Amazon Basics 12-Sheet Cross Cut Shredder Review: Is It Worth It?

I’ve always been a bit paranoid about identity theft, especially after a few friends had their credit cards compromised. I’ve been meaning to get a shredder for a long time, and I finally decided to look into it after receiving an unexpected credit card offer in the mail. The thought of someone getting ahold of my personal information and using it to their advantage gave me chills. I knew I needed to find a solution to secure my sensitive documents, and a shredder felt like the perfect answer.

Amazon Basics 12-Sheet Cross Cut Junk Mail, CD, and Credit Card Shredder with Pullout Basket, Black
  • Cross-cut shred size: turns paper into confetti-like pieces measuring 5/32 by 1-7/32 inches (4 by 31...
  • Sheet capacity: shreds up to 12 sheets of 20-pound bond paper at a time; also destroys Junk Mail,...
  • Run time and thermal protection: 8 minutes on / 45 minutes off; if shredder runs continuously beyond...
  • User-friendly design: Compact Desktop-Style; 4-mode power switch (auto, off, reverse, forward); auto...

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Shredder

Before jumping into buying a shredder, there are a few things to keep in mind. It’s important to think about how much you shred and what types of documents you need to destroy. If you’re a casual user who only needs to shred a few documents every now and then, a basic model might be enough. However, if you deal with large volumes of paper or need to shred sensitive documents like credit cards, you might want to consider a more powerful model.

One of the main factors to consider is the type of shredding technology you need. There are two main types: cross-cut and strip-cut. Cross-cut shredders cut paper into small, confetti-like pieces, making them more difficult to reassemble. Strip-cut shredders, on the other hand, cut paper into long strips. If you’re concerned about privacy, cross-cut shredders are the way to go.

Another crucial factor is the capacity of the shredder. This refers to the number of sheets it can shred at once. If you shred a lot of documents, a higher capacity shredder will save you time. You should also consider the size of the wastebasket and how often you’ll need to empty it.

Introducing the Amazon Basics 12-Sheet Cross Cut Shredder

Amazon Basics 12-Sheet Cross Cut Shredder promises to offer reliable shredding for both home and office use. It claims to be capable of shredding up to 12 sheets of paper at a time, along with credit cards, CDs, and DVDs. It’s a relatively affordable model compared to many of its competitors, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers.

This shredder is perfect for individuals and small businesses that need a reliable and efficient way to dispose of sensitive documents. However, if you’re dealing with large volumes of paper, you might want to consider a heavier-duty model.

Here’s a breakdown of its pros and cons:

Pros:

* Affordable price
* Compact design
* Shreds paper, credit cards, CDs, and DVDs
* Easy to operate
* Quiet operation

Cons:

* Small wastebasket capacity
* May jam occasionally

Detailed Examination of Features

Shredding Capabilities

The Amazon Basics 12-Sheet Cross Cut Shredder boasts a cross-cut shredding style, which transforms documents into confetti-like pieces. This level of security offers better protection against identity theft, as it makes it significantly more difficult for anyone to reassemble the shredded documents.

This shredder also features a unique ability to shred CDs and credit cards. The credit card shredding feature is a particularly valuable addition for anyone concerned about keeping their financial information secure. However, remember that this shredder is not designed to handle thick, laminated documents or large quantities of heavy paper.

Performance and Durability

During my time using the Amazon Basics 12-Sheet Cross Cut Shredder, I found that it performs well. I’ve been able to shred various types of documents, including junk mail, credit card offers, and even old tax returns. While it’s not as powerful as some of its more expensive competitors, it does a good job of shredding a reasonable volume of documents.

The shredder’s ability to handle a variety of materials makes it a versatile tool. It’s also relatively quiet, so you don’t have to worry about it disturbing anyone nearby. One potential drawback is the small wastebasket capacity. You’ll need to empty it frequently, especially if you’re shredding a lot of documents. I’ve found that it jams occasionally, particularly when I try to shred something thicker than paper. However, this is a relatively common issue with shredders, and it’s usually easy to clear the jam.

Ease of Use and Design

One of the biggest advantages of the Amazon Basics 12-Sheet Cross Cut Shredder is its user-friendly design. It’s incredibly easy to set up and operate. Simply plug it in, flip the switch, and start shredding. It also includes a safety feature that automatically shuts off the shredder when the wastebasket is full or if it encounters a jam.

The compact size of this shredder allows it to fit comfortably on my desk. It’s light enough to be moved around easily, so I can use it in different locations if needed. The sleek black design makes it look stylish and professional.

Value for Money

Considering its features, performance, and affordability, the Amazon Basics 12-Sheet Cross Cut Shredder offers excellent value for money. It provides a reliable and secure solution for shredding personal and sensitive documents without breaking the bank. However, it’s essential to note that it’s not a high-duty shredder, so it’s not designed for continuous use or handling massive amounts of paper.

User Feedback

I’ve scoured the internet for feedback from other users of the Amazon Basics 12-Sheet Cross Cut Shredder. I found several positive reviews from people who were pleased with its performance and reliability. Many users highlighted the shredder’s ability to shred both paper and other materials like credit cards. However, I also noticed a few complaints about the occasional jamming issues and the small wastebasket size.

Overall Conclusion

If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable cross-cut shredder for home or small office use, the Amazon Basics 12-Sheet Cross Cut Shredder is a great option. It offers a good combination of features, performance, and value for money. While it may not be the most powerful shredder on the market, it gets the job done and provides a good level of security for your sensitive documents.

If you’re looking for a way to protect yourself against identity theft, then you need to shred sensitive documents like bank statements, credit card offers, and other personal documents. This shredder offers a straightforward and cost-effective solution for keeping your information safe.

Click here to check out the Amazon Basics 12-Sheet Cross Cut Shredder !