Review of the Aurora Commercial Grade 200-Sheet Auto Feed High Security Micro-Cut Paper Shredder (Model AU200MA)
In today’s digital age, the importance of secure document disposal cannot be overstated. The Aurora Commercial Grade 200-Sheet Auto Feed High Security Micro-Cut Paper Shredder (AU200MA) has emerged as a leading choice for both home and office use. With its impressive specifications and features, this shredder is designed to meet the demands of users who prioritize efficiency, security, and ease of use.
Product Specifications
- Dimensions: 14.02 x 18.35 x 22.83 inches
- Weight: 38.1 pounds
- Model Number: AU200MA
- Date First Available: September 10, 2021
- Manufacturer: Aurora
- Country of Origin: China
- Power Supply: 120 volts, 60 Hz
- Shredding Capacity: 200 sheets auto feed, 10 sheets manual feed
- Micro-Cut Size: 5/64 by 15/32 inches (2 by 12 mm)
- Security Level: P-5
- Continuous Run Time: 60 minutes
- Bin Capacity: 8.5 gallons
- Features: Anti-jam auto-reverse, ultra-quiet operation, auto power-sleep mode, LED indicator lights.
Design and Build Quality
One of the first things that stands out about the Aurora AU200MA is its robust construction. Weighing in at 38.1 pounds, the shredder has a solid feel that suggests durability and reliability. The design is relatively compact for a shredder of its capabilities, making it suitable for both home and office environments without taking up too much space.
The micro-cut technology, which shreds paper into tiny confetti-like pieces, not only enhances security but also reduces the volume of shredded waste. This is particularly beneficial for users looking to dispose of sensitive documents, as the shreds are significantly smaller than those produced by standard cross-cut shredders.
Performance
Efficiency and Speed
The automatic feeding feature of the Aurora AU200MA sets it apart from many other shredders in its class. Users can simply load up to 200 sheets of standard-sized paper into the auto feed tray, close the lid, and walk away, allowing for multitasking while the shredder does its job. The 60-minute continuous run time is impressive, especially for those looking to shred large volumes of documents quickly.
However, it’s worth noting that while the auto feeder is excellent for handling regular-sized sheets, it may struggle with crumpled or heavily creased documents, which can lead to jams. Manual feeding, though capable of shredding up to 10 sheets at a time, is best approached with caution; many users recommend feeding no more than 5 or 6 sheets to avoid overloading the motor.
Security Features
With a security level of P-5, the micro-cut shreds are designed to provide high levels of data protection. Each letter-sized page is turned into approximately 2,592 tiny particles, making it nearly impossible for anyone to reconstruct the original document. This level of security is crucial for businesses dealing with sensitive information, as well as for individuals wanting to protect their personal data.
Noise Levels
Another highlight of the Aurora AU200MA is its ultra-quiet operation. Many users have noted that it operates quietly, allowing them to shred documents without disrupting their work environment. This feature is particularly appreciated in shared office spaces or home settings, where noise can be a concern.
User Experience
Ease of Use
Many users have praised the shredder for its user-friendly design. The LED indicator lights provide clear feedback on the operational status, including standby, bin full, and door open alerts. The 8.5-gallon pullout bin is large enough to accommodate significant shredding tasks, minimizing the need for frequent emptying. Moreover, the thoughtful design allows for easy removal and emptying of the bin without creating a mess.
Customer Feedback
Customer reviews reflect a generally positive experience with the Aurora AU200MA. Users appreciate the shredder’s efficiency and quiet operation, with many mentioning that it has exceeded their expectations. Some noted that it effectively handles a large volume of documents without overheating or jamming. However, a few users did express concerns regarding its ability to handle heavier stacks of paper and the potential for overload protection activation.
Conclusion
The Aurora Commercial Grade 200-Sheet Auto Feed High Security Micro-Cut Paper Shredder (AU200MA) is a formidable choice for those seeking a reliable and efficient shredding solution. Its combination of high-capacity auto-feed, micro-cut security, and ultra-quiet operation makes it well-suited for both home and office use. While there are minor limitations regarding heavy or creased documents, the overall performance and user experience are commendable.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
In conclusion, if you are in the market for a high-security shredder that combines functionality with ease of use, the Aurora AU200MA is undoubtedly worth considering. Whether you’re clearing out old files or managing sensitive information, this shredder stands ready to meet your needs efficiently and securely.
hector g. –
Excellent product despite its small size.
