The Fellowes Powershred 99Ci heavy duty cross-cut shredder is a robust and reliable shredding solution ideal for home and office use. Designed for efficiency, safety, and convenience, it offers advanced features like SafeSense® technology to prevent accidental hand injuries, a 100% jam-proof system, and energy-saving functionality.
With the ability to handle up to 18 sheets in one pass, it shreds paper, staples, credit cards, CDs, and junk mail into secure cross-cut particles. Its silent operation and 30-minute runtime make it highly suitable for busy environments.
Specs
Shred Type:: Cross-Cut (4 x 38 mm particles)
Maximum Sheet Capacity:: 18 sheets per pass (A4, 70g paper)
Material Shredded:: Paper, staples, small clips, credit cards, CDs, and junk mail
Paper Entry Width:: 230 mm
Runtime:: Continuous for 30 minutes; 40-minute cool-down
Advanced Features:: SafeSense® Technology, Jam Proof System, SilentShred™ Technology, Energy Savings System
Warranty:: 2 years for machine, 5 years for cutting blades
Safety Features: : Hands-free shutdown when the entry area is touched
Pros
100% jam-proof system for smooth operation
SafeSense® technology for added safety
Silent operation minimizes disruptions
Shreds multiple materials, including CDs and credit cards
High daily usage capacity (up to 1,500 sheets)
Durable cutting blades with a 5-year warranty
Cons
Requires a 40-minute cooldown after 30 minutes of continuous use
Limited to 18 sheets per pass
Cannot shred adhesive labels, newspapers, or large clips
When it comes to protecting sensitive information, investing in a reliable shredder is non-negotiable. Enter the Fellowes Powershred 99Ci heavy duty cross-cut shredder, a machine built to cater to the rigorous demands of both home and office users. In this detailed review, we’ll explore the shredder’s standout features, specifications, benefits, and any limitations to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Build Quality and Design
Crafted with durability and functionality in mind, the Fellowes Powershred 99Ci boasts a sleek, user-friendly design. Its integrated SafeSense® technology is a game-changer for safety-conscious users, ensuring the shredder halts operation if hands get too close to the paper entry. Additionally, its 230 mm wide paper entry accommodates various document sizes with ease.
Key Features of Fellowes Powershred 99Ci
The Fellowes Powershred 99Ci is more than just a standard shredder; it incorporates a suite of advanced features that enhance its efficiency, safety, and usability.
Here’s a closer look at what makes this shredder stand out:
1. Advanced Shredding Capabilities
The Powershred 99Ci can shred up to 18 sheets of paper per pass into secure cross-cut particles measuring 4 x 38 mm, making it highly effective for disposing of sensitive information. Beyond paper, this machine is designed to handle staples, small paper clips, plastic credit cards, CDs, and DVDs with ease, reducing the hassle of removing attachments before shredding. Its wide 230 mm paper entry accommodates various document sizes, including A4.
2. SafeSense® Technology
This safety feature is particularly valuable in environments where multiple users, including children, might interact with the shredder. The SafeSense® Technology uses advanced sensors to detect when hands are near the paper entry. If triggered, the shredder halts immediately, preventing accidental injuries. The yellow SafeSense® indicator serves as a visual cue, reassuring users that the safety mechanism is active.
3. 100% Jam Proof System
Paper jams can disrupt workflow, but the 99Ci eliminates this frustration with its Jam Proof System. This system:
Electronically measures paper thickness during operation to prevent overfeeding.
Alerts users through a color-coded indicator panel (Green, Yellow, Red), which shows whether more sheets can be added or if the limit has been exceeded.
Automatically reverses paper if a jam is detected, ensuring a smooth shredding process.
This feature ensures seamless operation, even during high-volume shredding.
4. SilentShred™ Technology
Noise can be a significant concern in shared office spaces or homes, but the SilentShred™ Technology significantly reduces operational sound. Whether working in a busy office or during quiet hours at home, the shredder operates discreetly, making it an ideal choice for noise-sensitive environments.
5. Energy Savings System
The Powershred 99Ci is as eco-conscious as it is efficient. Its Energy Savings System ensures optimal energy efficiency during both active and idle times.
Key benefits include:
Automatic power-down when idle, saving energy without user intervention.
Reduced power consumption during use, contributing to cost savings over time.
This feature makes it a sustainable option for long-term use.
6. Extended Continuous Run Time
Unlike many shredders that require frequent cooldowns, the 99Ci allows for up to 30 minutes of continuous shredding. This extended runtime is particularly advantageous for users who need to handle large volumes of documents in one session. If the machine overheats, an Overheat Indicator will light up, and the shredder will enter a 40-minute cool-down period before resuming operation.
7. Durable and Reliable Design
The shredder’s cutting blades are built to last, covered by a 5-year warranty, while the machine itself includes a 2-year warranty. This demonstrates Fellowes’ confidence in the product’s durability and performance, ensuring peace of mind for long-term use.
