Best Cross-Cut Shredders | 2022 Buyer’s Guide
Shredders are available in three main types, which provide different levels of security based on the size and shape of the paper shreds. Depending on how confidential your documents are, you may choose one or another type of paper shredder. The shredder security levels range from the P-1 to P-7, with the latter being the most secure option.
Strip-cut shredders like the Rexel Prostyle+ 2104004 have P-1 to P-3 security levels and are the most affordable type of paper shredders. Equipped with rotating blades, these machines cut the material into long strips and work very fast. They are ideal for shredding high volumes of documents but are not suitable for sensitive information because the paper shreds can be put together. Many models handle not only paper but also credit cards and CDs.
Cross-cut shredders, also called confetti shredders, use a completely different approach. They are made with blades that cut the paper twice. Not only do the blades slice through the material in various shapes but they also create smaller particles with a width of less than 6 mm. As a result, the paper shreds are very hard, if not impossible, to reassemble. Cross-cut machines are classified as P-4 shredders. A good example is the Fellowes Powershred M-8C 8 Sheet Cross Cut Personal Shredder that can shred 8 sheets per pass into 4 x 37-mm crosscuts. Ideal for home use, it features a safety lock that prevents the unit’s accidental activation. Designed to operate continuously for 5 minutes, the machine shreds paper, credit cards, and staples.
Micro-cut shredders, such as the WOLVERINE 10-Sheet Super Micro-Cut Shredder, are the most secure yet expensive option. They produce tiny particles that are less than 2 mm wide. A popular choice for government agencies, they chop up documents into small bits so that the information cannot be read at all. These machines offer P-5, P-6, and P-7 levels of security. The latter is the only type that meets the U.S. National Security Agency’s requirements for the disposal of classified information. The P-7 paper shredders reduce documents to tiny particles that are impossible to reconstruct and read.
Manual & Auto-Feed Cross-Cut Shredders
Cross-cut shredders vary depending on how documents are fed — manually or automatically. Electric manual feed shredders like the Rexel 2101942UK Style 5 require that you insert a sheet of paper in the shredder’s slot. With a weight of just 3,6 kg, this compact cross-cut shredder is a great space-saving solution. The machine cuts an A4 sheet of paper into as many as 400 pieces and includes a 7.5-liter bin. It takes 5 sheets in one go, destroying them very quickly. After two minutes of continuous operation, the paper shredder needs some time to cool down.
Auto-feed automatic shredders allow for the simultaneous placing of multiple documents into the machine. Once the shredder is turned on, it will automatically shred the documents. Often preferred by businesses, this option is more time-saving, easier to use, and safer for employees.
For instance, the Rexel Auto+ 130X 2102559A is a high-capacity cross-cut shredder with a 26-liter removable bin. The machine comes with an auto-feed feature for up to 130 sheets and an auto-reverse function to eliminate jams. It shreds documents into 200 cross-cut cut pieces, 4x40mm each. This industrial-level device handles large stacks of paper in one pass and works with thick and solid materials like credit cards and paper clips.
How to Choose a Cross-Cut Shredder
A paper shredder should not only match your budget but, more importantly, should meet your needs. Your choice depends on whether you are going to destroy documents only, the amount of paper you deal with, and other factors. Now, let’s see what essential things you should consider when buying your best cross-cut shredder.
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Material Type. Those who need to shred standard A4 sheets of paper may go with a less sophisticated machine. If there is a pile of documents with staples and paperclips, you will get tired of removing them pretty quickly. In this case, you should opt for a machine that works with different types of materials, including credit cards and staples. Some machines are made with CD slots, such as the Duronic Paper Shredder PS991 that has a separate opening for CDs, DVDs, and credit cards.
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Capacity. Cross-cut shredders vary in capacity, with the basic models being able to accommodate 1 to 5 pages at a time. More advanced shredders can shred up to twenty pages in one go. If you have to deal with high volumes, a higher-capacity paper shredder will be the best choice for you. We recommend the 100-percent jam-proof Fellowes Powershred 79Ci Cross Cut Shredder. The machine has a P-4 security level rating and cuts 16 sheets of A4 paper per pass, creating more than 400 four-millimetre paper shreds.
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Extra features. Many additional functions are no less important as they make the entire process safer and more efficient. For instance, an auto-start function enables the device to automatically detect when a document is being fed. An auto-stop feature shuts down the shredder once it is jammed. Another beneficial feature is auto-reverse which makes the motor turn backward to clear jams.
