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Do you have a stack of documents that you no longer need? With the best paper shredder, you can easily reduce the sheets of paper into tiny pieces that are virtually impossible to reconstruct. These pieces of equipment can greatly assist you when destroying materials containing sensitive data.
Certain models of paper shredders can also be used for shredding non-paper materials such as credit cards, DVDs, paper clips, CDs, small stapling pins, etc. Also, the advanced models have other amazing features that will allow you to cut up materials with minimal fuss. Aside from destroying confidential papers, a paper shredder can help you free up space in your home or office.
TL; DR: The Best Paper Shredder for Most Australians 👇
The REXEL Momentum X410 can shred up to 10 sheets of A4 paper in a single pass. It delivers clean cross-cuts and has a security rating of P-4. This makes it one of the best paper shredders that you can use to destroy sensitive documents!
However, not all shredders will deliver great results when it comes to cutting papers. Besides, these machines have varying security levels and also deliver different types of cuts during the shredding process. As such, finding the ideal unit for your shredding needs can at times be challenging. This piece can help you pick the best paper shredders currently available in Australia.
The Best Paper Shredders to Buy Today in Australia
- Best Overall: Aurora AU1275MA Professional Grade 12-Sheet Micro-Cut Paper Shredder
- Best for Most People: Rexel Cross Cut Momentum X410 Shredder
- Best Value Paper Shredder: Lenoxx Electric Home Office 21L Cross Cut Shredder
- Best for General Documents: Lenoxx Home and Office 5 Sheet Paper Shredder
- Best Budget: Zintan Mini Paper Shredder
1. Best Overall: Aurora AU1275MA Professional Grade 12-Sheet Micro-Cut Paper Shredder
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Our first pick for the best paper shredders is the due to its heavy-duty design, reliable anti-jam system, and high-security rating.
The cutters on this paper shredder can effortlessly cut through CDs, paper clips, DVDs, and credit cards, making it one of the most versatile paper shredders that you can buy in Australia.
In addition to its high-level security of P-4, this shredder delivers micro-cuts (4x12mm), meaning someone cannot easily reassemble the shredded material. This makes it more secure than cross-cut and strip-cut shredders, and an excellent choice for destroying sensitive documents in the office or at home.
To make it even better, this machine can effectively shred 12 sheets (80 gsm) of paper in one pass. As such, it will save you a lot of time when disposing of a large stack of old documents. But that is not all; you can operate this machine continuously for up to 60 minutes without it overheating.
Besides, it is equipped with a heavy-duty motor that allows for maximum power transmission to the blades. This enables the machine to slice through materials like a hot knife through butter. Thanks to its anti-jam design, you won’t have to worry about papers getting stuck between the cutters.
Furthermore, it has an auto-reverse function that will kick in automatically when a material blocks the blades from running as they should. This will, in turn, cause the material to back out of the shredding chamber.
The shredder will then resume normal operation when the blades are free. This feature makes the Aurora AU1275MA a safe option for users since you won’t have to stick your fingers into the shedder to free up the cutters.
To avoid complications when using this paper shredder, ensure that you feed the machine with the right size of materials. By this, we mean you shouldn’t exceed the recommended sheet capacity, and neither should you shred non-paper materials not suggested by the manufacturer.
The AU1275MA is quieter than most paper shredders in its class, so it won’t distract you when you are working. Best of all, the four casters will allow you to wheel the shredder from one spot to another without breaking a sweat.
Plus, the control panel has indicator lights that will notify you if the machine is overloaded, overheating or if the door is open. It will also light up when the bin is full, so you will always know when to empty the unit.
2. Best for Most People: Rexel Cross Cut Momentum X410 Shredder
Why we like it:
- User-friendly touch panel for easy operation
- Pull-out bin for quick emptying
- Automatic reverse for jam-free operation
- Large capacity waste bin (23L) for extended shredding
What customers say:
“This shredder has greater volume than my previous one and is good value.”–Ernie
With the Rexel Cross Cut Momentum X410 Shredder, you can easily shred 10 sheets of paper simultaneously without experiencing any problems. You can also increase the sheet capacity to 11 when dealing with 70gsm sheets.
The best part is that you don’t have to remove the staples and clips from the papers before loading the sheets into the shredder. This machine not only has a powerful motor but also features high-performance cutters that will reduce papers and credit cards into indecipherable tiny pieces within the shortest time possible.
Unlike the Aurora AU1275MA, this paper shredder employs the cross-cut method during the shredding process. The fact that it cuts materials vertically and horizontally makes it difficult to reconstruct anything that has gone through the cutters.
