Buying Guide for the Best Fellowes Shredders
When choosing a Fellowes shredder, it's important to consider your specific needs and the environment in which the shredder will be used. Shredders come with various features and specifications that cater to different levels of security, volume of use, and types of materials to be shredded. Understanding these key specifications will help you make an informed decision and select the best shredder for your requirements.Sheet CapacitySheet capacity refers to the number of sheets a shredder can handle at one time. This is important because it determines how quickly you can shred documents. Shredders with a lower sheet capacity (5-10 sheets) are suitable for personal or light office use, while those with a higher capacity (15-30 sheets) are better for larger offices or heavy-duty use. Consider how often you will be shredding and the volume of documents to choose the right capacity for your needs.
Security LevelThe security level of a shredder is determined by the size and shape of the shredded particles. This is crucial for protecting sensitive information. Shredders are classified into different security levels, with P-1 to P-2 providing basic security (strips), P-3 to P-4 offering medium security (cross-cuts), and P-5 to P-7 providing high security (micro-cuts). If you are shredding highly confidential documents, opt for a higher security level. For general office use, a medium security level is usually sufficient.
Run Time and Cool Down TimeRun time is the duration a shredder can operate continuously before needing to cool down, while cool down time is the period it needs to rest before it can be used again. This is important for efficiency, especially in busy environments. Shredders with longer run times (20-30 minutes) and shorter cool down times are ideal for heavy use, whereas those with shorter run times (5-10 minutes) are suitable for occasional use. Assess your shredding frequency to determine the appropriate run and cool down times.
Bin CapacityBin capacity indicates the volume of shredded material the shredder can hold. This is important for convenience and maintenance, as a larger bin means less frequent emptying. Small bins (3-5 gallons) are adequate for personal use, while larger bins (10-20 gallons) are better for office environments with higher shredding volumes. Consider the amount of shredding you will be doing to choose a bin size that minimizes interruptions.
Noise LevelNoise level refers to how loud the shredder is during operation. This is important for maintaining a comfortable work environment. Shredders with lower noise levels (below 60 decibels) are ideal for shared or quiet spaces, while higher noise levels may be acceptable in less noise-sensitive areas. Think about where the shredder will be used and the importance of noise control in that setting.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features such as jam prevention, safety sensors, and energy-saving modes can enhance the usability and safety of a shredder. Jam prevention helps avoid paper jams, safety sensors protect users from accidents, and energy-saving modes reduce power consumption. Evaluate which features are most important to you based on your usage patterns and safety concerns to select a shredder that offers the best combination of functionality and convenience.
