Paper Shredders for Home & Office: Choosing the Right One
Written by: Ian Walker
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Time to read 9 min
Introduction
Whether you're working from home or managing a busy office, a reliable paper shredder is essential for protecting sensitive information and maintaining your privacy. With so many models on the market, it can be tricky to know which one best suits your needs. At Folders, we’re here to make the decision easier by breaking down the different types of shredders available and sharing our top five most popular options from two trusted brands: Rexel and Fellowes.
To begin, it’s helpful to understand the main types of paper shredder and the level of security they provide. The most basic type is the strip-cut paper shredder, which slices documents into long, vertical strips. While they operate quickly, they offer the lowest level of security and are best for non-sensitive materials. Next are cross-cut shredders, which chop documents into small confetti-like pieces, providing a solid medium level of security. These are ideal for most home or office users. Finally, a micro-cut paper shredder offers the highest level of protection by turning paper into tiny particles, making them ideal for disposing of personal, legal, or financial documents securely.
When it comes to choosing between brands, Fellowes and Rexel consistently stand out for their quality, reliability, and innovative features. Based on customer feedback and sales data, we’ve put together a list of the five most popular paper shredders across these two brands.
What to Consider When Choosing a Paper Shredder
When choosing a paper shredder for your home or office, the first thing to consider is the cut type , which determines the level of security. Strip-cut shredders are the most basic, cutting paper into long strips—ideal for general household use but offering the least protection. Cross-cut paper shredder models shred paper into small pieces and are suitable for most office and personal use, while micro-cut shredders provide the highest level of security by turning documents into tiny particles—perfect for confidential or sensitive information.
You’ll also want to think about sheet capacity , which is the number of pages the paper shredder can handle at once. For occasional home use, a 3–8 sheet model may be enough, but for busier environments, look for machines that can handle 10–20 sheets or more in a single pass. Similarly, consider the shredder’s run time —this is how long it can operate before needing to cool down. Shorter run times (around 5 minutes) are fine for light use, while offices may benefit from models that run continuously or offer longer operation windows.
Another important factor is bin size , which affects how often you’ll need to empty the paper shredder. Smaller bins under 10L are more compact for home use, but if you're shredding frequently, a larger 20L+ bin will save you time and hassle. Think about what you’ll be shredding, too. Most shredders can handle standard paper, but not all are designed for staples, paperclips, credit cards, or CDs—check the specifications if you need this functionality.
For shared or quiet workspaces, noise level can be a deciding factor. Many newer paper shredder models feature quiet operation, which makes them ideal for offices or home environments where disruption needs to be minimal. Safety features such as automatic shut-off, safety locks, and jam-proof technology are also worth noting—especially if children are around or the paper shredder is used by multiple people.
Lastly, don’t forget about maintenance . Some shredders require regular oiling to stay in top shape, while others feature self-cleaning or self-lubricating systems that make upkeep easier. Paper shredder models that use shredder lubricant sheets offer a convenient alternative as well.
At Folders, we stock a wide range of shredders to suit every need and budget—from basic strip-cut units for home use to advanced micro-cut machines for high-security offices. Whether you’re looking for a compact paper shredder for personal use or a heavy-duty option for your workplace, you’ll find trusted brands like Fellowes , Rexel , Ideal and Acme available at everyday low prices. Explore the full collection and find the perfect fit at www.folders.co.nz/collections/shredders .
Top 5 Popular Paper Shredder Options
1. Fellowes P-25S Paper Shredder
If you're looking for a straightforward, budget-friendly solution to manage paper clutter at home, the Fellowes P-25S Paper Shredder is a reliable choice.
The P-25S features strip-cut shredding , slicing up to 5 sheets of paper per pass into 7mm wide strips. While it doesn’t offer the advanced security of a cross-cut or micro-cut model, it’s more than capable for basic tasks such as clearing out receipts or household paperwork. With a 3-minute run time and 11-litre bin, ths paper shredder fits neatly under a desk or in a small corner, ready when you need it without taking up space.
Just plug this paper shredder in and go. For home users who only need to shred occasionally and want an affordable, no-fuss option, the Fellowes P-25S ticks all the right boxes.
In short, the P-25S is best for light shredding jobs where convenience and affordability matter more than high-security features.
The Rexel Momentum X308 is a great choice for anyone needing a reliable paper shredder for home or small office use. It offers cross-cut shredding, turning documents into tiny 5x42mm pieces—ideal for securely disposing of personal paperwork, bank statements, and other sensitive materials.
Capable of shredding up to 8 sheets at once , the X308 paper shredder is built for light to moderate use. It features a 3-minute continuous run time, making it perfect for quick shredding sessions throughout the week. The 15-litre bin holds up to 100 shredded pages, so you won’t need to empty it constantly. It can even handle staples and paper clips, saving you time and effort when clearing out documents.
Whether you're working from home or managing household paperwork, the Rexel Momentum X308 paper shredder delivers secure, no-fuss shredding right when you need it.
The Rexel Momentum X406 Cross-Cut Paper Shredder is designed to provide reliable document disposal for home users and small offices.
Shredding Capacity: Handles up to 6 sheets of 80gsm paper per pass.
Cut Type: Cross-cut into 4x28mm pieces, achieving a P-4 security level.
Run Time: Operates continuously for 3 minutes before requiring a 60-minute cool-down period.
Bin Capacity: Equipped with a 15-liter bin that holds up to 125 A4 sheets.
Materials Shredded: Capable of shredding paper, paper clips, and staples.
The X406 paper shredder is ideal for users seeking a straightforward shredder for occasional use, offering a balance between performance and convenience. Its ability to handle small staples and paper clips adds to its practicality, reducing the need to prepare documents extensively before shredding.