Also, this equipment has a larger waste bin than the first paper shredder on our list. The control panel has a simple design, so you can customise the machine according to your needs. This electric paper shredder has a security level of P-4 and can shred materials to a size of 4x28mm.
Additionally, it is not as loud and only generates 62 dBA during operation. The Momentum X410 features an anti-jam design that allows the machine to automatically dislodge materials that may be stuck between the blades.
If you overload the shredder, the motor will instantly switch to reverse mode, thereby preventing possible damage to the moving parts. In terms of durability, this machine is made of high-quality materials that will provide you with long-lasting service.
When the bin is full, simply lift the upper part of the shredder to separate the two parts. Moreover, the bin has a see-through window that will let you know the amount of waste that has accumulated over time.
You will be happy to know that this unit comes from one of the best shredder brands, so rest assured it will provide you with commendable service. On the downside, it does not have casters, so you’ll have to lift it when relocating.
3. Best Value Paper Shredder: Lenoxx Electric Home Office 21L Cross Cut Shredder
Why we like it:
- Employs cross-cut technique for maximum safety
- Overheat protection for long-lasting service
- Reverse function for freeing jammed cutters
- The indicator light will alert you if the machine is overloaded
What customers say:
“This is, hands down the best shredder, to date, that I have ever owned. Shredded like a champ with a quick turnaround from overheating protection to up and running again…around 10 to 15 minutes…”–Shadows of Elysium
The Lenoxx Electric Home Office 21L Cross Cut Shredder gives you the power to destroy all sensitive documents that may be cluttering your space. It is similar to the shredder just before it in that both models deliver cross-cuts for an extra layer of security.
This shredder can accommodate up to 10 sheets of A4 paper at a go. With a maximum shredding speed of 2m/min, this machine will help you get rid of all secret documents in no time. And like most paper shredders in this guide, it has a reverse function that can assist you in different situations.
You can make use of this feature when freeing up the blades when they get jammed in between the shredding session. In addition to this, the reverse switch will enable you to stop the shredding process in case you load valued documents into the machine without knowing.
Instead of pulling the sheets inwards, the cutters will push the materials outwards, so they won’t get shredded. The waste bin on this shredder is the same capacity as that of the Rexel Momentum X410. It will save you the hassle of emptying the unit after each shredding session.
This appliance is not only good at shredding papers, but can as well be used for destroying credit cards and other light-duty materials. It uses durable cutters that hold an edge well, so the shredder won’t lose its efficiency with time.
To increase its durability, ensure that you oil the cutters and the gears regularly. You can use vegetable oil or any other lubricant prescribed by the manufacturer. The control panel is conveniently placed at the top to give you quick and direct access to the slide switch.
Next to the power indicator light is an overheat indicator light that will notify you if the machine is working harder than it should. If you see the warning light, you should give the shredder 20 minutes to cool down before firing up the motor.
And since it does not take up a lot of space, this paper shredder won’t clutter your office. You can even slide it under your work desk for a cleaner workspace.
4. Best for General Documents: Lenoxx Home and Office 5 Sheet Paper Shredder
Why we like it:
- High-quality motor for fast shredding
- Compact design for easy storage
- Quality construction for maximum durability
- Lightweight for easy portability
What customers say:
“This shredder ensures that confidential information from our household can be disposed of securely and safely, and allows us to retain control of our affairs.”–Amazon Customer
The Lenoxx Home and Office 5 Sheet Paper Shredder is a reliable strip-cut machine that you can fully count on when disposing of documents. Because it only cuts materials into strips, we wouldn’t recommend this model for destroying documents with highly sensitive information.
Nonetheless, it can prove useful when shredding general documents in your office or at home. This machine can shred up to 5 sheets of 80gsm paper without the motor stalling. Nevertheless, based on our research findings, we would suggest that load 2-3 sheets per pass to reduce the chances of the machine jamming.
When used correctly, it will enable you to shred multiple sheets of paper with ease. However, it is not as efficient as the first three electric paper shredders on the list. On the plus side, it is reasonably priced and is equally easy to use.
To get the best out of this shredding machine, you should stop the motor after every 5-10 minutes to prevent it from overheating during usage. The waste bin has a capacity of 7 litres and will allow you to shred continuously before emptying it.
What’s more, the control switch is studded to prevent slippage when adjusting the settings. Much like the Lenoxx EC1018, the cutters on this paper shredder can run in reverse. With this function in place, you can easily dislodge materials from the machine’s cutting area, allowing for smooth operation.
The XS-510 is extremely compact, making it even more convenient for people with minimal space. It can even be placed atop your work desk without taking up all the space. Additionally, this machine is lightweight, so you won’t have a difficult time moving it.
