10 Best Paper Shredders 2025 in the UK

The Amazon Basics 8 Sheet Cross Cut Paper and Credit Card Shredder is designed for users who need to securely dispose of confidential documents and credit cards. It meets P-4 security standards, which is suitable for most common office and home shredding needs, ensuring that your documents are cut into small pieces measuring approximately 0.5 x 1.8 cm. With a sheet capacity of up to 8 sheets, it's not the most robust option but sufficient for light office work or home use.

One of the strengths is its ability to shred credit cards in addition to paper, although it can't handle metallic cards, which could be a drawback for some. The shredder has a decent 3-minute runtime before requiring a 30-minute cooldown, which might be limiting if you have a large shredding task. It features a 14-litre bin, a size that should handle moderate shredding before needing emptying.

The unit includes a 4-mode control switch and LED status indicators, simplifying operation and offering useful feedback on its status, like overheating alerts. It's worth noting that it's not designed for continuous heavy-duty use, as indicated by the automatic shut-off feature to prevent overheating. Moreover, the compact design (18.3 x 32.5 x 35.1 cm) makes it easy to fit in smaller spaces. A standout aspect is the quality testing before shipping, ensuring reliability, although this might result in visible paper shreds from testing. Users must follow guidelines to avoid damage, such as not spraying aerosols near it or shredding unsuitable materials. Recognized as a bestseller, this shredder is a popular choice that balances performance and affordability, ideal for someone looking for reliable, everyday shredding capabilities without demanding heavy-duty features.

The Amazon Basics 7-8 Sheet Cross Cut Paper and Credit Card Shredder is a practical choice for both business and home office use, especially for those prioritizing security with its Level P-3 rating. It efficiently shreds up to 7-8 sheets of paper at a time, and also handles single credit cards, turning them into strips measuring 0.5x4.7cm. While the sheet capacity is suitable for moderate use, heavy-duty users might find it somewhat limited. The shredder's operation is supported by a handy reverse function, which is useful for clearing jams—an essential feature when dealing with thicker batches of paper.

With a run time of 3 minutes followed by a necessary 30-minute cool down, this shredder is best suited for users with light to medium shredding needs. The automatic shut-off feature adds a layer of safety by preventing overheating. The bin has a 15.5-litre capacity and comes with a see-through window, making it convenient to check when it needs emptying. However, those with high-volume shredding requirements might find the cool-down time and bin size limiting.

Designed to be compact and lightweight at 3.75 kg, it easily fits into small office spaces and can be moved around as needed. The shredder also includes an automatic start sensor and LED status indicator for ease of use. Its black color and sleek design help it blend well with most office setups.

In conclusion, the Amazon Basics Shredder is ideal for small businesses or home offices requiring reliable, moderate-level shredding security. It balances functionality and compact design, although its limited run time and cooling period might not meet the demands of high-volume shredding tasks.

The Amazon Basics 5-6 Sheet Cross Cut Shredder is a practical choice for home and small office use, particularly for those who need basic document and credit card shredding. With a security level of P-3, it cuts paper into pieces measuring 0.56x4.7 cm, providing a moderate amount of security suitable for non-sensitive documents. The shredder can handle 5-6 sheets at once and can also shred small paper clips and staples, adding to its convenience.

One of its standout features is the 14.3-liter bin, which is adequate for light shredding tasks, making it less ideal for those with high-volume shredding needs. The shredder's compact size and lightweight design make it easy to move and store. It includes a manual reverse function to help clear paper jams, which can be handy during operation.

A key limitation is its short run time of 3 minutes, followed by a substantial cool down period of 30 minutes. This could be restrictive if you have larger amounts of shredding to do in one session. However, it does come with thermal protection and automatic shut-off to prevent overheating, which is a useful safety feature.

This shredder is designed for those looking for an entry-level, budget-friendly option that offers the basic functionality needed for occasional shredding tasks. While it may not suit high-demand use, its ease of use and affordability make it a popular choice in the stationery and office supplies category.