Best 10 Micro-Cut Paper Shredders: High Security For Document Destruction

Do you want to shred confidential and sensitive documents into unreadable particles?

Then you are looking for a micro-cut paper shredder that provides a high-security level and we can help you!

We have selected 10 great machines for home and office use. Keep reading those reviews and learn all about this cutting type so you can have a successful purchase.

Our Top Picks

What Does Micro-Cut Mean In A Shredder?

It is one of the three types of shredders, along with a strip-cutting and cross-cutting type. It offers the highest level of security as it cuts paper into the smallest particles out of the three types.

Other Names For This Cutting Mechanism

A micro-cut is sometimes referred to as a high-security or a security cutting type.

How Does It Work?

It cuts paper sheets both vertically and horizontally. To start cutting, you will have to feed the paper into the slot by yourself or leave auto-feed slot to do it for you. The machine then sucks sheets in and the blades cut them. The last step is that paper particles fall into the bin situated under the blades.

Which Security Level Is It?

Micro-cut is P-5, P-6, and P-7, according to the DIN 66399 international standard.

• P-5 types destroy paper into ≤ 30 mm² particles with a width of ≤ 2 mm
• P-6 types destroy paper into ≤10 mm² particles with a width of ≤ 1 mm
• P-7 types destroy paper into ≤ 5 mm² particles with a width of ≤ 1 mm

What Is the Difference Between Micro & Cross-Cut?

Compared to a micro-cut, a cross-cut type is less secure. It cuts paper in the same way as a micro, but the difference is that it produces bigger cuts and less cuts than micro type. Thus, the security level of cross-cut shredders is only P-3 and P-4. A P-5 is an in-between type that is sometimes referred to as cross-cut and sometimes as micro-cut.

Is P-4 Shredder A Micro-Cut?

Many manufacturers advertise their models with P-4 level security as a micro-cut. However, this is not a true micro-cut, but rather a cross-cut. It creates ≤ 160 mm² particles with a width of ≤ 6 mm, which is much larger size than the next higher security level of P-5. If you want a micro-cut shredder in the true sense of its word and security, you should buy a shredder of level P-5 or higher.

How Many Shreds Can They Cut?

The number of shreds per page depends on the security level. A P-5 shredding machine cuts a sheet of paper into 2,000 shreds. Moreover, a P-6 creates 6,000 shreds per page. Finally, a P-7 shreds papers into incredible 12,000 shreds! This is why it is the most secure shredder and the only one approved by the NSA.

Why Would I Need One?

We recommend a micro-cut mechanism if you are going to destroy highly-confidential documents with it. For instance, contracts, medical records, and government documents. However, you can also use it for your personal shredding projects if you want to be sure that no one will put your documents back together and use them against you.

Downsides

This device does create smaller shreds, but this also means that it works slower than cross-cut and strip-cut machines. Moreover, they are also more expensive with higher security. They even take longer to cool down after they reach their maximum run time. Finally, they also require much more frequent maintenance and oiling than other shredder types.

Where Are They Used?

A P-5 security level is used in homes for personal use, in government offices, but also in law firms, and even financial firms. Moreover, a P-6 is used in government offices and security firms. Finally, a P-7 level of security is mostly used in top-secret government offices. This model is also known as a level 6 shredding machines.

Guide To Picking The Best One For You

Once you know the basics, you can look further into choosing the best model for your needs. Here are which features and specifications to keep in mind.

Bin Size To Collect Particles

Shredders come with smaller or bigger bins. Choose a model of up to 5 gallons if you are going to use it in your home where you can’t fit a bigger one. However, if you will use it for more frequent shredding, you might need one with more than 5-gallon capacity so that you don’t have to empty it as often. The good thing is that micro-cut particles will take longer to fill up the bin than cross-cut and strip-cut.

Sheet Capacity

If you are going to shred occasionally and in small quantities, up to a 10-sheet paper cutter will be enough. However, if you have larger volumes of paper, you can even choose one that has a sheet capacity of 20 sheets per pass. For heavy-duty shredding, you can even find mdoels with a sheet capacity of 70 sheets per pass or more.

Duty Cycle

Also known as run time, the duty cycle tells us how long the machine can run before it needs to turn off and cool down. The market offers models with a wide variety of run times for different user profiles. For occasional and light-duty shredding, a shredder with a 5-minute run time will be enough. For more intense shredding, you can even find models that run for between 1 and 4 hours.

Cooldown Time

It is necessary for a shredder to cool down after it reaches its maximum run time to protect the motor from damage and overheating. Depending on the model and the manufacturer, some units will need only 20 to 30 minutes to cool down, while some might need even 45 minutes to cool down. If you want to get back to shredding faster, choose models with a cooldown time of up to 30 minutes and not over.

Shredding Speed

If you want to buy a heavy-duty machine, you should know that they are faster than home shredders. For example, if your desired shredder features 12 FPM (feet per minute), it will shred 200 papers per single minute. That’s great if you need to shred a large amount of sheets.