Global Dave –
If you’re looking to shred large amounts of letter-sized paper, this shredder is an excellent choice. I needed to clear out a file cabinet full of old financial documents and some boxes in the garage, and this shredder saved me a significant amount of money compared to hiring a professional service or a shredding truck. It also saved me a lot of time compared to using a standard shredder. Plus, it turns everything into smaller, more secure confetti, which takes up less space in your trash and creates less mess than traditional cross-cut strips.
This shredder is designed for convenience: simply open the lid, load several hundred sheets of letter-sized paper into the bin, close the lid, and walk away. You can tackle other tasks while it shreds. When it’s finished, just load more paper. Another great feature is its long run time, allowing it to operate longer than many competitors before needing a break. This means you can shred more boxes of files in less time. Fantastic!
However, there are a few drawbacks. If you need to shred paper that isn’t letter-sized, you’ll have to hand feed it through the top. The top feed doesn’t handle heavy loads well, so you can’t load too much at once. Additionally, if the paper isn’t standard weight (like being too light or too heavy, or has folds), it may not feed through properly, causing a backlog that requires you to open the lid and adjust the stack.
I managed to shred around 20 boxes worth of documents, got rid of my file cabinet, and kept shredding at my office.
Now, regarding customer service: I did experience an issue. After three months, the shredder broke down completely due to a mechanical failure in the main gear system. I worried I’d have to leave a negative review, but I reached out to Aurora’s customer service through their website and received an immediate response—within minutes. They asked for photos of the damage and proof of purchase, then assured me I was covered under warranty. They took care of everything and even shipped me a new unit without requiring the old one to be sent back. The process was hassle-free, and the representatives were easy to understand.
PROS:
CONS:
Final Comment: Given its price and excellent customer support that backs a one-year warranty, if you have a lot of letter-sized shredding to do soon, it’s hard to justify choosing a competitor.
Rosa –
Performs as promised. A true powerhouse.
B Smith –
I purchased this to replace my old shredder, and I’m impressed! It’s extremely efficient and remarkably quiet. Definitely a worthwhile investment!
Howard S Hadley –
The Aurora AU120 shredder operates much more quietly than our previous models and, so far, has not jammed at all. It’s also significantly cleaner; emptying the drawer doesn’t result in a mess of paper shreds everywhere. We haven’t tested its full 120-sheet capacity yet, but we’ve successfully shredded about 40 pages at once, and it performs remarkably well compared to our old shredders.
The packaging was robust and secure, ensuring the shredder was well-protected. The instructions are straightforward, featuring clear illustrations. The confetti shreds are nearly impossible to reassemble and read. Additionally, when shredding 20 or more sheets at once, the pieces become even more mixed up.
JC –
This shredder is definitely an improvement over my previous one. The auto feeder is convenient for shredding small stacks of regular-sized paper, but it only accommodates standard page sizes and operates slowly, processing one sheet at a time. However, it does allow you to step away and attend to other tasks. The manual feeder claims to handle up to 10 sheets at once, but I would recommend limiting it to about 5 or 6 for optimal performance. The motor doesn’t seem particularly robust and can easily go into overload protection. Clearing jams is straightforward; just press reverse, and it will eject the paper. The shredding quality is excellent, producing finely shredded paper. The bin is a decent size, which reduces the frequency of emptying, but when it’s full, transferring the contents to a trash bag can be messy. Overall, this is a solid machine suitable for home or light office use, and I’m satisfied with my purchase.
bill martin –
Two months in, and I love this shredder even more! It’s quiet, operates smoothly, has no jams, and the easy-to-empty container paired with the fantastic automatic feed is a game changer. I highly recommend it!
This is my third shredder, and I can’t believe how much I adore it already! Upon delivery, the weight made it clear that the electric motor is well-built; it has a solid metal feel rather than plastic.
It performs flawlessly—super quiet, and the auto feed feature is truly impressive. I’ve shredded an entire basket of old documents, and it was efficient and silent.
Additionally, the micro-cut design really does allow the 5-gallon bin to hold more shredded paper compared to my previous machines, and that’s not just marketing—it’s accurate.
The bin’s design makes it incredibly easy to slide out when full and empty into a plastic bag without any hassle. Believe it or not, during my last three emptying sessions, every shred landed in the bag, leaving nothing on the floor to sweep or vacuum!
Alfredo –
Doesn’t work well. Limited capacity. Broke down very quickly.
Tony –
Incredibly quiet during operation! I was amazed by its capacity, yet it was so silent that I had to double-check to ensure it was actually shredding the paper!
Funk –
I purchased this for my home office and it performs effectively. However, it can jam if overloaded or if you use crumpled or heavily creased documents in the auto feed tray. It successfully processed about 2000 pages of A4 without overheating. Overall, it does its job well, but I’m uncertain about its long-term durability.