Key specifications
- Model: Fellowes 79Ci
- Rated sheet capacity: 16 sheets per pass
- Cut type: Cross-cut (P-4 level security)
- Continuous run time: 20 minutes
- Bin capacity: ~23–24 litres of shredded material
- Materials shredded: Paper, staples, paperclips, credit cards, CDs/DVDs
- Noise: Low to moderate for its class
- Safety features: SafeSense hand-detection, overload protection, thermal cut-off
- Mobility: Casters fitted to base
- Typical weight: Heavy for a home office model
Performance and real-world throughput
The Fellowes 79Ci delivers strong throughput for a home-office shredder. Marketing lists a 16-sheet capacity, but practical, consistent performance is best around 12–14 sheets per pass when using standard office paper and mixed inputs such as envelopes and receipts. The cutterhead is fast and designed for steady mid-sized batches; the 20-minute continuous run time allows substantial sessions before a required cool-down.
The 79Ci handles credit cards and optical media reliably when processed in small batches. Staples and paperclips pass through without manual removal. The unit’s jam-prevention and auto-reverse features reduce interruptions, but jams can still occur with very full loads, glued envelopes, or thick cardboard inserts. When a stall happens the reverse and auto-correct routines simplify clearing the unit.
For ideas on where to dispose of shredder paper so our great post on this subject for inspiration.
Security and cut quality
Cross-cut shredding on the 79Ci produces small confetti-like pieces that meet P-4 security standards. This level is suitable for bank statements, invoices, payroll records, and most confidential business documents but is not equivalent to micro-cut (P-5 or P-7) for highly sensitive or regulated data. If your priority is preventing reconstruction of shredded documents beyond routine confidentiality, P-4 is a strong balance of security and throughput.
Design, noise, and usability
The 79Ci uses a sturdy, functional design with a removable top for bin access and integrated casters for mobility. The lid and cutter assembly are relatively heavy; emptying the bin can be a little messy with cross-cut confetti, so empty frequently to avoid spills. Casters provide mobility but can be fiddly to attach.
Noise levels are lower than many commercial shredders in the same capacity range, making the unit suitable for shared home offices and small business workspaces. Controls are straightforward with clear LED indicators for power, bin full, door open, and overheat. SafeSense adds a strong safety layer by halting operation when hands touch the feed.
Maintenance and longevity
Regular maintenance significantly extends the 79Ci’s lifespan. Oil the cutting head at manufacturer-recommended intervals or after heavy use to reduce wear and minimize jams. Use Fellowes-approved lubricants or oil sheets for the best results. Avoid frequent shredding of dense batches of CDs or glued envelopes to reduce cutterhead stress. Empty the bin before it becomes overfull to prevent the bin sensor from prematurely stopping shredding.
Pros and cons
- Pros
- High throughput for a home-office cross-cut shredder
- SafeSense hand-detection increases user safety
- Multi-material capability includes cards and optical discs
- 20-minute continuous runtime supports medium-length shredding sessions
- Relatively quiet operation for shared environments
- Cons
- Real-world capacity often below advertised 16 sheets with mixed materials
- Occasional jams with very full or glued loads despite anti-jam systems
- Heavy lid and fiddly casters reduce convenience when emptying or moving
- P-4 security is not sufficient for top-tier confidential destruction needs
- Requires regular oiling for optimal performance
Who should buy the Fellowes 79Ci
- Small business owners, home-office users, and accountants who shred moderately sensitive documents daily and value speed and safety.
- Users who need to shred mixed materials occasionally without removing staples or paperclips.
- Not recommended for organizations requiring P-5 or P-7 security or for operations that need continuous industrial shredding for hours at a time.
FAQ
- What is the real sheet capacity Expect reliable performance at 12–14 sheets for mixed office materials rather than sustained 16-sheet loads.
- Is the Fellowes 79Ci good for sensitive documents Yes for routine confidential documents; choose a micro-cut model for extremely sensitive or regulated data.
- Can it shred credit cards and CDs Yes, but process these in small batches to reduce wear.
- How noisy is the unit Quieter than many commercial-grade shredders and acceptable for shared home-office use.
Final verdict
The Fellowes 79Ci is a well-balanced cross-cut shredder that pairs high throughput with good safety features and multi-material capability. It is an excellent choice for busy home offices and small businesses that need P-4 level security and speed. Buyers seeking the absolute highest shredding security or industrial continuous operation should consider micro-cut or commercial models instead.
See our other reviews for a great insight and comparison to other models.