To add to this, the materials from which it is made are of great quality, thus making it one of the most durable strip-cut shredders that you can buy. The main disadvantage of using the Lenoxx XS-510 is that the waste bin fills up very quickly due to its small capacity.
5. Best Budget: Zintan Mini Paper Shredder
Why we like it:
- Made from high-quality ABS plastic to prolong durability
- Easy to use hand crank for quick shredding
- Simple design for easy quick setup
- The bin is fitted with traction-enhancing feet to prevent slippage
What customers say:
“Does a great job, manual shredder ideal for home or small office.”–Wayne Brittain
Closing our list of products is the Zintan Mini Paper Shredder. This shredder is unlike any of the machines that we have reviewed above. It does not have an electric motor, meaning you don’t have to plug it into an AC outlet like the other paper shredders on the list.
Instead, it features a hand crank that will allow you to power the cutters manually. The gears on this paper shredder are placed such that you can move the handle with minimal strain even when the cutters are on load.
Since the crank is detachable, you can take it down when the shredder is not being used. This manual paper shredder delivers strip cuts, so it is somewhat similar to the Lenoxx XS-510. However, the strips are rather large, so someone can easily reconstruct the shredded document.
With that being said, you should only use this machine when shredding documents that don’t contain sensitive data. It is made of high-quality plastic for durability purposes, so you can buy it knowing that it will last.
The waste bin is fairly large, so it can shred several sheets of paper before it fills up. Furthermore, it is transparent and will enable you to see the amount of waste that is in the unit. Additionally, the bin features rubber feet that will ensure the shredder stays in place while you crank the handle.
As such, the unit won’t move about, thus providing you with a frustration-free user experience. This shredder is exceptionally lightweight, so you can effortlessly carry it to and from the office.
Our main gripe is that the paper entry point is not as wide and may limit when shredding large sheets of paper. When shredding A4 papers, ensure that you fold the sheets in half before loading them into the shredder. You should load not more than two sheets per pass to avoid jamming the cutters.
How We Researched the Best Paper Shredders
We chose the best paper shredders based on independent customer reviews, expert opinion from sites such as ProductReview.com.au, and long hours of research. Our team started by visiting local e-commerce stores like MyDeal, Catch, Bunnings, Officeworks, and Harvey Norman to identify the paper shredders frequently bought by Aussies.
To find the top-rated paper shredders in Australia, we only considered products from brands that are known for selling high-quality shredders. We compared paper shredders from 11 different brands but only chose those offered by Aurora, Rexel, Lenoxx, and Zintan.
This allowed us to formulate criteria for choosing the best paper shredders Australia has to offer. We then proceeded to Amazon and chose paper shredders with good star ratings.
To ensure you get the best products, we considered factors such as Size, Sheet Capacity, Shredding speed, Security level, Feed type, Run time, Cut type, Noise level, Bin capacity, Maintenance, and Portability.
We not only compared the paper shredders based on the aforementioned factors but also took into account the feedback left by customers on Amazon.
The products in this guide are expertly curated to increase your chances of finding the most reliable paper shredder currently available in the Australian market, so you can choose any of the above-listed options.
Paper Shredders: Buying Guide
Are you looking to buy a paper shredder for your home or office? With so many options to choose from, finding the best paper shredder can be quite difficult. And even though they perform the same function, not all paper shredders are built equal.
This buying guide will help you find the most ideal paper shredder for your needs and budget. It lists some of the things that you need to take into consideration when buying a paper shredder and also highlights the important features that you should look for in a paper shredder.
What to Consider When Buying a Paper Shredder
There are many things that you should think about when it comes to choosing a paper shredder. Besides, these units vary in several ways and are also designed differently. To find the best paper shredder in Australia, you should consider the below-listed factors during the selection process:
Size
Paper shredders come in different sizes, so you need to determine if the equipment that you are about to buy can fit the space available in your home or office. We recommend that you buy a compact paper shredder to save on floor space. Although size is an important factor, you can overlook it if you have enough room for the machine.
Sheet Capacity
This refers to the maximum number of sheets that a paper shredder can cut with each pass that is made. Sheet capacity varies from one model of paper shredder to another, so ensure that you buy a shredding machine that can handle the number of documents that you intend to destroy per pass.
Most high-end paper shredders can cut up to 20 pieces of standard-size sheets of paper. However, some models can only process 1 to 10 sheets per pass. The good news is that most bands list the sheet capacity under the product’s specifications, so you can always check if the machine in question matches your requirements.
Shredding speed
You need to check how fast the shredder can cut through sheets of paper. The shredding speed may vary depending on blade sharpness and the type of motor the equipment is using. Reputable brands use high-performance motors that will allow you to shred different materials in just a few seconds.