Safety Features

If you want to protect yourself and your hands during cutting, look for a model with auto shut-off, a lock switch, etc. Moreover, some models even have a smart detection for hands near the blades. Thus, keep children or pets away from the machine. Consider options with safety shields, hoppers, or sensors, they reduce the risk of accidents.

Noise Level

It is possible to buy a device that works under 60 decibels. Do not go for models that make the noise louder than 65 decibels as it might not be safe. It will give you headaches, make you distracted, and even mess with your ears.

Shredding Materials

Models with a micro-cut mechanism can usually handle more than just paper. Some can shred CDS, DVDs, paper clips, staples, and even bank cards. Check that your model is suitable for the material you want to shred before you proceed.

Best 10 Micro-cut Shredders

The ones have a security level of P-5, P-6, and P-7. Only if they are high-security, you will be able to destroy confidential and secret infromation with them securely before disposing of it. The models below come with higher and lower sheet capacities and with longer or shorter run time so that there is something for everyone’s needs.

Aurora AU1540MB Paper Shredder

Reliable Shredder
Aurora AU1540MB is a reliable and commercial device that arrives in grey color only. It is the perfect item for customers who require the highest level of security. Aurora meets the P5 security level which is suitable for sensitive and top-secret papers.

Auto-reverse Function
This high-capacity cutting machine cuts the letter-size document into 2592 pieces. Feed it with credit cards, CDs, DVDs and paper with clips and staples. It accepts 15 sheets of paper at once. Aurora runs 60 minutes continuously then requires a cool-down period. Auto-reverse function prevents paper jams.

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Bonsaii Paper Shredder

Elegant Device
Bonsaii 4S30 features an elegant design, available in white color. This big paper shredder measures 16.1 x 12.6 x 24.5 inches in size and weighs 38 pounds. A 3-year warranty is provided by the manufacturer. It comes with four casters and they are removable.

Automatic Reverse Function
Solid steel cutters shreds paper, credit cards, DVDs and CDs. There are two slots  – for paper and for CD/DVD. Insert sensitive documents and shred them into tiny particles. Its run time lasts 240 minutes, which is 4 hours of shredding. If paper gets stuck, the automatic reverse mode will return the cutters.

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Aurora AU1060MA Paper Shredder

High-volume Shredding
Aurora AU1060Ma is a great cutting machine for office. It features a beautiful and stylish design that suits modern offices. Its security level is P5, so the Aurora shreds documents into small pieces of 5/64 x 15/32 inches. A continuous run time of 1 hour is perfect when high-volume shredding is needed.

Anti-jam Feature
This P5 paper shredder is pleasantly quiet, it doesn’t produce annoying noise. The anti-jam auto-reverse function will fix any occurring paper jams while shredding. Aurora is able to shred 10 sheets of paper per single pass. The wastebasket bin capacity is 6 gallons.

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Bonsen Super Micro-Cut Paper Shredder

2 x 12 Millimeter Particle Shreds
This shredder comes in black color and features a pull-out bin. It features a micro-cutting mechanims that destroys paper into particles sized 2 x 12 millimeters. Besides paper, it can even destroy staples, paper clips, credit cards, mail, and more. You can safely dispose of your confidential documents.

Detects When You Overload The Shredder
The machine is protected from paper jams with the auto-reverse function. If you put in too much paper at once, the machine will automatically detect it and reverse the blades to clear the paper jam. This is also a good model for both office and home, working at only 58 decibels.

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Ideal 2604 Centralized Paper Shredder

Highest Security Level
This paper shredder is a great model for centralized use in offices. It has a 1 horsepower motor that allows it to run continuously. It can shred between 6 and 8 sheets of paper per pass and 244 sheets per minute. The safety shield keeps the user’s fingers safe when close to the opening slot.

5-User Model
Specialized for use in the office, it is a great shredder for up to 5 users. The cutting shafts are made from hardened solid steel for durability. Get rid of all classified and top-secret information and documents in your office with the P-7 security level shredder.

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Wolverine P-5 Heavy-Duty Paper Shredder

Low Noise When Cutting Through Different Materials
It runs for 40 minutes and can cut not only through paper but also through paper clips, staples, CDs, DVDs, and cards without making a lot of noise. When cutting cards and optical media, it cuts them into three pieces. The shreds of paper are sizes 2mm x 12mm with this P-5 security level machine for shredding paper.

Durable Cutters For Heavy-Duty Use
The Wolverine is equipped with durable, alloy steel cutters for a superior hardness level to shred through different materials easily. With the P-5 level of security, you can protect confidential and personal documents before disposing of them.

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SEM Level 7 2226CC/3WO Paper Shredder

10.25-Inch Feeding Throat
SEM has the highest level of security, P-7, shredding sheets of paper into particles sized 0.8mm x 5mm. I can accept 7 to 11 sheets per pass and has an opening throat that is 10.25 inches wide. It works with the help of shredder bags, and the helpful indicator shows you when the bag is full or the door is open.

