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10 Best Shredders 2025 in the UK

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Bonsaii 6 Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder, Shreds Credit Cards, Staples, and Clips, Paper Shredder for Home & Small Office Use, Portable Handle Design, 13L Bin (C237-B Upgrade Version)

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,118
Cut Type
Sheet Capacity
Run Time
Cut Type
A quantum leap better than older models, this shredder produces confetti-sized pieces for more secure disposal and takes up less volume.
Sheet Capacity
Compact and simple to use, it efficiently handles small paperclips, credit cards, and multiple sheets without jamming.
Run Time
Although the 3-minute continuous usage limit can be a drawback, the shredder is quite adequate for home use and small office tasks.

The Bonsaii 6 Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder is tailored for home and small office environments, offering a decent level of security with its P-4 cross-cut capability. It efficiently handles up to 6 sheets at a time, along with staples, paper clips, and even single credit cards, which adds to its versatility. The shredder's compact design, featuring a 13-liter bin with a transparent window and handle, makes it both convenient to use and easy to store in tight spaces, such as under desks.

The shredder falls short on continuous operation, with a runtime of only 3 minutes before requiring a 40-minute cooldown. This makes it less suited for handling large volumes of shredding in one go. The built-in overheat protection and automatic shut-off features are commendable for safety and longevity, but the lengthy cooling period might be inconvenient for users needing frequent use.

The safety feature that stops the shredder when the head is lifted adds an extra layer of safety, which is beneficial for households with children. While it doesn't boast high-end specs, the Bonsaii shredder's ease of operation with auto start and manual reverse settings make it user-friendly, especially for those who prioritize simple, straightforward functionality. Ideal for occasional use, it's best suited for individuals or small offices needing moderate shredding tasks rather than heavy-duty performance.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,118
Cut Type
Sheet Capacity
Run Time
Cut Type
A quantum leap better than older models, this shredder produces confetti-sized pieces for more secure disposal and takes up less volume.
Sheet Capacity
Compact and simple to use, it efficiently handles small paperclips, credit cards, and multiple sheets without jamming.
Run Time
Although the 3-minute continuous usage limit can be a drawback, the shredder is quite adequate for home use and small office tasks.
#2

Amazon Basics 7-8 Sheet Cross Cut Paper and Credit Card Shredder with 15.5L Bin for Business & Home Office Use with Reverse Function, Black

Rating
9.8
Run Time
Bin Capacity
Noise Level
Run Time
After about 45 minutes of constant use, it needs a 15-20 minute cool-down period.
Bin Capacity
Emptying the bin is easy, but caution is needed as the blades are sharp.
Noise Level
It shreds quickly and effectively, although it can be quite noisy during operation.

The Amazon Basics 7-8 Sheet Cross Cut Paper and Credit Card Shredder offers practical features for both business and home office use. It employs a cross cut method, slicing paper into small strips, which enhances security by meeting the P-3 standard. The shredder can handle up to 7-8 sheets at a time or a single credit card, making it suitable for everyday document disposal. Its compact design and lightweight build make it easy to place in various settings without taking up much space.

One of the primary strengths is its convenience, equipped with an automatic start sensor and a reverse function to address paper jams. The 15.5-litre bin has a handy see-through window, allowing you to monitor when it's time to empty it. However, the maximum run time is limited to 3 minutes, followed by a 30-minute cool-down period, which might be restrictive for users with large shredding tasks.

Safety is well-considered with thermal protection and automatic shut-off features that prevent overheating. The shredder’s noise level isn’t specified, but users should be prepared for typical shredder sounds. While the shredding capability caters well to small businesses and home offices, larger operations might need a machine with a longer run time and higher sheet capacity.

In essence, this shredder is a solid choice for moderate use, offering efficient shredding capabilities while maintaining essential safety measures. Its compact design and practical features make it a reliable option for those who prioritize space and security in their document disposal needs.

Rating
9.8
Run Time
Bin Capacity
Noise Level
Run Time
After about 45 minutes of constant use, it needs a 15-20 minute cool-down period.
Bin Capacity
Emptying the bin is easy, but caution is needed as the blades are sharp.
Noise Level
It shreds quickly and effectively, although it can be quite noisy during operation.
#3

Fellowes Paper Shredder for Home Use - 6 Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder for Home and Personal Use - Home Shredder with 15 Litre Bin - Powershred FS-6C - Security Level P4 - Black -Exclusive to Amazon

Rating
9.5
Bin Capacity
Noise Level
Bin Capacity
Despite occasional paper clogging, the shredder is praised for its ability to hold more than ordinary models and is recommended for light-duty use.
Noise Level
Efficient shredding with a low noise level and easy storage makes it a great value for money.