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Design. It is very convenient to work with a paper shredder that has a window or a transparent bin. You will be able to check it any time and see when the bin is close to full. Another important thing is the size and weight of the unit. For personal use, it would be wise to buy a compact cross-cut shredder like the Rexel 2101942UK Style 5 that can easily fit under your desk.
Best-Selling Paper Shredders in the UK | Comparison Table
Customers' Choice
Fellowes Powershred M-8C 8 Sheet Cross Cut Personal Shredder With Safety Lock, Black
- The M-8C paper shredder can shred eight sheets per pass into 4 x 37 mm cross cut (DIN P-4), so you can be sure that your confidential documents have been shredded securely
- When switched to lock position, the patented Safety Lock prevents your Fellowes M-8C home cross cut shredder from accidentally being activated, ideal security for the home environment
- The M-8C personal paper shredder will shred continuously for up to five minutes before requiring a 30 minute cool down period, meeting demand for occasional use in the home
- Fellowes shredders are built to last, the paper shredders powerful cross-cut cutters will not only shred your documents into unreadable pieces, but can shred staples, paper clips and credit cards too
- For disposal of your cross cut shredders paper waste, the M-8C personal paper shredder features a handy spacious 15 Litre bin
Best Value | Most Discussed & Reviewed
Bonsaii 6 Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder, Credit Card Shredder for Home Use, Portable Handle Design with 13L...
- Cross-cut paper shredder with 6 sheets shredding capacity(no need to remove staples), shreds paper into tiny particles measuring 5x45mm, high-security grade P-3, destroys credit cards (one at a time)
- The paper shredder will shred continuously for up to 4 minutes before requiring a 40 minute cool down period. Perfect for light use in a small business or home office, the cross-cut shredder conveniently fits under a desk or other workstation for easy access throughout the day.
- Auto start and manual reverse to clear paper jams. Overloading protection prevents serious paper jams and thermal protection system with auto shut-off,it can prolong its lifetime of the motor and the shredding machine
- Bonsaii shredders are built to last, the paper shredders cross-cut cutters will not only shred your documents into unreadable pieces, but can shred staples, paper clips and credit cards to keep your information safe.
- For disposal of your cross cut shredders paper waste, the Bonsaii personal paper shredder features a 13 Litre transparent window bin with convenient handle design,helps you clean up the paper scraps easily and quickly
Most Popular | Best Cheap
AmazonBasics 8 Sheet Strip Cut Shredder with CD Shred
- Strip-cut paper shredder with 8-sheet capacity; destroys credit cards, CDs, and DVDs (one at a time)
- Shreds paper into 0.65-cm strips at a rate of 3 meters per minute; Overload/Overheat protection
- 2 minute continuous run time with 15 minute cool down time; Auto start and manual reverse to clear paper jams
- 22-cm-wide paper feed; 12-litre wastebasket; thermal protection
- Measures 33.5 by 32 by 17 cm (LxWxD); AmazonBasics 1-year limited warranty
Other Popular Paper Shredders
Fellowes Powershred 6C Personal 6 Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder for Home Use with Safety Lock, Black
- The Fellowes 6C cross-cut paper shredder can shred 6 A4 sheets per pass into 4 x 35 mm particles (DIN P-4) for secure shredding. Run Time: Up to 3 minutes
- When switched to lock position, the patented Safety Lock prevents your Fellowes 6C home paper shredder from accidentally being activated- ideal security for the home environment
- The 6C personal paper shredder is also tough enough to cut through credit cards, paper clips and staples, whilst ensuring confidential documents are shredded into unreadable pieces
- The 6C personal paper shredder will shred continuously for up to 3 minutes before requiring a 30-minute cool down period, meeting demand for occasional use in the home
- For disposal of your shredder paper waste, the 6C personal paper shredder features a handy spacious 11 Litre bin
Best Budget
Rexel Momentum X308 Cross Cut Paper Shredder, Shreds 8 Sheets, 15 Litre Bin, Black, 2104570
- Cross-cut shredder for secure everyday shredding, ideal for home or small business environments, 5 x 42 mm cutting effectively prevents against identity theft
- Shreds up to eight sheets of paper (80 gsm) in one go, shreds paper, staples and paperclips
- 3 minute continuous run time followed by 60 minute cool-down time, generous 15 Litre - 100 A4 sheets bin capacity for easy disposal and product takes 8 sheets of 80 gsm paper, if the end user has used more than this it will overheat more
