Paper Shredder Prices

Find the most suitable paper shredder for your needs.

Paper Shredder Specials

Paper shredder prices vary depending on the type and size of the machine. Large industrial shredders can cost thousands of rands, while small personal machines range from around R1000 to R4000. It is important to consider how often you will use the machine, what type of documents you will be shredding, and how much space you have before making a purchase.

Some paper shredders offer features like auto start and reverse, which can make them easier to use. However, these features may also increase the price tag. If you are looking for a basic machine that will do the job, there are plenty of affordable options available. Be sure to read reviews before buying to get an idea of what others have thought about the product.

What is the definition of a paper shredder?

A paper shredder is a machine that cuts (often confidential or sensitive) paper documents into tiny pieces using (unreadable) particles. Documents are shredded by means of a electric motor-driven set of rotating blades.

The size of the paper particles will differ depending on the type of shredder. Shredders are divided into strip-cut, cross-cut, and micro-cut categories.

A paper shredder may reduce your papers into long strips or tiny pieces that are as fine as confetti. The finished product of the paper shredding machine, according to DIN 66399's official security standards, is covered.

The DIN P-1 to DIN P-7 security levels are defined by this German standard for paper destruction. A higher DIN norm implies a finer particle.

Strip-cut, cross-cut, or micro-cutting are the three types of cuts.

Not all paper shredders cut to the same size. In other words, not every shredder cuts particles of the same size. Paper shredders are classified into three categories to set them apart from one another:

1. Strip-cut or Ribbon-cut or Spaghetti-cut or Straight-cut
2. Cross-cut or Confetti-cut or Diamond-cut
3. Micro-cut or Particle-cut or Security-cut

Is it better to use a cross-cut or micro-cut paper shredder?

So, which type of shredder is superior, a cross-cut or micro-cut? It all depends on how much security you need, the sorts of papers you want to destroy, and how critical the information is to you or your company.

For most purposes, a DIN P-3, DIN P-4, or DIN P-5 shredder is an excellent way to get rid of papers and documents safely. So both cross-cut and micro-cut shredders are safe. But you have to decide which degree of security you are looking for.

The appropriate capacity of your shredder

Small shredders, home shredders, office shredders, and industrial shredders are all available. As a result, it's critical to know precisely what you need from your paper shredder before purchasing one. You should ask yourself a few questions to better assess your requirements.

1. How many people will use the paper shredder?
2. Do you want to shred on a regular basis or just once in a while? (Are you a light or heavy user?)
3. How much space and money do you have for a paper shredder?

Sheet capacity

The total sheet capacity indicates the maximum number of sheets that may be shredded in one pass with the shredder. A basic, low-cost shredder can manage up to 1 to 3 papers per pass. However, more expensive shredders with a stronger motor can handle 20 or more pages each pass.

A higher sheet capacity saves time and labour. But you must first ask if you require a high sheet capacity. When you shred on a regular basis, and the shredder has to shredded papers every day for many people at work, a large sheet shredding capacity is advised.

A manual feed paper shredder that is appropriate for small (home) offices can shredded between 10-20 sheets of A4 paper each pass on average. Are you searching for a shredder with a large sheet capacity? Consider an auto-feed shredder that may handle a significant number of papers in one go.

Be aware that the manufacturer always specifies how much paper you can shred at one time. Based on our knowledge, you should reduce this amount by around 10 to 20 percent.

The wastebasket capacity

Most paper shredders include a wastebasket to collect the shredded particles. A pull-out bin or a lift-off head shredder is used as a wastebasket. Some cheaper models only contain the cutting mechanism and no wastebasket.

Do you require a big or little waste bucket?

The bottom bin with a lift-off head is the most basic type, in which the shredder rests on top of the container. To empty the bin, you must first remove the shredder portion, or head.

This is the way that most home shredders and low-cost shredders are made. It's doable, but it isn't particularly easy. When you want to destroy a larger quantity of papers, removing the top every time becomes tedious. It also makes a mess if you inadvertently tip over your shredder while it is full with shredded paper.

Lift-off head, pull-out bin, removable bucket with door

A pull-out bin or removable bucket is standard on more advanced and larger shredders. All the paper fragments are collected in the container, and when it is full, you open the door or remove the compartment to empty it.

This is a more professional, neat, and practical alternative than the previous one that had the shredder on top of the bin.

Which bin capacity is best for you?

• 5 – 38 Litres – Home use
• 38 – 115 Litres – Small office
• 115 Litres or more – Large office

Does the capacity matter much?

Yes, because a higher capacity means that you will not have to empty the bin as frequently. When you want to shred daily or use the shredder with many individuals in your workplace division, for example, a larger-sized container is advised.

Please keep in mind that the DIN security level has a significant impact on how quickly the wastebin fills up. A DIN P-2 shredder that cuts paper into long strips will fill the container much faster than a DIN P-5 shredder that produces small particles and takes up less room in the bin.

Run-time

When purchasing paper shredders, the maximum run duration is very significant. What does a document shredder's run duration say to you?

The duty cycle, or run-time, is the amount of time you can use the shredder before it has to be shut down.

A few minutes is all that most home shredders can accomplish. Office shredders, on the other hand, may be used for 30 minutes continuously and even run without stopping.

Most shredders need to cool down after intensive shredding.

To avoid overheating

What is the longest period of time you can shred documents without stopping with your shredder? It's all determined by the type of shredder, the machine's quality, and security level.

Shredders run for several minutes at a time before needing to be shut off. Most home shredders can endure 5-10 minutes without stopping. The capacity of business shredders is much greater than that of personal ones, reaching up to 30 minutes. However, commercial shredders are also available that do not need to be cooled down between runs. These are the real heavy-duty machines.

It's crucial to note that, in most cases, the cooling down period is considerably longer than the run duration for paper shredders. A 3-minute operating time basic paper shredder needs to cool down for 30 minutes before it may be used again.

A higher DIN security level has a negative influence on the maximum run time. A DIN P-5 or P-6 shredder must cool down more frequently than a DIN P-2 shredder in the same class because a DIN P-5 shredder creates smaller particles than a DIN P-2, for example.

Shredding into smaller particles uses more energy and power from the motor, which causes it to heat up faster.

Speed of the shredder

How quickly can the shredder cut through paper? To determine how fast a paper shredder can work, consider these factors.

• Sheet Capacity – amount of paper a shredder can shred at one time
• Feet per Minute (FPM) – how quickly the shredder can shred paper
• Run Time – the time the shredder can continuously run before cooling down