Best Aurora Paper Shredders

Comprehensive Guide to Finding the Best Aurora Paper Shredders

Choosing a paper shredder can be a daunting task, especially when considering the myriad of options available on the market. Aurora is a well-regarded brand in the paper shredder industry, known for producing reliable and efficient machines. This guide aims to help you navigate through the choices and find the best Aurora paper shredder that suits your needs.

Understanding Your Shredding Needs

Before diving into specific models, it's crucial to understand what you need from a shredder. Here are some considerations:

1. Volume of Shredding: Determine how much paper you need to shred regularly. For home use, an occasional use shredder might suffice, whereas an office might require a more robust, high-capacity machine.
2. Type of Documents: Consider the sensitivity of the documents you need to shred. Sensitive documents require a higher security level, which means choosing a shredder with a finer cut (e.g., micro-cut over strip-cut).
3. Additional Materials: Think about whether you need to shred items other than paper, such as credit cards, CDs, or staples. Some shredders are equipped to handle these materials.

Types of Shredders

Aurora offers several types of shredders, each with distinct features:

1. Strip-Cut Shredders: These cut paper into long strips. They are generally faster and can handle larger volumes, but offer lower security.
2. Cross-Cut Shredders: These cut paper into smaller pieces, providing better security than strip-cut shredders.
3. Micro-Cut Shredders: These offer the highest level of security by shredding paper into tiny particles, making it nearly impossible to reassemble documents.

Key Features to Consider

When choosing an Aurora paper shredder, keep an eye on the following features:

1. Shred Speed and Capacity: Check how many sheets the shredder can handle at once and how quickly it can process documents. Higher capacity and speed are beneficial for larger shredding tasks.
2. Run Time and Cool Down Period: Continuous run time is the duration the shredder can operate before needing to cool down. Depending on your shredding volume, a longer run time can be more efficient.
3. Bin Size: A larger bin reduces the frequency of emptying, which is convenient for high-volume shredding.
4. Safety Features: Features such as overload protection, auto shut-off, and safety locks are essential to prevent accidents and ensure the machine's longevity.
5. Noise Level: Consider the noise output if you are in a shared or quiet environment.

Popular Aurora Models

Here are a few highly-regarded Aurora paper shredders, each catering to different needs:

1. Aurora AS890C 8-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder: Ideal for home or small office use, this model offers a good balance of security and capacity, handling 8 sheets at a time and shredding them into small cross-cut pieces. It also shreds staples and credit cards.
2. Aurora AU870MA High-Security 8-Sheet Micro-Cut Shredder: This model is perfect for those who need high security. It can shred 8 sheets simultaneously into micro-cut particles and also handles credit cards. It has a relatively quiet operation, making it suitable for office environments.
3. Aurora AU1230XA Anti-Jam 12-Sheet Crosscut Shredder: For users with higher shredding volumes, this model can process up to 12 sheets at once and features anti-jam technology. It’s designed for more extensive use, with a larger bin and longer run time.

Maintenance and Care

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Aurora shredder, regular maintenance is essential. Here are a few tips:

1. Regular Oil: Use shredder oil sheets or liquid oil to lubricate the blades regularly, which helps maintain smooth operation and prevent jams.
2. Empty the Bin Frequently: Avoid overfilling the bin to ensure the shredder operates efficiently and to prevent paper jams.
3. Clean the Blades: Periodically clean the blades by running a few sheets of plain paper through the shredder to remove any debris.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right Aurora paper shredder involves assessing your specific needs and matching them with the appropriate features and capabilities. By understanding your shredding requirements, considering the key features, and maintaining your shredder properly, you can ensure that your documents are securely and efficiently destroyed. Aurora's range of shredders offers reliable options for various needs, from home use to high-security office environments.