Rising concerns about identity theft have increased consumer demand for personal-use shredders that fit a variety of residential and home office situations. Professional organizers can ensure that clients make the best shredder choices by helping them match their needs to the options available in certain functional areas.

• Capacity: The volume of material that can be shredded at any one time, frequency of use, continuous run time, and overall durability depend primarily on motor size.
• Size: Different sizes and shapes are available (standard floor models, compact desktop, slim bookcase models, and round space savers) to fit even limited spaces.
• Noise: Typical shredders have a well-earned reputation for noise, but new models operate at volumes as low as 68 decibels, comparable to the loudness of normal conversation.
• Energy consumption: Energy-efficient models have been developed in response to concerns about “vampire” energy drains in cases when shredders are left on 24/7.
• Security: Smaller shred particulate decreases the likelihood of identity theft; the most common options are straight cut, cross cut, and confetti cut.
• Cost: Shredders reviewed for this article are priced at $10-$250.

 

Swingline Stack-and-Shred

Compare prices on Google Shopper – Swingline Stack-and-Shred

Capacity: Shreds 100 sheets automatically; manual bypass for up to six sheets

Size: 19.7 x 14.6 x 19.7 inches

Security: Cross cut shredding

Cost: $180- $250

Average rating: 3/5