Fellowes AutoMax™ 100M Auto Feed Paper Shredder Review

Shredding confidential documents is a vital part of maintaining privacy and security. The Fellowes AutoMax™ 100M Auto Feed Shredder combines convenience, efficiency, and security to meet personal and small office shredding needs. With advanced features like micro-cut shredding, jam prevention, and energy-saving modes, this shredder stands out as a reliable and efficient choice.

AutoMax™ 100M Shredder: Key Features and Benefits

The Fellowes AutoMax™ 100M Auto Feed Shredder offers an array of innovative features designed to simplify and secure document disposal.

Here’s an breakdown of its key features and the benefits they bring:

1. Advanced Micro-Cut Technology

The AutoMax™ 100M transforms documents into tiny particles measuring 5/32″ x 25/64″. This micro-cut technology produces shreds that are six times smaller than those made by standard cross-cut shredders.

• Provides a P-4 security level, ensuring the utmost protection for sensitive information like financial documents, personal identification, or confidential business reports.
• Holds more shredded material in the bin compared to cross-cut shredders, thanks to the smaller particle size, reducing the frequency of emptying.

2. FlexShred™ Capability

This shredder accommodates two modes of operation:

• Automatic Feeding: Load up to 100 sheets into the auto-feed tray and let the shredder handle the task.
• Manual Feeding: For quick jobs, feed up to 10 sheets directly through the manual slot.

• Benefits:
  • Saves time with automatic feeding for larger batches, allowing users to multitask while shredding.
  • Offers flexibility for smaller shredding tasks without setting up the auto-feed tray.

3. SilentShred™ Technology

Engineered for ultra-quiet performance, the shredder operates with minimal noise disruption.

• Perfect for shared workspaces, home offices, or environments where noise sensitivity is a concern.
• Ensures a smooth shredding experience without disturbing others in the vicinity.

4. Jam Prevention with Auto Reverse

The Auto Reverse function automatically detects paper jams and halts shredding to reverse the paper feed.

• Prevents damage to the machine by halting operations when a jam is detected.
• Saves users time and frustration by quickly resolving issues without manual intervention.

5. Energy-Saving Sleep Mode

The shredder automatically enters Sleep Mode after two minutes of inactivity, conserving energy.

• Reduces power consumption, making the shredder eco-friendly and cost-efficient.
• Prolongs the life of the machine by minimizing idle time operation.

6. Spacious 6-Gallon Pull-Out Bin

The bin can hold a substantial amount of shredded material, designed for convenience and reduced maintenance.

• Eliminates the need for frequent emptying during high-volume shredding sessions.
• Easy-to-remove pull-out design simplifies the disposal process and minimizes mess.

7. Versatile Shredding Options

The shredder can handle a variety of materials, including:

• Paper (both plain and with staples)
• Credit cards
• Paper clips

Benefits:

• Offers convenience and versatility for both office and personal use.
• Reduces the need to pre-sort documents by removing staples or clips.

8. Long Run Time and Robust Performance

The 100M shredder is capable of continuous operation for 15 minutes before requiring a 35-minute cool-down period.

• Suitable for moderate shredding needs without frequent interruptions.
• Delivers consistent performance across its run time, ensuring reliable operation.

9. Compact Yet Durable Design

With dimensions of 26.38” H x 15.38” W x 14.56” D, the shredder combines compactness with a solid build.

• Fits easily in personal or small office settings without occupying excessive space.
• Its durable construction ensures long-term use.

10. Warranty for Peace of Mind

The shredder includes a 2-year warranty for the machine and a 7-year warranty for the cutters.

• Reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s durability.
• Provides users with assurance and support in case of defects or issues.

11. Safety Features

The Fellowes 100M micro-cut paper shredder includes an interlock switch for safe operation and stops when the bin is removed.

• Prevents accidental operation, enhancing safety during use.
• Ideal for households or offices where multiple individuals access the shredder.

The shredder runs continuously for 15 minutes before requiring a 35-minute cool-down period. While this may seem limiting for larger projects, its speed and capacity compensate for downtime. The shredder can process not just paper but also staples, paper clips, and credit cards, showcasing its robustness.

Comparison with Similar Models

Below is a detailed table comparing the Fellowes AutoMax™ 100M Auto Feed Shredder with other models in the Fellowes AutoMax™ series. The data has been cross-checked with the manual to ensure accuracy.

