There are many factors to consider when you’re in the market for a new paper shredder.
In this blog, we’ll guide you specifically on how to choose a paper shredder based on security features.
A low-security shredder
A regular size paper is divided into 40 to 50 strips by the strip-cut method. The largest size strips of paper are normally produced by this kind of a paper shredder.
- Strip-cut shredders are the oldest type and provide the least amount of security. It still represents a significant improvement over tearing something to pieces and discarding it.
- Strip-cut shredders can occasionally be more affordable than other kinds of shredders.
- Consider the type of paper you need to shred before deciding whether a strip-cut paper shredder will work. How confidential is the data? For people who do not discard high-level security papers, strip-cut shredders are a viable option.
A moderately secure shredder
Confetti-cut shredder is another name for a cross-cut paper shredder. The most common kind of paper shredder. In comparison to the strip-cut variety, it provides a higher level of security. Over 200 tiny square pieces of paper cut out from a single sheet.
- Confetti-cut shredders make it harder to recover private information from documents. For private information like credit card records and bank account details, this is beneficial.
- Because the shredded particles are so little, changing the bags of shredded paper less frequently won’t compromise security.
- A more powerful and secure cross-cut shredder can shred paper up to letter size into almost 400 pieces.
A shredder with high levels of security
One of the highest degrees of security is provided by a micro-cut paper shredder. When it comes to shredding highly confidential and sensitive papers, this is the ideal kind of shredder. Over 2,000 little pieces of paper are created from every sheet of paper.
- Information from a document that has been run through a micro-cut shredder cannot be recovered. This is one of the main reasons why big businesses and government organizations favor micro-cut shredders.
- People who run the risk of having their secret or sensitive information taken should use these shredders.
- More than 6,200 pieces will be cut out of a piece of paper. At the end of the micro-cut spectrum you get the super micro-cut shredders, they can shred a normal sheet of paper into more than 13,000 tiny fragments.
Find a shredder at every security level that is within your preferred price range. There are inexpensive options whether you select a strip-cut, cross-cut, or micro-cut shredder. Although micro-cut shredders are generally more expensive, smaller models for home use can be found. High-level micro-cut shredders are typically the most expensive kind of shredder. The commercial variety can be very expensive.
Selecting Advanced Features
Select a shredder according to speed. The most crucial aspect to consider when choosing a shredder is the size of the bits it produces, however, shred speed can also be crucial. Low shred speeds can make shredding huge large of paper time-consuming. Whether you intend to use the shredder at home or in the office and the volume of material that go with it will determine the speed of the machine you should buy.
- Home shredders typically take 2 to 8 minutes to shred 5 to 12 sheets of paper. A home shredder should satisfy your needs if you shred a small pile of leters and tax papers every now and again.
- A greater shredder speed might be desirable if you frequently shred paper. A home office shredder, for instance, can be useful if you work from home. In 7 to 30 minutes, these shredders typically destroy 10 to 18 sheets of paper.
- A very high shredding speed is necessary if you’re purchasing a shredder for a big office. These can continuously shred for 45 minutes. 13 to 38 pieces of paper can be shredded during this period.
The number of pages that can be handled
Learn how many sheets a shredder can process simultaneously. A five-sheet model might be less expensive. You will need to feed a few sheets at a time if you shred more pages than just the occasional one. You might need to frequently unjam the shredder if it doesn’t have a multiple page capacity. A shredder with a somewhat higher shred capacity than you’ll likely use is a smart option. Paper jams and other problems may be decreased as a result.
Anti-jamming technology
There is always a chance for a paper jam whether you are feeding the shredder one document or numerous. Anti-jam features assist in limiting this issue and lowering unneeded frustration.
- If you shred a lot of paper, it could be especially crucial to choose a shredder with anti-jam technology. The likelihood of your shredder jamming increases as you shred more paper.
Choosing with warranty in mind.
The best warranty is one that is longer. Although one year is the standard length of warranties, you could get a longer warranty. In the event that your shredder malfunctions unexpectedly, the warranty will often cover the mechanical component of the machine.
- Try to extend warranties wherever you can, and keep your shredder until it runs out of warranty. Make a note of the warranty’s expiration date on your calendar to keep track of how long it will last.
- Inquire about warranties in-store. The manufacturer of the shredder itself might offer some warranties. However, if you purchase your shredder from a major retail chain, these shops might also provide warranties.
Note the energy-saving attributes
Energy-saving features may enable you to reduce your long-term utility costs. This might not matter if you don’t intend to use the shredder frequently. However, research energy-saving technology if you regularly shred documents. Paper shredding consumes about 80% of a shredder’s electricity, so using your shredder frequently can quickly add up on your energy bill.
- Some shredders make the claim that they can reduce energy use by as much as 70%. Others assert to be completely energy efficient.
- Find a shredder that guarantees to maximize energy savings 100 percent of the time, whether it is in use or not, for the biggest savings.
Importance of safety
When hands or other objects get too close to the shredder, certain machines contain sensors that halt the machine. If you have kids or pets, safety features are crucial.
- A shredder should ideally have an automated shutoff function. A shredder should turn off if fingers come too close to the blades.
- For information on safety features, consult the shredder’s packaging. You can discuss safety-related issues with a worker if you’re making a purchase in-person.
Low noise features
A function on some shredders lowers noise by ten decibels. If you live in an apartment, having a shredder that is continually running could bother everyone, and no one need anything of sorts at the workplace.
- Seek out paper shredders that claim to operate more quietly. You might also wish to read user evaluations, specifically, search for reviews that describe the noise level of a shredder. If at all feasible, analyze the level of noise a shredder produces before buying it.
Browse our range of competitively-priced shredders for sale. We also offer SME financing.