- 2-year warranty against defects
- Contents: 1x Rexel Momentum X308 Cross Cut Paper Shredder, dimensions (height x width x depth): 34.3 x 32.5 x 22.9 cm, weight: 3.5 kg, 2104570
ECONO Strip Cut 6 Sheet Paper Shredder 10 Litre Bin Cut Size 6mm Security Level P2 Credit Card Shredder
- PERFORMANCE: Rated 6 Sheet A4 Capacity (80gsm), Cut Type; Strip Cut, Cut Size; 0.23" (6mm), DIN 66399 Security Level; P-2, Throat Width; 8.7" (220mm), Average Shredding Speed; 9.84ft/min (3.0m/min), Max Noise Level at non-loading (dB); 68
- DATA: Bin Style; lift off basket, Bin Capacity; 2.65 gal (10L), View; Viewing window, Auto-stop on Bin Full; NO, Auto Start / Stop, Manual Reverse Function, Input; 120V, 60Hz / 230v, 50Hz
- TECHNICAL: Switches; Slide, Auto/Off/Rev, Overheat Protection; YES
- MEASUREMENTS: Machine Dimensions (HxWxD); 392×142×326 mm, Box Dimensions; 295×142×286 mm, Unit Net Weight; 1.90 KG
- WARRANTY: 1 Year
Fellowes Powershred 8C Personal 8 Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder for Home Use with Safety Lock
- For secure shredding, the Fellowes 8C cross-cut paper shredder can shred 8 A4 sheets per pass into 4 x 35 mm particles (DIN P-4)
- When switched to lock position, the patented Safety Lock prevents your Fellowes 8C home paper shredder from accidentally being activated- ideal security for the home environment
- Not only can the 8C cross cut shredder cut through paper, the personal paper shredder is also tough enough to cut through credit cards, paper clips and staples, whilst ensuring confidential documents are shredded into unreadable pieces
- The 8C personal paper shredder will shred continuously for up to 3 minutes before requiring a 30-minute cool down period, meeting demand for occasional use in the home
- For disposal of your shredder paper waste, the 8C personal paper shredder features a handy spacious 14 Litre bin
AmazonBasics 18-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper, CD, and Credit Card Shredder
- AmazonBasics 18-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper, CD, and Credit Card Shredder
- Cross-cut paper shredder with 18-sheet capacity; destroys credit cards, CDs, and DVDs
- Shreds paper into small strips measuring 4mm by 35mm; 23 liters waste bin
- 30 minute continuous run time with 10 minute cool down cycle
- Helpful indicator lights (power, overheat, overload,door open)
Bonsaii 8 Sheet Strip Cut Paper Shredder, Credit Card CD/DVD Shredder for Home Use with 13L...
- Strip-cut paper shredder with 8 sheets shredding capacity(no need to remove staples), shreds paper into tiny particles measuring 6mm, high-security grade P-2, destroys credit cards and CD/DVD (one at a time).
- The paper shredder will shred continuously for up to 3 minutes before requiring a 30 minute cool down period. Perfect for light use in a small business or home office, the strip-cut shredder conveniently fits under a desk or other workstation for easy access throughout the day.
- Auto start and manual reverse to clear paper jams. Overloading protection prevents serious paper jams and thermal protection system with auto shut-off,it can prolong its lifetime of the motor and the shredding machine.
- Bonsaii shredders are built to last, the paper shredders strip-cut cutters will not only shred your documents into unreadable pieces, but can shred staples, paper clips and credit cards to keep your information safe.
- Bonsaii personal shredder is equipped with a 13 litre transparent trash bin and has a safety switch. When you pick up the shredder, it will automatically disconnect the power supply to ensure your safety. A quick, simple and practical shredder can help you clean up shredded paper easily and quickly.
Bonsaii 12-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper Shredder(5×45mm), P-3 High-Security for Home & Small Office Use, Shreds Credit...
- The Bonsaii C170-C Cross-Cut paper shredder can shred 12 sheets per pass into 5 x 45mm particles (DIN P-3) for secure shredding, it surpasses the shredding ability of most common Cross-cut shredders on the market.
- This shredder machine also shreds staples/ paperclips and credit cards making it a versatile shredder.
- Designed with safety in mind, the Bonsaii C170-C paper shredder will stop working immediately once you lift the machine head-- ideal security for the home or office environment.
- 5-minute continuous running time fulfills your daily use for home and office, 40 minutes cool-down time after overheating.14 liters wastebasket capacity for less frequent emptying; large transparent window helps you easily see when it is full.
- Overheating and overloading thermal protection equipment makes shredding machine be safe while using it, manufacture's 1-Year limited warranty assures your rights and interests.
