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10 Best Commercial Shredders 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Amazon Basics 200-Sheet Auto Feed Cross Cut Paper Shredder with Pullout Basket, Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,321
Shred Type
Bin Capacity
Security Level

Most important from
67889 reviews

Shred Type
The cross-cut feature provides excellent security for sensitive documents.
Bin Capacity
Emptying the bin is straightforward, and the capacity is ideal for frequent use.
Security Level
This shredder transforms sensitive documents into confetti, ensuring top-notch security.
Noise Level
The shredder operates quietly enough not to disturb office neighbors, yet loud enough to confirm it's working.

The Amazon Basics 200-Sheet Auto Feed Crosscut Paper Shredder is a solid choice for home offices or small businesses that require efficient document disposal. Its notable strength lies in its impressive 200-sheet automatic shredding capacity, allowing users to load a large number of papers without constant supervision. The cross-cut feature ensures that documents are shredded into tiny pieces, meeting security level P-4 standards, making it suitable for sensitive information. The 60-minute run time for the auto feed tray is a significant advantage, though it does require a 45-minute cool down afterward.

With an 8.5-gallon pull-out bin, it minimizes the need for frequent emptying, and the LED indicators for bin status and other alerts add convenience. The 4-mode control switch and features like anti-jam reverse and energy-saving sleep mode make it user-friendly and safe.

The manual feed slot only allows for 10 sheets at a time and has a much shorter run time of 10 minutes, which may be a limitation if you frequently need to shred larger amounts of paper manually. Additionally, while the device operates effectively, it may produce some noise, which could be a drawback in quiet office settings. Its weight of 32.9 pounds also means it isn’t particularly portable.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,321
Shred Type
Bin Capacity
Security Level

Most important from
67889 reviews

Shred Type
The cross-cut feature provides excellent security for sensitive documents.
Bin Capacity
Emptying the bin is straightforward, and the capacity is ideal for frequent use.
Security Level
This shredder transforms sensitive documents into confetti, ensuring top-notch security.
Noise Level
The shredder operates quietly enough not to disturb office neighbors, yet loud enough to confirm it's working.
#2

Dahle PowerTEC 828 HD Hard Drive and Paper Shredder, Cross Cut, Shreds 3.5" Hard Drives, CDs/DVDs, Paper, Chain Driven 4.5 Hp Motor, P-3 Security/H-4

Rating
8.2
Sheet Capacity
Shred Type
Bin Capacity

Most important from
1 reviews

Sheet Capacity
Handles large volumes efficiently, shredding up to 100 sheets at once to keep busy offices productive.
Shred Type
Cross-cut shredding provides high security for sensitive documents and digital media alike.
Bin Capacity
A large waste bin minimizes interruptions by holding a significant amount of shredded material before needing emptying.
Additional Features
Delivers powerful shredding performance with a robust motor designed for continuous heavy-duty use.

The Dahle PowerTEC 828 HD is a heavy-duty commercial shredder designed to handle sensitive and confidential materials, including paper, hard drives, CDs, and DVDs. It offers a high sheet capacity of 100 sheets per pass, which is excellent for busy offices that need to shred large volumes quickly. The cross-cut shredding ensures better security (P-3 level for paper and H-4 for hard drives), making it suitable for businesses focused on protecting confidential information. With a large 26-gallon waste bin, this shredder can hold a significant amount of shredded material before needing to be emptied, which helps reduce downtime.

One standout feature is its robust 4.5 HP chain-driven motor, designed for continuous duty without slipping, meaning it can run for extended periods without overheating, a key factor for commercial use. The automatic jam protection feature also takes the hassle out of shredding by reducing paper jams. Operating the shredder is straightforward thanks to an LED keypad.

The shredder is quite heavy and bulky, weighing over 1,200 pounds and requiring ample space (about 3 feet wide and deep), so it may not fit comfortably in smaller offices. It supports shredding various media types. The Dahle PowerTEC 828 HD is a powerful, versatile option for companies needing to securely destroy large amounts of paper and digital media. Its strengths lie in capacity, security, and motor performance, while its size might be a drawback for some users.

Rating
8.2
Sheet Capacity
Shred Type
Bin Capacity

Most important from
1 reviews

Sheet Capacity
Handles large volumes efficiently, shredding up to 100 sheets at once to keep busy offices productive.
Shred Type
Cross-cut shredding provides high security for sensitive documents and digital media alike.
Bin Capacity
A large waste bin minimizes interruptions by holding a significant amount of shredded material before needing emptying.
Additional Features
Delivers powerful shredding performance with a robust motor designed for continuous heavy-duty use.
#3

Fellowes AutoMax 550C Cross Cut, Auto Feed 2-in-1 Heavy Duty Commercial Paper Shredder with SilentShred (4963001)

Rating
7.9
Security Level

Most important from
806 reviews

Security Level
The micro-cuts feature is a great bonus for enhanced security.