The Fellowes Powershred 60Cs paper shredder is a high-performing cross-cut shredder designed for everyday use in homes or small office environments.
This paper shredder is capable of handling up to 10 sheets of paper per pass. It can also handle staples, paper clips, and even credit cards, making it a versatile tool for managing a variety of sensitive materials. A standout feature is its built-in safety system that automatically stops shredding when hands come into contact with the paper entry.
The 60Cs paper shredder runs continuously for up to 6 minutes and comes with a 20-minute cool-down period. Its 22-litre bin means less frequent emptying.
Cross-cut shredding for added security (P-3 level)
Shreds up to 10 sheets per pass
Accepts paper, staples, paper clips, and credit cards
Safety sensor stops shredding when hands are near the entry
6-minute run time with 20-minute cool-down
22L waste bin for fewer emptying trips
The Fellowes Powershred 60Cs paper shredder is a reliable, user-friendly solution for security and efficiency in document disposal.
The Rexel Optimum AutoFeed+ 50X paper shredder is designed to take the hassle out of shredding. With automatic feed technology, this compact cross-cut shredder can handle up to 50 sheets of paper at once
Offering P-4 level security, the 50X cuts documents into 4x28mm pieces—ideal for safely disposing of sensitive material at home or in a small office. The paper shredder can handle staples, paper clips, and credit cards, so there's no need to prep your documents beforehand. A spacious 20-liter pull-out bin means less frequent emptying, and anti-jam technology ensures smooth operation every time.
With quiet performance, a 10-minute continuous run time.
Auto-feeds up to 50 sheets; manual feed handles 6 sheets
Cross-cut (4x28mm) for secure P-4 shredding
Destroys paper, staples, paper clips, and credit cards
20L pull-out bin for easy emptying
Anti-jam function and bin full sensor
Quiet operation and fan cooling system
10-minute run time for efficient use
Perfect for home users or small offices, the Rexel 50X paper shredder blends performance, security, and automation into one compact machine.
Whether you need a paper shredder for everyday use or only occasionally, Folders has a wide selection of Fellowes and Rexel models to suit your needs. From compact designs for home use to powerful machines for office settings, we’re proud to offer secure, reliable shredders at great prices. You can browse our full range of shredders here , and if you're not sure which one to choose, our team is always happy to help you find the perfect fit.
Can paper shredders shred staples, paper clips, CDs and credit cards?
Many modern shredders can process documents with staples and small paper clips. However, it's advisable to verify this feature in your shredder's manual to prevent potential damage.
Some shredders are also designed to handle CDs and credit cards, but not all models have this capability. It's important to check the specifications of your shredder to ensure it can safely shred these materials.
Can paper shredders be sharpened?
Paper shredders generally cannot be sharpened in the traditional sense like kitchen knives or tools. Instead, their performance and blade longevity are maintained through regular lubrication. Applying shredder oil directly to the blades or using pre-oiled sheets helps reduce friction, prevent paper dust buildup, and ensure smooth operation. While this doesn't technically sharpen the blades, it keeps them functioning efficiently and reduces wear. Attempting to manually sharpen the blades or using household oils can damage the shredder and is not recommended. Regular maintenance with the correct oil is the safest and most effective way to keep your shredder in top shape.
Is shredding paper secure?
Yes, shredding paper is a secure method for disposing of sensitive or confidential information—especially when using the right type of shredder. Strip-cut shredders provide basic security by cutting documents into long strips, but these can sometimes be reconstructed. For better protection, cross-cut shredders slice paper into small confetti-like pieces, making reassembly much harder.
For the highest level of security, micro-cut shredders reduce paper to tiny particles, virtually eliminating the risk of reconstruction. Choosing the right shredder depends on how sensitive the information is, but for personal data, financial records, or business documents, a cross-cut or micro-cut shredder offers strong peace of mind.
How many sheets can a paper shredder handle at once?
The number of sheets a shredder can handle at once depends on its design and intended use. Personal or home shredders typically handle between 5 to 10 sheets per pass, making them ideal for occasional use. Office shredders , designed for higher volumes, can usually shred 10 to 20 sheets at a time, while heavy-duty or commercial shredders may handle up to 30 sheets or more in a single pass. Overloading a shredder can cause jams or strain the motor, so it's always best to follow the manufacturer's guidelines. Some models also include automatic feeders that can shred hundreds of sheets in batches for convenience.
What are the different security levels of shredders?
Shredders are classified by DIN security levels , which indicate how finely they cut paper and how secure the shredded output is. The DIN 66399 standard outlines seven levels of security , labeled P-1 to P-7 , with higher numbers offering greater protection.
Shredder Security Levels Explained:
P-1 : Basic level. Cuts into long strips (~12mm). Suitable for general, non-sensitive documents.
P-2 : Slightly more secure. Narrower strips (~6mm). Still for everyday paperwork.
P-3 : Cross-cut shredding into smaller pieces (~2x50mm). Good for personal and internal documents.
P-4 : Cross-cut or micro-cut (~4x40mm or smaller). Suitable for confidential data like financial or client information.
P-5 : Higher security (~2x15mm). Ideal for sensitive business documents and GDPR compliance.
P-6 : Very high security (~1x10mm). Used in legal, government, or medical sectors.
P-7 : Top-level security (~0.8x5mm). Used by military or intelligence agencies for classified documents.
Which to Choose?
Home use : P-3 or P-4 is usually enough.
Business use : P-4 to P-5 for confidential records.
Highly sensitive info : P-6 or P-7 if legally required.
Choosing the right level ensures your shredded documents can’t be reconstructed and keeps you compliant with data protection laws.
