Amazon Basics Paper Shredder for Home and Office, 8-Sheet Strip Cut, CD/ Credit Card Shredder, 3.4 Gallon Wastebasket , Black
Want the best price and purchase timing?
Our AI advisor analyzes real-time pricing across all channels to find you the best deal.
AI Verdict
This 8-sheet, P-2 strip-cut shredder with a 2.5-minute runtime is for light-duty, non-confidential document disposal at home.
This shredder is a situational fit for basic home use where security isn't a top concern. Its 8-sheet capacity and 2.5-minute runtime are fine for occasional light tasks, but the P-2 strip-cut security level means it's not for anything truly confidential.
If you need higher security, look for a cross-cut (P-3 or P-4) or micro-cut shredder for confetti-like pieces.
Regret Score™
Medium RiskLower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity
Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- Shreds up to 8 sheets of 20-pound bond paper at once, including staples and small paper clips.
- Destroys CDs, DVDs, and credit cards one at a time, offering media disposal beyond just paper.
- Features a 3.4-gallon easy-empty bin for collecting shredded materials.
- Includes auto shut-off to protect the motor from overheating during use.
- Weighs 5.9 pounds, making it portable for moving between locations.
Cons
- The P-2 security level creates 0.24 inch wide strips, which are easily reconstructible and not suitable for confidential documents.
- Limited to a 2.5-minute continuous runtime before requiring a 15-minute cool-down period.
- Requires lifting the entire shredder head to empty the wastebasket, which can be cumbersome.
- Not suitable for shredding metal credit cards, limiting its utility for some card types.
- Users report the shredder can be noisy during operation.
Dimension Scores
The 5.9-pound weight makes it easy to move, but the top-heavy design requiring removal to empty the bin is less convenient.
It has basic auto-on, off, and reverse functions, but no adjustable settings for shred size or speed.
It's a budget-priced unit with a plastic feel, but some users report Amazon Basics shredders lasting for years with heavy use.
The all-black design is functional and unobtrusive, but lacks any distinct styling elements.
Best For
- Disposing of junk mail and non-sensitive household papers.
- Occasional shredding of old utility bills or receipts without personal data.
- Destroying expired plastic credit cards or old CDs/DVDs one at a time.
- Small home offices with minimal shredding needs and low security requirements.
Not Recommended For
- Shredding confidential documents or papers containing sensitive personal information due to P-2 security.
- High-volume shredding tasks that require continuous operation for more than 2.5 minutes.
- Users who need to shred metal credit cards.
Watch Out For
- The strip-cut method (0.24 inch wide strips) means documents are easily reassembled, making it inadequate for sensitive data.
- A 2.5-minute runtime followed by a 15-minute cool-down period means frequent interruptions for larger tasks.
- Some users report an 'oily top' upon unboxing, likely from factory lubrication.
- The shredder head must be completely removed to empty the 3.4-gallon bin, which can be awkward.
- Can jam if more than 8 sheets are inserted, or if paper is folded or crumpled.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0C6LY36S1 |
| Size | 3.4 gallons |
| Brand | Amazon Basics |
| Color | Black |
| Capacity | 3.4 Gallons |
| Cut Type | Strip Cut |
| Item Weight | 5.9 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Amazon |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Item model number | S120-D US |
| Product Dimensions | 13.54 x 6.3 x 13.98 inches |
| Manufacturer Part Number | S120-D US |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Shredding CD, Shredding Credit Cards, Shredding Paper, Shredding Staples |
What Buyers Say
Many users point out that while this shredder is affordable and handles basic paper, CDs, and credit cards, its strip-cut security level is a major limitation for anything truly private. The 2.5-minute runtime means you'll be waiting a lot if you have more than a small stack of papers. Emptying the 3.4-gallon bin involves lifting the entire shredder head, which can be a bit messy and awkward. It's a workhorse for junk mail, but don't expect it to handle your tax documents securely.
“Look, it shreds my junk mail into strips, which is fine, but if I put anything important in there, I'd feel like someone could just tape it back together, you know? And it gets hot fast, so I'm always waiting.”
Common Praise
- Effectively shreds up to 8 sheets of paper, including staples and small paper clips.
- Handles old plastic credit cards and optical discs one at a time.
- The auto shut-off feature prevents motor overheating during use.
- The 5.9-pound weight makes it easy to relocate as needed.
- The 3.4-gallon bin capacity is adequate for light home use.
Common Complaints
- The P-2 strip-cut security level is insufficient for confidential documents.
- The 2.5-minute runtime requires frequent cool-down periods, interrupting shredding tasks.
