Amazon Basics 8-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder

I bought this cheap shredder five years ago — in 2019. After the umpteenth pile of financial documents I pushed through her teeth this afternoon, I marveled at how reliable this little unit is. It just keeps on shredding without any mishaps or choking on the stuff I feed it.

It will cut through staples without complaint. I have not tried paper clips or heavier duty fasteners. I think that is asking too much if this cheap machine. It shreds credit cards, but slows down considerably when eating them.

This is not NSA-level shredding but I think it is adequate for routine family financial and medical information. I do, however, need a set of needle-nosed pliers when I empty it because wads of paper get wedged into the corners.

I pushed it way beyond’s its intended light use when we moved two years ago. I had decades of old records that I no longer had a reason to keep and did not want to pay to move. I am talking about a large attic full of records that I shredded in long sessions over a couple of weeks. I fully expected this little thing would give up the ghost and give me a reason to buy a new, more robust unit. But it swallowed all of the papers without a problem or complaint.

I am a retired lawyer and I tend to keep more papers than most but when I ultimately dump them, I am very conscious of shredding anything with information someone could use that could harm me. My wife thinks it’s silly, but I also peel prescription information from medicine bottles and shred them too. Trash haulers (for whom I have a lot of respect) sometimes spill stuff in getting our refuse in its truck, especially when overstuffed bags break. I have found on the street neighbors’ paystubs, tax forms, and yes, even prescription medicine bottles.

I have to have my unit dumped every other week during “light” periods. Today, in clearing out two years of documents, I had to empty it twice.

I can only relate my experience but I am impressed with how much this cheap little thing has shredded for me and how reliable it’s been.

I recently purchased the Amazon Basics 12-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper and Credit Card Shredder for my home office, and it has proven to be a dependable addition to my document disposal routine. Here’s my experience and why I’ve given it a four-star rating:

Efficient Shredding Capacity:
The shredder’s ability to handle up to 12 sheets at a time is commendable, making it suitable for moderate shredding tasks in a home office setting. It smoothly shreds paper, credit cards, and even staples, saving me the hassle of removing them before shredding.

Cross-Cut Security:
The cross-cut shredding mechanism adds an extra layer of security compared to standard strip-cut shredders. It effectively turns sensitive documents into confetti, providing peace of mind when disposing of personal or confidential information.

Compact Design:
The Amazon Basics shredder boasts a compact design that doesn’t take up much space in my home office. The integrated handle on the top makes it easy to move around when needed. It fits neatly under my desk, allowing for convenient access without compromising on office aesthetics.

Relatively Quiet Operation:
The shredder operates at a reasonable noise level, which is appreciated, especially in a home environment. While it’s not completely silent, the noise level is not overly disruptive, allowing me to shred documents without causing a disturbance.

Easy to Empty Bin:
The bin is easy to access and empty. The transparent window on the front provides a clear view of the shredding capacity, allowing me to know when it’s time to empty the bin. The pull-out design simplifies the process of removing and replacing the bin.

Automatic Start and Stop:
The shredder features convenient automatic start and stop functionality. It begins shredding when paper is inserted and stops when the job is complete, contributing to a smoother and more user-friendly experience.

Affordable Price Point:
Considering the shredder’s capacity and cross-cut capabilities, the Amazon Basics 12-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder offers good value for its price. It provides a solid balance between performance and affordability.

Minor Jams on Occasion:
While the shredder generally performs well, I have experienced occasional paper jams, especially when pushing the sheet limit. While these jams are easy to clear with the provided reverse function, it’s worth noting for those planning to shred near the maximum sheet capacity.

Conclusion:
The Amazon Basics 12-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder is a reliable and reasonably priced solution for home office document disposal needs. Its efficient shredding capacity, cross-cut security, and user-friendly features make it a solid choice for those seeking an affordable and compact shredder.

Wanted a small shredder that was compact but also did the job. This one works perfectly and does not take up a lot of space. Been using for a Monty now and no issues. Can take multiple pages at once and shred properly

Es una excelente trituradora, creo que de las mejores en comparacion con otras tanto por la calidad que es muy buena y el precio, es muy accesible y facil de usar y no es tan cara como otras opciones del mercado

If you need a paper cutter for home use, this is it. It’s strong, fast, easy to clean, sharp, and needs a little space
I’m happy with my purchase 😃

I’ve had this shredder for years, and it still works like a charm. It was reasonably priced, too! I highly recommend!

Works well and a good value.