasts 1 year.

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Wolverine SD9520 Paper Shredder

White Device
This model has a bit different color than others on the list. It is available in white color, so it looks elegant and stylish. It measures 15.8 inches of width, 12.2 inches of depth and 26.1 inches of height. It is a heavy product, there are 48 pounds. But don’t worry, it has casters.

Sensitive Documents
Wolverine SD9520 is a micro-cut with a high P-5 security level. You can insert your sensitive documents into this machine. It shreds the paper into the 3/32 x 13/32 inches which is impossible to read. It shreds paper clips, staples, credit cards and CDs.

High-Speed Shredder
Wolverine shreds the paper quickly, the shredding speed is 12 feet per minute or 3.8 meters per minute. This powerful machine is able to shred 200 sheets in 60 seconds. The bin type is pull-out and it can hold up to 8 gallons. Through the transparent window, you can see if the bin is full.

Quiet Work
You can insert 15 sheets per pass maximally. The maximal run time is 15 minutes. It is perfect for shared workspaces, it runs quietly, there are 56 decibels only. The overheating protection prolongs the shredder’s life.

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Bonsaii C206-D Paper Shredder

Lockable Wheels
Bonsaii C206-D is the best compact option. You can place it in the corner of the room, under the work desk or somewhere else. There are 17.9 inches of height, 13.2 inches of width and 9.1 inches of depth. It weighs 12 pounds. Bonsaii is equipped with universal casters and two front wheels are lockable.

Paper & Credit Card
This micro-cut meshanism cuts the paper into small and unreadable particles of 5/32 x 15/32 inches. The security level is P-4. Bonsaii destroys credit cards, junk mail and paper with staples and clips. You can insert 8 sheets of paper maximally.

Auto-Mode
This electric shredder runs continuously for up to 5 minutes. Then it requires 45 minutes to cool-down. Turn on the auto-mode, then the shredder will start shredding when the sensors detect the paper. The pull-out wastebasket offers 5-gallon of capacity.

Manual Reverse Feature
If you insert too much paper into the slot, push the manual reverse button. It will reverse the blades and clear the paper jams. For optimal performance, use the lubricated sheets or oil at least twice a month. The overload and overheat system protects the device from damage.

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Aurora AU1210MA Paper Shredder

Top Secure
Aurora AU1210MA is a industrial-grade paper shredder. This machine is designed for people who work with sensitive documents and require a high-security level. It provides a P-4 level, which means it shreds the paper into particles of 5/32 x 15/32 inches.

Non-stop 60 Minutes
This device destroys the paper, credit cards, CDs and DVDs. Also, you don’t have to remove staples or paper clips from documents. Aurora will destroy them, too. The maximal sheets per single pass are 12 papers and it runs 60 minutes continuously.

Auto-reverse Feature
The shredded paper drops into the pull-out waste bin with a 5-gallon capacity. You can see when the bin is full through the transparent window. Empty the bin when it’s 2/3 full. To prevent paper jams, there is an auto-reverse feature, the device will stop shredding and reverse the blades.

Useful LED Lights
The paper entry is 8.7 inches wide. On the control panel are LED indicators located. They will alert you about overload, overheat, door open, bin full and power status. This small micro cut machine has a separate slot for credit cards, CDs and DVDs, don’t insert them into the paper entry.

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Ragu Cross-cut Shredder

Affordable Price
Ragu has a cross-cut mechanism. It measures 11.73 x 5.98 x 13.07 inches. It won’t take up too much space. Also, it is lightweight, there are 6 pounds. It is easy to take it and place it on some other desk or shelf. The price is affordable and the warranty lasts 1 year.

6-sheet Capacity
It comes with the ability to shred max 6 sheets of paper at a time. It is capable to destroy credit cards, you can insert one credit card per pass. The P-4 security level ensures small, unreadable particles of 5/32 x 1-1/2 inches.

2-minute Run Time
After 2 minutes of continuously shredding, let the device cool-down for at least 20 minutes before you can use it again. The wastebasket features a small see-through window, so you can check out if the bin is full of papers. The thermal protection shuts off the device when it starts to overheat.

Sturdy Material
Ragu is equipped with an auto-start feature, it will automatically start shredding when the sensors detect the paper. It ensures smooth shredding. The manual reverse feature prevents annoying paper jams. This entire device is made of the quality and durable ABS plastics. It is a long-lasting product.

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Ezbasics Paper Shredder

Black & White
Ezbasics is available in the white and black combo. It fits in any office decor, home or away. The shredder dimensions are: 14.93 x 7.45 x 13.46 inches. It is ideal for small offices or for using it at home. It shreds credit card bills, bank statements, receipts and other unwanted information.

5-sheet Per Pass
This is a good shredder, capable of destroying paper, credit cards, staples and paper clips. Ezbasics shreds up to 5 sheets of paper per single pass. Insert only one credit card per pass. Shreds paper measures 3/19 x 1-3/16 inches. It meets the P-4 security level.

Exclusive Cutter Design
The cutters are made of sturdy material, they are durable. You don’t have to use oil or lubricated sheets. You’ll get 7 years of warranty for cutters. Also, the cutters don’t produce a loud noise, there are 58 decibels which is equivalent to normal people conversation.

Not For Sealed Envelope
The pull-out wastebasket holds up to 3.1 gallons of shredded papers. Empty the bin before it is 100% full. Also, if the small shredder works 5 minutes, leave it to cool-down for 30 minutes. Never insert sealed envelopes into the paper entry, you’ll damage the device.

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AmazonBasics Office Paper Shredder

Low Price
You can choose between similar AmazonBasics models. Choose the sheet capacity which suits the best for your needs. Here, the focus is on an 8-sheet paper shredder. This model has 17 inches of height, 12 inches of width and 7.30 inches of depth.

Medium Security Level
This device is lightweight with only 8 pounds. It is a cross-cut that turns the paper into particles of 3/16 x 1-27/32 inches. The security level is medium, P-3. AmazonBasics shreds the paper, credit cards, staples and clips. It isn’t intended for CDs/DVDs.

Overheat Protection
AmazonBasic continuously runs for up to 3 minutes, then let the machine to cool down for 30 minutes. As we mentioned above, you can insert 8 sheets of paper per single pass. Put only one credit card at a time. If the shredder continues to run beyond its limit, it will shut off automatically to protect the motor.

User-friendy Design
it comes with user-friendly design, there are three modes – auto, off and reverse. The pull-out bin has a capacity of 4.1 gallons. Through a small transparent window, you can check if you need to empty the bin. Use the reverse mode if the paper starts to stuck between blades so it is a good option for under 50$.

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Maintain Your Shredder With Oil

To prevent paper jams and a short lifespan of shredding blades, you will have to regularly oil the blades. For micro-cut models, it is recommended to oil them every 15 minutes of use, and every 30 minutes for cross-cut. You can do so by either using lubricant sheets or shredder oil. Likewise, oil the blades every time you empty the bin.

How Long Should A Shredder Last?

If oiled properly and regularly and otherwise maintained, a paper shredder can last for 10 years before you need to spend money on an upgrade.

Do Shredders Wear Out?

Yes, eventually shredders do wear out. By cutting paper and other materials with the blades, the blades become dull and paper and dust particles get stuck between them. However, if you regularly oil and clean it, do not use it to shred more paper at once than recommended, you can prolong its life.