In today's fast-paced, data-driven world, the secure disposal of sensitive information is paramount. Whether you're managing confidential business documents or personal data, using the right type of shredder can make all the difference. From compact personal shredders designed for individual use to industrial shredders capable of handling massive volumes of materials, the variety of shredders available ensures that there's a solution for every need.
In this blog, we'll explore the different types of shredders, detailing their capacities, ideal user numbers, and key features, to help you determine the best option for your specific requirements.
Autofeed Shredders
Autofeed shredders, also known as automatic shredders, streamline the shredding process by automatically pulling each sheet from a stack loaded into a designated tray, ensuring consistent and secure shredding without manual intervention. Designed to provide convenience and efficiency in shredding large volumes of documents, autofeed shredders are ideal for environments where regular shredding is necessary. They offer a hands-free experience, making them perfect for small to medium-sized offices. Additionally, these shredders can also function as manual shredders, allowing you to feed individual sheets or small batches directly into the shredder, providing versatility for various shredding needs.
- Recommended No. of Users: 5-20 users.
- Sheet capacity: Can handle up to 750 sheets at a time.
- Run time: Typically, continuous but may vary by model.
- Bin capacity: Up to 40 gallons.
- Materials to shred: Paper, paper clips, staples, credit cards, films, and optical media.
Our Top 3 Picks
| Fellowes Automax 200M | Dahle ShredMATIC SM 300 | HSM Securio AF500c | |
| Security Level | P-5 | P-4 | P-4 |
| Sheet Capacity | up to 200 | up to 300 | up to 500 |
| Bin Capacity | 8.5 Gallons | 11 Gallons | 21.7 Gallons |
| Run Time | up to 25 mins | Not-Specified | Continuous |
| Features |
AccuFeed Technology |
Oil-Free Shredding |
Automatic Start/Stop |
Personal Shredders
Personal shredders, also known as small office or desk side shredders, are compact and efficient devices designed for individual use or small office environments. These personal shredders offer a convenient solution for securely disposing of sensitive documents right at your desk, providing ease of use and quick access. Personal shredders are ideal for moderate shredding needs.
- Recommended No. of Users: 1-4 users.
- Sheet capacity: Can handle up to 100 sheets at a time.
- Run time: Up to 20 minutes.
- Bin capacity: Up to 20 gallons.
- Materials to shred: Paper, paper clips, staples, optical media, films, crumpled paper, credit and smart cards, binders.
Our Top 3 Picks
| Fellowes PowerShred 99Ci | Intimus 60 CP4 | MBM Destroyit 2445 | |
| Security Level | P-4 | P-4 | P-4 |
| Sheet Capacity | up to 18 | up to 15 | up to 13 |
| Bin Capacity | 9 Gallons | 16 Gallons | 9 Gallons |
| Run Time | up to 30 mins | Not Specified | Not Specified |
| Features |
SilentShred Technology |
Jam Protection |
Auto-Reverse System |
Office shredders
Office shredders are robust and efficient machines designed to handle the shredding needs of mid-sized work environments. These office shredders are built to accommodate the demands of multiple users, providing a reliable and secure method for disposing of sensitive documents. They offer versatility and durability to ensure that shredding tasks are completed efficiently.
- Recommended No. of Users: 10-50 users..
- Sheet capacity: Can handle up to 600 sheets at a time.
- Run time: Primarily Continuous.
- Bin capacity: Up to 40 gallons.
- Materials to shred: Paper, paper clips, staples, optical media, films, credit and smart cards.
Our Top 3 Picks
| HSM Securio B24 | Kobra 270 TS S5 | Dahle 50410 | |
| Security Level | P-6 | P-2 | P-3 |
| Sheet Capacity | up to 6 | up to 32 | up to 22 |
| Bin Capacity | 9.2 Gallons | 29 Gallons | 30 Gallons |
| Run Time | Continuous | Continuous | Not-Specified |
| Features |
Eco-Smart Technology |
Electronic Power Control |
Oil-free Shredder |
Commercial Shredders
Commercial Shredders, also known as large office shredders, are powerful and high-capacity machines designed to meet the extensive shredding needs of large office and businesses environments. These commercial shredders provide a reliable solution for disposing of a high volume of sensitive documents, accommodating the demands of numerous users with ease.
