Buying Guide for the Best Aurora Shredders
When choosing an Aurora shredder, it's important to consider your specific needs and the environment in which you'll be using the shredder. Shredders come with various features and specifications that can greatly impact their performance and suitability for different tasks. Understanding these key specifications will help you make an informed decision and select the best shredder for your requirements.Sheet CapacitySheet capacity refers to the number of sheets of paper a shredder can handle at one time. This is important because it determines how quickly you can shred documents. Shredders with a lower sheet capacity (1-10 sheets) are suitable for light, occasional use, such as in a home office. Medium capacity shredders (10-20 sheets) are ideal for small businesses or more frequent use. High capacity shredders (20+ sheets) are designed for heavy-duty use in larger offices or for shredding large volumes of documents. Choose a shredder with a sheet capacity that matches your typical shredding volume to ensure efficiency and avoid overloading the machine.
Cut TypeThe cut type of a shredder determines the size and shape of the shredded pieces. There are three main types: strip-cut, cross-cut, and micro-cut. Strip-cut shredders cut paper into long, narrow strips and are suitable for basic, low-security shredding. Cross-cut shredders cut paper into small, confetti-like pieces, providing a higher level of security and making it more difficult to reassemble documents. Micro-cut shredders offer the highest level of security by cutting paper into tiny particles, ideal for highly sensitive documents. Consider the level of security you need when choosing the cut type.
Run TimeRun time refers to the amount of time a shredder can operate continuously before needing to cool down. This is important for determining how long you can shred documents without interruption. Short run times (2-5 minutes) are suitable for occasional use, while medium run times (10-20 minutes) are better for regular use. Shredders with long run times (30+ minutes) are ideal for heavy-duty use and large shredding tasks. Choose a shredder with a run time that matches your shredding habits to ensure smooth operation.
Bin CapacityBin capacity indicates the volume of shredded paper the shredder's waste bin can hold. This is important because it affects how often you need to empty the bin. Smaller bins (1-5 gallons) are suitable for light use and home offices, while medium bins (5-10 gallons) are better for small businesses. Larger bins (10+ gallons) are ideal for heavy use and larger offices. Consider the amount of shredding you do and how often you want to empty the bin when choosing the bin capacity.
Noise LevelNoise level refers to how loud the shredder is during operation, measured in decibels (dB). This is important if you are concerned about noise in your work environment. Shredders with lower noise levels (below 60 dB) are quieter and more suitable for shared or quiet spaces. Medium noise levels (60-70 dB) are typical for most shredders and are acceptable in many office environments. Higher noise levels (above 70 dB) may be disruptive in quiet settings. Consider the noise level if you need a quieter shredder for your workspace.
Safety FeaturesSafety features are important to prevent accidents and ensure safe operation. Common safety features include automatic shut-off when hands are too close to the feed opening, overload protection to prevent jams, and safety locks to prevent unauthorized use. These features are particularly important if the shredder will be used in environments with children or multiple users. Choose a shredder with safety features that provide peace of mind and suit your specific needs.