The Fellowes Powershred FS-6C is designed as a personal shredder ideal for home or small office use. Its cross-cut feature ensures a high level of security by shredding paper into tiny particles, making it significantly more secure than strip-cut models. This is useful if you frequently handle sensitive documents. It has a moderate sheet capacity, handling up to 6 sheets in one go, which suits occasional shredding tasks. This shredder is capable of continuous operation for up to 3 minutes, which may be adequate for light home use but could be a limitation if you have larger shredding tasks.

The 15-litre bin is spacious enough for personal use, reducing the frequency of emptying, and the viewing window allows you to see when it’s full. Additionally, the machine can handle staples and credit cards, which adds to its convenience.

However, the short runtime might require frequent cooling down periods, which could be a hassle if you plan to shred large volumes at once. Compact dimensions allow it to fit easily under a desk, making it a tidy addition to your home or small office setup. The 3-year warranty on the cutters and 2-year on the entire machine reflects the brand's confidence in durability. If you require a shredder for occasional, light-duty use with an emphasis on security, the FS-6C could be a fitting choice.

Rating
9.5
Bin Capacity
Noise Level
Bin Capacity
Despite occasional paper clogging, the shredder is praised for its ability to hold more than ordinary models and is recommended for light-duty use.
Noise Level
Efficient shredding with a low noise level and easy storage makes it a great value for money.

Buying Guide for the Best Shredders

When choosing a shredder, it's important to consider what you'll be shredding, how often you'll use it, and the level of security you need. Shredders come in various types and sizes, each designed to handle different volumes and types of materials. Understanding the key specifications will help you select a shredder that meets your needs efficiently and securely.
Cut TypeThe cut type of a shredder determines how the paper is sliced and the level of security it provides. There are three main types: strip-cut, cross-cut, and micro-cut. Strip-cut shredders cut paper into long strips and are suitable for low-security needs. Cross-cut shredders provide medium security by cutting paper into small pieces, making it harder to reassemble. Micro-cut shredders offer the highest security by turning paper into tiny particles. Choose a cut type based on the sensitivity of the documents you need to shred.
Sheet CapacitySheet capacity refers to the number of sheets a shredder can handle at once. This is important for efficiency, especially if you have a lot of documents to shred. Shredders with a low sheet capacity (around 5-10 sheets) are suitable for personal or occasional use. Medium capacity shredders (10-20 sheets) are ideal for small offices, while high capacity shredders (20+ sheets) are best for heavy-duty or commercial use. Consider how much paper you typically need to shred at one time to determine the right capacity for you.
Run TimeRun time indicates how long a shredder can operate continuously before needing to cool down. This is crucial for productivity, especially in busy environments. Short run times (2-5 minutes) are common in personal shredders, while longer run times (10-30 minutes) are found in office models. Continuous run shredders can operate without stopping, ideal for high-volume shredding tasks. Assess how frequently and for how long you'll be shredding to choose a shredder with an appropriate run time.
Bin CapacityBin capacity is the volume of shredded material a shredder can hold before it needs to be emptied. A larger bin means less frequent emptying, which is convenient for high-volume shredding. Small bins (1-5 gallons) are suitable for personal use, medium bins (5-10 gallons) for small offices, and large bins (10+ gallons) for heavy-duty use. Consider how much shredding you do and how often you're willing to empty the bin when selecting a shredder.
Noise LevelNoise level is an important consideration if you plan to use the shredder in a shared or quiet environment. Shredders can vary significantly in how much noise they produce. Quieter models are ideal for offices or home use where noise could be disruptive. If noise is a concern, look for shredders that are specifically designed to operate quietly, often indicated by a decibel rating in the product specifications.
Safety FeaturesSafety features are crucial, especially if the shredder will be used in environments with children or pets. Common safety features include automatic shut-off when hands are too close, safety locks, and sensors that detect when the shredder is overloaded. These features help prevent accidents and ensure safe operation. Consider the environment in which the shredder will be used and choose a model with appropriate safety features to protect users.