- Lifting the shredder head to empty the bin is inconvenient and can cause mess.
- Can be noisy during operation, which might be disruptive in quiet environments.
- Some units arrive with an oily residue on top, likely from manufacturing lubrication.
Ownership Tips
- The 2.5-minute runtime feels shorter in practice when you have a stack of papers, leading to frequent pauses.
- The strip-cut output fills the bin faster than cross-cut, requiring more frequent emptying.
- The noise level is noticeable, especially in a quiet room, so plan shredding sessions accordingly.
- The power cord is a fixed length, so you might need an extension cord depending on your setup.
- The shredder can struggle or jam if paper isn't fed perfectly straight or if it's slightly over the 8-sheet limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of security does this shredder offer?
This shredder provides P-2 security, creating 0.24 inch wide strips. This is suitable for general document disposal but not for confidential information that needs to be unreadable.
Can it shred more than 8 sheets at once?
The manufacturer specifies an 8-sheet capacity for 20-pound bond paper. Exceeding this can lead to jams and motor strain.
How long can I use it continuously?
It has a 2.5-minute continuous runtime, after which it needs a 15-minute cool-down period to prevent overheating.
Does it shred credit cards and CDs?
Yes, it can shred plastic credit cards, CDs, and DVDs one at a time. It is not designed for metal credit cards.
Is it loud when operating?
Some users have reported that Amazon Basics shredders can be noisy during operation, which is common for budget models.
Buying Guide
When buying a shredder, you need to think about how secret your papers are and how much you're actually going to shred. 'Security level' tells you how small the pieces get – P-2 like this one means long strips, easy to read if someone really wanted to. 'Runtime' is how long it shreds before needing a break, which is a big deal if you have a lot of stuff. Don't just look at the sheet capacity; consider how long it can actually run for.
P-2 Security Level
This means your documents are cut into 0.24 inch wide strips. Think of it like cutting a newspaper into long ribbons – someone could still piece together headlines. For truly private info, you want smaller, confetti-like pieces (P-3 or higher).
8-Sheet Capacity
This is how many standard sheets of paper it can shred at once. It's like how many slices of bread your toaster can handle – more sheets mean faster shredding for bigger piles, but pushing it too far causes jams.
2.5 Minute Runtime / 15 Minute Cool Down
This is crucial. It means the shredder can only work for 2.5 minutes straight before its motor needs 15 minutes to cool off. Imagine your coffee maker only making one cup before needing a long break – it slows down big tasks.
3.4 Gallon Wastebasket
This is the size of the bin that catches the shredded paper. A bigger bin means you empty it less often, like a larger trash can. For this shredder, it's a decent size for its runtime, but strip-cut fills up faster than cross-cut.
Alternatives
If you need to shred sensitive documents, look for models with a P-3 or P-4 security level (cross-cut or micro-cut) for smaller, harder-to-reconstruct pieces. For longer shredding sessions, prioritize models with a continuous runtime of 10 minutes or more.
You Might Also Like
LYMAX Computer Monitor Light Bar with Wireless Remote, Motion Sensor, Fit for Flat/Curved Monitor, Adjustable Color Temperature with Auto-Dimming, Eye-Care USB-C Monitor Lamp, No Glare Desk Lamp
$50-$99A 15.7-ounce aluminum monitor light bar with motion sensing, auto-dimming, and stepless 2700K-6500K color temperature adjustment for flat or curved screens.
Computer Monitor Lamp, Screen Monitor Light Bar for Eye Caring, Screen Monitor Light Bar with Backlight for Eye Caring, E-Reading LED Task Lamp with Dimming Adjustment, Perfect for Reading and Study
$0-$49This BLYGACN monitor lamp offers 3 color temperatures (3000K-6500K), dimming, and a 60-minute timer, powered by USB, for monitors 15-24 inches.
Monitor Light Bar with Touch Control, RGB Desk Lamp Full Spectrum Screen Lamp, Glare-Free Low Blue Light Monitor Lamp with Memory Mode, USB Powered for Gaming, Office & Work
$0-$49A USB-powered plastic monitor light bar with touch controls, RGB modes, and glare-free illumination for basic desk setups.
RGB Monitor Light Bar, Eye-Care Dual Light Reading Screen Lamp, 9 Modes Gaming Backlight LED Computer Lamp, 3 Colors Dimmable Frontlight, 15.75'' USB Desk Lights for Home, Office
$0-$49This is a budget-focused 6.4-ounce plastic monitor light bar with dual-mode lighting and 9 RGB backlight modes, designed for users needing basic task and ambient lighting without cluttering their desk