Best 6 Small Paper Shredders: Models Small In Size But Big In Performance

Are you interested in small paper shredders?

In this review, you will learn about benefits of owning smaller devices. In our buying guide, you’ll find all the necessary information before purchase so you can be sure that small machine is your first choice.

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What Kind of Shredder Offer Are There?

Mini-sized models come in different styles and are usually small enough to store away when not in use. Moreover, they can be operated manually, by batteries, or have a power cable.

Manual Options
You don’t need any power source for it, besides your hands. They consist of a basket and a top with blades and a turning knob. By turning the knob, the blades rotate and shred paper you put inside the cutting throat on top of the machine.

Battery-Powered Options
Some tiny models are powered by batteries. They can have batteries or can sometimes even be powered by USB. Compared to manual ones we mentioned above, these usually don’t come with a basket. They are a handheld device with buttons and a cutting throat where you feed the paper.

Mini Electric Options
The last option are miniature electric models. They are great for personal use and home offices, as well as any other spaces with access to electricity.

Shredder Without A Basket
Models without a basket are also consideres smaller than average. They are lightweight and only come with a cutting head where you feed the paper. One advantage of these shredders is their extendable arm so you can fit them on different basket sizes. After use, you can store them away without them taking up too much space.

What Types Of Cuts Are There?

There are three main kinds of shredder cuts out there. Firstly, strip-cut models cut paper into long strips and thus offers the lowest level of security. This type is usually for manual models. Secondly, a device with a cross-cut mechanism cuts paper into shorter strips. Because of this, it offers a higher level of security and can be found on small-sized machines. Finally, a micro-cut shredders are usually reserved for bigger models with more complicated cutting mechanism, producing very small cuts for confidential documents.

Why Use A Small Machine?

A mini office appliance has many advantages and functions for an occasional user. To find out if such a shredder really is the one for you, we have explained its uses and functions below.

Who Is A Mini Version For?

The version that comes in a small size is a good choice for people who shred paper occasionally and in small volumes. For example, you want to get rid of your personal documents – bills, mail, bank statements, etc. They are also the right pick for those who live in small spaces (apartments, RVs) or need to take it along with them when traveling. Another advantage is that these models are affordable. They have small baskets, low sheet capacity, and short-run size.

What To Look For In Small Paper Shredders?

Small Size For Light Use

The main characteristic of these typesof devices is that they are compact. Check the dimensions of the product to make sure that it fits the space you had in mind for it. For example, some models are only as high as 10 inches or less.

Small Sheet Capacity

These shredders usually don’t have a large sheet capacity. You can find them with only two sheets per single pass. If that is too low sheet capacity for you, they can also have from 1 to 10 sheets at a time.

Short Run Time

As they are tiny compared to bigger models, they have a short run time of around 2 minutes usually. Cooldown periods after run-time are sometimes even between 20 and 40 minutes.

Bin Capacity

Because they are small, these models can’t have a large wastebasket capacity. The average size is from 1 to 10 gallons. Some models have an in-between capacity of around 3 gallons, too.

Best 6 Mini Paper Shredders

Fellowes P-35C Paper Shredder

Personal Use
The Fellowes P-35C is 12.6 inches high, 13.8 inches wide and has a depth of 7.9 inches. It weighs 7.9 pounds, so it is easy to move it wherever you need it – under your desk, on the desk, in the corner of the room. It is small and fits everywhere.

P-4 Security Level
This model shreds with the cross-cut method which makes it P-4 security level. It is also known as confetti cut or diamond cut type. It is good for sensitive documents because it provides a medium level of security. it can shred credit cards, staples and paper clips.

Lift-Off Wastebasket
You can feed the Fellowes with five sheets of paper per single pass. The wastebasket capacity is 3 gallons. The bin has a lift-off head, so you need to remove the head and throw the shredded papers. Fellowes runs continuously for up to 2 minutes, then it requires a cooling down period of 20 minutes.

Safety Lock Feature
You can find the safety lock button on top of the head. That means it won’t work when the lock button is on whcih makes it a safety feature if you have kids or pets. The button will disable the shredder until you move it in unlock position.

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AmazonBasics Paper Shredder

Low Price
AmazonBasic has 12.10 x 7.70 x 15 inches. It is simple to move it because it has only 8 pounds. If you have a space on your desk, this mini model will fit and its price is affordable.

Auto Mode
It shreds up to 6 sheets of paper per single pass. Also, it destroys credit cards, CDs, DVDs. Before you feed the paper, you don’t have to remove paper clips or staples too. If you switch the auto mode, the shredder will start and stop automatically.

Thermal Protection
If there is unshredded or partially shredded paper, use the reverse function. That function prevents paper jams and cleans stuck paper. The thermal protection will immediately shut off the device to prevent overheating. Keep in mind that is not for sensitive documents, it meets the P-3 security level only.

