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10 Best Fellowes Paper Shredders 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Fellowes Powershred 485Ci 100% Jam Proof Commercial Grade 30-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper Shredder, TAA Compliant (38485)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,222
Shred Type
Sheet Capacity
Run Time and Cool Down Time

Most important from
133 reviews

Shred Type
It's effective even for heavy-duty tasks like shredding radiographic film, despite the manual's recommendations.
Sheet Capacity
Despite the bin occasionally needing a jostle to settle the shred, the shredder remains great for business use, rejecting thick stacks reliably.
Run Time and Cool Down Time
Dubbed the 'Ollie North 2000' due to its impressive shredding prowess, it handles continuous use without slowing down.
Additional Features
The shredder self-oils and is equipped with wheels, making it easy to move around even after shredding large volumes of paper.

The Fellowes Powershred 485Ci is a robust, commercial-grade paper shredder suitable for high-volume shredding needs. It shreds up to 30 sheets per pass into small cross-cut particles, offering a high level of security (P-4). Thanks to its 100% Jam Proof System, it can handle staples, credit cards, paper clips, CDs/DVDs, and junk mail without jamming, making it convenient for diverse shredding requirements.

The shredder is equipped with a continuous duty motor, allowing for non-stop operation, which is ideal for busy office environments. Its high-volume 35-gallon bin reduces frequent emptying, and the LED bin-full indicator ensures you know when it's time for disposal. The SafeSense Technology adds an extra layer of safety by stopping the shredder when hands are too close to the paper opening.

However, the shredder is quite heavy at 160 pounds, and its large dimensions (37.25 x 20 x 25 inches) mean it requires substantial space. While it is discontinued by the manufacturer, its durable build suggests it remains a reliable choice for office use. Users should also consider that the packaging reveals the content, which might be a concern for some buyers. The Fellowes Powershred 485Ci is a powerful and secure option for those needing a high-capacity, continuous-use shredder.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,222
Shred Type
Sheet Capacity
Run Time and Cool Down Time

Most important from
133 reviews

Shred Type
It's effective even for heavy-duty tasks like shredding radiographic film, despite the manual's recommendations.
Sheet Capacity
Despite the bin occasionally needing a jostle to settle the shred, the shredder remains great for business use, rejecting thick stacks reliably.
Run Time and Cool Down Time
Dubbed the 'Ollie North 2000' due to its impressive shredding prowess, it handles continuous use without slowing down.
Additional Features
The shredder self-oils and is equipped with wheels, making it easy to move around even after shredding large volumes of paper.
#2

Fellowes Powershred 485i 100% Jam Proof Commercial Grade 38-Sheet Strip-Cut Paper Shredder, TAA Compliant (38480)

Rating
10.0
Shred Type
Run Time and Cool Down Time
Noise Level

Most important from
161 reviews

Shred Type
Offers a micro-cut feature for under $1000, which is exceptional for a shredder of this size and quality.
Run Time and Cool Down Time
Handles over 100 pounds of paper effortlessly, with no need for cool-down periods like cheaper models.
Noise Level
Extremely quiet operation, with a wide feed window and fast shredding capabilities making it a joy to use.

The Fellowes Powershred 485i is a robust commercial-grade shredder designed for heavy-duty use with a 38-sheet capacity, making it suitable for large offices or businesses with intensive shredding needs. The continuous duty motor allows for non-stop shredding, which is useful for environments where downtime needs to be minimized. One of its standout features is the 100% Jam Proof System, which effectively eliminates paper jams – a significant time-saver and frustration reducer.

The shredder also handles staples, credit cards, paper clips, CDs/DVDs, and junk mail, offering versatility beyond just paper shredding. Safety is a priority with the SafeSense Technology that halts shredding if hands touch the paper opening, reducing the risk of accidents. The 35-gallon bin is spacious, and the LED bin-full indicator helps manage when it needs emptying, although the large size of the shredder (weighing 160 pounds and measuring 37.25 x 20 x 25 inches) means it's not very portable and requires a dedicated space.

In terms of noise level, larger shredders like this can be louder, so it's something to consider if a quieter office environment is desired. The strip-cut type results in less secure shredded pieces compared to cross-cut or micro-cut, which might be a drawback if high security is required. Strip-cut shredders are best suited for less sensitive documents.

Rating
10.0
Shred Type
Run Time and Cool Down Time
Noise Level

Most important from
161 reviews

Shred Type
Offers a micro-cut feature for under $1000, which is exceptional for a shredder of this size and quality.
Run Time and Cool Down Time
Handles over 100 pounds of paper effortlessly, with no need for cool-down periods like cheaper models.
Noise Level
Extremely quiet operation, with a wide feed window and fast shredding capabilities making it a joy to use.
#3

Fellowes Powershred 425Ci 100% Jam Proof Commercial Grade 30-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper Shredder, TAA Compliant (38425), Black

Rating
9.4
Shred Type
Sheet Capacity
Run Time and Cool Down Time

Most important from
133 reviews

Shred Type
"A great heavy-duty cross-cut shredder that performs well, even replacing older models that couldn't be repaired."
Sheet Capacity
"This shredder has been the answer to managing large volumes of paperwork, making easy work of the chore."
Run Time and Cool Down Time
"It works great for everyday and continuous use, showing impressive shredding prowess."
Bin Capacity
"Despite the large bin filling up quickly, a little jostle ensures more time between bag changes."
Safety Features
"The shredder reliably rejects pages that are too thick and has a dependable reverse action to clear jams."
Additional Features
"The self-oiling feature and wheels for easy movement are highly appreciated."