The Fellowes AutoMax 550C Cross Cut Shredder is a robust option for commercial settings, catering to both manual and automatic shredding needs. Its 2-in-1 functionality allows it to shred up to 14 sheets manually or handle stacks of up to 550 sheets automatically, making it convenient for busy workplaces. The cross-cut shred type ensures enhanced security by reducing documents to 5/32” x 1½” particles, ideal for sensitive information.

The shredder also handles staples, credit cards, CDs/DVDs, glossy paper, and unopened junk mail, demonstrating its versatility for various shredding tasks. With a 22-gallon bin capacity, it reduces the frequency of emptying, adding to its efficiency. One significant advantage is its SilentShred feature, which ensures quieter operation, making it suitable for shared workspaces where noise can be a concern.

However, at 74.1 pounds, the shredder is quite heavy, which might make moving it around challenging. Additionally, its dimensions (22.75 x 35.06 x 17.38 inches) require ample space, which might be a consideration for smaller offices. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Fellowes AutoMax 550C offers powerful and efficient shredding capabilities, making it a solid choice for businesses needing a reliable commercial shredder.

Rating
7.9
Security Level

Most important from
806 reviews

Security Level
The micro-cuts feature is a great bonus for enhanced security.

Buying Guide for the Best Commercial Shredders

When choosing a commercial shredder, it's important to consider the specific needs of your business. Commercial shredders are designed to handle large volumes of paper and other materials, providing security and efficiency. Understanding the key specifications will help you select a shredder that meets your requirements and ensures smooth operation in your workplace.
Sheet CapacitySheet capacity refers to the number of sheets a shredder can handle at once. This is important because it determines how quickly you can dispose of documents. Shredders with a lower sheet capacity (up to 10 sheets) are suitable for small offices with minimal shredding needs. Medium capacity shredders (10-20 sheets) are ideal for moderate use, while high capacity shredders (20+ sheets) are best for large offices with heavy shredding requirements. Consider the volume of documents you need to shred daily to choose the right capacity.
Shred TypeShred type indicates how the shredder cuts the paper. There are three main types: strip-cut, cross-cut, and micro-cut. Strip-cut shredders cut paper into long strips and are suitable for low-security needs. Cross-cut shredders cut paper into small pieces, providing a higher level of security. Micro-cut shredders offer the highest security by cutting paper into tiny particles. Choose a shred type based on the sensitivity of the documents you need to shred. For highly confidential information, a micro-cut shredder is recommended.
Run TimeRun time is the duration a shredder can operate continuously before needing to cool down. This is crucial for maintaining productivity. Short run times (up to 10 minutes) are suitable for occasional use, while medium run times (10-30 minutes) are good for regular use. Shredders with long run times (30+ minutes) or continuous run capabilities are ideal for heavy-duty use in large offices. Assess your shredding frequency and choose a shredder with an appropriate run time to avoid frequent interruptions.
Bin CapacityBin capacity refers to the volume of shredded material the shredder can hold. A larger bin capacity means less frequent emptying, which is convenient for busy offices. Small bins (up to 5 gallons) are suitable for light use, medium bins (5-10 gallons) for moderate use, and large bins (10+ gallons) for heavy use. Consider the amount of shredding you do and the available space for the shredder to select the right bin capacity.
Security LevelSecurity level is determined by the size of the shredded particles. It is classified by the DIN 66399 standard, ranging from P-1 (lowest security) to P-7 (highest security). For general office use, a P-3 or P-4 level is usually sufficient. For sensitive or confidential documents, a P-5 or higher level is recommended. Evaluate the confidentiality of the documents you handle to choose the appropriate security level.
Noise LevelNoise level is the amount of sound the shredder produces during operation, measured in decibels (dB). This is important for maintaining a comfortable work environment. Shredders with lower noise levels (below 60 dB) are ideal for quiet offices, while those with higher noise levels (above 60 dB) may be suitable for less noise-sensitive areas. Consider the noise tolerance of your workspace when selecting a shredder.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the functionality and convenience of a shredder. These may include jam-proof technology, auto-feed capabilities, safety features, and energy-saving modes. Jam-proof technology prevents paper jams, auto-feed allows for automatic shredding of stacks of paper, safety features protect users from accidents, and energy-saving modes reduce power consumption. Identify which features are most beneficial for your office to choose a shredder that meets your specific needs.

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