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10 Best Cross Cut Shredder 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Fellowes Powershred 325Ci 100% Jam Proof 22-Sheet Cross-Cut Commercial Grade Paper Shredder (3831001) , Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,318
Sheet Capacity
Run Time and Cool Down Time
Bin Capacity

Most important from
133 reviews

Sheet Capacity
Perfect for small businesses needing heavy-duty shredding, it makes easy work of large volumes of paper.
Run Time and Cool Down Time
Dubbed the 'Ollie North 2000' for its impressive shredding prowess, this shredder handles continuous use without slowing down.
Bin Capacity
Though the bin sometimes fills prematurely, a quick jostle settles the shred, extending the time between bag changes.
Additional Features
Self-oiling feature and wheels add to the convenience, allowing easy movement and maintenance.

The Fellowes Powershred 325Ci is a robust commercial-grade shredder with a high sheet capacity, allowing you to shred up to 22 sheets per pass. This makes it suitable for heavy-duty use in an office setting or for individuals who require frequent shredding. The continuous duty motor is particularly advantageous as it supports non-stop shredding, eliminating the need for cooling down periods, which is a common inconvenience with other models.

The security level is P-4, meaning it shreds documents into small enough particles to protect sensitive information effectively. The shredder includes a substantial 22-gallon bin, reducing the frequency of emptying and featuring an LED indicator to signal when the bin is full, adding convenience to its use. The 100% Jam Proof System is a significant strength, ensuring a smooth shredding process without interruptions. Additionally, SafeSense Technology adds an extra layer of security by stopping the shredder if hands touch the paper opening, which is a beneficial safety feature.

On the downside, the shredder may be slightly noisy, which can be a distraction in quiet office environments. Also, the size and commercial nature might be overkill for home use or smaller offices. The packaging clearly indicates the content, which might be a privacy concern for some buyers. The Fellowes Powershred 325Ci excels in shredding performance, security, and capacity, making it an excellent choice for high-volume shredding needs.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,318
Sheet Capacity
Run Time and Cool Down Time
Bin Capacity

Most important from
133 reviews

Sheet Capacity
Perfect for small businesses needing heavy-duty shredding, it makes easy work of large volumes of paper.
Run Time and Cool Down Time
Dubbed the 'Ollie North 2000' for its impressive shredding prowess, this shredder handles continuous use without slowing down.
Bin Capacity
Though the bin sometimes fills prematurely, a quick jostle settles the shred, extending the time between bag changes.
Additional Features
Self-oiling feature and wheels add to the convenience, allowing easy movement and maintenance.
#2

Fellowes Powershred 125Ci 20-Sheet Crosscut Shredder

Rating
8.8
Sheet Capacity
Bin Capacity
Noise Level

Most important from
621 reviews

Sheet Capacity
This shredder effortlessly handles everything you feed into it, from single sheets to stacks, without slowing down.
Bin Capacity
Its narrow design fits snugly alongside desks, and it holds a significant amount of shredded material before needing to be emptied.
Noise Level
Despite its impressive performance, the shredder is noisier than expected, making it noticeable in quieter office settings.
Additional Features
The design allows for easy loading and provides helpful feedback indicators to prevent overloading.

The Fellowes Powershred 125Ci 20-Sheet Crosscut Shredder is a robust choice for medium to large office environments. It can handle up to 20 sheets per pass, shredding them into small cross-cut particles that meet a P-4 security level, ensuring sensitive documents are well-protected. This shredder can also destroy staples, credit cards, paper clips, CDs/DVDs, and junk mail, adding to its versatility.

It boasts a substantial 45-minute run time before requiring a cool down, which is impressive for frequent use. The 14-gallon bin capacity allows for less frequent emptying, and the LED bin-full indicator is a helpful feature to avoid overflows. The 100% Jam Proof System is a notable strength, preventing frustrating paper jams and making the shredding process smoother. SafeSense Technology enhances safety by stopping the shredder if hands get too close to the opening.

However, the shredder is relatively heavy at 55.1 pounds and might be challenging to move around. Additionally, while not specified, shredders of this capacity can sometimes be noisy, which might be a consideration in quieter office settings. Despite being on the larger and heavier side, the Fellowes Powershred 125Ci's features and reliability make it a strong contender for offices needing high-capacity, secure shredding.

Rating
8.8
Sheet Capacity
Bin Capacity
Noise Level

Most important from
621 reviews

Sheet Capacity
This shredder effortlessly handles everything you feed into it, from single sheets to stacks, without slowing down.
Bin Capacity
Its narrow design fits snugly alongside desks, and it holds a significant amount of shredded material before needing to be emptied.
Noise Level
Despite its impressive performance, the shredder is noisier than expected, making it noticeable in quieter office settings.
Additional Features
The design allows for easy loading and provides helpful feedback indicators to prevent overloading.
#3

Fellowes ‎Powershred 79Ci 16-Sheet 100% Jam-Proof Heavy Duty Crosscut Paper Shredder Machine for Office and Home, Black/Dark Silver 3227919

Rating
8.8
Sheet Capacity
Run Time and Cool Down Time
Bin Capacity

Most important from
10900 reviews

Sheet Capacity
Handles thick junk mail with ease, making it ideal for disposing of personal information securely.
Run Time and Cool Down Time
The shredder operates continuously for extended periods before needing a cool-down, perfect for heavy-duty use.
Bin Capacity
Despite the bin being a bit small, it efficiently manages large volumes of shredding in short periods.
Noise Level
The quiet operation is a standout feature, much quieter than other shredders used in office settings.
Additional Features
Shreds staples and paper clips without any issues, showcasing its robust performance.