The Fellowes Powershred 425Ci is a commercial-grade paper shredder designed for heavy-duty use. It can shred up to 30 sheets of paper per pass into small cross-cut particles, providing a high level of security (P-4 rating). This shredder is capable of handling staples, credit cards, paper clips, CDs/DVDs, and junk mail, making it versatile for various office needs.

One of its standout features is the 100% Jam Proof System, which effectively prevents paper jams and ensures smooth operation, even with challenging shredding tasks. Additionally, it is equipped with SafeSense Technology, which halts shredding when hands are near the paper opening, enhancing user safety. The shredder has a continuous duty motor, allowing for non-stop shredding without the need for frequent cool-down periods, a major advantage for busy environments.

Its large 30-gallon bin capacity is suitable for high volume shredding, and the LED bin-full indicator helps manage waste efficiently. At 148 pounds, it is quite heavy and may be difficult to move around. The shredder is designed and assembled in the USA and is TAA compliant, ensuring it meets certain governmental standards. This shredder is best suited for large offices or businesses requiring robust, reliable shredding capabilities.

Rating
9.4
Shred Type
Sheet Capacity
Run Time and Cool Down Time

Most important from
133 reviews

Shred Type
"A great heavy-duty cross-cut shredder that performs well, even replacing older models that couldn't be repaired."
Sheet Capacity
"This shredder has been the answer to managing large volumes of paperwork, making easy work of the chore."
Run Time and Cool Down Time
"It works great for everyday and continuous use, showing impressive shredding prowess."
Bin Capacity
"Despite the large bin filling up quickly, a little jostle ensures more time between bag changes."
Safety Features
"The shredder reliably rejects pages that are too thick and has a dependable reverse action to clear jams."
Additional Features
"The self-oiling feature and wheels for easy movement are highly appreciated."

Buying Guide for the Best Fellowes Paper Shredders

Choosing the right paper shredder involves understanding your specific needs and the key features that different models offer. Paper shredders are essential for protecting sensitive information, whether at home or in the office. To make an informed decision, consider the following key specifications and how they align with your requirements.
Shred TypeThe shred type determines how the paper is cut. There are three main types: strip-cut, cross-cut, and micro-cut. Strip-cut shredders cut paper into long strips and are the least secure. Cross-cut shredders cut paper into small pieces, offering a higher level of security. Micro-cut shredders provide the highest security by turning paper into tiny confetti-like particles. Choose strip-cut for basic needs, cross-cut for moderate security, and micro-cut for highly sensitive documents.
Sheet CapacitySheet capacity refers to the number of sheets a shredder can handle at once. This is important for efficiency. Small capacity shredders (up to 10 sheets) are suitable for occasional use at home. Medium capacity shredders (10-20 sheets) are ideal for small offices. High capacity shredders (20+ sheets) are best for larger offices with frequent shredding needs. Consider how much paper you typically need to shred at one time to choose the right capacity.
Run Time and Cool Down TimeRun time is how long a shredder can operate continuously before needing to cool down. Cool down time is the period the shredder needs to rest before it can be used again. Short run times (up to 5 minutes) with longer cool down times are common in home shredders. Longer run times (10-30 minutes) with shorter cool down times are found in office shredders. For heavy use, look for a shredder with a long run time and short cool down time to avoid frequent interruptions.
Bin CapacityBin capacity indicates how much shredded paper the bin can hold. Smaller bins (up to 5 gallons) are suitable for home use, while medium bins (5-10 gallons) are good for small offices. Larger bins (10+ gallons) are necessary for high-volume shredding in larger offices. A larger bin means less frequent emptying, which can be more convenient if you shred a lot of paper regularly.
Noise LevelNoise level is measured in decibels (dB) and indicates how loud the shredder is during operation. Lower noise levels (below 60 dB) are ideal for quiet environments like home offices. Medium noise levels (60-70 dB) are acceptable for most office settings. Higher noise levels (above 70 dB) might be disruptive in quiet spaces. Consider where you will be using the shredder and choose a model with an appropriate noise level.
Safety FeaturesSafety features are important to prevent accidents. Look for shredders with features like automatic shut-off when hands are too close, safety locks, and jam protection. These features are especially important if the shredder will be used in a home with children or in a busy office environment. Prioritize safety features to ensure safe operation.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the usability of a shredder. These may include the ability to shred other materials like credit cards, CDs, and staples, as well as features like auto-feed, which allows you to load a stack of paper and let the shredder do the work. Consider what additional features might be useful for your specific needs to get the most out of your shredder.

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