Duronic Paper Shredder PS815 | 8X A4 Sheets at a Time | Cross Cut | Electric | 15L Bin | 250W Power | GDPR:...
- CROSS CUT TECHNOLOGY: Unlike shredders that cut in long or short strips, this shredder cross cuts into small pieces measuring only 39x4mm. It slices up to 8 pages of A4 80gsm paper in a cross-cut fashion, ensuring that paper documents are safely destroyed. Integrated into the body of the machine is a medium-sized 15 litre bin which will collect shredded paper for a long time before needed to be emptied.
- GET YOUR OFFICE GDPR COMPLIANT: In line with the recent implementation of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), businesses and anywhere that holds sensitive data are under greater scrutiny when it comes to disposing of personal data. With the PS815 shredder this isn’t a worry as it will efficiently cut through paper into small pieces, ensuring that if your disposed documents get into the wrong hands, they will never be able to be put back together again by the thief.
- EFFICIENT AND RELIABLE: This is an efficient shredder capable of working through piles of papers before needing a rest. The run time on is 2 minutes on/45 minutes off. It easily cuts through letters, envelopes, receipts and invoices. To provide protection and longevity to the machine, the PS815 has an in-built Thermal Overload Protection which ensures the shredder will never overheat during use.
- SUITABLE FOR HOME AND OFFICE: Wherever you have paperwork you are guaranteed to need a shredder to destroy any unwanted documents which contain personal details. We all have them; bank statements, credit card bills, utility bills and envelopes with our name and address on. No longer will you have to tear up these documents by hand; with the PS815 you can simply whizz them through in the safe knowledge that your personal details will stay private and never obtained by anyone else.
- SPECIFICATIONS: Cuts paper into small 35x4mm pieces. Bin capacity: 15L. Feed opening: 22cm. Size of Shredder: 35x32x20cm. Weight: 4.5kg. Power: 250W. Fitted with a BS British Standard 3-pin plug. Quality and safety tested: CE approved.
Rexel Style+ 7 Sheet Manual Cross Cut Shredder for Home or Small Office Use, 12L Removable Bin, White, 2101946UK
- Seven sheet compact cross-cut shredder for secure disposal of bank statements, utility bills and other personal or confidential documents, shreds an A4 sheet into approximate 400 4 x 23 mm pieces (P-4), for home or small office use
- Suitable for up to A4 size paper, shreds paper, credit cards, staples and paper clips, will not shred CDs
- Auto start/stop and reverse function for clearing paper jams, 2 minutes continuous run period followed by cool-down period, removable 12 Litre bin for easy disposal
- Elegant dual colour glossy finish with a sleek and slim design, fits neatly under your desk
- Shredding supports GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) compliance; an effective prevention against identity theft so you can be confident your documents are disposed of securely
Bonsaii 14-Sheet Cross-Cut Heavy Duty Paper and Credit Card Shredder, 19-Litre Bin with Transparent Window,...
- Cross-cut paper shredder with 14 sheets (A4 size 80gsm) shredding capacity and 10 minutes continuous running time for mass documents;destroys Credit cards/staples as well.
- Shreds paper and credit card into tiny particles measuring 4mm x 35mm, Security level P-4; Quiet operation:62 dB low noise level will give you a quiet and smooth shredding experience
- Easy to move to anywhere you want with 4 casters; Narrow type design will also save the occupied space
- 19-litre pull-out wastebasket capacity for less frequent and easy emptying and the transparent window makes it easy to see when it is full
- Auto start/stop and manual reverse function; overheating and overloading protection technology to keep sustainable using the shredder and prolong its lifetime
Bonsaii 18-Sheet Paper Shredder, 60-Minute Heavy-Duty Cross-Cut Credit Card Shredder Machine for Large Office and...
- Cross-cut heavy duty shredder up to 18 sheets(A4 size 80g) at a single pass ,Shreds paper into tiny particles measuring 5mm x 40mm;Shreds credit cards and Staples as well
- Continuous running time up to 60 minutes and only takes 10 minutes recovery time to continue working. with an advanced cooling system and patented cutting technology.
- 62 dB low noise level will give you a quiet and smooth shredding experience and 4 casters for convenience moving to anywhere you want.
- 23L pull-out wastebasket capacity for less frequent and easy emptying; the transparent window makes it easy to see when it is full.
- Auto start and manual reverse function protect you from the frustration of paper jams; overheating and overloading protection technology keeps sustainable using and prolong shredder's lifetime.