Mechanical devices that can be used to reduce paper into tiny pieces are called paper shredders. The need to destroy documents that may include personal, sensitive data has observed an increase with the increasing number of cases of data theft which often leads to crimes like identity theft. As a result, the market for paper shredders has already increasing leading to the increased number of a variety of paper shredders-making the choice for purchasing the best one a difficult task.

There are various factors that need to be considered in selecting which paper shredder will be best for every individual. First among these would be the amount of shredding one does. Various types of shredders include personal, home, business, workgroup, and high security paper shredders. Personal paper shredders are best used by individuals who shred document only a few times every month or year while home shredders are used for paper shredding that is done at least a few times every week. For individuals who work on businesses, on the other hand, who shred huge amounts of paper every day should get business/workgroup shredders. On the other hand, if documents that need to be shredded are extremely sensitive, the best type of shredder to choose is a high security shredder that can reduce paper to dust.

Though price is a huge factor that also needs to be considered in selecting a paper shredder, quality should not be sacrificed for it. For those who shreds paper a few times a year, then cheaper machines-though can shred paper at least 3 sheets at a time-are a better option. However, for those that do daily paper shredding of huge amounts of paper, then more expensive machines that can accommodate about 30 sheets at a time would be more appropriate.

Other factors that one should look for in a paper shredder are its cut style, paper load, and cutting power. Cut style refers to the kind of cut the paper is shred to-these cuts can either be crisscross, diamond, or regular old lines. Paper load refers to the amount of paper the shredder can handle at a time. Cutting power, on the other hand, refers to the materials the paper shredder can cut. Best paper shredders can cut through paper clips, credit cards, staples, and thicker paper.

The rate at which paper is shredded should also be checked when searching for paper shredders. This can be checked on the machine’s label and is referred to as speed of pages per minute (PPM)-the higher the PPM, the faster the machine shreds paper. One must also consider how large the machine is. There are bulkier machines that may require larger floor spaces while there are also smaller ones that can slide under desks. Those shredders that also have a convenient way of removing the bin are a better choice that those that require the machine to be opened every time the bin needs to be emptied. Also, one must always check for the safety features of the machine.

The above listed criteria may be a great help in the selection of the best paper shredder given the number of paper shredders now offered in the market. But always remember that it still is what you NEED that would dictate which paper shredder would be most appropriate that you purchase.

Justin Mitchell works for a detective and security agency in Nottingham. To make sure of their client’s safety, after every assignment completed, any sensitive information regarding their clients are being destroyed using paper shredders. Among the paper shredders they use is the Hama Cross Cut Aktenvernichter CC 718L.