Review of the Fellowes Powershred 99Ci 18-Sheet Heavy Duty Crosscut Paper Shredder
The Fellowes Powershred 99Ci is a heavy-duty crosscut paper shredder designed for both home and office use. Offering enhanced security features and a robust design, it efficiently handles various materials, making it a versatile addition to any workspace. Let’s delve into its features, performance, pros and cons, and finally, provide an overall rating.
Design and Build Quality
Sturdy Construction
The Fellowes Powershred 99Ci impresses with its solid build quality. The combination of black and gray colors gives it a sleek and professional look, making it suitable for any office environment. The materials used feel durable, ensuring longevity even with regular use.
User-Friendly Features
Setting up the shredder is straightforward. Users have noted that installing the casters is a breeze, and the clear instructions allow for a quick assembly. The 9-gallon pull-out bin is conveniently designed, and the LED bin-full indicator is a thoughtful addition, ensuring that users are aware when it’s time to empty the shredder.
Performance
Jam-Proof Technology
One of the standout features of the 99Ci is its 100% Jam Proof technology. This feature has garnered positive feedback, as it automatically detects paper thickness and prevents jams, ensuring a seamless shredding experience. Users have reported that even thicker junk mail is managed effectively without causing frustration.
Shredding Capacity
With a capacity to shred up to 18 sheets of paper at once, the Powershred 99Ci is well-equipped for high-volume shredding tasks. It can also handle staples, credit cards, paper clips, CDs, DVDs, and junk mail, making it a versatile tool for document destruction. The cross-cut capability provides a higher level of security by turning documents into 397 cross-cut particles, adhering to a Level P-4 security grade.
Run Time and Noise Level
The shredder operates for up to 30 minutes continuously before needing to cool down, making it efficient for larger shredding jobs. Users have reported that the machine operates quietly, which is an essential feature for shared workspaces where noise can be disruptive.
Safety Features
SafeSense Technology
Fellowes has incorporated its proprietary SafeSense technology, which automatically disables the shredder when hands or paws touch the paper opening. This feature is particularly reassuring for households with children or pets, adding an extra layer of safety.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Effective Jam-Proof Technology: Prevents paper jams effectively, ensuring smooth operation.
- High Shredding Capacity: Shreds up to 18 sheets at once, accommodating various materials.
- Quiet Operation: Ideal for shared workspaces, maintaining a peaceful environment.
- Enhanced Security: Cross-cut shredding provides a higher level of data protection.
- User-Friendly Design: Easy assembly and a pull-out bin that simplifies waste disposal.
Cons
- Bin Size: Some users feel that the 9-gallon bin could be larger to hold more shredded waste without frequent emptying.
- Cooling Time: The 30-minute run time before a cooling period may not be sufficient for extensive shredding tasks.
Overall Rating: 4.4/5
The Fellowes Powershred 99Ci excels in providing efficient, secure, and quiet shredding capabilities. Its user-friendly design and safety features make it a great investment for both home and office settings. The minor downside regarding the bin size and cooling time does not overshadow its performance and reliability.
Ratings Breakdown
- Build Quality: 4.5/5
- Performance: 4/5
- User-Friendliness: 4.5/5
- Safety Features: 5/5
- Value for Money: 4/5
Conclusion
The Fellowes Powershred 99Ci is a top choice for anyone looking for a robust and reliable paper shredder. Its combination of safety, performance, and user-friendly features make it a worthwhile investment for securely disposing of sensitive documents. The ability to shred various materials while maintaining a quiet operation adds to its appeal, especially in busy office environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can the Fellowes Powershred 99Ci handle credit cards and CDs?
Yes, the 99Ci can shred credit cards and CDs/DVDs alongside paper, making it a versatile shredding solution.
2. How often should I empty the shredder’s bin?
It depends on the volume of shredding you do. The 9-gallon bin can hold a significant amount of shredded material, but it’s best to check it regularly, especially during heavy use.
3. Is the shredder safe for use around pets and children?
Yes, the SafeSense technology automatically disables the shredder when it detects hands or paws near the opening, adding an essential safety feature.
4. What is the maximum shredding capacity of the Powershred 99Ci?
The Fellowes Powershred 99Ci can shred up to 18 sheets of paper at one time.
5. How long can the shredder run continuously?
The 99Ci can operate for up to 30 minutes before requiring a cool-down period.
ADRIAN NOBLE –
This shredder is a significant upgrade compared to the previous ones we’ve used. I just wish the bin were a bit larger to accommodate more waste.
Lemmi2604 –
We have been using this shredder for several years now, and it is truly indestructible. We will definitely purchase from this brand again!
BZB –
Just upgraded to the Fellowes 99Ci from a 15-year-old, low-quality shredder that barely worked. I have a ton of paper to shred, and since a local shredding service charges $10 per shopping bag, I decided it’s worth investing in my own shredder.
I was torn between this model and the AmazonBasics 24-Sheet Cross-Cut but ultimately chose the 99Ci for its 100% Jam Proof feature, SafeSense technology, a shredding speed of 10 FPM (AmazonBasics has no speed specs), and a larger 9-gallon bin. Plus, it just feels more robust and well-designed.
Pros:
Minor Cons:
Miscellaneous:
Conclusion:
As long as it lasts for years to come, I’m thrilled with my purchase. I read about a plastic gear issue in the previous model (SB-99Ci), but I hope that’s been resolved in this one. Now that I have a much better shredder, shredding is “ALMOST” fun!
Update (1/21/2015):
Out of curiosity, I decided to shred some DVDs and had no issues at all – it was actually enjoyable! I also reached out to Fellowes for information about shredding oil. Here’s what I found:
I’m loving this shredder so far!
PR –
It arrived on time and in perfect condition. Easy to install tires, performs its function very well.
Aaron –
When this arrived, assembly took just a couple of minutes. I immediately tested it with some junk mail that came in the same day, and to my surprise, it worked exceptionally well! I noticed that thicker pieces of junk mail could be a challenge, as the shredder indicates its load based on the thickness of the paper. It’s easy to tell what will work and what won’t.
I purchased this shredder because I often dispose of a lot of mail containing personal information, which makes me uneasy. Now, I feel much more secure knowing that my trash won’t be a goldmine for identity thieves looking to open a credit line in my name. I’ll never again throw away whole pieces of mail! I also plan to shred many government documents with my Social Security number to keep them safe.
One of the most surprising features is how quietly it operates! Both my roommate and I were amazed by how much quieter it is compared to the shredder I’m used to at work for sensitive documents.
Overall, I highly recommend this shredder. While the price may be high, it’s built to last and of excellent quality, so I can confidently endorse it as one of the best shredders out there.
Just a heads up: it comes with a small bottle of lubricant, so you don’t necessarily need to buy a larger one right away like I did. I’m glad I did, but for those on a budget or unsure of their needs, it’s not an essential purchase immediately.
UPDATE: 3/31/2014
I just shredded a Bowflex catalog, and it handled it effortlessly. I’ve emptied the trash basket three times now, which is quite a bit of shredding, and so far it has managed 99% of everything I’ve thrown at it without any issues. This has been a fantastic addition to my home office!
Amazon Customer –
Exceeded all my expectations. Sturdy and operates quietly.
Amazon Customer –
I use this shredder for personal home shredding, and it operates very quietly while handling a larger page capacity than my previous one. The safety features are effective.