Buying Guide for the Best American Made Paper Shredder
When choosing an American-made paper shredder, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you select the best model for your needs. Paper shredders come in various types and sizes, each designed for different levels of usage and security. Understanding these specifications will help you make an informed decision and find a shredder that meets your requirements for performance, security, and durability.Shred TypeThe shred type refers to the way the paper is cut by the shredder. There are three main types: strip-cut, cross-cut, and micro-cut. Strip-cut shredders cut paper into long, narrow strips and are suitable for low-security needs. Cross-cut shredders cut paper into small pieces, providing a higher level of security. Micro-cut shredders offer the highest security by cutting paper into tiny particles. Choose a shred type based on the sensitivity of the documents you need to shred. For general use, cross-cut is often sufficient, but for highly confidential documents, a micro-cut shredder is recommended.
Sheet CapacitySheet capacity indicates the number of sheets a shredder can handle at once. This is important for efficiency, especially if you have a large volume of documents to shred. Shredders with a lower sheet capacity (5-10 sheets) are suitable for personal or light office use. Medium capacity shredders (10-20 sheets) are ideal for small to medium-sized offices. High capacity shredders (20+ sheets) are designed for heavy-duty use in larger offices. Consider your typical shredding volume to determine the appropriate sheet capacity for your needs.
Run Time and Cool Down TimeRun time refers to how long a shredder can operate continuously before needing to cool down. Cool down time is the period the shredder needs to rest before it can be used again. For occasional use, a shredder with a short run time (2-5 minutes) and longer cool down time (20-30 minutes) may be sufficient. For more frequent use, look for a shredder with a longer run time (10-30 minutes) and shorter cool down time. Continuous run shredders are available for heavy-duty use, allowing for uninterrupted shredding.
Bin CapacityBin capacity refers to the amount of shredded paper the shredder can hold before it needs to be emptied. Smaller bins (1-5 gallons) are suitable for personal use, while medium bins (5-10 gallons) are better for small offices. Larger bins (10+ gallons) are ideal for high-volume shredding in larger offices. Consider how often you want to empty the bin and the volume of shredding you typically do to choose the right bin capacity.
Security LevelSecurity level is determined by the size of the shredded particles and is classified by the DIN 66399 standard. Levels range from P-1 (basic security) to P-7 (top-secret security). For general office documents, a P-3 or P-4 level is usually sufficient. For confidential or sensitive information, consider a P-5 or higher. Choose a security level based on the sensitivity of the documents you need to shred to ensure adequate protection.
Noise LevelNoise level is an important consideration, especially in shared or open office environments. Shredders can vary significantly in how much noise they produce, measured in decibels (dB). Quieter models typically produce around 50-60 dB, while louder models can exceed 70 dB. If noise is a concern, look for a shredder with a lower noise level to minimize disruption.
Safety FeaturesSafety features are designed to prevent accidents and ensure safe operation. Common safety features include automatic shut-off when hands are too close to the feed opening, overload protection to prevent jams, and thermal protection to prevent overheating. If safety is a priority, especially in environments with children or pets, look for shredders with robust safety features.
