Fellowes 99Ci 18 Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder (DIN P4) for Office Use
Product description
What it is and what it’s for
The Fellowes 99Ci is a cross-cut paper shredder designed for small to medium office or home office use. It handles up to 18 sheets of standard 70gsm paper per pass and turns them into 4x38mm cross-cut pieces, yielding a high-security P-4 level of shredding. Beyond paper, it can deal with staples, paper clips, credit cards and CDs/DVDs via a dedicated slot. The aim is to dispose of confidential documents in a way that reduces recognisable data while keeping the office quiet and fairly efficient.
How it performs in practice
On paper, the 99Ci promises 30 minutes of continuous shredding before a 40-minute cool-down period, which aligns with common office demands for higher-volume shredding. Its 34-litre pull-out bin should offer a practical capacity for everyday use without frequent emptying. While the specification does not cover every material type in depth, the inclusion of a CD/DVD slot expands its utility beyond plain paper. A notable design feature is the 100% jam-proof mechanism intended to minimise interruptions from misfeeds, which can be a real nuisance in a busy workspace.
Key strengths and potential limits
On the upside, the combination of high-security P-4 shredding, the jam-proof design, and the long runtime makes this model well suited for handling sensitive documents in smaller offices where quiet operation matters. The SafeSense technology offers a safety buffer by halting shredding when hands approach the entry, which adds peace of mind around shared desks. However, it’s worth noting that the long runtime is balanced by a fairly lengthy cool-down period, if you anticipate shredding bursts after every few minutes of use, plan for pauses.
Who it’s best suited for
This shredder appears to target environments such as small offices, home offices or shared workspaces where confidentiality is important and occasional heavy shredding is expected. If you routinely process mixed media (papers plus CDs/DVDs) and need a decent bin capacity without frequent emptying, this model aligns with that use case. It may appeal to users who prioritise security and a calmer office environment over the absolute fastest duty cycle.
Who might want to think twice
If your workflow requires continuous, high-volume shredding with minimal downtime, the 40-minute cooldown could slow you down during peak periods. Also, the 34-litre bin, while practical, may fill quickly in busy days, if you routinely process large stacks, a bigger model might be worth considering.
What to check before buying
Confirm the type and amount of material you’ll be shredding most often. Ensure your office layout accommodates a pull-out bin and convenient disposal. Consider whether you value the CD/DVD slot as a practical plus or a feature you’ll rarely use. If energy efficiency matters, the Energy Saving System is a plus, but verify its behaviour in real-world usage. Finally, check how the SafeSense feature integrates with your specific workspace safety requirements.
How it compares to different approaches
For those weighing a dedicated full-security shredder versus a more casual, looser-security option, the 99Ci sits in the middle-ground: strong security with a user-friendly, relatively quiet operation. If you only shred small volumes occasionally, a lighter model might suffice, if you need continuous, extended sessions with minimal intervention, you might explore higher-capacity alternatives.
Practical usage example
In a typical week, you might start a daily shred after closing work, feeding up to 18 sheets per pass. The jam-proof mechanism helps avoid stoppages if misfeeds occur, and you’ll notice the machine running more quietly than older off-the-shelf shredders, which is helpful in an open-plan setup. A used CD or DVD can be placed in the dedicated slot, reducing clutter and keeping media out of sight.
Decision time
Is it worth it?
It makes sense if you need a compact, secure shredder for confidential documents with decent runtime and quiet operation. It may be less ideal if you require non-stop high-volume shredding throughout the day.
FAQ
- Can it handle CDs and DVDs? Yes, via a separate slot for CDs/DVDs.
- How long can it shred continuously? Up to 30 minutes before a 40-minute cool down.
- What level of security does it provide? 4-pass cross-cut shredding (DIN P4).
- Does it have safety features? Yes, SafeSense stops shredding when hands approach the entry.
- Is it suitable for busy offices? It’s designed for small to medium spaces with features aimed at steady, quieter performance.