We have tried a few different shredders over the years. I have had light duty, compact, and medium duty shredders. But until recently, we had yet to try a heavy duty model.We received the 12 sheet cross cut Fellowes P-12C shredder
for review. This shredder is sleek and about the size of a largish humidifier. Set-up was as easy as opening the box and plugging it in.One absolutely non-negotiable criteria for a shredder in our household is it needs to be totally safe around kids. We have been so paranoid about shredder safety in the past that we simply do not even use them, let alone leave them plugged in (with the exception of a wall mounted unit, which is out of the kids reach). Shredder safety is what ultimately causes a shredder to be used or not used in my house above performance...Until we received this unit from Fellowes.
The Fellowes P-12C has redundant safety precautions making it the safest shredder we have owned. It has multiple power switches as well as a power switch lock. This unit simply will not turn on unless all 3 devices have been engaged. The most notable safety feature is the touch sensor that instantly turns the unit off if the shredder feed area is contacted. The sensor area is HUGE, you only need to get close for the safety feature to work. A child simply would not be able to touch the “danger” area without turning the unit off. I tested this feature myself multiple times and was impressed with the response.
Would I leave this unit powered on with my kids around? No way. But this is the very first shredder I would have no problem leaving out around my kids while unplugged (I am pretty paranoid about this sort of thing). I am convinced that if they managed to get it turned on they would still be totally safe.
(Click any image to enlarge)
As far as performance is concerned, the Fellowes P-12C delivered as promised. I tested the 12 page “maximum” right away and the result was impressive. But the maximum on a shredder is like the speed limit right? Little bit over wont hurt anybody.... Lets just say it can do more, but that test was outside the manufacturers guidelines . . . attempt at your own risk.
I also had it cut through staples and those sample credit cards we all love to get in the mail. Result? No problem, the Fellowes P-12C shredded everything I needed, and it did it quickly right into the 4-gallon bin.
Overall the Fellowes P-12C is an excellent shredder that is as perfect for the house as it is for the small office. The safety features impressed me and the performance was exactly what I would have expected. This is the first shredder I would recommend to households with kids or pets (leave it unplugged though!).
This shredder retails for $89.99 and can be found at Target, Amazon.com, Office Depot, and Fellowes.com.
Thank you to Fellowes, Inc for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon and for providing an additional product for our contest prize.
What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive a Fellowes P-12C Cross-Cut Shredder (ARV $89).
Limitations:
This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.
This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.
How to Gain Entries:
Leave a comment telling me which of the product features of this shredder is the most important to you. You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.
Extra Entries:
1) For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.
2) For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.
2) For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.
3) For 10 extra entries, sign up to receive news and special offers from Fellowes. Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments telling me you did.
4) For 1 extra entry each, if you are a Friend of mine on Facebook and/or if you have "liked" the 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires Facebook page, then leave a separate comment here telling me so with the link to your Facebook profile.
5) For 1 extra entry each, follow Fellowes, Inc on Twitter and/or "Like" Fellowes on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment for each with the link to your Twitter or Facebook profile.
6) Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.
7) Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.
8) Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.
9) Subscribe to A Blog of Goodies' feed (the sister site to 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.
(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)
Random Drawing:
Random Drawing:
This contest will be closed on Monday, April 25th, 2011 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.
Good luck in the drawing!