Easy To Maintain
The maintenance is a breeze. You can buy lubricate sheets or lubricant and you don’t have to do it more than once a month. The bin capacity is 3.8 gallons which is ok for a small machine.

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GBC PS06-02 Paper Shredder

Strip-cut Type
The GBC PS06-02, is the smaller option on this list. It has 11.3 x 6.1 x 12.6 inches and it weighs 5 pounds. You can put it on your desk, without reorganizing the desk. It is a strip cut type, so it shreds paper into long strips.

Low Sheet Capacity
Because of the strip-cut method, don’t use this GBC PS06-02 for secure and confidential documents. The maximum is 6 sheets of paper per single pass, but it is better to put 5 or fewer papers once.

Basic Security Level
The official security level is P-2, a basic security level. You can shred paper clips and staples, but don’t use it for CDs and DVDs. The device runs for up to 2 minutes continuously. The wastebasket has a small capacity of 2.38 gallons.

Manual Reverse Function
If you put too much paper into the machine, paper jams occur. When that happens, use the manual reverse feature, it. It will reverse the blades and shred the stuck paper again. Also, the blades are covered, so you can’t harm your fingers or hand.

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Bonsaii C237-B Paper Shredder

Portable Handle
Bonsaii 237-B has 14.1 inches of height, 11.8 inches of width and 7 inches of depth. It is lightweight, there are 6 pounds. There is a portable handle on top of the devic so you can lift it and empty the bin. You can see if the bin is full through transparent window.

P-3 Security Level
The wastebasket has a higher capacity, 3.4 gallons or 13 liters. This cross-cut shreds papers into tiny particles of 13/64 x 1-37/64 inches. The security level is P-3, so it’s not for sensitive documents. It is able to shreds up to 6 sheets per single pass.

Credit Cards, Paper, Staples,…
You don’t have to remove staples and paper clips when you feed papers to the machine. Also, you can shred credit cards, but just one at the time. Bonsaii runs continuously for 4 minutes before it needs to cool down for 40 minutes. It is good for small offices.

Overheating Protection
If you run it over its limit, the motor will start to overheat and the device will stop working. Don’t try to pull out the paper, just shut off the machine. Put it in auto mode, then Bonsaii will automatically turn on/off, which saves energy.

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Aurora AS420C Paper Shredder

Cross-cut Shredder
Aurora AS420C is a desktop shredder machine. It measures 9 x 7 x 10 inches and weighs 1 pound only. It is available in grey color. This is cross-cut, able to shred paper and credit cards, but put only one credit card at a time.

Quality Cutters
Cutters made of quality and durable steel are inside the machine. Before you put the paper into the feed slot, you need to fold it four times. The throat width is 45 inches. The machine has a handle so you can lift the head and empty the bin.

Three Modes
This tiny model is able to shred 4 papers at the time. The wastebasket volume is 1.32 gallons or approximately 40 sheets of paper. You can choose between three modes – auto/on, off and reverse. When the device is on or in the standby position, the LED indicator is on.

Detachable Power Cord
Aurora features manual reverse mode, so you can easily clean up if the paper is jammed. Also, it comes with thermal protection, so if the device starts to overheat, it will shut off immediately. The run time lasts for up to 2 minutes, then the cool-down time is required.

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Kikar Paper Shredder

Handheld Shredder
The Kikar is a handheld machine. You can take it and use it wherever you go, it is compact and fits in every bag. Its dimensions are 11.30 x 3.90 x 2.50 inches and this device weighs less than 1 pound. Also, the price is low.

Strip-cut Type
The package contains Kikar portable shredder, USB to DC power cable and user manual. This mini device is great for people who travel a lot and for those who don’t have much space. Kikar shreds the paper into thin strips, so it’s not for sensitive documents.

Batteries Or USB
Kikar is able to run on four AA batteries or a USB port. The feed slot is 4 inches wide. For easy control, there are two buttons: forward and reverse button. If paper stuck into the machine, switch the reverse button and shred the paper again.

Fold The Paper
This battery-powered machine comes with a carrying strap, you can put it around your hand during shredding. Kikar doesn’t produce a loud noise, so if you use it in the office, it won’t disturb your colleagues.

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How Do You Use A Paper Shredder?

Depending on the type of shredder you have, they are operated differently. For electric models, you will have to turn them on and then feed the paper into the slot opening. The paper will then shred. You will have to stand above the bin if you have a handheld model that comes without the basket. If you have a manual model, you will have to do hand-cranking by turning the knob to shred paper.

What Can You Use Instead?

If you do not want to invest in a shredder with small dimensions (even though they are quite affordable), there are many alternative ways to destroy paper. For example, you can burn documents by lighting them on fire. Another way to get rid of them would be to turn them into pulp. Alternatively, you can hire a paper shredding service to do it for you. Likewise, you can also censor sensitive data on papers to protect it before discarding it.