8. High-Capacity Waste Bin
The shredder includes a pullout bin, making it easy to dispose of shredded materials. This design minimizes mess and interruption during operation, supporting efficient workflow management. A Bin Full Indicator notifies users when the bin needs to be emptied.
9. Multi-Material Shredding
The 99Ci’s ability to shred diverse materials ensures convenience and versatility. From paper documents to CDs, credit cards, and staples, the shredder eliminates the need for multiple devices, streamlining your document destruction needs.
10. User-Friendly Control Panel
The intuitive LED control panel simplifies operation with clear indicators for:
Overheating
Bin status (open/full)
Paper jams
SafeSense® activation
This user-friendly interface allows for quick troubleshooting and effortless operation, even for first-time users.
Usability and Performance
The Fellowes 99Ci is engineered for extended shredding sessions, offering up to 30 minutes of continuous runtime. However, it requires a 40-minute cooldown afterward, which may be a consideration for heavy-duty users. The 100% jam-proof system ensures a smooth shredding experience, even with demanding workloads.
Fellowes Powershred 99Ci Heavy Duty Shredder Manual: Free Download
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Fellowes Powershred 99Ci Heavy Duty Shredder, along with accurate, validated answers based on the product manual:
What types of materials can the Fellowes Powershred 99Ci shred?
The Powershred 99Ci is designed to shred a variety of materials, including:
Paper (up to 18 sheets per pass)
Staples and small paper clips (no need to remove them before shredding)
Plastic credit cards
CDs and DVDs
Junk mail
However, the shredder cannot process items such as:
Adhesive labels
Continuous form paper
Transparencies
Newspapers
Cardboard
Laminates
X-rays
How secure is the shredding process?
The shredder uses a cross-cut mechanism that reduces documents into particles measuring 4 x 38 mm, meeting security Level P-4 standards. This ensures a high level of confidentiality, making it suitable for shredding sensitive personal or business information.
What is the runtime, and how does the cooling period work?
The Powershred 99Ci can operate continuously for up to 30 minutes. After this, the machine enters a 40-minute cool-down period to prevent overheating. The Overheat Indicator on the control panel will illuminate during this cooling phase.
How does the Jam Proof System work?
The shredder’s Jam Proof System is a combination of advanced sensors and real-time feedback that:
Detects the thickness of paper being fed into the shredder.
Provides a visual warning (via Green, Yellow, and Red indicators) when you are approaching or exceeding the maximum capacity of 18 sheets.
Automatically stops and reverses the paper if a jam occurs, allowing for easy removal.
When operated according to the manual, this system ensures 100% jam-free shredding.
How does SafeSense® Technology improve safety?
The SafeSense® Technology is a key safety feature that stops the shredder immediately if hands touch the paper entry. The yellow SafeSense® indicator illuminates to notify users when this system is active, ensuring a safe shredding environment, especially in homes with children or pets.
What maintenance does the shredder require?
To maintain optimal performance:
Oil the shredder regularly, ideally each time the waste bin is emptied. Only use non-aerosol vegetable oil (e.g., Fellowes 35250) applied directly across the paper entry.
Clean the auto-start infrared sensors if they become blocked by dust, which can cause the motor to run unnecessarily. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean the sensors.
How much waste can the bin hold, and how will I know when it’s full?
The shredder is equipped with a pullout bin designed to hold a substantial amount of shredded material. A Bin Full Indicator on the control panel alerts users when it’s time to empty the bin. For convenience, Fellowes recommends using compatible waste bags (e.g., Fellowes 36053).
Can I use the shredder in a small office or shared space?
Yes! The SilentShred™ Technology ensures quiet operation, making it ideal for shared spaces like offices or home settings. Its reduced noise levels minimize disruptions while maintaining high performance.
What warranty does the Powershred 99Ci come with?
Fellowes provides:
A 2-year warranty on the shredder itself.
A 5-year warranty on the cutting blades.
This warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship but does not apply to misuse, unauthorized repairs, or failure to follow the manual’s guidelines.
How can I troubleshoot common issues with the shredder?
The shredder is equipped with multiple indicators to help users resolve issues quickly:
Overheat Indicator (Red): Wait for the machine to cool before resuming operation.
Bin Open Indicator (Red): Ensure the waste bin is properly closed.
Bin Full Indicator (Red): Empty the bin to continue shredding.
SafeSense® Indicator (Yellow): Remove hands or obstructions near the paper entry to resume shredding.
Remove Paper Indicator (Red): Use the reverse function to clear jams and reload the paper properly.
For further troubleshooting, refer to the detailed instructions in the user manual.
This shredder is perfect for individuals and small to medium-sized offices. Whether you’re managing sensitive business documents or decluttering your home, the Fellowes Powershred 99Ci provides peace of mind and top-tier performance.
Conclusion
The Fellowes Powershred 99Ci is a dependable shredder for those who value safety, efficiency, and durability. Its innovative features, combined with a robust design, make it an excellent choice for safeguarding confidential information. While it may have a few limitations, its benefits far outweigh the drawbacks, making it a top contender in the heavy-duty shredder category.