- Recommended No. of Users: 50+ users.
- Sheet capacity: Can handle up to 750 sheets at a time.
- Run time: Primarily continuous.
- Bin capacity: Up to 60 gallons.
- Materials to shred: Paper, paper clips, staples, optical media, films, USBs, credit and smart cards.
Our Top 3 Picks
| Dahle CleanTEC 51572 | Intimus 175 CP7 | HSM Securio P44i | |
| Security Level | P-5 | P-7 | P-5 |
| Sheet Capacity | up to 16 | up to 11 | up to 27 |
| Bin Capacity | 45 Gallons | 46.25 Gallons | 54.2 Gallons |
| Run Time | Not-Specified | Not-Specified | Continuous |
| Features |
Dust-Filteration System |
Auto-Reverse System |
IntelligentDrive Technology Automatic Start/Stop |
Industrial shredders
Industrial shredders, also known as heavy-duty shredders, are designed for large-scale shredding operations where high volume and continuous use are required. Used extensively by manufacturing plants, recycling centers, waste management facilities, and other industrial environments, these shredders can process a wide range of materials. They are ideal for organizations that need to shred items beyond standard office paper, making them indispensable for securely disposing of items mentioned below.
- Number of people: 50+ users.
- Sheet capacity: Can handle up to 700 sheets at a time.
- Run time: Primarily continuous.
- Bin capacity: Up to 140 gallons.
- Materials to shred: Aluminum cans, binders, cardboards, computer listings, credit cards, crumpled paper, films, memory IC chips, optical media, paper, paper clips, plastic bottles, smart cards, smart phones, SSD & HDD drives, staples, tablets, USBs.
Our Top 3 Picks
| Intimus SmartShred 16.50 | Kobra Cyclone | MBM Destroyit 5009 | |
| Security Level | P-3 | P-5 | P-2 |
| Sheet Capacity | up to 330 | up to 500 | up to 700 |
| Bin Capacity | 120 Gallons | 100 Gallons | 79 Gallons |
| Run Time | Not-Specified | Continuous | Not-Specified |
| Features |
Infeed Conveyor Belt |
Integrated Vacuum System |
Two Automatic Speed Modes Modular Exit Conveyor Belt |
High Security shredders
High security shredders are designed for environments where the highest level of data protection is required. These shredders are built to destroy sensitive and classified information, ensuring that the shredded material is rendered completely unreadable and irrecoverable. Commonly used by government agencies, defense contractors, financial institutions, and any organization that deals with highly sensitive data, these high security shredders meet stringent security standards. Many high security shredders are NSA-approved, meaning they meet the National Security Agency's requirements for top-secret data destruction, and conform to P-7 security level, the highest level for data destruction.
- Recommended No. of Users: It varies depending on the model.
- Sheet capacity: Can handle up to 500 sheets at a time.
- Run time: Continuous.
- Bin capacity: Up to 100 gallons.
- Materials to shred: Circuit boards, CPU chips with internal ROM, credit cards, films, magnetic tapes, memory IC chips, optical media, paper, paper clips, smart cards, smart phones, SSD & HDD drives, staples, tablets, USBs.
Our Top 3 Picks
| Kobra 260 HS-6 | Dahle 20394 | HSM Securio B24 | |
| Security Level | P-7 | P-7 | P-7 |
| Sheet Capacity | up to 6 | up to 11 | up to 4 |
| Bin Capacity | 22 Gallons | 50 Gallons | 9.2 Gallons |
| Run Time | Continuous | Not-specified | Continuous |
| Features |
Carbon-Hardened Steel Cutting knives |
Lockable Rolling Casters |
EcoSmart Technology Automatic Start/Stop Functionality |
Choosing the right shredder is essential for maintaining data security and operational efficiency. Whether you need a small personal shredder for occasional use or a robust industrial machine for continuous operation, understanding the different types available and their features can guide you in making the best decision. By investing in the appropriate shredder, you can ensure that sensitive information is disposed of securely, protecting both personal and organizational data from potential breaches.
Not Sure Which Shredder is Right For You?
It's important to understand all the options before making your choice. If you need help deciding which shredder is right for you, we're here to assist. Contact us or call us at (800) 992-5279 to get started and ensure your data is always securely shredded.