I purchased this brand name “Executive Machines” Model EPS-611X shredder at Staples a year ago because I had many years of very personal and private information to
dispose of. Before buying this one, I had purchased another brand and returned it. I was not happy with my purchase because it cut the paper lengthwise causing me to empty the container more often. My objective was to buy a good shredder but under $30.

The price then was $29.94 for this shredder but they were offering an instant savings coupon which brought the price down to $19.94. I went to Staples to physically check out all the shredders before making a purchase. After checking all different models and brands, I decided on this brand and model because of the features and price. But if I didn’t have the printout of the $10 saving, they would have charged me $29.94 because the store was not aware of the online $10 saving.

Features in Detail
The shredder is 12.2” by 7.1” wide and 15” tall. The heavy plastic container that holds the motor secure is 3.75 Gallon size. It can shred up to 6 sheets of 20lb paper. No need to remove staples, a feature I like since most of my papers have staples. But do remove paper clips. Automatic On/Off function with paper sensor. The feed opening is 8.66” and weighs 9 pounds. The weight is mostly the motor. On top of the shredder has 3 icons with “/” warnings to avoid getting your hand close to the cutting part, getting your tie caught in and to remove paperclips on papers. But in the manual it also has more Do’s and Don’ts which should be read before using the shredder, for instance if you have long hair you would know not to shred it along with paper. Another common sense Don’t is to turn it off before emptying the container or bag to avoid injury to your hand/fingers. I go and pull the plug out before I remove the top to be extra safe. In the manual it states not to shred labels since the blades may become sticky from the glue on the labels. It has an LED on the left for Overheat and Ready. On the right side it has 3 settings for OFF AUTO & REVERSE. Reverse may clear a jam if paper went in slanted or other reasons. You can also shred credit cards. This shredder is made in China.

Private, personal, identity theft -
Once a year I go in the attic and bring down several boxes of stored business reports and home office statements that are not going to be needed for IRS audits. I mean I have a lot stored and takes me a good month to do since I cannot do it all in one day.

When I start my shredding task, I place a plastic bag in the container, press the Auto button and insert papers in the center being careful not to slant it to avoid jams. I don’t continuous shred since it may cause it to overheat and shut off automatically. Then you have to wait they say up to 50 minutes for the motor to cool down. This did happen to me at first, the light will go on on the left side to indicate the overheat shutoff. The bag fills up very quickly. I can only shred up to 10 bags then it becomes a job. But shredding is fun when you start. This shredder is perfect for my home personal use. There are many other shredders that have more features but for what I need this serves my purpose and the price was right. I did go to the Staple website to make sure this model is still available and noticed they have not changed the design but the price went up $10 (that includes their current instant savings) and a few minor changes. Prices subject to change without my knowledge.

Recommended: Yes

Purchase Price (if leased, monthly payment): 19.94
Machine age (Months in use): N/A