Nevertheless, the type of material being shredded can also impact shredding speed. If you intend to shred non-paper items, you should purchase a unit with heavy-duty blades.
Security level
One of the main reasons why people use paper shredders is to destroy information that they wouldn’t want other people to read. According to ScamWatch cases of identity theft almost doubled in 2020 from the previous year.
In the office setting, it can be client data, employee information, sensitive financial records, etc. It would be wise to pick a paper shredder with a high-security rating.
The ratings are assigned based on how easy or difficult one can piece up the shredded material. Most brands rate their paper shredders as P-1, P-2, P-3, P-4, P-5, P-6, or P-7. The security level goes up as the numbers increase.
P-1 or P-2 paper shredders are ideal for shredding general documents with no sensitive data, while P-3 to P-5 shredders can effectively shred sheets containing confidential and sensitive data.
On the other hand, P-6 to P-7 paper shredders are better suited for shredding top-secret documents. These types of shredders will cut the sheets into tiny pieces that cannot be easily reconstructed.
Feed type
Depending on the number of documents that you want to shred, you can go for manual or automatic feed paper shredders. Manual paper shredders require you to load the sheets into the machine after each pass, while auto-feed shredders can automatically load materials into the shredding chamber for hands-free operation.
Manual feed shredders are ideal for people who shred occasionally and in small amounts. The automatic models can suit organisations that shred a large number of documents on a daily basis.
Run time
The run time refers to how long an electric paper shredder can operate nonstop without overheating or blowing out the motor. For example, the offers up to 60 minutes of continuous run time.
This means you can safely operate the shredder within that time frame without causing damage to any of its components. Shredding machines with longer run times will allow you to work at a faster rate. To prolong the shredder’s durability, we recommend that you stop using the machine at least 10 minutes before it reaches the run time suggested by the manufacturer.
Cut type
Paper shredders can be categorised based on the type of cut delivered. You can buy micro-cut shredders, strip-cut shredders, or cross-cut shredders. Bear in mind that the cut type also determines the security level. Micro-cut shredders will reduce every sheet of paper into tiny pieces that somewhat resemble confetti. This makes it hard to piece up the material.
Strip-cut shredders are different from micro-cut models in that they cut the sheets into long, slim strips that can easily be reassembled, while cross-cut shredders deliver vertical and horizontal cuts, making them more secure than strip-cut paper shredders.
Noise level
Like all machines with moving parts, paper shredders can be quite noisy. However, some models generate more noise than others and may lower your concentration level, especially when they are placed close to where you are sitting. That being said, you should try as much as you can to pick a low-noise paper shredder.
Bin capacity
Most, if not all, paper shredders come with waste bins that will catch the shredded pieces of paper. Nevertheless, the bins are not similar when in terms of volume. You should consider buying shredders with large capacity bins as this will save you from emptying the unit from time to time.
Maintenance
As earlier mentioned, paper shredders have motors and several moving parts. If not given proper care, the components will wear out prematurely, resulting in costly repairs.
To avoid this, you need to oil the parts regularly or as directed by the manufacturer. There are two ways in which you can oil your shredder—directly or indirectly. The former requires you to apply the lubricant directly to the gears and then run the shredder in reverse mode for 2-3 minutes.
In indirect lubrication, the shredder oil is applied onto a piece of paper and then inserted into the machine. Run the shredder in reverse to spread the oil to the gears. For your safety, you should never use aerosol lubricants like WD-40 when lubricating your shredder because it can start a fire or explode in worst-case scenarios.
Portability
If you are going for a large paper shredder, ensure that you buy one with casters. This will allow you to move the unit from one spot to the next while applying the least amount of effort.
Features to Look for When Buying a Paper Shredder
Besides the factors listed above, there are additional features that you should look for when purchasing a paper shredder:
Reverse function
As the name implies, the reverse function will back the sheets of paper from the blades. This feature can come in handy when clearing jams. Additionally, it will make your work easier during the lubrication process.
Built-in safety sensors
You should buy a paper shredder with multiple safety features. High-end shredding machines feature reliable sensors that will trigger the unit to make warning sounds when the blades are jammed. Some also have finger stops that will safeguard you against injuries.
Notification panel
A good electric paper shredder should have a notification panel that can tell if the machine is running as it should. Many of these units have indicator lights and warning bells that will provide you with real-time updates. There are models that will let you know when the waste bin is full.
Viewing window
Though not necessary in most cases, some paper shredders come with waste bins that have see-through windows for easy viewing. This will allow you to check if the bin is full.
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Last update on 2024-07-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
