Buying Guide for the Best Fellowes Shredders
When choosing a Fellowes shredder, it's important to consider your specific needs and the environment in which the shredder will be used. Shredders are essential for maintaining privacy and protecting sensitive information, whether at home or in the office. The right shredder for you will depend on factors such as the volume of paper you need to shred, the level of security required, and the frequency of use. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision and ensure that you select a shredder that meets your requirements effectively.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 low sheet capacity (1-5 sheets) are suitable for occasional use at home, while medium capacity (6-15 sheets) is ideal for small offices. High capacity shredders (16+ 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 for your needs.
Cut TypeThe cut type of a shredder determines the level of security it provides. Strip-cut shredders cut paper into long strips and offer basic security, suitable for non-sensitive documents. Cross-cut shredders provide a higher level of security by cutting paper into small pieces, making it harder to reconstruct documents. Micro-cut shredders offer the highest security by turning paper into tiny particles, ideal for highly confidential information. Choose a cut type based on the sensitivity of the documents you need to shred.
Run TimeRun time indicates how long a shredder can operate continuously before needing to cool down. This is crucial for efficiency, especially in busy environments. Short run times (2-5 minutes) are adequate for home use, while medium run times (10-20 minutes) suit small offices. For large offices, long run times (30+ minutes) are necessary to handle high volumes of shredding without frequent interruptions. Consider how often and how long you need to shred documents to determine the appropriate run time.
Bin CapacityBin capacity refers to the amount of shredded paper the bin can hold before it needs to be emptied. A larger bin capacity means less frequent emptying, which is convenient in high-volume shredding environments. Small bins (up to 5 gallons) are suitable for personal use, medium bins (6-10 gallons) work well in small offices, and large bins (11+ gallons) are ideal for larger offices. Think about how much shredding you do and how often you want to empty the bin when choosing the right capacity.
Noise LevelNoise level is an important consideration, especially in shared or quiet environments. Shredders can vary significantly in how much noise they produce. Low noise shredders are ideal for offices where a quiet atmosphere is important, while noise may be less of a concern in a home setting. If noise is a factor for you, look for shredders that are specifically designed to operate quietly.
Safety FeaturesSafety features are crucial to prevent accidents, especially if the shredder will be used in a home with children or pets. Features like automatic shut-off when hands are too close, safety locks, and jam-proof systems enhance user safety. Consider who will be using the shredder and the environment it will be in to determine which safety features are necessary for your peace of mind.