The Fellowes Powershred 79Ci is a robust cross-cut shredder ideal for both home and office use. One of its standout features is its impressive sheet capacity, capable of shredding up to 16 sheets at once, along with staples, credit cards, paper clips, CDs/DVDs, and junk mail. This makes it highly versatile and efficient for heavy-duty use. It offers a high level of security with a P-4 security grade, transforming documents into 397 small particles, which is excellent for disposing of confidential information.

The shredder operates continuously for up to 20 minutes before requiring a cool-down period, which is quite good for medium-sized shredding jobs. Additionally, it features Fellowes' SafeSense Technology, which stops the shredder when hands or pets are near the paper entry, enhancing safety. The 6-gallon pull-out bin is easy to empty and comes with an LED indicator to alert when full, though some might find the bin capacity slightly on the smaller side for extensive use.

One notable advantage is its ultra-quiet operation, making it suitable for shared workspaces without causing distractions. The shredder is also designed to be jam-proof, automatically powering through tough jobs without interruption. However, its weight of 28.2 pounds and dimensions of 10.25 x 15.2 x 21.1 inches might make it less portable than some lighter models. This shredder combines efficiency, security, and quiet operation, making it a strong candidate for those needing reliable shredding capabilities in a home or office setting.

Rating
8.8
Sheet Capacity
Run Time and Cool Down Time
Bin Capacity

Most important from
10900 reviews

Sheet Capacity
Handles thick junk mail with ease, making it ideal for disposing of personal information securely.
Run Time and Cool Down Time
The shredder operates continuously for extended periods before needing a cool-down, perfect for heavy-duty use.
Bin Capacity
Despite the bin being a bit small, it efficiently manages large volumes of shredding in short periods.
Noise Level
The quiet operation is a standout feature, much quieter than other shredders used in office settings.
Additional Features
Shreds staples and paper clips without any issues, showcasing its robust performance.

Buying Guide for the Best Cross Cut Shredder

Choosing the right cross-cut shredder involves understanding your specific needs and the key features that will best serve those needs. Cross-cut shredders are essential for securely disposing of sensitive documents by cutting them into small pieces, making it difficult for anyone to reconstruct the information. To make an informed decision, consider the following key specifications and how they align with your requirements.
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 shred documents. Shredders with a lower sheet capacity (around 5-10 sheets) are suitable for personal or light office use. Medium capacity shredders (10-20 sheets) are ideal for small offices, while high capacity shredders (20+ sheets) are best for larger offices with heavy shredding needs. Consider how often and how much you need to shred to choose the right capacity.
Run Time and Cool Down TimeRun time is the duration a shredder can operate continuously before needing to cool down, while cool down time is the period it needs to rest before it can be used again. This is crucial for efficiency, especially in busy environments. Short run times (2-5 minutes) with longer cool down times (20-40 minutes) are typical for personal use. For small to medium offices, look for shredders with moderate run times (10-20 minutes) and shorter cool down times (10-20 minutes). Heavy-duty shredders can run continuously for 30 minutes or more with minimal cool down. Match the run time and cool down time to your shredding volume and frequency.
Security LevelSecurity level indicates how small the shredder cuts the paper, which affects how difficult it is to reconstruct the shredded documents. This is measured by the P-rating scale, from P-1 (least secure) to P-7 (most secure). For general home use, a P-3 or P-4 rating is usually sufficient. For sensitive personal information or small office use, a P-4 or P-5 rating is recommended. For highly confidential documents, such as those in legal or financial sectors, a P-6 or P-7 rating is necessary. Choose the security level based on the sensitivity of the documents you need to shred.
Bin CapacityBin capacity refers to the volume of shredded paper the shredder can hold before it needs to be emptied. This is important for convenience and efficiency. Smaller bins (up to 5 gallons) are suitable for personal use, as they need to be emptied more frequently. Medium bins (5-10 gallons) are good for small offices, while larger bins (10+ gallons) are ideal for high-volume shredding environments. Consider how often you want to empty the bin and the volume of shredding you do to choose the right capacity.
Noise LevelNoise level is the amount of sound the shredder produces while operating, measured in decibels (dB). This is important for maintaining a comfortable working environment. Shredders with lower noise levels (under 60 dB) are ideal for shared or quiet spaces. Medium noise levels (60-70 dB) are acceptable for most office environments. Higher noise levels (above 70 dB) might be suitable for industrial settings but can be disruptive in an office. Consider the noise tolerance of your environment when choosing a shredder.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the functionality and convenience of a shredder. Look for features like jam prevention, which helps avoid paper jams and reduces downtime. Auto-feed allows you to load a stack of papers and walk away, saving time. Safety features, such as automatic shut-off when hands are near the feed opening, are important for preventing accidents. Energy-saving modes can reduce power consumption when the shredder is not in use. Consider which additional features will be most beneficial for your specific needs.

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