Feature	AutoMax™ 100M	AutoMax™ 150C	AutoMax™ 200C	AutoMax™ 300C	AutoMax™ 500C
Cut Type	Micro-Cut (P-4 Security Level)	Cross-Cut (P-4 Security Level)	Cross-Cut (P-4 Security Level)	Cross-Cut (P-4 Security Level)	Cross-Cut (P-4 Security Level)
Sheet Capacity	100 (Auto), 10 (Manual)	150 (Auto), 8 (Manual)	200 (Auto), 10 (Manual)	300 (Auto Only)	500 (Auto Only)
Run Time	15 minutes	12 minutes	12 minutes	30 minutes	Continuous
Bin Capacity	6 gallons	8.5 gallons	8.5 gallons	16 gallons	20 gallons
Shreds Materials	Paper, Staples, Paper Clips, Credit Cards	Paper, Staples, Paper Clips, Credit Cards, CDs/DVDs, Junk Mail	Paper, Staples, Paper Clips, Credit Cards, CDs/DVDs, Junk Mail	Paper, Staples, Paper Clips, Credit Cards, CDs/DVDs, Junk Mail	Paper, Staples, Paper Clips, Credit Cards, CDs/DVDs, Junk Mail
Jam Prevention	Auto Reverse	Auto Reverse	Auto Reverse	JamGuard System™	JamGuard System™
Energy Efficiency	Sleep Mode	Sleep Mode	Sleep Mode	Sleep Mode	Sleep Mode
Noise Reduction	SilentShred™	SilentShred™	SilentShred™	SilentShred™	SilentShred™
Recommended Users	1	1	1	1-3	3-5
Speed (FPM)	11	11	8	8	8
Dimensions (H x W x D)	26.38” x 15.38” x 14.56”	22.19” x 13.63” x 20.06”	24.38” x 13.63” x 20.06”	32.19” x 15.38” x 20.00”	35.38” x 17.75” x 20.00”
Warranty	2 years (Machine), 7 years (Cutters)	2 years (Machine), 5 years (Cutters)	2 years (Machine), 5 years (Cutters)	2 years (Machine), 5 years (Cutters)	2 years (Machine), 5 years (Cutters)
Price (MSRP)	$376.99	Higher	Higher	Higher	Highest

Key Observations:

1. Cut Type and Security: The 100M stands out with micro-cut technology, offering higher security than the cross-cut models in the same series.
2. Sheet Capacity: Higher-end models like the 300C and 500C have superior sheet capacities but lack a manual feed option.
3. Run Time: While the 100M offers a respectable 15-minute runtime, the 300C and 500C outperform with longer or continuous operation.
4. Shredding Versatility: The 150C, 200C, 300C, and 500C support shredding CDs/DVDs and junk mail, which the 100M does not.
5. Bin Capacity: Higher models feature larger bins, with the 500C leading at 20 gallons, reducing the frequency of emptying.
6. Recommended Users: The 100M is suitable for personal or small office use (1 user), while the 500C caters to larger groups (up to 5 users).
7. Noise: All models include SilentShred™, making them ideal for shared environments.
8. Jam Prevention: The 300C and 500C models utilize the more advanced JamGuard System™ compared to Auto Reverse in the 100M.

FAQs

How secure is the Fellowes AutoMax™ 100M shredder?

The shredder offers P-4 level micro-cut security, ideal for shredding highly confidential documents.

What materials can this shredder handle?

It can shred paper, staples, credit cards, and paper clips but does not support CDs/DVDs.

How often does the shredder need to cool down?

After 15 minutes of continuous use, it requires a 35-minute cool-down period.

Is this shredder noisy?

Thanks to SilentShred™ technology, it operates quietly, making it suitable for shared spaces.

What maintenance does the shredder require?

Routine lubrication as per the manufacturer’s guidelines ensures optimal performance.

Conclusion

The Fellowes AutoMax™ 100M Auto Feed Micro-Cut Shredder offers a perfect blend of security, convenience, and energy efficiency. Its advanced features, quiet operation, and robust build make it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a reliable document shredder. While it may not cater to heavy-duty industrial use, it excels in its category for personal and small office needs.