Here is our guide to the different types of shredder available. Some models cross over, for example a shredder that calls itself an office shredder could still be used in the home but as a guide, this should help.

Office Paper Shredders: Cut several sheets at once to save time, suitable for a number of different users in a general office, various sheet capacities usually around 6 up to 20. The smaller models are light and portable and suitable for home use as well as in the office. These can easily be stored out of sight in a cupboard/garage or under the desk in an office. Look for the cross cut paper shredder models for a bit of extra security. Prices start at under £100.

Heavy Duty Shredders (sometimes called Industrial Shredders) : High volume (some of the top models shred 50 sheets+ at a time) and fast designed for high volume continual use. Price range: Around £700 - £12,000. Brands to look at include: Fellowes, HSM, Intimus, Kobra and Rexel

Cross Cut Shredders: The most popular type of shredder. Cut paper width ways as well as length ways into small pieces like confetti. This gives additional security and makes it virtually impossible for criminals to piece shredder waste back to its original format (and believe us some do!).

Strip Cut Shredders (sometimes called ribbon cut): Cut paper in one direction into thin strips. The thinner the strips the more security it offers as individual lines of text such as a name, postcode or bank account number are less likely to be read and it makes it more difficult for fraudsters to piece documents back to their original format.

CD Shredders : Also shred credit cards and of course it is a paper shredder too.