This post brought to you by Fellowes. All opinions are 100% mine.
If you’re looking for a paper shredder that does the trick, this review may be useful to your decision making process. The present article will go through the pros and cons of the 79Ci paper shredder from Fellowes Inc; according to the manufacturer, this is the first electronic paper shredder in the market to feature a Jam Proof system that really works as supposed to. Would such claim be a matter of fact, or nothing but marketing hype? Read on to find out!
Fellowes Inc 79Ci Specifications
- Advanced Jam Proof System
SilentShred™ technology for ultra-quiet
SafeSense® (hand safety mechanism)
Cross-cuts a single sheet of paper into 399 pieces
Security Level 3 (5/32” x 1-1/2” cross-cut particles)
Takes 14 sheets per pass
Maximum run time: 12 on / 20 off
6 gallon capacity (pull-out bin)
Shreds paper, credit cards, cd’s and DVD’s
Jam Proof System on Fellowes 79Ci
One of the main selling points in this electronic paper shredder is the advanced Jam Proof System. According to Fellowes Inc, this is the actually the first shredder to actually make justice to such feature name. Truth of the matter is that we all know how one of the biggest problems with electronic shredders is dealing with annoying paper jams.
So, what is so different about the anti-jam system on the Fellowes 79Ci, that will keep us from such headaches? Essentially, there are three key levels of jam prevention systems working together in this device to ensure there are absolutely no paper jams.
Anti Paper Jam, Level 1: There is a dedicated sensor located at the throat of the shredder that continually analyzes the thickness of the incoming paper stack, and halts the device when necessary. In simpler terms, this sensor helps avoid the paper jam before it actually happens.
Anti Paper Jam, Level 2: There is yet another sensor that analyzes the paper entry speed and angle. When the stack of paper appears to have been mis-fed or forcefully pushed in, the shredder will either reverse the paper for easy removal or otherwise turn on the turbo-power mode, where the machine gets double the shredding power for a short while.
Anti Paper Jam, Level 3: Additionally to the two internal sensors mentioned above, there is a capacity display to help you keep track of the shredder’s intake. This works similar to a traffic light, giving you an instant feedback on the available sheet capacity; you just have to wait for the green light before inserting more paper, and everything should go smoothly.
Watch the Fellowes 79Ci in Action
At this point you may be curious to how this paper shredder actually looks, and you probably want to see it in action. In that case, hit play on the following video; pay close attention to how silent the machine sounds… it’s more reminiscent of a gentle rain than a shredding session, don’t you think so?
Who is this paper shredder right for?
The Fellowes 79Ci is right for all kinds of home and office uses, including shared workspaces – courtesy of the SilentShred technology, which will ensure your co-workers are not disturbed by the shredding noise. Since this shredder will tear up a single sheet of paper into as much as 399 pieces (security level 3), that means it will be pretty much impossible to piece together – so you can use it to dispose of private documents, without second thoughts or worries.
Also, thanks to the SafeSense technology, aimed at keeping the shredder from tearing up fingers, this is a paper shredder you can keep around the home without worrying too much about accidents (although it’s always good to complement the technology with a little educational session to show your kids how a paper shredder can be a dangerous device).
Are there downsides to the Fellowes 79Ci?
Even though this is all-around a rather efficient electronic paper shredder, with a very reasonable price… there are obviously a couple of shortcomings. Most notably, this shredder is right for individual use; not quite so for a big office where big volumes of paper need to be discarded each day. With a container of 6 galons and capacity of up to 14 sheets of paper simultaneously, it’s obvious the 79Ci is more than adequate for smaller offices or home offices. If that is your case, then this is indeed one of the most recommendable models available on the market!
Final thoughts on the Fellowes 79Ci Paper Shredder
In a nice looking and compact device, the 79Ci paper shredder from Fellowes is indeed a great alternative for those in need of an affordable and efficient electronic paper shredder. With plenty of security features and an advanced paper jam prevention systems, this model is powerful enough to meet the paper shredding needs of any individual.
At a price range of just around $200, it is very recommendable for home business owners and smaller companies in need of a paper disposal system that will efficiently obliterate any private data thrown into it. Have you tried using this paper shredder? Do you particularly enjoy any of the features available in the 97Ci line from Fellowes, Inc? Make sure to join the discussion below, by writing in your own thoughts and opinions!