NSA Listing For Safety
The power is 60 Hz and there is even an energy saving mode. For easy maintenance, it comes with an automatic oiler. Thanks to its high security, it is NSA listed for the safest information destruction. Its size makes it ideal for small to medium-sized offices.

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Aurora Commercial Grade Shredder

Auto Or Manual Feed
The Aurora can work with an auto-feed and a manual feed to except 200 or 10 sheets per pass respectively. The paper shreds fall under P-5 security level, sized 2mm by 12mm. Thus, it shreds a letter-sized sheet of paper into 2,592 particles.

Smart Features For Easy Operation
The shredding machine runs for 60 minutes continuously. At the same time, it is very quiet. In case of paper jams, the auto-reverse setting will help to clear it. The bin’s capacity is 8.5 gallons and there are plenty of smart features that come with it, to tell you when the bin is full.

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Kensington K52077AM Micro Cut Shredder

120-Minute Duty Cycle
This shredder cuts up to 10 sheets at a time. Moreover, it can run for 120 minutes continuously. It features a quiet motor designed to prevent paper jams and has touch panel buttons for easy operation.

Cuts Paper With Staples Or Clips
Put in your confidential business documents, and the shredder will slice them up into micro-cut shreds for a pretty high security. You can even feed it with paper that have paper clips or staples on it without removing them first.

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Fellowes 450M Micro-Cut Paper Shredder

Cuts Many Materials
This P-5 micro-cut shredder comes in black color with a see-through bin feature. It cuts through 9 sheets of paper at a time and can even shred CDs. Feed the CDs into a separate opening than sheets of paper. It can shred 80% more paper per gallon than cross-cut models thanks to the confetti-shreds that are 10 times smaller in size than with a cross-cut shredder.

Silent Shredding
Feed it with 9 sheets of paper per pass and it will come out in shreds sized 5/64” x 1/2”. It features a SilentShred technology, ideal for shared distraction-free workspaces without squeaking noises. In case of a paper jam, the reverse setting runs and frees up the jam.

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Step-By-Step Guide How To Use It

To work your paper shredder properly, here are the explanations of every step.

1. Check which materials your machine is suitable for. Never feed it with materials that are not recommended by the manufacturer.
2. Insert the sheets into the opening slot. Do not go over the maximum sheet capacity per pass. If shredding CDs/DVDs/credit cards, there are usually separate slots for that.
3. If you go for an auto-feed device with a micro-cutting mechanism, put the paper into the auto-feed tray, close it, and then start. You can even walk away, it will shred without your need to interfere.
4. Plug it in and turn it on or press start.
5. If a paper jam occurs, run the reverse function to unblock the blades.
6. Once you have finished shredding or once the maximum run time has been reached, turn it off to cool down.
7. Before you turn it on again, wait for the recommended cooldown time to pass. Then you can start from the beginning again.

How To Maintain It?

This type of shredder requires the most maintenance out of all paper shredder types. Why? It has the most complex cutting mechanism to destroy paper into the smallest particles. This makes the cutting mechanism easy to wear out, get dull, break, etc. However, by taking certain maintenance steps, you can ensure this does not happen.

How Often Should You Lubricate?

This device should ideally be oiled after every 15 minutes of use. Also, do it each time you empty the bin, and even after every intense shredding session. The blades will then stay smooth for precise shredding. To oil your blades, either buy a shredder oil or lubricant sheets.

How To Oil?

To ensure that you have taken the proper steps to oil the blades, take a look at this useful video. You will learn how to oil blades and cutters the indirect and direct way:

Why Can They Stop Working?

The most common reason for a shredder to stop working is when a paper jam occurs. Make sure that you are not putting too much paper in at once. Also, by keeping the blades lubricated, you will ensure that it runs smoothly and that it can cut through paper. If you forget or fail to oil your blades for any other reason, the build-up of paper particles and dust particles will compromise the strength of the blades.

Why Is My Paper Shredder Only Working In Reverse?

This will probably happen if the “Auto” run sensor is not engaged properly. To fix the problem, make sure that you feed smaller paper sheets directly in the middle of the feeding slot, where the sensor for the paper is located.

How Do You Empty It Making A Mess?

Before your bin gets too full, it is important to empty it. This can even prevent a paper jam from happening. There are two types of bins, a pull-out, and a lift-off bin. Turn your machine off and unplug it, then pull the bin out or lift the top shredding section off. To make it mess-free you can even use shredder bags inside the bin so that you don’t spill any paper or other materials around.

How Do You Stop It From Overheating?

For a shredder not to overheat, you have to oblige to the recommendations of the manufacturer. Do not feed it with more sheets per pass than it can take, do not feed it materials it is not suitable for, and do not leave it running for longer than it should. Also, make sure it is turned off for the whole recommended cooldown time to keep the motor in a good condition.